Perreaux SXH2 User Manual

Silhouette SX

H2

Headphone Amplifier

Owners Manual

Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other
than those expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company
assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document,
reserves the right to change products or specifications detailed herein at any time
without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information
contained herein. No licenses to patents or other intellectual property of Perreaux
are granted by the Company in connection with the sale of Perreaux products,
expressly or by implication.

mboob^ru

®

is a registered trademark of Perreaux Industries Ltd.

Terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others.

1

iiii Introducing the
Perreaux Silhouette Series

Designed as a range of high quality, yet affordable modules; the
‘Silhouette’ series will compliment and enhance your existing
system.

Drawing on our extensive knowledge gained from more than a
quarter of a century of developing highest quality audio products,
the ‘Silhouette’ concentrates our legendary design and build
quality into a compact package without sacrificing performance.

The Perreaux ‘Silhouette’ series provides performance levels
never before seen in its class.

Key Features

 Class A signal stages
 Highest quality internal power supply featuring a custom

designed, fully shielded toroidal transformer and 22000µF
of smoothing capacitance

 Optimal internal layout incorporating total separation

between channels

 Enhanced audio design featuring highest quality PCB and

minimal internal wiring

 Gain selection switch
 Line-out connections
 High power output
 Stable down to 4Ω
 Dual stereo headphone jacks
 Compact
 Stylish

The Perreaux “Silhouette” series takes you even closer to the

elusive goal of “The Perfect Re-Creation of a Musical

Event”.

From all of us at Perreaux Industries Limited, thank you for
choosing the Perreaux Silhouette Series SXH2 Headphone
Amplifier.

2

ii

ii Important Safety Instructions

iiii

Note:

Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to
operate your Perreaux “Silhouette” SXH2 Headphone
Amplifier.

ALWAYS switch off power to your system before attempting to
connect or disconnect cables.

ALWAYS disconnect your system from the mains before
attempting to clean your unit.

ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during

electrical storms.

NEVER disconnect the mains earth from the system.
NEVER operate the SXH2 with the cover removed.
NEVER use any liquid inside the SXH2.
NEVER bypass any fuse.
NEVER attempt to repair the SXH2. In the event of a problem,

please contact your Perreaux dealer.
NEVER expose the SXH2 to extremely high or low

temperatures.
NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

3

iii

iii Table of Contents

iiiiii

iiii
ii

ii

iiii
iii

iii

iiiiii
1111
2222
3333
4444
5555
6666
7777
8888
9999
10

10

1010
11

11

1111
12

12

1212
13

13

1313

Introducing the Perreaux Silhouette Series ....................................2

Important Safety Instructions .............................................................3

Table of Contents ..................................................................................4

Unpacking and Placement ..................................................................5

Instant Install ..........................................................................................6

Front Panel Functions ..........................................................................8

Rear Panel Functions ............................................................................9

Special Design Philosophies..............................................................11

Special Design Features .....................................................................13

Care and Maintenance .......................................................................15

Warranty Information ........................................................................16

Extended Warranty Registration Form ..........................................17

Troubleshooting Guide ......................................................................18

Specifications ........................................................................................20

Physical Dimensions............................................................................23

Contact Details .....................................................................................24

4

1111 Unpacking and Placement

Unpacking

Procedure

Note:

Box

Contents

Placing Your

SXH2

Ventilation

Requirements

The SXH2 is packaged for maximum protection. To open, sit the
box upright and cut the reinforced tape at the top of the box. The
product can now be removed.

Pull the foam protecting end-caps off either side of the unit and
remove the black material covering.

The SXH2 Headphone amplifier is now unpacked and ready for
further installation.

Please retain all packaging material for future transport.

1 x SXH2 Headphone amplifier
1 x Product manual
3 x Performance analysis charts
1 x Detachable AC power cord

The SXH2 should generally be placed close to your source
equipment, thus keeping interconnect cabling between the SXH2
and associated components as short as practical. This will reduce
the systems susceptibility to radio frequency interference and the
negative effects associated with long cables.

The SXH2 is a low power amplifier. Ventilation requirements
are not considered an important factor in product placement.

In the event that the SXH2 is to be incorporated into custom
cabinetry, please refer to the dimensional information provided in
the Physical Dimensions section of the manual (Chapter 12).

5

2222 Instant Install

If you are like us, the first thing you will want to do is to play
your favourite piece of music through your new SXH2. The
following instructions are written to enable you to achieve this as
quickly as possible. These are not comprehensive instructions,
but are designed to enable you to play music now!

Note:

Please take the time to read the SXH2 manual thoroughly
as it incorporates many features, which will enhance its
operation.

Placement

The SXH2 is a sensitive low power amplifier and best results
will be achieved when placed away from potential interference
from other components and electrical devices, for example AC
mains cords/outlets, transformers, high power amplifiers,
computers, etc.

Place the SXH2 close or near the source component in order to
make as short a connection as possible.

Turn off associated components

This minimises the potential to damage any other components
when connecting your SXH2 into the system.

Connect source to SXH2

Connect the audio output from the source component to the
inputs at the rear of the SXH2. Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear Panel
information.

Connect headphones to SXH2

Connect a set of headphones to one of the jacks on the front
panel. Refer to Chapter 3 for Front Panel information.

Note:

Make sure the nominal impedance of the headphones is
not lower than 8Ω.

Switch on SXH2

Insert the power cord supplied into the rear of the SXH2 and into
the wall. Switch on the socket at the wall and turn on the power
of the SXH2 by setting the power switch down.

6

Caution!

Prior to connecting the AC mains, please check the voltage
label on the rear panel to ensure that your unit conforms to
the power supply in your area. Never attempt to connect
the unit to the incorrect voltage.

Switch on source component

Power up your source component and start your favourite
recording. Slowly increase the SXH2 volume to achieve a
comfortable listening level.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Now that you have achieved your first objective, sit back, relax
and please read the rest of the manual at your own pace in your
favourite armchair whilst sipping a hot cup of coffee. You’ll find
the whole experience much more pleasurable whilst listening to
music.

7

3333 Front Panel Functions

Power LED

This blue LED indicates the power status of your SXH2
headphone amplifier.

Headphone Jacks

Two 6.35mm (¼”) stereo headphone jacks are provided,
allowing a second person to enjoy the pure sound offered by the
SXH2. The construction of the jacks makes for effortless,
crackle and pop-free insertion, and will give a lifetime of
continuous contact performance.

Note:

Please ensure that the resulting impedance of the two
headphone sets is not below 8Ω. Use the following
equation to calculate the total impedance: R

+ R2).

(R

1

Volume Control

= (R1 * R2) /

T

The high-quality, machined aluminium knob is the sole user
interface, reminding the user at every touch of the superior build
quality designed into the SXH2. Volume control motion is
smooth and accurate, providing absolute control with near
infinite gain resolution.

8

4444 Rear Panel Functions

Right and Left Line Inputs

Input from source component, accepts a standard unbalanced
input (RCA). The left channel connection is on the right when
looking from the rear, indicated by white inner ring. For more
information on input specifications, please refer to Chapter 11.

Gain Selection Switch

Select HIGH gain or LOW gain to provide the best possible
volume range for your particular headphones, enabling the
optimum listening level to be achieved.

Serial Number/Voltage Label

The serial number is unique to your SXH2. Please record this
number and store it in a safe place. For any service related
enquiry, please be prepared to quote the product serial number to
Perreaux personnel or their service representative.

The voltage displayed in this area is the ONLY voltage that can
be accepted by the unit.

Caution!

Never attempt to connect the unit to the incorrect voltage.

On/Off Switch

When operating the switch down, power is applied to the SXH2.

9

AC Mains Input

An IEC-standard mains input is provided at the rear of the unit.
The AC cord set is removable, allowing it to be upgraded at your
will.

Right and Left Line Outputs

Line level output, accepts a standard unbalanced input (RCA).
The left channel connection is on the right when looking from
the rear, indicated by white inner ring. For more information on
input specifications, please refer to Chapter 11.

10

5555 Special Design Philosophies

Perreaux has been designing and manufacturing only the highest
quality audio componentry for more than a quarter of a century.
Technology has continued to evolve rapidly over that time and
our knowledge and application of design, materials and
manufacturing techniques has advanced in tandem with this.
Today’s Perreaux range comes closer to fulfilling our shared
vision than at any other time in the past.

The SXH2 has been developed to meet customer demands for
compact higher quality products. Careful attention has been
taken throughout the development phase, not to make
compromises that would degrade the high quality of reproduction
that the unit is capable of delivering.

To follow is a discussion on some of Perreaux design
philosophies that have been incorporated into the entire range.

Minimalist

Design

Leading British architect, John Pawson, writes:

“The Minimum can be defined as the perfection

that an object achieves when it is no longer
possible to improve it by subtraction. This is the
quality that an object has when every component,
every detail, and every junction has been reduced
or condensed to the essentials. It is the result of
the omission of the inessentials”.

Perreaux has historically embraced the minimalist ethic from an
audio design perspective only. The concept of “less equating to
more” has been at the heart of all Perreaux audio designs for
more than a quarter of a century. Our current product offering
takes the minimalist ethic to new levels by totally embracing the
concept.

Minimalist Electronics

We wish to maximise the quality of your listening pleasure by
keeping the componentry and signal path as uncluttered, short
and clean possible. All components in the signal path, even those
of the highest quality have an effect on the signal, thereby
altering the quality of the reproduction in some way. Our aim is
to recreate in its entirety, the original performance by not adding
or subtracting anything, irrespective of the source.

11

Minimalist Aesthetics

Our products appeal to those who seek the ultimate in audio
exclusivity, namely the perfect blend of “form and function”.

“Form and function” are both tough masters. We make no
excuses for producing some of the most distinctive high-end
audio products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend
together in perfect harmony. This surely is the essence of true
minimalist utilisation.

Minimalism in a Wider Context

John Pawson writes:

“Clearly simplicity has dimensions to it that go

beyond the purely aesthetic: it can be seen as the
reflection of some innate, inner quality, or the
pursuit of philosophical or literary insight into the
nature of harmony, reason, and truth”.

12

6666 Special Design Features

Construction

Circuit

Topology

The Power

Supply

The beautifully styled curving front panel is milled from solid

6.0mm (0.2”) thick aluminium extrusion and finished in a satin
chrome electroplate. The front panel also features the

mboob^ru

®

logo machined into the solid aluminium. The
chassis and cover are both manufactured from heavy gauge steel.
No cover fixing screws are visible. The “Silhouette” SXH2 is
stylish yet functional and exhibits typical hallmarks of the
Perreaux brand.

The SXH2 has an internal power supply. These designs are
invariably more sophisticated than those featuring external plug­in power packs. Special attention must be paid to shielding,
supply transformer design, capacitance and earthing.

Perreaux has specially developed a fully shielded internal
toroidal power supply. A total of 22000µF of smoothing
capacitance and low pass RC filters are employed to provide a
“rock-solid”, super low ripple, linear DC power supply.

13

Single

Channel

Block

Diagram

Input Stage

PCB Layout

Signal

Ground

Gain

Selection

High Power

Output

Dual

Outputs

Utilising a stable current source, along with accurate current
mirroring circuitry, the input stage of the SXH2, in combination
with the overall circuit topology, provides precise detail
resolution and definitive sonic transparency.

Special attention has been lavished on the PCB layout. The unit
is symmetrical in design with each channel being isolated from
the other. The super clean custom designed power supply is
physically segregated from the rest of the sensitive electronics.

Special attention has been paid to ground planes to maintain
sonic purity. All signal grounding is optimised to provide a
platform for a black background and increased dynamic range.

Two gain settings are available, enabling optimum performance
and listening levels to be achieved from both high and low
impedance headphones.

The output stage is capable of delivering 1.0W

per channel

RMS

into a 64Ω load and is stable down to 4Ω, enabling the SXH2 to
effortlessly drive a vast array of headphones with the control and
authority that people have come to expect from Perreaux
products.

Two stereo headphone jacks give the option of connecting two
sets of headphones, allowing another party to be enveloped by
the detailed and dynamic musicality of the SXH2.

Note:

Please ensure that the resulting impedance of the two
headphone sets is not below 8Ω. Use the following

equation to calculate the total impedance: R

+ R2).

(R

1

= (R1 * R2) /

T

14

7777 Care and Maintenance

Note:

Cover

Front Panel

Please switch the unit off and remove the cord set from the
rear of the Headphone Amplifier before attempting to
clean your SXH2 in the manner described below.

Never apply liquid directly to the SXH2.
Never use abrasives.
Never rub in a circular motion.

The cover features a durable high quality powder coat finish. To
remove finger marks and dirt, lightly rub the surface with a soft
cloth.

If the dirt is not removed, dip your cloth in a mild solution of
soap and water, squeeze excess moisture from it and then gently
reapply to the surface.

Stubborn dirt may be removed by the application of a small
quantity of isopropyl alcohol, applied directly to the cleaning
cloth only, and reworking the effected area.

The SXH2 front panel features a high quality electroplate finish.
Over time the surface may retain finger marks and may need to
be cleaned to restore it to original condition.

Regular Cleaning

Gently wipe the front panel with a very clean cotton cloth. Wipe
across the surface and never in a circular motion.

Removing Stubborn Marks

Only attempt this infrequently, as too regular or vigorous
application may damage the surface.

Apply a small quantity of any car polish containing carnauba
wax to a very clean cotton cloth.

Note:

The car polish must state “Safe for Clear Coats” as the polish
will therefore contain the absolute minimum amount of
abrasive compound.

Gently wipe over the front panel in lateral motion, allow to dry
then gently wipe off with a very clean cotton cloth.

15

8888 Warranty Information

1 Year

Limited

Warranty

3 Year
Extended
Warranty

Obtaining

Service

The Perreaux SXH2 is warranted free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use for a period of 1-year (365
days) from the date of purchase.

To extend the warranty of the Perreaux SXH2 to three (3) years
from date of purchase, please return a fully completed warranty
registration form along with a copy of the original receipt of
purchase to:

Perreaux Industries Ltd.
PO Box 305
Mosgiel
Dunedin 9053
New Zealand

For the Extended Warranty Registration Form, please refer to
Chapter 9.

The extended warranty for the Perreaux SXH2 is three (3) years
from the date of purchase. If during the warranty period the
SXH2 exhibits defects in materials and/or workmanship, it will
be repaired or replaced, at our option, without charge for either
parts or labour, at our factory in New Zealand. The warranty
does not apply to any unit that has been misused, abused or
altered.

Any unit that is not performing satisfactorily may be returned to
the factory in New Zealand for evaluation. Return authorisation
must first be obtained by either calling or writing to Perreaux
prior to shipping the unit. Perreaux Industries Ltd. and its
authorised distributors and dealers shall not be held liable for any
freight or insurance charges. Freight and insurance charges to
and from the Perreaux factory will be the sole responsibility of
the owner of the unit.

There is no other express warranty on the SXH2. Neither this
warranty nor any other warranty, express or implied, including
any implied warranties of merchantability of fitness, shall extend
beyond the warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for
any incidental or consequential damages.

In the event that you are experiencing difficulty with your SXH2,
please as a first step consult the troubleshooting guide in Chapter

10. For further assistance, please contact your Perreaux dealer.

16

9999 Extended Warranty

E S X H 2

Registration Form

Please complete this form and either fax, mail or e-mail it, along
with a copy of the original receipt, to Perreaux Industries Ltd.

Fax: [phone]

Mail: Perreaux Industries Ltd.
PO Box 305
Mosgiel
Dunedin 9053
New Zealand

E-mail: [e-mail]

Alternatively, complete the online Warranty Registration Form
on our website – www.perreaux.com.



3 Year Extended
Warranty Form

Name:

Address:

Suburb:

City:

Country:

Telephone:

E-mail:

Website:

Product:

S I L H O U E T T

Serial No:

Dealer:

Purchase Date:

d d m m y y y y

/

/

17

10

10 Troubleshooting Guide

1010

Please use this guide if you are experiencing any problems with
the SXH2 in your system. It will provide possible solutions for
some given symptoms.

There is no

output from

my system

SXH2 not turned on

Make sure the SXH2 power switch is in the DOWN position.

AC cord not plugged in

Check that the AC cord is plugged into the IEC socket on the rear
of the SXH2.

Mains power not turned on

Check if the power is turn on at the mains socket on the wall.

Interconnect cables not connected

Make sure that the input and output interconnect cables are
plugged in and are connected to the respective RCA sockets on
the rear of the SXH2.

Source not turned on

Check that your source component is plugged in to the mains and
the power is turned on.

Source not set to play

Ensure that your source component is playing the recording you
would like to listen to, and that pause is not pressed.

No volume setting

Make sure that the volume on your SXH2 is set to a suitable
level.

SXH2 set to incorrect input

Confirm that the input on your SXH2 is connected to the
appropriate source output.

Headphones not connected

Check that your headphones are firmly inserted into the jacks on
the front of the SXH2.

18

I can hear a

hum coming

through my

headphones

Input and/or output sockets corroded

Check that the input and output RCA sockets on the rear of the
SXH2 are free from corrosion.

Interconnect cables damaged

Make sure that the integrity of your interconnect cables is sound
and they are firmly connected to your source and the SXH2.

SXH2 is close to external interference

Check the proximity of your SXH2 to any possible source of
EMI and/or RF interference, for example computers, televisions,
amplifiers, speakers, etc. Ideally the SXH2 should be placed as
close as possible to your source.

Earth loop in system

If your preamplifier and/or amplifier have an earth/ground lift
switch, toggle it and check which setting sounds better. The
signal ground of the SXH2 is isolated from earth by default, this
means that there needs to be a connection to earth elsewhere in
your system to alleviate hum.

The volume
control is at

maximum

and output

level too low

The volume

control is

too sensitive

Gain setting too low

Toggle the gain configuration switch at the rear of the SXH2 UP
to the HIGH gain position. Make sure you turn down the volume
before changing this setting.

Gain setting too high

Toggle the gain configuration switch at the rear of the SXH2
DOWN to the LOW gain position.

19

11

11 Specifications

1111

The correlation between published specifications and sonic
quality can be unreliable. A list of numbers reveals virtually
nothing. All technical measurements must be subject to
qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation. Measurements
of the SXH2 reveal excellent results by any standards. Tested at
115V and 230V after a 10 minute warm up period.

Specifications

in Brief

Rated Power Output

........................................................................1.0W

..................................................................215mW

Voltage Swing...................................................................31.5V

Input Sensitivity .............................................................. 1.45V

(per channel)

........................2.0W

into 32Ω

RMS

into 64Ω

RMS

into 300Ω

RMS

p-p

RMS

Maximum Gain .................................................................. 15.0dB

Gain Adjustment:

Low Setting........................................................................ -10dB

High Setting .......................................................................... 0dB

Input Impedance.................................................................... 50kΩ

Total Harmonic Distortion

(THD+N)

:

Typically........................................... 0.001%, @ 1kHz into 64Ω

20Hz to 20kHz.............................................................. <0.005%

Frequency Response .......................... 5Hz–60kHz, +0dB -0.25dB

Signal to Noise Ratio:

Rated Output

Dynamic Headroom

(unweighted)

(rated with music)

................................................... 105dB

................................... >3.0dB

Power Consumption:

Idle.................................................................................. 500mW

Maximum

(at 3.5W per channel into 8Ω)

.................................... 8.0W

Audio Connections

Inputs.......................................................... 1 pair line level (RCA)

Outputs....................................................... 1 pair line level (RCA)

...................................... 2 stereo headphone jacks (6.35mm, ¼”)

Other Connections

IEC AC mains input receptacle

Mains Input Voltage

115V or 230V AC at 50Hz/60Hz

(Set within the SXH2 at time of manufacture)

20

Internal Mains Fuse Rating

1 x 2SB 500mA slow blow

(NOT user serviceable)

Overall Dimensions

Width........................................................................216mm (8.5”)

Depth........................................................................181mm (7.1”)

Height........................................................................ 58mm (2.3”)

Weight

Gross ..........................................................................2.0kg (4.4lb)

Net............................................................................. 1.4kg (3.1lb)

Specifications

Explained

Rated Power Output

(

per channel

)

................... 1.0W

into 64Ω

RMS

This is the optimum operating level of the unit, offering the best
performance whilst allowing a large enough buffer to
accommodate the unpredictable nature of music. It is the
reference output level to which other specifications, such as
sensitivity and gain, are referred. The Rated Output does not
indicate the full capability of the SXH2.

Voltage Swing ...................................................................... 31.5V

p-p

Loud transients call for a sudden burst of power from the
amplifier to drive the headphones. This force is voltage. Peak­to-peak voltage is a more useful specification than Watts when it
comes to delivering power to a speaker.

Input Sensitivity ................................................................... 1.45V

RMS

The Input Sensitivity figure indicates the input voltage required
to achieve “rated” output (1.0W

into 64Ω).

RMS

Maximum Gain ....................................................................... 15.0dB

The amount of amplification the amplifier is asserting on the
input signal. Gain can be calculated by dividing the rated output
by the input sensitivity.

Input Impedance....................................................................... 50kΩ

The resistance “load” that is presented to the source component
that is driving the SXH2.

21

THD+N .................................................. 0.001%, @ 1kHZ into 64Ω

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise is the percentage of output
signal which is made up of frequencies added due to harmonics
of the fundamental frequency and noise. By using low-noise
input circuitry and Class A signal stages, Perreaux engineers
have kept this figure to a minimum.

Frequency Response.................... 5Hz to 60kHz, +0dB -0.25dB

Describes the frequency range where the amplitude or strength of
the output signal deviates by no more than 0.25dB.

Signal to Noise Ratio

unweighted

)

........................................ 105dB

(

The ratio of desired signal to noise signals in the output.
Headphone reproduction is susceptible to noise because of the
nature of the environment to reveal every detail. This is why
Perreaux engineers have designed the SXH2 to maintain a low
noise floor.

Dynamic Headroom ............................................................. >3.0dB

This indicates the SXH2 can provide more than enough extra
power to cope with the sharpest musical transients. Without
adequate headroom, an amplifier can become unstable under
clipping conditions. Perreaux amplifiers are intrinsically stable
under all dynamic conditions.

22

12

12 Physical Dimensions

1212

23

13

13 Contact Details

1313

For more information please contact your Perreaux dealer, or
contact:

Perreaux Industries Ltd.
PO Box 305
Mosgiel
Dunedin 9053
New Zealand

Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Internet: www.perreaux.com

24

Installation Notes

25