Sanders Sound Systems Preamplifier Owners manual

Sanders Sound Systems

Preamplifier

OWNERS MANUAL

Table of Contents

INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................... 1

LOCATION ............................................................................................................................................ 1

INPUT CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................... 1

OUTPUT CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................... 1

POWER CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................. 2

ELECTRICAL PROTECTION ......................................................................................................... 2

OPERATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

INPUT SELECTION ........................................................................................................................... 3

MONO ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

VOLUME ................................................................................................................................................ 3

BALANCE .............................................................................................................................................. 4

SYSTEM GAIN ..................................................................................................................................... 4

INPUT LEVEL CONTROLS ............................................................................................................ 5

MUTE ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

REMOTE CONTROL ......................................................................................................................... 5

CARE AND CLEANING ...................................................................................................................................... 7

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ...................................................................................................................................... 8

PARTS QUALITY ............................................................................................................................... 9

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 10

CIRCUIT SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................ 10

POWER SUPPLY ............................................................................................................................. 10

DIMENSIONS ................................................................................................................................... 10

WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

1

INSTALLATION

LOCATION

Preamps usually are set on a shelf in your equipment rack. But sometimes shelf space is not available, so the
Sanders Sound Systems Preamp was designed to be very thin to give you the option of setting it on top of
another component.

You may place it on top of any component except those that get very hot, since the preamp's chassis is likely to
interfere with the cooling of the hot component. For example, you shouldn't place the preamp on top of a hot
power amplifier. You may place it on top of cool running power amplifiers, like Sanders Sound Systems’ ESL
amplifier. More likely you will place it on top of a component like a CD player or FM tuner.

INPUT CONNECTIONS

Signal input is made through gold plated RCA (unbalanced) or XLR (balanced) connectors. A total of six inputs
are available. This is a "line stage" preamp, so although the inputs have specific labels, they are all at line level,
are identical in function, and can be used with any line-level component.

The first 4 inputs (Balanced, CD, Tuner, Video) are “main” inputs. The last two (Monitor and Processor) are
“loops” that have fixed level outputs associated with them. The “Monitor” loop is sometimes called a “Tape
Monitor.” It is designed to be used with an audio recorder (cassette, DAT, CD-R, mini-disk, etc.) where the

currently selected input source is recorded. This output is unaffected by the overall system volume, so the

recording level is not altered if you need to adjust the listening level. The “Processor” loop is identical to the
“Monitor” loop and is designed to be used with a video processor — although it can be used with a second audio

recorder if you prefer.

If you want to operate a turntable and play vinyl LPs, you will need a phono preamp. Sanders Sound Systems
has a dedicated, matching phono preamp that can be connected to one of the inputs on this line-level preamp to
properly play LPs. Please contact our factory for details.

OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Both balanced and single-ended output connections are available. You may use both outputs simultaneously to
drive two different amplifiers if you wish.

2

POWER CONNECTIONS

Be certain all associated equipment is turned off before plugging in the preamp. Insert the power cord into the
AC LINE INPUT on the back panel and then connect it to an appropriate power source. Then you may turn on
your other components.

The preamp is designed to be left on continually, so there is no power switch. By leaving the electronics on,
they stay warm and are always in their optimum operating state and ready for immediate use. You can be
confident of the finest sound at all times, and there is no need to let the unit “warm up” before starting a critical
listening session.

Switching electronics on and off is abusive to them. It is much gentler and better for them to leave them on.
They will last indefinitely when left on. The preamp uses just a few watts of power so power consumption is
not an issue. All indicator lights are light-emitting diodes (LEDs), including the digital display, so they will never
burn out or need replacement.

ELECTRICAL PROTECTION

Although not essential, it is a good idea to use a surge protector to prevent damage to your expensive
equipment in the event of an electrical storm or other causes of abnormally high mains voltage. These are
inexpensive and can be obtained from any hardware store.

Note that surge protectors do not insert anything in the power line, so will not adversely affect the sound of
your audio system (they work by shunting excessive voltage to ground, so only operate when dangerously high
voltages are present). You do not need to use an expensive line conditioner, but if you do, these normally will
have surge protection built in so you do not need to use additional surge protection.

The AC line voltage of the amplifier is preset at the factory for your location. But it may easily be changed for
use anywhere in the world. Contact the factory for instructions.