Sphinx Project 18 Owners manual

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USER MANUAL

PROJECT EIGHTEEN

DUAL MONO STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER

SPHINX Project Eighteen

1. UNPACKING.......................................................................................................................................3

2. SPHINX WARRANTY CARD ..............................................................................................................3

3. THE POWER AMP AT A GLANCE.....................................................................................................4

Front panel...................................................................................................................................................4

Rear panel ...................................................................................................................................................5

4. INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS..............................................................................................6

Installation....................................................................................................................................................6

Connections in general................................................................................................................................6

Connecting loudspeakers............................................................................................................................6

Connecting the inputs..................................................................................................................................6

Balanced .............................................................................................................................................................6

Unbalanced.........................................................................................................................................................6

Connecting the optical cables......................................................................................................................7

Connecting the mains power cable..............................................................................................................7

5. OPERATION........................................................................................................................................8

Power On.....................................................................................................................................................8

Power off...................................................................................................................................................... 8

Warnings .....................................................................................................................................................8

If you encounter problems... ........................................................................................................................8

6. CARE AND MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................9

7. TECHNISCHE DATEN........................................................................................................................9

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SPHINX Project Eighteen

Congratulations with your purchase of the
Sphinx Project Eighteen!

You are now part of an ever increasing group of
quality conscious audiophiles using Sphinx
products.
We are very proud of the tradition connected to the
SPHINX name especially concerning audio quality
perfection.
This manual will help you to gain a maximum
amount of pleasure and quality from your new
Sphinx Project Eighteen.

The power amp handles the largest signal peaks
and transients with ease, and has no problem with
any size and sort of loudspeaker load: even the
most demanding.

These characteristics are the result of several new
technologies and components. Like for instance the
unique power supply which assures a stable and
noise free operation. The special toroid transformer
(one for each channel!) of 650 VA has the size of a
1000 VA model: safely overspecified. Thanks to the
generous energy reserve of 66,000 µF (formed by
30 capacitors in parallel) unlimited power is
available for the largest signal peaks. Furthermore
there are three completely separate power supplies
for the input section, driver section and the logic
and indicator section.
Much attention has also been paid to the physical
layout, the positioning of components and the
internal grounding. This results in a equivalent input
noise value of <1 µV (<-120 dBV!): remarkable for a
pre-amp, but really astounding for a big power amp
with two transformers.

1. UNPACKING

Before leaving the factory every Project Eighteen is
subjected to stringent and extensive technical and
exterior quality inspections.
This ensures you will enjoy many years of high
quality audio from a perfect looking product.

Attention: The power amp weighs over 24 kg!
Never lift it out of the carton without someone
helping you.

After unpacking your Project Eighteen we therefore
recommend you carefully check it for any transport
damage.
In case of damage: please contact your Sphinx
dealer immediately and retain all packing materials
for possible proof of damage and possible claims.

Even if the component is in perfect condition you
still should keep the packing materials. If you need
to transport your Project Eighteen at a later time it
will be best protected by the original packing
materials.

2. SPHINX WARRANTY CARD

Please takes this opportunity to fill out the enclosed
warranty card now!
Follow the instructions on the card or consult your
dealer.
Please send the card as soon as possible to the
return address (within 14 days after purchase).

To obtain the maximum quality from this power amp
it is necessary to use it with top quality audio
components. So preferably use it with other Sphinx
components.

Please read this manual carefully before you
install or use the Project Eighteen. It is
important to familiarise yourself with the
special functions, operation and possibilities
of the Sphinx Project Eighteen.

Your local dealer will be able to answer any
questions concerning other Sphinx audio
components.

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