General set-up............................................................................................................................................. 9
9. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS........................................................................................................11
10. DIAGRAMS AND PARTS LISTS ....................................................................................................12
Figure 1: Front panel .................................................................................................................................12
Parts List....................................................................................................................................................32
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SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
The Sphinx Project Eight design
The Sphinx Project Eight was designed for the
ever-increasing group of quality-conscious
audiophiles.
We are very proud of the tradition connected with
the SPHINX name, especially concerning audio
quality perfection.
This service manual will help you to optimally
service and repair the Sphinx Project Eight
Reference Pre-Amp.
This Reference pre-amp uses the newest
technologies and refined designs and is extremely
simple to operate.
Features include ultra-linear extremely low-noise
Class A audio circuits, built from the finest handselected parts.
The signal path is completely balanced from input
to output, and left and right are totally separated.
Volume and balance controls are achieved by
means of precision relays, as is the input selection.
All settings and controls can also be accessed from
the supplied Sphinx Remote Control.
To obtain the maximum quality from this pre amp it
is necessary for it to be properly aligned and to be
used with top quality audio components, preferably
other Sphinx components.
Please also refer to the User Manual of the
Project Eight for information about functions
not described in this manual.
It is important to familiarise yourself with the
special functions, operation and possibilities
of the Sphinx Project Eight.
1. UNPACKING
Before leaving the factory every Project Eight is
subjected to stringent and extensive technical and
exterior quality inspection. This ensures the user
many years of high quality audio from a perfectlooking product.
We recommend owners to ship the Project Eight in
its original carton.
After unpacking the Project Eight we therefore
recommend you carefully check it for any transport
damage.
If you find any damage and the product has not
been shipped in the original carton the ensuring
repair costs will not be covered by the warranty.
2. SPHINX WARRANTY CARD
To be entitled to any warranty repairs the owner
must have send the filled out warranty card to
Sphinx or a distributor where it has been registered.
Other regulations may apply in your specific
country: when in doubt, please consult the proper
authorities.
3. CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER
In case of any problem not covered in this manual
or if you have other questions you may contact the
Sphinx International Service Department in The
Netherlands (local time: GMT +1h) during office
hours at the following numbers:
Volume controlRelay-controlled in steps of 0.2 dB
channel imbalanceless than 0.2 dB
Sphinx Control3x optical
Remote controlfull function
Mechanical decoupling of housingsTransrotor absorbing 'pucks'
Power supplyExternal, in completely separate housing
Supply capacitance148,000 µF total
Power consumption50 W
Dimensions (h x w x d)68 x 482 x 328 mm (one housing only)
Weight14 kg
6x WBT cinch unbalanced
1x WBT cinch unbalanced
1x cinch Tape
Range 100 dB
OUT-1: 1 second delayed
OUT-2: normal
OUT-3: programmable via Auto On
This unit conforms to the EMC interference regulations issued by the EU and to the CE standards.
This unit complies with safety regulation VDE 0860 and therefore with international safety regulation IEC 65.
Technical specifications may be changed by SPHINX without prior notice if technical developments make this
necessary.
4
SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
5. GENERAL CHECKLIST
This checklist should be used for every pre-amp
received.
To correctly perform the following procedures you
may have to refer to the User Manual for more
detailed information on specific functions.
Note: The pre-amp should be switched on at least
1 hour before performing the checklist procedures!
Serial number and software version
The serial number and software version should
match those mentioned in the documentation as
supplied with every Project Eight.
q Switch off the mains power.
q Press the Standby button.
q Switch the mains on again while holding the
Standby button depressed.
qThe display will now show the serial number or
software version.
Input functions
All inputs should be checked for the correct:
q Name
q Boost/Attenuation setting
q Polarity
Channel imbalance
For every position (‘step’) of the volume control the
imbalance between Left and Right should never
exceed +/- 0.1 dB.
Remote Control
Each Remote Control is manually programmed
during manufacturing.
Therefore it is important to check whether all
functions work correctly as mentioned in the User
Manual.
See also Chapter 6.
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SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
6. SPHINX REMOTE CONTROL
This single Sphinx Remote Control lets you control
all functions: not only of the Project Eight, but of all
other Sphinx equipment.
Moreover: you may also use it to control other types
of equipment (e.g. TV and VCR) thanks to the
'learn' mode!
Only the following buttons and indications on the
Remote apply to the Project Eight:
Buttons and LED indication
1. LED: As soon as you press a button this LED
will blink green: the Remote is functioning.
When blinking green/red: batteries running low.
When blinking red: change batteries (see
Batteries).
2. STANDBY: Use this button to switch the Project
Eight to stand-by.
3. PRE-AMP: To select the pre-amp. All buttons
pressed hereafter will control only the pre-amp
functions.
4. 1 - 8: To select inputs input 1 to 8 (Note: 9 and 0have no function).
5. POLARITY: To change the polarity of the
selected input from + to – (as indicated in the
display).
6. SET-UP: To activate the SET-UP mode,
pressing this button has the same effect as
pressing the PRESETS button on the front
panel.
7. PROGRAM - / +: After activating the SET-UP
mode you can change the parameters with
these two buttons: they have the same effect as
the INPUT control on the front panel.
8. : Pressing this button mutes the outputs
(temporarily) and you will not hear any sound.
The display shows "MUTE". Another press on
this button unmutes the outputs.
9. + button: Pressing this big triangular button has
the same effect as rotating the VOLUME control
on the front panel clockwise. You increase the
volume. The VOL value in the display increases
(to max. 99).
10. — button: Pressing this big triangular button
has the same effect as rotating the VOLUME
control on the front panel anti-clockwise. You
decrease the volume. The VOL value in the
display decreases (to min. OFF).
6
SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
4. Then keep the appropriate button on the other
Operation
The Sphinx Remote is used with several different
models and can therefore transmit different control
codes, depending on which model has been
selected with the select buttons (3.).
Important: Always press the PRE-AMP button
before you send a command (even if you only have
one Sphinx component).
Otherwise it is possible that, although the Remote
will send a signal (LED blinks), nothing happens
because the transmitted signal is not 'recognised'
by the component.
Indoors the Remote may be used up to a distance
of 7 meter, provided there is no strong sunlight in
the room and if you aim the Remote at the
component.
Always aim the Remote straight at the front panel of
the component, the maximum offset angle is 30°.
Selecting without switching
Suppose, for instance, that you would like to select
the Tuner to Radio 4 without interrupting CD
playback.
In that case you momentarily depress (not longer
than 0.5 sec) the 'TUNER' button and the '4' button.
The same procedure is used for the other system
components (TV, VCR).
If you depress the select button for longer than 0.5
sec, the system will select a different signal source
(in our example you will then hear the Tuner
playback).
remote depressed until the LED becomes
green. After releasing the button the LED will
blink orange and you may program the next
button.
5. If the LED is red, repeat steps 3 and 4. If it still
remains red please refer to "Remote does not'learn".
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all necessary buttons
are programmed.
Note: Do not forget to program the STANDBY
button!
Note: Do not forget to program the TV button
with the "TV-ON"-command!
7. When you are finished press any two buttons on
the Remote to return to Normal mode.
The LED will now be turned off.
Repeat steps 1 to 7 to program the remote for the
VCR (in step 2. you should press the and VCR
buttons). When this is finished your Sphinx Remote
Control is ready for use.
How to operate the Remote Control with the
different Sphinx components is explained in the
corresponding User Manual for each component.
Changing a command
This is done in exactly the same way as described
in the preceding paragraph ‘LEARNING’ THECOMMANDS, but you now only carry out the
procedure for a certain command and a certain
system component.
'Learning' the commands
This Sphinx Remote Control is not only preprogrammed for all Sphinx components, but you
can also remotely control your TV and VCR.
The Remote Control is able to 'learn' the
commands from each of the specific remote
controls This will simplify the daily use of your
audio/video system enormously.
The following paragraphs explain how you can
'teach' the Remote Control all those TV- and VCRspecific commands.
1. Place both the Sphinx Remote Control and the
other remote (TV or VCR) flat on a table, facing
each other with a spacing of no more than 2 cm.
Note: Please do not attempt this in direct
sunlight or under strong lighting conditions.
2. Simultaneously press the and TV buttons on
the Sphinx Remote.
The orange LED at the top right-hand of the
Remote will light.
3. Momentarily press the first button on the Sphinx
Remote to be programmed.
The orange LED blinks.
Erasing all commands of one component
You may want to erase the commands of one
system component (for instance because you have
bought a new TV).
Simultaneously depress the , Stand-by and
component select button (in our example 'TV'). This
enables the Remote Control to re-'learn' the
commands of the new unit (see also
‘LEARNING’ the commands...).
WARNING!:
If you depress one of the other component
select buttons (than TV or VCR) you will erase
the commands for a Sphinx audio component!
You should only do this if you do not have that
specific Sphinx model, but one of another brand
and want to program the commands of its
remote control.
7
SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
The LED during Normal mode
•Blinks green: Remote sends a command.
•Blinks green/red: batteries are low, you should
change them within a few days.
•Blinks red: replace batteries immediately.
Replace them within 30 minutes or else all
information in memory will be erased!
The LED during 'Learn' mode
•Indicates orange: Remote is in 'Learn' mode.
•Blinks orange: Remote awaits the command to
be 'learned' from the other remote control.
•Indicates green: the new command has been
'learned'.
•Indicates red: the new command has NOT been
'learned'.
•Blinks for 10 seconds red, yellow and green:
memory full, you cannot program new
commands.
Note: You can still change any commands
already programmed.
Batteries
The two batteries have a life span of approximately
one year during normal use, but shorter when used
more intensely.
Replacement batteries: 1.5 V, model penlite or AAA
(one of these codes is indicated on the packaging
and the batteries). You may also use rechargeable
1.5 V batteries.
Do not leave the battery compartment empty for
more than 30 minutes or else all information in
memory will be erased!
Note: Position the new batteries exactly as shown
in the illustration at the bottom of the battery
compartment, otherwise the memory might be
erased completely!
Other things worth knowing...
The 'advanced user' will understand that you can
program any function for any button! You are
therefore able to custom configure the Remote
Control and use it for several pieces of equipment.
The memory holds a maximum of 120 commands.
Warning: If you don't know exactly what you are
doing, please consult your Sphinx dealer!
Encountering problems...
Remote Control does not work
Wrong component selectedSelect the correct one
Wrong Remote mode ('Learn'
instead of Normal)
Wrong command programmedRe-program with Learn
Distance to component
exceeds 7 m
Angle between Remote and
component exceeds ±30°
Sensor window on front dirtyClean window
Batteries empty or incorrectly
placed
Strong (sun)light in roomShade off light source
Component is not switched on
(!)
Memory erasedRe-program completely
Remote Control does not 'learn'
Wrong Remote mode (Normal
instead of 'Learn')
Distance between two remotes
exceeds 2 cm
Signal to be learned is not
infrared
Sensor window on front dirtyClean window
Batteries in remote(s) emptyUse new batteries
Strong (sun)light hits sensor
window
Component reacts differently than expected or
not at all
Select correct mode
mode
Use Remote at closer
range
Decrease angle
Use new batteries or
replace the old ones
correctly
Switch it on
Select correct mode
Place them closer
together
'Learning' only possible
with infrared systems
Shade off light source
Wrong component selectedSelect the correct one
Wrong command programmedRe-program with Learn
Component or Remote does
not function
Batteries in remote emptyUse new batteries
mode
Check component with
its original remote
8
SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
7. MEASUREMENTS
To properly service the Project Eight you need
some specific measurement equipment and use a
specific set-up.
General set-up
For the correct measurement set-up and hook-up
please refer to the drawing titled “Figure 3:
Connection Diagram for testing the Project Eight” at
page 14.
Necessary Equipment
q 2x millivolt-meter (Ri >1 MΩ)
q 2x non-inductive load resistor 8 Ω / 250 W
q 1x harmonic distortion analyser
(internal distortion <0.0005%, measured
without filters)
q1x 2-channel oscilloscope
(minimum bandwidth >60 MHz)
q1x connection unit/ switch box
(to connect resistors and amp outputs to
distortion meter)
Note: See drawing 4. for construction details.
Audio signal distortion measurement
Before adjusting the Project Eight please first
measure the total harmonic distortion at the audio
output. The measured value is an indication of the
current state of the Project Eight.
Set-up
For the correct measurement set-up please refer to
figure 3 at page 14.
qSet the oscillator output level to 0.775 V
(0 dBu).
qAdjust the pre-amp volume control so that
output level equals input level (0 dBu).
qTHD should now be 0.1% unweighted (or
0.013% IHF-A).
qNow set volume control to maximum (fully
clockwise).
qIncrease the oscillator output of the distortion
analyser to set the pre-amp output just before
clipping.
qTHD should now be 0.12% unweighted (or
0.005% IHF-A).
q2x shorting connector
(for balanced pre-amp inputs)
q2x balanced cable set
(to connect distortion meter, pre-amp and
power amp)
q1x special top cover plate (preferably
transparent) with holes for adjustment tools
Note: See drawing 5. for construction details.
qA two channel DC-coupled power amplifier
(e.g. Project Eighteen)
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SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
q This offset can be adjusted by potentiometer
8. OUTPUT DC-OFFSET ADJUSTMENT
Proper DC-offset adjustment is very important.
P1 & P2 of disamp A3 for the left channel, and
by potmeter P1 & P2 of disamp B3 for the right
channel.
A simple trick will greatly increase the accuracy of
this critical adjustment (see also the drawing titled
“Connection Diagram for testing the Project Eight”
at page 14 ).
By connecting a DC-coupled power amp to the
Project Eight outputs and measuring the offset at
the speaker outputs, the offset is boosted to around
30 times the original value!
Note: We strongly recommend that you use a
power amp with a very low DC-offset, such as the
Project Eighteen.
Note: The pre-amp and the power amp should be
switched on at least 1 hour before performing this
adjustment so they can reach optimum working
temperatures.
Set-up
qConnect a distortion analyser input and a DC
mV-meter to a pre-amp output (or to the power
ampifier). The correct pre-amp output will be
mentioned later.
qConnect the distortion analyser output to a pre-
amp input, the correct input will be mentioned
later.
qSwitch off the oscillator of the analyser, this will
short-circuit the pre-amp input.
qRemove the top cover of the Project Eight and
replace it with the special cover plate (with
adjustment holes, see figure 5 at page 16).
Adjustment
For the actual adjustment you may refer to Figure
20 (Main PCB drawing) at page 29 and Figure 7
(Schematic overview of all relevant potentiometers)
at page 17.
In Figure 6 (Schematic operational diagram ofproject Eight) at page 16 you will find the placement
of all amps:
Connect the (muted)distortion analyser output to an
unbalanced input of the project eight and select the
correct input at the front panel.
Connect the power amplifier (or, if no power
amplifier is used, the distortion analyser and mVmeter) to the unbalanced output of the project
eight.
The unbalanced signal will only be processed by
disamp A1 & A3 (left channel) and disamp B1 & B3
(right channel). The remaining disamps have no
effect on an unbalanced signal.
qTurn the volume of the project eight to ‘off’. The
offset currently visible on the mV-meter is the
offset of disamp A3(left channel) and/or disamp
B3(right channel).
qTurn the volume of the project eight fully open.
The offset currently visible on the mV-meter is
the offset of disamp A1(left channel) and/or
disamp B1(right channel)
qThis offset can be adjusted by potentiometer
P1 & P2 of disamp A1 for the left channel, and
by potmeter P1 & P2 of disamp B1 for the right
channel.
The distortion analyser output must now be
connected to a balanced input of the project eight.
The correct input must also be selected at the front
panel.
The power amplifier (or, if no power amplifier is
used, the distortion analyser and mV-meter ) must
now be connected to a balanced output of the
project eight.
The total offset of all disamps is now visible on the
mV-meter, but since the offset of disamp A1 &
A3(left channel) and disamp B1 & B3(right channel)
has already been adjusted, the offset visible is the
offset of the remaining disamps(A2&A4 and
B2&B4).
Notice: do not commence with the following
procedures before the procedures mentioned
above have been completed.
qTurn the volume of the project eight to ‘off’. The
offset currently visible on the mV-meter is the
offset of disamp A4(left channel) and/or disamp
B4(right channel).
qThis offset can be adjusted by potentiometer
P1 & P2 of disamp A4 for the left channel, and
by potmeter P1 & P2 of disamp B4 for the right
channel.
qTurn the volume of the project eight fully open.
The offset currently visible on the mV-meter is
the offset of disamp A2(left channel) and/or
disamp B2(right channel)
qThis offset can be adjusted by potentiometer
P1 & P2 of disamp A2 for the left channel, and
by potmeter P1 & P2 of disamp B2 for the right
channel.
Repeat the offset adjustment proceduces a few
times for a perfect adjustment. When this is done,
the offset adjustments are completed
10
SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
9. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
At the moment of writing the Project Eight has one
known specific problem.
If in the future you encounter any problem(s) you
may enter the info in this table. This table can then
be used for future reference.
.
ProblemCauseSolutionRefer to
Volume control doesn’t work
properly
IC U15, U16, U17 or U18 may
be defective.
Please also send (by fax or e-mail) the specific
information to the Sphinx International ServiceDepartment (see page 3): this info can then be
added to the general database to aid others.
page…
Replace the defective one.Page 24
Page 25
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SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
10. DIAGRAMS AND PARTS LISTS
The next pages contain the front and rear panel layout and a complete set of schematic drawings
including the associated parts lists (if applicable).
Figure 1: Front panel
Figure 2: Rear panel
12
SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
Index of diagrams and drawings
PageDescription
14Connection Diagram for testing the Project Eight
15Display Board Schematic Layout
16Construction Drawing for top cover plate
17Schematic Operational Diagram Project Eight
18Schematic Overview of all relevant potentiometers
19Disamp-96
20 Functional Schematic
21Left Power Supply
22 Right Power Supply
23Input/Output
24 Left Volume Control
25Right Volume Control
26Left Output Amp
27Right Output Amp
28Left Input Amp
29Right Input Amp
30Power Supply Unit
31 PCB drawings
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SPHINX Project Eight Service Manual
Figure 3: Connection Diagram for testing the Project Eight
Because there is a significant image-quality loss during the conversion of the drawings, The PCB-drawings are
located in separate files.
These files are in PDF-format (Adobé Acrobat 3.0 Reader)
SP1SILPADSoldering pad
SP10SILPADSoldering pad
SP11SILPADSoldering pad
SP12SILPADSoldering pad
SP13SILPADSoldering pad
SP14SILPADSoldering pad
SP15SILPADSoldering pad
SP16SILPADSoldering pad
SP2SILPADSoldering pad
SP3SILPADSoldering pad
SP4SILPADSoldering pad
SP5SILPADSoldering pad
SP6SILPADSoldering pad
SP7SILPADSoldering pad
SP8SILPADSoldering pad
SP9SILPADSoldering pad