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Project Two Mk2
User Manual
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SPHINX Project Two Mk2 User Manual

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1.
USER MANUAL
PROJECT TWO Mk2
PRE-AMP
SPHINX Project Two Mk2
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Front panel...................................................................................................................................................4
Rear panel ...................................................................................................................................................5
Installation....................................................................................................................................................6
Connecting the mains cable ........................................................................................................................6
Audio connections .......................................................................................................................................6
Connecting the power amp..........................................................................................................................6
Balanced....................................................................................................................................................6
Unbalanced ...............................................................................................................................................6
Connecting a recorder .................................................................................................................................6
Connecting the inputs.................................................................................................................................. 6
Balanced....................................................................................................................................................6
Unbalanced ...............................................................................................................................................6
Connecting a turntable.................................................................................................................................6
Balanced....................................................................................................................................................6
Unbalanced ...............................................................................................................................................6
Connecting a CD player............................................................................................................................... 7
Balanced....................................................................................................................................................7
Unbalanced ...............................................................................................................................................7
Connecting a tuner ......................................................................................................................................7
Connecting other signal sources .................................................................................................................7
Connecting the GROUND wire ....................................................................................................................7
Connecting the optical cables ...................................................................................................................... 7
Power on...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Selecting an input........................................................................................................................................8
Adjusting the volume level...........................................................................................................................8
Memory mode..............................................................................................................................................8
Power off...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Buttons and LED indication .........................................................................................................................9
Operation...................................................................................................................................................10
Selecting without switching........................................................................................................................10
Batteries.....................................................................................................................................................10
Encountering problems..............................................................................................................................10
7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................11
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................11
SPHINX Project Two Mk2
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Congratulations with your purchase of the Sphinx Project Two Mk2!
You are now a member of an ever increasing group of quality conscious audiophiles using Sphinx products. We are very proud of the tradition connected with 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 Two Mk2 Pre-Amp.
This pre-amp uses the newest technologies and refined designs and is extremely simple to operate. Designs that succesfully have been used in the award winning Project Eight. Such as the ultra-linear extremely low-noise Class A audio circuits, built from the finest hand-selected parts. The signal path is completely balanced from input to output, and left and right are totally separated. The power supply is of a unique design (fully Class­A!) and consists of three completely separate and independant sections: one for the digital control plus one each for the left and right channel. Input selection is done by means of precision relays. The ALPS volumecontrol is motordriven. All settings and controls can also be done via the supplied Sphinx Remote Control.
To obtain the maximum quality from this power amp it is necessary to use it with top quality audio components, preferably with other Sphinx components.
Your local dealer will be able to answer any questions concerning other Sphinx audio components.
1. UNPACKING
Before leaving the factory every Project Two 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.
After unpacking your Project Two 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 Two at a later time it will be best protected by the original packing materials.
2. SPHINX WARRANTY CARD
Please take 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).
Please read this manual carefully before you install or use the Project Two. It is important to familiarise yourself with the special functions, operation and possibilities of the Sphinx Project Two.
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3. THE PRE-AMP AT A GLANCE
Front panel
1. INPUT: With this rotary knob you select one of the six inputs. Turn clockwise for an input to the right of the active one, anti-clockwise for an input to the left.
2. STANDBY: To switch the component on and off: on LED is green off LED is red
3. Receptor window for the IR signals from the Remote Control.
4. Input selection LED's: The input selected with knob (1.) is indicated by one of these LED's: CD SYM balanced CD input CD unbalanced CD input TUNER Tuner LINE 1 unbalanced line input 1 LINE 2 unbalanced line input 2 LINE 3 unbalanced line input 3.
5. MUTE: Press this button to temporarily mute the sound. The red LED will light.
6. TAPE MON: To select the TAPE IN input. The red LED will light.
7. PHONES: To connect dynamic stereo headphones.
8. VOLUME: This rotary knob adjusts the volume level.
1 2 4 6 7 8
3
SPHINX Project Two Mk2
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Rear panel
1. GROUND: You may directly connect the signal grounds of other equipment tot the signal ground of the Project Two.
2. TAPE OUT: Connect this output to the input of the recorder.
3. TAPE IN: Connect this input to the output of the recorder.
4. CD: To connect the cinch signal cable from the CD player.
5. TUNER: To connect the cinch signal cable from the tuner.
6. LINE 1: To connect the cinch signal cable from the signal source for LINE 1.
7. LINE 2: To connect the cinch signal cable from the signal source for LINE 2.
8. LINE 3: To connect the cinch signal cable from the signal source for LINE 3.
9. CD BALANCED L: To connect the XLR signal cable (balanced cable) from the left output of the CD player.
10. CD BALANCED R: To connect the XLR signal cable (balanced cable) from the right output of the CD player.
11. BALANCED OUT L: To connect the XLR signal cable (balanced cable) from the left input of the power amp.
12. BALANCED OUT R: To connect the XLR signal cable (balanced cable) from the right input of the power amp.
13. OUT 1 L+R: Connect this output with a cinch signal cable to the input of your power amp.
14. OUT 2 L+R: To connect the XLR signal cable (balanced cable) from the right input of the extra power amp or surround processor.
15. Control Out: To connect the optical cable going to another Sphinx component.
16. Warning!: This shows important information about the safety regulations of the Project Two MK2.
17. AC Power: Connect the mains cable to a mains power outlet (100 - 240 VAC).
18. O / I: This is the mains power switch.
19. Fuse holder: Contains a fuse.
20. Selector for power supply voltage (120/240 V), (115/230 V).
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25
26
27 28
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4. INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS
Installation
The Project Two will not become very hot so placement is not critical. Although you should not place it on top of or near other heat radiating equipment (such as power amps) or in direct sunlight. If you need to use the pre-amp in a closed cabinet or on a bookshelf you absolutely should provide unrestricted ventilation around the component.
To prevent any possible interference keep power supply cables away from all audio cables.
If all these conditions are met the Project Two will perform to the extremely high standards it is designed for.
Connecting the mains cable
Before you connect the cable please check whether the mains voltage indicated on the manufacturers label on the rear panel is the same as your local mains voltage.
If not: please contact your dealer and do not connect the component to the mains.
You switch the pre-amp on/off with the STANDBY button. This way the electronic circuits will be kept at optimum working temperature so you can enjoy maximum audio quality immediately after switching­on. On top of that it significantly increases the life span of the component.
Connect the mains cable after you have connected all other components in the system and have double-checked all connections (see Chapter 5.)
Audio connections
Before you start connecting equipment it is always wise to check whether all mains power cables of all components are disconnected from the mains outlets! This will prevent any damage to the loudspeakers and amplifiers caused by incorrect wiring or settings.
Make sure you connect L and R properly. Most cinch cables use Red for the Right channel and White or Black for Left. All cinch connectors on the Project Two's rear panel have a red centre for the right channel and a white one for the left channel. The XLR connectors are marked RIGHT and LEFT. When making the connections please refer to the descriptions for parts 9. up to 28. on page 5.
Connecting the power amp
There are three outputs: OUT 1, OUT 2 (unbalanced cinch) and Balanced Out (balanced XLR). All three can be used simultaneously.
Balanced
Use a balanced XLR cable to connect BALANCED OUT L en R to the corresponding inputs of the power amp.
Unbalanced
Use a normal cinch cable (but of the best quality!) to connect OUT 1 to the corresponding inputs of the power amp. Use a normal cinch cable to connect OUT 2 to the corresponding inputs of another component such as an extra power amp or surround processor.
Connecting a recorder
Connect the recorder's inputs to the TAPE OUT outputs. Connect the recorder's outputs to TAPE IN.
Connecting the inputs
There are five unbalanced inputs and one balanced input.
Balanced
Use CD BALANCED to connect the balanced outputs of a CD player. You may connect any signal source to any input.
Unbalanced
The unbalanced inputs may be used for any unbalanced line level signal.
Connecting a turntable
There is no specific RIAA phono-input. When using a turntable you should pre-amplify the signal with a separate phono pre-amp (or pre-pre-amp). The turntable may be connected in two ways.
Balanced
Connect the balanced output of a phono pre-amp to CD BALANCED (for example).
Unbalanced
Connect the unbalanced output of a phono pre-amp to one of the cinch inputs LINE 1 to LINE 3. You may connect the phono pre-amp balanced and unbalanced simultaneously! Or you may use two different pre-amps.
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Connecting a CD player
The CD player may be connected in two ways.
Balanced
Connect the balanced output of a CD player to CD BALANCED.
Unbalanced
Connect the unbalanced output of a CD player to CD. You may connect the CD player balanced and unbalanced simultaneously! Or you may use two different CD players.
Connecting a tuner
Connect the unbalanced output of a tuner to TUNER. If applicable you may connect the tuner's balanced outputs to CD BALANCED (if not in use by another component)!
Connecting other signal sources
LINE 1 to LINE 3 are available for other signal sources.
Connecting the GROUND wire
You may directly connect the signal ground of other equipment to the Project Two. This may be necessary to obtain the maximum S/N-ratio and the lowest hum level. You have to experiment with the ground connections to get the optimum method for each piece of equipment.
Connecting the optical cables
The Project Two has a CONTROL OUT optical connector so it can remotely switch other Sphinx components to stand-by.
When the CONTROL IN of a component is connected to the CONTROL OUT of the Project Two with an optical cable you do not have to use that component's ON/OFF switch. As soon as the Project Two is selected to stand-by the other component is also selected to stand-by.
CONTROL OUT: This output is activated as soon as the Project Two is switched.
Ensure proper connection of the optical cables (from CONTROL OUT to CONTROL IN), otherwise the LED next to the STANDBY button (2.) on the front panel may remain green although the stand-by mode is activated.
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5. OPERATION
Connect the mains cable to a mains outlet. After you have finished connecting all components, you can power on the Project Two with the mains switch O / I (26.). The volume control will then automatically turn counter-clockwise and during a certain period the STANDBY LED will blink red/green after which it will remain red. The preamp is now in standby mode.
From now on you only switch the amp on/off with the STANDBY button. That way all circuits will remain at optimum operating temperatures and the audio quality will be at 100% immediately after switching on. On top of that it significantly increases the life span of the component. The Project Two is now in stand-by mode.
Power on
You switch the Project Two on with the STANDBY button. The preamp will select the CD SYM input after which it un-mutes the output.
Selecting an input
You select the input with the large rotary knob INPUT: clockwise to the right of the selected one, anti-clockwise to the left of the selected one. Upon reaching LINE 3 or CD SYM you can't 'roll over' to CD SYM of LINE 3 respectively.
As long as you move the knob only the LED's will change: the current selected input remains active. The new input only becomes active after you have selected it and release the INPUT knob. You will hear a 'click'. This is caused by the precision relays for the inputs: the 'old' one is released while the new one is energised.
Adjusting the volume level
The large VOLUME control to the right adjusts the volume level from OFF to maximum (fully clockwise). The level change is immediate.
Memory mode
The Project Two has a MEMORY mode: it automatically selects the last input that was active before you switched the component off with the stand-by button.
Power off
You switch the Project Two off (to stand-by) with the STANDBY button (2.).
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6. SPHINX REMOTE CONTROL
This single Sphinx Remote Control lets you control all functions: not only of the Project Two, but of all other Sphinx equipment.
Only the following buttons and indications of the Remote apply to the Project Two (the others will not function):
Buttons and LED indication
1. PRE-AMP: To select the amp. All buttons pressed hereafter will only control the amp functions. The buttons TUNER and CD will have no effect on the amp.
2. STANDBY: Use this red button to switch the Project Two to stand-by.
3. : Pressing this green button mutes the outputs (temporarily) and you will not hear any
sound. The red LED will be illuminated. Another press on this button un-mutes the outputs.
4. TAPE/MONITOR: Use this button to select the Tape IN input. Pressing this button has the same effect as pressing the TAPE button on the front panel. Note: The LED of the selected input (see 5.) will remain illuminated.
5. 1 - 6: To select inputs CD SYM to LINE 3 (Note: 7 to 0 do not function): 1 CD SYMbalanced CD input 2 CD unbalanced CD input 3 TUNER Tuner 4 LINE 1 unbalanced line input 1 5 LINE 2 unbalanced line input 2 6 LINE 3 unbalanced line input 3
6. ñ button: Pressing this button has the same effect as clockwise rotating the VOLUME control on the front panel. You will increase the volume.
7. ò button: Pressing this button has the same effect as anti-clockwise rotating the VOLUME control on the front panel. You will decrease the volume.
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Operation
The Sphinx Remote is used for several different models and can therefore transmit different control codes, depending on which model has been selected with the select buttons (1.).
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 sends 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 the 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. How to operate the Remote Control with the different Sphinx components will be explained in the corresponding User Manual of each component.
Batteries
The four batteries have a life span of approx. one year during normal use, but shorter when used more intensely. Replacement batteries: 1.5 V, model micro or penlite or LR03 or AAA or AM4 (one of these codes is indicated on the packaging and the batteries). You may also use rechargeable 1.5 V batteries.
Note: Position the new batteries exactly as shown in the illustration at the bottom of the battery compartment, otherwise the Remote will not function!
Encountering problems...
Remote Control does not work
Wrong component selected Select the correct one Distance to component
exceeds 7 m
Use Remote at closer range
Angle between Remote and component exceeds ±30°
Decrease angle
Sensor window on front dirty Clean window Batteries empty or incorrectly
placed
use new batteries or replace the old
correctly Strong (sun)light in room Shade off Component is not switched on
(!)
Switch it on
Component reacts differently than expected or not at all
Wrong component selected Select the correct one Component or Remote does
not function
Check component with
it's original remote Batteries of remote empty Use new batteries
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7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Clean the exterior with a soft, lint-free, anti-static cloth. Do not use force while wiping the surface. To remove difficult stains use a few drops of detergent on a moist cloth, sweep carefully and wipe dry afterwards.
If some scratching occurs, please first consult your Sphinx dealer. He can give you advice about possible solutions.
Do not use polishing or cleaning agents: they may damage the sensitive acrylic finish.
Do not use aerosol cleaning agents. Most contain solvents which might actively react and damage the acrylic finish.
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Bandwidth 0 - 500,000 Hz (+0/-3 dB) Phase response error <0.5° Gain 18 dB max. THD+N (IHF-A) <0.0015% (2nd harm., 10 - 20,000 Hz) IMD <0.003% S/N ratio (IHF-A) >100 dB Channel separation >100 dB
Inputs 1 x XLR balanced
5 x cinch unbalanced (goldplated) level, nominal (for 1 V output) 0.13 V (-18 dBV) impedance
XLR: 10 kΩ / cinch: 50 kΩ Outputs 1 x XLR balanced
2 x cinch unbalanced (goldplated)
1 x cinch Tape (goldplated) level 9.2 V max. (19.3 dBV) (1 - 100,000 Hz, THD <0.002%) impedance
<10 Ω Volume control ALPS motorized
channel imbalance less than 2 dB Sphinx Control 1 x optical Remote control Full function Mechanical decoupling of housing Transrotor absorbing 'pucks' Power supply External, completely stabilized
Supply capacitance 35,200 µF total Power consumption 15 W stand-by
17.5 W 'on' Dimensions (h x w x d) 68 x 482 x 328 mm Weight 11 kg
This unit conforms to the EMC interference regulations from the EU and to the CE standards. This unit complies with safety regulation VDE 0860 and thus with international safety regulation IEC 65.
Technical specifications can be changed by SPHINX without prior notice if technical developments make this necessary.
©1999 Audioscript BV
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