TK Audio DP2 User Manual

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DP2

Dual class-A preamp

DP2 is a unique hybrid design including both vintage and modern circuits built around two SP501
modules. The midrange crunch of the germanium sound of the mid 60’s, the low mid punch and thick
sound associated with British class-A from the early 70’s as well as the more modern tone from the
80’s and 90’s.

The input stage is built around a high quality Swedish Lundahl transformer and a hi-gain input stage
followed by a selectable germanium circuit that adds more harmonics. Two different output stages can
be selected – either an electronically balanced stage, or a discrete Carnhill transformer-balanced class­A stage. The vintage class-A mode produces a fat and punchy sound with mid-range character and a
warm top end, while the electronically balanced output stage is less colored and perfect for clean
amplification.

The major updates from DP1mk3 to DP2 are the sweepable HPF from 30Hz to 400Hz which allows
precision crafting of the low end, and a separate switch to activate the instrument input.
The power supply has also been updated to for lower noise.

Key Features:

• Hi gain input-stage, up to 80dB

• Selectable germanium circuit for extra harmonics

• Sweepable hi-pass filter, 30-400Hz, 12dB/oct

• Hi-Z instrument input

• Selectable transformer balanced class-A output

• Lundahl and Carnhill transformers

• Headroom meter with eight LED’s

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Gain: Input-range -80dB to -25dB / -50dB to +5dB with 30dB pad active.

Headroom meter: This LED-meter is a headroom-meter and NOT a VU-meter. It is connected before the output

levelcontrol to show the available headroom even if you have lowered the outputlevel. With the level at max the meter
indicates clip at +25dB.

Output: Output levelcontrol in front of the outputstage. Normally you just have to make a small adjustment to trim the
level between the 5dB gainsteps. That way you will keep the high headroom.

HPF: High Pass Filter frequency, 30Hz-400Hz

48v: 48v phantom power.

-30dB: pads the signal -30dB.

For best signal to noise ratio, avoide the 30dB pad if not needed.

Vintage class A: Activates the transformer balanced class-A. Keep your monitor level down to avoid loud pops

when you switch between output stages.

Ge: When you select the germanium drive a small germanium amp is inserted after the input stage. For more color,
select higher gain and back off a little with the output level control.

HPF: Activates the High Pass Filter.
Polarity (Ø): Reverses the polarity of the output.

Imp (Z):Switchable input impedance. 1600ohm, 400ohm when engaged.

Hi-Z input: High impedance (2Mohm) instrument input with a separate activation switch.

Max output level: +26dBm

You can unconnect the audio ground to chassis connection by removing an inside jumper placed on the PSU pcb.

Warning! Unconnect the unit from the mains power before you remove the lid!