Van Den Hul Product brochure

V A N D E N H U L

GENUINE DUTCH PRODUCT

E S T . 1 9 8 0

THE LINK BETWEEN TECHNIQUE AND EMOTION

WWW.VANDENHUL.COM

TWITTER: @VANDENHULAUDIO

Lavinia Meijer

PRODUCT BROCHURE

PHONO | ELECTRONICS | INTERCONNECTS | SPEAKER CABLES | A/V-CABLES | MAINS CORDS | ACCESSORIES

INTRODUCTION

We, at Van den Hul, are a technology driven company. Always looking for new materials and techniques. Our main objective is to improve the quality of both phono-transfer and the quality of signal transmission in the most broad sense. We do this by applying unique solutions and state-of-the-art technology based on our own inventions, findings and listening experience.

Our high quality product range covers both Moving Coil (M.C.) phono cartridges, design of electronic equipment and a wide range of audio cables. We serve consumers, the audio industry and professionals in the recording industry.

The driving slogan of our company: “The Link between Technique & Emotion” underlines our main aim in all our activities and product designs: to support the enjoyment of all emotional aspects in music recording and replay.

We focus in all our activities on: Outstanding musical quality,

very longstanding durability of our products, an optimal protection against negative environmental influences, the application of green raw materials with strict and exclusive manufacturing in Western Europe.

This brochure provides general information about our products. In case you have a need for more specific information on our products, please visit us on our website at www.vandenhul.com.

We wish you many happy years of pleasure with our products,

A.J. van den Hul - President & CEO

		Walter Auer, principal flutist
		of the Wiener Philharmoniker
	2		3

CONTENTS

Phono Cartridges

Introduction on phono cartridges	6
The Canary	9
The Colibri	9
The Condor	9
The DDT-II Special	8
The Frog	8
The Grasshopper / Beauty series	8
The MC-series	8

Electronics

The Black Hole filter	14
The Emerald balanced preamp	13
The Grail (A) phono preamp	12
The Grail SB balanced phono preamp	12
The White Dwarf filter	14

Cable Technology	16
Legend (key symbols to cables)	17
Interconnects
The AES-EBU 110 Professional	21
The Bay C5 Hybrid	19
3T The Cliff Hybrid	29
The D-102 III Hybrid	22
The D-102 V Special	21
The D-300 III Hybrid	19
The D-501 Hybrid	24
The D-501 Silver Hybrid	27
The D-502 Hybrid	25
The First® Metal Screen	25
The First® Ultimate MK II	24
3T The Hill Hybrid	28
The Integration Hybrid	23
The Isis	20
The Minisub Hybrid	19
The MC-Gold Hybrid	27
The MC-Silver IT MKII Bal.	29
The MC-Silver IT MKIII Bal.	30
The MC-Silver IT 65G	28
The MC-Silver IT MKII 75	28
3T The Mountain Hybrid	29
The Name	18
The Orchid	27
The Platinum Hybrid	30
3T The River Hybrid	23
3T The Rock Hybrid	28
3T The Sea Hybrid	24
The Second®	25
The Sub Hybrid	18
The Surf Hybrid	22
The Thames Hybrid	20
The Tide Hybrid	22
3T The Valley Hybrid	26
The Waterfall Hybrid	23
The Wave	21
The Well Hybrid	20

4 A SOUND CONNECTION

Speaker Cables

3T The Air Hybrid	36
The Arctic	34
The Clearwater	33
3T The Cloud Hybrid	37
3T The Cloud Hybr. Limited ed.	37
The CS-122 Hybrid	34
3T The Cumulus Hybrid	38
The D-352 Hybrid	35
The Goldwater	34
The Inspiration Hybrid	36
The Magnum Hybrid	35
The Nova	37
The Revelation Hybrid	31
The Revolution Hybrid	31
The Skyline Hybrid	33
The Snowline	33
The Super Nova	38
The Teatrack Hybrid	36
The Third MKII	32
The Twin / The Twin red	33
The Wind MKII Hybrid	31

A/V Cables

The Compoline 75	40
The Compolink 75	40
The Digi-coupler 75	39
The Name Antenna	39
The Optocoupler MKII	39
The Scart	41
The Triaxial Prof.75	41
The VDH HDMI Flat	42
The VDH HDMI Flat HEAC	42
The VDH HDMI Flat 180	42
The VDH HDMI Ultimate	43
The VDH USB Ultimate	43
The Videoline 75	39
The Videolink 75	40
The Videolink Antenna	40

Mains Power Cables

Our Mains Power cables	44
The Mainsserver Hybrid	44
The Mainsstream (BS) Hybrid	44

Accessories

Alignment gauge	46
Berri-Bus Connector	47
Cartridge Mounting set	46
Connectors RCA & XLR	47
D.I.Y. Connector spade&banana	47
HDMI™ Repeater	48
Headshell Link	46
Polarity Checker	48
Pss Pss	49
RCA <--> BNC Adapter	48
Scart Adapter	48
The Solution	49
Spindle Oil	49
TLF I&II	49
Tonearm Connector	46
Trackingforce Meter	47

EMOTION AND TECHNIQUE BETWEEN LINK THE

Rachel Podger and Brecon Baroque, recording in London

(Channel Classics Artist - photo: Jonas Sacks)

INTRODUCTION ON PHONO CARTRIDGES

The first serious step in the analogue world by our company was the design of a quite new stylus shape in 1973.

This design was the result of plenty of observations made during my 13 years of audio-reviewing. Repairing and designing cartridges afterwards created the platform for the start of the Van den Hul Comp. Actually worldwide around 1.4 Million styli have been sold under all kind of very creative names.

The original design, the VDH type 1 stylus, is specified with a major (vertical) radius of 85 micron and the minor (horizontal) radius of 2 micron. Especially the stable 2 micron radius was a very revolutionary decision. There was the general fear that this 2 micron would act as a cutter for the groove. Experiments I made before the official introduction showed that this fixed idea was wrong. Especially the 2 micron helped a lot to generate plenty of extra spacious information. The standard radius of 18 micron as was used by many manufacturers at that time was not able to generate enough resolution of the recorded signal. Many cartridges were already better designed compared to the ability of the common styli to track this high resolution. Replacing styli in all kind of cartridges by the VDH 1 produced an audible improvement. Also the lifespan of 3500 hours was a great challenge for many audiophiles.

In the 70’s and 80’s well-known companies like Goldring, Elac, EMT, Adcom, Coral, Ortofon, Allaerts, Clearaudio, Audio Note and many others used the VDH 1 and/or the VDH 2 (a milder version on number 1 with vertical radius of 40 micron and a horizontal radius of 7 micron).

Repairing and modifying cartridges became a daily occupation. It showed in many ways minor and major design defects. Detailed observations generated many new ideas. One of the first modified models in greater quantity was the famous EMT TSD-15: a 15 degree

V.T.A. cartridge with high sonic potential. Because there was a shortage of supply, I decided to design my own (and first) Moving Coil cartridge: the D.D.T. standing for Detail, Depth and Timbre.

After a while, with more precise manufacturing of parts and other minor components available, a better construction quality was possible. Models like the MC-10, MC-One, MC-One Super & MC-Two were taken in production. The differences at that time were mainly the quality of the components and the output level. Cartridges like the MC-One Super with 1.25 mV and the MC-Two with 2.25 mV were (and still are) special designs.

In the beginning of the 80’s came the request from a number of our representatives to create a real high end model. This was the beginning of the later well-known Grasshopper series.

BY MR. A.J. VAN DEN HUL

The first model used components from Dynavector. It was a very open construction,

a quality design feature used for all other and later models. Open constructions have no resonating panels to create extra coloration during replay. Variations in body material and shape, magnet material, type of cantilever, armature models, types of wire and especially dampers created a big variation of models known as Grasshopper I, II, III, IV. Still the Grasshopper III GLA with gold wire coils and Alnico magnet is a very popular model. Also the Grasshopper IV GLA, already made in rather big quantities is still regularly ordered.

Parallel to the Grasshopper series, the original line of cartridges was extended with our most popular cartridge: The Frog. The aim was to produce an ‘easy’ sounding closed body cartridge with healthy output and a very high resolution. Another criterion was the ability to perform in any arm ever made. So an order for a Frog included also the type of arm the customer intended to use.

This extra service worked so well that from this moment on it turned out to be an extra parameter in the construction of each individual Frog (and afterwards even an option for each cartridge we made). Another breakthrough in this Grasshopper line was the Black Beauty series. The aim was to build a light weight body cartridge with very high resolution. The Black Beauty in several variations was the result. Again a very popular cartridge for record addicts both in the classical and jazz world.

The challenge to produce the ultimate quality in cartridge design was an always existing dream circling around in my mind. Thus on 2nd Christmas day 1999 the Colibri was born. The first auditioning created a shock because I heard a music quality I had never auditioned before then. Immediately I made some more samples and the quality improved per unit. Another generation was born. It became a very popular model for those very demanding audiophiles looking for (and listening to) the best quality possible. The design is based on an ultra short cantilever and a single pole magnet.

Both design ideas worked out very well in both very high resolution and spacious reproduction. With such a short cantilever (3.0 mm), the suspension stability becomes very crucial. Also the cartridge-tonearm combination needs a better specification. Older and more heavy arms are specifically not advised in combination with The Colibri.

Experiments were made with copper, silver, gold and platinum wire coils. Also variations in output level in combination with specified load-impedance are a real must for the dedicated audiophile. The Colibri is currently made in many variations. Everyone can have his or her personal selected combination of design parameters. As the Colibri is sometimes too critical for older tonearms, the request came again to design a cartridge with a wider spectrum of tonearm options. The result is The Condor born again on 2nd Christmas day but in 2003. The Condor sounds in many aspects close to The Colibri with the same ease and refinement. But the suspension is made with less critical components so the variety of tonearms which can be combined with The Condor is wider and less specific.

Both The Colibri and The Condor offer a very high replay refinement and produce a very high emotional value.

6	PHONO CARTRIDGES	PHONO CARTRIDGES	7

THE DDTII SPECIAL

Detail, Depth and Timbre, that’s what DDT stands for! It is based on the very first M.C. Cartridge A.J. van den Hul ever built. The term “Special” in this case indicates that some major improvements have been made, e.g. a thicker frontpole and an extra small magnet, both further enhancing its resolution capabilities and output voltage. Output voltage for this cartridge is 0,65 mV per channel. Equipped with its VDH-I stylus it has a frequency range of 5 - 50.000 Hz.. This cartridge gives excellent value for money and will not embarrass any high-end installation.

THE MC SERIES

The MC series consists of The MC-One Special, The MC-One Super, The MC-Two Special and The

MC-10 Special. Like all van den Hul cartridge designs these are all moving coil cartridges, hence the ‘MC’ in front of the type specification. Output levels from 0.65 mV up to 2.25 mV (MC-2 Special). Please refer to our website for full details on the individual specifications of these cartridges. As with

The DDT II, “Special” indicates major improvements over its previous versions.

THE FROG

The base model from which later on The Colibri and The Condor were further developed. It has the coil of a GRASSHOPPER III and the frontpole and suspension of a GRASSHOPPER IV. This is without doubt the best cartridge available for its price. Standard output of both the copper and gold coil versions is 0.65 mV per channel. The FROG H.O. is the high output version with 2.25 mV per channel. All FROG cartridges have extra magnet modifications applied for the best result possible.

THE GRASSHOPPER / BEAUTY SERIES

Thanks to the many variations in materials, it is always possible to build a unit to match the customers personal needs. Matters that can be taken into consideration are, amongst others, the tonearm used, the pre-amp and load impedance used, a particular brand of records to be played, the type of music generally played (jazz being more dynamic and classical music being more spacious and detailed), etc. All these cartridges are built on demand only.

8 PHONO CARTRIDGES

THE CANARY

With The CANARY we have extended our famed moving coil phono cartridge program to new boundaries. A healthy 0,55 mV output, matched crystal gold-wire coils and an open resonance free construction, custom handbuilt by A.J. van den Hul himself. With exceptionally good price to performance ratio and placed one step above our The Frog, this cartridge sets new standards in replay precision and fidelity. Listen, and you’ll agree that this magnificent little bird sings with heart and soul!

THE CONDOR

The CONDOR belongs, just like The COLIBRI, to the top model series of van den Hul cartridges. As the name suggests it’s a bit stronger than the little bird and thus (almost) always a perfect fit for any tone-arm. It’s the first cartridge in the world that doesn’t have any mechanical signal transfer to the tone arm or the other way around: no sound coloration and no background noise! Many positive reviews and happy customers are the result. Available with output levels between 0.25 - 0.55 mV/channel.

THE COLIBRI

A cartridge just for friends... Our top model with an output between 0.40 and 0.65 mV/channel. It’s an unbelievably straightforward sounding “clean and open” design, in all its aspects bearing much resemblance to the tropical bird: swiftness, elegance and beauty. Both with copper and gold coils available and with the possibility to customize the cartridge to meet the customer preferences. This cartridge is rather “arm-critical”. In some cases our The CONDOR may be a better fit, please consult your VDH-dealer or check our website on the subject.

PHONO CARTRIDGES	9

Iván Fischer, conductor Budapest Festival Orchestra

(Channel Classics Artist - photo: Jonas Sacks)

EMOTION AND TECHNIQUE BETWEEN LINK THE

THE GRAIL (A)

Phonograph Preamplifier

With this product you will be the owner of one of the most innovative and advanced phono preamplifiers available at the moment.

A German reviewer recently even stated this is the best phono preamplifier he had ever tested in his whole career! It is now his much valued reference for testing. Designed to provide high-end audio, “The Grail” will deliver you outstanding sound

quality with nearly every available modern phonograph cartridge. Also available is a battery-feed upgrade for an even more clean and pure power supply.

THE GRAIL SB

Balanced Phonograph Preamplifier

Our The Grail SB is loaded with plenty of innovative circuit designs; e.g. the output signal of your cartridge is controlled by the auto-tuner which produces

the best impedance match up to even 1250 Ohm (when necessary). All balanced circuitry is DC coupled to give the widest possible frequencyrange. We apply even 8 very precise coils (0,5%) in the feedback-free RIAA equalisation instead of the regular used capacitors. This results in the same phase-shift as is used in the equalisation used in the cutting process. The gain can be adjusted by dip-switches to match the output level of your cartridge. All components are matched up to 0.1%

precise values. The connections on the HF quality PCB are pure 24 carat Gold. Last but not least, the power supply is a very advanced and exclusive double electronic battery design to avoid any power-noise modulated signal. The heavy (20 Kg) housing is made of 6 & 10 mm thick steel to reduce any external noise caused by electro-magnetic or magnetic sources.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS THE GRAIL SERIES

Mains Power	115 or 230Volt, 50/60Hz
Power consumption	7 Watts
Temperature operating range	from 15 up to 30deg. Celsius Use only in dry
	rooms
Max. undistorted output voltage	25Vss (Accumulator driven version: 19Vss)
Output impedance	330 Ohms (real resistive)
Input sensivity values	for 250mV resp. 0,707Vss output level on
	amplifier output
MM input	Amplification factor 33dB at 5,6 mV
	Amplification factor 41dB at 2,2 mV
	Amplification factor 50dB at 0,8 mV
	Input impedance: 47KOhm / 50pF
MC input	Amplification factor 56dB at 0,4 mV
	Amplification factor 64dB at 0,15 mV
	Amplification factor 73dB at 0,05 mV
	Input impedance: autom. matching from appr.
	10 up to 1000 Ohms

THE EMERALD

Balanced Preamplifier

The Emerald is the next logic step after the introduction of The Grail SB. We have used the same design ideas like the complete balanced DC coupled circuitry, HF PCB with 24 carat gold connections and 0.1% precise selected components. The very innovative electronic circuitry is able to handle a mix of balanced and unbalanced signals both on the input and output. To adjust all essential replay values, a remote control is part of the design. The channel to be used, the replay levels and possible channel unbalance can

be fine-tuned.

To avoid any spurious signals and magnetic induction, the amplifier housing is made of 6 & 10 mm thick steel.

Specifically, the very natural and specific spacious replay is a benchmark of The Emerald. The very high resolution in combination with the natural dynamics in replay is another remarkable property.

12	ELECTRONICS	ELECTRONICS	13

THE WHITE DWARF

The WHITE DWARF is a small though sophisticated single outlet mains filter specially intended for (low power) A/V equipment with a current consumption of up to 2 Amperes. It removes mains noise and provides your equipment with noise isolation. Using a WHITE DWARF in front of each device in your A/V setup provides markedly improved transparency, definition, detail and dynamics.

THE BLACK HOLE

Our The BLACK HOLE is a heavy and powerful passive mains filter based on entirely new technology and concepts. Specifically designed bearing ultimate performance and reliability in mind, The BLACK HOLE provides high-end audio, video and mixed setups with perfectly clean mains power, is capable of handling up to 1800 Watt total connected load and is equipped with four individually noise-isolated outlets: two higher power outlets for power amps and other heavy loads and two lower power outlets for pre-amps, CDand DVD players, LCD TVs, etc.

Acting as the best thinkable external firewall solution, The BLACK HOLE effectively deals with all potential mains related A/V quality degradation mechanisms, this whereas most other passive mains filter units only crudely deal with a few.

14 ELECTRONICS

EMOTION AND TECHNIQUE BETWEEN LINK THE

Lavinia Meijer, harpist

(Channel Classics Artist - photo: Jonas Sacks)