VTL TP2.5 Owner's Manual

VTL
TP2.5 Phono Preamplifier

Owner’s Manual

MAKING TUBES USER FRIENDLY

VTL TP2.5 Phono Preamplifier

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the
express written permission by VTL.

Version History:

Version 2.0 September 21, 2012

Part Number: OM-0495

Copyright © 2012 by VTL Amplifiers Inc. All rights reserved.

4774 Murrieta Street, Suite 10

Chino, CA 91710, USA

Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]

email: [e-mail] • http://www.vtl.com/

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 ...............................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1

Symbol Conventions used in this guide..................................................................................1

Electrical Safety Notice..........................................................................................................1

Water and Moisture ...............................................................................................................2

Location and Ventilation........................................................................................................2

Warning – To avoid risk of failure due to overheating, do not stack components.................2

Servicing ................................................................................................................................3

Operational Warnings............................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 2 ...............................................................................................................................4

GETTING STARTED.....................................................................................................................4

TP 2.5 Front Panel Controls..................................................................................................4

The Preamplifier’s Back Panel..............................................................................................5

Connecting Your Phono Preamplifier to your system............................................................5

Powering the system off .........................................................................................................7

CHAPTER 3 ...............................................................................................................................8

CONFIGURING THE PHONO PREAMPLIFIER FOR MM OR MC ......................................................8

CHAPTER 4 .............................................................................................................................13

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR VTL PREAMPLIFIER.........................................................13

BREAK IN PERIOD ....................................................................................................................13

Changing Tubes...................................................................................................................13

Changing the Main Fuse......................................................................................................15

Cleaning...............................................................................................................................16

Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................16

CHAPTER 5 .............................................................................................................................18

SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................18

CHAPTER 6 .............................................................................................................................19

WARRANTY..............................................................................................................................19

APPENDIX ...............................................................................................................................21

Warranty Registration..........................................................................................................21

Service Notes........................................................................................................................21

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CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a VTL pure tube phono preamplifier.

his hand crafted equipment is designed to deliver superb performance for
your listening pleasure for many years to come. Please take a moment to read

T

system, as well as the various functions this preamplifier can perform. Please take
enough time to get familiar with the features of this product. After you have finished
reading this manual please keep it in a safe place for future reference.

The VTL team is proud that you have selected our TP2.5 phono preamplifier as a new
member of your home audio system. This preamplifier is designed to give you the
convenience and flexibility to manage your analog input while at the same time giving
you the musical experience that is the most alive and the truest to your source, and we
hope you’ll get many hours of enjoyment from it.

through this owner’s manual. You will get an idea of the installation
procedures needed to connect this preamplifier to the rest of your audio

Symbol Conv entions used in this guide

Certain symbols are used in this owner’s manual to draw your attention to important
points being discussed. For your own safety and that of your equipment you should
note and heed the warnings that follow these symbols.

The “Warning - Pay particular Attention” symbol used is

And the “Warning – Observe These Precautions for Your
Safety” is

Electrical Safety Notice

Electrical voltage from power cables can be hazardous. We
recommend that the power cord used with this unit be
connected to a properly grounded AC outlet. There are

hazardous voltages present in the unit, and to prevent electrical
shock, do not remove the cover of this preamplifier, and under no circumstances while the
unit is powered on.

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Warning – Under no circumstances should any attempt be made to
circumvent the ground system to the AC line for any reason

ground lifted system can be potentially extremely dangerous, both to persons that might
come in contact with the unit, and to the unit itself, and proper RF shielding cannot be
attained without a secure ground connection.

Damage to the unit that is the result of improper AC connection and grounding will not be
covered under the warranty.

. Using a

Prior to connecting this preamplifier to any audio or video equipment in your system,
make sure this unit’s power (and the rest of the equipment connected to its input and
output channels) is turned off. Adding or removing input or output cables to the
preamplifier while the system is powered on can cause damage to the preamplifier and
possibly also to the rest of the system.

Water and Moisture

The TP-2.5 should be kept away from sources of water or moisture. If liquid enters the
unit it must be immediately returned to your dealer for servicing. In this case you
should under no circumstances try to power the unit on - there are hazardous voltages
present in this unit that can cause serious injury if they come in contact with you.

Location and V entilation

Warning – To avoid risk of failure due to overheating, do not stack components

The TP-2.5 chassis emits heat and needs proper ventilation to ensure long operational life.
Under no circumstances should the TP-2.5 be stacked on top of or below any other unit.

Ensure that the TP-2.5 is installed in a location that is stable and well ventilated. If the
preamplifier is placed in a built-in installation, ensure that there is adequate room for air to
flow through the ventilation openings. Allow at least 3 - 5 inches clearance on the top and
around the sides of each chassis of the preamplifier. The warranty does not cover units
that are damaged due to overheating from incorrect installation.

It is also recommended that the TP-2.5 be sited at least 3 feet away from the power
amplifier to prevent possible noise introduction into the system.

Tiptoes or other isolation accessories may prove useful in reducing mechanical vibrations
or other external vibrations that might affect sonic performance, and we have found that
such accessories can offer definite beneficial sonic improvements when used correctly. In
all cases this preamplifier should only be installed in a location that is stable, as warranty
does not cover damage due to the unit falling.

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Do not place the TP-2.5 next to heat sources such as radiators, stoves or other appliances.

Do not place the TP-2.5 where small children might be able to tamper with the equipment.
If it is not possible to place the preamplifier out of the reach of small children it is
recommended that power cables be removed when the equipment is not in use.

Servicing

Do not attempt to service the TP-2.5 beyond the procedures described in this manual.
For all other service and questions, please contact your authorized VTL dealer or the
factory.

Operational Warnings

 It is critical for proper sonic performance of this component that it be

properly configured for the mode of operation while playing.

 Always make all connections before powering the TP-2.5 on. Connecting or

disconnecting the TP-2.5 while powered on can damage the unit, and will not be
covered under the warranty. Ensure that no interconnect cables can become loose
during use and that there are no intermittent faults or shorts with the cables.

 Do not attempt to disassemble the TP-2.5 chassis or remove any covers

from the unit. Always consult with your VTL authorized dealer or the VTL

factory before attempting any service work on any VTL unit.

 Do not touch the tubes after the TP-2.5 is turned on. The tubes can get very

hot while the TP-2.5 is operating. Turn off the TP-2.5 and allow the tubes to cool
down before attempting to work with the tubes.

Do not exceed fuse ratings or attempt to bypass any fuses, as this can cause an



extremely hazardous condition and will void any warrantees. Use only the same
type and rating of fuses as specified in the owners’ manual and marked on the unit.

 Do not put shorting plugs into the input jack that is not being used. For

example, if you are using the preamp in MC stage, do not plug the MM
input jack.

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