Absoluta Sound and Space Partenope User manual

1
Partenope
Integrated Amplifier
User Manual

2
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Save these instructions.
3. Pay attention to all advice.
4. Always follow instructions.
5. Do not use this unit in presence of water.
6. Clean with a dry cloth only.
7. Do not obstruct venting holes and heat sinks. Install as indicated by the manufacturer.
8. Do not install near heat sources as heaters, heat pumps, stoves or other equipment which produces
heat.
9. Do not alter the functionality of a polarized plug or one provided with an earth connection. A plug is
polarized when it can be fitted in the mains socket in only one way. A plug provided with earth
connection has two prongs for current and a third one for earth connection. The latter is provided for
user’s safety. If the plug provided doesn’t fit your mains socket consult your technician to obtain a
replacement for the obsolete mains socket.
10. The mains cable represents the emergency detachment device for this unit. It is important to grant a
quick access to this cable at any time.
11. Protect the mains cable against trampling and mashing, particularly close to the plug and to the
connector at the input socket.
12. Only use connectors and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Only use the cart, stand, tripod or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the unit. When
using a cart, pay attention while shifting the cart/unit ensemble to avoid harming people or flipping
the cart upside down.
14. Isolate the unit from mains during lightning storms or when it’s not operated for extended periods of
time.
15. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the unit is damaged due to any
reason, e.g. when mains cable or plug are damaged, when a liquid is spilled on it or when objects
drop on the unit, when the unit is exposed to rain or moisture, or when the unit is not operative or has
been dropped from whatever height. The replacement of the outer shell must be considered a service
operation.
16. Venting must not be impeded by obstructing venting holes and heat sinks with objects like
newspapers, towels, curtains and the like.
17. Do not place any free flame, like a candle or the like, on the unit.
18. Terminals marked with this label must be considered DANGEROUS and the connections external to
these terminals require servicing by a TRAINED TECHNICIAN or the use of factory prepared
cables.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or
moisture. Do not place objects containing liquids, like bowls or glasses, on this
unit.

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Warning!
Changes or modifications not authorized by the manufacturer can invalidate the
compliance to CE regulations and cause the unit not to be suitable for use any
longer. The manufacturer rejects any responsibility regarding damages to people or
to things due to the use of a unit which has been subject to unauthorized
modifications or due to misuse or to malfunction of a unit which has been subject to
unauthorized modifications.

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Instructions for Recycling
The label on the left, printed on the envelope of the product, indicates that the product,
when no more usable, can’t be treated as generic garbage, but must be disposed of at a
collection point for recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, in compliance with
the WEEE regulation (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
By making sure that this unit is correctly recycled, you will help preventing potential
damages to environment and to human health. Recycling helps saving natural resources.
For more in-depth information about recycling this product, please contact Absoluta
Sound and Space Srl.
“Absoluta Sound and Space” and the logo Absoluta
are registered trademarks of Absoluta Sound and
Space Srl.
© Absoluta Sound and Space Srl. All right reserved.
This manual should not be construed as a
commitment on the part of Absoluta Sound and
Space Srl. The information it contains is subject to
changes without notice. Absoluta Sound and Space
assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear
within this document.
ABSOLUTA SOUND AND SPACE
Via Matteotti, 21bis/A
30032 Fiesso d’Artico (VE)
Ph. : +39.049.8935377
Fax. [phone]
Web: www.absoluta.it
Customer Service
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
P/N: 1234557 – Rev. 1.0 – 03/09

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Safety Terms and Symbols
This document contains instructions on generic safety,
installation and use for Partenope integrated amplifier. It’s
important to read this document before trying to use this
amplifier. Pay particular attention to safety instructions.
Appears on the unit to indicate the presence
of uninsulated, dangerous voltages inside
the enclosure - voltages sufficient to constitute
a risk of shock.
Appears on the unit to indicate important
operation or maintenance instructions included
in the accompanying documentation.
Appears on the unit to indicate compliance
with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
and LVD (Low-voltage Directive) standards
of the European Union.
Warning! Calls for attention to a procedure, practice
condition, or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in
personal injuries, death or damages to the unit
or to other objects.
Note Calls for attention to very important information.

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Table of Contents
Introduction.....................................................................9
Special Design Features...................................................9
Unpacking.......................................................................13
Installation Considerations..............................................14
Power Requirements ......................................................16
Operation.......................................................................18
Front Panel.....................................................................18
Back Panel......................................................................21
Remote Control...............................................................26
Optional Phono Stage.....................................................29
Connections....................................................................31
General Connections scheme........................................34
Bi-amping with external power amplifier .........................36
Use of a signal processor or of an electronic cross-over 37
Troubleshooting and Maintanance..............................39
Troubleshooting..............................................................39
Maintenance ...................................................................43
Technical Specifications..............................................44
Dimensions....................................................................46

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9
Introduction
Special Design Features Special Design Features
Design Principles
Dear Customer, thank you for purchasing Partenope integrated
amplifier. Partenope combines the performance, versatility,
purity and definition of a great multi-chassis unit with the small
form factor of an integrated amplifier. It delivers the great
sound, that only the best products can deliver, and has an
original and captivating look.
Below you will find a description of all the features that make
Partenope a unique and valued product.
Partenope, like all Absoluta products, features an external
removable shell, that can be easily replaced, to adapt the look of
the amplifier to the furniture style and to better match the
owner’s taste. The shell is available in various standard finishes.
In addition to standard finishes the customer can request custom
versions, choosing amongst several materials and colors.
Partenope is made with first-class components, like the
encapsulated toroidal transformer with reduced stray flux and
large bandwidth, low noise and great linearity selected tubes,
low tolerance polypropylene capacitors and special low noise
resistors for audio use.
The double layer printed circuit boards host specific functions to
grant the maximum separation amongst the various parts of the
circuit. Their structure is optimized for signal path and for
power connections minimization.
Each circuit section is powered by a dedicated regulated supply
section. Each of the double triodes which make the gain stage of
the line and the MM phono amplifiers have their own heat
supply, independent from the transformer secondary winding.
B-rail supplies are separated for each channel and regulated with
discrete components circuits. Additional filter blocks further
reduce ripple and noise.
Absoluta has seen a major sound detriment in the non-linear
operation of capacitors’ dielectric. For this reason, Absoluta
power amplifiers use totally DC-coupled circuits. Much more
difficult has been to implement a DC-coupled tube circuitry
from input to output. Absoluta succeeded by using a “folded
Customizable
external shell
Highest class
components
Extremely refined
power supply
DC-coupled
balanced tube line
stage

10
Special Design Features – Design Principles (continued)
cascole” differential pair with common anode output buffer.
This layout allows for automatic signal balancing (be it applied
in single-ended or in differential mode), an ample bandwidth
and a reduced output impedance, all at the same time and with
the sound quality that only tubes give, without feedback.
Thanks to the automatic balancing feature, a single-ended and a
balanced signal are always available on outputs (on RCA and
XLR connectors, respectively), no matter the kind or source
selected. This is obtained without using integrated circuits to
balance the signal. However Partenope is provided with a
balanced input.
Volume control is made with a sophisticated motor-operated
four-section potentiometer. Muting and phase inversion
features, as well as input selection, are implemented with high
quality audio grade relay.
The phono stage allows both high output (MM or high output
MC, “moving flux”, moving iron) and low output (MC) pick-up.
The phono stage is made with a very low noise and very low
distortion operational amplifier. It allows for choosing between
two gain settings so as to optimize the interface with both
normal ferrite magnets MC and AlNiCo magnets MC, which
come with higher efficiency and thus lower output impedance.
Absoluta has chosen, for her power amplifiers, to adopt the
current gain technology for the signal amplification chain,
instead of the traditional voltage gain technology. The
advantages of the choice made by Absoluta are numerous and
can be read within Partenope specs: a very large power
bandwidth (That is the frequency response measured when the
amplifier is delivering
the rated power), a reduced rise time, capable of supporting the
fastest transient at every listening level, and an intrinsic stability
on every load.
The large use of output devices (two 16A Sanken BJT for each
polarity) and the robustness of the power amplifier granted by
the two 410VA transformers allow for an exemplar behavior of
the Partenope with every loudspeaker, even with impedances
less than 4Ω. Actually, The output stage of Partenope behaves
as a real I-V converter, imposing to the load a faithful copy of
the current signal amplified by the signal chain.
Complete and
versatile phono
stage
Current gain
technology

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Special Design Features – Design Principles (continued)
This sophisticated input stage is made following the “diamond”
topology, which allows for a high input impedance, absolute
linearity and intrinsic V-I conversion with nearly infinite
bandwidth and absence of any slew-rate effect.
Loudspeakers’ safety is guaranteed by a circuit which senses the
offset (direct current) on the speakers output, disconnecting the
load from the amplifier until the cause of the offset is removed.
The same circuit immediately disconnects the load
when an abnormal dynamic condition occurs (for example,
when a interconnect is inserted on the amplifier input when it is
on).
The circuit is also effective when a fault or malfunction of the
amplification circuit occurs.
As further safety guarantee of the amplifier, a specific circuit
senses the temperature of the heat sinks and disconnects the load
(thus reducing the power dissipated by the output devices to a
minimum) when their temperature rises too much.
All of Partenope features are implemented by a microcontroller.
It receives commands by the controls on the front panel or by a
remote control. Some features (as phase inversion of selected
input or front panel’s led indicators switch off) are available on
the remote control only. Partenope may also be set in standby,
mode in which its power consumption is strongly reduced, while
complete switch-off is obtained by operating the main power
switch on the back panel, close to the mains socket.
Partenope is also provided with a trigger input for remote
activation by an external controller, and with a 12VDC trigger
output to activate another component
.
Being its line circuit DC-coupled, Partenope is provided with
sophisticated protection circuits against DC offset on its outputs,
to protect both the power amplifiers and the loudspeakers.
Partenope’s controller continuously monitors the offset on
outputs and when it grows beyond a safety limit, the output
relay disengage and the outputs are effectively isolated until the
offset disappears.
A part of this circuit manages the burn-in transient of the tubes
at switch-on.
“Diamond”
input stage
Sophisticated and
non-intrusive
protections
Protections against
DC offset

12

13
Unpacking
Warning! DO NOT try to lift or move Partenope without
adequate assistance. Failure to follow the procedures
included in this section may result in personal injuries
and/or product damage.
Partenope is a heavy and massive amplifier. Its weight is 31 kg
(68.34 lbs.) without packaging, 43 kg (94.80 lbs.) with
packaging. Don’t get fooled by its small size: its weight is
enough to cause injuries to your spine, more so when it’s not
possible to use a correct lifting technique. Two people are
required to lift and shift Partenope.
DO NOT try to extract Partenope from its packaging
without help.
DO NOT try to lift Partenope while bending on it. When
lifting it, keep your back vertical as much as possible,
using your legs to lift the amplifier.
When extracting Partenope from its packaging:
●DO save all packaging materials for possible future shipping
needs.
●DO inspect Partenope for signs of damage during shipment.
If damage is discovered, contact an Absoluta authorized
dealer for assistance.
Warning!
Warning!

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Installation Considerations
Partenope requires special care during installation to ensure
optimal performance. Pay particular attention to the precautions
included in this section and to other precautions included
throughout this owner’s manual.
●DO review “Important Safety Instructions” and “Power
Requirements” before installing Partenope.
●Do place Partenope on a solid, flat, level surface, such as a
table, a shelf or the floor.
●DO position Partenope close to the associated loudspeakers
to keep loudspeakers wires as short as possible. If necessary
use longer
interconnect cables between Partenope and other sources.
This is preferable because interconnect cables pass low-
voltage signals, which transmit over distances with greater
accuracy than the high-voltage signals required by loud-
speakers.
●DO allow at least 15cm clearance behind Partenope for the
power cord and other cables to bend without crimping or
straining.
●DO see “Dimensions” for assistance with custom
installation.
●DO NOT position Partenope near low-level components.
This amplifier is capable of producing massive output
currents
which could generate significant magnetic fields that could
induce noise in some sensitive components.
●DO NOT place Partenope on a windowsill or in any other
location in which it will be exposed to direct sunlight. Solar
radiations can damage it or alter its color.
BEFORE moving Partenope, make sure it is powered off
using the power cocker switch on the back panel. Then,
make sure that the power cord is disconnected from the
AC mains connector and from the power outlet.
DO NOT attempt to move Partenope without adequate
assistance. Proper lifting requires at least two people.
Partenope dissipates the heat produced during operation through
two massive heat sinks placed laterally to the cabinet, and
thanks to several venting holes located on the bottom and on the
Placement
Warning!
Ventilation

15
Installation Consideration (continued)
top of the cabinet. The hot air coming out of these holes finds it
way thanks to a particular design of the external shell.
When Partenope is placed in a position in which a correct air
flow is provided, its proper operation is ensured at every
listening level and with every loudspeaker.
Due to the high bias of output devices, Partenope produces
relevant heat even when idle. The heat sinks can become very
hot during high volume listening. Please consider that a
temperature of 40°C makes the heat sinks too hot to touch with
bare hands. Thermal protection triggers when the temperature of
the heat sinks reaches 70°C.
●DO select a dry, well-ventilated position, out of direct
sunlight.
●DO NOT obstruct venting holes on the bottom and on the top
of the cabinet or on the outer shell. Do not reduce air flow
through the cabinet and around the heat sinks.
●DO NOT place Partenope on a thick carpet. Do not cover it
with a cloth, as this would impede proper cooling. If
Partenope is placed on the floor, use a thick tempered glass
sheet to provide a stable base and to provide adequate
venting.
●DO NOT expose Partenope to high temperature, humidity,
steam, smoke, dampness or excessive dust. Do not install
Partenope near radiators and other heat-producing appliances.

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Power Requirement
Partenope is configured to operate at the voltage present in the
Country where it is sold. Before activating Partenope, make sure
that the label on the back panel indicates the right mains
voltage.
DO NOT attempt to adjust the operating voltage. Consult
an authorized Absoluta dealer if the operating voltage is
incorrect or if the operating voltage must be changed for
relocation purposes.
BE ADVISED that different operating voltages may require
the use of different power cords and/or attachment plugs.
Contact an authorized Absoluta dealer for assistance.
Partenope does require relevant supply current. Consider
installing a dedicated AC circuit for the home entertainment
system. Contact a licensed electrician for assistance. If more
than one electric circuit is providing power to the system,
contact a licensed electrician to ensure that all components are
operating with the same, solid low-impedance round reference.
Building regulations and electrical codes differ from location to
location, making it impossible to anticipate the requirements of
high-current AC circuits such as Partenope is capable of using.
Contact a local, licensed electrician for information.
Although Partenope delivers superior performance from the first
time it’s powered on (provided that the tubes have gone through
an initial warm up phase while Partenope is in muting mode), its
performance will continue to improve as the power amplifier
reaches its normal operating temperature and various
components “break-in”. The greatest performance
improvements will occur within the first 100 hours of use.
Sound quality will continue to improve for about 300 hours.
After this initial period, Partenope’s performance will remain
consistent unless the unit is switched off. Once switched off,
after the successive switch-on, nearly half an hour will occur
before Partenope will give the best performance again.
As it is true for all tube equipment, the performance of
Partenope might reduce after several thousands of hours of use
(10,000 to 20,000, depending on the frequency of power
cycling). Should this happen, it is necessary to replace the tubes.
Contact your authorized Absoluta dealer for this purpose.
Warning!
Note
Warm-up & break-in
period
Tubes wear out

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Partenope has three operating modes:
1. Off
Power is considered disconnected from Partenope (back panel
Switch on “0” and trigger input not connected or power cord
disconnected).
2. Standby
The back panel switch in on “1”, the (the indicator is on). The
power cord is connected to the power outlet and the trigger
input is connected to the trigger output of another device, but
it’s not active. Partenope is not operative but can be switched
on activating the trigger output of the device to which its
trigger input is connected. It can be switched on also rotating
the left knob or pushing the related button on the remote.
3. On
The power cord is connected to the mains outlet and the back
Panel switch is on “1” and/or the trigger input is driven
(active) by the trigger output of another device. It is on also
when the left knob has been rotated clockwise or the related
button on the remote has been pushed.
Partenope, as every tube equipment, shows a relevant power
consumption with respect to the magnitude of the signals it
manages: for this reason, it generates relevant heat. Idle power
consumption is 60W, which are dissipated as heat.
Partenope should be unplugged from the mains outlet during
lightning storms and during extended periods of non-use.
Otherwise, it can remain connected to the mains outlet.
Although Partenope’s performance reaches its best after half an
hour of operation, it is better not to keep the unit continuously
on to have the best sound always available. This would cause an
unnecessary waste of electrical power and of tube life while not
listening to music (20,000 hours are roughly two years of
continuous operation). Partenope would be exposed to
unnecessary risks and some fundamental components would be
subject to fast ageing.
Operating Modes
Note
Non stop use

18
Operation
Front Panel
The numbers in this illustration of the front panel of Partenope
shown above correspond with the items in this section.
1. Remote IR sensors
These sensors receive the infrared signals from the remote.
Do not place any obstacles between them and the remote.
2. Standby/muting knob
By this knob it is possible to activate Partenope or to put it
into standby. It is also possible, when the unit is on, to activate
or to defeat the muting that reduces the listening level to 20dB.
The three indicators on the outer ring of the knob indicate the
status of the standby and muting features.
3. Muting indicator
This indicator turns on when muting is active. If the
off feature of the indicator is activated by the remote, this
indicator will lit for few seconds when activating muting.

19
Front Panel (continued)
4. Normal operation indicator
This indicator lights up during Partenope normal operation. If
the off feature of the indicator is activated by the remote, this
indicator will light up for few seconds when every command is
issued.
5. Standby and protection activation indicator
This indicator lights up steadily when Partenope is in standby.
The Indicator blinks during tubes warm-up after activation and
every time the DC offset protections engages. If
the indicator doesn’t stop blinking after some seconds, it’s
better to switch Partenope off and to contact an authorized
Absoluta dealer for assistance.
6. Volume knob
Set listening level by rotating this knob. The knob is motor-
operated, so it turns autonomously when setting the listening
level from the remote. A led indicator shows the rotation
angle of this knob in the darkness. If the off feature of the
indicator is activated by the remote, this indicator will light up
for a few seconds when every command is issued.
7. Input indicators
These indicators show which source (input) has been selected
for listening. Only one indicator at a time lights up. The color
of the light shows the choice of the phase for the selected
input:
blue means non-inverting phase, red means inverting phase.
If the ‘off’ feature of the indicator is activated by the remote,
this indicator will light up for few seconds when every
command is issued the selected input only: the phase setting of
other inputs doesn’t change when changing the phase for the
selected input. This way it is possible to choose the right phase
setting for each source (e.g. many tube output CD players are
inverting, while pick-ups phono preamps, tuners and other
sources generally aren’t: by inverting phase on the input to
which the tube CD player is connected, the absolute phase is
restored while listening to CD’s while not inverting it when
listening to other sources).
Note

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Front Panel (continued)
8. Input selection knob
Source selection for listening is performed with this knob.
This is a continuous rotation knob: when No5 input is selected
by rotating it clockwise and the rotation is continued, No1 input
will be selected next. In the same way, when No1 input is
selected by rotating it anticlockwise and the rotation is
continued, No5 input will be selected next.
Note