ABYSSOUND ASP-1000 User manual

ASP-1000
LINEAR PREAMPLIFIER
USER MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2
ASP-1000 basic information 2
ASP-1000 basic parameters 3
ASP-1000 Features 3
User safety and precautions 5
Package contents 6
First use –connection 7
Overview of the front panel 8
Overview of the back panel 10
Ground lift switch 11
Remote Out 11
Recommendations to achieve optimal sound performance 11
Functionality –remote control 12
Equipment maintenance 12
All information regarding the technical parameters and functional descriptions
is subject to change at any time without notice.
If you would like to obtain more information about the product, please contact
our dealer and visit our website:
www.abyssound.com

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing our preamplifier ASP-1000. We are proud that our
ASP-1000 became an element of your system.
This manual will help you clarify the rules for use of ASP-1000. It contains all the
necessary information for trouble-free, long-term use of ASP-1000 while maintaining
the best performance of your favorite music being played.
IMPORTANT: Before connecting the ASP-1000 please carefully read all the information
contained in this manual
IMPORTANT: After reading, store the manual for later use.
BASIC INFORMATION
During the design and development process, the listening tests and final tuning of
ASP-1000, we make use of long-term experience of our specialists, both in
technology and sound. The innovative solutions we apply, unheard of in other
devices of this type, enable us to achieve outstanding neutrality which a perfect
preamplifier should have.

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BASIC PARAMETERS
Gain: 12dB or 18dB
Bandwidth: 3Hz –375kHz (-3dB)
SNR: 107dB
Output voltage: 12Vrms max
Input impedance (RCA): 30kOhm
Input impedance (XLR): 50kOhm
Supply voltage: AC (50-60Hz) 220V-230V
Power consumption:
- during operation: 30W
- in a stand-by mode: <3,5W
Dimensions: (width x height x depth) 490mm x 90mm x 340mm
Weight: 9.5kg
Unbalanced RCA inputs: 4
Unbalanced DIRECT (AV) input: 1
Balanced XLR input: 1
Unbalanced RCA outputs: 2
Balanced XLR output: 1
Output TRIGGER REMOTE OUT 12V: 1
FEATURES
•Ground lift switch
•Gain adjustment: 0dB / -6dB / -12dB
•Microprocessor control of the device functions
•Operation of all preamplifier steps exclusively in class A
•An all-discrete circuit construction –there are no op-amps in the signal path

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WARNING!!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK –DO NOT OPEN!
THIS SYMBOL INDICATES THAT LIFE THREATENING UNINSULATED ELECTRICAL
VOLTAGE OCCURS INSIDE THE DEVICE, POSING A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
THIS SYMBOL INDICATES IMPORTANT ISSUES RELATED TO USER SAFETY AND
OPERATION OF THE DEVICE

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USER SAFETY
IN ORDER TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN THE
COVER. INSIDE THE DEVICE THERE ARE NO PARTS THAT
MIGHT BE DIRECTLY REPLACED OR REPAIRED BY
THE OWNER.
ANY REPAIRS OR MODIFICATIONS CAN ONLY BE
CARRIED OUT BY THE MANUFACTURER OR AN
AUTHORISED SERVICE SITE.
THE DEVICE IS INTENDED FOR INDOOR USE ONLY
AND CANNOT BE SUBJECT TO PRECIPITATION.
THE DEVICE MUST BE CONNECTED TO A SOCKET WITH A GROUNDING
PRONG.
OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS SUCH AS VASES OR FLOWERPOTS
SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THE UNIT.
PRECAUTIONS
Before starting the operation of ASP-1000 preamplifier the user is
required to read and follow the instructions:
•Before turning ASP-1000 on read this instruction.
•Keep this instruction for later use.
•Take notice of all warnings included in this instruction.
•Follow the warnings and precautions included in this instruction.
•Do not use ASP-1000 near sources of water.
•ASP-1000 should be placed in a distance from sources of heat such as heaters,
stoves or any other appliances that generate a considerable amount of heat.
•Always make sure there is enough room around ASP-1000 to enable unobstructed
air flow above and below the device.
•Do not place on the cover any objects that might obstruct the air.
•Do not place ASP-1000 on surfaces made of long fibers, such as carpets which
could obstruct the air flow below the ASP-1000.

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•Do not place ASP-1000 on unstable or tilted surfaces.
•ASP-1000 should be used with an AC voltage with the
properties according to the nameplate on the back. ASP-1000 is
made for the voltage of the country to which it has been
shipped. Plugging in to a different voltage results in the loss of
warranty. In this case the product may be dangerous and there
is a risk of damage.
•Make sure that ASP-1000 is powered from fully operational socket equipped with a
grounding prong. If you are not certain that the socket you want to plug ASP-1000 to
is equipped with a grounding prong, contact a qualified electrician.
•If the fuse blows you should replace it with a fuse of THE SAME TYPE and THE
SAME PARAMETERS as the one used by the manufacturer.
•Always disconnect ASP-1000 during a storm or when idle for prolonged time
periods (during a prolonged absence e.g. vacations).
•The power cord must be arranged in a way that does not allow other objects to
crush or chafe it. Arrange it in a way allowing safe passing by.
•Do not let any metallic object get inside ASP-1000.
•Avoid using the ASP-1000 in extremely high or low temperatures.
•All cleaning activities should be carried out with lint free microfiber cloths. Do not
use water or solvent-based solutions.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
The package contains:
ASP-1000 Preamplifier: 1pc.
Remote control: 1pc.
Warranty card: 1pc.
Manual: 1 pc.
Power cord: 1 pc.
WARNING: Pay close attention while unpacking ASP-1000. Save the original
packaging for future transportation needs.
IMPORTANT: Pay attention to the packaging. Check if there are any signs of dents or
puncture.

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FIRST USE - CONNECTION
ASP-1000 should be connected to power supply with parameters
compliant with the nameplate placed near the mains socket.
ASP-1000 undergoes factory burn-in during the tests, which takes over
50 hours. However in order to achieve the best sonic properties it requires additional
50 -70 hours of use.
After turning ASP-1000 on with the “POWER” button or with a remote control, the
preamp tests its internal circuits for about 30 seconds. After this time it is ready to
use. The sound quality reaches its full potential after a warm-up period for about 45
minutes after turning on.

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OVERVIEW OF THE FRONT PANEL
In the center of the front panel is the volume control knob. “GAIN”knob is used
to control damping and to turn on the „MUTE” function.
Switching the function is caused by turning the knob to the right (gain increase at
discrete intervals) or to the left (gain decrease at discrete intervals).
Gain regulation changes the sensitivity of the preamplifier.
It is particularly useful when using modern sources with high input signal (CD,
DAC). Available input signal damping settings:
„MUTE”, „-12 dB”, „-6 dB”, „0 dB” (no indication from any signaling diode).
Every change of setting causes a temporary muting of the ASP-1000 output.

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„INPUT” knob is used to choose the input. When switching between the inputs, a
temporary silencing of the preamp output is expected.
„DIRECT” input bypasses the preamplifier volume control to allow use in 5.1
surround system devices equipped with their own volume control.
WARNING!
„DIRECT” input bypasses the preamplifier volume control (it carries
the full input signal to the preamp output).
Plugging in a source without its own volume control to this input may
result in damaging the loudspeakers.
The user can set an appropriate damping level, independently for each input (with the
exception of the „DIRECT” input), with the „GAIN” control knob.
The microcontroller memorizes the settings, so there is no need to adjust them to a
changed input, or when the device is turned off and on again.

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OVERVIEW OF THE REAR PANEL
RCA and XLR input sockets
RCA and XLR output sockets
Mains socket with power switch, „REMOTE OUT” 12V DC output and ground lift
switch.

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GROUND LIFT SWITCH
Application of the ground lift switch.
In some cases, when devices with different grounding configurations are connected, a
distinctive hum might occur. It might be caused by a so called closing of the ground
loop in devices simultaneously connected to the power supply. In such cases it might
be helpful to disconnect the analog ground from the preamp grounding. Casing of the
device is still grounded, so normal use of the device is still safe. Only the analog
ground is disconnected, which prevents the creation of the ground loop.
In the „CHASSIS” setting the analog ground is connected to the grounding.
In the „FLOATING” setting the analog ground is disconnected from the grounding.
REMOTE OUT
„REMOTE OUT” (TRIGGER) is used to remotely turn on an external device
simultaneously with turning on ASP-1000. In order to use this function the external
device, e.g. an amplifier, must be equipped with an appropriate input, thus enabling
turning it on remotely. At the moment of turning the preamp on, 12V DC voltage
appears at the „REMOTE OUT” socket. The maximum output current is 100mA.
The external device should be connected via a 3,5 mm mini-jack.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL SOUND
PERFORMANCE
Every ASP-1000 is rigorously tested by the manufacturer in terms of the highest
quality of manufacturing, as well as the consistency of all technical parameters.
In order to enjoy the best sound quality offered by ASP-1000 owner should always
follow the below listed guidelines:
•All output and input connections should be made with high quality, shielded cables
- with connectors ensuring their firm mounting in the input/output sockets of the
ASP-1000 preamplifier.
Make sure that all the cables are properly connected.
•It is not advised to apply exceedingly long unbalanced signal cables (RCA). When
the application of long cable is necessary, we recommend using balanced cables
(XLR).
•It is recommended to check the correctness of all connections.
•In case of trouble with humming in the loudspeakers, it is advised to disconnect the
analogue ground from the grounding with the „GROUND SWITCH”

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(„FLOATING” state).
•All actions associated with connecting or disconnecting the
ASP-1000 signal cables must be carried out while the power
amplifier is turned off. It is also recommended to turn off the
preamplifier power supply.
FUNCTIONALITY –REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control is powered by two AAA batteries. Before use, remove the film
protecting the batteries from discharging.
The remote control provides the following control functions:
„POWER”: turning the device on and off.
„1 - 4”: choosing the RCA input.
„XLR”: choosing the XLR input.
„DIRECT”: choosing the external processor input.
„VOL” + / -: volume control. Pressing the +/- buttons causes a single interval
volume change, while holding it enables continuous regulation.
„INPUT” + / -: input change.
„-12dB” / „-6dB” / „0dB”: damping level change.
„MUTE”: muting the ASP-1000 output. In order to exit the MUTE mode, press the
desired damping level button.
„DIMM”: button inactive.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
All care activities should be carried out with the power plug
disconnected.
ASP-1000 preamplifier can be cleaned with lint free cloths (e.g. microfiber. Do not
use solvent-based solutions. Using very wet cloths is not allowed due to the risk of
water getting inside the device. Due to this fact it is recommended to use a dry or
slightly wet cloth. The silicone o-rings in the legs can be cleaned with a wetted
microfiber cloth. In order to preserve the surface of the casing in a perfect state it is
advised to change its position in cotton gloves (no fingerprints on the ASP-1000
casing).