ALLNIC AUDIO HPA-5000 XL User manual

ALLNIC AUDIO
HPA-5000 XL STEREO OTL/OCL
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
OWNER’S MANUAL

ALLNIC AUDIO
HPA-5000 XL STEREO OTL/OCL
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
Thank you for purchasing this Allnic Audio HPA-5000 XL Stereo OTL/OCL
Headphone Amplifier. We are certain your trust in Allnic Audio and its
dealers worldwide, as well as your appreciation for the sound of this
high-quality device, will be rewarded by its excellent operation for years
to come.
Please read this entire manual before you connect the HPA-5000 XL
OTL/OCL Stereo Headphone Amplifier to the other components of your
system and the wall outlet.
*** Information and specifications for the Allnic Audio product
described in this manual are subject to change without notice.
*** For a list of Allnic Audio distributers around the world, please
visit Allnic Audio’s website:
http://allnicaudio.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
INTRODUCING THE HPA-5000 XL STEREO OTL/OCL
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
5
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
5
SAFETY
6
CLEANING
Chassis
Connectors
6
INITIAL SET-UP
Location, Location, Location
Power Connection
Inputs
Headphone Outputs
Volume Control
6
6
7
7
7
7
INITIAL POWER ON
8
OPERATION
8
TUBES
8
TUBE BIAS
8
SPECIFICATIONS
9
WARRANTY
10
FIGURES
10
Please read about SAFETY before you attempt to use the HPA-5000 XL -
we care about our customers and the equipment, and we want you to
enjoy this product for a long time!

5
INTRODUCING THE HPA-5000 XL STEREO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
The HPA-5000 XL is Allnic Audio’s Output Transformer-less (OTL) and Output Capacitor-less (OCL) stereo
headphone amplifier. The HPA-5000 XL utilizes a true balanced Positive-Negative cancellation circuit.
The HPA-5000 XL has a voltage gain of +28dB, and a maximum output of 5 watts. It works best with
headphones having an impedance from 30 to 600 ohms.
The HPA-5000 XL has the following features:
•
High-quality, NOS tubes
•
True OTL/OCL design
•
Pure Class A operation
•
Precision 41-step single silver contact attenuator volume control. The HPA-5000 XL does not employ
a digital IC volume control or a low-cost carbon film volume control. The HPA-5000 XL has no (± 0db)
channel imbalance at any volume level.
•
New vacuum tube damping technology – Allnic Audio’s patented "Absorb GEL tube damper"
technology prevents harmful vibrations from reaching the driver tubes and, therefore, prevents
micro-phonic noise propagation in the tubes. The Allnic Audio Absorb Gel damper technology
effectively solves a problem that plagues most tube amplification systems. Provided other tube
components do not introduce micro-phonic noise into your system, with the Absorb Gel damping
system, you will enjoy a degree of transparent sound that will surprise and please you.
•
As are all Allnic Audio products, the HPA-5000 XL is fully RoHS (EU Reduction of Hazardous
Substances regulation) compliant in construction and materials
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Please check that the shipping box contains the following:
•
One (1) Allnic HPA-5000 XL Stereo OTL/OCL Headphone Amplifier – in natural aluminum or black,
depending on your order request
•
One (1) IEC type power cord
•
One (1) Owner’s Manual
Note:
1. The HPA-5000 XL ships with the tubes installed.
2. The HPA-5000 XL will work with most IEC type aftermarket power cords. The Allnic ZL-3000 and ZL-
5000 power cables will make an excellent match. Of course, only you can determine the power cord
that works most synergistically with the HPA-5000 XL in your system.
3. Be sure the HPA-5000 XL is labeled for the AC voltage of your location (110/120 – 60 Hz, or 220/230 –
50 Hz). If it is not, DO NOT connect the HPA-5000 XL to your AC mains. Contact your Allnic dealer.
We advise that you keep the box and other packing materials that your HPA-5000 XL came in. It will be
useful if you sell your HPA-5000 XL or in the unlikely event you need to ship it for service.

6
SAFETY
•Remove ALL protective cushioning material inside the tube chimneys before operation. The
tube chimneys should contain NOTHING except the tubes. You may experiment with the tube
damping rings, on or off.
•Disconnect the power cord by pulling the plug, not the cable.
•Do not attempt any repairs. Do not remove the unit’s chassis covers without specific
authorization from Allnic Audio or its authorized representative.
•Keep the power cord away from heat sources.
•Keep the unit away from liquids – do not allow any liquid to enter the interior of the unit.
•When the unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment, allow sufficient time for any
condensation to evaporate before plugging the HPA-5000 XL into an AC connection.
•See the notes on “Location, Location, Location”.
CLEANING
A. Chassis
Use only a soft, lint-free cloth dampened slightly with water only (NO cleaning fluids!) to clean the faceplate
and chassis of the HPA-5000 XL.
B. Connectors
You may use any good quality contact cleaner recommended for such applications to clean the contacts from
time to time, as you deem appropriate.
INITIAL SET-UP
A. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Like all audio products using tubes, the Allnic Audio HPA-5000 XL needs to be placed on a solid stand in a
location that provides good air circulation around the Headphone Amplifier.
•DO NOT cover the top of the HPA-5000 XL Headphone Amplifier or tube chimneys. Make sure the
unit is in a place with good ventilation. The HPA-5000 XL is about 165mm (6.5 inches) tall and
requires at least 30mm (~1 inch) clearance for good air flow above it.
•DO NOT place the unit on carpet or foam.
•DO NOT subject the unit to knocks and shocks as you move it around. This advice is meant
particularly for those who may want to place the HPA-5000 XL on some kind of after-market
isolation feet or similar devices. Dropping the HPA-5000 XL is not a good thing to do and may void
the warranty.
•DO NOT place the unit near a strong light or heat.
•DO NOT place anything heavy on the unit.
•DO NOT allow rubber or vinyl materials to rest on the unit’s chassis for long periods of time. This
could discolour the metal.
•DO place the unit on a shelf or stand that is stable and not subject to vibration or sudden shock.
•DO consider using a high quality power cord and interconnects, for both AC power and inputs. The
HPA-5000 XL is a highly sensitive piece of electronic designed for neutrality and will output what

7
you put into it. Allnic’s Zero Loss Technology cables will work synergistically with the HPA-5000 XL.
•DO try to place the HPA-5000 XL away from major sources of RFI and EMI; though well shielded, the
HPA-5000 XL will function best away from large power transformers and other sources of such
interference.
B. POWER CONNECTION
The HPA-5000 XL uses a standard three prong male IEC connection for AC input. You need to use a power
cord with a female three prong IEC connector at one end (See Figure 1).
The HPA-5000 XL power supply you have purchased is set internally. There is no way to change this to
another AC setting without return of the unit to the factory for re-wiring, at the owner’s cost, including
transport both directions.
C. INPUTS
There is one (1) pair of Unbalanced (single-ended - RCA) inputs and one (1) pair of Balanced (XLR) inputs.
These two input pairs are located on the rear of the HPA-5000 XL (See Figure 3).
The inputs are selected for listening by using the button located between the RCA and XLR inputs See
Figure 3). Having the button out selects the Unbalanced, RCA input pair; pressing the button in selects the
Balanced, XLR input pair 2.
The HPA-5000 XL has been designed and manufactured to work most synergistically with Allnic Audio
phono preamplifiers, DACs and ZL Technology cables.
D. HEADPHONE OUTPUT
The HPA-5000 XL is equipped with two headphone outputs or “jacks”. One, located on the left side of the
front panel between the power button and the volume control is a one quarter inch (1/4 inch) RCA
headphone output connection. The second headphone output is a balanced, XLR, connection and is
located on the right side of the front panel. Both outputs have a headphone icon located just below them
(See Figure 2).
E. VOLUME CONTROL
The HPA-5000 XL’s volume control is the large knob in the centre of the HPA-5000 XL’s front panel (See
Figure 2). It rotates clockwise (gain increased) and counterclockwise (gain reduced). Below the knob is a
“wedge” icon indicating that the furthest extent of the counterclockwise turn is the lowest gain, while
the furthest extent of the clockwise turn is the highest gain. The numbers correspond to the hours on a
clock for easy gain setting reference and recall.
NOTE:
BE CAREFUL about differences in gain between your sources. Generally, disc players, streamers, DACs, and
tuners will have greater gain than phono pre-amplifiers. That means the volume setting for listening to your
turntable might be too high for listening to other source devices.

8
Please set the HPA-5000 XL’s volume control at “0” when switching between inputs 1 and 2.
INITIAL POWER-ON
Once you have your HPA-5000 XL in place and all connections have been made to your source, you are ready
to turn on the power for your HPA-5000 XL. Before you power up the HPA-5000 XL, though, be sure you have:
•
removed ALL the cushion materials from inside the tube chimneys.
•
turned the volume control of the HPA-5000 XL down to zero by rotating the single knob on the front of
the HPA-5000 XL counterclockwise until it stops.
•checked that all your connections are snug
To turn on the HPA-5000 XL, press in the button switch on the left of the front panel. Pressing the power
button again will power down the HPA-5000 XL (See Figure 2). Above the power button is a light. The light
illuminates when the power is on.
OPERATION
Operation is straight-forward. Volume is controlled by the volume knob and inputs are selected with the
input button, as explained above.
When you are finished listening, first turn off your HPA-5000 XL by pressing the power switch on the right
hand side of the unit’s front panel; then turn off your sources.
In the case of any failure, please contact your Allnic Audio dealer for assistance.
TUBES
The HPA-5000 XL uses the following tubes (See Figure 3):
•Four (4) x NOS 7233 triode
•Two (2) x NOS E-180CC double triode
•Two (2) x NOS 6AN8 triode-pentode
All consequences of changing or attempting to change tubes are borne by the user unless by express
agreement between the owner and the owner’s Allnic dealer. Allnic Audio and its authorized representatives
are not liable in any way whatsoever for any injury or loss incurred by the user or for damage to the HPA-
5000 XL, any of its parts, or tubes or replacement tubes resulting from the user changing or attempting to
change tubes.
TUBE BIAS
Tube bias is monitored by viewing the meter for each of the right and left channels, located on the top of the
chassis (See Figure 3). Bias is correct if the meter’s needle is in the center section of the meter, between the
green and red sections. Tube biasing, if required, is performed by using a small screwdriver to rotate the
yellow bias screw directly above the relevant meter so that the meter needle is in the center section of the
meter, between the green and red sections.

9
SPECIFICATIONS FOR:
THE ALLNIC AUDIO HPA-5000 XL STEREO OTL/OCL HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
Inputs:
One (1) pair Unbalanced (RCA). One (1) pair Balanced (XLR)
Headphone Output:
One (1) one-quarter inch (1/4”). One (1) four-pin Balanced
(XLR)
Frequency Response:
20Hz ~ 20KHz (±0.3db)
Voltage Gain:
+28dB
Optimum Headphone
Impedance:
Thirty (30) to six hundred (600) ohms
Output Wattage:
Five (5) watts
Maximum Input Voltage:
Five (5) volts RMS
THD
(Total Harmonic
Distortion):
Less than 0.03% (1KHz, Output 1V)
S/ N Ratio:
-68db (CCIR, 1KHz)
Power Consumption:
70 Watts
Tubes:
•6AN8 – New Old Stock – first gain stage – no equivalents
•E-180CC - New Old Stock - Second gain stage -
approximately electrically (not sonically) equivalent:
CV8431, 7062, 5965, 12AV7, 6414, 6829
•7233 – New Old Stock – no equivalents
Fuse:
AC 2A, 250V
Dimensions:
230mm (~9.1 inches) x 380mm (~12.3 inches) x 165mm (~6.5
inches) (W x D x H)
Weight
Unpacked:
Packaged:
9 Kg (~19.9 lbs)
11 Kg (~24.26 lbs)

10
WARRANTY
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED ALLNIC DEALER.
All Allnic Audio amplifier products are warranted against materials and manufacturing defects for parts,
excluding tubes, and labour for two (2) years from date of purchase. Tubes are warranted against materials
and manufacturing defects for one (1) year from date of purchase. The warranty is transferable for the
balance of the original purchaser’s warranty period, provided, as stated below, no unauthorized repairs or
modifications have been performed on the product. Date of purchase is the date indicated on the invoice
for the product issued by Allnic Audio or its authorized representative. For the warranty to be valid, a
defective product must be returned to Allnic Audio’s authorized representative for service prior to any
unauthorized attempt to repair. Any repair work on an Allnic Audio product not specifically authorized by
Allnic Audio or its authorized representative will void the warranty on the product.
FIGURES
Figure 1 – HPA 5000 XL Rear Panel View

11
Figure 2 – HPA-5000 XL Front Panel View
Figure 3 – HPA-5000 XL Top View