Chord PRIMA User manual

Chord Electronics
Product Communication | English
The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
[phone]
[e-mail]
chordelectronics.co.uk
Prima
Manual
-
V.1.0

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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Contents 0.0
1.0 Safety instructions 03
1.1 Introduction 04
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 05
1.3 Dismantling & Radio 06
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment 07
2.0 Warranty 08
2.1 Warranty period & registering 09
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions 10
0.0 Contents
3.0 Getting to know PRIMA 11
3.1 Getting to know PRIMA 12
3.3 The top panel 13
3.4 The rear panel 14
3.5 The remote control 15
4.0 Setting up PRIMA 16
4.1 Placement 17
4.2 Connecting an input to 18
Prima
4.3 Connecting Prima 19
to a Power amplifier
4.4 Connecting PRIMA 20
to a recording device
5.0 How to navigate the menu 21
5.1 Basic navigation 22
5.2 Volume and balance control 23
5.3 Display 24
5.4 Viewing settings 25
6.0 Special features 26
6.1 Gain 27

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & Radio Frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.0 Safety
instructions
Safety instructions 1.0
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PRIMA | Manual
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Introduction 1.1
PRIMA is a device that
converts your sources to
705.6 or 768kHz 24-bit
PCM and achieves reconstruction
of the original analogue signal in
the ADC to a better than 16-bit
accuracy under all conditions.
Before operation, we strongly
advise you read this user manual
thoroughly.
We also recommend that you
store this user manual, along with
your original receipt of purchase,
in a safe place should you require
assistance in the future.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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Protection against
liquids & heat
1.2
Prima is not protected
against liquids of any
kind. Never place
containers of liquid on Prima.
Never allow Prima to come
into contact with moisture or
liquids; doing so could result in
electrocution or damage to the
Prima’s internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including
water that has dried, can leave
minerals that can aect the
PCB and other components,
which could eventually lead to
oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the Prima comes into contact
with moisture or liquids,
immediately disconnect from
the mains power supply, and
connected equipment and
contact Chord Electronics for
further advice.
The Prima has internal
thermal protection
which will shut down
the unit in the event of excessive
temperatures being reached.
Never operate the Prima near
sources of heat or naked flames
as this will decrease the lifespan
of the internal components. It is
advised that you do not operate
the Prima in an area of direct
sunlight or on top of significant
heat- producing devices.
Please be aware that it is entirely
normal for the Prima to become
warm during use, particularly
within a stacked configuration.
If you are concerned about the
temperatures, please switch the
device o or consider a dierent
placement.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
5 // 28

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PRIMA | Manual
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There are no user-
serviceable components
within the Prima or
its power supply. Dangerous
voltages/currents exist within
the Prima and its power
supply, posing a severe risk of
electrocution and/or fire.
Never attempt to
open, dismantle or
apply internal third-
party devices to it or insert
anything other than the listed
interconnects or headphone
adapters within this user manual.
If the Prima develops a fault or
the casework becomes damaged,
immediately disconnect from
the mains power supply and
connected equipment, and
contact Chord Electronics for
further advice.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Dismantling & radio
frequency interference
1.3
With a thick, solid aluminium
chassis, the Prima’s casework
largely protects the sensitive
internal circuitry from radio
frequency interference. However,
for optimal performance, it is
recommended that the following
points are observed:
1. Consider placing the
Prima away from
wireless routers.
2. Separate the Prima
from amplifiers using
toroidal transformers.
3. Operate mobile
phones at a distance
to avoid interference.
Although the Prima
is largely shielded, it
can generate radio
frequency interference that
may have an eect on radio
and television reception. If this
occurs, please reconsider your
placement.

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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Before connecting the Prima
to any equipment, consult the
manufacturer’s user guide to
confirm compatibility.
When connecting the Prima to
any equipment, make sure that
all devices are o, including the
Prima.
Once connected, switch all
equipment on starting with
the source and ending with the
amplification.
Initially, operate the any
connected equipment on its
lowest gain setting and lowest
volume setting, gently increasing
to a comfortable listening level.
Never operate connected
equipment to the Prima
at excessive sound levels;
permanent hearing damage and
loss can occur.
The included 15V 4000mA
power supply simply plugs into
the Prima.
If the power supply is
prematurely disconnected Prima
may still remain active for up to
15 seconds, however, this may
cause damage to connected
equipment.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Connecting your equipment 1.4
Never disconnect
the power cable
during operation.
Only disconnect when Prima
is o. If the power cable
is disconnected during
operation there is a risk
of damage to connected
equipment.
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Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions
2.0 Warranty
Warranty 2.0
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PRIMA | Manual
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2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1
At point of sale, Chord
Electronics Ltd. provides the
Prima with a comprehensive
five-year warranty* which
covers defects in materials and
workmanship through fair wear
and tear. The warranty will be
void if any other PSU other than
that supplied is used.
*The warranty is transferable
with proof of purchase, however
is not available on
ex-demonstration products.
Please use the form
below to record the
details of your purchase
in the event that these are
required at a later date, we
further advise that all purchases
are registered with Chord
Electronics at: chordelectronics.
co.uk/register-product/
RETAILER:
PURCHASE PRICE:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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In the unlikely event of a
claim, you must provide Chord
Electronics with the details of
the claim, including your original
proof of purchase and serial
number in order to validate the
nature of the repair.
Upon receipt, Chord Electronics
will make an assessment within
30 days and provide a reasonable
solution.
All warranty repairs must be
carried out by Chord Electronics
or an approved service centre to
guarantee the quality and safety
of the repair.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The
warranty does not cover connected
equipment, personal injury or
development natural patina of the
metalwork and will be null and void
if the following is applied: wilful
neglect; modification or tampering
of the product; improper use of the
product; acts of God; damage caused
by a connected device; mechanical
shock; fire or application of excessive
heat or repair/modification by a non-
authorised third-party vendor.
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
Making a claim
& warranty exclusions
2.2
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Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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3.1 Getting to know Prima
3.2 The top panel
3.3 The rear panel
3.4 The remote control
3.0 Getting to know
Prima
Getting to know
Prima
3.0
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Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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Our Prima preamp forms part of
the stylish and compact Choral
range and has been designed to
complement our Étude power
amps. Despite its compact
dimensions and space-saving
footprint, the Prima is every bit a
pedigree Chord amplifier.
With a ability to connect up to
5 inputs, Prima oers volume
and balance control, giving you
full autonomy over your system.
Prima also has a recording output
deisgned for tape.
3.1 Getting to know Prima
3.2 The top panel
3.3 The rear panel
3.4 The remote control
Getting to know Prima 3.1
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To get the very most from the
device we recommend that you
familiarise yourself with the user
manual.

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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Prima gives you a complete
control with a remote control
(page 15) but you also have a
button for main line selection
and tape line seclection. On the
front there is also a dial for both
Volume and balance.
There is also a display screen and
viewing window.
3.1 Getting to know Prima
3.2 The top panel
3.3 The rear panel
3.4 The remote control
The top panel 3.2
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IR Receiver
Viewing window
Display screen
Balance
control
Volume
control
Tape line input selectMain line input select

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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The rear panel houses
the device’s wide-ranging
connectivity, inputs and outputs.
The Prima has several inputs
and output allowing for high
flexability. Mulitple inputs can be
used all at the same time.
When installing any cable, you
must make sure that they securly
click into place.
3.1 Getting to know Prima
3.2 The top panel
3.3 The rear panel
3.4 The remote control
The rear panel 3.3
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WARNING: Do not
use any other power
supply other than
that supplied. Doing so will
invalidate your warranty.
Unbalanced RCA inputs
Line 2-5
Balanced XLR outputs
Power switch
1.5m 10a IEC mains
power
Unbalanced RCA output
recording output
Balanced XLR inputs
Line 1

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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The remote control gives you
control over your full set up. The
top section is reserved for Blu
MKII and Dave while the bottom
section is used for Prima.
Your selection on the remote
will show on the Prima display
screen. As the infra-red remote
control requires a direct line
of sight to the viewing portal,
please avoid placing objects in
front of either device.
NOTE: The volume buttons will only work
with Prima. To change inputs when DAVE is
also in the system use the side buttons to
change settings. Please see DAVE manual
on using the remote control.
3.1 Getting to know Prima
3.2 The top panel
3.3 The rear panel
3.4 The remote control
123
456
789
0
SHUF TIME
LEVEL SETUPBYPASS
OP1+2
MUTE OP1OP2
BAL- BAL+
ESC
HIF
IA
V
OK
LINE1 LINE4TP-01 TP-04
LINE2 LINE5TP-02 TP-05
LINE3MAINTP-03 TAPE
ZONE DIM LOCK
REP
DISC1 RAD DISC RAD
DISC2TAPE2 DISC2TAPE1
VIDBUS AVID BUS B
VOL-
VOL+
LINE+LINE-
TONE
The remote control 3.4
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Standby
1-9 numberic buttons
DAVE control buttons
Display time
CD Controls
Input contol
NOTE: Please only
insert AAA batteries
into the IR remote
control and observe the
correct orientation as
indicated within the remote
control. Failure to do so
could result in non-operation
or battery leakage.
Shue tracks
Mute
Prima Volume control
Prima Volume control

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to Prima
4.3 Connecting Prima to a Power amplifier
4.4 Connecting Prima to a recording device
4.0 Setting up
Prima
Setting up
Prima
4.0
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Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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Whilst the Prima operates
normally within a stack of Chord
Electronics Emsable stands along
with units such as the DAVE and
Etude, it is recommended that
you allow the device to breathe.
Allocating 10cm of space around
it to convection-cool during
operation is advised. If possible,
do not place the unit(s) inside a
cabinet.
As the infra-red remote
control requires a
direct line of sight to
the viewing portal, please avoid
placing objects in front of either
device.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
Prima
4.3 Connecting Prima
to a power amplifier
4.4 Connecting Prima
to a recording device
Placement 4.1
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Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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In order to connect up Prima
to a source, you must connect
your cables to one of the inputs
listed below. Prima can have up
to 5 inputs at once so it gives
you the flexability to fully curate
your system with minial eort
required.
First, you must ensure that Prima,
and any connecting equipment,
is turned o.
For a balanced input use the
double XLR inputs listed below.
For unbalanced inputs use the
other 4 inputs listed below.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
Prima
4.3 Connecting Prima
to a power amplifier
4.4 Connecting Prima
to a recording device
Connecting an input to Prima 4.2
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Balanced
inputs
Unbalanced
line 2
inputs
Unbalanced
line 3
inputs
Unbalanced
line 4
inputs
Unbalanced
line 5
inputs
R L R L R L R L R L
R L
Please note that each input is
arranged as a stereo pair, right
and then left. Later, when you
come to switch Prima on, each
pair of inputs will be shown as
‘LINE X’ on the display. LINE 1
begins with the pair of XLRs,
LINE 2 is the RCA pair next to
these and so on.
It should be carefully noted that
the two XLR connectors next to
the mains IEC input, as well as
the two RCA plugs directly next
to them, are outputs. You must
not connect any inputs here.

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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Using The XLR outputs shown
below, it is simple to connect the
Prima to a power amplifer such
as Étude:
1) Turn o the Prima and
any other connected
equipment.
2) Locate the XLR Outputs
on the Prima and connect
to the XLR inpute on the
choosen power amplifier.
3) Turn on all equipment,
including the Prima the power
amplifier.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
Prima
4.3 Connecting Prima
to a power amplifier
4.4 Connecting Prima
to a recording device
Connecting Prima to a Power
amplifier
4.3
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4) Allow both the Prima and
power amplifier to power up.
5) Initiate playback.
Output
R L

Chord Electronics
PRIMA | Manual
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Prima comes equipped with
recording outputs. These are
the two RCA connectors next
the output XLRs. These RCA
outputs are always live, at line
level, and cannot be attenuated.
Never connect an amplifier to
these connectors! You can select
the input to be passed through
to the recording output via the
dedicated button on the front of
the device.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
Prima
4.3 Connecting Prima
to a power amplifier
4.4 Connecting Prima
to a recording device
Connecting Prima
to a recording device
4.4
20 // 28
Output
R L
4) Select the appropriate input
on the recording device.
5) Initiate music playback and
recording.
1) Turn o the Prima and
any other connected
equipment.
2) Locate the RCA inputs
shown below and connect
your recording device with
RCA cables.
3) Turn on all equipment
including the Prima.