Linn PRE-AMPLIFIER User manual

Klimax Kontrol
Owner’s Manual
English

Copyright © Linn Products Limited.First edition September 2002.
Linn Products Limited,Floors Road,Waterfoot,Glasgow,G76 0EP,Scotland,United Kingdom.
All rights reserved.No part of this publication may be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system,or
transmitted,in any form or by any means,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,or otherwise,
without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Printed in the United Kingdom.
KLIMAX,KONTROL,Linn and the Linn logo are trade marks of Linn Products Limited.
The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only,is subject to change without notice,
and should not be construed as a commitment by Linn Products Limited.Linn Products Limited assumes no
responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.
ii
Copyright and Acknowledgments

Introduction 3
Unpacking 4
Voltage selection 4
Cleaning 4
Back Panel 5
Front Panel 6
Handset 7
Source Setup 8
Operation 12
Product Lock 13
User Options 14
Technical Specification 17
Guarantee and Service 18
Important Safety Information 20
General safety instructions 21
UK users... 22
CE Declaration of Conformity & 23
FCC Notice
1
Contents

2
KLIMAX KONTROL

Dear Customer,
Linn’s KLIMAX KONTROL is a two-channel preamplifier designed for use in high performance multi-amplifier
and multi-channel audio and audio/video systems.The KLIMAX KONTROL follows Linn’s KLIMAX SOLO and
KLIMAXTWIN power amplifiers and,in partnership with them,positions KLIMAX as a family of products that
are without parallel in terms of sound performance and engineering quality.
Each KLIMAX KONTROL preamplifier is unique in its manufacture.The casing of the product is precision
machined from two solid sections of aluminium alloy.Due to the highest quality of machined finishes,it is
often possible to see the grain of the casing.This grain is part of the aluminium alloy’s structure and is
indicative of an exceptional and individual product,finished to the highest standard.
The distinctive product casework also serves to protect and stabilise the internal electronics as well as
forming the heat exchanger to dissipate any heat generated by the preamplifier circuitry.All KLIMAX
products have been designed to be internally compact. This reflects our desire to keep the audio signal
path as short and simple as possible.Applying this approach rigorously results in high density circuitry that
generates and receives the absolute minimum level of electrical noise.
As with other products in the KLIMAX range,the KLIMAX KONTROL preamplifier exemplifies Linn’s
unremitting commitment to exploiting the latest technology in order to produce ever better sounding
products.The unit’s features include Linn’s switch mode power supply and both balanced and unbalanced
inputs and outputs.
We designed this product without compromise in order to bring you as close as possible to the music you
love.We are certain that it will bring you a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction both now and in the years
to come.
Yours faithfully,
TheKLIMAX DesignTeam
3
Introduction

Unpacking
The KLIMAX KONTROL is supplied with the following accessories:
■mains lead
■handset
■silver interconnects
■warranty card
■this manual
We recommend that you retain all packaging in case you need to transport the unit at a later date.
Voltage Selection
The KLIMAX KONTROL contains an automatic internal mains voltage switch.This switch operates on all
worldwide mains voltages from 100V to 240V.Manual adjustment on the product for setting the input
mains voltage is not possible.
This unit must be earthed.Use the earthed moulded mains lead supplied.Never use an
unearthed plug or adaptor.
Cleaning
Disconnect the KLIMAX KONTROL preamplifier from the power supply before cleaning.Remove dust and
fingerprints with a soft,dry cloth.Avoid using domestic cleaning products on the unit.
4
Introduction

RS232 OUTPUT/INPUT – for operation of this product via
computer or touch-screen interface.
RC5 OUT – for control of this product in a KNEKT system
KNEKT IN – input for use in KNEKT system
RCU – KNEKT Room Control Unit input
RC5 IN - for control of this product in a KNEKT system
MAINS INPUT – global mains input (100V to 240V)
5
Back Panel
WARNING THIS APPARATUS
MUST BE EARTHED
RIGHT IN 4 RIGHT IN 3 RIGHT IN 2 LEFT IN 2
KNEKT
IN RCU
MAINS INPUT
RC5
IN
VOLTAGE RANGE
100-240V~50/60Hz FUSE TYPE:
T800mA
LEFT IN 3 LEFT IN 4
RIGHT OUT LEFT OUT
RS232
OUT
PUSH
RS232
IN
RIGHT IN 1
SEE UNDERSIDE FOR SAFETY DETAILS
RIGHT OUT
BALANCED LEFT OUT LEFT IN 1
BALANCED
RC5
OUT
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 121
13 14 171615 18
PUSH
RIGHT IN 4 – unbalanced input
RIGHT IN 3 – unbalanced input
RIGHT IN 2 – unbalanced input
RIGHT IN 1 – balanced xlr input
RIGHT OUT – balanced xlr output
RIGHT OUT – unbalanced output
LEFT OUT – unbalanced output
LEFT OUT – balanced xlr output
LEFT IN 1 – balanced xlr input
LEFT IN 2 – unbalanced input
LEFT IN 3 – unbalanced input
LEFT IN 4 – unbalanced input
The KLIMAX KONTROL should be put into standby
mode then disconnected from the mains supply before
connecting or disconnecting any of the plugs on the
back panel.If this is not done you may generate surges
which could damage the KLIMAX KONTROL or other
components in your audio/AV system.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

6
Front Panel
LINN KLIMAX KONTROL
SOURCESTANDBY +
-- VOLUME MUTE
+
--
3 1 4 52
Front panel display
STANDBY
SOURCE -/+
VOLUME -/+
MUTE
1
2
3
4
5

7
Handset
STANDBY
CD,PH 1,PH 2,TUN,TAPE 1,TAPE 2,AUX 1
Source selection keys
BAL L / BAL R Balance adjustment
VOLUME - / VOLUME +
RECORD See ProductLock,page 13.
MONO
MUTE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
7
6
5
3
4

The KLIMAX KONTROL needs to be configured for all sources it is connected to.Source setup allows you to
tell the KLIMAX KONTROL which of the back panel inputs a source is connected to,the type of source
connected and allows you to configure each source setup to suit your requirements.
Notes:
The maximum number of source setups is five.
You can save adjustments you make and exit source setup mode at any stage of the setup process,by
pressing STANDBY.
If you wish to reset the source setups to the settings defined by the installer when your KLIMAX KONTROL
was first configured,set the INSTALLER SETUP user option toYES (see UserOptions,page 15).
1 Put unit into standby mode
2 Enter source setup mode
Hold SOURCE + on the front panel or BAL R on the handset until
the display shows SOURCE SETUP (1) and the current source type
(either CD,PH1,PH2,TUN,TAPE 1,TAPE 2,AUX1 or NONE).
3 Select the source setup
To select which of the five source setups you wish to setup or adjust:
■Repeatedly press or hold SOURCE + on the front panel or BAL R on
the handset.
SOURCE SETUP 1 is for a balanced input*,SOURCE SETUPs 2,3 and 4 are for
unbalanced inputs,SOURCE SETUP 5 is for use with a KNEKT system.
* SOURCE SETUP 1 can be configured in the user options for an
unbalanced input (see UserOptions, page 14).
8
Source Setup

9
Source Setup
4 Change the source type
Select the source type to match the name of the key on the handset you wish to use.You can select a source
type more than once if you have more than one device of the same type (e.g.two CD players) connected to
the KLIMAX KONTROL.
To display the next / previous source type:
■PressVOLUME + / VOLUME -.
Possible source types for setups 1 to 4 are:CD,PH1,PH2,TUN,TAPE 1,
TAPE 2,AUX1,NONE.*
Possible source types for setup 5 are:KNEKT,NONE.*
5 Change the name for the source
You are able to give the source a name which will be shown on the
display when that source is selected.
Press SOURCE – on the front panel or BAL L on the handset.
The display shows the current name for the source with the first
character flashing.
To change the character:
■Repeatedly press or hold VOLUME + / VOLUME - to cycle forwards/backwards
through the characters.
The following characters are available:A to Z,0 to 9,space.
To move to the next character:
■Press MUTE.
Note:
The name can be up to eight characters long.
* For any source setups you are not using,select NONE.

6 Change the volume offset for the source
Volume offset is for adjusting the volume of a source in comparison to other sources.You may want to
adjust the volume offset for a source if,for example,your tuner sounds quieter than your CD player when
played at the same volume setting.
Press SOURCE – or BAL L again.
The display shows the volume offset for the source.
To increase / decrease the volume offset for this source:
■Repeatedly press or holdVOLUME +/VOLUME -.
Volume offset range is from –10 (lowest setting) to 10 (highest setting),
in 40 x 0.5 steps,with no volume offset being 0.
7 Change the balance offset for the source
Balance offset is for adjusting the balance of a source in comparison to other sources.You may want to
adjust the balance offset for a source if,for example,your tuner sounds louder through the left channel than
it does through the right.
Press SOURCE – or BAL L again.
The display shows the balance offset for the currently selected source.
To shift the balance offset to the right:
■Repeatedly press VOLUME +.
To shift the balance offset to the left:
■Repeatedly press VOLUME –.
Balance offset range is from 5 increments to the left,to 5 increments to the right.
10
Source Setup

8 Change the unity gain for the source
The unity gain setting lets you use the KLIMAX KONTROL in a multi-channel AV system.
If you are setting up an AV processor as one of your sources and the front speakers are going to be
channelled through the KLIMAX KONTROL,set unity gain toYes.In all other cases,set to No. If unity gain is
set toYes for a source other than an AV processor,the volume level from your KLIMAX KONTROL will be very
high,non-adjustable and could damage your loudspeakers.
Press SOURCE – or BAL L again.
The display shows whether unity gain for the currently selected source
is on (Yes) or off (No).
To change the unity gain setting:
■Press VOLUME +.
9 Exit source setup mode
To save your adjustments and exit source setup mode:
■Press STANDBY.
Note:
If you wish to reset the KLIMAX KONTROL to the original settings
configured by the installer,enter user options mode and select YES
for the INSTALLER SETUP option (see User Options,page 15).
11
Source Setup

This section provides general operating instructions for the KLIMAX KONTROL.
Standby mode
To exit or enter standby mode:
■Press STANDBY.
Source selection
Handset
To switch source:
■Press the key for the appropriate source (e.g.CD).
Note:
If you have used a source type more than once (see SourceSetup,page 9),repeatedly press the appropriate source
key to cycle through the available sources.
Front panel
To switch source:
■Repeatedly press or hold SOURCE +/SOURCE – until the desired source is shown on the front panel display.
Volume
To adjust the volume:
■Repeatedly press or hold VOLUME +/VOLUME –.
Volume range is from 0 to 100 (in 200 x 0.5 steps).
Muting
To mute or unmute a source:
■Press MUTE.
Balance
Handset only
To adjust the balance:
■Repeatedly press or hold BAL L / BAL R.
Balance range is from 15 increments to the left,to 15 increments to the right.
Stereo/mono switching
Handset only
To toggle between stereo or mono output:
■Press MONO.
12
Operation

The product lock prevents any changes being made to the KLIMAX KONTROL (entering standby,changing
the volume or source etc) while it is powered up (i.e.when it is not in standby mode).
Note:
To turn the product lock on,the unit must be powered up.
To turn the product lock on:
■Hold MUTE on the front panel or handset until the display shows LOCK ?
■While LOCK ? is displayed,press RECORD on the handset.The display changes to KEY LOCKED.
The product lock is now on.
To turn the product lock off:
■Hold MUTE on the front panel or handset (for approximately 12 seconds) until the display shows
UNLOCK ?
■While UNLOCK ? is displayed,press RECORD on the handset.
The product lock is now off.
13
Product Lock

14
User Options
This section explains how you can configure certain features of the KLIMAX KONTROL to suit your
requirements.
Note:
The unit must be in standby mode.
To enter user options mode:
■Hold STANDBY until the front panel display shows SLEEP DISPLAY.
To cycle through the user options:
■Repeatedly press or hold SOURCE +/SOURCE - on the front panel or BAL R /BAL L on the handset.
To adjust the setting of an option:
■Repeatedly press VOLUME +/VOLUME -.
To store settings and exit user options mode:
■Press STANDBY.
The available user options are detailed in the following table:
Defaults are shown in bold.
User Option Description Possible settings
SLEEP DISPLAY The display on the front panel when the unit is in VOLUME,LOGO,SOURCE,
sleep mode. NOTHING
SLEEPTIME The time between the audio signal ceasing and the 2s,5s,10s,20s,NEVER
unit entering sleep mode.
INPUT 1 Signal type for input 1. BALANCED,UNBALANCED
STARTUP SOURCE Source the unit is in when brought out of standby. INPUT 1,LAST SOURCE,
INPUTs 2-5
STARTUPVOLUME Volume level the unit is in when brought out of DEFAULT,LAST SOURCE
standby.
DEFAULTVOLUME Volume level the unit selects when brought out of 50/(-40dB),0/(- ) to
standby if STARTUP VOLUME (above) is set to DEFAULT. 100/(+10dB) ∞

15
User Options
User Option Description Possible settings
MAXVOLUME Upper limit on the volume control.
BINDING If set to GLOBAL,the same volume and balance
settings are used for each source.If set to
PER SOURCE,separate volume and balance settings
are allowed for each source.
PRODUCT IR Enables or disables the infra-red receiver on the
front of the unit.
REMOTE IR Allows you to specify which remote infra-red device
the unit responds to or disables operation of the
unit via a remote infra-red device.
UNITS Units in which volume level is displayed.
LOGO The graphics used as the logo in the SLEEP DISPLAY
option.
KEY RATE Rate at which volume changes whenVOLUME +/-
keys are held.
MUTE RATE Rate at which volume mutes/unmutes when
switching sources or muting/unmuting.
BRIGHTNESS Brightness of front panel display.
RS232 CONNECTION Enables or disables the RS232 circuitry.
DEVICE ADDRESS Which RC5 addresses the unit will respond to.
INSTALLER SETUP* To reset the unit to the settings defined by the
installer when the unit was first configured,set toYES.
FACTORY SETUP** To reset the unit to the settings defined at
(only appears if installer manufacture (i.e.the defaults shown in the
settings have been altered.) right-hand column and a blank set of source
setups),set toYES.
100/(+10dB),0/(- ) to
100/(+10dB)
GLOBAL,PER SOURCE
ENABLED,DISABLED
RCU,NOTHING,MOGEYE
NUMERICAL,dB
Linn logo,musical notes
21,range 1 (slowest) to 40
(fastest)
3,range 1 (slowest) to 10
(fastest)
15,range 0 (dimmest) to
15 (brightest)
ENABLED,DISABLED
HANDSET,0x10,0x13
NO,YES
NO,YES
* If set toYES,the unit will display names given to sources during initial source setup.
** To reset the factory defaults,you must first reset the installer settings (set INSTALLER SETUP option toYES) then exit
and re-enter user options mode.
∞

16

General Dimensions 60mm (H) x 350mm (W) x 355mm (D)
Weight 9kg
Power consumption 15W
Mains supply fuse 100V to 240V ACT800mA anti-surge
Mains supply range 100V to 240V AC nominal
Audio inputs Impedance (unbalanced) 10kΩ
Signal (unbalanced) 0dBV (nominal) +15dBV (maximum)
Impedance (balanced) 7.8kΩ
Signal (balanced) +6dBV (nominal) +20dBV (maximum)
Common mode rejection ratio 70dB (1kHz @ 0dBV)
Gain range Minimum to maximum -95.5dB to +9.5dB in 0.5dB steps
Audio outputs Impedance (unbalanced) 300Ω
Signal (unbalanced) +15dBV (maximum) 8V peak
Impedance (balanced) 600Ω
Signal (balanced) +15dBV (maximum) 8V peak
Frequency response 2.3Hz to 200kHz
Distortion (harmonic) 0.0025% (1kHz @ 0dBV)
Noise floor Less than -100dBV
Cross talk (channel to channel) -116dBv
Cross talk (source to source) -116dBv
Noise measurement -123dBV @ 1kHz (√1Hz)
Dynamic range 115dB
17
Technical Specification

18
Guarantee and Service
This product is guaranteed under the conditions which apply in the country of purchase and your statutory
rights are not limited.In addition to any statutory rights you may have,Linn undertake to replace any parts
which have failed due to faulty manufacture.To help us,please ask your Linn retailer about the Linn
warranty scheme in operation in your country.
In parts of Europe,the United States of America and some other markets,extended warranty may be
available to customers who register their purchase with Linn.A warranty registration card is included with
the product and should be stamped by your retailer and returned to Linn as soon as possible.
WARNING
Unauthorised servicing or dismantling of the product invalidates the manufacturer’s warranty.There are no
user serviceable parts inside the product and all enquiries relating to product servicing should be referred
to authorised retailers only.
Technical support and information
For technical support,product queries and information,please contact either your local retailer or one of the
Linn offices opposite.
Full details of your local retailer/distributor can be found on the Linn web site:www.linn.co.uk
IMPORTANT
■Please keep a copy of the sales receipt to establish the purchase date of the product.
■Please ensure that your equipment is insured by you during any transit or shipment for repair.