Perreaux Silhouette SXV2 User manual

Silhouette SX
V2
Phono Preamplifier
Owners Manual

1
Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other
than those expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company
assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document,
reserves the ri ht to chan e products or specifications detailed herein at any time
without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information
contained herein. No licenses to patents or other intellectual property of Perreaux
are ranted by the Company in connection with the sale of Perreaux products,
expressly or by implication.
mboob^ru
®
is a re istered trademark of Perreaux Industries Ltd.
Terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others.

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This pa e has intentionally been left blank.

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i
ii
i Introducing the
Perreaux Silhouette Series
The Perreaux “Silhouette” series represents exceptional
en ineerin at an affordable price.
The series incorporates some of the hi hest levels of audio
en ineerin available today.
Key Features
 Hi hly flexible for any cartrid e
 Separate low noise input sta es for Movin Ma net and
Movin Coil cartrid es
 Externally adjustable load impedance and capacitance
 Multiple ain settin s
 Normal RIAA and IEC RIAA equalisation curves
 Hi hest quality internal power supply featurin a custom
desi ned, fully shielded toroidal transformer and 22000µF
of smoothin and filterin capacitance
 Extensive EMI and RFI filterin
 Optimal internal layout incorporatin total separation
between channels
 Enhanced audio desi n featurin hi hest quality PCB and
minimal internal wirin
 Movin Ma net & Movin Coil compatible
 Hi h rated output
 Compact
 Stylish
The Perreaux “Silhouette” series takes you even closer to the
elusive goal of “The Perfect Re-Creation of a Musical
Event”.
From all of us at Perreaux Industries Limited, thank you for
choosin the Perreaux Silhouette Series SXV2 Phono
Preamplifier.

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ii
iiii
ii Important Safety Instructions
Note:
Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to
operate your Perreaux “Silhouette” SXV2 Phono
Preamplifier.
ALWAYS switch off power to your system before attemptin to
connect or disconnect cables.
ALWAYS disconnect your system from the mains before
attemptin to clean your unit.
ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
ALWAYS unplu sensitive electronic equipment durin
electrical storms.
NEVER disconnect the mains earth from the system.
NEVER operate the SXV2 with the cover removed.
NEVER use any liquid inside the SXV2.
NEVER bypass any fuse.
NEVER attempt to repair the SXV2. In the event of a problem,
please contact your Perreaux dealer.
NEVER expose the SXV2 to extremely hi h or low
temperatures.
NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

5
iii
iiiiii
iii Table of Contents
i
ii
i Introducing the Perreaux Silhouette Series ....................................
ii
iiii
ii Important Safety Instructions............................................................. 4
iii
iiiiii
iii Table of Contents .................................................................................. 5
1
11
1 Unpacking and Placement .................................................................. 6
2
22
2 Instant Install .......................................................................................... 7
Front Panel Functions .......................................................................... 9
4
44
4 Rear Panel Functions ..........................................................................10
5
55
5 Customising Your SXV2......................................................................12
mpedance Loading Table........................................................................... 12
Capacitance Loading Table......................................................................... 13
Gain Setting Table.......................................................................................... 13
R AA Equalisation Curve .............................................................................. 14
Configuration Example .................................................................................... 15
6
66
6 Special Design Philosophies..............................................................16
7
77
7 Special Design Features .....................................................................18
8
88
8 Care and Maintenance .......................................................................20
9
99
9 Warranty Information ........................................................................21
10
1010
10 Extended Warranty Registration Form..........................................22
11
1111
11 Troubleshooting Guide ......................................................................2
12
1212
12 Specifications........................................................................................26
1
11
1 Contact Details .....................................................................................29

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1
11
1 Unpacking and Placement
Unpacking
Procedure
The SXV2 is packa ed for maximum protection. To open, sit the
box upri ht and cut the reinforced tape at the top of the box. The
product can now be removed.
Pull the rey foam end caps off either side of the unit and remove
the black material coverin .
The SXV2 Phono amplifier is now unpacked and ready for
further installation.
Note:
Please retain all packaging material for future transport.
Box
Contents
1 x SXV2 Phono Preamplifier
1 x Product manual
1 x Detachable AC power cord
3 x Performance analysis charts
Placing Your
SXV2
The SXV2 should enerally be placed close to your source
equipment, thus keepin the interconnect cablin between the
tone arm and phono sta e as short as practical. This will reduce
the systems susceptibility to radio frequency interference (RFI),
electroma netic interference (EMI) and the ne ative effects
associated with lon cables.
Ventilation
Requirements
The SXV2 is a low power preamplifier. Ventilation requirements
are not considered to be an important factor in product
placement.
In the event that the SXV2 is to be incorporated into custom
cabinetry, please refer to the dimensional information provided in
the Specifications section of the manual (Chapter 12).

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2
22
2 Instant Install
If you are like us, the first thin you will want to do is to play
your favourite piece of music throu h your new SXV2. The
followin instructions are written to enable you to achieve this as
quickly as possible. These are not comprehensive instructions,
but are desi ned to enable you to play music now!
Note:
Please take the time to read the SXV2 manual thoroughly
as it incorporates many features, which will enhance its
operation.
Configure SXV2 cartridge settings
Set the DIP switches on the SXV2 to correspond with the
manufacturers specifications of your particular cartrid e. Refer
to Chapter 5 for DIP switch setup information.
Placement
The SXV2 is a hi hly sensitive preamplifier and best results will
be achieved when placed away from potential interference from
other components and electrical devices, for example AC mains
cords/outlets, transformers, hi h power amplifiers, computers,
etc.
Place the SXV2 close or near the turntable in order to make as
short a connection as possible between the tone arm and
preamplifier.
Turn off associated components
This minimises the potential to dama e any other components
when connectin your SXV2 into the system.
Connect turntable to SXV2
Connect the audio output from the turntable to the inputs at the
rear of the SXV2. Also, connect the turntable earth terminal to
the earth post on the SXV2. Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear Panel
information.
Connect SXV2 to preamplifier
Connect the line level output of the SXV2 to one of your
preamplifier inputs. Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear Panel
information.

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Switch on SXV2
Insert the power cord supplied into the rear of the SXV2 and into
the wall. Switch on the socket at the wall and turn on the power
of the SXV2 by settin the power switch down.
Caution!
Prior to connecting the AC mains, please check the voltage
label on the rear panel to ensure that your unit conforms to
the power supply in your area. Never attempt to connect
the unit to the incorrect voltage.
Switch on preamplifier/amplifier
Set the volume to the minimum level and select the input that the
SXV2 is connected to.
Switch on turntable
Power up your turntable and start the player with your favourite
record. Slowly increase the amplifier volume to achieve a
comfortable listenin level.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Now that you have achieved your first objective, sit back, relax
and please read the rest of the manual at your own pace in your
favourite armchair whilst sippin a lass of wine. You’ll find the
whole experience much more pleasurable whilst listenin to
music.

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3
33
3 ront Panel unctions
Power LED
This blue LED indicates the power status of your SXV2 Phono
Preamplifier.

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4
44
4 Rear Panel unctions
Right Channel Cartridge Load Setting DIP Switch
Set these switches to correspond with the cartrid e
manufacturers recommended load fi ure. For an in depth
discussion on this, please refer to Chapter 5.
Right and Left Phono Inputs
Input from turntable, accepts a standard unbalanced input (RCA).
The left channel connection is on the ri ht when lookin from
the rear, indicated by white inner rin . For more information on
input specifications, please refer to Chapter 12.
Right and Left Line Level Outputs
Output to preamplifier, accepts a standard unbalanced input
(RCA). The left channel connection is on the ri ht when lookin
from the rear, indicated by white inner rin . For more
information on output specifications, please refer to Chapter 12.
Left Channel Cartridge Load Setting DIP Switch
Set these switches to correspond with the cartrid e
manufacturers recommended load fi ure. For an in depth
discussion on this, please refer to Chapter 5.
Phono Earth
Terminal for the earth connector from your turntable. If
roundin your turntable does not alleviate hum problems,
please consult the Troubleshootin Guide in Chapter 11.

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AC Mains Input
An IEC-standard mains input is provided at the rear of the unit.
The AC cord set is removable, allowin it to be up raded at your
will.
On/Off Switch
When operatin the switch down, power is applied to the SXV2.
Caution!
Never switch the SXV2 power ON or OFF with your
amplifier turned ON or the respective input selected.
Serial Number/Voltage Label
The serial number is unique to your SXV2. Please record this
number and store it in a safe place. For any service related
enquiry, please be prepared to quote the product serial number to
Perreaux personnel or their service representative.
The volta e displayed in this area is the ONLY volta e that can
be accepted by the unit.
Caution!
Never attempt to connect the unit to the incorrect voltage.

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5
55
5 Customising Your SXV2
The Perreaux SXV2 ives you complete access to all cartrid e-
loadin parameters for each channel via the 12-way rear mounted
DIP switches.
Two DIP switches are required, as Perreaux en ineers have
meticulously laid the internal circuitry out on the internal PCB
maintainin maximum isolation between channels. Each DIP
switch should be set to be a mirror of the other.
Cartrid e load settin s should be set up to directly correspond to
the cartrid e manufacturers recommended loadin fi ure. If you
don’t know the recommended loadin of your cartrid e, please
contact the cartrid e manufacturer or your dealer for this
information.
It is recommended that you make adjustments to the settin s
usin a pen or other similar pointed object.
Impedance loadin values are set usin switches 1 throu h 5.
Capacitive loadin values are set usin switches 6 throu h 9.
Gain values are set usin switches 10 and 11.
RIAA curve is selected usin switch 12.
Caution!
NEVER change the D P switch settings of your SXV2 whilst
it is turned on.
Note:
Each D P switch should be set to be a mirror image of the
other channel.
Impedance
Loading
Table
Use this table to match the impedance loadin characteristics of
your SXV2 to that recommended by your cartrid e manufacturer,
where switch in UP position is OFF and switch in DOWN
position is ON. Consult your cartrid e documentation for the
correct impedance fi ure.
R Load Dip Switch Setting
( Ω ) 1 2 3 4 5
47000 UP UP UP UP UP
24000 DOWN UP UP UP UP
10000 UP DOWN UP UP UP
1000 UP UP DOWN UP UP
100 UP UP UP DOWN UP
10 UP UP UP UP DOWN

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Capacitance
Loading
Table
Use this table to match the capacitance loadin characteristics of
your SXV2 to that recommended by your cartrid e manufacturer.
Consult your cartrid e documentation for the correct capacitance
fi ure.
If no capacitance value is recommended, use the lowest settin .
C Load Dip Switch Setting
(pF) 6 7 8 9
27 UP UP UP UP
74 DOWN UP UP UP
127 UP DOWN UP UP
297 UP UP DOWN UP
417 UP UP UP DOWN
Note:
Remember to factor in tonearm and interconnect
capacitance of your turntable; consult your turntable
documentation for these values. See example following for
explanation.
Gain Setting
Table
Use this table to confi ure the ain characteristics of your SXV2
to suit the output volta e of the cartrid e you are usin , where
switch in UP position is OFF and switch in DOWN position is
ON.
Consult your cartrid e documentation for its rated output volta e.
Set the ain confi uration where the “Sensitivity” of your SXV2
is within ±50% of your cartrid e output volta e. If no
confi uration falls into this bracket, use the settin with the
sensitivity hi her than your cartrid e output volta e.
ain Sensitivity Mode Dip Switch Setting
(dB) (mV) 10 11
40 7.50 MM UP DOWN
50 2.37 MM DOWN DOWN
60 0.75 MC UP UP
70 0.24 MC DOWN UP
Note:
f more than one setting falls within ±50% of your cartridge
output voltage, the lower sensitivity configuration will
result in greater dynamic range, the higher will be less
susceptible to clipping.
Note:
Rated output is 0.75V
RMS
.
Sensitivity value measured at rated output.
Gain measured at 1kHz.

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RIAA
Equalisation
Curve
Two RIAA equalisation settin s are selectable – Normal and
IEC. The equalisation curves are indicated by the charts below.
Please select the appropriate equalisation settin for your
recordin or accordin to your personal preference.
RIAA DIP Switch
Curve 12
Normal UP
IEC DOWN
Normal RIAA Curve
IEC RIAA Curve

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Configuration
Example
Please use the followin example of the popular Thorens TD 295
Mk IV turntable equipped with an Ortofon Super OM 40
(Movin Ma net) cartrid e as a uideline.
Thorens TD 295 Mk IV specifications
Tonearm and lead capacitance: 160pF
Ortofon Super OM 40 specifications
Recommended load resistance: 47kΩ
Recommended load capacitance: 200pF-400pF
Rated output volta e: 4.0mV
SXV2 confi uration
Resistance loadin : 47000Ω
Capacitance loadin : 74pF
(SXV2 capacitance + turntable capacitance = total load capacitance
74pF + 160pF = 234pF satisfying the recommended 200pF-400pF)
Gain: 50dB
(based on Sensitivity bracket of 4.0mV±50% ⇒ 2.0mV-6.0mV)
RIAA equalisation curve: Normal
DIP Switch Settin (left channel)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11
12
U
U
U
U
U
D
U
U
U
D
D
U
Note: D = switch in DOWN position U = switch in UP position
Note:
The right and left D P switches are a mirror image of each
other.

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6
66
6 Special Design Philosophies
Perreaux has been desi nin and manufacturin only the hi hest
quality audio componentry for more than a quarter of a century.
Technolo y has continued to evolve rapidly over that time and
our knowled e and application of desi n, materials and
manufacturin techniques has advanced in tandem with this.
Today’s Perreaux ran e comes closer to fulfillin our shared
vision than at any other time in the past.
The SXV2 has been developed to meet customer demands for
compact hi her quality products. Careful attention has been
taken throu hout the development phase, not to make
compromises that would de rade the hi h quality of reproduction
that the unit is capable of deliverin .
To follow is a discussion on some of Perreaux desi n
philosophies that have been incorporated into the entire ran e.
Minimalist
Design
Leadin British architect, John Pawson, writes:
“The Minimum can be defined as the perfection
that an object achieves when it is no longer
possible to improve it by subtraction. This is the
quality that an object has when every component
every detail and every junction has been reduced
or condensed to the essentials. It is the result of
the omission of the inessentials”.
Perreaux has historically embraced the minimalist ethic from an
audio desi n perspective only. The concept of “less equatin to
more” has been at the heart of all Perreaux audio desi ns for
more than a quarter of a century. Our current product offerin
takes the minimalist ethic to new levels by totally embracin the
concept.
Minimalist Electronics
We wish to maximise the quality of your listenin pleasure by
keepin the componentry and si nal path as uncluttered, short
and clean as possible. All components in the si nal path, even
those of the hi hest quality have an effect on the si nal, thereby
alterin the quality of the reproduction in some way. Our aim is
to recreate in its entirety, the ori inal performance by not addin
or subtractin anythin , irrespective of the source.

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Minimalist Aesthetics
Our products appeal to those who seek the ultimate in audio
exclusivity, namely the perfect blend of “form and function”.
“Form and function” are both tou h masters. We make no
excuses for producin some of the most distinctive hi h-end
audio products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend
to ether in perfect harmony. This surely is the essence of true
minimalist utilisation.
Minimalism in a Wider Context
John Pawson writes:
“Clearly simplicity has dimensions to it that go
beyond the purely aesthetic: it can be seen as the
reflection of some innate inner quality or the
pursuit of philosophical or literary insight into the
nature of harmony reason and truth”.

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7
77
7 Special Design eatures
Construction
The front panel is made from hi h quality solid 6.0mm (0.2”)
thick aluminium extrusion featurin our trademark machined
Perreaux lo o and finished in durable and stylish satin chrome
electroplate. On/off status is provided via a discreet blue LED.
The chassis and cover are both manufactured from heavy au e
steel. No cover fixin screws are visible. Minimalist stylin cues
combine seamlessly to allow form and function to blend in
harmony and are typical hallmarks of the Perreaux brand.
Circuit
Topology
The Power
Supply
The SXV2 has an internal power supply. These desi ns are
invariably more sophisticated than those featurin external plu
in power packs. Special attention must be paid to shieldin ,
supply transformer desi n, capacitance and earthin .
Perreaux has specially developed an overrated, fully shielded,
internal toroidal power supply for the phono supply. 22000µF of
capacitance and extensive RFI and EMI filters are employed to
provide a “rock-solid”, low noise, linear re ulated, DC supply.
R & C
Loading
With 10Ω to 47kΩ of Resistance loadin and 27pF to 417pF of
Capacitance loadin selectable via external DIP switches,
Perreaux en ineers have desi ned the ultimate flexibility to
enable the user to match any cartrid e without the hassle of
openin the unit.

19
Gain
With a ain ran e of +40dB to +70dB, the SXV2 is incredibly
sensitive. Workin in combination with the wide selection of R
and C loadin the user has no need for messy MM/MC jumpers
as any type of cartrid e can be matched via the external
selectable DIP switch settin s.
Single
Channel
Block
Diagram
RIAA
Equalisation
The RIAA equalisation utilises a robust architecture with hi h
precision, low noise resistors and hi hly linear, metalised
polyester capacitors for optimum si nal transfer. Deviation from
the RIAA specification is only ±0.5dB across the audio-band.
With both Normal and IEC RIAA equalisation curves to choose
from, you can be uaranteed you’re ettin the optimum from
your valued record collection.
Low Noise
Input Stages
Low-output Movin Coil cartrid es present very different source
characteristics to the phono preamplifier than hi h-output
Movin Coil or Movin Ma net cartrid es.
The SXV2 incorporates two separate, low noise, input sta es
selectable via external DIP switches. One tailored to specifically
satisfy the requirements of interfacin to low-output MC
cartrid es, the other to hi h-output MC/MM cartrid es.
PCB Layout
Special attention has been lavished on the PCB layout. The unit
is symmetrical in desi n (note the DIP switch numbers, they are
a mirror of each other, and the input/output RCA confi uration),
with each channel bein isolated from the other. The low noise,
custom desi ned, power supply is physically se re ated from the
rest of the sensitive electronics.
Earth
Isolation
Special attention has been paid to round planes to maintain
sonic purity. All si nal roundin is isolated from mains earth.