Perreaux SX25i User manual

Silhouette SX
25
i
25W Integrated Amplifier
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.

2
i
ii
i Introducing the
Perreaux Silhouette Series
Desi ned as a ran e of hi h quality, yet affordable modules; the
‘Silhouette’ series will compliment and enhance your existin
system.
Drawin on our extensive knowled e ained from more than a
quarter of a century of developin hi hest quality audio products,
the ‘Silhouette’ concentrates our le endary desi n and build
quality into a compact packa e without sacrificin performance.
The Perreaux ‘Silhouette’ series provides performance levels
never before seen in its class.
Key Features
 Class A si nal sta es
 Hi hest quality internal power supply featurin a custom
desi ned, fully shielded toroidal transformer and 13200µF
of smoothin capacitance
 Optimal internal layout incorporatin total separation
between channels
 Enhanced audio desi n featurin hi hest quality PCB and
minimal internal wirin
 Preout connections
 Hi h current drive
 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 SX25i Inte rated
Amplifier.

3
ii
iiii
ii Important Safety Instructions
Note:
Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to
operate your Perreaux “Silhouette” SX25i Integrated
mplifier.
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 SX25i with the cover removed.
NEVER use any liquid inside the SX25i.
NEVER bypass any fuse.
NEVER attempt to repair the SX25i. In the event of a problem,
please contact your Perreaux dealer.
NEVER expose the SX25i to extremely hi h or low
temperatures.
NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

4
iii
iiiiii
iii Table of Contents
i Introducing the Perreaux Silhouette Series ....................................
ii
iiii
ii Important Safety Instructions............................................................. 3
iii
iiiiii
iii Table of Contents .................................................................................. 4
1
11
1 Unpacking and Placement .................................................................. 5
Instant Install .......................................................................................... 6
3
33
3 Front Panel Functions .......................................................................... 8
4
44
4 Rear Panel Functions ............................................................................ 9
5
55
5 Special Design Philosophies..............................................................11
6
66
6 Special Design Features .....................................................................13
7
77
7 Care and Maintenance .......................................................................15
8
88
8 Warranty Information ........................................................................16
9
99
9 Extended Warranty Registration Form..........................................17
10
1010
10 Troubleshooting Guide ......................................................................18
11
1111
11 Specifications........................................................................................ 0
1
11
1 Physical Dimensions............................................................................ 3
13
1313
13 Contact Details ..................................................................................... 4

5
1
11
1 Unpacking and Placement
Unpacking
Procedure
The SX25i 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 foam protectin end-caps off either side of the unit and
remove the black material coverin .
The SX25i Inte rated amplifier is now unpacked and ready for
further installation.
Note:
Please retain all packaging material for future transport.
Box
Contents
1 x SX25i Inte rated amplifier
1 x Product manual
3 x Performance analysis charts
1 x Detachable AC power cord
Placing Your
SX 5i
The SX25i should enerally be placed close to your source
equipment, thus keepin interconnect cablin between the SX25i
and associated components as short as practical. This will reduce
the systems susceptibility to radio frequency interference and the
ne ative effects associated with lon cables.
Ventilation
Requirements
The SX25i is a convection cooled amplifier. For optimal
performance, the unit MUST receive adequate ventilation.
 Please do not cover the product with a cloth or similar.
 Please do not mount the SX25i directly onto carpeted
surfaces.
In the event that the SX25i is to be incorporated into custom
cabinetry, please refer to the dimensional information provided in
the Physical Dimensions section of the manual (Chapter 12).
Note:
Please take all necessary steps to ensure that the unit
receives adequate ventilation

6
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 SX25i. 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 SX25i manual thoroughly
as it incorporates many features, which will enhance its
operation.
Placement
The SX25i is a convection cooled amplifier and best results will
be achieved when placed on a solid surface with adequate
ventilation. DO NOT place on a carpeted floor or cover the
amplifier!
Place the SX25i close or near the source component in order to
make as short a connection as possible.
Turn off associated components
This minimises the potential to dama e any other components
when connectin your SX25i into the system.
Connect source to SX 5i
Connect the audio output from the source component to the
inputs at the rear of the SX25i. Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear Panel
information.
Connect loud speaker cables to SX 5i
Connect your left and ri ht channel loudspeaker leads to the
bindin posts at the rear of the amplifier. Refer to Chapter 4 for
Rear Panel information.
Note:
Make sure the nominal impedance of the loudspeakers is
not lower than 2Ω.

7
Switch on SX 5i
Caution!
Prior to connecting the C 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.
Insert the power cord supplied into the rear of the SX25i and into
the wall. Switch on the socket at the wall and turn on the power
of the SX25i by settin the power switch down.
Switch on source component
Power up your source component and start your favourite
recordin . Slowly increase the SX25i 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 hot cup of coffee. You’ll find
the whole experience much more pleasurable whilst listenin to
music.

8
3
33
3 ront Panel unctions
Power LED
This blue LED indicates the power status of your SX25i
inte rated amplifier.
Volume Control
The hi h-quality, machined aluminium knob is the sole user
interface, remindin the user at every touch of the superior build
quality desi ned into the SX25i. Volume control motion is
smooth and accurate, providin absolute control with near
infinite ain resolution.

9
4
44
4 Rear Panel unctions
Right and Left Speaker Binding Posts
Bindin posts are clearly marked and colour coded RED Positive
(+) and BLACK Ne ative (-). This polarity must be observed
when connectin loudspeakers, i.e. positive terminal of the
SX25i to the positive terminal of the loudspeaker and ne ative
terminal of the SX25i to the ne ative terminal of the
loudspeaker.
Caution!
Never connect the amplifier’s output terminals to any
device other than a loudspeaker.
Please do not short-circuit the amplifier’s output terminals.
Never connect the output of one amplifier to the output
terminals of another amplifier.
Do not over-tighten the binding posts on your amplifier.
Right and Left Line Inputs
Input from source component, accepts a standard unbalanced
(RCA) input. 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 11.

10
Serial Number/Voltage Label
The serial number is unique to your SX25i. 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.
On/Off Switch
When operatin the switch down, power is applied to the SX25i.
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.
Right and Left Preouts
The preamp level output accepts a standard unbalanced (RCA)
connector. This si nal is adjusted with the volume control and is
ideal for connection to an active subwoofer or second amplifier
in a bi-ampin confi uration. The left channel connection is on
the ri ht when lookin from the rear, indicated by the white inner
rin .

11
5
55
5 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 SX25i 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. t 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 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.

12
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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6 Special Design eatures
Construction
The SX25i is stylish and unobtrusive. 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 lar e
volume control knob. These are finished in durable and stylish
satin chrome finish electroplate. On/off status is provided via a
discreet blue LED inset into the front panel. The chassis and
cover are both manufactured from heavy au e steel. No cover
fixin screws are visible. These minimalist stylin cues combine
seamlessly to allow form and function to blend in harmony and
are typical hallmarks of the Perreaux brand.
Circuit
Topology
Compact
At 216mm (8.5”) wide x 58mm (2.3”) hi h x 190mm (7.5”) deep
the SX25i is extremely compact.
Integrated
By eliminatin the interface between separate pre and power
amplifiers and removin concerns about impedance matchin ,
the SX25i provides a shorter, purer si nal path without costly
exposed interconnect cables and separate power cords.
Unsurpassed
Performance
Capable of continuously deliverin 25w per channel into an 8Ω
load and 35W into 4Ω, the SX25i is powerful. When correctly
matched to loudspeakers, the SX25i will deliver unsurpassed
performance in its class and will effortlessly drive a vast array of
smaller loudspeakers with the control and authority that people
have come to expect from Perreaux products.

14
Finest
Quality
Components
Used
Throughout
The SX25i features a 98VA toroidally wound mains transformer
directly soldered to the PCB, Wima / Elna brand capacitors,
hi hest quality Zobel network, customized internal heat sink
solution and mains and channel fusin . The PCB is double-sided
and constructed from the hi hest quality fibre lass base stock
featurin 2oz tracks.
The Power
Supply
Perreaux has specially developed a fully shielded 98VA internal
toroidal based power supply. No fewer than six filter capacitors
are coupled in parallel providin a total of 13,200uF of power
supply smoothin , keepin ripple to a minimum. As a result the
power supply is extremely ri id, capable of deliverin
instantaneous power requirements demanded by musical
transients. The result is si nificantly improved dynamic
capabilities.
Simple
control
functionality
Front panel features on/off LED indication and volume control
knob. The rear panel comprises a mains input receptacle,
allowin the cord set to be up raded if desired, mains switch,
hi h quality speaker bindin posts, RCA line input and preout.
Single
Channel
Block
Diagram
Ultra Short
Signal path
Careful attention has been paid to the si nal path within the
amplifier. It is ultra short, uarded by round planes where
necessary and carefully routed to avoid contamination from
power supply and hi h current bearin sections.
Input Stage
Utilisin a stable current source, alon with accurate current
mirrorin circuitry, the input sta e of the SX25i, in combination
with the overall circuit topolo y, provides precise detail
resolution and definitive sonic transparency.
PCB Layout
Special attention has been lavished on the PCB layout. The unit
is symmetrical in desi n with each channel bein isolated from
the other. The super clean custom desi ned power supply is
physically se re ated from the rest of the sensitive electronics.
Signal
Ground
Special attention has been paid to round planes to maintain
sonic purity. All si nal roundin is optimised to provide a
platform for a black back round and increased dynamic ran e.

15
7
77
7 Care and Maintenance
Note:
Please switch the unit off and remove the cord set from the
rear of the mplifier before attempting to clean your SX25i
in the manner described below.
Never apply liquid directly to the SX25i.
Never use abrasives.
Never rub in a circular motion.
Cover
The cover features a durable hi h quality powder coat finish. To
remove fin er marks and dirt, li htly rub the surface with a soft
cloth.
If the dirt is not removed, dip your cloth in a mild solution of
soap and water, squeeze excess moisture from it and then ently
reapply to the surface.
Stubborn dirt may be removed by the application of a small
quantity of isopropyl alcohol, applied directly to the cleanin
cloth only, and reworkin the effected area.
Front Panel
The SX25i front panel features a hi h quality electroplate finish.
Over time the surface may retain fin er marks and may need to
be cleaned to restore it to ori inal condition.
Regular Cleaning
Gently wipe the front panel with a very clean cotton cloth. Wipe
across the surface and never in a circular motion.
Removing Stubborn Marks
Only attempt this infrequently, as too re ular or vi orous
application may dama e the surface.
Apply a small quantity of any car polish containin carnauba
wax to a very clean cotton cloth.
Note:
The car polish must state “Safe for Clear Coats” as the polish
will therefore contain the absolute minimum amount of
abrasive compound.
Gently wipe over the front panel in lateral motion, allow to dry
then ently wipe off with a very clean cotton cloth.

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8 Warranty Information
1 Year
Limited
Warranty
The Perreaux SX25i is warranted free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use for a period of 1-year (365
days) from the date of purchase.
To extend the warranty of the Perreaux SX25i to three (3) years
from date of purchase, please return a fully completed warranty
re istration form alon with a copy of the ori inal receipt of
purchase to:
Perreaux Industries Ltd
PO Box 305
Mos iel
Dunedin 9053
New Zealand
For the Extended Warranty Re istration Form, please refer to
Chapter 9.
3 Year
Extended
Warranty
The extended warranty for the Perreaux SX25i is three (3) years
from the date of purchase. If durin the warranty period the
SX25i exhibits defects in materials and/or workmanship, it will
be repaired or replaced, at our option, without char e for either
parts or labour, at our factory in New Zealand. The warranty
does not apply to any unit that has been misused, abused or
altered.
Any unit that is not performin satisfactorily may be returned to
the factory in New Zealand for evaluation. Return authorisation
must first be obtained by either callin or writin to Perreaux
prior to shippin the unit. Perreaux Industries Ltd and it’s
authorised distributors and dealers shall not be held liable for any
frei ht or insurance char es. Frei ht and insurance char es to
and from the Perreaux factory will be the sole responsibility of
the owner of the unit.
There is no other express warranty on the SX25i. Neither this
warranty nor any other warranty, express or implied, includin
any implied warranties of merchantability of fitness, shall extend
beyond the warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for
any incidental or consequential dama es.
Obtaining
Service
In the event that you are experiencin difficulty with your SX25i,
please as a first step consult the troubleshootin uide in Chapter
10. For further assistance, please contact your Perreaux dealer.

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9 Extended Warranty
Registration Form
Please complete this form and either fax, mail or e-mail it, along
with a copy of the original receipt, to Perreaux Industries Ltd.
Fax: [phone]
Mail: Perreaux Industries Ltd
PO Box 305
Mosgiel
Dunedin 9053
New Zealand
E-mail: [e-mail]
Alternatively, complete the online Warranty Registration Form
on our website – www.perreaux.com.

3 Year Extended
Warranty Form
Name:
Address:
Suburb:
City:
Country:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Website:
Product:
S
I
L
H
O
U
E
T
T
E
S
X
2
5
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Serial No:
Dealer:
Purchase Date:
/
/
d
d
m
m
y
y
y
y

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1010
10 Troubleshooting Guide
Please use this uide if you are experiencin any problems with
the SX25i in your system. It will provide possible solutions for
some iven symptoms.
There is no
output from
my system
SX25i not turned on
Make sure the SX25i power switch is in the DOWN position.
C cord not plugged in
Check that the AC cord is plu ed into the IEC socket on the rear
of the SX25i.
Mains power not turned on
Check if the power is turn on at the mains socket on the wall.
Interconnect cables not connected
Make sure that the input and output interconnect cables are
plu ed in and are connected to the respective RCA sockets on
the rear of the SX25i.
Source not turned on
Check that your source component is plu ed in to the mains and
the power is turned on.
Source not set to play
Ensure that your source component is playin the recordin you
would like to listen to, and that pause is not pressed.
No volume setting
Make sure that the volume on your SX25i is set to a suitable
level.
SX25i set to incorrect input
Confirm that the input on your SX25i is connected to the
appropriate source output.
Loud speakers not connected
Check that your loud speakers are firmly connected via cables
into the bindin posts on the rear of the SX25i.

19
I can hear a
hum coming
through my
loud
speakers
Input sockets and/or output binding posts corroded
Check that the input and output RCA sockets and bindin posts
on the rear of the SX25i are free from corrosion.
Interconnect cables damaged
Make sure that the inte rity of your interconnect cables is sound
and they are firmly connected to your source and the SX25i.
SX25i is close to external interference
Check the proximity of your SX25i to any possible source of
EMI and/or RF interference, for example computers, televisions,
amplifiers, speakers, etc. Ideally the SX25i should be placed as
close as possible to your source.