RAAL-requisite PDA-1a User manual

INTRODUCTION:
PDA-1a
USER MANUAL
The PDA-1a amplifier is engineered to drive all types of
Planar and Dynamic headphones. True-Ribbon and 2Ω
low impedance headphones can also be properly driven
when using our TI-1a (optional) Transformer Interface.
This includes output impedances ranging from 2 to 600
ohms.
The preferred sensitivity of classic headphones should be
in the range of 90dB to max 110dB in order to achieve
the declared pressure levels and an acceptable level of
side effects in the form of noise.
Sound quality and tone balance, at high levels, are not
reduced with headphones that are outside the
recommended sensitivity range but can cause certain
side effects that are not considered amplifier deficiencies
but limitations of the topology of phenomena that can be
seen in highly sensitive headphones over 110dB.
We sincerely appreciate your trust in our work and hope
you will benefit by a lifetime of beautiful music and joyful
ownership.
Cheers & Happy Listening,
Alex Radisavljevic
Danny McKinney
PLANAR & DYNAMIC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

PDT-1a Planar Dynamic Headphone Amplifier
Power Cable - 115VAC (North America)
All other regions; User provided - locally sourced
User Selectable Mains Voltage: 115VAC, 1A Slo-Blo Fuse,
IEC cable provided (North America).
User Selectable Mains Voltage: 230VAC, 0.6A Slo-Blo Fuse,
User provided local IEC cable.
Internally Set 100VAC Mains (Japan): 1A Slo-Blo Fuse,
User provided local IEC cable.
BEFORE TURNING AMP ON FOR THE FIRST TIME
Be sure to check that the mains voltage selector
switch is set to correct mains voltage position for
your location. The switch (red) is located on the top
panel, front left corner. Just above the power
switch.
Fuse value will differ depending on mains voltage.
115V requires 1A Slo-Blo 230V requires 0.6A Slo-Blo
What’s In The Box:
Power Requirements:
True-Ribbon Application:
TI-1a (optional) REQUIRED
The PDA-1a is also suitable for True-
Ribbon and Extremely Low-Impedance
(2Ω- 600Ω) loads, when paired with our
TI-1a Interface
CAUTION:
FOR PROPER CONNECTION
Refer to the following diagram when
expanding functionality of PDA-1a to
drive True-Ribbon Headphones or difficult
to drive loads of 2Ω- 600Ω.

AUDIO SOURCE
RCA L/R
OUTPUT
XLR L/R
OUTPUT
CONVENTIONAL
HEADPHONE
OUTPUT

INPUT

INPUT
OR
TRUE-RIBBON CA-1a
CIRCUM-AURAL

HEADPHONES
AUDIO SOURCE
CONVENTIONAL
HEADPHONE
OUTPUT

INPUT

INPUT
OR
TRUE-RIBBON SR1
OPEN-BAFFLE HP
TRUE-RIBBON CIRCUM-AURAL CA1 &
EXTREME LOW-IMPEDANCE HEADPHONE CONNECTIONS
TRUE-RIBBON OPEN-BAFFLE SR1 HEADPHONE CONNECTIONS
USE OPEN BAFFLE COMPENSATION BARRELS WITH
EITHER RCA or XLR INPUTS for SR1 AMPLIFICATION
OR
RCA L/R
INPUT
XLR L/R
INPUT
RCA L/R
OUTPUT
XLR L/R
OUTPUT
RCA L/R
INPUT
XLR L/R
INPUT
OB COMPENSATION
BARRELS for SR1

1) POWER SWITCH (illuminated):
ON (UP) - OFF (DOWN)
2) HEADPHONE OUTPUTS 1:
1 - 6.3mm TRS (female)
1 - 4-pin XLR (female)
3) INPUT SELECT:
XLR Balanced Input at rear panel
RCA Single-Ended Input at rear panel
4) OUTPUT ATTENUATION 2:
If desired, the output level of HEADPHONE OUTPUT 2
can be attenuated by -5dB or -10dB. This is a useful
feature if ever two headphones of different sensitivity
are being used, at the same time, or if one listener
prefers a lower listening level.
5) HEADPHONE OUTPUTS 2:
1 - 6.3mm TRS (female)
1 - 4-pin XLR (female)
6) VOLUME:
24-Step Precision Attenuator. Maintains solid left/right
balance, in all positions.
Front Panel Features: (left to right)

1) RCA SINGLE-ENDED INPUT (2 each):
Right - Left
2) XLR BALANCED INPUT (2 each):
3-pin Female XLR (Right & Left)
Pin-1 Ground
"Pin-2 Positive Going Phase
"Pin-3 Negative Going Phase
3) INPUT SENSITIVITY:
0dB - Center
-6dB - Down
-10dB - Up
4) GROUNDING OPTIONS (2 ea):
3-pin Female XLR (Right & Left)
Pin-1 Ground
"Pin-2 Positive Going Phase
"Pin-3 Negative Going Phase
5) FUSE HOLDER:
1A SB for 115V mains operation
0.6A SB for 230V mains operation
1A SB for100V (Japan) mains operation
(100V requires internal jumper connection)
6) IEC POWER INLET:
Standard IEC connector
Rear Panel Connections: (left to right)

SPECIFICATIONS:
Input Impedance: 80k Ohm
Input Sensitivity: 0.5V / 80k Ohm
Load impedance: 2 - 600 Ohms (headphone output)
Output Power: See Chart
Frequency Response -3dB: 500mV/sine. 10Hz - 500kHz
Distortion: 0.2% @ 1kHz
Signal to noise: > 96dB
Input Connectors (L/R): 3pin XLR (female) Balanced
"Pin-1 Ground
"Pin-2 Positive Going Phase
"Pin-3 Negative Going Phase
Input Connectors (L/R): RCA Single-Ended
"Sleeve Ground
"Tip Signal
Output connectors (2 ea): 4-pin XLR (female)
"Pin-1 Left (+)
"Pin-2 Left (-)
"Pin-3 Right (+)
"Pin-4 Right (-)
Output connectors (2 ea): 6.3mm TRS (female)
"Tip Left (+)
"Ring Right (+)
"Pin-3 left/Right (-)
Wo r k i n g vo l t a g e : 115 V / 2 3 0 VA C ( s e l e c t o r s w i t c h )
" " 100V (requires internal connection)
Power Consumption: Idle 10W, Full Output 50W
D i m e n s i o n s : H 9 0 m m x W 21 8 m m x D 3 2 0 m m
"H 3.50 in x W 8.60 in x D 12.60 in
Net Weight: 5.2kg/11.4 lbs. Shipping Weight: 6.8Kg/15 lbs.
Europe
Aleksandar Radisavljevic
ale[email protected]
Tel: [phone]
Djordja Simeonovica 4
19000 Zajecar
Serbia
U.S.A.
Danny McKinney
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
2175 Goodyear Avenue
Suite 110
Ventura, California 93003
OUTPUT POWER:
5W @ 16Ω
2.5W @ 32Ω
1.2W @ 64Ω
0.6W @ 120Ω
0.3W @ 240Ω
0.1W @ 600Ω

RAAL-requisite warrants its amplifier products to be free from defects in
material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of
ONE (1) year from the date of delivery.
This warranty is only made to the original purchaser and is not transferable.
In the event of failure of a product under this warranty, RAAL-requisite will
repair, at no charge, the product returned to its factory. RAAL-requisite may,
at its option, replace the product in lieu of repair. If the failure has been
caused by misuse, neglect, accident or abnormal operating conditions,
repairs will be billed at the normal shop rate. In such cases, an estimate will
be submitted before work is started, if requested by the customer.
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED.
This warranty does not cover:
normal wear and tear or normal aging of the product;
tubes (if applicable) are covered by a 90-day warranty;
3. cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches and dents;
4. damage through accident, abuse, neglect, misuse, natural events, or other
external causes;
5. damage through misapplication, overloading, or improper usage;
6. damage due to improper maintenance and repair;
7. damage as a result from the shipping and handling by third parties; or
8. product alterations.
Limitation of Liability:
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS WARRANTY AND TO THE MAXIMUM
EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, RAAL-REQUISITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR INJURIES
RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE; LOSS OF REVENUE;
Limited 1-year Warranty cont...
Limited 1-Year Warranty
LOSS OF ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS; LOSS OF BUSINESS; LOSS
OF OPPORTUNITY; LOSS OF GOODWILL; LOSS OF REPUTATION; OR
ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE
WHATSOEVER CAUSED INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF
EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY.
Customer Responsibilities:
Customers may be required to provide proof of purchase date, respond to
questions designed to assist with diagnosing potential issues and follow
RAAL-requisite directions to make a claim on your warranty. DO NOT
OPEN THE PRODUCT. OPENING THE PRODUCT MAY VOID YOUR
WARRANTY. To make a warranty claim:
1. Contact us either through:
phone: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
office: 2175 Goodyear Ave, STE 110. Ventura CA. 93003-7761
RAAL-requisite's Responsibilities:
1. We will try to assist you in operating or repairing your product.
2. If we determine a replacement part is necessary, we will send you a free
replacement part.
3. If we determine a replacement will not resolve your problem, we may ask
you to return your product to our warehouse. Upon receiving the product at
our warehouse, RAAL-requisite will inspect the product.
4. If we determine that the product has a manufacturing defect we will send
you a replacement part. If replacement of the part or repair of the unit is
not possible, RAAL-requisite will send you a replacement product.

If you don’t know how to install audio devices,
get a qualified professional to help.
Never use this device near water, and clean
only with a dry cloth.
Assure adequate ventilation, do not block any
ventilation openings, or place near heat
sources.
Use only the supplied power cord or suitable
replacement. Route cords away from traffic
areas and protect them from being pinched.
Unplug the cord from the outlet if the
apparatus is unused for a long period of time.
Safety
To prevent electric shock, do not use the plug
with an extension cord, receptacle, or outlet
unless blades can be fully inserted.
Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Service is required when the device
has been damaged, including cord or plug
damage, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the device, the device has
been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Safety cont...