Solution 550 User manual

Series 5
soulution
nature of sound
550 Phono-preamplifier
User manual

- Phono-preamplifier 550
User manual
Page 1
Dear client
We are proud that you decided yourself for a soulution product. You have acquired a
preamplifier with outstanding sonic performance which you will enjoy for many
years.
We understand your eagerness to get started but even though please study this
manual step by step before you integrate the phono-preamplifier 550 in your High
Fidelity system. This manual contains also useful tips for the optimisation of your
overall HiFi-system.
If there are any questions regarding the start-up or operation of your phono-
preamplifier please do not hesitate to contact your dealer.
Have fun!
Your soulution team

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nature of sound
Page 2
CE-Declaration of Conformity
Spemot AG declares that this product is in conformance with the following direc-
tives and standards:
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EG (EN/IEC 60065:2002)
Electromagnetic Compatibility 2004/108/EG (EN 55013:2001, EN 55020:2002,
EN 61000-3-2:2006, EN61000-3-3:1995)
FCC-Notice
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are de-
signed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harm-
ful interference to radio communications. However there is no guarantee that inter-
ference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encour-
aged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
-adjust or relocate the receiving antenna
-increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
-connect the equipment into a mains outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
-consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
-
Disposal
According to the Directive 2002/96/EG of the European Parliament used
consumer-electro technical appliances have to be disposed separately
and have to be indicated with the following symbol.
In the case of disposal of this component please do so in conformity with legal and
environmental regulations.

- Phono-preamplifier 550
User manual
Page 3
Table of contents
1Technical Highlights............................................................................ 4
2Safety advice: ................................................................................. 5
3Scope of delivery................................................................................. 6
4Rear side ............................................................................................ 6
5Front side ........................................................................................... 8
6Remote control ................................................................................... 9
7Program-Mode .................................................................................... 9
8Trouble shooting ............................................................................... 11
9Service ............................................................................................. 12
10 Safety functions ................................................................................ 13
11 Warranty........................................................................................... 13
12 Specification .................................................................................... 14
13 Dimensions....................................................................................... 15
Quick-start
Unpacking
Unpack your phono-preamplifier 550
Keep the packing for future transportations
Treat the top class surface with care
Positioning
Position the phono-preamplifier 550 on a stable base.
Cooling air must be able to escape unrestricted.
Cabling
Disconnect all appliances of your system from the mains
Connect the 550 with your amplifier
Connect the 550 with your source components
Connect all appliances of your system with the mains
While changing cables the 550 must remain disconnect
from the mains.
Programming
Default values for all functions are programmed.
No additional programming is required for the start-up.
Switch-on
Switch-on the 550 phono-preamplifier
Select a moderate volume level
Switch-on your source components and your amplifier
Check the cabling before switch-on

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Page 4
1Technical Highlights
Layout
The 550 phono-preamplifier is built in dual-mono layout. Both audio channels have
their dedicated power supply. The audio section is physically separated from the
digital circuits.
Power supply
The phono-preamplifier 550 has separate power supply units for the audio section
as well as for its digital section. All supply voltages are provided by modern
switched mode power modules which are combined with precise, low-noise linear
regulators. The physical separation of the power supplies for the digital and analog
section ensures minimal interference.
Termination impedance
Relays switched high precision metal foil resistors define the termination imped-
ance for each input. The adjustment can be done via the remote control from the
listening position.
Output stage
The output stage is optimised for velocity, precision and impulse current rating.
Thanks to its low output impedance of 10the output stage is stable on every load
(also long cables are driven without problems).

- Phono-preamplifier 550
User manual
Page 5
2Safety advice:
User manual
Follow the safety advices
Keep this user manual.
Mains supply
Exclusively use 3 phase power cords with ground conductor.
Unplug the 550 from the mains in the following cases:
before you manipulate with cables
before cleaning
during thunder storms
before you leave for longer periods
Cabling
While manipulating with cables the 550 has to remain discon-
nected from the mains. Wrong cabling may cause damages to
your 550, (pre)amplifier and loudspeakers. Excessive volumes
due to inappropriate handling may cause hearing damages.
Transport
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by
the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving cart/apparatus combination to avoid in-
jury or tip over.
Packing
In order to omit condensation of water inside your phono-
preamplifier 550, let it warm up within the packing.
Please keep the original packing for future transports.
Operation
Never run your phono-preamplifier 550
with opened housing
with closed cooling-slots
with high ambient temperatures (>40°C)
close to heat sources like radiators, etc.
with extremely high humidity for example in humid cellars
close to water (Sink, bathtub, or similar equipment)
Cleaning
Use a soft and dry towel. We suggest using a non-abrasive micro
fibre towel. Please do not use any solvents or liquidities
Service
Service by a qualified person required if
the mains-cable or the mains connectors are damaged
foreign substances or liquidity have entered the 550
the 550 has seen rain
the 550 seems to malfunction
the 550 has fallen to the floor or the housing is damaged

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Page 6
3Scope of delivery
-Preamplifier 550
-Remote control
-Power cord
-Phono-Termination-Plug
-User manual
4Rear side
Mains (A)
Connect the phono-preamplifier 550 with the mains supply. Depending on the set-
tings in the function PWR-MODE the 550 will change to operating condition OFF
(consumption< 0.5W), wait for the LINK signal or switch-on automatically.
Before disconnecting the 550 phono preamplifier from the mains you should
bring it in operating condition OFF.
Input IN 1...IN2 (B)
Use top quality cables for the connection to your turntable. Both inputs can be con-
figured as MM or MC- inputs. A relay switched resistor network allows for optimal
adjustment of the termination impedance. If required the subsonic filter according
to RIAA-IEC specification can be activated.
A
I

- Phono-preamplifier 550
User manual
Page 7
Output (C)
Due to the exceptional load stability there are no restrictions regarding the selection
of your connecting cables. We recommend using balanced cables for longer cable
runs. For short cable lengths also unbalanced cables represent a high quality con-
nection.
A potential a hum-loop may be suppressed by the GND-LIFT function (page 12).
LINK (D)
The switch-on of the 550 phono preamplifier can be remote controlled through the
LINK-connection. The function PWR-MODE (page 12) defines the behaviour of the
550 after switch-on.
RS 232 Interface (E)
All functions can be controlled through the RS 232 interface.
Firmware/Service (F)
The 550’s firmware may be updated through the USB interface.
Type label (G)
The type label shows the serial number and the nominal rating of your product.

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Page 8
5Front side
Power (H)
The Power button defines the operating condition ON or OFF (red LEDs). In operat-
ing condition OFF the audio circuits are completely disconnected from the outputs.
Unplug your 550 from the mains before you manipulate with cables, before clean-
ing, during thunder storms or before you leave for longer periods.
Mute (I)
In case of an emergency the safety function Mute allows
disconnecting all inputs from the outputs (wrong cabling,
feedback loops, etc.).
Prog (J)
The Prog-button switches the 550 to Programming-Mode.
Select (K)
Input-Select
The new input can be selected and will be activated after
timeout of approx. 3 sec.

- Phono-preamplifier 550
User manual
Page 9
6Remote control
Button
Pre-Mode
CD-Mode
(1) IR-transmitter
Operation until 5m distance and angel of ±45°.
(2,3) 
Volume +/-
(4) DIM /
Volume-Dim
Play/Pause
(5/6) 
Select +/-
Next / Previous track
(7) 
Enter Function for Program-Mode
(8) P
(De)activates Program-Mode
(9)
Mute
-
(10)
ON / OFF
(11)
-
Open/Close
(12) PRE
-
Activates PRE-Mode
(13) CD
Activates CD-Mode
-
Change of Remote Ctrl ID:
Press the respective buttons for approx. 5 seconds.
Pre 1: (6), (5), (10)
Pre 2: (6), (5), (9)
Phono (6), (5), (7)
DAC (6), (5), P(8)
Exchange of batteries (2 x AAA):
Open the battery tray on the rear side.
Insert the batteries into the tray as indicated.
Ensure correct polarity of the batteries.
Close the tray with corresponding screw.
Dispose the exhausted batteries

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Page 10
7Program-Mode
General
The phono-preamplifier 550 can be adjusted to your individual setup. It is already
programmed with default settings. Further programming is not mandatory.
Function
Push on the Prog button switches the phono-
preamplifier 550 between operating-mode and pro-
gramming-mode. Timeout after 10 seconds.
Rotating of the Select knob allows selecting the desired
Program-Function
Push on the Select knob for approval of the selected
function. Now the value domain of the selected Pro-
gram-Function is active. (red LEDs in display).
Rotating of the Select knob allows for adjusting the de-
sired value.
Push on the Select knob for approval of the respective
value.

- Phono-preamplifier 550
User manual
Page 11
7.1 Program functions
Function
Values
Remarks
NORM, AUTO,
LINK
NORM = controlled by power-button
AUTO = automatic when mains activ
LINK = wait LINK-signal
IN 1, IN 2
Defines the active input after start-up.
MC, MM
Configures the input as MM or MC.
Gain and available impedance values
ON, OFF
(De)activates the IEC high pass filter
MC: 20…1k
MM: 1k…47k
Defines the impedance of the input
0pF –200pF
Defines the impedance of the input.
Only available for MM inputs
OFF, ON
Switches ground of the balanced outputs.
OFF = ground connected
ON = ground disconnected
1 = low
2 = medium
3 = high
Adjusts the brightness of the display
Pre 1, Pre 2,
Phono, DAC
Defines the IR- identification of the 550.
The identification of the remote control
has to be defined accordingly
Activates the default values (bold) for all
functions.

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Page 12
8Trouble shooting
Error
Action
No display
Check the cabling to the mains supply.
Eventually replace the fuse.
No music
Check
-the cabling to the turntables and the amplifier.
-if the proper input has been selected
-if the preamplifier powered-up or in MUTE
-if the power amplifier powered-up or in MUTE
POWER FAIL
If one of the 550’s power supplies fails, the unit switches
off automatically. The display shows which power supply
failed. Please note the reported error code.
OVERCURRENT
MUTE is activated whenever the current at the output is
higher than 0.2 A. If the overcurrent situation disappears
the 550 will deactivate MUTE. Should the error remain for
more than 2 sec. the unit will power-down automatically.
OVERCURRENT can have the following root causes
-short-cut in the cable to the preamplifier
-defective input stage of the preamplifier
-defective output stage of the 550
Check
-the cabling to preamplifier
-the preamplifier
If you cannot identify the error please disconnect the phono-preamplifier 550 from
the mains supply and contact your soulution dealer.
9Service
If your soulution product needs service please contact your soulution dealer. For fur-
ther information see www.soulution-audio.com

- Phono-preamplifier 550
User manual
Page 13
10 Safety functions
Overcurrent
For currents > 0.2 Ampere at the output the phono-
preamplifier 550 shuts down automatically.
Power supply
The power supply is monitored for correct operation. In case of
an error the 550 gets shut down automatically.
Fuse
Model 220-240 V 2A/T 250V micro fuse 5x20mm
Model 220V/60Hz 2A/T 250V micro fuse 5x20mm
Model 100-120 V 4A/T 250V micro fuse 5x20mm
11 Warranty
All soulution products are guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship
for five years from date of purchase.
The guarantee is void if the product has been subject to misuse or negligence or has
been modified, repaired or opened by a non-authorised person without written au-
thorisation of Spemot AG.
For the return transport to our premises please use exclusively the original packag-
ing. Transport damages are not subject to this guarantee, repairs will be charged.
We recommend effecting a transport insurance.
If you do not possess the original packaging no more please contact your soulution
dealer.
Basic repairs may be completed by your soulution dealer. Please clarify whether he
is able to do the work before you send the product back to us.

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nature of sound
Page 14
12 Specification
Specification
Data
General
Nominal Voltage
220-240
V
Power consumption
ON
50
W
Standby
<0.5
W
Input
(IN 1...IN 2)
Impedance
MC
20 –1’260

MM
1 - 47
k
0 -200
pF
Output
Gain
MM @ 1kHz
48
dB
MC @ 1kHz
60
dB
THD+N
<0.001
%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
>95
dB
Crosstalk
<-120
dB
Output impedance
10

LINK-Out
+12
V
Dimensions
Dimensions
442x448x143
mm
Weight
ca. 20
kg
Technical specifications are subject to change without prior notification.

- Phono-preamplifier 550
User manual
Page 15
13 Dimensions

Spemot AG
Industriestrasse 70
CH-4657 Dulliken
www.soulution-audio.com
[e-mail]
soulution
nature of sound
part.no. 92210