Solution 720 User manual

Preamplifier
Preamplifier Preamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User manual
User manualUser manual
User manual
soulution
nature of sound

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 1
Dear client
Dear clientDear client
Dear client
We are proud that you decided yourself for a soulution preamplifier. You have ac
quired 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 preamplifier 720 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 preamplifier
720 please do not hesitate to contact your dealer.
Have fun!
Have fun!Have fun!
Have fun!
Your soulution team
Your soulution teamYour soulution team
Your soulution team

soulution
nature of sound
Seite 2
CE
CECE
CE Declaration of Conformity
Declaration of ConformityDeclaration of Conformity
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
FCCFCC
FCC Notice
NoticeNotice
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
DisposalDisposal
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.

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 3
Table of contents
Table of contentsTable of contents
Table of contents
1
Quick start.......................................................................................... 5
2 Important security advices: .................................................................. 6
3 Technical Highlights............................................................................ 8
3.1 Layout ................................................................................................ 8
3.2 Volume control.................................................................................... 8
3.3 Phono Stage (moving coil) ................................................................... 8
3.4 Output stage ....................................................................................... 9
3.5 Power supply ...................................................................................... 9
3.6 Gain adjustment ............................................................................... 10
3.7 DC PROTECT .................................................................................... 10
3.8 Bandwidth limitation ......................................................................... 10
4 Start of operation and handling of the preamplifier 720 ....................... 11
4.1 Scope of delivery and packing ............................................................ 11
4.2 Optimal positioning of your preamplifier 720 ...................................... 11
4.3 Rear panel of the preamplifier 720..................................................... 12
4.4 Front panel of the preamplifier 720.................................................... 16
5 Programming of the preamplifier 720 ................................................. 22
5.1 Overview........................................................................................... 22
5.2 Program Functions ............................................................................ 23
6 Remote control ................................................................................. 33
6.1 Start of operation and maintenance .................................................... 33
6.2 Handling .......................................................................................... 33
7 Protection functions of the preamplifier 720 ....................................... 37
8 Trouble shooting ............................................................................... 38
8.1 Actions after the appearance of an error.............................................. 38
9 Care and maintenance ....................................................................... 39
9.1 Burn in............................................................................................. 39
9.2 Longlife precautions .......................................................................... 39
9.3 Cleaning ........................................................................................... 39
10 Service ............................................................................................. 40
11 Warranty........................................................................................... 40
12 Specifications ................................................................................... 41
13 Dimensions....................................................................................... 42
14 Definitions........................................................................................ 43
15 Individual Settings ............................................................................ 44

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 5
1
11
1Quick start
Quick startQuick start
Quick start
Unpacking
UnpackingUnpacking
Unpacking
Unpack the preamplifier 72
0 and store the packing for future
transportations.
Security advice: Your preamplifier 720
has a top
class surface. Please take care during installation.
Positioning
PositioningPositioning
Positioning
Position the preamplifier 720 on a stable base.
Security advice: Cooling air must be able to circu
late and escape unrestricted.
Cabling
CablingCabling
Cabling
Disconnect all electrical appliances of your HiFi
system from
the mains supply. Connect your preamplifier 720 with your
amplifier and signal sources (according to user manual)
. Use
the respective signal cables and the cable for the LINK
system.
Reconnect the pream
plifier 720 and all other components of
your HiFi system with mains sup
ply. Please use the enclosed
high class mains cable for your preamplifier 720.
Security advice:
While manipulating with cables
the preamplifier 720 has to remain disconnected from the
mains supply.
Programming
ProgrammingProgramming
Programming
Default values for all functions are programmed. No additional
programming is required for the start up of your preamplifier.
Security advice:
We suggest programming of the
functions Start Volume and Max Volume. If you use re
cording equipment the function Record Loop
should be
programmed as well.
Switch on
Switch onSwitch on
Switch on
Switch on your source devices and the preamplifier
720. Turn
down the volume of the preamplifier
720 to a minimal level.
Switch on your amplifier.
Security advice: Before you switch on the ampli
fier
check whether the cabling is done correctly.

soulution
nature of sound
Seite 6
2
22
2Important security advices
Important security advicesImportant security advices
Important security advices:
::
:
User manual
User manualUser manual
User manual:
::
:
Read this user manual carefully before you start up your preamplifier 720 and fol
low all installation and security advices.
Please keep this user manual. In the case this manual gets lost you have the possi
bility to download it from the soulution webpage.
(http://www.soulution audio.com/downloads)
Mains supply
Mains supplyMains supply
Mains supply:
::
:
Exclusively use 3 phase power cords with ground conductor. They may not be
crushed by objects.
Unplug your preamplifier 720 from the mains connection in the following cases:
before you manipulate with cables
before cleaning
during thunder storms or
before you leave for longer periods
Cabling
CablingCabling
Cabling:
::
:
While manipulating with cables the preamplifier 720 has to remain disconnected
from the mains. Before you disconnect the mains the preamplifier 720 has to be in
operating condition OFF. Wrong cabling may cause damages to your preamplifier
720, your amplifier or to your loudspeakers. Excessive volumes due to inappropriate
handling may cause hearing damages.
Transport:
Transport:Transport:
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 injury or tip over.

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 7
Packing:
Packing:Packing:
Packing:
Please keep the original packing for future transports. The original packing is opti
mal protection against potential damages.
Operation:
Operation:Operation:
Operation:
Never run your preamplifier 720
with opened housing
with closed cooling slots
with high ambient temperatures (>40°C)
close to heat sources like radiators, heatings, ovens or similar appliances dis
sipating heat
with extremely high humidity for example in humid cellars or rooms similar
humidity
close to water (Sink, bathtub, or similar equipment) or with any object con
taining water residing on top of the product
Cleaning:
Cleaning:Cleaning:
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:Service:
Service:
Do not try to repair your preamplifier 720 by yourself. It needs a service check by a
qualified person in the following cases:
the mains cable or the mains connectors are damaged
foreign substances or liquidity has entered the preamplifier 720
the preamplifier 720 has seen rain
the preamplifier 720 seems to malfunction
the preamplifier 720 has fallen to the floor or the housing is damaged
Seri
SeriSeri
Serial
alal
al Nr.:
Nr.:Nr.:
Nr.: 720
720 720
720
Please note the serial number of your preamplifier 720 above.

soulution
nature of sound
Seite 8
3
33
3Techni
TechniTechni
Technical
calcal
cal Highlights
Highlights Highlights
Highlights
3.1
3.13.1
3.1 Layout
LayoutLayout
Layout
The preamplifier 720 is realised as asymmetrical dual mono circuit. Left and right
audio channels (incl. phono mc stage) each have identical circuit boards. Resulting
in a channel separation of >105 dB, prerequisite for a three dimensional spatial re
production.
The audio section is physically separated from the power supply units and the digi
tal circuits. For minimal interference the different sections are shielded against
each other.
3.2
3.23.2
3.2 Volume control
Volume controlVolume control
Volume control
Relays switched high precision metal foil resistors form an 80 steps (1 dB) volume
control. Each channel has its own volume control resistor network.
The volume control allows also adjusting the balance. Depending on the balance
setting the volume of the left or right channel is decreased.
In order to avoid unpleasant click noise and harmful voltage peaks while changing
the volume the preamplifier 720 disposes over an additional volume control path
only active while actually changing the volume. This parallel volume control is real
ised with a Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) which is able to adjust the volume
without any noise. As soon as the new volume level is set the signal path is
switched to the high end resistor network.
3.3
3.33.3
3.3 Phono
PhonoPhono
Phono S
SS
Stag
tagtag
tage (moving coil)
e (moving coil)e (moving coil)
e (moving coil)
The phono stage has a basic amplification of +54 dB or +60 dB (at 1 kHz). This
can be defined with the function Phono Gain. The phono amplifier works with an in
ternal bandwidth of 1 MHz ( 3 dB). This guarantees the most accurate reproduction
of the RIAA equalisation curve.

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 9
External phono modules ensure optimal impedance matching of your cartridge and
the phono amplifier. The enclosed modules adjust the impedance to 1kΩ and
100Ω. Modules with other impedances are available through your soulution dealer.
3.4
3.43.4
3.4 Output stage
Output stageOutput stage
Output stage
The output stage is optimised for velocity, precision and impulse current rating.
Thanks to its low output impedance of 2Ω and Class A operation (40mA idle cur
rent) the output stage is stable on every load (also long cables are driven without
problems).
The theoretical maximal current rating of 3 amperes is limited to 1 ampere. This is
realised with a protection circuit outside the signal path.
Due to the bandwidth of 1 MHz ( 3 dB) internally the output stage works up until
frequencies of 40 MHz all details of the music reproduced naturally. The spatial
reproduction gets really three dimensional and holographic (optimal recording pre
requisite). The power of the output stage ensures that all these details are truly
transmitted to your amplifier. (Cable losses are minimised).
3.5
3.53.5
3.5 Power supply
Power supplyPower supply
Power supply
The preamplifier 720 has two separate power supply units, one for the supply of the
audio section, another for the supply of the digital circuits. The stringent separation
of the power supply units is amended with a multi stage filter network. Interference
between digital and analogue circuits is thus minimised.
The supply voltages for the audio section are multi stabilised. We use an amplifier
like circuit working into a capacitor. The ultra stable supply voltage has a load
dependant deviation of 500 microvolt and a residual ripple < 0,01 microvolt. The
supply voltages are distributed on the audio circuit through solid copper (3x6.5
^2
).
For minimal micro phonic interferences the power supply units are flex mounted on
rubber damping elements and therefore effectively decoupled from the housing.
The high quality supply voltages are made available for external components
through the DC OUT connection.

soulution
nature of sound
Seite 10
3.6
3.63.6
3.6 Gain
GainGain
Gain adjustment
adjustmentadjustment
adjustment
Different signal sources typically have unequal output levels. For minimal volume
differences while switching between inputs the preamplifier 720 allows adjusting
the gain per input individually. This is implemented with an additional amplification
stage adjustable for +3/+6/+9 dB and a level accuracy of 0.01 dB. This additional
amplification is only active when really needed.
3.7
3.73.7
3.7 DC
DCDC
DC PROTECT
PROTECTPROTECT
PROTECT
The input signal is permanently monitored for DC offsets. As soon as a DC offset of
> 15 mV is detected a high quality capacitor is switched into the signal path for op
timal protection of the preamplifier soulution 720. The display shows the symbol for
the capacitor (╪). If the DC offset has disappeared for at least 15 seconds the ca
pacitor is switched out of the signal path. This ensures optimal protection while si
multaneously providing a capacitor free signal path (offset free signal prerequisite).
3.8
3.83.8
3.8 Bandwidth limitat
Bandwidth limitatBandwidth limitat
Bandwidth limitation
ionion
ion
Another source for potential adulterations of the music is high frequency noise.
High frequency noise may be coupled through connecting cables or is present in
source equipment as artefacts of digital to analogue conversion. The bandwidth can
be limited individually per input therefore providing optimal sound quality also for
HF noise affected input signals.

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 11
4
44
4Start of operation and handling of the preamplifier 720
Start of operation and handling of the preamplifier 720Start of operation and handling of the preamplifier 720
Start of operation and handling of the preamplifier 720
Please take care while installing the preamplifier 720. Follow all security advices!
4.1
4.14.1
4.1 Scope
Scope Scope
Scope of delivery and packing
of delivery and packingof delivery and packing
of delivery and packing
Please check the scope of delivery:
preamplifier 720
remote control 720/740 (incl. batteries 2xAAA)
phono termination plug
phono module 100Ω
phono module 1kΩ
mains cable
user manual
cotton gloves
Please store the packing of the soulution 720 for future transports. Check your pre
amplifier 720 for transport damages. In the case your preamplifier 720 is damaged
please contact your soulution dealer.
Security advice: If your preamplifier 720 is still very cold from the
transport, please let it warm within the packing, in order to omit condensation of
water inside your preamplifier 720.
4.2
4.24.2
4.2 Optimal positioning of your
Optimal positioning of your Optimal positioning of your
Optimal positioning of your preamplifier
preamplifierpreamplifier
preamplifier 720
720 720
720
There are no limitations on where to position your preamplifier 720. We suggest po
sitioning it so that the connecting cables to the amplifier and the signal sources re
main short.
Security advice: The preamplifier 720 has a high quality surface.
Please be careful so that the surface does not get scratched. Please use the en
closed cotton gloves. Never position your preamplifier 720 on the front panel. The
display glass could get scratched or even burst.

soulution
nature of sound
Seite 12
4.3
4.34.3
4.3 Rear pan
Rear panRear pan
Rear panel
elel
el of the preamplifier 720
of the preamplifier 720 of the preamplifier 720
of the preamplifier 720
Rear panel of the preamplifier 720
4.3.1
4.3.14.3.1
4.3.1 Mains (A)
Mains (A)Mains (A)
Mains (A)
Connect the preamplifier 720 with the mains supply. The enclosed power cord is
optimised for this application.
After switch on the power supplies of the preamplifier get started. The display
shows "WAIT". As soon as constant conditions for the power supplies are reached
the preamplifier 720 changes to operating condition OFF (red LEDs in display).
Display after switch in of the mains Display in operating condition OFF
Security advice: Only switch off the mains connection if your preampli
fier is in operating condition OFF.

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 13
4.3.2
4.3.24.3.2
4.3.2 Symmetrical inputs
Symmetrical inputsSymmetrical inputs
Symmetrical inputs IN 1/IN 2 (B)
IN 1/IN 2 (B) IN 1/IN 2 (B)
IN 1/IN 2 (B)
Your preamplifier 720 has two symmetrical inputs IN 1/IN 2. Connect your high
quality source equipment with symmetrical cables to the preamplifier 720.
Security advice: please follow the security advices on page 6 !
4.3.3
4.3.34.3.3
4.3.3 Phono
PhonoPhono
Phono stage
stagestage
stage IN
IN IN
IN 3 (C)
3 (C) 3 (C)
3 (C)
The asymmetrical input IN 3 is reserved exclusively for phono (MC). Connect your
analogue turntable with asymmetrical connectors to the preamplifier 720. Please
connect only moving coil (MC) systems.
External phono modules ensure optimal impedance matching of your cartridge and
the phono amplifier. The enclosed modules adjust the impedance to 1kΩ and
100Ω. Modules with other impedances are available through your soulution dealer.
The phono stage has a basic amplification of +54 dB or +60 dB (at 1 kHz). This
can be defined with the Program Function Phono Gain (chapter 5.2.11, page 29).
The phono amplifier works with an internal bandwidth of 1 MHz ( 3 dB). This guar
antees the most accurate reproduction of the RIAA equalisation curve.
If required the subsonic filter RIAA IEC can be activated.
In case you do not use your phono stage we recommend to terminate the input IN 3
with enclosed phono termination plugs. This prevents from accidentally connecting
a line source apparatus.
Security advice: Please follow the security advices on page 6 !
Never connect a line source to the input IN 3. The phono stage is not protected
against over voltages (for sonic reasons) and would be destroyed.

soulution
nature of sound
Seite 14
4.3.4
4.3.44.3.4
4.3.4 Asymmetrical inputs
Asymmetrical inputs Asymmetrical inputs
Asymmetrical inputs IN 4...IN 6 (D)
IN 4...IN 6 (D)IN 4...IN 6 (D)
IN 4...IN 6 (D)
Your preamplifier 720 has three asymmetrical inputs IN 4...IN 6. Connect your sig
nal sources with asymmetrical cables with the preamplifier 720.
Security advice: please follow the security advices on page 6 !
4.3.5
4.3.54.3.5
4.3.5 Record
RecordRecord
Record Out (E)
Out (E)Out (E)
Out (E)
Connect the inputs of your recording device with the Record Out terminals of the
preamplifier 720 (asymmetrical cables).
The selected Record In signal is directed to the Record Out terminals through a
separate signal path. Volume , Balance or Gain settings do not affect the signal at
the Record Out terminals. For level adjustments please use the respective control
functions of your recording device.
The signal present at the Record Out terminals is buffered and has an output im
pedance of 100Ω. Therefore cable losses are minimised and top quality music sig
nal is available for recording.
Security advice: Please follow the security advices on page 6 !
If you connect a recording device you should define the function Record Loop. Thus
you omit eventually harmful feedback loops.
4.3.6
4.3.64.3.6
4.3.6 Main
MainMain
Main Out (F)
Out (F)Out (F)
Out (F)
The preamplifier 720 provides symmetrical as well as asymmetrical output termi
nals (Main Out). Connect your amplifier to the preamplifier 720 with your preferred
cables. Due to the exceptional load stability there are no restrictions regarding the
selection of your connecting cables.
We recommend using symmetrical cables. For short cable lengths also asymmetrical
cables represent a high quality connection, top quality cable and optimal layout pre
requisite. The level difference between the symmetrical and asymmetrical output
accounts for 6 dB.

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 15
The symmetrical output (Main Out) additionally offers the ground lift function. The
ground lift switch cuts off the ground connection between the audio circuit and the
symmetrical output terminal. This offers the possibility to suppress a potential
humm loop between your preamplifier 720 and power amplifier. (Ground Lift 1 =
ground connected, Ground Lift 0 = ground disconnected). The housing remains
grounded independent of the ground lift switch.
Security advice: Please follow the security advices on page 6!
4.3.7
4.3.74.3.7
4.3.7 LINK
LINKLINK
LINK (G)
(G) (G)
(G)
The preamplifier 720 controls the start up sequence of connected soulution com
ponents through the LINK connection (Master Slave principle; the preamplifier 720
is always the Master). Connect the Master Out 1 or Master Out 2 terminal of your
preamplifier 720 with the other soulution components. Each soulution component
has Next Slave output to connect further soulution appliances.
4.3.8
4.3.84.3.8
4.3.8 DC
DCDC
DC Out (H)
Out (H)Out (H)
Out (H)
The ultra stable power supply of the preamplifier 720 is available for external soulu
tion components (e.g. external phono preamplifier, external DAC, etc.) through the
DC OUT connector.
Security advice: Never remove the security cover while your preampli
fier is in operation. Always switch off your preamplifier 720 before you connect an
external device.
4.3.9
4.3.94.3.9
4.3.9 RS232
RS232 RS232
RS232 –
––
– Interface
Interface Interface
Interface (I)
(I) (I)
(I)
The preamplifier 720 can be remote controlled through the RS232 interface. All
functions can be controlled and relevant information is provided to the controll unit.

soulution
nature of sound
Seite 16
4.3.10
4.3.104.3.10
4.3.10 Type label (
Type label (Type label (
Type label (J
JJ
J)
))
)
Please note the serial number of your preamplifier 720 on page 7 of this user man
ual. This allows you to have the product specific data at hand without removing your
preamplifier 720 from the HiFi rack.
4.4
4.44.4
4.4 Front panel of the preamplifier
Front panel of the preamplifier Front panel of the preamplifier
Front panel of the preamplifier 720
720720
720
Front panel of the preamplifier 720
4.4.1
4.4.14.4.1
4.4.1 Power (K)
Power (K)Power (K)
Power (K)
With the Power button you define the operating condition ON or OFF (red LEDs). In
operating condition OFF the audio circuits are completely disconnected from the
output terminal (Main Out). The Main Out terminals are only activated if the pre
amplifier 720 is ready for operation and if no errors are present.
Display in operating condition OFF Display in operating condition
PROTECT ON
Display in operating condition ON
We suggest bringing your preamplifier 720 in operating condition OFF while you are
not listening to music. Your preamplifier 720 may be switched on with the IR
remote control (Power consumption in operating condition OFF <0.5 W).

Preamplifier
PreamplifierPreamplifier
Preamplifier 720
720720
720
User Manual
Page 17
LINK System:
In case you have connected other soulution components to the preamplifier 720
with the LINK System it remains in operating condition PROTECT ON until all con
nected components are switched on (Display LINK Connect).
If no errors have occurred while switching on the other components the preamplifier
720 changes into operating condition ON.
Display in operating condition OFF Display after switch on of LINK
components
Display in operating condition ON,
DC protection active
When the preamplifier 720 is switched off all connected LINK components are
switched off simultaneously (operating condition OFF).
Display after switch off of LINK
components
Display in operating condition OFF
If an error occurs within a LINK component while operating the display shows LINK
ERROR.
Display for an error within a LINK
component
Security advice: Please follow the security advices on page 6!
Unplug your preamplifier 720 from the mains before you manipulate with cables,
before cleaning, during thunder storms or before you leave for longer periods. Before
you switch off the mains bring your preamplifier 720 in operating condition OFF.

soulution
nature of sound
Seite 18
4.4.2
4.4.24.4.2
4.4.2 Mute (L)
Mute (L)Mute (L)
Mute (L)
Mute is a security function which allows you disconnecting all inputs from the out
puts in case of an urgency (wrong cabling, feedback loops, etc.). Mute cuts off the
symmetrical as well as the asymmetrical outputs and the record out (Display
MUTE).
For reducing the volume to a predefined level please use the function Volume Dim.
Display in operating condition MUTE
4.4.3
4.4.34.4.3
4.4.3 Prog (M)
Prog (M)Prog (M)
Prog (M)
The Prog button switches the preamplifier 720 between Operating Mode and Pro
gramming Mode. In the Programming Mode you may adjust the preamplifier 720 to
your individual requirements.
4.4.4
4.4.44.4.4
4.4.4 Volume (N)
Volume (N)Volume (N)
Volume (N)
The Volume knob controls the functions Volume +/ and Volume Dim.
4.4.4.1
4.4.4.14.4.4.1
4.4.4.1 Volume +/
Volume +/Volume +/
Volume +/
The preamplifier 720 disposes over a volume control range of 80 dB. The volume is
adjustable in 1 dB steps.
Display: 0 = no signal (mute)
1 = lowest level (attenuation by –79dB)
80 = maximal level (no attenuation)
Turning the Volume knob clock wise increases the volume turning counter clock
wise decreases the volume. In order to omit too high volumes we suggest limiting
the volume individually with the function Volume Max. When you reach the maximal