SPL Director User manual

Professional Fidelity
Mastering Grade Listening
VOLTAiR
120V DC A udio Rail
V
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DAC Preamplifier
Director
SOURCE
Director – User Manual
DA Converter and Preamplier
This User Manual is optimized for
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2
Welcome
and thank you for choosing the Director.
The Director combines two units in one: a reference-class preamplifier with six inputs ( x analog and  x digital)
and both balanced and unbalanced outputs as well as a reference-class DA converter for PCM up to  kHz and
up to Double Rate DSD (DSD).
VOLTAiR technology is what we also call the SPL V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. This
makes the Director an outstandig device in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom delivering an
exceptional sound experience with invincible serenity, transparancy and realness.
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio R ail
V
O
L
U
M
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ON
DAC Preamplifier
Director
SOURCE
RISK OF ELEC TRIC SHO CK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISQUEDE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
USB
AES
OPTICAL
COAX
IR
L
R
L
R
L
12
ANALOG < SOURCES > DIGITAL
1 ON: RCA Di rect Out
2 ON: XLR Di rect Out 5 ON: Ref +15dB 6 ON: Ref +18dB
3 ON: Zero f lag auto-m ute enabled
4 ON: RCA In -10d BV to 0dBuON BOTTOM SIDE:
DIP SWITCHES
Made in
Germany
OUT OUT R OUT L
R
B
A
Voltage Se lection: 1. Re move Fuse Hold er
2. Excha nge Fuses 3. Fl ip Over 4. Rei nstall
~115V A C/~230V A C, 50 Hz/60 Hz, P max . 45 W
Fuses: 23 0 V: T 500mA L 250V, 115 V: T 1 A L 250V
AMP CTL
IR
PGM IR PGM
SOURCE
VOLUME
Refer to
Manual

Content
Getting started 
Front view 
Rear view 
Bottom view 
DIP switches 
VOLTAiR – V Rail Technology 
Comparisons 
Operation 
Source Selection 
Volume 
IR Remote Control 
Volume 
Source Selection 
AMP CTL (Amplifier Control) 
DIP switches 
Slave Thru 
Digital  
RCA input HiFi level / Studio level 
Reference level DA converter 
Specifications 
Inputs and Outputs 
Analog inputs 
Digital inputs/sample rates 
Outputs 
Measurements 
Internal Voltages 
Power supply 
Dimensions (incl. feet) 
Weight 
Important Notes 
Declaration of CE Conformity 

4
Getting started
Getting started
Read thoroughly and follow the instructions as well as the security advices of the Quickstart
which is enclosed in the scope of delivery! You can also download the Quickstart here.
By pressing the -Button you get to the table of contents.
By pressing the -Button you get to the front view of the unit.
By pressing the -Button you get to the rear view of the unit.
By pressing the -Button you get to the bottom view of the unit.
By pressing the -Button you get to the previous content.

5
Front view
Front view
VOLTAiR
120V DC A udio Rail
V
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DAC Preamplifier
Director
SOURCE
Power LED
6

6
Rear view
Rear view
RISK OF E LECTRI C SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
USB
AES
OPTICAL
COAX
IR
L
R
L
R
L
12
ANALOG < SOURCES > DIGITAL
1 ON: RCA Direct Out
2 ON: XLR Direct Out 5 ON: Ref +15dB 6 ON: Ref +18dB
3 ON: Zero flag auto-mute enabled
4 ON: RCA In -10dBV to 0dBuON BOTTOM SIDE:
DIP SWITCHES
Made in
Germany
OUT OUT R OUT L
R
B
A
Voltage Selection: 1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses 3. Flip Over 4. Reinstall
~115 V AC/~230 V AC, 50 Hz/60 Hz, P max. 45 W
Fuses: 230 V: T 500mA L 250V, 115 V: T 1 A L 250V
AMP CTL
IR
PGM IR PGM
SOURCE
VOLUME
Refer to
Manual
Digital Audio Inputs
7
Mains Switch 11
Mains Voltage 10 Analog Audio Inputs
8
Analog Audio Outputs
14

7
Bottom view
Bottom view
DIP switches
Factory setting

8
VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology
VOLTAiR – V Rail Technology
VOLTAiR is the synonym for our V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. The audio signals are
processed with an unequalled +/-V DC, which corresponds to twice that of discrete operational amplifiers and
four-times that of semiconductor operational amplifiers.
VOLTAiR Technology reaches outstanding technical and sonic performances. Technically especially in terms of
dynamic range and headroom and sonically especially in reproducing the finest details and delivering a totally
relaxed sounding audio experience. Music sounds absolutely natural.

9
VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology
Comparisons
These diagrams show how our VOLTAiR Technology compares to other circuits.
The direct relation between operating level and maximum level is fundamental for the classification: the higher
the operating level, the higher the maximum level a circuit can handle. And since virtually all essential acoustic
and musical parameters depend on this relation, a higher operating voltage also has a positive impact on the
dynamic range, distortion limit and signal-to-noise ratio.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Volt
30 V 36 V
120 V
+ / -  Volt + / -  Volt + / - Volt
Operating Voltage
120
125
130
135
140
145
dB
124,2
129,1
141,4
OPA @ V OPA @ V SPL- OP@ V
Dynamic Range

10
VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology
Do bear in mind that dB scales do not represent linear but rather exponential increases. A dB increase corre-
sponds to doubling the acoustic power, +dB correspond to twice the sound pressure level, and +dB corre-
spond to twice the perceived loudness.
When it comes to volume, the VOLTAiR Technology exhibits a performance, in regard to maximum level and dynamic
range, that is twice that of common components and circuits given that its values are approximately dB higher.
THD measurements show a difference of more than dB compared to the OPA at V — in terms of sound
pressure level, that corresponds to an improvement of more than %. The operating level most commonly used for
audio equipment is +/-  volts.
Max. Audio Level
OPA @ V OPA @ V SPL- O P@ V
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
dBu
21,5 22,5
33,2
TL @ V OPA @ V SPL- O P@ V
-115
-113
-111
-109
-107
-105
dBu
-106
-111,7
-114,2
THD&N

11
Operation
Operation
Source Selection
With the SOURCE switch () you select the next source by toggling to the right. Toggling to the left
selects the previous source.
The selected source is shown in the dot matrix display ().
When a digital source is selected, its name is displayed for about two seconds (USB, OPTI, COAX, AES). After
that the first letter of the name appears together with the sample rate which is automatically detected by the
Director (e.g. U384, O192). See table on the next page.
The source selection can also be remotely controlled (see page).
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
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DAC Preamplifier
Director
SOURCE
USB OPTI COAX IN 2AES IN 1

12
Operation
Table: Selected digital source displayed after two seconds
Sample rate PCM (kHz) Sample rate DSD
(n *. kHz)
Selected digital source .  .  .  .   times  times
USB U 44 U 48 U 88 U 96 U 17 6 U192 U352 U384 DSD1 DSD2
Optical O 44 O 48 O 88 O 96 ------
Coax C 44 C 48 C 88 C 96 C176 C192 ----
AES A 44 A 48 A 88 A 96 A 17 6 A192 ----

13
Operation
Volume
You control the volume with the VOLUME potentiometer ().
The signal of the selected source can also be passed directly to the outputs without being
affected by the volume control. To activate this feature set on the DIP switches on the bot-
tom of the unit accordingly (see “DIP switches” on page).
The VOLUME potentiometer is motorized and can be remotely controlled (seepage).
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
V
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DAC Preamplifier
Director
SOURCE

14
Operation
IR Remote Control
Volume
Volume of the Director can be remotely controlled using any infrared (IR) remote control.
The special feature is that the Director learns your remote and not the other way around. You do not need a uni-
versal remote control. Take, for example, the remote control of the CD player. Out of the many buttons there are
two you hardly use if at all and that do not directly trigger a function on the CD player. Assign Volume up / Volume
down to these two buttons and let the Director learn them.
• Press the PGM IR VOLUME button () on the rear of the unit until you note the actuation point.
Power LED now lights up brighter.
• Point your remote control towards the IR receiver () and push the button you wish to use to
lower the volume. The power LED flashes once per push. Press the same button repeatedly until
the power LED flashes three times within a short interval – programming this button is then com-
pleted.
• Point your remote control towards the IR receiver () and push the button you wish to use to increase the
volume. The power LED flashes once per push. Press the same button repeatedly until the power LED
flashes three times within a short interval – programming this button is then completed.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
USB
AES
OPTICAL
COAX
L
R
L
R
L
12
ANALOG < SOURCES > DIGITAL
1 ON: RCA Direct Out
2 ON: XLR Direct Out 5 ON: Ref +15dB 6 ON: Ref +18dB
3 ON: Zero flag auto-mute enabled
4 ON: RCA In -10dBV to 0dBuON BOTTOM SIDE:
DIP SWITCHES
Made in
Germany
OUT OUT R OUT L
R
B
A
Voltage Selection: 1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses 3. Flip Over 4. Reinstall
~115 V AC/~230 V AC, 50 Hz/60 Hz, P max. 45 W
Fuses: 230 V: T 500mA L 250V, 115 V: T 1 A L 250V
AMP CTL
IR
PGM
IR
PGM
SOURCE
VOLUME
Refer to
Manual

15
Operation
• Learn mode ends automatically after the second button is learned.
• Please note: direct insolation of strong light (e.g. sun light, halogen lamps, neon tubes, fluorescent tubes,
terrarium and aquarium lights as well as big flat screens) may lead to misoperation of the remote control
functions.
Source Selection
Source seletion of the Director can be remotely controlled using any infrared (IR) remote control.
The special feature is that the Director learns your remote and not the other way round. You do not need a universal
remote control, take, for example, the remote control of the CD player. Out of the many buttons there are maybe two you
hardly use if at all and that do not directly trigger a function on the CD player. Assign previous source / next source to
these two buttons and let the Director learn them.
• Press the PGM IR SOURCE button () on the rear of the unit until you note the actuation point.
Power LED now lights up brighter.
• Point your remote control towards the IR receiver () and push the button you wish to use to switch to
the previous source. The power LED flashes once per push. Press the same button repeatedly until
the power LED flashes three times within a short interval – programming this button is then com-
pleted.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
USB
AES
OPTICAL
COAX
L
R
L
R
L
12
ANALOG < SOURCES > DIGITAL
1 ON: RCA Direct Out
2 ON: XLR Direct Out 5 ON: Ref +15dB 6 ON: Ref +18dB
3 ON: Zero flag auto-mute enabled
4 ON: RCA In -10dBV to 0dBuON BOTTOM SIDE:
DIP SWITCHES
Made in
Germany
OUT OUT R OUT L
R
B
A
Voltage Selection: 1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses 3. Flip Over 4. Reinstall
~115 V AC/~230 V AC, 50 Hz/60 Hz, P max. 45 W
Fuses: 230 V: T 500mA L 250V, 115 V: T 1 A L 250V
AMP CTL
IR
PGM
IR
PGM
SOURCE
VOLUME
Refer to
Manual

16
Operation
• Point your remote control towards the IR receiver () and push the button you wish to use to switch to the
next source. The power LED flashes once per push. Press the same button repeatedly until the power LED
flashes three times within a short interval – programming this button is then completed.
• Learn mode ends automatically after the second button is learned.
• Please note: direct insolation of strong light (e.g. sun light, halogen lamps, neon tubes, fluorescent tubes,
terrarium and aquarium lights as well as big flat screens) may lead to misoperation of the remote control
functions.

17
AMP CTL (Amplier Control)
AMP CTL (Amplier Control)
If you connect the Director via AMP CTL () to the SPL Performer s power amp, the Director
switches both units between standby and operation together. Use a . mm mono mini jack cable.
The Director offers two outputs (A and B) in case you use two Performer s in bridge mode or
in a bi-wiring application.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
USB
AES
OPTICAL
COAX
L
R
L
R
L
12
ANALOG < SOURCES > DIGITAL
1 ON: RCA Direct Out
2 ON: XLR Direct Out 5 ON: Ref +15dB 6 ON: Ref +18dB
3 ON: Zero flag auto-mute enabled
4 ON: RCA In -10dBV to 0dBuON BOTTOM SIDE:
DIP SWITCHES
Made in
Germany
OUT OUT R OUT L
R
B
A
Voltage Selection: 1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses 3. Flip Over 4. Reinstall
~115 V AC/~230 V AC, 50 Hz/60 Hz, P max. 45 W
Fuses: 230 V: T 500mA L 250V, 115 V: T 1 A L 250V
AMP CTL
IR
PGM IR PGM
SOURCE
VOLUME
Refer to
Manual

18
DIP switches
DIP switches
With the DIP switches () on the bottom of the unit the following settings can be chosen:
Slave Thru
DIP switches  and  allow the signal of the selected source to be passed directly to the output.
DIP switch : ON = The signal of the selected source is passed directly to the RCA output without volume control
(Slave Thru).
DIP switch : ON = The signal of the selected source is passed directly to the XLR output without volume control
(Slave Thru).

19
DIP switches
Digital 
With the DIP switch  you can mute the outputs, if there is no signal at the digital input.
DIP switch : ON = If there is no signal at the digital input (digital ) the outputs are muted.
Please note: some audio devices with digital outputs might produce a signal which is not digital  or even on
lower values ( –  –  – – ) , even when there is no playback. The output of the Director is muted with a relay.
You might hear quiet clicks when the signal of the selected input toggles between digital  and another value.

20
DIP switches
RCA input HiFi level / Studio level
If you connect a HiFi audio device (e.g. a CD player) to the analog RCA input (), you can amplifiy the signal from
HiFi level to studio level with DIP switch .
The sources are then equal in level when you switch between XLR and RCA (provided that a studio signal is pres-
ent at the XLR input).
DIP switch : ON = The RCA input is boosted from - dBV (HiFi level) to  dBu (studio level).
Reference level DA converter
You can calibrate the output level (reference level) of the DA converter with DIP switches  and .
DIP switch : ON = The DA converter puts out + dBu at  dBfs (factory setting).
DIP switch : ON = The DA converter puts out + dBu at  dBfs.
When DIP switches  and  are off, the DA converter puts out + dBu at  dBfs.