SPL Phonitor x User manual

Professional Fidelity
Mastering Grade Listening
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Phonitor x
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VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier
StandardBalanced
ON
Phonitor x – User Manual
Headphone Amplier and Preamplier

2
Welcome
and thank you for choosing the Phonitorx.
The Phonitor x is the ultimate headphone amplifier. It offers connections for headphones operated both balanced
and unbalanced. With up to . W output power the Phonitor x delivers an impressive performance.
The Phonitor x is not just a headphone amplifier, but also an excellent preamplifier that can drive power amplifiers
or active speakers.
VOLTAiR technology is what we also call the SPL V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. This
makes the Phonitorx 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.
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VOLTAiR
120V DC Au dio Rail Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier
StandardBalanced
ON
Phonitor x
Serial
Number
Made in Germany
~ 115V AC / ~230VAC, 50 Hz / 60Hz, P max. 45 W
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PGM
VOLUME
Refer to
Manual Connect to SPL
Power Amp(s) for
remote power on/off
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE • NE PAS OUV RIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
Fuses:
Voltage Selection:
230V AC: T 500 mA L 250 V
115V AC: T 1 A L 250 V
1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses
3. Flip Over 4. Reinstall XLRs: balanced, Pin 2 = Hot (+)
For unbalanced operation
bridge Pin 3 to GND.
RCAs: Unbalanced, Tip = Hot (+)
WIRING
ON BOT TOM SIDE:
DIP SWITCHES
1 ON: HP Out +22dB
2 ON: HP Out +12dB
3 ON: VU 0 = +10dB
4 ON: XLR Direct Out
5 ON: RC A Direct Out
6 ON: AMP CTL power off
when listening to
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
RLRL
ANALOG SOURCES
DIGITAL SOURCES
AMP CTL SPEAKER OUTPUTS
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ANALOG SOURCES DIGITAL SOURCES
LR USBOPTICAL
AMP CTL
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COAX
IR
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Content
Getting started 
Front view 
Rear view 
Bottom view 
DIP switches 
VOLTAiR – V Rail Technology 
Comparisons 
Phonitor Matrix 
Basics of stereo listening 
Stereo listening with an “traditional“ headphone preamplifier 
How does the Phonitor Matrix work? 
Angle 
Crossfeed 
Setting of parameters Crossfeed and Angle 
Adjustment of the Phonitor Matrix 
Matrix On/Off 
Source selection 
Output selection 
MODE switch 
Laterality 
VU meters 
AMP CTL (Amplifier Control) 
IR Remote control 
DIP switches 
Level increase of the headphone output 
Attenuate the sensitivity of the VU meters 
Slave Thru 
Standby of connected Performer s power amp when set to
Headphone 
Specifications 
Inputs 
Outputs 
Internal operating voltages 
Power supply 
Dimensions (incl. feet) 
Weight 
Important Notes 
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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.
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Front view
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Phonitor x
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OUTPUT
Digital
RCA
XLR
DIGITAL
Coaxial
Optical
USB
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VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier
StandardBalanced
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Volume
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VU Meters
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Standby
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Balanced Headphone
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Output/Mute Switch
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Digital Source
9
Laterality 6
Analog Source
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Crossfeed 4
Angle 5
Phonitor Matrix On/Off
3
Standard Headphone
13
Mode Switch 10

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Rear view
optional
Phonitor x
Serial
Number
Made in Germany
~ 115V AC / ~230VAC, 50Hz / 60Hz, P max. 45 W
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B
A
PGM
VOLUME
Refer to
Manual Connect to SPL
Power Amp(s) for
remote power on/off
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE • NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
Fuses:
Voltage Selection:
230V AC: T 500 mA L 250 V
115V AC: T 1 A L 250 V
1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses
3. Flip Over 4. Reinstall XLRs: balanced, Pin 2 = Hot (+)
For unbalanced operation
bridge Pin 3 to GND.
RCAs: Unbalanced, Tip = Hot (+)
WIRING
ON BOTTOM SIDE:
DIP SWITCHES
1 ON: HP Out +22dB
2 ON: HP Out +12dB
3 ON: VU 0 = +10dB
4 ON: XLR Direct Out
5 ON: RCA Direct Out
6 ON: AMP CTL power off
when listening to
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
RLRL
ANALOG SOURCES
DIGITAL SOURCES
AMP CTL SPEAKER OUTPUTS
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ANALOG SOURCES DIGITAL SOURCES
LR USBOPTICAL
AMP CTL
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COAX
IR
Mains Switch 13
Mains Voltage 14
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Digital Audio Inputs
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Analog Audio Inputs
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IR PGM Volume 17
AMP CTL 18
Audio Outputs
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Bottom view
DIP switches
Factory setting
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DIP Switches
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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.
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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.
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20
40
60
80
100
120
Volt
30 V 36 V
120 V
+ / -  Volt + / -  Volt + / -  Volt
Operating Voltage
120
125
130
135
140
145
dBu
124,2
129,1
141,4
OPA @ V OPA @ V SPL- OP@ V
Max. Audio Level
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Do bear in mind that dB scales do not represent linear but rather exponential increases. A dB increase corresponds
to doubling the acoustic power, +dB correspond to twice the sound pressure level, and +dB correspond 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.
Dynamic Range
OPA @ V OPA @ V SPL- OP@ V
0
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10
15
20
25
30
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dBu
21,5 22,5
33,2
TL @ V OPA @ V SPL-OP@ V
-115
-113
-111
-109
-107
-105
dBu
-106
-111,7
-114,2
THD&N
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Phonitor Matrix
Basics of stereo listening
When listening to speakers sound coming from the right is not only perceived with the right ear (red line) but it is
also perceived with the left ear (green line). The sensation is time delayed, lower in level and has a reduced fre-
quency range (this applies to the left speaker accordingly).
Sound from the right side Sound from the left side
It arrives later because the signal travels a distance of approx.  meters per second and the distance from the right speaker to the left ear is
longer than it is to the right ear. It is quieter and does not deliver the full frequency range, because the signal of the right speaker does not directly
arrive at the left ear but is partially reflected and absorbed by the head.
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Our brain determines the direction of the sound by perceiving the time delay (interaural time difference) and the
level difference (interaural level difference).
Stereo listening with an “traditional“ headphone preamplier
When listening to music with a traditional headphone amplifier, the right ear only perceives the right signal (red
line) and the left ear only perceives the left signal (green line).
The delayed and quieter signal of the respective opposite side is miss-
ing. This unnatural sound irritates the ear and is stressful for our brain,
because it constantly is busy trying to locate the direction of the sound.
Besides, this super-stereo-effect leads to an exaggerated stereo width.
Instruments that are placed in the stereo field appear to be located
much further outside than desired.
These unnatural effects are corrected by the Phonitor Matrix.
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How does the Phonitor Matrix work?
In simple terms, the Phonitor Matrix creates a speaker-like listening experience on headphones. It calculates the
time and level differences with their specific frequency responses to deliver a true rendition of a speaker playback.
Because time and level differences are set like real loudspeaker place-
ment, the brain is able to correctly identify the direction of the sound.
You can perceive a speaker-like listening experience.
All instruments appear at the correct position within the stereo image –
just like it was intended when it was mixed in the studio. In comparison
to a traditional headphone amplifier it provides the best conditions min-
imizing hearing fatigue.
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In Detail
An analog filter design creates interaural time and level differences for four different speaker placements.
This analog filter design is controlled by the crossfeed and angle parameters.
Angle
With the ANGLE switch you adjust the interaural time
difference which is related to the placement of the
speakers. 20°20°
30°30°
40°40°
55°55°
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Crossfeed
Crossfeed defines the interaural level difference. The six crossfeed values approximate the influences of room
size, reflection and absorption characteristics.
The interaural level difference and the interaural time difference are frequency-corrected because the sound is
reflected and absorbed by the head in a non-linear fashion.
10
0
0,2
0,4
0,6
0,8
1
100 1 k 10 k Hz
Frequency corrected level difference at max. Crossfeed and ° Angle of
the right channel (red = right signal, green = left signal)
10
0
50
100
150
200
µs
100 1 k 10 k Hz
Frequency corrected time difference at max. Crossfeed and ° Angle of
the right channel (red = right signal, green = left signal)
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Setting of Crossfeed and Angle
Both parameters (Crossfeed and Angle) define the interaural level difference and the interaural time difference. To
reproduce the exact placement of the loudspeakers, first choose the Angle parameter closest to your real speaker
placement. Afterwards choose the recommended Crossfeed Parameter (see table on page, e.g.: Angle: °,
Crossfeed: ).
A vast number of factors, e.g. type of loudspeakers, room acoustics or the individual perception, influence the ste-
reo-listening. This is why the Phonitor x offers six different switch positions to finely adjust the Crossfeed and to
best match to your speaker playback.
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Table: Settings of Crossfeed and Angle
Angle parameter Crossfeed parameter Interaural level difference Interaural time difference (µs) Speaker angle
°
MAX ,  °
,  °
,  °
,  °
,  °
MIN ,  °
°
MAX ,  °
,  °
,  °
,  °
,  °
MIN ,  °
°
MAX ,  °
,  °
,  °
,  °
,  °
MIN ,  °
°
MAX ,  °
,  °
,  °
,  °
,  °
MIN ,  °
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Adjustment of the Phonitor Matrix
By using the CROSSFEED switch () and the ANGLE switch () you can adjust the headphone playback through the
Phonitor x to your room with your loudspeaker setup.
• Play some audio material you know well with the Phonitor x and go to a place where you usually listen to
music through speakers.
• Toggle between headphones and loudspeakers by using the OUTPUT switch ().
• Set the ANGLE switch according to your loudspeaker placement (see page).
• Then set the CROSSFEED switch to the value that comes closest to your familiar loud-
speaker-listening sound.
Listen to the instruments panned in the stereo field. These instruments shall have the
same positions on headphones.
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RCA
XLR
DIGITAL
Coaxial
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USB
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10 75 3 1035
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Digital
RCA
XLR
DIGITAL
Coaxial
Optical
USB
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StandardBalanced
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30 50 70 100
10 75 3 1035
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MATRIX
Mute
SOURCE
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OUTPUT
Digital
RCA
XLR
DIGITAL
Coaxial
Optical
USB
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30 50 70 100
10 75 3 1035
VU
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–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 1035
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Matrix On/O
With the MATRIX switch () you activate or deactivate the Matrix of the Phonitorx.
The Phonitor Matrix is available for headphone outputs only. The Speaker Outputs () at the
rear of the unit are not fed by the Phonitor x matrix.
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Stereo
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MATRIX
Mute
SOURCE
MODE
OUTPUT
Digital
RCA
XLR
DIGITAL
Coaxial
Optical
USB
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ON
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30 50 70 100
10 75 3 1035
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Source selection
The Phonitor x is not just a headphone amplifier. It is also a preamplifier with up to five audio sources.
It features two analog stereo inputs – XLR and RCA ().
Phonitor x can be equipped with a DA converter. With that installed the available inputs are expanded by USB,
coaxial and optical digital stereo inputs ().
• Select an analog audio source by using the SOURCE switch () – RCA or XLR.
• You can select an digital audio source (USB, coaxial, optical) by using the DIGITAL
switch ().
Set the SOURCE switch to Digital.
Signals at analog RCA input (), will be amplified from HiFi level to studio level. The
sources are then equal in level when you switch between XLR and RCA (provided that a stu-
dio signal is present at the XLR input).
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MATRIX
Mute
SOURCE
MODE
OUTPUT
Digital
RCA
XLR
DIGITAL
Coaxial
Optical
USB
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i
g
h
t
StandardBalanced
ON
Phonitor x
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 1035
VU
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 1035
VU
L
A
T
E
R
A
L
I
T
Y
Mono
Stereo
V
O
L
U
M
E
M
I
N
2
3
4
5
M
A
X
Off On
MATRIX
Mute
SOURCE
MODE
OUTPUT
Digital
RCA
XLR
DIGITAL
Coaxial
Optical
USB
C
R
O
S
S
F
E
E
D
2
2
°
3
0
°
4
0
°
5
5
°
A
N
G
L
E
L
e
f
t
C
e
n
t
e
r
R
i
g
h
t
StandardBalanced
ON
Phonitor x
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 1035
VU
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 1035
VU
I
F
R
B