TLA SSA-300 User manual

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TrueLifeAudio
SSA-300 Hybrid Monoblock Power Amplifier
Owner’s Manual

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TrueLifeAudio
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 3
TLA PROFILE - INTRODUCTION 4
SSA-300 DESCRIPTION 5
PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION 6
FRONT VIEW 7
BACK VIEW 8
SPECIFICATIONS 9
WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE 10-11
WARRANTY 11
WARRANTY REGISTRATION 12
CONTACT INFORMATION 13

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TrueLifeAudio
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: A tube amplifier chassis contains lethal high voltage even when unplugged.
DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THIS DEVICE.
IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER.
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE GROUNDED. IT SHOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO REMOVE ANY PROTECTIVE
GROUND OR SIGNAL CABLE SHIELD CONNECTIONS TO PREVENT GROUNDLOOPS.
USE ONLY THE VOLTAGE INDICATED ON REAR PANEL
WARNING: Before any maintenance or placement, disconnect the device from the electrical outlets.
WITH THE POWER SWITCH TO OFF DISCONNECT THE DEVICE THE WAY THAT THE ARROW SHOWS
WARNING: Never use electrical outlets without earth
WARNING: Use only electrical outlets that are earthed.
DISPOSAL: 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.

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TrueLifeAudio
TLA PROFILE
TLAwas founded by Velissarios Georgiadis back in 1995, but its real origin goes back much further than this. It was
back in 1957 when Velissarios' father Aristomenis, a transformer technician, started his own company, with the aim
to make transformers under order for telecommunications, broadcast, medical, military and industrial
implementations. It was just after 1980 when Velissarios, who was already experienced in transformer building
having being taught all his father's know-how, he started to apply the additional knowledge which he gained from his
university degree on Chemistry and Electronics as to develop transformers that would excel in audio applications of
reference standard.
Velissarios developed, built and tested over, countless amplifiers before he transferred all this experience in TLA
products on the year 1995. The name TrueLife Audio was chosen to underline the target market of TLA The search
for True Life sound, where the listener would experience music at home as never before, In a True Life manner!
In the year 2005, young Aristomenis Georgiadis the second (son of Velissarios, named after his grandfather),
finished his studies in Electrical Engineering and having received in the meantime all his grandfather's and father's
experience in making audio transformers and amplification circuits that would excel in performance, joined the
company as to assist in further improvements and the achievement of new levels for realistic sound.
"When we come with a new product, we make it for ourselves first" Velissarios says… A TLA amplifier starts its life
with the innovative circuit it integrates being tested in the lab and optimized. Then, after the lab tests have been
finalized and we are sure that our elegant innovation measures up to reference standards if compared with hi-end
devices from other makers that are established in the marked for their quality, we proceed to the next level which is
to transform this same electronic device, into a musical instrument. As a consequence, our elegant innovations are
made so that they age to improve all the time... much like a bottle of good wine... or a gorgeous guitar of the 50s!
INTRODUCTION
Your decision to own this SSA-300 Power Amplifier of the TLA‟s ”Supreme Series‟‟ ranks you at the very top
among discriminating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The TLA‟s dedication to “Quality,” is assurance
that you will receive many years of musical enjoyment from this unit.
This level of accuracy and overall performance is a new achievement in the playback of music. I invite you to play
your favorite recordings and experience it as you may never have before.
If I have brought you closer to the music, the artists and the full musical experience (the moments that we as
audiophiles and music lovers cherish the most) then I have succeeded in my goal.
Please take a short time to read the information in this manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all the
features and functions of your new SSA-300.
I thank you once again for your investment on TLA‟s team development of the „‟Supreme Series‟‟
Sincerely,
Aristomenis Georgiadis

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TrueLifeAudio
SSA-300 DESCRIPTION
SSA-300 Mono block amplifier circuitry is a hybrid design, designed to deliver exceptional sound to difficult loads.
Using both tube and solid state circuits and combining virtues of both technologies to achieve the end result.
Class A Tube (6J5) front stage supplied by an independent power supply, using EZ81 tube Rectifier and TLA‟s
power transformer and filtering choke. Solid state Class A circuitry takes over further amplification of the signal and
delivers the signal to current amplifier circuit that delivers the power to the Load. The amplifier is supplied by a
TLA‟s custom designed, hand wound Power transformer.
Highest quality components are used throughout the circuit. Each component is handpicked, tested and matched to
serve the design.
SSA-300 is designed keeping on mind that for a lot of speakers the actual impedance for some frequencies is well
below their „nominal‟ impedance.

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TrueLifeAudio
PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
Budget a suitable space in which to place the SSA-300 Amplifier.
This space should also be free of excessive heat or dust and large enough to permit easy flow of cool air to the top,
bottom and sides of the unit. Avoid locating the SSA-300 Amplifier where it will be exposed to direct sunlight,
excessive humidity or moisture.
WARNING: To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Before Power-up
Check and make sure the power button is switched off and the Logo light is off, then attach the grounded IEC power
cable jack to the IEC plug. Keep the power off until all other system connections are completed.
Check that the mains voltage printed on the back of the unit corresponds to the line voltage of the territory you
intend to connect your SSA-300 Amplifier.
Delayed Turn On and Protective Circuitry
To avoid the turn-on transients generated by some preamplifiers, the SSA-300 provides a 20 second delay before
connects the output terminals. The protective circuit will also disconnect the load if significant DC is present at the
output. In case of heat sink overheating, the unit switches off (power off) and does not turn on again until the
temperature drops to normal.
Input Connections
Conventional shielded RCA (Unbalanced) or XLR (Balanced) type cables should be used to connect the amplifier‟s
input jacks to the preamplifier‟s output
Good quality connectors provide added assurance against signal degradation due to contact corrosion. Regardless
of cable or connector material, verify that the contacts are clean, and that the plug‟s outer shield is tight on the jack,
to avoid hum.
On long cable runs, keep the left and right cables close together, and avoid running them parallel to AC power
wiring to minimize hum pick up.
Output Connections
To preserve the high damping factor of the SSA-300 Amplifier and to minimize power loss, the use of at least 16
gauge speaker wires is recommended, especially for speakers of less than 8 ohms impedance, or for wire runs of 5
meters or more.
Your dealer can advise you on the wide variety of premium cables available from specialty manufacturers. The gold
plated output binding posts on the SSA-300 are of the “2-way” type, and will accept single banana plugs, spade
plugs.
Be sure to follow proper phasing relationships when connecting the speakers, FOR STEREO OPERATION, the
amplifier “+”, or RED terminal, must be connected to the speaker‟s “+”, or RED terminal, and the amplifier‟s “--“, or
BLACK terminal must be connected to the speakers “--" or BLACK terminal. Speaker cables identify one conductor
from the other by the wire color, or by marking or coloring the insulation.
How to Avoid Damages
A good operating practice is to turn off all equipment before any connections or disconnections are made.
Do not, under any circumstances, connect or disconnect equipment when power is turned on. If you insist on
connecting or disconnecting while power is turned on, you should be aware that the design of the RCA plug
generates a large transient when inserting the plug.
This could damage both the speakers and the amplifier.

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TrueLifeAudio
FRONT VIEW
1. Power switch
2. Logo lights up when power is on

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TrueLifeAudio
BACK VIEW
1. IEC Power Inlet & Fuse Holder
2. Speaker Output for Spade Lug or Banana plug
3. RCA Unbalanced Input
4. XLR Unbalanced Input

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SPECIFICATIONS
Output Power: 150W RMS into 8Ω, 300W RMS into 4Ω
Maximum Voltage Input: 1.5 Vrms
Input Impedance: 100K
Voltage Gain: 23
Frequency Bandwidth: 330Khz
Tubes used:
6J5G (6SN7 can be used with an adaptor or set in factory upon request)
EZ81 rectifier
Voltage Options (Factory Set):
230-240VAC
110-120VAC
Fuses (5x20mm):
T3.15A (Slow Blow): 220V-240 VAC
T6.3A (Slow Blow): 110-120 VAC
Color Options (Front Plate):
Silver
Black
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 X 192 (with feet) X 445 mm
Unit Weight: 36 Kg
Shipping Dimensions (W x H x D): 550 X 260 X 530mm
Shipping Weight: 41 Kg
Front Panel Color Options: All True Life Audio equipment of the Supreme Series can be
ordered in standard anodize Silver or Black color.

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TrueLifeAudio
WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE
The SSA-300 Amplifier will run warm.
Due to the power transistors and the vacuum tubes used in the TrueLife Audio design, it is normal that the unit
feels warm. Proper ventilation will be needed as described in section preparation for installation.
Replacing the Tubes
Before you take any action and with the power switch to OFF operating condition please unplug the power cable of
the unit from the mains. After unplugging let at least one hour to pass before you proceed with the replacement of
the tubes.
Your SSA-300 power amplifier uses two tubes, a tube type 6J5 in the first amplification stage and a rectifier tube
type EZ81. In the case that the tubes need to be replaced, follow the steps in the paragraph bellow.
The amplifier has two separate top covers, one in frond, closer to the amplifier‟s face plate and one on the rear of
the unit. When you open the front cover, the driver tube (6J5) is located on your right hand corner of the unit. When
you open the rear cover, the rectifier tube (EZ81) is located on your left hand corner.
Please use only premium quality tubes otherwise you may degrade the sound quality of the amplifier. Replacement
tubes you can purchase from the local TLA dealer or directly from the manufacturer.
Mains
Unplug your power amplifier from the mains connection in the following cases:
- before you manipulate with cables
- before you clean your amplifier
- during thunder storms or
- before you leave for longer periods
Cleaning
Please use a soft towel for the cleaning of your power amplifier. We recommend the use of a nonabrasive micro
fiber towel. Please do not employ any solvents.
Security advice
Liquidity is not allowed to enter the power amplifier. The electronic may be damaged seriously.
Packing
Please keep the original packing for future transports. The original packing is optimal protection against potential
damages.
Service Policy
If service is needed
Your dealer will have all relevant information about the service centres in your area, and will ensure that your unit is
serviced without delay. It is our general policy to have your unit returned to you within 20 working days. This is an
average time, and could vary locally, depending on the workload at the service centre.
If, for some reason, there are no service facilities available in your country, please ship the SSA-300 Amplifier to the
following address:

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TrueLifeAudio
TrueLife Audio (TLA)
Address: Ippokratous 13,Keratsini 18756, Athens, Greece
Phone: [phone]
[phone]
You are responsible for all shipping charges, insurance, re-importation to your country, and duty arrangements.
When shipping a product to the factory for service, always include the following:
1) A sales slip or other proof of purchase if repair is claimed under warranty.
2) A proforma invoice with value of the goods, stating that the SSA-300 Amplifier is returned to Greece for repair.
3) An accompanying note describing faults, symptoms, or problems with the SSA-300 Amplifier.
4) Always ship the SSA-300 Amplifier in the original box and packaging material to prevent damage in transit.
TrueLife Audio will not cover damages incurred in transit.
If you require further information concerning the SSA-300 Amplifier operation, or if you have any questions related
to service, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or national TrueLife Audio let distributor.
WARRANTY
All TrueLife Audio equipment is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of 3 years from date of purchase to the original purchaser only.
Proper registration is made by filling out and returning to the factory the warranty card attached to this general
warranty statement, along with a copy of the original sales receipt as proof of the original date of purchase. Only 1
card is issued with each unit, and the serial number is already recorded on it.
If the warranty registration card has already been removed then this is not a new unit, and is therefore not warranted
by the factory. If you believe this to be a new unit then please contact the factory with the details of purchase.
This warranty is provided by the dealer where the unit was purchased, and by TrueLife Audio.
Under the terms of the warranty defective parts will be repaired or replaced without charge, excepting the cost of
tubes. No warranty is offered on tubes, unless:
1. A TrueLife Audio preamplifier is used with the SSA-300 Amplifier, and
2. The warranty registration card is filled out.
In such a case a 6 month warranty on tubes is available with the correct recording of the serial number of the
amplifier on your warranty registration card.
If a TrueLife Audio product fails to meet the above warranty, then the purchaser's sole remedy shall be to return
the product to TrueLife Audio, where the defect will be repaired without charge for parts and labour.
The product will then be returned via prepaid, insured freight, method and carrier to be determined solely by
TrueLife Audio. All returns to the factory must be in the original packing, accompanied by a written description of
the defect, and must be shipped to TrueLife Audio via insured freight at the customer's own expense. Charges for
unauthorized service and transportation costs are not reimbursable under this warranty, and all warrantees, express
or implied become null and void where the product has been damaged by misuse, accident, neglect, modification,
tampering or unauthorized alteration by anyone other than TrueLife Audio.
The warrantor assumes no liability for property damage or any other incidental or consequential damage
whatsoever which may result from failure of this product. Any and all warrantees of merchantability and fitness
implied by law are limited to the duration of the expressed warranty. All warrantees apply only to TrueLife Audio
products purchased thru TrueLife Audio directly, an authorized dealer or national TrueLife Audio let distributor.

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TrueLifeAudio
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD
We ask that you please fill out this registration form and send it to:
TrueLife Audio (TLA)
Address: Ippokratous 13,Keratsini 18756, Athens, Greece
Phone: [phone]
[phone]
Email: [e-mail]
or email to [e-mail] with all the info requested below and a note stating this is Warrantee
Registration.
Registration entitles you to product support, full warranty benefits, and notice of product enhancements and
upgrades. You MUST complete and return the following to validate your warranty and registration.
Thank you again for choosing TrueLife Audio.
MODEL _________________SERIAL No. ______________________________________________
PURCHASE DATE ________ SUPPLIER _______________________________________________
NAME OF OWNER_________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS________________________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP __________________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER ______________________________________________________________
FAX ______________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL_____________________________________________________________________________

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TrueLifeAudio
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: Ippokratous 13,
Keratsini, 18756
Athens, Greece
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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TrueLifeAudio