TLA TSP-1 User manual

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TSP-1 Pre amplifier Owner’s Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 3
TLA PROFILE - INTRODUCTION 4
TSP-1 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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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

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symbol. In the case of disposal of this component please do so in conformity with legal and environmental
regulations.
TLA PROFILE
TLA was 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 TSP-1 Pre Amplifier of the TLA’s ”True 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 TSP-1.
I thank you once again for your investment on TLA’s team development of the ‘’True Series’’
Sincerely,
Aristomenis Georgiadis

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TSP-1 DESCRIPTION
TSP-1 Pre Amplifier, like the SSP-1 preamplifier, is a Single Ended, loaded by an Output Transformer, triode design.
Dual mono design with 2 separated circuits in a single chassis.
Separate Linear Power supplies for High and Low voltages per channel. 4 Power Supplies for audio in total.
First power supply is using a custom designed EI, low loss lamination transformer and custom designed choke. It
supplies the High Voltage required for the 12AU7 single ended stage.
The second power supply is using a custom designed EI, low loss lamination transformer. It supplies the low voltage
required for the Tube Heaters.
4 input selector
Shunt attenuator – Volume, with Remote Control
Parallel 12AU7 Single Ended topology gain stage, transformer loaded.
Output Transformer – TLA’s special designed, hand wounded output transformer with very good linearity. Following
TLA’s long tradition in Audio Transformers.
High quality PCBs. All boards are hand assembled. All parts of the amplifier are hand wired.
Highest quality components are used throughout the circuit. Each component is handpicked, tested and matched to
serve the design.

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PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
Budget a suitable space in which to place the TSP-1 Pre 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 TSP-1 Pre 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 buttons are switched off and the Logo light is off, then attach the grounded IEC
power cable jacks to the IEC plugs. 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 TSP-1 Pre Amplifier.
Delay On
It will take few seconds for the tube to warm up and start delivering sound.
Input and Output 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.
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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FRONT VIEW
1. Input Selector. Each time one of the 4 inputs is selected the corresponded led is on
2. Power switch
3. Logo and Model lights up when power is on
4. Volume Button
5. Mute Switch

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BACK VIEW
1. Input Connectors for Right and Left Channel. 3 x RCA & 1 x XLR per Channel. Upon request a
different combination can be installed.
2. Line Out Connectors. 1 x RCA & 1 x XLR per Channel. Upon request 2 x XLR Male can be
installed.
3. IEC C14 Male Power Inlet & Fuse Holder

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SPECIFICATIONS
 Maximum Voltage Input: 1 Vrms
 Input Impedance: 140K Maximum – 40K Minimum
 Gain: 12 dB
 Frequency Bandwidth: 80KHz
 Tubes used:
2 X 12AU7
 Voltage Options (Factory Set):
230-240VAC
110-120VAC
 Fuses (5x20mm):
2 X T 500mA (Slow Blow): 220V-240 VAC
2 X T 1A (Slow Blow): 110-120 VAC
 Color Options (Front Plate):
Silver
Black
 Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 X 192 (with feet) X 430 mm
 Unit Weight: 28 Kg
 Shipping Dimensions (W x H x D): 550 X 300 X 550mm
 Shipping Weight: 38 Kg

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WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE
The TSP-1 Pre Amplifier will run warm.
Due to the vacuum tubes used in the True Life 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 TSP-1 pre amplifier uses two tubes, a tube type 12AU7 per channel is used. In the case that the tubes need to
be replaced, follow the steps in the paragraph bellow.
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 TSP-1 pre Amplifier to
the following address:

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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 TSP-1 Pre Amplifier is returned to Greece for repair.
3) An accompanying note describing faults, symptoms, or problems with the TSP-1 pre Amplifier.
4) Always ship the TSP-1 pre Amplifier in the original box and packaging material to prevent damage in transit.
True Life Audio will not cover damages incurred in transit.
If you require further information concerning the TSP-1 pre Amplifier operation, or if you have any questions related
to service, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or national True Life 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 TSA-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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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: [email protected]
or email to [email protected] 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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CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: Ippokratous 13,
Keratsini, 18756
Athens, Greece
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]