VTL TL5.5 Series II Signature User manual

VTL
TL5.5 Series II Signature Preamplifier
O w n e r ’ s M a n u a l

MAKING TUBES USER FRIENDLY
VTL TL5.5 Series II Signature Preamplifier
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written
permission by VTL.
Version History:
Version 2.0 May 19, 2010
Part Number: OM-6.5
Copyright ©2011 by VTL Amplifiers Inc. All rights reserved.
4774 Murrieta Street, Suite 10
Chino, CA 91710, USA
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
Email: [email protected] • http://www.vtl.com/

Table of Contents
Chapter 1..............................................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................1
Symbol Conventions used in this guide.....................................................................................................................2
Electrical Safety Notice..............................................................................................................................................2
Water and Moisture ....................................................................................................................................................3
Location and Ventilation............................................................................................................................................3
Servicing.....................................................................................................................................................................3
Operational Warnings.................................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2..............................................................................................................................................................................5
Getting Started..............................................................................................................................................................5
Unpacking the TL5.5 from its box.............................................................................................................................5
Quick Start..................................................................................................................................................................6
TL5.5 Front Panel Controls........................................................................................................................................7
The Preamplifier’s Back Panel................................................................................................................................10
Back Panel Connections and controls............................................................................................................. 10
The Remote Control Hand-held Unit...................................................................................................................... 11
Fitting the Batteries to the Remote Control..................................................................................................... 12
Voltage Setting ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Power Source for the VTL TL-5.5 Preamplifier..................................................................................................... 13
Connecting the Preamplifier to your system........................................................................................................... 14
Connecting to a Turntable............................................................................................................................... 14
Select and Connect Source Components......................................................................................................... 14
Connecting to a Turntable............................................................................................................................... 15
Connecting the TL5.5 to a Home Theater System.................................................................................................. 16
Using the TL-5.5 to trigger other devices............................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 3........................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Operating the Preamplifier....................................................................................................................................... 18
Powering your preamplifier and the rest of your system on ................................................................................... 18
Ground Loop Hum................................................................................................................................................... 19
Using the Preamplifier with the Remote Control.................................................................................................... 19
Using the Tape Loop to monitor recordings ........................................................................................................... 20
Connecting to the Turntable.................................................................................................................................... 21
Operating Modes and Factory Default Settings...................................................................................................... 21
Quick Reference: Special Programming Functions ................................................................................................ 22
LED Indications....................................................................................................................................................... 23
Programming the Preamplifier’s function controls................................................................................................. 25
Using the preamplifier with RS232 control .................................................................................................... 35
Powering the system off.......................................................................................................................................... 39
chapter 4............................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Care and Maintenance of your VTL preamplifier................................................................................................. 41
Break In Period........................................................................................................................................................ 41
Tube Life.................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Changing Tubes....................................................................................................................................................... 41
TL5.5 SERIES II Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL i

Changing the Main Fuses.........................................................................................................................................44
Internal View of TL5.5 II Line Stage ......................................................................................................................45
Internal View of TL5.5 II Line and Phono Stage....................................................................................................45
Internal View of TL5.5 II Phono Stage ...................................................................................................................46
Cleaning....................................................................................................................................................................46
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................................46
chapter 5 ............................................................................................................................................................................49
TL-5.5II Specifications ..............................................................................................................................................49
Chapter 6............................................................................................................................................................................51
Warranty.....................................................................................................................................................................51
Appendix............................................................................................................................................................................53
Warranty Registration ..............................................................................................................................................53
Service Notes............................................................................................................................................................53
TL5.5 SERIES II Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL ii

CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a VTL Signature Preamplifier: “A new single-chassis preamplifier
design to challenge all others.”
his hand crafted component is designed to deliver superb performance for your
listening pleasure for many years to come. In order to get the most benefit from your
purchase, we recommend that you take sufficient time to get familiar with the features
of this product. Please take a moment to read through this owner’s manual, as it
contains all of the installation procedures needed to connect your new TL5.5 to the rest of your
audio system, as well as the many functions that the TL5.5 can perform. After you have
finished reading this manual it should be kept it in a safe place for future reference.
T
Since its introduction in 1997, the TL-5.5 has earned a reputation for outstanding
performance at an economical price. Now, VTL has significantly upgraded this preamp,
using many of the technological innovations derived from the flagship TL-7.5
preamplifier. The result is a modern full-featured preamplifier – the TL5.5 Series II
Preamplifier that outperforms in every way, making it one of the top values of any tube
preamplifier in its category.
The fundamental qualities that made the original TL-5.5 special—its all-tube design, the
optional retrofittable phono stage, and its superb sonic characteristics—are unchanged.
What’s new is the application of advanced audio technology sourced from VTL’s TL-7.5
Reference and TL-6.5 Signature preamplifiers. This technology uses a simple circuit
topology with low negative feedback and a high current/low impedance output stage in a
low-noise microprocessor-based design. Top quality parts, fully balanced operation, and
precision-regulated and shielded power supplies yield a full yet neutral sound with high
resolution, transparency, speed and powerful dynamics.
Preamplifiers offer the user many benefits that direct connections cannot. A line stage with gain
(and therefore dynamic headroom) always yields superior sound in dynamic musical passages.
Ease of installation is another primary benefit with preamplifiers.
The VTL TL5.5 Signature Line preamplifier is both a fully active line level preamplifier and a
complete source control center in one package, and it offers complete predictability of
performance with little or no change of response in a wide range of systems and environments.
VTL has delivered on its goal of bringing advanced engineering and modern
functionality to the new TL-5.5 Series II preamplifier. With the same highly intuitive
user interface of the renowned TL-7.5 and 6.5, and a full-function remote, the new
TL-5.5 is a pleasure to use. A rigid, well-shielded chassis yields quiet operation while bi-
directional RS-232 serial interface allows for seamless integration into any audio
system. A luxurious cosmetic makeover includes a sleek and visually striking precision-
milled faceplate similar to those used on its much more expensive brethren. For a well-
TL5.5 SERIES II Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 1

priced, high-performance all-tube preamplifier, the TL-5.5 is a truly fine addition to any
system.
The VTL team is proud that you have selected our Signature preamplifier as a new member of
your home audio system. This preamplifier is designed to give you the convenience and
flexibility to manage all your audio and video sources, while at the same time giving you the
musical experience that is the most alive and the truest to your source, and we certainly wish
you many hours of enjoyment from it.
Symbol Conventions used in this guide
Certain symbols are used in this owner’s manual to draw your attention to important
points being discussed. For your own safety and that of your equipment you should
note and heed the warnings that follow these symbols.
The “Warning - Pay particular Attention” symbol used is
And the “Warning – Observe These Precautions for Your Safety” is
Electrical Safety Notice
Electrical voltage from power cables can be hazardous. We recommend that the power
cord used with this unit be connected to a properly grounded AC outlet. There are
hazardous voltages present in the unit, and to prevent electrical shock, do not remove the
cover of this preamplifier, and under no circumstances while the unit is powered on.
Warning – Under no circumstances should any attempt be made to
circumvent the ground system to the AC line for any reason. Using a
ground lifted system can be potentially extremely dangerous, both to persons that might
come in contact with the unit, and to the unit itself, and proper RF shielding cannot be
attained without a secure ground connection.
Damage to the unit that is the result of improper AC connection and grounding will not be
covered under the warranty.
Prior to connecting this preamplifier to any audio or video equipment in your system,
make sure this unit’s power (and the rest of the equipment connected to its input and
output channels) is turned off. Adding or removing input or output cables to the
preamplifier while the system is powered on can cause damage to the preamplifier and
possibly also to the rest of the system.
TL5.5 SERIES II Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 2

Water and Moisture
The TL5.5 should be kept away from sources of water or
moisture. If liquid enters the unit it must be immediately
returned to your dealer for servicing. In this case you should
under no circumstances try to power the unit on - there are
hazardous voltages present in this unit that can cause serious injury if they come in
contact with you.
Location and Ventilation
Warning – To avoid risk of failure due to overheating, do not stack
components
The TL5.5 chassis emits heat and needs proper ventilation to ensure long
operational life. Under no circumstances should the TL5.5 SERIES II be
stacked on top of any other unit.
Ensure that the TL5.5 SERIES II is installed in a location that is
stable and well ventilated. If the preamplifier is placed in a built-in
installation, ensure that there is adequate room for air to flow through
the ventilation openings. Allow at least 3 - 5 inches clearance on the
top and around the sides of each chassis of the preamplifier. The warranty does not cover
units that are damaged due to overheating from incorrect installation.
It is also recommended that the preamplifier be sited at least 10 inches away from the
power amplifier to prevent possible noise introduction into the system.
Tiptoes or other isolation accessories may prove useful in reducing mechanical vibrations
or other external vibrations that might affect sonic performance, and we have found that
such accessories can offer definite beneficial sonic improvements when used correctly. In
all cases this preamplifier should only be installed in a location that is stable, as warranty
does not cover damage due to the unit falling.
Do not place the preamplifier next to heat sources such as radiators, stoves or other
appliances.
Do not place the preamplifier where small children might be able to tamper with the
equipment. If it is not possible to place the preamplifier out of the reach of small children
it is recommended that power cables be removed when the equipment is not in use.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the TL5.5 beyond the procedures described in this manual.
For all other service and questions, please contact your authorized VTL dealer or the
factory.
TL5.5 SERIES II Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 3

Operational Warnings
 It is critical for proper sonic performance of this
component that it be properly configured for the mode
of operation while playing. If a balanced signal is
applied to the inputs the unit must be configured for
balanced operation, and vice-versa.
 Always make all connections before powering the TL5.5 on.
Connecting or disconnecting the TL5.5 while powered on
can damage the output stage, and will not be covered under
the warranty. Ensure that no interconnect cables can become
loose during use and that there are no intermittent faults or
shorts with the cables.
 Do not attempt to disassemble the TL5.5 chassis or
remove any covers from the unit. Always consult with your
VTL authorized dealer or the VTL factory before attempting
any service work on any VTL unit.
 Do not touch the tubes after the TL5.5 is turned on. The
tubes can get very hot while the TL5.5 is operating. Turn off the
TL5.5 and allow the tubes to cool down before attempting to
work with the tubes.
 Tube components can be heavy and awkward to lift, with the
weight unevenly distributed, and you should not attempt to move
the unit without help. The TL5.5 Preamplifier weighs approximately
40 lbs. (18.14 Kg).
 Do not exceed fuse ratings or attempt to bypass any fuses, as
this can cause an extremely hazardous condition and will void
any warrantees. Use only the same type and rating of fuses as
specified in the owners’ manual and marked on the unit.
TL5.5 SERIES II Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 4

CHAPTER 2
Getting Started
Unpacking the TL5.5 from its box
1. The VTL TL5.5 Preamplifier is shipped in 1
carton and the unit is wrapped in thick plastic.
The plastic is not strong enough to support the
unit, and may tear if you try to lift the unit out of the box with it. Also
there are protruding switches and connectors which could break if the unit
is not properly handled, and in addition to the awkward, unbalanced heavy
load the unit has sharp edges and a cleaning polish on it, which makes it
slippery and hard to grasp.
2. When lifting the unit, be sure to only lift it from the bottom of the unit
with both hands. Be careful not to break any switches or to rest the unit on
any other side than the bottom side on the four feet on a stable surface.
Setting it on any other side may damage protruding components.
 SAVE THE CARTON AND ALL PACKAGING FOR ANY FUTURE
SHIPMENT OF THE TL5.5.
After you open the carton you should find the following items inside:
• The preamplifier
• 1 standard power cord for the electrical system in your country
• The remote control hand-held unit with two AAA batteries
• This Owner’s Manual, Quick Reference Sheet, VTL Quality Assurance and test
printout, and a VTL product warranty registration card
Remove each item from its packaging material and check to make sure that no physical
damage has occurred during shipment of the unit. There should be no rattles inside either
the preamplifier chassis or remote control units. Look through the vent slots and check to
see that the tubes appear properly seated in their sockets. Contact your VTL dealer
immediately if physical damage is detected.
TL5.5 SERIES II Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 5