VTL TP2.5 User manual
VTL
TP2.5 Phono Preamplifier
Owner’s Manual
MAKING TUBES USER FRIENDLY
VTL TP2.5 Phono 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 September 21, 2012
Part Number: OM-0495
Copyright ©2012 by VTL Amplifiers Inc. All rights reserved.
4774 Murrieta Street, Suite 10
Chino, CA 91710, USA
Phone 909.627.5944 • Fax 909.627.6988
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 ...............................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
Symbol Conventions used in this guide..................................................................................1
Electrical Safety Notice..........................................................................................................1
Water and Moisture ...............................................................................................................2
Location and Ventilation........................................................................................................2
Warning – To avoid risk of failure due to overheating, do not stack components.................2
Servicing ................................................................................................................................3
Operational Warnings............................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2 ...............................................................................................................................4
GETTING STARTED.....................................................................................................................4
TP 2.5 Front Panel Controls..................................................................................................4
The Preamplifier’s Back Panel..............................................................................................5
Connecting Your Phono Preamplifier to your system............................................................5
Powering the system off .........................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 3 ...............................................................................................................................8
CONFIGURING THE PHONO PREAMPLIFIER FOR MM OR MC ......................................................8
CHAPTER 4 .............................................................................................................................13
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR VTL PREAMPLIFIER.........................................................13
BREAK IN PERIOD ....................................................................................................................13
Changing Tubes...................................................................................................................13
Changing the Main Fuse......................................................................................................15
Cleaning...............................................................................................................................16
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 5 .............................................................................................................................18
SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................18
CHAPTER 6 .............................................................................................................................19
WARRANTY..............................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX ...............................................................................................................................21
Warranty Registration..........................................................................................................21
Service Notes........................................................................................................................21
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL i
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a VTL pure tube phono preamplifier.
his hand crafted equipment is designed to deliver superb performance for
your listening pleasure for many years to come. Please take a moment to read
through this owner’s manual. You will get an idea of the installation
procedures needed to connect this preamplifier to the rest of your audio
system, as well as the various functions this preamplifier can perform. Please take
enough time to get familiar with the features of this product. After you have finished
reading this manual please keep it in a safe place for future reference.
T
The VTL team is proud that you have selected our TP2.5 phono preamplifier as a new
member of your home audio system. This preamplifier is designed to give you the
convenience and flexibility to manage your analog input while at the same time giving
you the musical experience that is the most alive and the truest to your source, and we
hope you’ll get 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.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 1
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.
Water and Moisture
The TP-2.5 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 TP-2.5 chassis emits heat and needs proper ventilation to ensure long operational life.
Under no circumstances should the TP-2.5 be stacked on top of or below any other unit.
Ensure that the TP-2.5 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 TP-2.5 be sited at least 3 feet 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.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 2
Do not place the TP-2.5 next to heat sources such as radiators, stoves or other appliances.
Do not place the TP-2.5 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 TP-2.5 beyond the procedures described in this manual.
For all other service and questions, please contact your authorized VTL dealer or the
factory.
Operational Warnings
It is critical for proper sonic performance of this component that it be
properly configured for the mode of operation while playing.
Always make all connections before powering the TP-2.5 on. Connecting or
disconnecting the TP-2.5 while powered on can damage the unit, 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 TP-2.5 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 TP-2.5 is turned on. The tubes can get very
hot while the TP-2.5 is operating. Turn off the TP-2.5 and allow the tubes to cool
down before attempting to work with the tubes.
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.
Do not put shorting plugs into the input jack that is not being used. For
example, if you are using the preamp in MC stage, do not plug the MM
input jack.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 3
CHAPTER 2
Getting Started
After you open the carton you should find the following items inside:
• The preamplifier, with a power cord
• This User Manual, VTL Quality Assurance test document, VTL product warranty
registration card
Remove each item from its packaging material and check to make sure that no physical
damage has occurred during shipping of the unit. There should be no rattles inside the
preamplifier. Look through the vent slots and check to see that the tubes appear
properly seated firmly in their sockets. Contact your VTL dealer immediately if physical
damage is detected.
TP 2.5 Front Panel Controls
You can operate the switches from the front panel to control the power on/off, mute
and rumble functions. The Status indication LED shows whether the unit is on or in
mute.
The Status LED indicates the power on status of the preamplifier. When the unit
is powered on, the LED light will first blink to indicate the preamplifier is in mute,
and then after 30 seconds, the blinking will go away. The Status light continues to
stay on to indicate that the system is in the “ready” state.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 4
The Status toggle switch is a 3-position toggle switch to allow you to switch the
phono preamplifier between operating mode, the mute state and Rumble on state.
When the toggle switch is in the middle position, the preamplifier is in its operating
state. Change the preamplifier to the mute state by pressing the switch down. If
the preamplifier is currently in mute state, press this switch up to change the
system back into the operating state.
When the status switch is in the up position, the Rumble feature is selected.
The Status LED indicates whether the preamplifier is in operating state or in muted
state. When the LED light is on, the preamplifier is in operating state. When the
LED light is on and flashing, the preamplifier is in mute state. The LED is off
when the preamplifier is powered off.
The Power On/Off switch can be used to turn the preamplifier on and off. Press the
switch up to turn the preamplifier ON and press the switch down to turn the unit
OFF. The Status LED should be on and off respectively, according to the setting
of the Power On switch.
The Preamplifier’s Back Panel
From the Preamplifier’s back panel, you can access the input, output, ground and
power connectors, the main fuse holder, the serial number, and the voltage setting of
the unit.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SKOCK
1A Slo Blo (120V)
4/10 A Slo Blo (240V)
AC POWER
TP2.5 Phono Preamplifier
For continious protection
against fire hazard replace only
with fuses of same type and rating.
To prevent electric shock DO NOT remove cover.
No user servicable parts inside. Refer servicing
to qualified personnel. To prevent fire or shock
do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Manufactured by:
VTL Amplifiers Inc.
4774 Murrieta Street Suite 10
Chino, CA 91710 USA
(909) 627-5944
Output Inputs
MM MC
Left
Right
GND
AC INPUT FUSE HOLDER INFORMATION LABEL OUTPUT RCA'S MM INPUT RCA'S MC INPUT RCA'S GROUND CONNECTOR
Connecting Your Phono Preamplifier to your
system
1. Connect the turntable to the TP2.5 preamplifier. Make sure that the
preamplifier and the turntable is powered off. Connect the output cable from the
turntable to either the MM or MC Input connectors of the TP2.5 preamplifier,
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 5
according to the type of phono cartridge that you are using. Please consult the
manufacturer of your phono cartridge if you are not sure whether your cartridge is
a moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) cartridge. The TP2.5 phono
preamplifier uses single-ended (RCA) connectors for inputs. If your phono cable
does not come with a male RCA connector, please consult the manufacturer of the
turntable or tone arm to see if a converter can be provided to adapt the cable to a
single-ended input. Check and make sure that the left and right channels of the
phono cable are connected to the corresponding left and right input channels of
the preamplifier. Loosen the Ground connector next to the MM and MC input
jacks and insert the ground wire from the turntable to the Ground connector. Be
sure to tighten the Ground connector and make sure that it makes a firm contact
with the wire.
Do not put shorting plugs into the input jack that is not being used. For
example, if you are using the preamp in MC stage, do not plug the MM
input jack.
2. Connect the line stage preamplifier to the output channels of the TP2.5.
Using a pair of the output cables, connect the left and right output channels from
the TP2.5 phono preamplifier to the input connectors of your line stage
preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Make sure that the left and right output
channels from the TP2.5 are connected to the left and right input channels of your
line stage preamplifier. If you are using the VTL TP2.5 preamplifier, you can
connect the outputs from the TP2.5 to the Phono/Aux inputs of the TP2.5. If
you are using the VTL IT-85 Integrated Amplifier, you can connect the outputs
from the TP2.5 to the Aux inputs of the IT-85.
3. Connect the power amplifier to the output channel of the preamplifier. If you
are using the TP2.5 with a line stage preamplifier and an amplifier, make sure that
the line stage preamplifier is connected to the amplifier
4. Connect the speakers to the amplifier. Connect the left and right speaker cables
from your loudspeakers to the inputs of your amplifier.
Powering your system on
After you have properly connected your system according to the steps above you are
ready to power your system on.
1. If you haven’t already done so, ensure that all the tubes inside the VTL
preamplifier are properly seated all the way into their sockets before connecting the
unit to an AC source.
2. Power on the source component(s) you intend to use for your listening session.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 6
3. From the TP2.5 phono preamplifier’s front panel Power On switch turn on the
preamplifier. Check to make sure that the Status LED indicates preamplifier warm
up mode, as indicated by the flashing Status LED. Check the position of the mute
switch on the TP2.5’s front panel. If the mute switch is in the down position, the
TP2.5 will stay muted after it is powered on until you set the switch to the middle
position to take it out of mute state. We recommend that you put the TP2.5 in the
mute state until you are ready to play your record and set your volume level
appropriately.
4. Once the preamplifier completes its warm up cycle and if the TP2.5 is in the
operating mode (mute switch up) the Status LED will stop flashing to indicate that
it has returned from the mute state into the operating state. In case the Status
LED do not behave as described above check to make sure that the power cable is
securely connected to the AC Power connector in the back panel of the
preamplifier, and that the power cable is plugged into the AC supply. Contact
your VTL dealer if the unit still will not power up after these checks have been
performed.
5. Turn on the line stage preamplifier followed by the power amplifier. Alternatively
if you are using an integrated amplifier only, turn on the integrated amplifier.
6. Put on your favorite record and get ready for some good music.
7. Change the TP2.5 to its operating mode if it is in mute and adjust the volume on
your line stage or integrated amplifier to the appropriate playing level.
Powering the system off
1. When you’re done listening to your system always turn your power amplifier(s) off
first. Allow a short time (15 - 20 seconds) for the amplifier(s) to power down after
you turn them off.
2. Then turn the line stage preamplifier volume down. This is a precaution to avoid a
sudden surge in your system the next time you turn it on.
3. Turn the TP2.5 preamplifier and source components off, if you prefer to keep
these off when not in use. (You may keep your VTL preamplifier and your source
components on permanently if you prefer to keep them warm.)
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 7
CHAPTER 3
Configuring the Phono
Preamplifier for MM or MC
The VTL factory standardly configures the TP2.5 phono preamplifier to work with a MC
(moving coil) cartridge. If you would like to alter the standard setting, please follow the
instructions below or contact your dealer for assistance.
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH ANY COMPONENTS INSIDE THE
PREAMPLIFIER (OTHER THAN THE PARTS MENTIONED BELOW )
EITHER WITH YOUR FINGERS OR WITH ANY METALLIC OBJECT,
TP2.5 Internal Jumpers for MC/MM Selection
1. Remove the top cover of the TP2.5:
Your must turn off the TP2.5 preamplifier and remove the power cord. Use a #2
Phillips screw driver and remove the 6 screws on the top and 3 screws on each
side of the preamplifier. Keep the screws in a safe place so that you can put the
cover back onto the unit when you have completed the following operation.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 8
2. Selecting MM setting:
Locate the jumpers L MC SEL (J101) and R MC SEL (J201:) These are two
small black jumpers located on the TP2.5 PC board on the left hand side of
the board marked JP101 and JP201. To set the preamplifier for MM
cartridges, lift the black pin jumper and connect the jumper a single pin of the
header. Do this for both jumpers (one per channel) in locations JP101 and
JP201.
3. Selecting MM load:
Locate the MM load positions marked L TX SEL and R TX SEL. You can
select the Load for either 47K or 100K. When the jumper is connected across
both pins, the load is set to 47K. When the jumper is connected to one pin
only, the load is set to 100K.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 9
4. Selecting MC setting:
Locate the jumpers L MC SEL (J101) and R MC SEL (J201:) There are two
small black jumpers located on the TP2.5 PC board on the left hand side of
the board marked JP101 and JP201. To set the preamplifier for MC
cartridges, connect the jumpers across both pins of the headers.
5. Selecting MC Gain:
Locate the MC Gain jumpers L GAIN SEL and R GAIN SEL. Place the
header across either the 62 dB or 56 dB headers for each channel.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 10
6. Selecting MC Load:
Locate the MC Load jumpers across the top edge of the PC board in the
locations labeled L MC LOAD and R MC LOAD. Note that there are five 2
pin headers, L1 to L5, to set the load option. Place the jumper across one of
the 5 sets of pins to select the appropriate Load option.
As noted in the photo above, the MC load options are as follows:
100 ohm – header across L1
250 ohm – header across L2
470 ohm – header across L3
1K – header across L4
5K – header across L5
47K – header off and not connected (you can put the header across one single pin
in both channels)
7. Enhanced and standard RIAA
Locate the Enhanced RIAA jumpers on the PC board in the locations R ENH
RIAA and L ENH RIAA. Place the jumper across both pins of this header to
select standard RIAA.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 11
For Enhanced RIAA, left the header off of a pin in both locations. See photo
below.
8. Replace the cover
Put the cover of the preamplifier back onto the unit, insert and tighten all
screws.
9. Default Settings
Prior to shipping the TP2.5 Preamplifier, the following default settings are
configured in the preamplifier at the VTL factory unless your dealer has asked
specific settings to match with your cartridge.
MC Selected
MC Gain – 62 dB
MC Load – 47K
MM Load – 47 K
RIAA – standard
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 12
CHAPTER 4
Care and Maintenance of
your VTL preamplifier
Break In Period
Your VTL phono preamplifier is a pure tube product designed to give you the
continued optimum performance over a long time period. Initially the tubes and
circuits will require a burn-in period to reach maximum performance. During the first
100 hours of usage the preamplifier will undergo several improvements in sound.
Tube Life
Your VTL preamplifier has been designed to ensure long tube life. Tube replacement
need not be considered until after approximately 2000 hours of use (roughly 2 to 3
years depending on your listening requirements.) As the tubes age beyond their peak
performance there will be a general softening of the sound.
We recommend a complete replacement of all tubes in your preamplifier at that time,
which will restore it to a “like new” sound quality. Your VTL dealer or VTL factory
service department will be happy to assist you with the re-tubing process.
Note: use only tube types and tube brands that are recommended by VTL. VTL
specified replacement tubes are available from your authorized VTL dealer or the
VTL factory service department. Any damage incurred to units which use non-
VTL approved tubes will not be covered under the warranty.
Changing Tubes
Do not attempt to change tubes yourself unless you feel confident that you can do so
safely. Contact your authorized VTL dealer or the VTL factory service department if
you would like the service to be performed by a trained technician.
To change tubes in your preamplifier you must first turn the power off on the
preamplifier, unplug the unit from the wall outlet and disconnect the preamplifier
from the rest of your system. Using a Philips Star screw driver remove the cover
chassis from the unit by loosening the screws from each side of the preamplifier and
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 13
the screws from the top along the front and back edge. Carefully remove the cover
and the screws and store them in a safe place.
When you look down from the top, you will see a printed circuit board mounted inside
the preamplifier . WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING INSIDE THE
PREAMPLIFIER, EITHER WITH YOUR FINGERS OR WITH ANY
METALLIC OBJECT, UNTIL AFTER THE UNIT HAS BEEN SAFELY
DISCHARGED. The VTL preamplifiers can store energy in the power supplies long
after they have been turned off, and incorrectly discharging the unit can damage the
circuits, which will NOT be covered under the warranty. Be sure to understand these
constraints before going any further. If at this stage you feel that you would rather not
attempt this procedure yourself you can take the unit to your VTL Authorized Dealer
to have the work done.
If you feel comfortable with undertaking the procedure yourself then be sure to only
touch the tubes themselves, and do not allow any part of your body or hanging jewelry
to come into contact with any part of the circuit inside the unit.
Locate the four tubes which are plugged into sockets on the PC board. There are a
total of four tubes, one 12AT7 tube (V2), two 12AX7 tubes (V101, V201) and one
12AU7 tube (V1). The following drawing indicates the location of the tube type with
respect to the sockets, looking from above and in front of the unit.
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 14
Removing Tubes
Locate the tube you need to remove and hold onto the upper portion of the tube
towards its tip. Gently rotate and rock the tube with your fingers to loosen it from its
socket until its pins are completely disengaged from the socket. Take the tube out of
the unit.
Plugging in a new tube
Consult the figure above to make sure that you are inserting the correct tube type into
the correct socket. Hold onto the upper portion of the tube towards its tip. Lower the
tube onto the socket, making sure that the pins from the tube matches the
holes in the socket. There are two pins on the tube that are spaced at a
wider distance from each other than the rest of the pins. Make sure that
these two pins go into the side of the socket that matches that distance.
Press the tube firmly into its socket, using a gentle force and a slight
“rocking” motion. When the tube is properly and completely inserted into
the socket it should be firmly implanted and does not give in to any
movement at all when you try to rock it.
After you’re satisfied with all the changes you made inside the preamplifier
box you are ready to put the unit back together.
Replacing the chassis cover
Lower the preamplifier’s cover chassis slowly back into the opened
preamplifier box, making sure that the cover is put on in the correct front and back
position. Locate the screws that were removed from the cover and put them back on
the cover. Tighten all screws to make sure that the cover is securely put back to the
unit.
Changing the Main Fuse
The primary mains fuse for your preamplifier is rated 1A Slo Blo (120Volt AC) or .40
A Slo Blo (240 Volt AC). The mains fuse is housed in a holder located on the back
panel of the unit. To change the fuse, make sure the unit is powered off. Disconnect
the AC power cord from the unit. Move the preamplifier so that you can work with
the panel in the back. Locate the mains fuse holder and use a flat blade screw driver to
TP2.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
VTL 15
Table of contents
Other VTL Amplifier manuals
