Herron Audio HL-1 Manual de usuario

Vacuum Tube

Stereo Preampliﬁer

HL-1

Owner’s Manual

Solid-State

Stereo Preampliﬁer

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Features 2

Design Considerations 5

Front Panel Features 6

Remote Control 8

Rear Panel Features 9

Installation and Operation 11

Technical Speciﬁcations 13

Herron Audio Solid State Stereo Preampliﬁer Owner’s Manual

Please read the Owner’s Manual completely BEFORE operating the unit.

Welcome!

Thank you for your investment in the Herron Audio HL-1 Solid State Stereo

Preampliﬁer, a milestone in high-precision audio playback equipment. The

HL-1 is a new design, beneﬁting from insights gained during continuous

reﬁnement of the highly-praised and award-winning VTSP-1A vacuum tube

preampliﬁer. The HL-1 employs the latest advancements in semiconductor

technology incorporated in a way that produces totally natural and trans-

parent sound.

The care in engineering and manufacturing of this product anticipates a

lifetime of musical enjoyment. Years of research into circuit design and

component performance were applied to the development of the HL-1, and

new implementations of components have led to a breakthrough in perfor-

mance while maintaining conservative operation. As with all Herron Audio

products, the HL-1 is engineered to be reliable and user friendly.

Manufacturing of the HL-1 is performed under the tightest of quality

controls. Its limited production permits hand matching of components to

the most exacting standards in the industry. The units are burned in, bench

tested, and matched to extremely tight tolerances to ensure unprecedented

performance and lack of unit-to-unit variation.

one

Division of Herron Engineering, Inc.

12685 Dorsett Road

# 138

Maryland Heights, MO 63043 (St. Louis area)

314.434.5416

314.434.6629 fax

www.herronaudio.com

The HL-1 incorporates an infrared

remote control for convenient opera-

tion of many of the preampliﬁer’s

front-panel functions. This remote

uses 38kHz modulation and detec-

tion of this signal initiates the HL-1’s

decoder circuitry, which is otherwise

dormant in order to prevent the

unwanted noise usually associated

with remote control circuitry. A ﬂash-

ing red light in the display window

indicates the initiation of the remote

control decoding process in the HL-1.

When the red light is off, this cir-

cuitry goes to “sleep” mode.

The HL-1 utilizes two extremely

low distortion precision electronic

stepped attenuators (one for each

channel) in a fashion similar to the

VTSP-1A/166, with downshifting

starting at step 40 (a slight pause may

be detected as the unit changes

modes between steps 39 and 40). The

HL-1 has a total of 100 volume steps,

and the precise volume level is shown

as three digits in the front-panel dis-

play window. The use of electronic

stepped attenuators ensures contin-

ued high-quality performance

without any of the oxidation and cor-

Owner’s Manual

Please read the Owner’s Manual completely BEFORE operating the unit.

rosion that degrades conventional

mechanical stepped attenuators and

volume control potentiometer wiper

contacts.

At startup, the display on the HL-1

goes through a lamp test, and then

successively displays the model of

the unit “HL1,” phono stage option

“PH1” (if present), the revision of the

unit, “r01,” and the time in seconds

from 30 until the unit automatically

unmutes. The input display will

show the last input in use from the

last time the unit was on. When the

countdown is complete, the mute

will be disengaged (if it was not on

the last time the unit was shut

down), the function displays will

indicate the last state of use, and the

volume will be ramped up to a rela-

tively low level of 10. At this point

the user will be able to change the

settings.

The HL-1 incorporates circuitry to

switch the phase of the audio signal

by 180 degrees for absolute polarity

control. The amber “Invert” light

on the front panel will indicate if the

phase is being inverted. The phase

switching circuitry of the HL-1 is

designed so that no coloration is

added in either mode, and the true

effects of recorded phase polarity are

audible in either mode. The invert

mode can be controlled from both

the front panel and the remote

control.

NOTE: When the invert mode of

the HL-1 is switched, the unit auto-

matically mutes before changing

modes in order to prevent any

unwanted “pops” during switching.

The unit unmutes after the invert

mode is changed. The process takes

0.5 seconds.

The display brightness of the HL-1

can be dimmed from both the remote

and the front panel by pushing the

“Display” button. Operating the

“Display” button again will return the

brightness to its previous setting. The

blue “Display” indicator on the front

panel indicates dim-display mode.

Source input selection in the HL-1

incorporates gold-contact sealed relays

located at the input connectors, keep-

ing the signal path length to an

absolute minimum. This innovative

conﬁguration eliminates the

distortion-generating wipers of con-

ventional selectors and long runs of

wire from the rear panel to the switch.

An additional beneﬁt of using sealed

relays, the contacts are not prone to

corrosion, dirt, or the same kind of

wear as conventional selector

switches.

The HL-1 has a power-polarity

switch on the back panel for reversing

the power line polarity connection to

the primary of the power transformer.

This can be used to minimize the

capacitive reactance effects from the

power line on the audio circuitry of the

unit. This switch can be operated while

listening in order to determine the

best-sounding power polarity setting.

The “Video” input of the HL-1

can be placed in unity-gain mode by

pressing and holding the “Video” but-

ton on the front panel for a few

seconds. The volume display will indi-

cate “PAS” on the display when the

pass-through mode is initiated; only

the video input will be at unity gain.

Selecting any other input will shut off

the pass-through mode, and the vol-

ume will return to 10.

NOTE: The pass-through mode

cannot be selected from the

remote control.

All of the front panel display

lamps are driven from individual dis-

play latches for each element and are

Features

two three

Herron Audio Solid State Stereo Preampliﬁer

not multiplexed or ﬂashed at high

speed, as is usually done to save parts

and cost. The continuous lighting of

each selected element of the display

of the HL-1 prevents the electrical

noise that would be generated by

sequenced displays.

The HL-1 has an instant shutdown

circuit that mutes the output upon

loss of full line voltage (power loss).

This feature provides protection from

loud “pops” or noises from input

Herron Audio Solid State Stereo Preampliﬁer Owner’s Manual

Please read the Owner’s Manual completely BEFORE operating the unit.

equipment that may damage speakers.

With a power loss of more than a few

seconds, the unit will totally shut

down, and go through the full start-

up sequence when power is restored.

If the power outage is brief, the unit

will mute and wait 10 to 15 seconds

to unmute when the power is

restored. This delay will allow DC sig-

nals from input components enough

time to normalize so that loud “pops”

will be minimized.

• Multifunction remote control

• Volume level display (0 - 100)

• Unity gain pass-through function—initiated by holding video button

• Optional phono stage with switchable MM/MC modes

• Non-multiplexed display, eliminating radio and audio interference

• Switchable absolute polarity

• 100-step electronic volume control system with precision tracking and low

distortion

• Full-range, inﬁnite-resolution indirect signal path balance control

• Stereo/mono switch

• Mute control

• Display brightness control

• Tape out/in loop

• Low noise design

• High input-signal capacity without overload

• Automatic muting at startup and shutdown

• Gold plated, Teﬂon-insulated RCA connectors

• Handpicked components for accurate response and consistent unit-to-unit

quality

• Reversing power line (AC) polarity switch for minimizing line-to-chassis

reactive currents and noise pickup

• Each unit is given an extensive burn-in, including rigorous bench and

listening tests

Design Considerations

ﬁvefour

Three-digit volume level display in the

display window at the center of the

front panel indicates the volume level

(0 to 100) and the parameters of the

unit during start-up. It also indicates

“PAS” during pass-through mode and

the gain state of the optional phono

stage “coil” (moving coil) or “MM”

(moving magnet) if present.

The selected input is indicated by

the blue lights on the left side of the

front panel.

These inputs are:

• Phono

• Aux

• CD

• Tuner

• Video

Units with the optional phono stage:

The MM/MC mode can be changed by

holding the phono button on the front

panel in for a few seconds. The unit will

mute and the display will show the mode

that has been selected for 10 seconds and

then count down for 20 seconds before

un-muting. The MM/MC mode cannot be

changed from the remote control.

Herron Audio Solid State Stereo Preampliﬁer Owner’s Manual

Please read the Owner’s Manual completely BEFORE operating the unit.

The tape input (loop) indicator is

on the right side of the front panel.

These inputs can be selected from

either the front panel or the remote

control after the unit has gone

through the start-up sequence.

The balance control provides a

full range of adjustment for relative

balance between the right and left

channels. In the centered position,

each channel is equal in signal sen-

sitivity. Rotating the balance

control in the clockwise direction

(to the right) decreases the volume

in the left channel relative to the

right channel. Rotating the balance

control in a counter-clockwise

direction (to the left) decreases the

volume in the right channel relative

to the left. In the fully clockwise or

counter-clockwise position, the left

or right channel respectively will be

muted. Normal operation is pro-

vided when the balance control is

in the centered position. The “Bal-

ance” knob operates an infinitely

variable control that is barely in the

circuit at center position.

NOTE: The balance control can-

not be operated from the remote.

The “Volume” knob operates a

stepped encoder. Rotating the volume

knob to the right increases the vol-

ume level, or to the left to decrease

the volume level. The level is dis-

played from 0 to 100 in the display

window. The volume can also be con-

trolled from the remote control.

NOTE: Since the volume control is

a stepped attenuator the individual

steps of the volume control as it is

raised or lowered may produce “clicks”

for a short period after the unit, or

input device has been turned on. This

will be most noticeable between steps

39 and 40. These “clicks” are the result

of a D.C. voltage at the input of the

unit causing instantaneous D.C. level

shifts as the volume control steps up

or down. This condition will usually

subside after a few minutes as the D.C.

level at the input from the source

component dissipates.

The red “Mute” light indi-

cates that the preamplifier is in

mute mode and no signal will pass

through the unit. During mute, the

stepped attenuators are set to zero

level and the output is shorted by a

relay. The mute mode can be initi-

ated or disengaged from the front

panel or the remote control.

The orange “Mono” light indi-

cates that the preampliﬁer is in

monaural mode. In mono mode, the

unit mixes the left and right signals to

monaural so that the signals coming

from the left and right channels are

the same. Mono mode can be initiated

or disengaged from the front panel or

the remote control.

The amber “Invert” light indi-

cates that the preampliﬁer is in

phase-inverting mode. The invert

mode reverses the absolute phase of

both channels. The invert mode can

be initiated or disengaged from the

front panel or the remote control.

The amber “Tape” light indi-

cates that the tape input has been

selected. The tape input allows the

user to loop the selected input

(source) signal out from the tape out-

put through a tape machine or other

processor, and listen to the signal

coming back into the tape input. The

tape input mode can be initiated or

disengaged from the front panel or

the remote control.

The blue “Display” light indi-

cates that the front panel displays are

in dim mode. The display mode can

be initiated or disengaged from the

front panel or the remote control.

Front Panel Features

six seven

Remote control functions:

• Input Selection

• Absolute Polarity

• Display Brightness

• Volume, Mute, and Mono/Stereo

The remote control is laid out in a

fashion similar to the front panel of

the HL-1.

The input controls are on the left

side (top to bottom) in the following

order:

• Phono

• Aux

• CD

• Tuner

• Video

The volume is controlled with the

two white buttons at the top center of

the remote. The Vbutton on the

left decreases the volume. The V

button on the right increases the

volume.

The controls on the right side of

the remote (top to bottom) are in the

same order as the front panel:

• Mute

• Mono

• Invert

• Tape

• Display

Herron Audio Solid State Stereo Preampliﬁer Owner’s Manual

Please read the Owner’s Manual completely BEFORE operating the unit.

NOTE: The balance control can-

not be operated from the remote

control.

The remote control will only con-

trol the unit if the top of the remote is

pointed toward the display window of

the HL-1. The remote control uses 2

CR2025 3-volt lithium batteries.

The rear panel was designed for flexi-

bility and ease of access to

less-frequently used functions. The

high-precision RCA input jacks are

gold-plated to minimize signal-

degrading corrosion. The special

Teflon insulation material in the

RCA connectors maintains purity of

the signal from the input cable into

the unit.

Power Connection

An IEC power cord connector is

provided for attaching either the

factory-provided power cord or

another chosen by the user.

Power Switch

When the unit’s POWER switch is

placed in the on (“1”) position, the

unit is powered up. At power up, the

unit is automatically muted until full

operational capabilities are reached

and the voltages are stable at the

tubes. When switch is moved to the

off position, the unit is automatically

muted and powered down.

Power Line Polarity Switch

This switch selects the power-line

polarity. AC line polarity may affect

performance. The following is the rec-

ommended procedure for determining

the best operation:

• With the mute engaged set the

power line polarity switch to the

"A" position then disengage the

mute.

• Set the volume control to the

desired level and listen closely to

the quality of the reproduction.

This will be used as a baseline for

determining AC polarity.

• Engage the mute function and

change the AC polarity of the

preampliﬁer by switching the

Rear Panel Features

NOTE: the indicator on

the batteries must be fac-

ing the back side of the

remote. Installing the

batteries in the wrong

direction may damage the

remote control.

eight nine

The Remote Control

power line polarity switch to the

"B" position then disengage the

mute for listening. Repeat the

process, listening to the same

source.

• Place the AC polarity switch in

the position that sounds best. It

may be necessary to change the

AC polarity if you make other

equipment or power connection

changes in your audio system.

Note: The AC polarity switch should

only be operated with the unit muted

Inputs

The inputs are grouped by channel:

the upper bank contains the left-

channel inputs, the lower contains

the right-channel inputs. The

left/right input pairs are arranged ver-

tically. The input pairs are arranged

on the back in the same order as on

the front panel and remote (with the

exception of the tape loop input).

Herron Audio Solid State Stereo Preampliﬁer Owner’s Manual

Please read the Owner’s Manual completely BEFORE operating the unit.

RCA input plugs should be inserted

ﬁrmly into the input jacks while the

unit is powered down. Any individual

ground-bleed connections should be

connected to the gold ground lug

located near the end of the banks of

input jacks.

Outputs

There are two types of outputs in the

HL-1. The main outputs are intended

for connection to high-quality power

ampliﬁers or a multi-channel elec-

tronic crossover. Two pairs of main

outputs are provided so that users

may distribute the audio signal to

multiple ampliﬁers.

The tape outputs are provided to

allow monitoring of the selected

audio signal after the input relays.

The signal from the tape output corre-

sponds to the input chosen by the

user and displayed on the front panel.

Operation of the Herron HL-1 stereo

preampliﬁer is straightforward. As

with any ﬁne audio component, care-

ful setup and integration into one’s

system is important for optimum per-

formance, safety, and reliability. Please

read through the following setup

instructions completely prior to oper-

ating the unit.

Procedure

1. Position the unit in a well-

ventilated area on a ﬁrm,

stable surface, away from

equipment that generates

alternating magnetic ﬁelds

such as motors, transformers,

etc. Magnetic ﬁelds of this

type can introduce hum into

the signal path.

Good ventilation is

important in order to

prevent overheating of

the unit. Excess heat will

shorten the life of the

unit.

2. Connect the signal cables

from the source components

(CD, turntable, VCR, tuner,

etc.) to the HL-1’s rear panel

jacks, left-to-left and right-to-

right. Connect any ground

bleed wires to the ground con-

nector of the turntable.

3. Plug the ampliﬁer and tape

recorder input cables into the

corresponding outputs, left-to-

left and right-to-right.

4. Plug the power cord into the

IEC socket. Make sure it is

ﬁrmly seated prior to inserting

the plug into an AC outlet.

5. Plug the power cord into a

115-volt (U.S. spec units)

AC outlet.

6. Power up the source

components.

7. Power up the HL-1 by switch-

ing on the power switch.

8. Once the HL-1 is powered

up and operating, power up

the downstream ampliﬁer(s)

and crossover, if any, as

recommended by their

manufacturers.

9. With the Volume control in the

lowest position, gradually

increase the gain until the

desired level is reached.

10. When the listening session is

complete, it is suggested, but

not required, that the HL-1 be

Installation and Operation

eleventen

Frequency response: 1 Hz to beyond 100 kHz,

20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB

Output Impedance: 250 ohms nominal at 1 kHz (predominantly

complex/imaginary-passive)

Input impedance: 100,000 Ohms

Gain: 14 db

Volume Control: 100-position electronic stepped attenuator,

maximum differential 0.1 dB channel to

channel

Absolute Polarity: Switchable

Front Panel: Available in black or clear anodized

aluminum

Dimensions: 18” wide x 3.5” high x 10.5” deep

Optional Phono Stage:

Gain: MM 44dB, MC 64dB

Input Impedance: MM 47K Ohms, MC 47K Ohms

Warranty: 3 years, parts and labor

Owner’s Manual

Please read the Owner’s Manual completely BEFORE operating the unit.

Technical Speciﬁcations

powered down after the

crossover, ampliﬁers, and tape

recorder, and before the source

components.

Power Requirements

It is recommended that the HL-1

stereo preampliﬁer be connected to

the same power source (dedicated cir-

cuit) as the other source components

(phono stage, turntable, CD player,

SACD player, etc.) and power ampli-

ﬁers in the audio system. This will

reduce the component-to-component

differential RFI (radio frequency inter-

ference) level that will be required to

be conducted by the audio intercon-

nects, which are a very important part

of the audio chain. RFI can add

brightness and lack of clarity to an

audio system.

With the higher deﬁnition and

detail available through the HL-1,

Herron Audio Solid State Stereo Preampliﬁer

careful attention to the setup of other

components will yield signiﬁcant ben-

eﬁts. There may also be considerable

gains from the upgrade of existing

electronics.

We recommend the use of high-

quality interconnecting cables

between the source components and

the HL-1, and between the HL-1 and

components downstream of it (the

power ampliﬁers and speakers).

Due to the increased deﬁnition of

detail, it may be necessary to make

minor adjustments in speaker position

or active crossover settings to opti-

mize their performance. We have

determined that minor time align-

ment changes in a setup can produce

major advances in the overall quality

of the reproduced signal, bringing the

listener closer to the original

performance.

twelve thirteen

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