SM6/P Dual Channel Preamplifier Owners Manual
Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other than those expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document, reserves the right to change products or specifications detailed herein at any time without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information contained herein.
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i Introducing the Perreaux SM6 Preamplifier Congratulations on your Perreaux SM6 purchase. To realise the full potential of your unit you need to appreciate all aspects of its operation. Before installing the SM6 into your system, read the entire manual carefully. Endeavor to understand every detail by familiarising yourself with the controls and features as you read. You will find it easier to install using the relevant sections of this manual as a reference.
ii Important Safety Instructions Note: All safety and operation instructions should be read carefully before the SM6 is operated. Keep the Owners Manual in a safe place for future reference. à The SM6 should not be used near water, for example near a bathtub, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, etc. à The SM6 should be rack mounted only in a heavy-duty rack or stand that is recommended for audio equipment use.
iii Table of Contents i ii iii 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Introducing the Perreaux SM6 Preamplifier ........................................................... 4 6 Important Safety Instructions.................................................................................... 5 Table of Contents......................................................................................................... 6 Unpacking and Placement......................................................................
1 Unpacking and Placement The SM6 is packaged for maximum protection. Please carefully read the instructions below before proceeding to unpack the unit. Be extremely careful. Unpacking Procedure à Inspect both ends of the cardboard box and open at the end without the central staple by slitting the reinforced tape at either side. à Fold back the flaps and tip the package on end and the inner box will slide out.
2 Instant Install If you are like us, the first thing you will want to do is to play your favourite piece of music through your new SM6. The following instructions are written to enable you to achieve this as quickly as possible. These are not comprehensive instructions, but are designed to enable you to play music now! Note: Please take the time to read the SM6 manual thoroughly as it incorporates many features, which will enhance its operation.
Test for undesirable noises Without any program source material, slowly increase the SM6 volume listening for any undesirable noises. After establishing that there are no problems, return the SM6 volume level back to zero. Play your source material Start your source material playing. Increase the volume Slowly increase the volume on the SM6 to achieve a comfortable listening level.
3 Front Panel Functions Volume Control When depressed, these buttons will alter the volume setting. adjustment range is 00 – 59. The volume Alphanumeric Display The display will illuminate when the power is turned on at the mains power switch or when various remote or front panel adjustments are made. At turn-on, the display will illuminate with 00 and default to the CD input.
4 Rear Panel Functions Caution! Observe precautions regarding volume control settings. Please make all changes at minimum volume setting. Only increase the volume after the connections have been made. Balanced CD Inputs Accepts a signal from a CD player with balanced outputs via high quality XLR connectors.
Note: The position of the Balanced CD Input switch has no bearing on the balanced output, it only selects which CD input to use. Set the balanced CD input switch to ON only when using the balanced CD input.. Refer to Chapter 13 “Specifications”, for detail on input sensitivity and impedance. Unbalanced Source Inputs Accepts a standard single-ended input (RCA) from source components with single-ended analogue outputs.
The pin assignments of the balanced XLR output connectors are as follows: Pin 1: Signal ground Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting) Pin 3: Signal – (inverting) Shield ground: Chassis ground Caution! Please refer to the operating manual of your amplifier to verify that the pin assignments of the input connectors correspond to the SM6 balanced outputs. In the event that they are not compatible, the interconnecting cable will need to be altered to suit.
AC Mains Input An IEC-standard mains input is provided at the rear of the unit. The AC cord set is removable, allowing you to upgrade to a cord set of your preference. Caution! Prior to connection to the AC mains, please check the voltage label on the rear panel to ensure that your unit conforms to the power supply in your area. Never attempt to connect the unit to the incorrect voltage. Severe damage can result from applying incorrect voltage to the unit.
5 Remote Control Functions The SM6 comes supplied with a 29 button Perreaux Universal infrared remote control. The remote control uses 2 x AAA batteries and may be changed by sliding forward the plastic cover located on the bottom of the remote. Note: Press the red button on the remote to select the code-set required to control the SM6. The SM6 uses the following functions: Mute Depressing this control causes minimum volume to be selected.
Note: Balance settings are not stored, should the SM6 be turned off at the mains power switch. Tuner Source Select Depressing this control selects the Tuner source input and the relevant code-set. The Tuner input is indicated by “TU” on the display of the SM6. Compact Disc Source Select Depressing this control selects the Compact Disc source input and the relevant code-set. The Compact Disc input is indicated by “Cd” on the display of the SM6.
6 Special Design Philosophies Perreaux has been designing and manufacturing only the highest quality audio componentry for more than a quarter of a century. Technology has continued to evolve rapidly over that time and our knowledge and application of design, materials and manufacturing techniques has advanced in tandem with this. Today’s Perreaux range comes closer to fulfilling our shared vision than at any other time in the past.
“Form and function” are both tough masters. That is why our amplifier heat sinks are not hidden, but instead feature prominently in all our designs. We make no excuses for producing some of the most distinctive high-end audio products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend together in perfect harmony. This surely is the essence of true minimalist utilisation.
7 Special Design Features Rugged Build Quality Mechanical strength has been a hallmark of Perreaux products since the company first started production back in 1974. The concept behind the physical design and construction is that each structural member should contribute to both rigidity and performance. Balanced Design The SM6 is a truly balanced preamplifier, from input to output. The positive and negative halves of the signal never touch, remaining balanced throughout all stages.
8 Interconnects and Speaker Cables Maximising System Potential An often-ignored area in high fidelity systems is the cabling connecting the various components. Interconnect leads should be high quality cable with substantial terminations. Gold plate is inherently resistant to corrosion, and an excellent conductor. The presence of corrosion induces distortion and poor conductivity will seriously interfere with sound quality.
The rejection ratio achieved is described in minus dB. The CMRR of a system follows the formula 20Log(Voutput/Vinput). In other words a CMRR of –40dB means that all garbage entering the unit will be made 100 times smaller. The piece of equipment with poorest CMRR will effectively determine the hum and RFI level of the system. Effectively the weakest link in the chain. Highest quality audio systems should quote a CMRR figure of –80dB or better.
9 Care and Maintenance The SM6 has been designed to provide many years of trouble free enjoyment. It is important to keep the exterior of the unit clean. Note: Please switch the unit off and remove the cord-set from the rear of the amplifier before attempting to clean your SM6 in the manner described below. Never apply liquid directly to the SM6. Never use abrasives. Never rub in a circular motion. Cover The cover features a durable, high quality powder-coat finish.
10 Warranty Information and Obtaining Service 1 Year Limited Warranty The Perreaux SM6 is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use to the original purchaser for a period of 1-year (365) days from the date of purchase from an authorised dealer or distributor.
11 Extended Warranty Registration Form Please complete this form and either fax, mail or scan and e-mail it to Perreaux Industries Ltd. Fax: +64 9 815 5981 Mail: Perreaux Industries Ltd PO Box 47 413 Ponsonby Auckland New Zealand E-mail: info@perreaux.com Alternatively, complete the online Warranty Registration Form on our website – www.perreaux.com.
12 Cause and Elimination of Hum Faultfinding Your System Hum is a particularly annoying form of noise in any high fidelity system and at some time has been experienced by many of us. Hum may result from a number of different situations and to make matters worse maybe caused by a seemingly illogical combination of circumstances. One or more of three specific causes creates hum in the system.
à When a piece of equipment is supplied with a three pin mains/line supply lead all three pins must be connected in the correct fashion - see your dealer if in doubt. à Check all interconnecting signal leads for good connections, both internal connections and firm contact with the sockets. While the centre pin may make firm contact, it is very important that the outer contact is also firm. à Never remove the earth/ground wire from the mains/line supply of any piece of equipment. This could be hazardous.
Step 1 – Loudspeakers PREAMPLIFIER AMPLIFIER B A Change the loudspeaker leads from one loudspeaker to the other. If the fault remains in loudspeaker ‘A’, then loudspeaker ‘A’ is at fault, go no further. If the fault now appears in loudspeaker ‘B’ then the problem lies further up the line. Move on to step 2.
If the fault stays in loudspeaker ‘A’, then it is probable that the fault may exist within the amplifier. Caution: Changing of any connectors must be carried out at a minimum volume setting. Only increase the volume after the connections have been changed. Step 3b – Inputs (Interconnects) PREAMPLIFIER AMPLIFIER A B Change the interconnect leads completely from left channel to right and from right channel to left by now swapping them at the source component’s output.
Faultfinding Flowchart Fault in loudspeaker A Swap loudspeaker connections Fault in loudspeaker A? YES Loudspeaker A at fault NO Swap amplifier outputs Fault in loudspeaker B? YES Loudspeaker cable at fault NO Loudspeaker cable at fault NO Input source at fault NO Restore speaker cables to original connections Swap amplifier source input channels Fault in loudspeaker A? YES Swap source output channels Fault in loudspeaker A? YES Amplifier at fault 29
13 Specifications The SM6 specifications are detailed in brief and then subsequently in more detail. In the detailed version, we attempt to explain the significance of each specification. The correlation between published specifications and sonic quality can be unreliable. A list of numbers reveals virtually nothing. All technical measurements must be subject to qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation. Measurements of the SM6 reveal excellent results by any standards.
Other Connections 1 x IEC AC mains input receptacle Mains Input Voltage 100V, 110V, 120V, 220V, 230V or 240V AC at 50Hz or 60Hz (Set within the SM6 at time of manufacture) Dimensions Width .............................................................................................. 482mm (19.0”) Height ................................................................................................. 88mm (3.5”) Depth ..........................................................................................
Frequency Response .......................................... 10Hz to 60kHz, +0dB –0.15dB This is the “standard” specification with which everyone is familiar. Actually, “frequency response” is a misnomer: technically, it should be called “amplitude response versus frequency” for it describes how uniform the amplitude or strength of signals of various frequencies is maintained.
14 Physical Dimensions 33
15 Contact Details For more information please contact your Perreaux dealer, or contact: Perreaux Industries Ltd PO Box 47 413 Ponsonby Auckland New Zealand Ph: +64 9 815-5452 Fax: +64 9 815-5981 E-mail: info@perreaux.com Internet: www.perreaux.
Installation Notes 35
