Important Safety Precautions and Explanation of Symbols ! The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important installation, operation, and service instructions in this manual. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages within the enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock to the user.
The power cable for the XSP-1 should be unplugged from the outlet during severe electrical storms, or when unused for a long period of time. Only replace the fuse(s) in the XSP-1 with fuse(s) of proper value and voltage rating. The XSP-1 should only be cleaned as directed in the Manual. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the unit and NEVER spray liquids into the vents. Care should be taken so that small objects do not fall into the inside of the unit.
XSP-1 XSP-1 Differential Reference Stereo Preamplifier Contents Important Safety Precautions and Explanation of Symbols XSP-1 Differential reference Stereo Preamplifier................................1 Introduction..........................................................................................3 About This Manual...............................................................................4 Features..............................................................................................
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XSP-1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing your new XSP-1 Differential Reference stereo preamplifier. The XSP-1 is the result of a two-year development effort aimed at creating a reference-caliber, fully balanced, analog stereo preamplifier. The XSP-1 Differential Reference preamplifier offers the ultimate in sound quality and control for audiophiles who are searching for the finest possible stereo listening experience.
XSP-1 About This Manual This manual will provide you with the information you need to get started enjoying your XSP-1 stereo preamplifier. For more information about the XSP-1 and our other products, please visit our website at www.emotiva.com. We suggest that you read through the entire manual; we kept things as short and direct as possible. Even if you’re an expert user, you will probably find some interesting information and useful suggestions.
XSP-1 Features The XSP-1 is an audiophile quality analog stereo preamplifier that combines superb sound quality, advanced features, and outstanding value. The XSP-1 is a dedicated analog stereo preamp, with a fully differential all-analog signal path, a very high quality phono preamp (which supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges), and an excellent sounding headphone amplifier. The pure analog signal path in the XSP-1 is complemented by the convenience and precision of digital control.
XSP-1 Unpacking Your XSP-1 was carefully packed and should reach you in perfect condition. If you notice any shipping damage or other issues when you unpack it, please contact Emotiva immediately. Gently remove your XSP-1 from the packing carton and remove all wrappings and shipping material. It is important to save the box and all packing materials in case your preamp ever needs to be moved or shipped back to the factory for service. We truly value customer feedback and would like to hear from you.
XSP-1 XSP-1 Front Panel 1 23 HT BYPASS 5 4 6 PROC LOOP VOLUME DIM DIRECT HF BOOST PHONO LF TRIM INPUT1 INPUT2 INPUT3 INPUT4 BAL1 BAL2 CUT MUTE PHONES XSP-1 STANDBY 7 8 9 10 11 12 1.
XSP-1 4. Direct Button Press this button to bypass the high-frequency and low-frequency trim circuitry; the status will be indicated in the VFD. Unlike old-style tone controls or digital processing, the HF and LF Trim adjustments on the XSP-1 are implemented by discrete analog components, and switched by analog switches under digital control.
XSP-1 10. Standby Button Press to switch the amplifier On; press again to return to Standby. The halo around the Standby Button is lit amber in Standby mode and Blue when the XSP-1 is On. 11. Input Selector Buttons Pressing each button selects the associated Input; the VFD indicates which Input is currently selected. When you put the XSP-1 in Standby or turn it Off, it remembers which Input is selected and returns to it when turned On. 12.
XSP-1 XSP-1 Rear Panel 2 3 4 5 INPUTS 6 7 IMPEDANCE PROC LOOP INPUT 4 LINE OUTPUTS CROSSOVERS IN OUT PHONO GROUND MC MM FULL RANGE HIGH PASS LOW PASS FULL RANGE 230v 1 INPUT 2 BALANCED 1 BALANCED 2 OUT TRIGGER PHONO RIGHT INPUT 1 13 IR IN 1K 470 100 47 LEFT INPUT 3 9 10 11 12 8 HOME THEATER INPUTS MAIN OUTPUTS POWER 115v SUB WOOFER 14 15 POWER LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT SUB LEFT 16 RIGHT LEFT 17 RIGHT 18 SUMMED 19 20 1.
XSP-1 5. Phono Ground The Phono Ground is typically used to provide a clean solid ground for a turntable (if it comes with a ground lead), but may also be used to ground the XSP-1 chassis to other equipment as well. 6. Phono Input This input is used to connect a turntable using a Moving Coil (MC) or Moving Magnet cartridge. This input includes the extra gain and RIAA equalization required for a phono cartridge and cannot be used for line level inputs.
XSP-1 10. High Pass Crossover Frequency Adjustment Adjusts the cut-off frequency for the High Pass filter on the Main Outputs. Fully counterclockwise corresponds to 50 Hz; fully clockwise corresponds to 250 Hz. 11. Low Pass Crossover Frequency Adjustment Adjusts the cut-off frequency for the Low Pass filter on the Subwoofer Outputs. Fully counter-clockwise corresponds to 50 Hz; fully clockwise corresponds to 250 Hz.
XSP-1 14. Trigger In and Trigger Out The Trigger Input accepts a standard trigger signal to allow the XSP-1 to be turned on (from Standby) by other equipment. The Trigger Output sends out a standard 12 VDC trigger signal which can be used to turn on other equipment (the Trigger Output is active only when the XSP-1 is On). 15. Power (AC Line) Voltage Indicators The XSP-1 automatically detects the proper operating voltage; these indicators show what line voltage was recognized. 16.
XSP-1 18. Subwoofer Outputs Connect these outputs to the input of your powered subwoofer(s) or to the input of the power amplifier that runs your subwoofer. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs carry the same signal. If you use a single subwoofer, use the Subwoofer Summed Output; if you use two subwoofers in stereo, then use the Subwoofer Left and Right Outputs.
XSP-1 Quick Start To get the most from your XSP-1, we urge you to read the entire manual. If you just can’t wait to listen to it, this section will cover the basics you need to get started. • • • • • • Find a secure location for your XSP-1. Connect your XSP-1 to a signal source (a CD player, or maybe a good turntable). Connect your XSP-1 to a power amp and some speakers (or a good quality pair of headphones). Find some music you really like to listen to.
XSP-1 Connections Connecting line level unbalanced sources to your XSP-1 Line level unlabalanced sources should be connected to one of the four unbalanced inputs (Input 1 through Input 4). Connecting line level balanced sources to your XSP-1 Line level balanced sources should be connected to one of the two balanced inputs (Balanced 1 and Balanced 2). Connecting a turntable to your XSP-1 The outputs from the phono cartridge on a turntable should be connected to the Phono Input on the XSP-1.
XSP-1 Note: If you prefer NOT to use bass management and don’t have a subwoofer, then your speakers will be connected to the Main Outputs, and the Full Range / High Pass selector will be set to Full Range (the settings of the Full Range / Low Pass selector and the two Crossover Frequency adjustments don’t matter with these settings).
XSP-1 Left Surround Out Left Surround In Right Surround Out Right Surround In Center Front Out Left Front Out Center Front In Left Right Front Out Right Subwoofer Out Sub HOME THEATER PRE / PRO Left Right MAIN OUTPUTS HT INPUTS Subwoofer Summed Output Left Front In Right Front In S P E A K E R S POWER AMPLIFIER In POWERED SUBWOOFER XSP-1 A typical combination stereo and home theater system.
XSP-1 Configuration and Operation Line Voltage The XSP-1 can operate from line voltages of 115 VAC +/- 10% or 230 VAC +/- 10%; when the unit is powered on, it will automatically detect the correct line voltage and set itself accordingly. AC Power Switch (rear panel) The rear-panel AC power switch controls the main AC power for your XSP-1. When this switch is in the Off position, the amplifier will not operate. Turning it On will put the XSP-1 into Standby mode.
XSP-1 Differential Reference™ Mode The internal circuitry in the XSP-1 is designed to provide a balanced fully differential signal path from input to output. This is the default operating mode for the XSP-1 when balanced inputs and outputs are used, the Frequency Trims are disengaged (Direct mode), and bass management is disabled (Main Outputs are set to Full Range).
XSP-1 Frequency Trim Controls Pressing the Direct Button toggles the Frequency Trim function on and off; the VFD will display the status.). To view the HF adjustment level, press the HF Trim Button; while the HF Trim level is displayed, use the Boost and Cut buttons to adjust it. To view the LF adjustment level, press the LF Trim Button; while the LF Trim level is displayed, use the Boost and Cut buttons to adjust it. Each trim has an adjustment range of + / - 3 dB (in 1 dB steps).
XSP-1 Care and Maintenance Periodic Maintenance Your XSP-1 requires no periodic maintenance or calibration. Cleaning your XSP-1 • • If necessary, the XSP-1 should be cleaned gently with a soft rag. If something sticky gets on the front panel or case of the XSP-1, it should be cleaned with a mild cleaning solution applied to a soft rag, followed by wiping with a clean rag dampened with plain water and drying with a soft dry rag or cloth.
XSP-1 Specifications Topology: Fully differential signal path, with balanced inputs and outputs; all input switching via silver clad relay contacts; level control via digitally controlled analog resistor ladder network. Includes analog bass management, true processor loop, and home theater bypass functions. Number of Channels: 2 Inputs: Line level, balanced (XLR); 2 sets (stereo). Line level, unbalanced (RCA); 4 sets (stereo).
XSP-1 Gain Structure: Nominal Output Level: 0 dB = 1 V. Nominal Gain (Volume set to “0”): 1. Maximum Gain (main outputs): +12 dB. Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.02 dB (balanced in to balanced out). 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.015 dB (unbalanced in to unbalanced out). 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.015 dB (balanced in to unbalanced out). 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.017 dB (unbalanced in to balanced out). S/N (signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted, ref +6 dB): > 117 dB (balanced in to balanced out).
XSP-1 Phono Section (moving coil, phono in to balanced out): Gain (1 kHz, Volume set to “0”): approximately 60 dB. Input impedance (user selectable): 47 ohms, 100 ohms, 470 ohms, 1k ohm. S/N (signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted, ref 1.0 mV in): > 79 dB. Frequency response (referenced to standard RIAA curve): 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.35 dB. THD (total harmonic distortion, ref 1.0 mV): < 0.008%. IMD (intermodulation distortion, SMPTE method: < 0.15%. Crosstalk: < 65 dB.
XSP-1 Power Requirements: 115 VAC or 230 VAC +/- 10% @ 50 / 60 Hz (automatically detected and switched). Power consumption (On): 32 watts. Power consumption (Standby): <1 watt. Dimensions: 17” wide x 6” high x 16.5” deep (includes feet and terminals).
XSP-1 Troubleshooting The XSP-1 is carefully designed and manufactured from high-quality precision components to ensure years of trouble free operation. We really doubt you’ll ever have any problems with your XSP-1 but, if you do, here are a few things you could try: Problem: There is no output (nothing is lit). Reason: You have no AC power. • • • Verify that the rear panel AC Power switch is On. Verify that your circuit is live. Verify that the line cord on the XSP-1 is fully inserted and is tight.
XSP-1 Emotiva Audio Corporation Five-Year Limited Warranty What does this warranty cover? Emotiva Audio Corporation (“Emotiva”) warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship. How long does this coverage last? This warranty commences on the date of retail purchase by the original retail purchaser and runs for a period of five years thereafter. This warranty is transferable to any person that owns the warranted product during the Term.
XSP-1 EMOTIVA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO ANY DEFECTS IN OR DAMAGES TO ITS PRODUCTS. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. How do you get service? In order to make a claim under the warranty, you must: 1. Call a customer service representative (“CSR”) of Emotiva at 1-877-EMO-TECH (1-877-366-8324).
Notes All information contained in this manual is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. In keeping with our policy of ongoing product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes to the design and features of our products without prior notice. Quick Reference Manual Revision 1.
