MaftnAtubes

usey-fiirnbb
HANDtrRAFTED IN THE UAA

VTL
TL5.5 Line StagePreamplifier

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 IxrnoDI]CTION I
Electrical Safetyl{otice 1
Water and Moisture . 1
Location and Ventilation
Servicing

Gr,ruNGSranrE,D 3
TL 5.5 Front PanelControls .'

Inverted phase and

ThePreamplffier'sBackPanel j
TheRemoteControl Hand-heldUnit 6
Fitting the Batteriesto theRemoteControl 7
ConnectingYourPreamplifierto your system 8
Poweringyour systemon .. . ....e
Usingthe Preampltfierwith the RemoteControl e
Poweringthe system,ff io
CI{APTER3 . . . . . . .1. l

OpT,naTING THE PREAMPLIFIE,R II

Connecting and SelectingSource Components tt
Power On Stages tl
Connecfingthe TL5.5 to a Home Theater5ystem......... ..........I l
Using the TapeLoop to monitol recordtngs.. ..... 12
C o n n e c t r n g as e c o n dp a i r o f a m p 1 i f e r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1. -. .l

TL5.5 Prcamplifier Owney's tanual

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 Cang AND Man.TTENANCE
OFYOURVTL
PREAMPLIFIER 17
Bngar IN PpruoD ,7
Changing Tubes t8
Changing the Main Fuse 20

Troubleshooting 2l

SpEcIFICATIONS 23

WannaNTY 24

WarranQ Registration 26
Serttic

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 CHAPTER 1

Itrtrot[rction
Congratulations
nn-yzurpurchase
ofa VTLPure tubepreamplfin

his hand crafted equrpmentis designedto deliver superb performance for your
listeningpleasurefor marryyearsto come. Pleasetake a moment to read through
this ownels manual. You wdl get an idea of the installatronproceduresneededto
connect this preamplifier to the rest oi vour audio system,as well as the various
functions this preamplifier can perform. Pleasetake enough trme to get familiar with the
featuresof this product. After you have finishedreadingthis manualpleasekeepit in a sat-e
placefor future reference.

The VTL tearn is proud that you have selectedour pure tube preamplifier as a new
member of your home audio system. This preamplifier is designedto gve you the
convenienceand flexibility to manageall your audio and r,rdeosources,while at the sarne
nme givrrg you the musicalexperiencethat is the most alive and the truest to your source.
We hope you'll get many hours of enioymentfrom it,

Elec{rhal SaffiV Ndbe

Electncal voltage from power cablesis hazardous.We recoffrnend that the power cord
connected to this unit be used with a propedy grounded oudet. To prevent electncal
shock,do not remove the cover of this preamplifierwhile the unit is powered on.

Prior to connecting this preamplifier to ar-ryaudio or video equipment in your system,

make sure this unit's power (and the rest of the equipment connectedto its input and
ouput channels) is tumed off Adding or removing input or ouput cables to the
preamplifierwhilethe systemis poweredon can caused*up to the system.

Waterand lllbisnure
The preamplifier should be used N^y from water or moisture. If liqurd enters the
preamplifier it must be immediatelyreturmedto your dealerfor servrcing.In this caseyou
should under no circumstancestry to power the unit on - there zre hazardousvoltages
presentin this unit that can causeseriousiri,rry if they come in contactwith you.

Location and \tentiHion

Install this preamplifierin a locationthat is stableurd well ventilated.If the preamplifieris
placed h a built-in installation,ensurethat there is adequateroom for a supply of air to
flow throug! the ventilation openin5. Allow at least3 - 5 inchesclearanceon the top and

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 aroLuldthe sidesof the preamplifier. Be sure the preamplifieris at least 10 inches away
from your amplifier to prevent possible noise rntroduction rnto your system. Tiptoes or
other isolation accessoriesmay prove useful in reducingmechanicalvibratrons. Do not
place the preamplifier next to heat soLrrcessuch as radiators,stovesor other appliarrces.
Do not place the preamplifier on the floor where small children can tamper wrth the
equipment. If it is not possibleto placethe preamplifierout of the reachof smallchildren
it is recommendedthat you removepower cableswhen the eqtupmentis not in use.

Servbittg
Do not attempt to servicethe preamplifier beyond the proceduresdescribedin ttus
marrual. For all other serviceand questions,pleasecontact your authorized\TL dealeror
the factory.

TL5.5 Prempllfier Owney'c Hanual 2

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 CHAPTER 2

Gettingffi
After you open the carton you should find the following items inside:

. The preamplifier,with a power cord

. The remote control hand-heldunit with trvo AAA batteries

o This Owner's Manual, VTL Qualitv Assurancetest document,VTL product warrans.

regstration card

Remove eachitem from its pack4gingmaterialand check to make sure that no phvsicai
dam4gehas occurred during shipping of the unit. There should be no rattlesinside either
oi the preamplifier or remote control uruts. took througfr the vent slots and check to see
that the tr"rbes^pper properly seatedfirmly n their sockets.Contact your VTL dealer
immedratelyif physicaldamageis detected.

TLSS front PanelGonhls

E qE u E EEEII
INPUT TAPE SURRC'UND EAI.ANCE VOLUME MUTE STd PhS€STATTJSREIiOTE IRO1IYERON/OFF
SELECTOR INN|TOR PROCESSOR @NTROL CONTROT SWITCH LED RECEIVER SWITCH
swlTcH swlTcH frdhlr,trLlb
ANFE

T5.5 FrontPanel

TL5.5 Prempllftcr Owncy's tanual 3

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 You can operatethe various controls and switchesfrom the front panel to accessthe full
functronaliwof the urut. The statusindrcationI.trD shorvsthe various operatingmodes of
the urut.

l. The PouvrOn/Of xvitch can be used to turn the preamplifieron and off. Pressthe
svzitchup to tum the preamplifier ON and press the switch down to tum the r-nit
OFF. TlneStatusLED should be on and off respectively,accordrngto the setting of
the PoaerOa switch. Galk about flashingLED)

2. The RenoteRereiwwindow allorvsthe transmissionof srgnalfrom the remote hand-

heid unit to be received by the preamplifier. Keep tkus window clear from any
obstruction to allow maximum srgnaltransmission.

3. The StatusLED indicatesthe operatingmode of the preamplifier. The modes are:

Pwerqr ildoft
o \X{ren the unit is powered on, the LED light will be lit. W}ren the unit is
powered off the LED lght is ott.

tub ild openatirlg:

. When the unit is in mute the LtrD hgfrt is blinkrng. When the r-uritis in
normal operaungmode, the LED hght will staylit constandy.

Inrertcd plmcand nqr.fowerted phGe

. When the unit is operatrngout of phase,the LED vill changeto ambercolor.
If the phaseis normal,then the LEI)'s color is green.

4. The Phase/Mutcswitch is a momentary togle swrtchto allow you to switch the svstem
into the mute stateor the phasereversedstate.

. If the preamplifieris currentlyin the operabngstate- pressthe switch down.

The preamplifier will go into rnute state as indrcatedby the flashing Status
LtrD. If the preamplifier is currently in mute state,clicking this switch down
^g tnwill changethe systemback mto the operatingstate. Clicking the switch
in the downward position togles the systembetweenthe mute and operating
state.

. Clicking the switch upward toggles the systembetween the phase reversed
and phasenormal state. Tl;.eStatusLED will tum amberwhen the systemis
in pha^sereversedstate.

5. The VolumeControlknob changesthe loudnesslevel of the output from your speaker

system. Tumrng the knob clockwisewill urcreasethe volume level. Alternatively,
tuming the knob counter-clockwisewill decreasethe volume level.

6. The SunuundPmnssor This switch can be used to change the control of your
audro/video system to the surround processorwhen the swrtch is tumed to the
Prccessor
Ia position. In this mode, the surround systemwill only control all of the

Tt5.5 Preampllfier Owney's Hanual 4

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 channelsoi your systerrqand the preamplifier is rn the unity gain mode. In thrs
mode the volume control and the amplificauon stagesof the TL5.5 are blpassed
completely,and the signalis passedto the front left and nght amplifien at precisely
the samevolume as the surround processor is putting out. In the default operaflng
mode oi the preamp, the Pranssorswitch stays n the down posinon. Tkus means
that the preamplifierwill not be receir,'ingthe srgnalfrom the surround processor.

The Tqe Morutorcan be used to selectv'hether the input sourceis coming from tape
monitor or not. If you wish to use the preamplifier to monitor an ongomg recording
sessionfrom the tape decb you can selectthis switch to Tape Monitor mode. In this
state the plavback from the preamplifier will come directly from the tape deck. The
unit is shipped in the default-operatmgmode of the preamp with the swrtch in the
dorvn positron. This meansthat the input sourcewill not come from the tape deck,
but will be dependenton the nput selectionmade on the preamplifier.

8. The BalannConhvl knob can be used to set the left and riglrt channellevel. \X4eenthe
line on the knob is rn the 12 o'clock position this indrcatesthat the left and nght
channelsare equallybalanced.\'ou wrll feel a centerdent in the control to indicatetlrrs
exactpositron.

9. The Input Sehctorcan be used to selectthe source component for the preamplifier.
You can choose any one of the six inputs bv tuming the selectorknob to the location
asmarked abovethe knob.

The Prcamifieils Bact( Panel

From the Preamplifier'sback panel, you can accessthe input, output, ground and power
connectors,the main fuseholder, and the serialnumber of the unit.

Ptcs
ln OJi
Tapa
In Vd€o Tuns
Intrns
Tape CD Arx 1 Arx 2 / Phso
M
CND

Right

TL5.5 Preamplifier Owneds tanual 5

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 The Remote Gontrol Hatd{rcH Unit

MutE VOLUME
Mute On/Off n
l

\_-/ a
/\
VolumeUp

Phase Reverse On/

a)
\_-/
17
v VolumeDown

The Remote Control hand held unit, which comes with this preamplifier, allow-syou to
perfbrm the foilowing:

o Increasefdecrease the Volume Control by pressingthe up and down arrows

respectivelyon the remote control hand-heldunit.

TL5.5 Preamplifier Owney's Hanual 0

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 Set/resetthe systemin mute urd operatlngmodes bv pressingthe upper
round button on the remote control hand-heldurut. This is a togte control,
which changesthe statefrom one to the other eachf,me rt is pressed.

o If the systemis in mute, pressingthe up arro\r' to increasethe volume will

resetthe systemand put it into operatrngmode. The down arrow, however,
will not impact the mute state.

o Set and resetthe preampto phasereversedmode by pressutgthe lower round

button.

\[4eenyou first pressthe buttons on the remote control unig there is a delayof a
iew seconds (about 2-3 seconds) before the preamplifier's completes the
processingof the slpal sent by the remote. Wait for the responsefrom the
preamplifier before pressing another button on the remote unit. Dunng this
processingperiod selectionof remote funcnonswill be rgnored.

Fffitrg fie Batterbs to flrc Remote Gotrtnol

1 . Two Phillips head screws hold on the back cover of the remote control.
Remove all screwswith the correct tool to avoid dam4grngthem (using #2
Phillips headscrewdriver),and put them asidefor re-installinglater.

2. Tum the remote control over so that the cover drops into your other hand,
and put the cover asidewith the screws. If the back cover for the remote
control is too trght to fall out after removing all the cover mounting screws,
hold the remote control loosely in your hand face up with your other hand
under the remote readyto catchthe cover. Give the bottom of the front edge
a shaqprap on a hard-protected surface - a m gdzine covering a table is
sufficient to do this with. The cover should dtop out after one or two raps.
Be carcful of the insidc cdges of t{re lumote, as t{rey can bc sharp.

3. Locate the battery holder and insert the two suppliedAAA batteriesin the
markedpositrons,* to * and - to -.

4. Being carefi:l not to damagethe cover of the remote shell, replacethe back
cover and snapit into its exactpositron. Replacethe mounting screws,being
carefi:lnot to over-tightenthem, and the cover will settleinto place.

5 . Test the remote control functions and ensure that all the functions ^re
working correcdy. If the functrons are not working then check that the
batteriesare in the correct mourting positions and that they are not stale. If
you still encounterproblems then you should call the factory or your dealer.

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 Gonnecting Your Preanplifierto yow q/sbm
1. Gonncct all sourcc componcnts (e.9. GD, Tuncr, Tape, DAT, Video Playrcretc.) to
the inprts on Ore prcampllfier. For example,connectthe output cablesfrom the CD
transport to the CD input connectors oi the preamplifier. Make sure that the
preamplifier and the source components Me powered off. Use appropnate
interconnectsfor the different sources. If a direction indrcatoris printed on the cable
make sure that the cable is connected to the source and the preamplifier in the
appropnatedirectron(arrowsflowing in the direction the signalwill travel,i.e. from the
sourceto the preamplifier.) It is also important that the left and rigfrt channelsfrom
the sourcecomponentsare comected to the correspondingleft and nght channelsoi
the preamplifier.

Gonncct the pounr amplifier to the output channel of the preamplificr. The
interconnect cablebetween the amplifier and the preamplifier links the left and nght
rnput channelsof the power amplifier to the left and ndlt output channelsof the
preamplifier.The low output impedanceof the preamplifier is capableoi supportrng
long interconnectsup to 35 feet, and can also easilydnve transistoramplifiers. There
are two sets of RCA output corurectorsand one set of Balancedouput connectors
availablefrom the preamplifier. You can connectyour amplifier(s)to the preamplifier
uslng either balancedcablesor RCA cables. If you have a secondparr of amplifiers,
they can be connectedto the secondRCA ouputs of the preampLfier. The second
parr of amplifierscan either be used for bi-amping or to dnve a subwoofer rn the
system.When connectingmore than one pair of amplifiersin parallelit rs advisedthat
you af,e zware of the different rnput impedance, sensitivitiesand resultant input
impedance.If you have any questronsabout this then you should contact either you
dealer or the manufacturersof your amplifiers, or contact the VTL factory service
deparunent.

l. Gonnect the Suround Sound Prccessor to the preanplifier. To take advantage

of the Surround Processorloop capabihty,connect the Nght andItfi output of the
Home Theater processorto the Procesnrlnon the preamplifier.

2. Gonnect the Tape tlonitor input and output channels to the prrampllfler. To take
advantageof the T4p. Monitor capability,connect the Tap Out on your tape deck to
rhe TEe In on the preamplifier and connect the TapeOut on the preamplifier to the
RemdIn onyour tape deck.

3. Gonnect flre Phono stage to tre preamplfficr. If your preamplifier comes wrth the
optional phono board, you can connect the output from your turntable to the
Phono/Aux. 2 trput channel of the preamplifier. Use the Gmandconnector on
the preamplifier so that you can nsert the ground wire from the turntable into the
spacebetweenthe connector and chassis.Be sure to ughten rhe Grvunlconnector
and make sure that it makes a firrn contactwith the wire.

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 Powedngyourq/stem on
After you have propedy corxlected all your source zurd amplifier components to the
preamplifieryou arc readyto power your systemon.

1. If you haven't akeadydone so, ensurethat all the tubes insidethe VTLpreamplifier
are properly seatedall the way into their socketsbefore corxrectingthe urut to an AC
soufce.

2. Povzeron the sourcecomponent(s)you intend to use for your listeningsession

a
3. From the preamplifier'sfront panelPower On switchturn on the preamplifier.Check
to make sure that the StatusI-ED indrcatespreamplifierwarrn up mode, as indicated
by the flasllng Status tED. Check to ensure that the volume control is at the
minimum or desiredlevel.

4. Once the preamphfiercompletesits warm up rycle the StatusLtD will stop flashing
to indicatethat it has returned from the mute stateinto the operatrngstate. In casethe
StatusLtrD does not behave as describedabove check to make sure that the power
cable is securelyconnectedto the AC Power connector on the back panel of the
preamplifier, and that the power cable is pluged into the AC supply. Contact your
VTL dealerif the unit still will not pou/erup after thesecheckshavebeen pertormed.

5 Adjust the Input Selectorto the input source vou would like to use. Make sure the
Tape N{onitor and SurroundProcessorIn svitches are in default state(down position)
if you're not utihzing thesef-eatures.

6. Turn on the power amplifier(s)in your system.

-f

I. Setthe sourcecomponentto play mode.

8. Tum up the volume control to the desiredplayinglevel.If the preamplifieris in mute,

(i.e.the StatusLED is flashing),push the mute switch down to resetthe systemout of
mute and nto operatrngmode.

Usitq the Prcanplifierwih fte kmote Gontnol

t . Follow the power on selJuencesteps1 to 6 asdescribedin the previous section.

2. Op.r the back of the remote control by removrng the trvo Phillips head screwsand
gendy shakingthe back cover off the remote urut. l,ocate the battery holder and install
the fivo AAA battenes supplied rn the correct directions as marked in the battery
holder, with plus on each battery correspondingwrth the plus srgn 1rl the holder.
Replacethe back cover of the rernoteand install the screws. (fit the battery asin P. 7)

TL5.5 Preamplifier Owneds tanual I

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 ,
J. Use the remote control's volume button to adjustthe desiredplayinglevel. Increase
the volume by pressingthe up arrow on the remote control. I)ecreasethe volume by
pressingthe down arrovron the remote control.

4. If the systemis in mute, (i.e. the StatursTF.D on the preamplifier'sf-rontpanel is

tlashrng),press the round mute button on the remote control to resetthe systemout
of mute mode and put it into operating mode. Notc tlat pnrssing t{re volume up
arow on the remotc contrul unit wlll also rcsct tfie systcm out of mute modc. On
the other hand, pressurgthe volume down arro\v will not affect the Mute/operating
Stateof the preamplifier.

5. Use the lower round button on the remote unit to toggle the phase statusof your
system. If the systemis rn normal phase,click the Phasebutton once to put it into
reversephase. The StatusLED should tum irom green to an amber color. \X4:rilethe
systemis in reversephase. Under this state,you can continue to operatethe preamp
and put it in and out of N{uteState.

Fouedngtre systemotr
1. When you're done listerungto your system alwaysturn your power amplifier(s)off
first. Allov'a short trme (15 - 20 second$tor the amplifier(s)to power down afteryou
turn them ofT. ffor can tum oif -preamp immediatelymuted state)

2. Then tum the preamplifier volume down. This is a precautronto a'u-oida sudden
surgern your systemthe next time you tum it on.

3. Jum the preamplitier and source componentsoff, if you prefer to keep these off
when not in use. (\bu may keep your VTL preamplifier and your sourcecomponents
on pennanendyif you prefer to keep them warm.)

TL5.5 Preamplifier Owneds tanual {0

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 C}IAPTER 3

Wingilrcksnilifrr

Gorrnectingand Setectitrg Sorrce @

The Input Selecuonfor the preamplifier is marked for l,'idto, Tuner,T@t, CD, Ailx. / and
Aw 2/Phono. The input corurectors on the back panel of the preamplifier ^re
correspondrngl,vmarked the sameway. Take care to comect the proper interconnect
cabie irom the source component to the corresponding input comector of the
preamplifierand in the correctchannels.

You can replace and use ^ny oi the marked input sources wrth your own source
component aslong asthe proper interconnectis used. For example,if you do not have a
tuner in vour system,but you would like to connect any other line level sourceto the Tuner
input instead,you may do so. When you hlm the preamplifier'sinput selectorto Tunerthe
input sourcemonitored by the preamplifierwill play the slgnalfrom that source.

Similarly, the Aax. / input can be used for uw hne level input sourcevou wish to use. If
your preamplifier does not come with the phono option then you can also use
Phonn/Atx2 as an additional input fbr any source you wish to use, including a separate
externalphono stagethat can produce a line level signal.

If you have installed the optronal phono stage for your preamphfier the Phono/'htx. 2
input connector should be reservedexclusivelyfor the phono input from vour tumtable.
Do not connect any other input sourcesto this connector.

FouuerOnS@es
\{,'hen you tirst pov/er-on your preamplitrerit goes tht*$ a warm-up st4gewhich takes
approximately50 seconds. D:nng this period the preamplifier is in the muted mode, as
indicated by the blinking Status LED. After the warm-up stage is completed, the
preamplifier automattcallygoes into the operaung state. The Stanr5TtrD tums mto a
steadygreen[$t, indicaungthat the preamplifieris readyfor use.

Gonnectingflre Tl55 to a l{ome Theater qt$em

Your VTL TL5.5 integrated amplifier is designed to work in confunctton with
both the conventional two-channel and the home theater systems. If you have
both systemsset up so that your front speakersare used for your audio as well as
home theater systems,then connect the externalsurround processorfront left and
right main outputs to the TL5.5 Processor
In input. This will allow the surround

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 processorto drive the iront left and right speakerswhen the processorloop is
engaged.

Under this configuration,when you are listening to your two-channel audio system
from sources connected to the line inputs of the TL5.5 set the Prvcesror
switch on
the TL5.5 front panel to the default operaung position (dor,vn).The source
components and the TL5.5 zre nov/ driving the front speakers,grving you the full
volume control and source selection.

When you want to use your system for home theater, set the TL5.5's Prvcessor
posiuon ("p). Under this configurauon the TL5.5 receives
switch to the Processor
the external surround processor'ssignal for the front left and right channels
directly from the external surround processor,and passesit directly to the power
amplifiers without amplification or attenuauon.This means that in this mode the
volume control and the amplification stagesof the TL5.5 arc bypassedcompletely,
and the signal is passedto the front left and right amplifiers at preciselythe same
volume as the surround processoris putting out. This grvesthe external surround
processorthe volume control of thesechannelswhile controlling the center,rear
and subwoofer channelsat the sametime.

Gaution: Before switching the Processor switch to either the up

or down position ensure that you adiust the volume of the TL5.5
and the surround processor to a low level to protect your
system from high signals that might come through.

Gaution: lf you do not have a sulTound processor connected to

the TLS,Sts Processor ln input, you may get a slight buzzing
sound when you set the Processor switch to the up position,
which comes from the open input of the power amplifier, This
slight buzz will not damage anything in your system.

Usitrg the Tape Loop to monita t€codings

If you use a tape deck that gves you the capability of monitonng the recording i.e.
listening to the recordrngwhile it is takrng place,you can use the TL5.5's Tape Ioop
switch to take advantageof this feature. Connect the tape's input and output cablesto
the TL5.5's Tape Out and Tape In connectors,respecflvely,as per the instructions n
the GeningStnted section of this manual. While the tape deck is in recording mode, set
the preamplifier to Tapemode (switch n the up positon.) This allows the preamplifier
to play back the record-g srmulaneously while the tape is recording. The volume of
the Tape monitor input is regulatedby the main volume control on the TL5.5 in this
mode.

Gaution: Before engaging the Tape monitor switch be sure to turn

the volume control all the way down. lf your tape deck does not
have a monitor feature (sometirnes called a 3rd head), then

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 connecting to the TL5.5's Tape Loop may result in a loud hum
through the system whenever the Tape Loop switch is engaged.

In this case the output from the tape deck should be connected to
the regular line input marfred Tape in the main input cluster on the
TL5.5.

This loud hum will not damageyour TL5.5, but may damageother components in the
systemif sufficiendyloud enough.

Gonrrcting a second pair of anplifrers

If you wish to use trvo pairs of amplifien to drive your loudspeakersin a bi-amplified
mode you can connect the amplifiers to each of the two ouputs of the preamplif-ier.
One parr will go to Output A and the other to Output B on the back panel of the
preamplifier.

Consult your speakerand amplifier manuals for additional installauon instrucuons on

this mode of usage.Your dealer should also be able to glve you guidancewrth this
procedure.

Gonnectingb flre Ti,rnrtaHe

If vour TL-5.5 Preamplifieris equippedwith the opuonal intemally retrofittablephono
stage,vou can use the phono stagewith either MNI or MC cartridge. The VTL factory
standardlyconfiguresthe TL-5.5 phono st4geto work with a MC cartndge. If you would
like to aiterthe standardsetting pleasefollorv the instructionsbelow or contactyour dealer
for assisturce.

1. Remove the top cover of the TL-5.5:

Tum off the TL-5.5 preamp and remove the power cord. Use a #2Phrlllps screv/
dnver and remove the 10 screws on the top and 3 screv/s on each side of the
preamplifier. Keep the screws in a safe place so that you can put the cover back
onto the unitwhen you have completed the followrng installation.

Check to make sure that the optional phono PC board is installed to the left of the
line stagePC board in your preamplifier. If there is no phono PC board or If you
have any quesuons,pleasecall your dealeror the VTL factory ior assistance.

2. Selecting MM
JumFers on Phono PC Board F'IG. 1: (near MX,t Input pads)There are two
small black jumpers located on the phono PC board near the left and nght
MX,f Input pads. To set the phono stagefor MM, lift the black pin iumper and
connect the jumper to one pin of the headeronly (does not matter which pir).
Do this for both headers(one per channel).

Tt5,5 Preamplifler Owney's tanual {3

vTt

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 Iumoerson RCA lnout PC board FIG. 1A: therearetwo setsof shunt
jumpersfor configunngthe phono board to MM. Pleasechargethe
connectorson the two configurationboxesand put the jumpersacrosspins 5
and 6 and pins 77 and 72 respectively.Repeatthis processfor both left znd
right channel.

Lifftheseshuntjumpersfiom the
t t headers andconneclto only1
i I r.%.i a a all .l-; I o-
lta I ll ^",,\ ll !\- / pinoftheheaderforMMoperation
lli 5 fo -'
I FE /"i- :- -1 , -l-' ' ! T.eJ=:.+-
"'' ::- ' i,--- -.4' /

i "r::1'-4 s d
.,.--{ .tra-
::Xa<2 rU " 't
-:] .{
; - |. ,l.-] {." i
(tl _ 2'.
f, I ..o o" o i .. i
t "-.r=-r.d
.'.-.
i. """"r-a;I .'
-l.l
\rcp /..tr-a
I- 1,'.1",r6-rE:
--"1tzaxzll.'':l .(&l6'_li'--"'i':l
'
:tJzlxzf''G' ,""'l onRCAPCB
Jumpers
-_li':-.-i-" :i':..,r_==" i Flc.1A
lru;-+iSnAl
. -# .,,
ffi
i i d"G\. ; i # r.
lo I.l t \-\,--'l J;{
grutr' ..
i,""r#[[.fi"1.,T
F-B-'
andpinsl1&l2
I n", : ' : - - -
FY"
' =A---jS" {,,i;,'--"- "t\*
ht ,/
t---r o--...-''..F Sffi:O^\'#6i
''-*"
i, i!rzrnl:l_1"" lrznvlrlg'
i- y^9.52 Hll p tr/ :=l;
I --__---l
l{
I r! l, rl
-__/--\ -''-'-'-l'
*
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.F./ 1../ I
,l

t -ol l.*-l I
FIG. 1
3. Selecting MC
Jumpers on Pho.noPC board FIG. 2: (near MM Input pads). To set the
phono stagefor MC, make sure the shunt jumper connectsto both pins of the
header.

TL5.5 Preamplifler Owncdn tanual 14

vTt

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 Tubes on Phono PC board FIG. 2: For MC mode, make sure that the
12AX7A China tubes are installedin sockets\r1 and V101.
Jumpers on RCA Input PC board FIG. 2A: there are two sets of jumpers for
configuring the phono board to MC. Pleasechangethe connectors on the two
configuranon boxes and put the jumpers acrosspins 3 and tl and pins 9 and 10
respectively. Repeatthis processfor both left and nght channel.

LEFT

Connect thisshuntjumperacrossboth
1' 1' pinsof the headerfor MCOperation
o o
(D(D
.tt,Z-
(,"
8S
OP
E8
9J('|
6+ Jumperson RCAPCB
R58
FIG.2A

For MC movethese
jumpersto pins3&4
a n dp i n s9 & 10

,,
fr#il;Axz:'r.(11;
T}H 1:';--;

tlzATTt -='
ra'--"'allf-}.B

*\r2':+::

FIG.2
4. Replace the cover
Put the cover of the preamplifier back onto the unit, and insert and tighten all
1.6screws.

Tt5.5 Pramplifler Owne/s tanual ,15

vTt

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 5. Connecting the turntable to the preamplifier
Connect the RCA input cablesfrom the tumtable to the Aux2/Phono RCA inputs
of the preamplifier. I-oosen the bindrng post of the ground connecdon and place
the ground connector(s)irom the input cablesto the binding post.

6. Power the preamplifier and your amplifiers on and check to seethat there is
no hum in the system. There should be a mild rush from both channelsat
high volume, with no hum present. If you experiencehum or any other
anomaly then pleasecall the VTL factory for clarification.

TL5.5 Preamplifier Owney's tanual to

VTL

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 CHAPTER 4

Greandltilaiffid
yortrVTL prffirilifrcr

Brcd(ln Feriod
Your VTL preamplifier is a pure tube product designed to give you the contrnued
optrmum performanceover a long time period. Irutrallythe tubes and circurtswill require
a bum-in period to reachmaximum performance.Dunng the first 100 hours of us4gethe
preamplifier will undergo severalimprovements in sound. To break in the preamplifier
you can leave it on with a music source corurectedto it and pla)'rngwith the volume
control tumed to the 1/zlevel. It is not necessaryto have the power amplifier on dunng
thrs break in period, asthe preamphfierwill still passthe srgnal.

Tubelrb
Your VTL preampLfierhas been designedto ensurelong tube life. Tube replacement
need not be considereduntil after approxmateiy 5000 hours of use (roughlv 4 to 5 years
depending on your listerung requirements.) As the tubes age beyond their peak
pertbrmancetherewill be a generalsofteningof the sound.

We recommend a complete replacementof all tubes in your preamplifier at that time,

which will restore it to a '1ike new" sound quality. Your VTL dealer or VTL factory
servicedepartmentwill be happy to assistyou with the re-tubingprocess.

Notq use only fubG Qpes and tube brands that aru rceommGnded by VTL. VTL
speclffed replaccment hrbes arc aveilablc ftom ypur authorized VTL dcalGr or lhe VTL
factory servlce dcpartment Any damage irrcuned to unlts wfrich usc non-VTL
apprcvcd tubcs will not bc covcrcd under tre warranty.

TL5.5 Preamplifier Owncls tanral 17

VTL

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 GhangrngTubes
Do not attempt to change tubes yourself urless you feel confident that you can do so
safely. Contact your authorized VTL dealer or the VTL factory service departrnent iiyou
would like the service to be performed by a trarned technician.

To change h:bes ln your preampLfier you must first tum the power off on the
preamplifier, unplug the unit from the wall outlet and discorurect the preamplifier tiom
the rest oi vour system. Using a Philips Star screw dnver remove the cover chassis from
the unit by loosemng the two screws from each side of the preamplifier and the three
screws from the top a-long the front and back edge. Carefully remove the cover and the
scre\Msand store them in a safe place.

Mren you look down from the top, you will see a pnnted circuit board mounted inside the
preamplifier. \U[/ARNING: DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING INSIDE THE
PREAMPLIFIER WITH YOUR FINGERS OR WITH ANY METALLIC
OBJECT, UNTIL AFTER THE UNIT T{AS BEEN SAFELY DISCHARGED.
The VTL preamplifierscan store energyin the power supplieslong after they have been
tumed off, and incorrectly drschargrngthe unit can damagethe circuits,which will NOT
be coveredunder the warranty. B" sure to understandtheseconstraintsbefore going any
further. If at this stageyou feel that you would rather not attempt this procedureyourself
you can take the urut to your VTL Authonzed l)eaier to havethe work done.

If you fbel comfortablewith undertakingthe procedureyourself then be sureto onlv touch

the tubes themselves,and do not allovzany paft of your body or hangfngjewelryto come
into contactwith anypalrtof the circut inside the unit.

Locate the tubes,which arepluged into socketson the PC board. There area total of six
tubes, four are lbn tubes and the other two are 12/Ji.7. The following figure rndicates
the location of the tube tvpe with respectto the sockets,looking from above and in iront
of the urut.

TL5.5 Prcamplifier Owne/s tanual {E

VTL

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 Rcmoving Tubes

L,ocate the tube you need to remove and hold onto the upper portion of the tube towards
its tip. Gendy rotate and rock the tube with your fingers to loosen it irom its socket until
its pins are completely drseng4ged from the socket. Take the tube out of the urut,

Top View of the PC Board showing

the Tube Socketsand Tube Types.

,l')('.--]) '
.,;--.-,---,-t'

c RtGHrPs
/\
d
U
'\ r
/

o )
\

9l \, ,/
s5 1+
rlEa
ORANGE
,of, }o
o6
oo
LC

o,, [r I
-
ll Ol enoc
aaoa TEST:
fic,^* ooo
I
+ aaoa *,ortliE
QC: +
aoo

Tt5.5 Preampllfier Owner'e tanual {9

VTL

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 Plnggingin a new tube

Consult the figure aboveto make surethat you are

inserung the correct tube type into the correct
socket. Hold onto the upper portion of the tube
torvards its trp. Ilwer the tube onto the socket,
malang sure that the pins from the tube match the
holes in the socket. There are two pins on the
tube, which are spacedat a wider distancefrom
each other than the rest of the prns. Make sure
that thesetwo pins go into the side of the socke!
whrch matchesthat drstance.Pressthe tube fiorly
into its socket, using a gende force and a sLglrt
"rockingl'motion. V4:renthe tube is properly and
completelyinserted into the socket it should be
firmly implanted and does not grve ln to zlrry
movement at all when you try to rock it.

After you're satrsfiedwith all the changes you

made inside the preamplifier box you are ready to
put the unit back together.

Replacing the chassirscover

l,ower the preamplifier'scover chassisslowly back into the opened preamphfierbox,

makrng sure that the cover is put on in the correct front and back position. locate the
screv/s,whrch were removed from the cover and put them back on the cover. Tighten all
screwsto make surethat the cover is securelyput back to the unit.

Ghangitlg fte llllain Fuse

The primary mains fuse for your preamplifier is rated 2A Slo Blo (120Volt AC) or 1A Slo
BIo Q40 Volt AC). The mains fuseis housedin a holder locatedon the back panelof the
unit. To changethe fuse make sure the urut is powered ofT. Disconnect the AC power
cord from the unit. Move the preamplifier so that you can w-ork with the panel in the
back. Iacate the marns fuse holder and tum the knob in a counter-clockwisedirection
while presslnginwards to loosen it. The fuse cap should come out from its housrngwith
the fuse held insidethe cap. Take the fuseout and replaceit with a new one.

WARNING:For continucd protecffon 4ainst firc hazard onff reflace the fuse with the
etmc tlrpe and rating as urc originally spcclfied fror the prcamplifier. lf you have
ploblems locatlng the corrtct firte contact your VTL dealer or thc WL factory rervice
dcpartmcnt

TL5.5 Preamplifier Owney's f,anual 20

VTL

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 Gleaning
Your \rTL preamplifier should be dusted occasionallvwrth a damp non-abrasivecloth.
You should not use any solvents for cleaning the front panel, as this can dam4gethe
letteringand the firush.It is recommendedthat you usea contactcleanersuchasPro-Gold
on the input and ouput connectorsregularlyto ensureoptimum sound and proper srgnai
conducting capabilitv.

TrcuHesffiing
{. When I power on the preampiifier,StatusLED does not come on and
nothing elsehappens. W4eatshould I do?

Check to make sure that the power cord is properiy connected to the
preamplifierand the AC outlet. If there is no problem with the power source,
check the fuse unit in the back panel of the preamplifier. If the fuse is blown,
changethe fuse. Tum the power on the preamplifier again. If the problem still
persists,contactyour authorized\TL dealerrmmediately.

2. Using the remote control from another stereo component in mv systemaffects

the control of my VTL preamplifier. Why is this happening and what should I
do?

Your \rTL preamplifier is equrppedwith a remote control receiver urut that

decodessrgnalscomurg from a Phullipsmicrocontroller chip. If you orvn another
stereo component that comes with z remote control tmit using the salne
microcontroller chrp,the ITL preamplifiercould pick up srgnalstransmrttedfrom
thuscomponent aswell. A good urdicatronthat there is an interfaceproblem is if
the StatusLED tums amberor blinking amber,asthis is a statethat is not usedby
tlus VTL preamplifier. The VTL remote control unit uses the standard RC5
comections to the cllp. If your other remote unit also adoptsthe sarnestandard,
then there is a chancethat the signalsfrom both remotes may be interpreted as
the same.If the functions with the sarnecommand are drfferent for both uruts
then one or other of the remote controls will have to be re-programmed.Contact
your VTL Dealer or the Factory ior a solution to thrs problem. I\ote thdtin either
casethm is nodamagebeirugdanetolour L'TLprvamplifn whileit is beirugusedin thae$ates,
and;nu cannntinuen tofth asethepreamplifn antil a m/utionis rvathed.

Pleasecontact the VTL factory servicedeparunentto report thrs problem, as we

are interestedin knowrng which models of stereo equipment could cause this
problem.

3. I am Stf,ng a noise and hum coming from rny systemwhen I tum the amplifiers
on. What can I do to eliminatethe noise?

It is recommendedthat you connectasmariycomponentsaspossibleto a good cleanAC

ground in your system for optimum noise reduction and safest operation. If
hovzeverthere are too many paths to ground then a ground loop hum can result

TL5.5 Preamplificr Owney's tanual 21

VTL

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 and you should either contact your dealeror the \TL factory to try to resolvethis
problem.

4. I am getting a noise and hum coming from my video source. \[4:ratcan I do to

eliminatethe noise?

The noisernay be coming in from your video cablesystem. First drsconnectthe

VCR from the systemto seeif this will solvethe problem. If it doesthen you will
need to try to lift the ground from the cableTV wire. If the problem strll persists
contactyour VTL authonzeddealeror the \TL factoryservicedepartment.

.). I am gethng a ringrngnoise from the preamphfierwhen I touch or bump it. \[4rat
shouldI do?

One or more of the tubes in the preamplifiermay be the sourceof the problem.
Follow the procedureslisted rn thrs manualto remove the tr-rbesand changethem
for new ones.

6. N,{yremote control hand held unit tor the preamplifier is not wodang. \X4eat
shouldI do?

l,ook at the back of the remote control unit. Loosen the iour screwswith a
Philips screwdriver,and open the back cover, lccate the two battenesmside the
remote unit. Take the old batteriesout and replacethem wrth new ALA battenes.
Put the back cover on and trghten the four screws. Test the remote urut to seeif
it is working propedy.

If the remote control unit is still not functioning propedy, contact vour VTL
authodzeddealeror the VTL factory servicedepartment.

TL5.5 Preampllfier Owney's tanual 22

VTL

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 GI{APTER 5

TIJJL)wSTT (1.3)

Vacuum Tube Complement 1x l2/i|7 2x L2AX7

T.H.D. 20Hz - z}kIlz 0.01o/o

Signaito Noise Ratro 109dB

FrequencyResponse 20 - 2}KIIz 10.1 dB

Maxrmum Output Voltage .45Volts

Gain 20 dB

Input Impedance 100K ohms

Output Impedance 200 ohms

ChannelSeparatron 75 dB @ | kIIz

Power Consumptron 150Watts

Primary Mains FuseRatrng 2A Slo Blo Ceramic(120Volt AC)

1A Slo Blo CeramicQ10Volt AQ

Drmensions 19" wide x 15" deepx 4" high

Werglrt 27 lbs.

TIJJ PlMnSry

MM MC

Tube Complement 2xI2,N7 ,2x'l,2AI7 1xL2M7 ,2x12LT7

Gain 36.5dB 48.0d8

Stg"rl to Noise Ratio 85dB 70dB

TL5.5 Preampllfier Owney's tanual 2t

VTL

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