HIFIMAN Prelude DAC and Headphone Amplifier User Manual

: June 14, 2024
: HIFIMan

Table of Contents

Front & Rear Panel Layout
IMPORTANT
Speciﬁcations and Package Contents
HIFIMAN Limited Warranty
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Prelude DAC and Headphone Amplifier
User Manual
PRELUDE
DAC and Headphone Amplifier
PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL TO ANALOG CONVERTER

Front & Rear Panel Layout

HIFIMAN Prelude DAC and Headphone Amplifier - Panel
Layout

INPUT Selector
Click the INPUT Selector button to select between the RCA single-ended input or XLR balanced input.
GAIN Selector
Click the GAIN Selector button to select either Low or High Gain.
OUTPUT Selector
Click the OUTPUT Selector button to select between PRE-OUT signal output and H-AMP headphone output.Only one may be selected at a time.
To Connect an Audio Device

The Prelude Headphone Ampliﬁer offers XLR balanced and RCA single-ended inputs. Input selection is made via the INPUT key on the front panel.
The Prelude Headphone Ampliﬁer can simultaneously output multiple ampliﬁed analog signals. The Pre-amp signal output on the rear panel offers a choice between XLR balanced and RCA single-ended signal outputs. The front panel provides a 4.4 balanced headphone output, XLR 4-Pin balanced headphone output, XLR 3-pin balanced headphone output, and two 6.5mm headphone outputs. Of these, the XLR 3-pin balanced and 6.35 single-ended output share dual-purpose sockets.

IMPORTANT

Tips
1. Always place the headphone ampliﬁer on a dry, stable, and ﬁrm surface.
2. Use the ampliﬁer in a well-ventilated environment that is free of humidity. Prior to use, reduce volume by turning the volume controller counter-clockwise until it stops.
3. If replacing a fuse, be sure to ﬁrst remove the power cable to avoid risk of electric shock.
IMPORTANT : all fuses must be in accordance with the speciﬁcations. Non- standard fuses, including shorting rods, will void the warranty. Fuse speciﬁcation: 2A/250V, size: 5*20mm
Special Note
Listening at a high volume for an extended period may damage your hearing.
Precautions
1. The Prelude Headphone Ampliﬁer is a high-current pure Class A design that dissipates heat. Though it may feel warm to the touch, rest assured it is stable. Do not cover the chassis, and maintain a minimum of 5cm space above and on the sides at all times.
2. The Prelude headphone ampliﬁer includes multiple Gain options: LOW=0.7V output and HIGH=1V output. When the high gain is selected, the balanced input signal amplitude should be less than 3.6V.
3. Headphone and Pre-amp outputs may not be used simultaneously.
4. Do not operate the ampliﬁer for 24 consecutive hours. Doing so will present safety risks and accelerate the aging of the ampliﬁer.
5. When switching the output channel, be sure to keep the volume at the lowest level. Otherwise, you may incur damage to the ampliﬁer or headphone.
6. Maintain voltage levels between 210V and 240V. Any lower may lead to failure of the internal voltage regulator, which will result in unwanted noise. If higher, the temperature of the voltage regulator may increase to unsafe levels.
Safety Warning

Do not expose the ampliﬁer to moisture of any kind. Never place a vase on the ampliﬁer.
2）Always connect the ampliﬁer to a wall outlet or heavy duty adapter intended for high voltage equipment.
3）The power connector and wired network antennas should be grounded at all times.
4） Always power on and off via the power switch, and keep it easy to operate.

Speciﬁcations and Package Contents

Specifications
Frequency Response: 20-50KHz, ±1dB@1KHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: -113dB @1KHz
THD+N: 0.0009%, low gain, @1KHz
Power Output: (0.1% @1KHz, balanced) 10W@32Ω,
6W@64Ω, 2.5W@150Ω, 1W@300Ω, 560mW@600Ω
Total Power Consumption: <50W
Dimension (LHW): 33056260mm, protrusions not included
Net Weight: 6.5KG
Package Contents
Power Cable x1

HIFIMAN Limited Warranty

PRELUDE is warrantied for a period of one year beginning with the original date of purchase. If you join the ofﬁcial HIFIMAN group on Facebook, your product warranty will be extended for an additional six months.
Please contact HIFIMAN customer service if you need any assistance.
The dated sales or delivery receipt is your proof of purchase. You may be required to provide proof of purchase as a condition of receiving warranty service so please keep it handy.
If your product is under warranty and malfunctions occur, please contact HIFIMAN customer service or your authorized dealer. If necessary, and at the discretion of HIFIMAN, the company will provide a warranty repair or replacement of your product.
Caution: do not disassemble or modify the product in any way. Tampering with or modifying your HIFIMAN product will void its warranty.
This Limited Warranty does not apply to :

Defective or discolored parts if the damages are caused by ﬂuids, dirt, missing keys, broken plastic parts or improper use.
Damage caused by misuse with another product.
Use of the product for other than its normal intended use, including, without limitation, failure to use the product in accordance with the supplied “Owner’s Guide”
Damage caused by accident, abuse, neglect or misuse.
If you do not have a valid dated receipt showing proof of purchase.
Damage caused by services/repairs or other modiﬁcations to the system carried out by anyone other than HIFIMAN or an authorized HIFIMAN distributor or dealer.
Damage caused by self-repair or if the unit has been disassembled or modiﬁed in any way.

HIFIMAN guarantees your satisfaction and will do everything reasonable to achieve that. If you have any questions or concerns with your product, simply contact your authorized dealer or HIFIMAN directly (if purchased from us) and explain the issue in detail. Should a return be required, a RA# will be issued.
Return shipping to HIFIMAN or authorized service facility will be at the owner’s expense.
The warranty applies to the ﬁrst purchaser and is not transferable. Should you need warranty service please contact your authorized HIFIMAN dealer. Or email us directly at customerservice@HIFIMAN.com
If you have any concerns with your product: please contact us to explain the issue in detail. If a return/refund is required, a RA# will be issued. Return shipping to HIFIMAN or authorized service facility is done at the owner’s expense.

For any further information or questions, please contact your authorized HIFIMAN dealer.
Or email us directly at customerservice@HIFIMAN.com.

HIFIMAN ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Address: 2602 Beltagh Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710, USA
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