RAAL requisite VM-1a Variable Mode Vacuum Tube Ribbon Headphone Amplifier User Manual

RAAL requisite VM-1a Variable Mode Vacuum Tube Ribbon Headphone Amplifier

INTRODUCTION

The VM1, Variable Mode, Vacuum Tube Amplifier provides Direct-Drive amplification for (1or2 or) True-Ribbon, Open Baffle (SR1) Headphones or (1or2 or) True-Ribbon Circum-Aural (CA1) Headphones. Paired with our SR1 or CA1 headphones, the VM1 is what RAAL-requisite offers as the current pinnacle of personal listening performance. Reassuringly Traditional, Excitedly Original It has long been our belief that, within the audio spectrum, ribbons are the ideal transducer and vacuum tubes are the ideal amplifier. Having such strong opinions regarding ribbons and tubes, there is little mystery as to why we pursued such an amplifier. Having Strong Opinions Is One Thing Living Up To Them Is Another… In order to directly drive True-Ribbon headphones, which (relative to conventional headphones) exhibit extremely low impedance (0.2Ω) and extremely high current requirements, a vacuum tube platform would require a blend of traditional vacuum tube technology/techniques along with fresh, exocorrugate thinking. In addition, Variable Mode Select brings powerful performance flexibility for synergistic matching of system and source. We sincerely appreciate your trust in our work, as evidenced by your purchase, and hope you will benefit by a lifetime of beautiful music and joyful ownership. Cheers & Happy Listening,Alex Radisavljevic Danny McKinney

What’s In The Box

• VM-1a Vacuum Tube Amplifier
• EL34 Matched Quartet Output Tubes
• EL34 Matched Duet Driver/Splitter Tubes
• 6SN7 Input Preamplifier Tube
• Power Cable – 115VAC (North America)
• All other regions; User-provided – locally sourced

Power Requirements

User Selectable Mains Voltage: 115VAC, 3A Slo-Blo Fuse, IEC cable provided (North America). User Selectable Mains Voltage: 230VAC, 1.6A Slo-Blo Fuse, User-provided local IEC cable.Internally Set 100VAC Mains (Japan): 3A Slo-Blo Fuse, User-provided local IEC cable.

Variable Mode Select

• ULTRA-LINEAR • Higher power, lower distortion than Triode. 15 watts.
• TRIODE • Relaxed and smooth. Excellent choice for acoustic music. 10 watts.
• PENTODE • Ideal for Rock, Pop, Dance, Progressive Styles, etc… 20 watts

Tube Installation & Replacement

Tube #6 (Front Row, Center) 6SN7 is the recommended input tube for nearly all applications. The VM-1a ships with the 6SN7 as standard equipment from our shop. In rare cases, where source output level from a DAC, phono preamp, etc… is unusually low, the higher gain 6SL7 is a suitable substitute.

Front Panel Features

1.  POWER SWITCH (illuminated): ON (UP) – OFF (DOWN)
2. RH (Ribbon Headphone) OUTPUTS: 1 Selects Ribbon Output XLR 1 1+2 Selects Ribbon Output XLR 1 & 2 VM-1 can drive 2 SR1 or 2 CA1 Ribbon Headphones
3.  RIBBON HEADPHONES 1: This XLR output is always active. It can be used for either SR1 or CA1 Ribbon Headphones
4.  RIBBON HEADPHONES 2: This output is only active when RH OUTPUTS 1+2 is selected. It can be used for either SR1 or CA1 Ribbon Headphones
5.  RIBBON TYPE: SR engages Open-Baffle Compensation to both outputs CA removes OB Compensation from both outputs
6.  VOLUME: 24-Step Precision Attenuator. Maintains solid left/right balance, in all positions.

Rear Panel Connections

1.  IEC POWER INLET: Standard IEC connector
2. FUSE HOLDER: 3A SB for 115V mains operation 1.6A SB for 230V mains operation 3A SB for100V (Japan) mains operation 100V requires an internal jumper connection
3.  VOLTAGE SELECT: 115V or 230V
4.  TRANSFORMER BALANCED INPUT: 3-pin Female XLR (Right & Left) Pin-1 Ground Pin-2 Positive Going Phase Pin-3 Negative Going Phase

SPECIFICATIONS

• Input Impedance: 50k Ohms
• Input Sensitivity: 2V
• Load impedance: 0.2 – 0.4 Ohm
• Output Power:
• Ultra-Linear 15-Watts
• Triode 10-Watts
• Pentode 20-Watts
• Frequency Response:
• Ultra-Linear 20Hz – 70kHz
• Triode 10Hz – 70kHz
• Pentode 30Hz – 50kHz
• Distortion: < 1% THD
• Signal to noise: better than 72dB
• Input Connectors: 3pin XLR (female) Transformer Balanced
• Pin-1 Ground
• Pin-2 Positive Going Phase
• Pin-3 Negative Going Phase
• Output connectors: 4-pin XLR (male)
• Pin-1 Right (+)
• Pin-2 Right (-)
• Pin-3 Left (-)
• Pin-4 Left (+)
• Working voltage: 115V/230VAC (selector switch)
• 100V (requires internal connection)
• Power Consumption: Idle 160-Watts, Full Output 200-Watts
• Dimensions: H 190mm x W 218mm x D 320mm
• H 7.50 in x W 8.60 in x D 12.60 in
• Net Weight: 10Kg / 22 lbs. Shipping Weight: 13Kg / 29 lbs.

Warranty

RAAL-requisite warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of ONE (1) year from the date of delivery.This warranty is only made to the original purchaser and is not transferable. In the event of failure of a product under this warranty, RAAL-requisite will repair, at no charge, the product returned to its factory. RAAL-requisite may, at its option, replace the product in lieu of repair. If the failure has been caused by misuse, neglect, accident or abnormal operating conditions, repairs will be billed at the normal shop rate. In such cases, an estimate willbe submitted before work is started, if requested by the customer. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. This warranty does not cover:

1. normal wear and tear or normal aging of the product;
2. tubes are covered by a 90-day warranty;
3. cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches and dents;
4. damage through accident, abuse, neglect, misuse, natural events, or other external causes;
5. damage through misapplication, overloading, or improper usage;
6.  damage due to improper maintenance and repair;
7.  damage as a result of the shipping and handling by third parties; or
8.  product alterations.

Safety

If you don’t know how to install audio devices, get a qualified professional to help. Never use this device near water, and clean only with a dry cloth. Assure adequate ventilation, do not block any ventilation openings, or place near heat sources.Use only the supplied power cord or a suitable replacement. Route cords away from traffic areas and protect them from being pinched. Unplug the cord from the outlet if the apparatus is unused for a long period of time.Safety To prevent electric shock, do not use the plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or outlet unless blades can be fully inserted. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Service is required when the device has been damaged, including cord or plug damage, liquid has been spilled or objectshave fallen into the device, the device has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

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