True Life Audio TSP-1 Pre Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 3, 2024
- True Life Audio
Table of Contents
True Life Audio TSP-1 Pre Amplifier
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:
A tube amplifier chassis contains lethal high voltage even when unplugged.
DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THIS DEVICE. IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE GROUNDED. IT SHOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO REMOVE ANY PROTECTIVE GROUND OR SIGNAL CABLE SHIELD CONNECTIONS TO PREVENT GROUND LOOPS.
USE ONLY THE VOLTAGE INDICATED ON THE REAR PANEL
WARNING:
Before any maintenance or placement, disconnect the device from the electrical
outlets.
WITH THE POWER SWITCH TO OFF DISCONNECT THE DEVICE IN THE WAY THAT THE ARROW SHOWS
WARNING: Never use electrical outlets without earth
WARNING : Use only electrical outlets that are earthed.
DISPOSAL:
Disposal According to Directive 2002/96/EG of the European Parliament used
consumer-electro technical appliances have to be disposed separately and have
to be indicated with the following symbol. In the case of disposal of this
component please do so in conformity with legal and environmental regulations.
TLA PROFILE
TLA was founded by Velissarios Georgiadis back in 1995, but its real origin goes back much further than this. It was back in 1957 when Velissarios’ father Aristomenis, a transformer technician, started his own company, with the aim to make transformers under order for telecommunications, broadcast, medical, military and industrial implementations. It was just after 1980 when Velissarios, who was already experienced in transformer building having being taught all his father’s know-how, he started to apply the additional knowledge which he gained from his university degree on Chemistry and Electronics as to develop transformers that would excel in audio applications of reference standard.
Velissarios developed, built and tested over, countless amplifiers before he
transferred all this experience in TLA products on the year 1995. The name
TrueLife Audio was chosen to underline the target market of TLA The search for
True Life sound, where the listener would experience music at home as never
before, In a True Life manner!
In the year 2005, young Aristomenis Georgiadis the second (son of Velissarios,
named after his grandfather), finished his studies in Electrical Engineering
and having received in the meantime all his grandfather’s and father’s
experience in making audio transformers and amplification circuits that would
excel in performance, joined the company as to assist in further improvements
and the achievement of new levels for realistic sound.
“When we come with a new product, we make it for ourselves first” Velissarios
says… A TLA amplifier starts its life with the innovative circuit it
integrates being tested in the lab and optimized. Then, after the lab tests
have been finalized and we are sure that our elegant innovation measures up to
reference standards if compared with hi-end devices from other makers that are
established in the marked for their quality, we proceed to the next level
which is to transform this same electronic device, into a musical instrument.
As a consequence, our elegant innovations are made so that they age to improve
all the time… much like a bottle of good wine… or a gorgeous guitar of the
50s! 
INTRODUCTION
Your decision to own this TSP-1 Pre Amplifier of the TLA’s ”True Series’’ ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The TLA’s dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many years of musical enjoyment from this unit. This level of accuracy and overall performance is a new achievement in the playback of music. I invite you to play your favorite recordings and experience it as you may never have before.
If I have brought you closer to the music, the artists and the full musical experience (the moments that we as audiophiles and music lovers cherish the most) then I have succeeded in my goal. Please take a short time to read the information in this manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all the features and functions of your new TSP-1. I thank you once again for your investment on TLA’s team development of the ‘’True Series’’ Sincerely.
TSP-1 DESCRIPTION
TSP-1
Pre Amplifier, like the SSP-1 preamplifier, is a Single Ended, loaded by an
Output Transformer, triode design. Dual mono design with 2 separated circuits
in a single chassis.
Separate Linear Power supplies for High and Low voltages per channel. 4 Power
Supplies for audio in total.
The first power supply is using a custom-designed EI, low-loss lamination
transformer, and custom-designed choke. It supplies the High Voltage required
for the 12AU7 single-ended stage.
The second power supply is using a custom-designed EI, low-loss lamination transformer. It supplies the low voltage required for the Tube Heaters. 4 input selector Shunt attenuator – Volume, with Remote Control Parallel 12AU7 Single Ended topology gain stage, transformer loaded. Output Transformer – TLA’s special designed, hand wounded output transformer with very good linearity. Following TLA’s long tradition in Audio Transformers. High-quality PCBs. All boards are hand assembled. All parts of the amplifier are hand wired. The highest quality components are used throughout the circuit. Each component is handpicked, tested and matched to serve the design.
PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
Budget a suitable space in which to place the TSP-1 Pre Amplifier.
This space should also be free of excessive heat or dust and large enough to
permit easy flow of cool air to the top, bottom and sides of the unit. Avoid
locating the TSP-1 Pre Amplifier where it will be exposed to direct sunlight,
excessive humidity or moisture.
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain
or moisture.
Before Power-up
Check and make sure the power buttons are switched off and the Logo light is
off, then attach the grounded IEC power cable jacks to the IEC plugs. Keep the
power off until all other system connections are completed. Check that the
mains voltage printed on the back of the unit corresponds to the line voltage
of the territory you intend to connect your TSP-1 Pre Amplifier.
Delay On
It will take few seconds for the tube to warm up and start delivering sound.
Input and Output Connections
Conventional shielded RCA (Unbalanced) or XLR (Balanced) type cables should be
used to connect the amplifier’s input jacks to the preamplifier’s output Good
quality connectors provide added assurance against signal degradation due to
contact corrosion. Regardless of cable or connector material, verify that the
contacts are clean, and that the plug’s outer shield is tight on the jack, to
avoid hum. On long cable runs, keep the left and right cables close together,
and avoid running them parallel to AC power wiring to minimize hum pick up.
How to Avoid Damages
A good operating practice is to turn off all equipment before any connections
or disconnections are made. Do not, under any circumstances, connect or
disconnect equipment when power is turned on. If you insist on connecting or
disconnecting while power is turned on, you should be aware that the design of
the RCA plug generates a large transient when inserting the plug. This could
damage both the speakers and the amplifier.
FRONT VIEW
- Input Selector. Each time one of the 4 inputs is selected the corresponding led is on
- Power switch
- The logo and Model light up when power is on
- Volume Button
- Mute Switch
BACK VIEW
- Input Connectors for Right and Left Channel. 3 x RCA & 1 x XLR per Channel. Upon request a different combination can be installed.
- Line Out Connectors. 1 x RCA & 1 x XLR per Channel. Upon request 2 x XLR Male can be installed.
- IEC C14 Male Power Inlet & Fuse Holder.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Maximum Voltage Input: 1 Vrms
- Input Impedance: 140K Maximum – 40K Minimum
- Gain: 12 dB
- Frequency Bandwidth: 80KHz
- Tubes used: 2 X 12AU7
- Voltage Options (Factory Set):
- 230- 240VAC
- 110-120VAC
- Fuses (5x20mm):
- 2 X T 500mA (Slow Blow): 220V-240 VAC
- 2 X T 1A (Slow Blow): 110-120 VAC
- Color Options (Front Plate):
- Silver
- Black
- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 X 192 (with feet) X 430 mm
- Unit Weight: 28 Kg
- Shipping Dimensions (W x H x D): 550 X 300 X 550mm
- Shipping Weight: 38 Kg
WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE
The TSP-1 Pre Amplifier will run warm
Due to the vacuum tubes used in the True Life Audio design, it is normal that
the unit feels warm. Proper ventilation will be needed as described in section
preparation for installation.
Replacing the Tubes
Before you take any action and with the power switch to OFF operating
condition please unplug the power cable of the unit from the mains. After
unplugging let at least one hour to pass before you proceed with the
replacement of the tubes. Your TSP-1 pre-amplifier uses two tubes, a tube type
12AU7 per channel is used. In the case that the tubes need to be replaced,
follow the steps in the paragraph below. Please use only premium-quality tubes
otherwise you may degrade the sound quality of the amplifier. Replacement
tubes you can purchase from the local TLA dealer or directly from the
manufacturer.
Mains
Unplug your power amplifier from the mains connection in the following cases:
- before you manipulate cables
- before you clean your amplifier
- during thunderstorms or
- before you leave for longer periods
Cleaning
Please use a soft towel for cleaning your power amplifier. We recommend the
use of a nonabrasive microfiber towel. Please do not employ any solvents.
Security advice
Liquidity is not allowed to enter the power amplifier. The electronic may be
damaged seriously.
Packing
Please keep the original packing for future transports. The original packing
is optimal protection against potential damages.
Service Policy
If service is needed
Your dealer will have all the relevant information about the service centers
in your area and will ensure that your unit is serviced without delay. It is
our general policy to have your unit returned to you within 20 working days.
This is an average time and could vary locally, depending on the workload at
the service center.
If, for some reason, there are no service facilities available in your country, please ship the TSP-1 pre Amplifier to the following address:
TrueLife Audio (TLA)
Address: Ippokratous 13, Keratsini 18756, Athens, Greece
Phone: +30 210 5757605
+30 694 8787510
You are responsible for all shipping charges, insurance, re-importation to your country, and duty arrangements. When shipping a product to the factory for service, always include the following:
- A sales slip or other proof of purchase if repair is claimed under warranty.
- A proforma invoice with the value of the goods, stating that the TSP-1 Pre Amplifier is returned to Greece for repair.
- An accompanying note describing faults, symptoms, or problems with the TSP-1 pre Amplifier.
- Always ship the TSP-1 pre Amplifier in the original box and packaging material to prevent damage in transit. True Life Audio will not cover damages incurred in transit.
If you require further information concerning the TSP-1 pre Amplifier operation, or if you have any questions related to service, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or national True Life Audio let distributor.
WARRANTY
All TrueLife Audio equipment is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 3 years from date of purchase to the original purchaser only.
Proper registration is made by filling out and returning to the factory the warranty card attached to this general warranty statement, along with a copy of the original sales receipt as proof of the original date of purchase. Only 1 card is issued with each unit, and the serial number is already recorded on it. If the warranty registration card has already been removed then this is not a new unit and is therefore not warranted by the factory. If you believe this to be a new unit then please contact the factory with the details of the purchase. This warranty is provided by the dealer where the unit was purchased, and by TrueLife Audio.
Under the terms of the warranty, defective parts will be repaired or replaced without charge, except the cost of tubes. No warranty is offered on tubes, unless:
- A TrueLife Audio preamplifier is used with the TSA-300 Amplifier, and
- The warranty registration card is filled out.
In such a case a 6-month warranty on tubes is available with the correct recording of the serial number of the amplifier on your warranty registration card. If a TrueLife Audio product fails to meet the above warranty, then the purchaser’s sole remedy shall be to return the product to TrueLife Audio, where the defect will be repaired without charge for parts and labour.
The product will then be returned via prepaid, insured freight, method and carrier to be determined solely by TrueLife Audio. All returns to the factory must be in the original packing, accompanied by a written description of the defect, and must be shipped to TrueLife Audio via insured freight at the customer’s own expense. Charges for unauthorized service and transportation costs are not reimbursable under this warranty, and all warranties, express or implied become null and void where the product has been damaged by misuse, accident, neglect, modification, tampering or unauthorized alteration by anyone other than TrueLife Audio.
The warrantor assumes no liability for property damage or any other incidental or consequential damage whatsoever which may result from the failure of this product. Any and all warranties of merchantability and fitness implied by law are limited to the duration of the expressed warranty. All warranties apply only to TrueLife Audio products purchased thru TrueLife Audio directly, an authorized dealer or national TrueLife Audio let distributor.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD
We ask that you please fill out this registration form and send it to:
TrueLife Audio (TLA)
Address: Ippokratous 13, Keratsini 18756, Athens, Greece
Phone: +30 210 5757605
+30 694 8787510
Email: [email protected] or email to
[email protected] with all the info
requested below and a note stating this is Warranty Registration.
Registration entitles you to product support, full warranty benefits, and
notice of product enhancements and upgrades. You MUST complete and return the
following to validate your warranty and registration.
Thank you again for choosing TrueLife Audio.
- MODEL _____SERIAL No. __
- PURCHASE DATE ____ SUPPLIER ___
- NAME OF OWNER_____
- ADDRESS____
- CITY, STATE, ZIP __
- TELEPHONE NUMBER __
- FAX __
- EMAIL_____
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: Ippokratous 13, Keratsini, 18756 Athens, Greece Phone: +30 210
5757605 Email: [email protected].