Related Manuals for SMc Audio VRE-1C
Summary of Contents for SMc Audio VRE-1C
- Page 2 Although reading this manual may not be necessary for you to begin enjoying your VRE-1C, I urge you to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the more novel aspects of its design.
- Page 4 Preparing for use - locating your VRE-1C Your VRE-1 has a lot of wonderful attributes, and one of them is the fact that neither it nor its power supply produce appreciable heat. This means that you may locate your VRE-1 and its power supply pretty much wherever you wish, although I recommend that you keep the VRE-1 at least one foot from any piece of equipment that includes a transformer (including its own power supply).
- Page 5 Front Panel layout Source selection buttons: Sequentially selects one of 4 inputs. The right-hand button increments (1-2-3-4) while the left-hand button decrements (4-3-2-1). Polarity inversion button and LED indicator: Sets system polarity (absolute polarity, sometimes called “absolute phase”). When the LED is off, system polarity is normal (non-inverted).
- Page 6 Rear Panel layout Power connections 1 & 2: Power 1 is the analog DC supply via the Neutrik connector, while Power 2 supplies DC power to the relays, lights and Monitor Out buffer. Main Outputs: The XLR jacks provide balanced output via the Jensen transformers, while the unbalanced RCA connections are usually direct- coupled to the JFET buffer amplifiers.
- Page 7 Remote Control Handset Layout Standby: Puts your VRE-1C to "sleep," shutting down all functions and LEDs. Press this button again to wake the unit up with the same settings. Polarity: Toggles system polarity in the same manner as the front-panel button.
- Page 8 If this LED does not flash, the preamp is not receiving commands from the remote hand unit. Be sure the remote is pointed at the VRE-1C. If the unit still does not function, check the 2 x "AA" batteries in the remote. You must remove the 2 screws holding the bottom plate on the remote to access the battery carrier.
- Page 9 The primary use is in a home theater setting where the VRE-1C is part of a high-performance multi-channel playback system. In this case, a surround processor (or something similar) is the system controller for multi-channel playback, while the VRE-1C is dedicated to the main front left and right channels for 2-channel stereo playback.
- Page 10 VRE-1C. My goal was to create a remote volume control that was *at least* as good as the Shallco switch version.
- Page 11 steps is also included. I believe this design delivers sonic performance beyond anything else available today. Finally, all of the parts and materials used to build your VRE-1 are the best available. A partial list includes parts from Lundahl Transformers, Jensen Transformers, Stillpoints vibration control, Avel-Lindberg, Duelund Coherent Audio, Audio Note, Vishay, Van den Hul, Shunyata, Stealth capacitors, Oyaide, WBT, Neutrik, EAR Specialty Composites, Vibrapod, and DuPont Corian.
- Page 12 The Power Supply The VRE-1’s companion power supply provides carefully tailored DC power for the proper operation of your preamp. The “Power 1” connection provides +/- 24 VDC of choke-filtered, unregulated power, while the “Power 2” connection provides +/- 24 VDC of fully regulated power for the relays, LEDs, and Monitor Out buffer amplifier.
- Page 13 Please Note: The VRE-1 is a hand-built work of “industrial art.” It is a beautiful object, and a great deal of effort has gone into its creation. Ironically, because it is hand-made, you may find small blemishes that do not occur in the routine perfection of mass-marketed consumer goods.
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Page 14: Specifications
beyond that it is up to you to complete the break-in process, and to understand that it will take time. Break-in is a process of using your equipment - not simply leaving it turned on. You must have something playing (music or some sort of break-in signal) to get the job done. - Page 15 Kris Jeter - His hard work keeps the wheels turning here at SMc Audio, and his good humor makes the work go smoothly. Carl and Lena Carpenter / Carpenter’s Fine Woodworking - Their precision machining work on the original wooden prototypes and subsequent Corian models made this project a reality.
- Page 16 Getting the most from your VRE-1 preamplifier - a user’s guide If you want to get the best out of your VRE-1, put the best into it. I have chosen to not include a standard AC cord with the VRE-1. It is my experience that the AC cord is an integral part of the sound of your VRE-1, and I suggest that you use the best power cord you can find.
- Page 17 Please note that the use of a 3-wire grounded AC cord assumes that an appropriate earth ground connection is provided by your house AC wiring. Your VRE-1C will operate regardless of the position of this switch. However, I suggest that you experiment with the 3 settings. It has been my experience that the Float (UP) setting typically gives quiet operation and optimum sonics, but the situation may be different in your system.
- Page 18 input Ground Switching As previously noted, the VRE-1's inputs are all balanced, including the RCA-jack inputs. This system works very well in practice, but there have been some rare cases where the connection of an unbalanced source has led to noise problems (hum &...
- Page 19 XLR pin 2 - to RCA center pin (positive hot) XLR pin 3 - to RCA outer case (negative hot) You can add whatever number you need, including converting all inputs to full- balanced operation if that is what your system requires. Steve McCormack, designer - SMc Audio...
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