VTL TL6.5 Owner's manual

Brand: VTL

Model: TL6.5

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: Owner's manual

VTL

TL6.5 Signature Line Stage Preamplifier

O w n e r ’ s M a n u a l

MAKING TUBES USER FRIENDLY

VTL TL6.5 Signature Line Preamplifier

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written

permission by VTL.

Version History:

Version 2.2 November, 2007

Part Number: OM-6.5

4774 Murrieta Street, Suite 10

Chino, CA 91710, USA

Phone 909.627.5944 • Fax 909.627.6988

Email: [email protected] • http://www.vtl.com/

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1.........................................................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................1

Symbol Conventions used in this guide......................................................................................................................2

Electrical Safety Notice ..............................................................................................................................................3

Water and Moisture....................................................................................................................................................3

Location and Ventilation............................................................................................................................................3

Warning – To avoid risk of failure due to overheating, do not stack components...................3

Servicing .....................................................................................................................................................................4

Operational Warnings................................................................................................................................................4

CHAPTER 2.........................................................................................................................................................................6

GETTING STARTED..........................................................................................................................................................6

Unpacking the TL 6.5 from its box.............................................................................................................................6

Quick Start..................................................................................................................................................................6

TL 6.5 Front Panel Controls......................................................................................................................................8

The Preamplifier’s Back Panel ............................................................................................................................... 11

Back Panel Connections and controls............................................................................................................. 11

The Remote Control Hand-held Unit ...................................................................................................................... 12

Fitting the Batteries to the Remote Control..................................................................................................... 13

Voltage Setting......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Power Source for the VTL TL 6.5 Preamplifier...................................................................................................... 14

Connecting the Preamplifier to your system........................................................................................................... 15

Connecting to a Turntable............................................................................................................................... 15

Select and Connect Source Components......................................................................................................... 15

Connecting a second pair of amplifiers .................................................................................................................. 16

Connecting the TL 6.5 to a Home Theater System.................................................................................................. 17

Using the TL 6.5 to trigger other devices................................................................................................................ 17

CHAPTER 3...................................................................................................................................................................... 19

OPERATING THE PREAMPLIFIER................................................................................................................................... 19

Powering your preamplifier and the rest of your system on................................................................................... 19

Ground Loop Hum................................................................................................................................................... 20

Using the Preamplifier with the Remote Control.................................................................................................... 21

Using the Tape Loop to monitor recordings........................................................................................................... 21

Operating Modes and Factory Default Settings ..................................................................................................... 22

Quick Reference: Special Programming Functions................................................................................................ 23

LED Indications....................................................................................................................................................... 24

Programming the Preamplifier’s function controls................................................................................................ 26

Using the preamplifier with RS232 control .................................................................................................... 36

Powering the system off........................................................................................................................................... 40

CHAPTER 4...................................................................................................................................................................... 41

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR VTL PREAMPLIFIER........................................................................................... 41

Break In Period........................................................................................................................................................ 41

Tube Life .................................................................................................................................................................. 41

Changing Tubes....................................................................................................................................................... 41

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Changing the Main, Output stage and Power Supply Protection Fuses.................................................................43

Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................................44

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................................45

CHAPTER 5 ......................................................................................................................................................................48

TL-6.5 SPECIFICATIONS ...............................................................................................................................................48

CHAPTER 6 ......................................................................................................................................................................49

WARRANTY...................................................................................................................................................................49

APPENDIX........................................................................................................................................................................51

Warranty Registration..............................................................................................................................................51

Service Notes............................................................................................................................................................51

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CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a VTL Signature Preamplifier: “A new single-chassis preamplifier

design to challenge all others.”

his hand crafted component is designed to deliver superb performance for your

listening pleasure for many years to come. In order to get the most benefit from your

purchase, we recommend that you take sufficient time to get familiar with the features

of this product. Please take a moment to read through this owner’s manual, as it

contains all of the installation procedures needed to connect your new TL 6.5 to the rest of

your audio system, as well as the many functions that the TL 6.5 can perform. After you have

finished reading this manual it should be kept it in a safe place for future reference.

As a significant and important product for VTL, the TL6.5 Signature Line Preamplifier is a fully

differential circuit, and is designed to be the ideal matching front end for the VTL Reference

power amplifiers, as well as the Signature MB-185 and MB-450 monoblocks, but due to the

design of the TL 6.5 it will drive any power amplifier with the same result.

As VTL’s top preamplifier in the Signature family, with an integral power supply control section

and multiple fully regulated power supplies to preserve tonal and spatial accuracy, the TL 6.5

incorporates all of the design specification and features of the VTL Signature series, and

sonically leads the listener through the intricate tapestry of musical layers, with superior control

and tonal balance. The TL 6.5 Preamplifier truly represents a fresh breakthrough in furthering

the refinement of the VTL sound, and the ability of the new TL 6.5 to articulate and present

the listener with a broad, cohesive picture of the total musical soundscape in a dynamic, nimble,

full range sound gives it the distinction it bears as our Signature Preamplifier. As you will find,

this preamplifier commands your attention to music itself and unravels before your eyes and

ears the most intricate emotional layers that is the essence of music.

Preamplifiers offer the user many benefits that direct connections cannot. A line stage with gain

(and therefore dynamic headroom) always yields superior sound in dynamic musical passages.

Ease of installation is another primary benefit with preamplifiers. Yet another benefit from a

high current output buffer is to lower the output impedance to drive the next stage (usually a

power amplifier, with unknown input impedance) and/or the interconnecting cable, with

potentially high capacitance in long lengths.

The VTL TL 6.5 Signature Line preamplifier is both a fully active line level preamplifier and a

complete source control center in one package, and it offers complete predictability of

performance with little or no change of response in a wide range of systems and environments.

This preamplifier is a true Signature Component, insofar as it contains some of the most

advanced thinking in preamplifier design today.

The major design goal for the TL 6.5 was to sonically outperform any existing single-chassis

preamplifier design, using measurements to back up empirical findings, and the technical

challenge of designing a fully differential circuit with sufficient common mode rejection ratio

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using tubes is no small challenge. To achieve the design goals we had to address two

fundamental issues: (1) Deal with the sonic bottlenecks that occur in the multiple stages and

functions of known preamplifier designs, and (2) design a preamplifier that will work in as wide

a variety of conditions as possible, as unaffected by outside environmental influences as

possible. The sonic performance should be musical, predictable and consistent, regardless of

AC condition, load, source component, physical vibrations or digital or other external radiated

noise.

During the long four-plus years of the R&D development cycle of this project, the 5-man VTL

engineering team was given the mission to create the best single-chassis preamplifier that we

could possibly make. During this time our panel of listeners was given the mandate to be

relentless in pushing the requirements for the design envelope -- parts were changed and

modules re-designed over and over again until we were satisfied with all aspects of the sonic

and measured performance.

Making a preamplifier that is capable of driving any load with any length of cable without

flinching is an extremely challenging prospect. In designing a completely novel push-pull low

impedance output stage, and taking a radical approach to the volume potentiometer by

incorporating relays and discrete resistors in an innovative combination, we have finally been

able to significantly improve upon the highly-regarded TL5.5 sound. By coupling this

technology to multiple super-regulated power supplies we have dramatically improved on the

preamplifier’s capability to drive any power amplifier, with truly superior resolution, spatial

imaging and bass control.

Finally, the VTL TL 6.5 Preamplifier is designed primarily for the user whose primary source is

a line source. If phono is a primary source then a separate phono stage will be required to step

the cartridge voltage up to line level and to handle the RIAA equalization needed to re-equalize

the signal from the record. Since this stage is usually a high gain stage and is therefore

susceptible to noise, it is sonically better to separate this stage from the line preamplifier.

The VTL team is proud that you have selected our Signature preamplifier as a new member of

your home audio system. This preamplifier is designed to give you the convenience and

flexibility to manage all your audio and video sources, while at the same time giving you the

musical experience that is the most alive and the truest to your source, and we certainly wish

you many hours of enjoyment from it.

Symbol Conventions used in this guide

Certain symbols are used in this owner’s manual to draw your attention to important

points being discussed. For your own safety and that of your equipment you should

note and heed the warnings that follow these symbols.

The “Warning - Pay particular Attention” symbol used is

And the “Warning – Observe These Precautions for Your Safety” is

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Electrical Safety Notice

Electrical voltage from power cables can be hazardous. We

recommend that the power cord used with this unit be

connected to a properly grounded AC outlet. There are

hazardous voltages present in the unit, and to prevent electrical

shock, do not remove the cover of this preamplifier, and under no circumstances while the

unit is powered on.

Warning – Under no circumstances should any

attempt be made to circumvent the ground

system to the AC line for any reason. Using a ground

lifted system can be potentially extremely dangerous, both to

persons that might come in contact with the unit, and to the unit

itself, and proper RF shielding cannot be attained without a secure ground connection.

Damage to the unit that is the result of improper AC connection and grounding will not be

covered under the warranty.

Prior to connecting this preamplifier to any audio or video equipment

in your system, make sure this unit’s power (and the rest of the

equipment connected to its input and output channels) is turned off.

Adding or removing input or output cables to the preamplifier while

the system is powered on can cause damage to the preamplifier and possibly also to the

rest of the system.

Water and Moisture

The TL 6.5 should be kept away from sources of water or

moisture. If liquid enters the unit it must be immediately

returned to your dealer for servicing. In this case you should

under no circumstances try to power the unit on - there are

hazardous voltages present in this unit that can cause serious injury if they come in

contact with you.

Location and Ventilation

Warning – To avoid risk of failure due to overheating, do not stack components

The TL 6.5 chassis emits heat and needs proper ventilation to ensure long

operational life. Under no circumstances should the TL6.5 be stacked on top

of any other unit.

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Ensure that the TL6.5 is installed in a location that is stable and well ventilated. If the

preamplifier is placed in a built-in installation, ensure that there is adequate room for air to

flow through the ventilation openings. Allow at least 3 - 5 inches clearance on the top and

around the sides of each chassis of the preamplifier. The warranty does not cover units

that are damaged due to overheating from incorrect installation.

It is also recommended that the preamplifier be sited at least 10 inches away from the

power amplifier to prevent possible noise introduction into the system.

Tiptoes or other isolation accessories may prove useful in reducing mechanical vibrations

or other external vibrations that might affect sonic performance, and we have found that

such accessories can offer definite beneficial sonic improvements when used correctly. In

all cases this preamplifier should only be installed in a location that is stable, as warranty

does not cover damage due to the unit falling.

Do not place the preamplifier next to heat sources such as radiators, stoves or other

appliances.

Do not place the preamplifier where small children might be able to tamper with the

equipment. If it is not possible to place the preamplifier out of the reach of small children

it is recommended that power cables be removed when the equipment is not in use.

Servicing

Do not attempt to service the TL 6.5 beyond the procedures

described in this manual. For all other service and questions, please

contact your authorized VTL dealer or the factory.

Operational Warnings

 It is critical for proper sonic performance of this

component that it be properly configured for the mode

of operation while playing. If a balanced signal is

applied to the inputs the unit must be configured for

balanced operation, and vice-versa.

 Always make all connections before powering the TL 6.5 on.

Connecting or disconnecting the TL 6.5 while powered on

can damage the output stage, and will not be covered under

the warranty. Ensure that no interconnect cables can become

loose during use and that there are no intermittent faults or

shorts with the cables.

 Do not attempt to disassemble the TL 6.5 chassis or

remove any covers from the unit. Always consult with your

VTL authorized dealer or the VTL factory before attempting

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any service work on any VTL unit.

 Do not touch the tubes after the TL 6.5 is turned on. The tubes can get very

hot while the TL 6.5 is operating. Turn off the TL 6.5 and allow the tubes to cool

down before attempting to work with the tubes.

 Tube components can be heavy and awkward to lift, with the weight unevenly

distributed, and you should not attempt to move the unit without help. The TL 6.5

Preamplifier weighs approximately 50 lbs. (22.72 Kg).

 Do not exceed fuse ratings or attempt to bypass any fuses, as this can cause an

extremely hazardous condition and will void any warrantees. Use only the same

type and rating of fuses as specified in the owners’ manual and marked on the unit.

TL6.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual

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CHAPTER 2

Getting Started

Unpacking the TL 6.5 from its box

1. The VTL TL 6.5 Preamplifier is shipped in 1 carton and the unit is

wrapped in thick plastic. The plastic is not strong enough to support the

unit, and may tear if you try to lift the unit out of the box with it. Also

there are protruding switches and connectors which could break if the unit

is not properly handled, and in addition to the awkward, unbalanced heavy

load the unit has sharp edges and a cleaning polish on it, which makes it

slippery and hard to grasp.

2. When lifting the unit, be sure to only lift it from the bottom of the unit

with both hands. Be careful not to break any switches or to rest the unit on

any other side than the bottom side on the four feet on a stable surface.

Setting it on any other side may damage protruding components.

 SAVE THE CARTON AND ALL PACKAGING FOR ANY FUTURE

SHIPMENT OF THE TL 6.5.

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

• The preamplifier

• 1 standard power cord for the electrical system in your country

• The remote control hand-held unit with two AAA batteries

• This Owner’s Manual, Quick Reference Sheet, VTL Quality Assurance and test

printout, and a VTL product warranty registration card

Remove each item from its packaging material and check to make sure that no physical

damage has occurred during shipment of the unit. There should be no rattles inside either

the preamplifier chassis or remote control units. Look through the vent slots and check to

see that the tubes appear properly seated in their sockets. Contact your VTL dealer

immediately if physical damage is detected.

Quick Start

As the proud owner of this new VTL TL 6.5 Signature preamplifier, you are probably

eager at this moment to connect the new preamplifier into your system and hear what

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it sounds like. This section is a quick setup-up guide to help you get started in the

shortest time possible. Once the preamplifier is in your system and operational, please

take the time to read the rest of the information in this manual. It will give you the in-

depth perspective into all the functions your preamplifier is capable of delivering and

how to take advantage of the many special programming functions designed to give

you the maximum performance and flexibility.

Step 1: Finding a location for the TL 6.5 Preamplifier

We recommend that you place the TL 6.5 preamplifier in a location closer to your

source components, such as your CD player, turntable, or DVD player. Note that the

TL 6.5 should not be stacked on top of anything else. Reserve sufficient space to either

put the unit on its own shelf with at least 6 inches of space above it for ventilation.

Step 2: Connect the TL 6.5 Preamplifier to the AC outlet

Make sure that the Power Rocker switch on the back of the unit is not turned on. Locate

the IEC power cord that came with your TL 6.5 preamplifier, and connect one end of

the power cord to the back of the unit and the other side of the power cord to the AC

outlet on the wall.

Step 3: Connect a Source to the Preamplifier

Make sure the source is turned off, connect the source that you use most frequently, e.g. your

CD player, to the CD1 input locations in the back panel of the unit. If your CD player has

balanced out, connect the cable from the balanced output of your CD player to the CD1

balanced input of your TL 6.5 preamplifier, matching the left and right channels. Make sure that

you are using the appropriate balanced input cables.

If your CD player uses single-ended outputs, connect the cable from the single-ended output of

your CD player to the CD1 single-ended input of your TL 6.5 preamplifier, matching the left

and right channels. The single-ended input for CD1 is located immediately above the XLR

connector for CD1.

Step 4: Connect your Power Amplifier to the Preamplifier

Make sure your Power Amplifier is turned off. If your power amplifier supports balanced input

and you have balanced interconnects, connect the preamplifier’s balanced output to the power

amplifier’s balanced input, with the right output from the preamplifier going to the right input

of the amplifier and the left output of the preamplifier to the left input of the amplifier.

If you are connecting to your power amplifier using single-ended interconnects, connect one of

the preamplifier’s RCA/single-ended outputs to the amplifier’s single-ended input, making sure

the left channel of the preamplifier is connected to the left channel of the amplifier and vice

versa. The single-ended output is located immediately above the balanced output connector.

Step 5. Turn on the TL 6.5 Preamplifier

Locate the Power Rocker switch at the back of the unit. Turn the switch to the “on” position.

You should see two blue “--“ displayed in the unit’s Numeric Display window.

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Locate the red Power button on the front panel of the unit located on the far left side of the

Preamplifier. Push the power button to turn on the Preamplifier. You will see the blue Power

on LED above the red Power button start to blink and the Numeric Display now displays the

99 to 0 warm-up countdown sequence.

Step 6. Turn on your Source component

Step 7. Turn on your Power Amplifier(s)

Step 8. Wait for the TL6.5 to finish warmup

After the TL 6.5’s warm-up countdown is completed, the Power on LED turns to a steady blue

indicating that the unit is now ready to play. Please note that the Numeric Display now

indicates 00 volume. CD1 is the selected source and the LED above CD1 is blue to indicate

that the default selection of CD1 is in balanced mode. If your Source component is setup in

balanced mode, you are now ready to play your music. Turn the volume to the appropriate level

by rotating the Volume/Control knob.

If your Source component is used in single-ended mode, change the CD1 input to single-ended

by holding down the CD1 button steady until the LED changes to green. Start playing your

music and turn the volume to the appropriate level by rotating the Volume/Control knob.

Congratulations! You have just completed the Quick Start section of your TL-6.5

Preamplifier manual. Now please read the rest of this manual while relaxing and

listening to your favorite music.

TL 6.5 Front Panel Controls

From the front panel of the unit you can access all of the controls and program all the

functions of the preamplifier, as well as from the rear-mounted RS-232 port

Fig. 1 Front Panel

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You can operate the various controls and buttons from the front panel to access the full

functionality of this unit, and the operational functionality can also be accessed via the

remote control. The indication LEDs show the various operating modes of the unit.

1. The Power button is used to turn the preamplifier on and off. If the unit is powered off

press the button to turn the preamplifier ON and press the switch down again to turn

the unit OFF. The Power LED will blink blue during warmup, remain on steady blue

after power up, and turn off during power off or standby.

2. The Input Select buttons are used to select the source component for the preamplifier.

You can choose any one of the six inputs by pressing the appropriate selector button

labeled with the selection of your choice. The 6 input selector switches are divided up

into two groups: The first three from left to right can be configured as either balanced

or single ended inputs, and during power up the first two buttons double as trigger

programming buttons (when not in locked mode).

The first two LEDs are red for trigger functions, and the first three can be set blue for

balanced setting and green for single ended setting.

The other two buttons on the right of the first group are single ended inputs only, and

are not used for any other function. The LED color is green.

Warning It is critical for proper sonic performance of this

component that it be properly configured for the mode of

operation while playing. If a balanced signal is applied to the

inputs the unit must be configured for balanced operation, and vice-versa.

3. The Tape 1 and Tape 2 inputs are also usable as normal (single ended only) inputs, with

the additional capability of handling the record out function. LED color is green for

input, and red for monitor.

4. The Mon/Proc button is used to monitor an output when recording to one of the Tape

inputs, and is also used to set a Unity gain input (when not in locked mode.) The LED

color is red during monitor.

The Mon/Proc can be used to select whether the signal at the preamplifier output is

coming from tape monitor or not. If you wish to use the preamplifier to monitor an

ongoing recording session from the tape deck, you can use the Mon/Proc button to set

the preamplifier to Tape Monitor mode.

The Mon/Proc button is also used to set any input for unity gain (when not in locked

mode). This function is used for routing an external surround processor to the front left

and right channels. In this mode, your external surround processor will control the levels of

all of the channels of your system, including the front left and right channels. In this mode

the preamplifier is in the unity gain mode, and the volume control is set to a fixed position

(equivalent to volume position 69 in single ended mode). The signal is passed to the front

left and right amplifiers through the gain stage of the preamplifier, but at the same volume

as the surround processor is putting out, and the preamplifier’s volume control is disabled.

5. The display window contains the group of three main operational buttons and display

LEDs, the numeric display, and the infra red remote receiver, which enables the

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transmission of signal from the remote hand-held unit to be received by the

preamplifier. Keep this window clear from any obstruction and out of direct light to

allow maximum signal transmission from the remote wand.

The three main operational buttons are:-

a) The Phase button allows you to switch the system into the phase reversed state.

• Clicking the Phase button toggles the system between the phase correct and

phase inverted states. The Phase LED will turn off when the system is in

phase correct state, and will be red in the phase-inverted state.

b) The Balance button allows the user to change the channel balance setting between

left and right channel.

• Holding down the Balance button changes the display to the balance display

and sets the Balance LED to blue. Rotating the rotary knob changes balance

from left to right, according to the direction of rotation. In this mode the

control knob is used to set the left and right channel level.

In the Balance mode, when the display shows a double dash this indicates that

the left and right channels are equally balanced. A number with a bar on either

side indicates an out of balance setting, with the bar indicating the direction of

balance and the display indicating the degree of out of balance.

The display automatically reverts to volume readout a few seconds after

release of the Balance button.

c) The Mute button is to allow you to switch the preamplifier into the muted state.

• Pressing the button toggles the system between the mute and operating state.

If the preamplifier is currently in the operating state, pressing the Mute button

will set the unit to the muted state, indicated by a red flashing Mute LED. If

the preamplifier is currently in mute state, pressing the Mute button will

change the system into the operating state, and the LED will turn off.

The Numeric display is used to indicate either the sequential countdown timer during

power-up, offset level of the selected input, channel balance offset, trigger timing

during trigger output programming (during power up only), and the overall volume

gain level setting.

6. The Control knob is used in conjunction with the Numeric Display for setting volume

gain level in the operate mode, or when in one of the programming modes (trigger

programming, channel balance setting or input offset programming mode) the control

knob is used to dial in the appropriate setting.

• When in volume control mode the control knob changes the loudness level

of the output from your speaker system. Turning the knob clockwise

increases the volume level, and turning the knob counter-clockwise decrease s

the volume level.

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The Preamplifier’s Back Panel

From the back panel of the chassis you can access the power connector, trigger outputs,

RS-232 port, AC fuse, and the serial number and power consumption of the unit, as well

as all of the audio inputs and outputs.

Fig. 2 Rear Panel

Back Panel Connections and controls

 The Power Receptacle is used for connecting the TL 6.5 to the AC power from a wall outlet

using the power cord.

 The Main Fuse Holder contains the main power fuse. CAUTION:

Replace fuses only with fuses of same type and rating.

 The Power Rocker powers the unit into standby mode. Press up for on and down for off.

 The Trigger Outputs provide a 12V DC signal to external components that are to remotely

power up after the preamplifier is operational. Connect the power amplifiers’ trigger inputs

to the TL 6.5’s Trigger Outputs to remotely power the amplifier(s) on and off.

 The Information label contains Serial number, AC voltage setting and power consumption

information.



The RCA and XLR Input Jacks.

3 pairs of single-ended/balanced line inputs to connect source components to the

preamplifier section of the TL 6.5, including CD, DVD/SACD, and Phono/Aux 1

3 single-ended RCA inputs Aux 2, and Tuner and Aux 3

2 pairs of single ended RCA Tape inputs

 The RCA and XLR Output Jacks.

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2 pairs single ended and 1 pair balanced Main Outputs

 2 pairs of fixed single ended buffered record outs

The Remote Control Hand-held Unit

Fig 3. Remote Control Unit

The Remote Control hand held unit supplied with this preamplifier allows the user to

perform the following functions:

• Power the preamplifier on and off. This is a toggle control, which changes the

state from one to the other each time it is pressed.

• Set the left and right channel balance offset

• Select any of the 8 inputs directly

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• Set the preamp between phase inverting and phase correct mode by pressing

the phase button. This is a toggle control, which changes the state from one

to the other each time it is pressed.

• Increase/decrease the volume by pressing the up and down buttons

respectively on the remote control hand-held unit.

• Set/reset the system in mute and operating modes by pressing the mute

button on the remote control hand-held unit. This is a toggle control, which

changes the state from one to the other each time it is pressed.

If the system is in mute, pressing the volume up button to increase the

volume will reset the system and put it into operating mode. The volume

down button will not impact the mute state.

• Set the volume down from a higher volume to 20 by pressing the Fade button

When the user first presses any of the buttons on the remote control unit, there

may be a short delay before the preamplifier completes the processing of the

signal sent by the remote, especially if the line of sight to the preamp is not clear,

or if there is any sort of light interference with the infra red signal. The

preamplifier will not respond to pressing two buttons at one time, and will only

accept the first signal received.

In addition, the remote wand can be used to program another universal remote

that can be used in place of or in addition to the supplied remote wand. There are

additional discrete remote codes available that are programmed into the

preamplifier to replace the three toggle commands that are used on the supplied

remote wand: Power on, Power off, Mute on, Mute off, phase correct and phase

invert. These codes are either accessed from inside the supplied remote wand by

your dealer’s installer, or the codes can be sent separately to your dealer in files

specially formatted for programming either a Crestron, AMX or Pronto external

remote system.

There is also a separate RS-232 port on the back of the preamplifier’s chassis that

can accept any of the commands required to control the preamplifier remotely,

and outputs messages as the front panel controls on the TL6.5 are changed. This

RS-232 port is or for a central remote command system.

Fitting the Batteries to the Remote Control

1. Two Phillips head screws hold the back cover on the remote control.

Remove all screws with the correct tool to avoid damaging them (using #1

Phillips head screwdriver), and put them aside for later re-installation.

2. Turn the remote control over so that the cover drops into your other hand,

and put the cover aside with the screws. If the back cover for the remote

control is too tight 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 ready to catch the cover. Give the bottom of the front edge

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a sharp rap on a hard-protected surface – a magazine covering a table is

sufficient to do this with. The cover should drop out after one or two raps.

Be careful of the inside edges of the remote, as they can be sharp.

3. Locate the battery holder and insert the two supplied AAA batteries in the

marked positions, + to + and - to -.

4. Being careful not to damage the cover of the remote shell, replace the back

cover and snap it into its exact position. Replace the mounting screws, being

careful not to over-tighten them, and the cover will settle into place.

Test the remote control functions and ensure that all the functions are working correctly.

If the functions are not working then check that the batteries are in the correct mounting

positions and that they are not stale. If you still encounter problems then you should call

the factory or your dealer.

Voltage Setting

Your VTL TL 6.5 preamplifier has already been set to the correct voltage for your country

where you made your purchase, and the voltage setting is marked on the Serial Number Badge

located on the back panel of your TL 6.5.

Caution: Check to make sure that the voltage setting

on your TL 6.5 is correct for your local voltage rating

before plugging in and turning on your TL 6.5.

Power Source for the VTL TL 6.5 Preamplifier

Your TL 6.5 Preamplifier is a high-performance component, capable of extremely high

resolution and sonic performance. To assure best conditions for optimal results, plug the unit

directly into a wall AC outlet. Do not plug your TL 6.5 into a light extension cord or into the

back of another component, as this will starve the TL 6.5 of current and significantly impact the

performance of your system.

See the chapter on Specifications for the power consumption requirements of your TL 6.5.

Using the supplied power cable, connect the preamplifier to the AC line. For electrical

safety, ensure that the AC connector fits securely both to the AC line and to the

preamplifier, as a loose connection could cause intermittent operation and may damage the

unit.

Warning: Under no circumstances should any attempt be

made to circumvent the ground system to the AC line for

any reason. Using a ground lifted system can be potentially

extremely dangerous, both to persons that might come in contact

with the unit, and to the unit itself, and proper RF shielding cannot be attained without a

secure ground connection.

TL6.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual

VTL 14

Damage to the unit that is the result of improper AC connection or grounding will not be

covered under the warranty.

Connecting the Preamplifier to your system

Connecting to a Turntable

As there is no phono amplifier inside the TL 6.5, connection to a turntable will require an

external phono preamplifier.

Select and Connect Source Components

The Input Selection buttons for the preamplifier are marked for CD1, CD2, Ph/Aux 1,

Aux 2, Tuner, Aux 3 and Tape 1 and Tape 2. The input connectors on the back panel of

the preamplifier are correspondingly marked the same way.

You can replace and use any of the marked input sources with your own source

component as long as the proper interconnect is used. For example, if you do not have a

tuner in your system, but you would like to connect any other line level source to the Tuner

input instead, you can do so without any loss of performance. When you select the

preamplifier’s input selector to Tuner the preamplifier will play the signal from that source.

Similarly, the Aux. inputs can be used for any line level input source you wish to use. If

your preamplifier is not going to be used with a phono preamplifier then you can also use

Phono/Aux1 as an additional input for any line level source you wish to use.

Connect all source components (e.g. CD, SACD/DVD Audio, Tuner, DAT, Video

Recorder etc.) to the inputs on the preamplifier. Before making any connections to the

preamplifier make sure that the preamplifier and the source components are powered off.

Connect the output cables from each of the source components to the relevant inputs on

the preamplifier. For example, connect the CD transport to the CD input connectors of

the preamplifier.

Different sources may provide either balanced or single ended connections, and different

sources will most likely sound different in each mode. There are 3 balanced or single ended

inputs on the TL 6.5 preamplifier, and 3 additional inputs that are single ended only, in

addition to the 2 single ended Tape inputs. Decide which source components will be

connected to each input, using appropriate interconnects for the different sources

If a direction indicator is printed on the cable make sure that the cable is connected to the

source and the preamplifier in the appropriate direction (arrows flowing in the direction

the signal will travel, i.e. from the source to the preamplifier.) It is also important that the

left and right channels from the source components are connected to the corresponding

left and right channels of the preamplifier.

Connect the Phono stage to the preamplifier. If your preamplifier is going to be

used with a standalone phono preamplifier, connect the output from the phono stage

to the Phono/Aux 1 input channel of the preamplifier.

Connect the Tape input channels to the preamplifier. To take advantage of the Tape

Monitor capability of the preamplifier, connect the Tape In on the tape deck(s) to either of

TL6.5 Preamplifier Owner’s Manual

VTL 15

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VTL TL6.5 Owner's manual

Brand: VTL

Model: TL6.5

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: Owner's manual

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VTL TL6.5 Owner's manual

VTL TL6.5 Owner's manual

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