Progressive Audio A 1 / A 2
Integrated Amplifier
Owners Manual
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
Safety compliance
This equipment has been designed to meet the IEC/EN 60065 international electrical safety standard.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This product was designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. There are,
however, some installation and operation precautions which you should be particularly aware of.
1. Read these instructions carefully.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block the heat sinks or ventilation openings.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
Before Use
This Progressive Audio A 1 / A 2 can only be powered by 220 – 250 V AC.
Choose a place for the amplifier where it has enough space around it (app. 10 cm to right and left and 20
cm to the top) to ensure enough air to “breath” and a good ventilation.
To ensure a long life work of this Progressive Audio equipment we recommend to choose a stable stand
and avoid
- external heat sources
- direct sunlight
- humid or dusty rooms
Parts Checklist
- Amplifier
- Remote Control (see chapter Remote Control)
o System Remote Control in case of a purchase of a Progressive Audio Amp and CD Player
o Amp Remote Control in case of a purchase of a Progressive Audio Amp only
Product Introduction
The Progressive Audio A 1 is the smaller one of the two Progressive Audio integrated amplifiers. It offers
the same inputs and ease of use as the bigger model A 2.
Its power output is less than A 2 but more than enough to achieve a realistic music reproduction with a
High-End loudspeaker even with a not optimal sensitivity as its pure Class A power output acts about three
times the power output of conventional A/B designs.
Its straight and timeless design without any knobs at the front panel reflects his dynamic and neutral way
of music reproduction. All functions can be controlled with the high-quality remote control.
Its pure Class A layout delivers a vivid and precise sound with an incredible dynamic headroom and an
extremely high resolution which is not comparable to other solid state amplifiers. This fact is due to the
revolutionary use of a special type of semiconductors which is unique for Hifi designs: Silicon Carbide. This
exclusive type of semiconductors has a 15 times higher slew rate and fewer distortions than MOSFETS used
in good conventional solid state amplifiers. It was proven by the German magazine Stereoplay (7/2010,
review A 2) which is very skilled in and famous for amplifier reviews. Holger Biermann (Editor in Chief)
wrote in his editorial “The A 2 combines the power of a solid state amplifier with the musicality and
suppleness of a tube. Exactly what we ever wanted to have.“ So the A 2 went straight up to the top of their
“Bestenliste”, their listing of all tested amplifiers so far.
The perfect amplification design without main feedback makes it insensitive to high capacities of cables or
unsteady impedance response of loudspeakers.
The Progressive Audio A 1 is a timeless and elegant integrated amplifier at the highest level of built and
sound quality. It is engineered and hand crafted in Germany and made for decades of experiencing and
enjoying music.
Front Panel
There are no control knobs at the front panel of A 1 / A 2.
Display
Connections at the back
Remote Control
Output Terminals R
Output Terminals L
Power Inlet
Unbalanced Inputs
Balanced Inputs
Amp Standby
Amp Display Brightness
Amp Volume
-
+
Amp Input Selection 1
-
4
CD Open/Close
CD Skip back/next
CD Standby
CD Pause
CD Play
CD Stop
This picture shows the System Remote
Control which is supplied with a
Progressive Audio system (CD and Amp).
The Amp Remote Control is smaller and
does not control CD functions (6 lower
buttons missing).
Connections
Connect all cables from source to Amp and to loudspeakers while Amp is powered off.
Usage
Power on the unit, Amp will always start in mute, make sure that the volume level is small (inverse
adjustment, so smallest volume is mute/-94.5 dB, maximum is 0.0dB), choose input, start playback, enjoy.
The warm up time is very quick (about 15 minutes). Even the sound is from the first seconds on really
enjoyable it will be even better after this period of time. Thus there is no need to keep the amplifier
running over night to keep it warmed up as other amplifier designs profit from.
The last volume while going into standby is stored as reference volume. This will be restored when
powering on from standby after pushing the volume button plus or minus or pushing the “Amp display”
button.
Different sources with different output voltages can create different sound levels even same volume
adjustment of the Amp.
Note: If you listen at very high volume and hear distortions, lower the volume adjustment immediately to
avoid any defects of the loudspeakers. Distortions may damage the tweeters.
Note: Progressive Audio amplifiers have a fully balanced layout. You achieve best results with fully
balanced sources like e.g. CD players from Progressive Audio connected with XLR cables. You can of course
use unbalanced sources and connect them with an RCA cable, but sound quality may show principle
disadvantages of unbalanced sources and a little bit smaller sound level.
Interconnect and Loudspeaker Cables
We recommend to use high quality interconnect and loudspeaker cables with stable and good plugs. Best
results we experienced with Progressive Audio cables (with Furutech Rhodium plugs) which are available in
several qualities.
Loudspeakers
This amplifier is able to handle even demanding loudspeakers. Even they might not have a flat impedance
response the Progressive Audio amplifier will not be disturbed within his regular power capability. For the
best results we recommend the use of Progressive Audio loudspeakers with ultra-flat impedance response
and phase linearity.
Technical Specs
A 1 both A 2
Integrated Amplifier Pure Class A without feedback
Semiconductors Silicon Carbide
Power Output 2x 65 Watts (Sin 4 Ohms) 2x 110 Watts (Sin 4 Ohms)
Frequency Range 1 Hz – 1 MHz ± 0,1 dB
Volume Control 128 steps a 0.75 dB
Inputs 2x balanced, 2x unbalanced
Input Sensitivity 50 kOhm, 2 V
Outputs 2 Pairs per Channel for Bi-Wiring
Binding Posts Furutech Rhodium Type
Dimensions H 21 cm, W 44 cm, D 42 cm
Input Voltage 220 – 250 V AC
Primary Fuse 4.0 A slow blow 6.3 A slow blow
Weight 22.0 kg 24.0 kg
Remote Batteries 2x AAA
Warranty Statement
Warranty in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
•
Progressive Audio takes care of all defects that are due to manufacturing and product quality issues
within a time from purchase of 2 years. Please refer to the authorized dealer where you bought the
product with the proof of the purchase date.
Outside Germany in countries with distribution
•
Progressive Audio has formal distribution in many countries throughout the world. In each country
the Progressive Audio importer has contractually accepted the responsibility for the product
warranty. Warranty should normally be obtained from the importing agent or distributor from
whom you obtained your product. In the unlikely event of service required, the importer will back
up the warranty. The local warranty period can differ from the German.
Outside Germany in countries without distribution
•
Where product has been either supplied directly or there is no current distributor, Progressive
Audio accepts responsibility for the warranty period.
•
The defective product must be packed in the original packing and returned with a copy of the
invoice to Progressive Audio by the customer at his/her expense. Progressive Audio will pay return
freight of its choice.
•
The warranty is only valid in the country of purchase.
•
Products outside the original destination require that units with remaining warranty be returned to
the country of purchase for the warranty to be valid. The customer is responsible for freight both
ways and all associated import and export charges.
•
Foreign distributors are not required to provide warranty service, repair or change AC mains
voltage on units that they did not originally import and sell.
•
Foreign distributors may at their discretion offer service for a fee.
•
The local warranty period can differ from the German.
Progressive Audio Distribution
August-Thyssen-Straße 13a, 45219 Essen, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 2054 938 57 93
Web: www.progressive-audio.com
Email: [email protected]
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