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User Guide

X3-User-Guide-v2-5-web.5

User Guide

Issue No: V2.5 Dec 2005

Legal Information

The Xenos Audio Systems logo is a trademark of ATP Systems of Ontario, Canada.

The information presented in this user guide is written specifically for the X3HA Headphone Amplifier and is

property of ATP Systems.

Copying of this information through any means without specific written consent form ATP Systems is not

permitted.

NOTES:

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Contents

WELCOME ...............................................................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................................................................4

PACKAGE CONTENTS ..........................................................................................................................................................5

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

ENERAL BATTERY USE INFORMATION

..........................................................................................................................6

NSTALLING BATTERIES

..................................................................................................................................................7

SING THE

AC A

DAPTER

...............................................................................................................................................7

NPUT

ONNECTIONS

.....................................................................................................................................................8

LUG IN YOUR

EADPHONES

..........................................................................................................................................9

THE CONTROLS ...................................................................................................................................................................10

DJUSTING SOUND LEVELS

..........................................................................................................................................10

OWERING UP

...............................................................................................................................................................11

OWER INDICATOR

.......................................................................................................................................................11

TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................................................................................................................................................12

CARING FOR YOUR X3HA .................................................................................................................................................12

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................13

WARRANTY INFORMATION.............................................................................................................................................15

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1. Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Xenos 3 Headphone Amplifier (X3HA) and
welcome to a world of astounding audio clarity. This professional amplifier will provide you
with superb High-Fidelity sound for many hours of listening pleasure. You will be able to
listen to your favourite tracks with incredible clarity and dimension that you never thought
existed. It will remarkably enhance the sound quality produced by almost any device that
has a headphone output and provide you with the very best sound your headphones can
deliver.

Take time to read through this user guide as it will provide you with valuable information
to help you ensure that you get the very best performance from your X3HA. Before you
call in for technical support, read through and follow the recommendations in chapter 6 of
this user guide.

Thank you for choosing Xenos Audio Systems

and ATP Systems.

Introduction

Connecting to Headphone Outputs
Most CD players, MP3 players, personal computers, medium to high end stereo receivers
and other audio sources with headphone outputs often make use of  single-chip ,  single-
ended output  headphone amplifier devices. These devices may without load produce
fairly reasonable low-distortion sound but often lack adequate power to effectively drive
headphones.
This results in low-volume, inferior quality (high distortion) reproduction of the audio signal
by headphone sets. Bass signals sound flat and or higher frequencies sound distorted
when listening to audio tracks from these inferior single-chip headphone amplifiers. This
can be observed when you turn up the volume to your headphones and is evidenced by
increased distortion of the audio signal.
The X3HA Headphone Amplifier provides higher headphone drive levels and enhances
audio quality thereby overcoming the weaknesses inherent in lower quality headphone
amplifiers.
As mentioned above, headphone amplifiers in CD players, MP3 players, personal
computers and stereo receivers, in most cases, can reproduce audio signals with very
little distortion as long as there is little to no load connected to their output.
The X3HA takes advantage of this by firstly presenting a negligible load to the output of
these headphone amplifiers. The X3HA then uses it s own high quality low-noise pre-
amplifier stage that drives the bipolar transistor output stages. The X3HA employs the
same amplifier design as that used in high end speaker amplifiers. A DC-DC converter is
used to convert the battery voltage to a full dual-rail supply as found in high end stereo
amplifiers.

Connecting to Line Outputs
The X3HA can also be connected to the line output of audio playback devices. In most
cases the line output provides a higher quality low distortion audio signal but is insufficient
for driving headphones. The X3HA can amplify the line output signal to a level suitable for
driving headphones. This allows you to take advantage of the superior quality of line
output audio.

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Package Contents

Take a few moments to inspect your package and ensure that all items listed here are
included.
If any of the listed items are missing please contact your dealer immediately, or if you
purchased direct from Xenos Audio then refer to the contact information found in this
guide.

A. X3HA Headphone Amplifier

B. 9V 1.3A Regulated AC adapter

C. 3.5mm (1/8 mini) Stereo Jack patch cord

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Getting Started

General battery use information

If you intend to use the X3HA in a portable mode you will require four AA size batteries.
The X3HA will work with either Alkaline or rechargeable type batteries including Alkaline
or NiMH. Note that the X3HA does not include a built in battery charger so you must
charge rechargeable batteries in their appropriate charger according to manufacturer
instructions before installing them in the X3HA.

The table below indicates the typical performance of various battery types:

Battery

Life

Time to low-
power alarm

Time to dead battery

after low-power alarm

Alkaline

7hrs

6hrs

60min

NiMH
Rechargeable
(2300mAH
cells)

8hrs

7h30min

30min

The above battery performance values are indicative and based on assumptions that the
respective batteries are fully charged when installed in the Zenos 3. Also that the X3HA is
driving a 32Ohm headphone set continuously at approximately 33% 50% volume
setting. Overall performance will also vary depending on individual battery characteristics
and quality.
Note that with Alkaline batteries assuming the above load conditions the X3HA will
continue to operate beyond the 7 hour mark but will not perform optimally. Rechargeable
NiMH batteries tend to stop delivering sufficient current after their discharged status
voltage is reached (discharged battery condition). This is evidenced by the blue LED
indicator being virtually extinguished.

Caution: Never mix batteries of different types in the X3HA.
It is highly recommend to use 1.2V 2300mAh or 2400mAh NiMH capacity batteries
in the X3HA.

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Installing batteries

Step 1 - Open the battery compartment door on the bottom of the unit by gently pressing
down on the indicated location while simultaneously pushing towards the rear of the unit
as illustrated.

View of Battery Compartment

Step 2 Install the batteries as illustrated being careful to align the batteries with the
polarity markings in the battery compartment. The unit is protected against reverse
polarity however it will not function with incorrectly installed batteries.
Replace the battery compartment door.

View of Battery Compartment with

Batteries Installed

Using the AC Adapter

The included AC power adapter is rated at 9VDC 1.3A regulated output.
It is not necessary to remove the batteries from the unit when using the AC power
adapter. The batteries are automatically disconnected when the adapterr is in use.
When using the AC power adapter the X3HA operates in high-power mode and produces
higher output power than in battery mode (refer to Chapter 8 in this guide). NOTE: Turn
the X3HA power switch off before plugging in the AC adapter.

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WARNING: The included power adapter must be used as an external power source for
the X3HA. The X3HA may be damaged if plugged into any other power source thereby
voiding the warranty.

Always turn the power switch of the X3HA off before connecting the AC adapter.

Locate the Power Jack on the rear of the X3HA, insert the DC Jack Plug from the power
adapter into the DC Power Jack of the X3HA. Plug the power adapter into a standard
110V/240V wall outlet.

Rear View of X3HA

Input Connections

When facing the controls, the input connections are located on the right side of the X3HA.
As illustrated two connections are present, the 3.5mm (1/8 mini) jack socket and a six-pin
mini-din socket. The six-pin mini-din socket is used as an expansion port allowing the
X3HA to connect to other Xenos Audio products.

Viewing the X3HA Input Connectors

For normal use, the 3.5mm stereo input jack socket on the X3HA is used. You may use
the provided 3.5mm stereo jack plug extension cable or an optional 3.5mm stereo jack to
RCA adapter cable to connect the X3HA to either the headphone output or the line output
of your sound equipment as in the following illustrations.

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Connecting the X3HA to an audio source with

headphone or line-out jack.

MP3 Player, CD
Player, personal

computer or other

audio source

Headphone or

line-out

Xenos 3

Headphone

Amplifier

3.5mm

input jack

3.5mm

stereo jack

patch cable

headphones

Connecting the X3HA to an audio source with

RCA type line-out.

Xenos 3

Headphone

Amplifier

3.5mm

input jack

headphones

Stereo receiver or other

audio source with RCA

line output

3.5mm stereo jack to

RCA adaptor cable

RCA line

output

Plug in your Headphones

The X3HA has two 3.5mm (1/8  mini) headphone jacks outputs and can drive up to two
headphones simultaneously.  You may use standard headphones with typical impedance
of 16 Ohm up to 600 Ohm. The X3HA is specially designed to drive mid to high end
headphones but it will also work with lower cost headphones.

CAUTION: Do not connect more than one headphone with impedance lower than 16
Ohm, this could damage the output stage of the amplifier.

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View of 3.5mm (1/8 mini) Headphone Output Jacks

5. The Controls

Adjusting sound levels

The front panel of the X3HA has three controls being Volume, Treble and Bass.

The volume control adjusts the signal level to the output amplifier stage that drives the
headphones. Before powering up the X3HA, reduce the volume setting to below ¼
position or half way between 0 and 5 positions on the Volume dial. After the X3HA is
powered up and the music source is playing place the headphones on your head and
adjust the Volume control to a suitable sound level.

The Treble and Bass controls are part of the active tone control circuit that allow you to
adjust equalization to suit your listening pleasure.
When the Treble and Bass controls are in the 0 position (centre) the X3HA frequency
response is flat and the input signal will be amplified without any noticeable equalization
adjustments.

WARNING: Excessively high volume levels for extended periods can cause
permanent damage to your ear drum and hearing. Use prudence and good
judgment when using this headphone amplifier. Discontinue use immediately if
you feel discomfort or experience pain in your ears.

Front Panel view of X3HA

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Powering up

The X3HA power switch is located on the right side (same side as the input connectors)
of the unit when viewing from the control panel.
To turn the power on, slide the power switch towards the front panel as illustrated.

Turn the X3HA off at the power switch when not in use to preserve battery life.

Power indicator

The blue power indicator LED is located on the front panel near the volume control and
has two functions:

On steady - the power is on.

Pulsating

the power is on and the low battery alarm is on. Assuming continuous

use at 1/3 volume setting the flashing LED indicates the following battery status:

i. For alkaline cells the battery level is at 4.3V and there is approximately 60

minutes of battery power remaining.

ii. For NiMH rechargeable cells the battery level is at 4.3V and there is

approximately 30 minutes of battery power remaining.

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6. Troubleshooting

The X3HA is designed to provide years of trouble free service. However as with any
electronic audio appliance some servicing may be required from time to time. Careful
operation of the unit within it s operating parameters and treating it with care will ensure
trouble free listening pleasure.

No power, power LED does not light up.
Check that batteries are good or fully charged and correctly installed, replace batteries,
turn on power check that LED lights up.
Plug in AC adapter, turn on power check that LED lights up.

No sound in headphones.
Check that the power switch is in the On position and that LED is lit.
Ensure that there is an input audio signal. Check by plugging the X3HA into another audio
source, try a different input cable.
Ensure that the X3HA Volume control is turned up.
Check that headphones are functioning, plug them into another audio source to test them.

Distorted sound from headphones.
Check to make sure that the connected audio playback device volume is not set too high
as this could be the potential cause of distortion. Set volume at ¼ setting on your
playback device then try again. If distortion is still present try using another playback
device (CD player or other). NOTE: Some computer sound cards may inherently produce
distortion and add noise to the audio signal, the X3HA cannot correct an inherently
distorted or noisy signal.

Service
The X3HA does not contain any user serviceable parts inside and therefore should not be
opened. For service please refer to your dealer or contact ATP Systems directly, refer to
Chapter 9 of this user guide.

7. Caring for your X3HA

Always observe environmental conditions as documented in Chapter 8 of this user guide.

Cleaning surfaces may be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth and mild detergent. Do
not use any solvents or alcohol.

Avoid high temperatures do not store or operate near a heat source or in direct
sunlight.

Keep dry keep free from moisture, water and dust.

Shock do not subject the unit to shock from dropping.

Do not disassemble never disassemble or modify the unit in any way.

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8. Technical Specifications

Parameter

Typical Measured

Conditions

Total Harmonic
Distortion and Noise

0.01%
+/-0.001%

60mV input, output at 315mV (-10dBV reference
level) gain is 14.4dB, 1kHz input signal, 30kHz
bandwidth

Signal to Noise Ratio

94dB

0dBV reference level, 30kHz bandwidth

Frequency
Response

10.5Hz 40kHz,
-3dB / +0.3dB

0dB reference at 1kHz input signal (output at -
10dBV)

Channel-to-Channel
Crosstalk

-72dB

1kHz input signal, 60mV input level, output at -
10dbV, 30kHz bandwidth

Maximum Input
Level

6.70VRMS (+16.5dBV)

1kHz

Maximum Output
Level

6.14VRMS (+15.8dBV)

1kHz, 600 ohm load

Maximum Gain

+26.4dB

1kHz input signal, 600 ohm load

Output Power - per
channel
With Battery
With Power Adapter
With Battery
With Power Adapter
With Battery
With Power Adapter
With Battery
With Power Adapter
With Battery
With Power Adapter

RMS, (Peak)

485mW, (970mW)
755mW, (1505mW)
370mW, (740mW)
580mW, (1160mW)
280mW, (560mW)
432mW, (864mW)
115mW, (230mW)
183mW, (366mW)
62mW, (124mW)
96mW, (192mW)

32 ohm load, 1kHz input signal

64 ohm load, 1kHz input signal

120 ohm load, 1kHz input signal

300 ohm load, 1kHz input signal

600 ohm load, 1kHz input signal

Input impedance

20 kohm nominal

Headphone Load
Impedance

16 ohm to 600 ohm
< 16ohm

Up to two headphones
Only one headphone

Bass control
response
parameters

-17dB to +17dB
-15dB to +15dB
-12dB to +12dB
550Hz

@ 49.5Hz (centre frequency)
@ 80.0Hz
@ 140.0Hz
-3dB cut-off with Bass control at max setting

Treble control
response
parameters

-17dB to +17dB
-16dB to +16dB
-12dB to +12dB
1.3kHz

@ 17.2kHz (centre frequency)
@ 12.0kHz
@ 5.0kHz
-3dB cut-off with Treble control at max setting

Power Requirements
Battery
Power Consumption

Power Adapter

Power Consumption

Power LED indicator

4 x 1.5V AA Alkaline cells OR 4 x 1.2V 1800mAH or 2300mAH
AA NiMH cells (charger not included)
150mA @ 6VDC idle

9V 1.3A regulated output, 100-240VAC 50/60Hz input
power adapter included with X3HA headphone amplifier
160mA @ 9VDC idle

Blue, Steady = Power OK, Pulsating = Battery low

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Environmental

Operating Temperature

Storage Temperature
Humidity

Dimensions
Weight
Warranty

32°F to 131°F (0°C to 55°C)
4°F to 167°F (-20°C to 75°C)
95% maximum (non-condensing)

6.3L x 3.56W x 1.68H(Inch), 160H x 90.5W x 43H(mm)
12oz, 330g (excluding batteries)
2 Years (see detail warranty info)

X3HA Frequency Response

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Frequency in Hz

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9. Warranty Information

Warranty for Xenos Audio

Products

Length of warranty

This warranty on your new Xenos Audio

product which is manufactured, distributed and warranted by ATP Systems

(Canada), remains in effect for the period of five (5) years from the date of consumer purchase either direct from ATP
Systems or through an appointed authorized ATP Systems dealer.

What the warranty covers

Except as specified below, this warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship of this product. The following are
not covered by this warranty:

Rechargeable batteries of any type.

Any product where the serial number sticker has been removed or modified or defaced in any way.

Damage, wear and tear or malfunction resulting from:

a) Accident, act of nature, abuse, misuse, neglect, unauthorized repair or modification, failure to follow
instructions supplied with the product. b) Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorized by ATP Systems.
c) Shipping of the product (claims are to be made with the carrier). Where shipment is arranged by ATP Systems
with it s preferred carrier, contact ATP Systems support for additional information regarding making a claim in
this regard. d) Normal use, for example wear and tear, imperfections, scratches, blemishes or other damage to the
equipment.

What ATP Systems will pay for

If during the applicable warranty period from date of consumer purchase your Xenos Audio

product is found to be

defective by ATP Systems. ATP Systems will repair, or at it s option, replace, such defective product without charge for
parts or labour.

How to make a Warranty Claim

If your Xenos Audio

product requires service, it may be taken or shipped to any authorized ATP Systems service centre or

ATP Systems. Please contact ATP Systems for a list of authorized service centres.
The following apply whenever your Xenos Audio

product must be transported for warranty service:

You the end user are responsible for transporting your Xenos Audio

product or arranging for it s transportation.

If shipment is required:

If shipping it to ATP Systems you must first contact ATP Systems Support to obtain an RMA number and detail
shipping instructions.

You are responsible for paying shipping charges.

All products must be shipped in their original packaging if possible, if not available please contact ATP
Systems for assistance.

Include the following: name, address, phone number, model and serial number of the product being returned and a
description of the problem.

A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL SALES INVOICE / RECEIPT MUST BE INCLUDED.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
ATP SYSTEMS LIABILITY IS EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, AT OUR OPTION, OF
ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT MANUFACTURED BY ATP SYSTEMS AND SHALL IN NO EVENT INCLUDE
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL COMMERCIAL, PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGES OF ANY
KIND.

ATP Systems, 86 Durham St., Oshawa, Ontario, L1J 5P7, Canada Tel: (Int)+1-905-579-5699 Fax:(Int)+1-905-438-1079

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Xenos Audio

X3HA - Warranty Registration Card

You can register your product on line at:

www.aptecpro.com

Or fill in the information requested below and mail to the address above.

Title:___

First name: _____________________ Last name:_______________________

Address:

Street:_____________________________________________________ Apt no:______

City:______________________________ State/Province:________________________

Postal code:________________ Country:_____________________________________

Tel:_______________________ email:________________________________________

Product detail for X3 Headphone Amplifier:

Serial number:_________________________ Date purchased:____________________

Dealer name:________________________________ City:________________________

Place this card in an addressed and stamped envelope and mail to:

ATP Systems, 86 Durham St., Oshawa, Ontario, L1J 5P7, Canada

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