LISA III TRANSPORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIRE

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Standard and XP Editions Congratulations for choosing Our LISA III Amplifier for your Mobile music system. This Amplifier uses definitive circuit design augmented with the finest Electronic components to provide you with the concert hall experience anywhere in the World. TRIAD Audio’s transportable mobile Amplifiers take your Music beyond what smaller less sophisticated Amplifiers provide by a wide margin providing the most accurate reproduction of your portable Audio devices. LISA III is sonically pure so you will not be embarrassed when used in your primary High End Music system. Please take a quiet moment to Read these operating instructions to obtain the Most Pleasure from your new Amplifier. This fine Amplifier will provide years of trouble free service if operated properly and these provide you with this information, Enjoy…

2008PPL

The LISA III Portable headphone Amplifier represents the accumulation of over 6 years into the refinement of My Buffered Multi-Loop Portable Headphone Amplifier Topology Utilizing a Dedicated ground Channel to Drive the Headphones Differentially and avoid the Contamination of the Systems Quiet Ground by the Reactive Load created from Back EMF (Electromotive Force) of the Headphone drivers. The Original version of this Amplifier (The PPA), More commonly Known as “Phil’s Portable Amplifier”. “Defined The Art” for Portable Headphone Amplification. This Amplifier retains the Basic Core structure of the PPAv2, However adds a substantial size Reduction and a more efficient Multi-Loop Negative feedback Circuit topology than the Original. The LISA III is intended to provide Reference quality reproduction of Audio Information into the Finest Dynamic headphones available; however is slim enough to fit into an overcoat pocket or in with your PDA This Amplifier will effortlessly drive any Quality Dynamic headphone to astonishing loud Listening levels with ultra low noise and distortion. Every aspect of technical performance that pertains to sound quality is State of the Art. Frequency response is Ruler flat from DC to beyond the Ultrasonic Band. This assures no phase shift throughout the Audio range to completely eliminate time smear caused by Excessive Group Delay. Noise and Distortion are vanishing low and are orders of magnitude below audibility. Thanks to Dyn-O-Bias III this impressive performance only cost about 22 mA resulting in a typical runtime of about 8-10 Hours of operation at normal listening levels, With High capacity MAh rechargeable 9 Volt batteries or up to 25 Hours on Alkaline. The best sound quality is obtained from NI-MH rechargeable types as included in the LISA III.

Electrolytic capacitors used in the critical Voltage gain stage circuits to filter noise off the power supplies and store energy are OS-CON types. OS-CON is short for "Organic Semiconductor" a completely new type of capacitor. OS-CON's have much lower high frequency impedance characteristics compared to typical aluminum oxide electrolytic capacitors. This allows OS-CON types to shunt more high frequency noise into ground and away from the active devices. The Low High frequency impedance of OS-CON’S allow the Elimination of Metalized Film capacitors in the Power supply that is typically required to By-pass the conventional Electrolytic capacitors. The Only Film capacitors employed are in the Bass boost and the Ground Channel the Ground Channel utilizes the lowest loss capacitors available. Polystyrene Film and Foil Type Polystyrene capacitors have long been recognized as the king of audio quality capacitors owing to their outstanding Dielectric Absorption characteristics. The Bass Boost Circuitry of the LISA III Employ’s capacitors of Polypropylene with a Metalized Film, This type is the lowest loss best sounding capacitor for values used in the Bass Boost Circuit. The Remaining Component Quality is first rate with 1% Mil Spec RN-55 Dale resistors. The Volume control is the Alps RKO97; this is chosen for its quiet operation and long life as well as its diminutive size. The Chip set is at the Leading edge of Analog Monolithic technology and incorporates the splendid sounding AD744 Operational Amplifier in the Right and Left Amplifier channels. The Wide bandwidth and ultra low noise of the AD829 serve Duty in the ground channel so as to provide ultra low output impedance well beyond the Operating range of the Right and Left channels. The Output Current to the Headphone Load is provided by Three (3) discrete component Dynamically Biased High Current Output stages providing plenty of current for any dynamic headphone.

This splendid circuit is built upon FR4 Glass Epoxy Printed circuit board with two full ground planes, one on the Component side of the PC board and the other of the same geometry upon the Bottom of the Board. All electronic components mount upon the PC board including the switches and headphone jack to eliminate the rat’s nest of wires most often found in other Amplifiers. By board mounting each and every components makes it possible to control exactly where each conductor is located and thus avoid any possible interaction between foils, moreover the twin ground plains form a complete copper shield around all foils regardless of what side of the PC Board they are located on ground plane references all stray capacitances to ground and not to an unintended alternate path. Only the input Jacks are not PC board mounted, however we provide foils right at the point that the jacks connect to the Jacks eliminating long wire lengths. This type of construction results in improved Reliability by elimination of interconnecting wires. The All Board mounted assembly Concept maintains close unit-to-unit consistency and allows lower manufacturing costs to allow us to bring such a superb product to you at an extremely attractive price. The Chassis represents the pinnacle of efficiency by utilizing an existing Extrusion augmented with tasteful front and rear panels of Solid machined Metalwork. Optionally available are custom Wood Panel fittings on-to the standard Extrusion with Minimum delay and Prompt dependable delivery of this Fine Audiophile component. The Chassis is tasteful in design, resulting in clean attractive styling that is at home both ultra Modern interior environments as well as speaking very favorably to others about your Style while traveling.

Just one Audition is all it will take for you to know you are listening to a unique Amplifier with Emotion and dynamics both in abundance, yet allows the Music to naturally fade into a velvety background of silence. Texture those subtle shadings within your music is something LISA III is so good at revealing that other Amplifiers may sound Boring in comparison. The primary reason for TRIAD Audio to introduce such an incredible Headphone Amplifier at so attractive of a price represents our labor of Love we have for our Craft and the desire to allow more people to enjoy the Same High Quality sound they get from fine Audiophile Home Systems while away on Holiday or traveling. The splendid sound of this Definitive Product will leave you refreshed and relaxed as you now can enjoy the same thrilling sound quality you are used to at Home anywhere you can go and once you have arrived at your destination Time spent listening to your favorite Music reproduced in all its stunning glory with LISA III may take you places not shown on any map. The various electronic and mechanical component parts within the Audio system have as much of an impact upon sound quality as they do with areas of Reliability and performance. It is with sensibilities attuned to the sound quality of an Electronic component in addition to its technical aspects that is used in the hand selection process for LISA III components. The definitive technology within the LISA III is supported with component Parts that are hand selected for the highest performance and sound Quality. The chosen components play well together, For this a Synergistic approach is used to assure complete system harmony and have an outcome that is far greater than the sum of its parts. LISA III takes your music beyond what portable Audio has in the past by creating a more high performance and sophisticated portable Amplifier that TRIAD Audio likes to call TRANSPORTABLE and thus define the standards for this new and exciting product category.

LISA III AMPLIFIER OPERATING PRECAUTIONS:

• Do not expose amplifier to moisture, rain or water, direct sunlight or extremely high temperatures. • Always, insure that amplifier used with an approved External DC power supply • Always, Disconnect D.C. power supply at the Amplifier before changing batteries and prior to opening the case. • When replacing batteries use only NI-MH types of the approved type and capacity. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel for XP Models. • Avoid direct contact with any Electronic component that is damp or wet with chemicals or water, as a safety chemical hazard might exist. • To handle batteries, use gloves or a paper towel to prevent contamination of battery electrolyte to your Skin, clean off any residue from Contacts and the Amplifier interior prior to reassembly. • Depleted batteries Must be immediately recharged or disposed of; allowing depleted batteries to remain inside the unit may present a chemical safety and environmental hazard. • Properly dispose of depleted batteries by returning worn out batteries to an approved battery-recycling center. • Use only the correct DC Power Voltage and ascertain the Voltage present at the DC power Connector is no more than 28 Volts and no less than 22 volts and the center pin is positive with the outer sleeve negative. • do not use uncased, for proper operation LISA III is intended to be fully assembled prior to operation do not operate the Amplifier outside of its cabinet. • Avoid damage to your Headphones and other playback equipment, turn off power to all related components before making any connections. • Do not use excessive force in handling Knobs buttons and switches. • Disconnect the power plug from the D.C. Adaptor if the unit is to be stored for an extended period. • Do not use solvents such as benzene or paint thinner to clean the unit. Wipe off the exterior with soft cloth. • Immediately, turn off the Power and disconnect the mains power cord in the unlikely event of equipment malfunction and when the batteries are depleted, • Do not poke around or disturb Electronic parts inside your amplifier. Other than batteries (Non XP model), there are no user-serviceable parts inside the LISA III.

Limited Liability Statement

Care should be exercised when using This Device. Triad Audio has know way of controlling the Use of this device or choosing the personnel that will operate this device, therefore Triad Audio Cannot take steps to comply with Product Liability Laws, including but not limited to Laws requiring notification of the Dangers, if any of operating this device and any associate Equipment used in conjunction with this Device. Therefore, acceptance of this device by the customer shall be conclusively deemed to include a covenant by the customer to defend. Indemnify and hold TRIAD Audio its employees and subcontractors harmless from any product Liability claim arising out of the use of this device. Triad Audio assumes the customer understands how to use this device and how it is to be connected to other Equipment and under what conditions constitute safe use of this device and or the system this device is a part of. TRIAD Audio will not under any circumstances be liable for any damages whatsoever, including any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages resulting from the use or loss of use of the Amplifier, due to any cause, even if TRIAD Audio has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In any event, TRIAD Audio’s total liability to you for all damages (Whether based on contract, torte or other theories) will be limited to the amount you actually paid for the Amplifier in question Some states and jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation may not apply to you.

Connecting the AC Adaptor

The LISA III is powered by ether the Internal 9 volt batteries or an External AC adaptor outputting 24 Volts DC at 200 Ma into a 5.5 X 2.1 mm Coaxial DC power Connector, With the Center (+) positive and the ring (-) Negative. It is highly recommended that a regulated AC adaptor used with this Interment because applying a voltage greater than 27 volts will damage the Amplifier.

The DC power Jack is shown on the Right hand side of the rear of the unit as shown in the above illustration. The two jacks on the left are the Analog inputs for the Right and Left Audio information from the Source. The LISA III accepts Unbalanced RCA type plugs with the red as the Right Input and the Black as the Left input as per International Industry standards.

Servicing the batteries

The batteries inside the LISA III are (2) two nine Volt Application rechargeable batteries and are recharged while installed in the amp and the Amp is connected to an External DC power supply or AC Adaptor of 22-24 Volts. Normally the batteries once installed do not require frequent service; however, in the event that service is required. The below outlined procedure is required to properly service the batteries.

(1) Disconnect all external devices from the Amplifier including the Headphones and the Audio Input cables but most importantly the AC adaptor plug Remove the 4 fasteners at the corners of the front panel this unsecured front panel and the Circuit board containing the Batteries are now easily slide out of the Extruded Body of the Case as shown in the Below illustration

(2) After Removing the 4 fasteners at the corners of the front panel this unsecured front panel and the Circuit board containing the Batteries are now easily slide out of the Extruded Body of the Case as shown in the Below illustration

The batteries are now available for service and are affixed to the Circuit board with Double sided reusable adhesive tape and are connected electrically with conventional 9 Volt battery Clips. See illustration below After removing the Battery from the circuit Board, you may now remove the Battery Electrical contact clips. Do not attempt to remove the Battery clips prior to removing the battery from the Circuit board. It is advisable to use extreme care at this point in the procedure to prevent mishaps like broken wires and mechanical damage to the Electronic components or the Battery Clips

The Above illustration shows the batteries reinstalled and the Amplifier ready to reassemble.

Connecting the Audio Source

The Audio source defined for this instance as the device you intend to connect your Amplifier. This can include a Compact disc player, A Personal Audio player or DAP as they are called or any other stereo Line level output. This Amplifier will not amplify the output from a Microphone or phonograph pick-up. Only Line level Sources may be connected. The Power switch on LISA III Must turned off until all connections to the amplifier are complete including the Headphones. The Volume and bass controls should be turned fully counter clockwise or there minimum positions. Illustrated below is the analog input cables connected.

The Right connected to the red Jack and the Left input connected to the black jack

LISA III Portable Headphone Amplifier Technical Specifications Device Type

Solid State (IC Op-Amp/Buffer Discrete hybrid)

Class of Operation

Bass Boost parameters

DYN-O-BIAS II> Dynamically biased non Switching output stage.. +3dB@160Hz +12dB@ 32Hz. Maximum

Frequency Response

Frequency Response @ 100 mW Into a 45 Ohm Load. D.C.-1.6 MHz. Within +0 to - 3dB D.C.- 600 KHz. Within +0 to - 1 dB...

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Signal to Noise ratio relative to Rated

Power Output. Input Shorted > 100 dB

“A” Weighted..

Total Harmonic Distortion

Typical Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

@ rated Output 15–30,000Hz

@15 Hz.___@1KHz.___@ 30 KHz.

< 0.09%___ < 0.04%___ < 0.05%

Stereo Crosstalk

>95dB @ 1KHz...

Voltage Gain 13.141dB (Av= 4.54)

Input Impedance 50K ohms /100pF...

Input Sensitivity 200mV to 3.0Vrms...

Output Impedance

Less than 0.3 Ohms DC-20KHz & < than 1 ohm @ 200KHz..

Output Voltage

5.0 Volts RMS from DC- 500KHz @ 1,000 Ohms...

Minimum Continuous sine wave Power

Output Per channel from 20-20,000Hz

With less than 0.1% THD + Noise

Internal Batteries 9.6v Load Impedance

470 mW_ 14 Ohms

270 mW 32 Ohms

200 mW_ 45 Ohms

Inputs/Outputs

(2) RCA inputs, (1) ¼” Inch headphone output...

Operating Voltage

20-24 VDC@50mA..

Power Consumption

26 mA Quiescent..

Chassis Dimensions

Inches 6.7” (L) x 3.1” (W) x 1.06” (H) MM 170.2 (L) x 78.8 (W) x 26.9 (H)... XP Model same as above except 1.7” (48.2)

Weight 14 Grams standard 28 Grams XP Model

LISA III SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM POWER SUPPLY SECTION

The above schematic diagram is one of (4) sections of the complete LISA III Amplifier. All sections are contained upon one PC Board.

LISA III SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM GROUND CHANNEL SECTION

The above schematic diagram is one of (4) sections of the complete LISA III Amplifier. All sections are contained upon one PC Board

LISA III SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM LEFT CHANNEL SECTION

The above schematic diagram is one of (4) sections of the complete LISA III Amplifier. All sections are contained upon one PC Board

LISA III SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM RIGHT CHANNEL SECTION

The above schematic diagram is one of (4) sections of the complete LISA III Amplifier. All sections are contained upon one PC Board

LISA III COMPONENT LOCATIONS COMPLETE AMPLIFIRE Standard and XP Edition

XP Edition only with CARDAS Upgrade

The standard Model contains (2) 9 Volt NI-MH Rechargeable Batteries Installed Onboard. The XP edition deletes the 9 volt batteries and the board connects to the high capacity AA battery Pack. Other than the resistor determining the charge current both the XP and standard model are identical. The schematics and related technical documents are intended for the convenience of Qualified Electronic technicians. Publication in this user’s manual does not imply that the

user should repair, modify or perform any service activity with the exception of servicing the (2) 9 volt transistor type batteries…

TRIAD Audio Canyonville,Oregon. 97417 U.S.A.

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