SSP must not be in a tape loop | Madrigal Imaging N380 specification

the SSP must not be in a tape loop

the SSP & the Nº380

Note:

The last remaining alternative would seem to be to insert the decoder “within” a preamplifier by hooking it up in a tape loop. Unfortunately, this setup returns the Left and Right outputs of the decoder to the preamplifier, where they can be in- appropriately changed without changing the Center and Surround outputs. It is

therefore inappropriate to place surround sound decoders in a tape loop.

It would seem that there is no way to properly integrate a surround sound pro- cessor with a preamplifier for a high quality, dual-purpose system.

The Nº380 solves this dilemma by virtue of a specially-designed surround sound processor interface. When you select the ssp name for a particular input on the Nº380, the output level and balance controls are defeated and the preamplifier operates in a “unity gain” mode, passing through whatever signal enters that input without changing its volume in any way. In fact, the display indicates that a line- level signal is being “passed through” unchanged by showing “LINE” in the display.

Thanks to this design innovation, it is possible for the first time to correctly integrate a surround sound processor with a preamplifier, sending the processor’s Left and Right outputs through the Nº380 (and on to the power am- plifier for the main front speakers). Since the output level of these channels can- not be changed by the Nº380 while in “ssp” mode, the preamplifier cannot cor- rupt the careful calibration of the processor’s output levels. And since the audio portion of audio/video sources are fed directly to the processor’s audio input(s) at a line level, input calibration cannot be disturbed by the preamplifier.

the Nº380 will not allow an input with an “ssp” name to be selected during initialization, since allowing a line level signal to pass through unattenuated at start-up presents a potential hazard to your loudspeakers.