O W N E R ' S M A N U A L

P/ L D -110 0 Line Drive Preampl if ier

Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. Your P/LD-1100 Line Drive Preamplifier has been designed with the latest technology to
become the heart of the finest music systems. Premium parts and advanced design by renowned circuit
designer John Curl combined with full remote control make the P/LD-1100 one of the finest preamplifier
values ever offered.

Please take a few moments now to read these instructions thoroughly so you may fully understand the
sophisticated capabilities of your new preamplifier.

P/LD-1100 Line Drive Preamplifier Volume

Tuner CD Direct Balance

Mute Tape Aux Video
Power

Unpacking and Placement

Open the carton of your P/LD-1100 carefully and inspect the unit for possible shipping damage. Report
any damage to your dealer immediately. You will find the detachable AC line cord packed separately
inside the carton.

Save your plastic bag, inserts, and carton. You may need these later for transporting the P/LD-1100 or for
shipment in the event it ever requires factory service. Record the serial number (on rear panel) here for
future reference: ____________________

Locate your P/LD-1100 as close as possible to your source components and power amplifier. Keep it out
of direct sunlight, and away from heat sources such as a hot air vent or radiator. If you are stacking your
components, avoid placing your P/LD-1100 on top of heat producing components, such as power
amplifiers or tube-type preamplifiers.
 Making Connections

Before making any signal connections, make sure your P/LD-1100’s volume control is turned fully
counterclockwise or its power is turned off. When making connections, make sure there is no strain or
tension on any wires that could cause them to pull loose later on.

Input connections

• CD Each input has the same input sensitivity and impedance and is compatible
• Tuner with any typical analog line level source: DAT, MD, DCC, output of a
• Video Laserdisc or VCR, D-A converter, tape deck or phono pre-preamplifier.
• Aux It is normal if your CD player or D-A converter sounds louder than any of
• Tape Play the other sources and requires a slight volume control adjustment.
• Direct This is the preferred input to connect the source component for your most
critical listening. Direct jacks feed a separately switched line level input
with the most direct signal path to your power amplifier.

• Tape Record/Playback Jacks

Play jacks connect to the Line Output jacks of the analog deck.
Rec jacks connect to the Line Input jacks at the deck.

Make sure you connect inputs and outputs of the Right and Left channels consistently, otherwise channels
will be exchanged when you replay a tape you had recorded through this system. The Tape jacks are not
switched as a monitor for simultaneous comparisons of recording to source. Be careful not to set your tape
deck to record whenever the Tape input is selected on your P/LD-1100. Otherwise you will create an
uncontrolled feedback blast which can quickly damage your speakers.

• Main Line Out Connectors

There are two pairs of Line Out jacks which can connect to two separate power amplifiers.

External Remote Control Input Jack

Your P/LD-1100 is compatible with most popular infrared repeater systems for remote control operation
from another room or when it is installed in a cabinet where its handset signals cannot reach its front panel
remote control sensor. The External Remote Control connector is a standard “mini” size jack. The center
conductor is for + and the outer conductor is for - . Your Authorized Parasound Dealer or Custom
Installer can recommend a compatible repeater system.

DC Trigger

This connector provides a +12 Volt DC 350 milliampere capacity trigger whenever you turn on the
P/LD-1100. Use this connector to activate equipment such as relays or power amplifiers that can be
triggered with DC voltage.

Headphone Jack

The built in premium high current, low noise headphone amplifier drives any headphones with an
impedance of 8 Ω or higher. It is always live, regardless of the operation of the Mute switch.

AC Line Cord Receptacle

Plug the female end of the AC cord firmly into the AC receptacle and make sure that it is properly seated.
Connect the male end directly to an AC wall outlet. Avoid use of an extension cord or power strip since
these often degrade sound quality.
 Operating Your P/LD-1100

Before turning the unit on, recheck all your connections and turn down the volume control to avoid any
unpleasant “blasts” that could damage your speakers.

• On-Off Switch

Push once to turn on. Push again to turn off. The Mute LED will light up during a 3-4 second delay after
turn on. After the circuits stabilize, the muting is defeated.

• Volume Control

Adjust listening level; the knob controls a smooth, precision Alps potentiometer. If your power amplifier
has gain controls, they should be adjusted to accommodate a 11 AM - 1 PM setting of your P/LD-1100
volume control knob for your most frequent listening level. The slight resistance you feel when turning
the volume control is from the gearing of its remote control actuator motor.

• Balance Control

Adjust relative left and right volume levels with this precision Alps 4-gang control. If clockwise rotation
favors the left channel speaker as you face it, you have reversed Right and Left hookups between your
preamp and power amplifier or between your power amplifier and speakers.

• Input Select Buttons

Press the button for the source you wish to hear. LEDs indicate selection.

• Mute

This button mutes the signal at the line out jacks, while leaving the headphone jack live. It is a convenient
way to listen privately without the need to switch off your power amplifier(s).

• Remote Control

The remote control handset duplicates every function of the front panel controls with the exception of the
balance control. The front panel LEDs above each switch alert you to the operating status of your P/LD-
1100. The remote control transmitter has a range of approximately 20 feet. Use only AA alkaline
batteries in the handset and observe the correct polarity which is marked in the case.

Whenever you turn your P/LD-1500 on, it will select the same source and resume the same volume setting
you were playing before the last time you turned it off. This feature is dependent upon leaving your
preamp plugged into an AC outlet that is always live.

Never interfere with the motorized operation of the volume control knob while it is moving by a command
from the remote control handset.

Your remote control handset also includes controls for the matching Parasound T/DQ-1600 FM/AM
Broadcast Reference tuner. The handset Polarity button has corresponding circuitry only in the Parasound
P/LD-2000 preamplifier, and it has no function on your P/LD-1100.
 “Burning-in” Your P/LD-1100

Like many other great high end preamplifiers, your P/LD-1100 requires at least 72 hours of continuous
operation after it is first turned on to sound its best. This gives various internal components and wiring a
chance to “form” their optimum electron paths and pass complex musical information with greater
definition, smoothness and transparency.

Although we’re certain your P/LD-1100 will sound spectacular when you first turn it on, you will find it
worthwhile to reserve your final judgment until you’ve listened after a more few days. You’ll discover
additional details you may not have imagined were present in your music.

Maintaining your P/LD-1100

Your P/LD-1100 requires no periodic maintenance and has no user serviceable parts inside. Do not
remove the top cover to avoid risk of electric shock. To keep it clean use only a soft cloth and never use
any solvents or abrasives. Fingerprints may be removed with a soft cloth moistened only with a few drops
of clear water.

Your P/LD-1100 has corrosion-free gold RCA jacks, but each year it is a good idea to twist the input
plugs to preserve perfect signal transfer by removing corrosion which might have accumulated on the
connecting plugs themselves. Make sure the unit is turned off while you do this.

The remote control handset batteries should be removed whenever it will be unused for an extended
period. Remove the batter cover annually to inspect and remove leaking batteries.

Power Fuse

If this fuse blows, it is an indication of internal parts failure. Do not replace it with any larger value to
avoid damage to internal parts. Substitution of a larger fuse will void your warranty.

In Case of Trouble

If you suspect a problem with your unit, first recheck all your connections. If one channel is inoperative,
the trouble may be caused by another component or even a defective hookup cable. If only one channel
remains inoperative, try reversing the Left and Right cables to your power amplifier (turn it off before
moving wires). If the same channel stays out, it indicates trouble could be other than your preamp itself.
We suggest you contact your authorized Parasound dealer or call Parasound Technical Service if you
suspect a problem. We will suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform and which will save you
a lot of trouble.

If we determine that your P/LD-1100 should be returned to Parasound for inspection and possible
servicing, you must first obtain a Return Authorization number from Parasound. You will be asked to re-
pack the unit in its original carton and cardboard packing plus an additional outer box over its own box
for proper protection in transit. You must include your power cord and remote control handset. The
Return Authorization number must be clearly marked on the outer carton only. You should ship the unit
by UPS with adequate insurance specified. You must include a copy of your purchase receipt to validate
your ownership.

Units that arrive without your specific Return Authorization number, without a suitable shipping carton or
evidence of improper internal packing or collect will be refused. We do not accept collect shipments.
After repair under warranty, the unit will be returned to you via prepaid UPS or RPS. If we found no
problem with the unit, we will ship the unit by UPS or RPS collect for return shipping charges. In the case
of an out of warranty repair, we will advise you repair charges before you ship the unit. The same packing
requirements and RA requirement apply.
 P/LD-1100 Specifications

Frequency Response
5 Hz - 135 kHz, +0/-2 dB, full output
5 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-2 dB, full output -6 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion

< 0.005%, 1 kHz
< 0.007%, 20 kHz

IM Distortion
< 0.004%

TIM
Unmeasureable

Maximum Output
> 10 V before clipping

Impedances
All inputs 30 kΩ , ±5%
Line outputs < 60 Ω
Recommended line load ⊕ 600 Ω
Recommended headphone ⊕ 8 Ω

Input Sensitivity
All inputs 150 mV, ±5%

Maximum Input Level

10.5 V before clipping

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
> 102 dB, A weighted, full output
> 93 dB, A weighted, full output -6 dB
> 84 dB, unweighted, full output
> 81 dB, unweighted, full output -6 dB

Maximum Hum
> 0.05 mV, full output
> 0.08 mV, full output -6 dB

Crosstalk
> 100 dB, < 10 kHz, full output
> 96 dB, 20 kHz, full output
> 90 dB, 20 kHz, full output -6 dB

Channel Balance
< 0.3 dB

Dimensions
19“ wide x 3 1/2“ high x 12 3/8“ deep 4 1/8” high with feet

Power Requirements
110 V - 120 V AC, 12 W; may be rewired for 220 V - 240 V, 50 Hz

Weight 16 lb.
Special Features

• Complementary MOSFETs • Gold-plated audiophile jacks • Noted John Curl design

• CMOS solid-state switching • 4 gold-clad precision relays • FR4 glass circuit boards
• Audiophile-grade capacitors • 44,000 uF filter bank • Dual-mono topology
• Pure Class A discrete circuit • Direct Input function • Alps volume control
• DC servo direct coupled circuit • High current design • Fully remote controlled
• IEC removable AC cord • Silver-plated wiring • Heavy-duty chassis

Feature and specifications subject to change or improvement without notice.

Rewiring for 220 - 240 V 50 Hz Operation

Your P/LD-1100 may be rewired for operation abroad. This involves changing several of the power
transformer wires. Please refer this conversion to a skilled electronics technician to avoid personal injury
or possible harm to the unit. There are high voltages present inside the chassis even after the power is
turned off and the AC plug has been disconnected.

As it is supplied for 110 V - 120 V operation, the red and violet transformer primary wires are attached
together. The white and gray primary wires are attached together.

To convert to 220 V - 240 V operation, the white wire is disconnected from the gray wire. The violet
primary wire is disconnected from the red wire. The white and violet wires are then attached together.
 Parasound Limited Warranty (USA only)

Your Parasound P/LD-1100 preamplifier is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of two years from date of purchase. This warranty is provided by the
Parasound dealer where the unit was purchased. Warranty repair will be performed only when your
purchase receipt is presented to validate your ownership, date of purchase and authorized status of the
selling dealer. Defective parts will be repaired or replaced without charge by your authorized dealer’s
store or the location designated by your dealer that is authorized to service Parasound equipment. Addi-
tional information is available by calling or writing to the Service Manager, Parasound Products, Inc. at
the address below. Charges for unauthorized service and transportation costs are not reimbursable under
this warranty.

This warranty becomes void if the product has been damaged by alteration, misuse, accident or neglect.
Alteration includes any removal, obscuration or defacement of its serial number. This warranty becomes
void if unit has been connected or operated contrary to printed instructions. The warrantor assumes no
liability for property damage or any other incidental or consequential damage whatsoever which may
result from the failure of this product. Any and all warranties of merchantability and fitness implied by
law are limited to the duration of this expressed warranty.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations
may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequen-
tial damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary state by
state.

ParasoundProducts,Inc.950BatteryStreet,SanFrancisco,CA94111
800-822-8802/415-397-7100/ FAX415-397-0144

© 1994 Parasound Products, Inc.