Sound Performance Lab Gain Station 2272 - Manual (Page 28)

28 GainStation 1
The Hi-Z input is a fully discrete impedance converter that also
operates in class A mode. It is based on a low-noise field effect
transistor that is especially well suited to this task due to its
extremely high input impedance. The signal then passes to the
clean gain stage.
In order to ensure the shortest possible signal paths, all swit-
ching functions are handled by optimally positioned, encap-
sulated relays with gold-plated contacts—the switches them-
selves only trigger the relays. Since resistors also greatly affect
audio quality, the entire audio signal path utilizes painstakingly
selected resistors with 0.1 % tolerance.
The op-amp circuits use premium FKP foil condensers, which
sound much more open than ceramic types and provide more
natural dynamic response.
All circuit boards have oversized grounding surfaces for optimal
shielding.
In the case of the power supply, no expense was spared. After
all, the power supply is one of the primary factors in the audio
quality and overall sound of any device. Just like the best coffee
beans in the world will not produce a good cup of coffee with
poor water, the best circuits can‘t produce a great sound with
unreliable, inconsistent current. The transformer delivers seven
different voltages, each of which is separately screened and
regulated: 250-V anode current for the tube, 12.6 V for tube
heating and relays, 48 V for phantom power, 2 x 15 V for the
LED‘s and 2 x 30 V for the audio signal path.
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