VAC Avatar Super - Manual (Page 6)

Page 6
OPERATING AVATAR SUPER
Front Panel Controls:
Although most of Avatar Super’s front panel controls (Volume, Power, Mute) are self
explanatory, VAC has outfitted this unit with several advanced features which bear further
description:
Phono Section: In addition to four line level inputs (CD, 1, 2, 3), Avatar Super includes a
discrete, pure tube phono preamplifier, which is engaged by rotating the “Selector” switch
(found at the upper left-hand corner of faceplate) fully counterclockwise to the “Phono”
position. Avatar Super’s phono preamplifier provides 39 dB of gain, suitable for use with
MM (moving magnet) and many high-output MC (moving coil) cartridges. Your VAC
dealer can recommend the proper phono cartridge(s) for use with Avatar Super.
Monitor: The small knob found at the lower left-hand corner of the faceplate switches
between “Source” and “Tape”. In the “Source” position, input selection is determined by the
Source Selector Switch. In the “Tape” position, the Source Selector is overridden, and the
Tape inputs are activated. Important: Avatar Super is outfitted with a full “tape loop”,
including a line level tape input and a fixed level recording output. In addition to driving the
recording inputs of a tape deck, this output can supply signal to any typical line level input,
enabling Avatar Super to control a second zone in multi room installations.
Home Theater Mode: Located immediately to the right of the bias meter, a rotary switch
labeled “Input” provides access to Avatar Super’s most unusual feature. When set in the
“Selector” position, input choice is governed by the Input Selector switch. This is the normal
setting for Avatar Super, and enables the unit to be used as a typical integrated amplifier.
Rotating the control clockwise to the “Home Theater” position separates the preamplifier
and power amplifier sections, and enables the Avatar Super’s power amplifier to be driven
by an external source, such as the front left- and right-channel outputs of a multichannel
processor. In this case, the users’ analog stereo sources would be connected, as usual, to the
Avatar Super’s line, phono and tape inputs. A/V inputs (DVD, Laserdisc, DSS, etc.) would
be connected to the home theater processor, and the processor’s main outputs would be
connected to the pair of rear panel RCA jacks labeled “Home Theater Direct”. When the
“Input” control is set to the “Home Theater” position, Avatar Super functions as a power
amplifier ONLY, and is controlled by the external processor, preamplifier, or other
component connected to the “Home Theater Direct” inputs.
Mute: This control is a momentary rotary switch that ‘toggles’ between the muted and
unmuted condition. In the “Mute” condition, all input signal is blocked from Avatar Super’s
power amplifier section. Note: Mute is automatically engaged when switching on Avatar
Super.