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by Benchmark Media Systems January 15, 1997 3 min read
By Allen H. Burdick
Converting the HPA-1 to a long lines driver.
The high current output configuration of the HPA-1 is ideal for use as a transformerless long lines driver. Conversion of the unit for this purpose, source, transmission line, and termination considerations will be discussed.
The HPA-1 is a two channel inverting amplifier card with current boost buffers that provide an output current capability of 300 mA (each side). Independent channels give the HPA-1 the configuration flexibility needed for a long lines driver.
As supplied, the HPA-2 has a variable gain output. Since we desire to use the unit as a transformerless line driver we will typically want a fixed gain. We will convert the gain of the HPA-1 to unity (be sure to convert both sides).
Figure 1.0 shows the modifications necessary, they are enclosed in boxes. Replace the potentiometer with a jumper and feedback resistor combination. The feedback resistor needs to be a 10 k 1% metal oxide type. If you desire to retain variable gain, do so with careful thought. In the unbalanced example to follow, the gain pot can be left in the input side, but a unity gain inverter must be created on the opposite leg. The gain pot may be retained for both sides of the HPA in both balanced input examples.
We also recommend removing the TRS jack, replacing it with a XLR type and mounting the board in a chassis, with double sided sticky foam tape and a tie wrap.
Determine whether the source that will be driving the "Long Line Driver" is a balanced or an unbalanced source and then use the proper circuit shown below. Please note that these drawings specify the now obsolete HPA-1. These drivers will perform with outstanding clarity using the new HPA-1. The indicated 30 O output resistors are not present in the new HPA-1 and will have to be added externally to the HPA-1s circuit board.
When driving from an unbalanced source, feed the signal into the "Left" input. The other input is fed from the "Left" output, prior to the build out resistor. I.e. tie the "Right" input, post pin 1, to the "left" output (pin 7 of the buffer) of the HPA-1. This can be done with a small jumper wire, located on the bottom of the board. This jumper makes the right channel follow the left creating a differential or "balanced" output. The balanced signal output is taken from the two build-out resistors. Note the polarity inversion: the + output comes from where the ring output previously connected and output from the tip location.
Electronically balanced sources and transformer sources are very easy to hookup. Follow the diagrams below. Note the polarity inversion: the + output comes from where the ring output previously connected and output from the tip location.
Transmission lines have capacitance that must be fed current. The higher the frequency, and output voltage swing, the higher the current requirement. Using a standard NE5532 operational amplifier, (commonly used in output stages) the nominal length of transmission line (Belden 8451 @ 32 pF/foot) that can be driven to full output at 30 kHz is 300 feet. Longer lines require more than the 40 mA current limit of a NE5532. This is the rational for the conversion of the HPA-1 to a long lines driver. Additionally, by reducing the inter conductor capacitance, longer lines may be driven with the same amplifier current limit. For instance, by using Mogami 2574 cable with its 6 pF/foot capacitance 1000' of cable can be driven with the straight NE5532. A current boosted NE5532 (modified HPA-1) can drive 2250' of Belden 8451 to full output level at 30 kHz, and 7,500' of the Mogami cable to the same level @ 30 kHz, over six times the length of a straight NE5532.
Terminations are not needed, nor are they desirable at cable lengths out to 3000' (1/10 l @ 20 kHz). Beyond that distance a true transmission line should be established. A 60 resistor across the line at the receive end will terminate the line as a true power matched line. There will be a 6 dB drop in level as a result of termination. High frequency equalization may be necessary for extremely long lines.
Since the drive amplifier does not have an output transformer, one may need to be present at the input of the receive device. If the equipment does not have a transformer built into its circuit, an external transformer will in all probability need to be added. We recommend those manufactured by Reichenbach Engineering or Jensen Transformers.
For additional information on transmission lines, see "A Clean Audio Installation Guide™" a Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. application note.
by Benchmark Media Systems June 06, 2023 2 min read
At the 2023 AXPONA show in Chicago, I had the opportunity to see and hear the Hill Plasmatronics tweeter. I also had the great pleasure of meeting Dr. Alan Hill, the physicist who invented this unique device.
The plasma driver has no moving parts and no diaphragm. Sound is emitted directly from the thermal expansion and contraction of an electrically sustained plasma. The plasma is generated within a stream of helium gas. In the demonstration, there was a large helium tank on the floor with a sufficient supply for several hours of listening.
by John Siau June 02, 2023 2 min read
I asked ChatGPT to review the Benchmark AHB2, and I was shocked at the results!
It turns out that ChatGPT wrote a review by gleaning information from the many publicly available reviews of the AHB2. I recognized phases and sequences of words that had appeared in prior reviews, and yet the text was new, original, and well written. The ChatGPT review seemed to summarize the collective impressions of the reviewers without directly quoting any particular reviewer.
It should be possible to ask ChatGPT to write a review on any well-known product and the result will be an AI-generated review that reflects the collective opinions of many human reviewers.
These AI-generated reviews may be more useful than traditional search results!
If I am not mistaken, ChatGPT seems to have golden ears!
Here is my dialog with ChatGPT:
John Siau:
Write a review of the Benchmark AHB2 complete with listening impressions.
ChatGPT:
Title: Unleashing Sonic Purity: A Review of the Benchmark AHB2 Amplifier
Introduction: The Benchmark AHB2 amplifier has gained a reputation for its exceptional audio performance and unwavering dedication to sonic purity. In this review, we delve into the heart of this powerhouse amplifier, exploring its features, design, and most importantly, the listening impressions it evokes...
by Benchmark Media Systems May 30, 2023 7 min read
Today, Benchmark's John Siau and OpenAI's ChatGPT had a conversation about star-quad cables. It turns out that ChatGPT got quite a few things wrong, but learned quickly when these errors were pointed out by John Siau.
ChatGPT is quick to recognize mistakes, and quick to provide detailed corrections. In each of the first few corrections, additional errors were made. As each of these were pointed out, ChatGPT began to provide accurate information.
Here is my conversation with ChatGPT:
John Siau:
How do star-quad cables reject interference?
ChatGPT:
Star-quad cables are designed to provide improved rejection of ...