GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:11 Page 1

gain selector knob

volume knob

input selector knob

record selector knob

power LED

headphone socket

power button

VOLUME

RECORD

tuner aux tape 1 tape 2 tape 3 tape 1 tape 2 tape 3 aux

tuner cd

c o n t e n t s
welcome key features getting started selecting an input volume control gain control headphones grounding outputs connecting power amplifiers running in and warming up care and maintenance technical data international standards
made in United Kingdom serial number

mute LED

remote control window

fuse carrier

tape in/out sockets

output sockets

input sockets
220-240V ~ 50-60Hz Fuse: T1A L 250V

TA P E 2 in

OUTPUT out 1 in 3 right left left 3 aux

SOURCE tuner

left left

PA2 1234567

transformer balanced (option)

ground

ac supply socket

XLR output (optional)

ground terminal
Specification shown may var y for different countries
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:11 Page 3
welcome to a new partnership
. i n h i - p e r fo r m a n c e , h i - f i d e l i t y All TAG companies perpetually strive for, and achieve, excellence and highperformance in every area of their business. These qualities are demonstrated in the fastidious standards that make TAG Heuer
Derek Scotland (on the left) Technical Director Peter Stevens Chief Industrial Designer Dr. Zucker Chief Executive
TAG McLaren Audio has been created with
celebrating a TAG McLaren victor y
one aim in mind: to produce the best highfidelity audio and audio-visual systems available. Now the first fruits of that Now, this blend of talent and expertise has been combined with the award-winning experience of Audiolab to create a company with a technical advantage and access to resources second-to-none in the high end audio industry TAG McLaren Audio. Throughout the F3 Series development process, quality, performance and reliability have been paramount, resulting in unparalleled performance, operational excellence and sheer listening pleasure. alliance are ready a unique new range of audio products.
watches some of the worlds most admired; in the teamwork that makes TAG McLarens motor racing team one of the most successful in Formula One; and in the advanced electronics technology that makes TAG Electronic Systems the first choice for many Formula One constructors and high-performance car makers.
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:11 Page 5

welcome

Thank you for purchasing the TAG McLaren Audio preamplifier PA20R.
exceptional sound quality with an unusually wide and at frequency response. Furthermore, by painstaking attention to detail,TAG McLaren Audio engineers have ensured that the versatile control facilities do not affect the excellent sound quality. In particular, the Time Constant Switching system ensures that the muting period is short even though the frequency response reaches as low as 0.1 Hz.

versatile input

includes a lock-out function to prevent feedback loops when using a tape recorder.
low intermodulation distortion

We are convinced it will give you many hours of listening pleasure.

and recording selection

The PA20R is a high-performance preamplier which acts as the command centre for your audio system. It has microprocessor-controlled relays with gold-plated contacts for its switching functions and, for added convenience, you can select inputs, adjust the volume or mute the output by remote control.Straight Line Technology gives the PA20R
The PA20R has six selectable inputs and three outputs for recording. A separate signal path is provided for recording, with its own independent input selector, so you can record one piece of music while listening to another.The microprocessor-controlled relay switching system in the PA20R
The theoretically-ideal preamplier reproduces sound perfectly over an innite range of frequencies starting from well below the audible range and extending far above the capabilities of human hearing. Although sound outside the human hearing range of approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz cannot be heard, it can signicantly distort the quality of music reproduction through an effect that audio engineers call intermodulation distortion.This type of distortion moves imperfections that originate outside the hearing range back into the audible frequencies.To minimise this effect,TAG McLaren Audio preampliers have a frequency response which extends
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:11 Page 7
both above and below the range of normal human hearing.

straight line technology

time constant switching
control of volume and gain
To prevent intermodulation distortion, a preamplier must respond to very low frequencies but block any Direct Current (DC).This is traditionally achieved using capacitors, which also block some of the lowfrequency signal. In the PA20R, a feedback circuit eliminates DC offset voltage and allows the signal path to be direct coupled without any capacitors.This arrangement, which we at TAG McLaren Audio call Straight Line Technology, is easy to describe but not easy to realise.The design has taken our expert engineers years to perfect.
The PA20R has a sophisticated muting system which protects your hi- and prevents annoying, loud switching noises from reaching the output. A preamplier that responds to low frequencies will ring for a long time in response to the sudden voltage changes that happen, for example, when you select a different input. A muting system that simply waited for the switching transients to die down naturally would take far too long to settle.To overcome this problem, the PA20R incorporates a technique developed by TAG McLaren Audio called Time Constant Switching. This changes the characteristics of the preamplier during input switching to reduce the settling time, so that the mute period can be as short as possible.

Volume control on the PA20R is via a motorised potentiometer.This gives you the convenience of remote control without the disadvantage of stepped volume changing, as you might nd in a digital electronic system. The PA20R also has gain control to allow you to select the right amount of preamplication for your system to keep the volume control near the middle of its range. The gain switching facility is also used to provide the correct volume range for a wide variety of headphones.

high-quality circuitry

renement, the power supplies for the right and left stereo channels have separate regulators to prevent any interaction between channels.
versatile analogue output
Two low-impedance outputs are provided for connection to power ampliers. As an option, the PA20R can be tted with an additional transformer-coupled, balanced XLR output for improved resistance to electromagnetic interference and mains frequency hum. The PA20R, at the heart of your system, keeps everything at the highest level of hi-performance, hi-delity.
The circuits in the PA20R are nocompromise designs using high-quality, high-stability components to send a smooth, clean signal to your power amplier for excellent sound quality. As a further
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:11 Page 9

key features

Straight Line Technology feedback paths
with direct coupled signal and
Headphone output for a wide range of impedances with automatic muting when headphones are plugged in Sorbothane sonic isolation feet specially, designed by TAG McLaren Audio(1)
High-quality audio components Independent input selection for listening and tape recording Six line level inputs for: cd, tuner, auxiliary, and three tape recorders Digitally-controlled muting system, with Time Constant Switching, operates automatically and by remote control Motorised volume control and input selector can be operated manually or by remote control Remote control also operates selected TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series CD players Gain selectable in six steps Three stereo outputs for recording Two low-impedance stereo outputs to allow long cable runs An additional transformer-coupled and balanced output, via the tted XLR connectors, can be supplied as an option
For the very best performance we recommend that our units are placed on individual shelves and are not stacked one on top of another
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 11

getting started

We know you are keen to get your PA20R working. This section will have you listening to your favourite music as quickly as possible. If you fold out the front cover of this manual, you will locate diagrams which will help you nd your way around your PA20R(1).

setting controls

Turn the VOLUME right down (all the way anticlockwise). Set the INPUT selector to the input to which you connected your sound source. Set the GAIN to 9 dB.

before you start

Make sure that all the components of your audio system are disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any connections.
tuner cd aux tape 1 tape 2

switch on

Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on. Wait for a few seconds until the mute LED on the front panel goes out(4).

tape 3

sound source connection
You will need a source of audio signals (such as our CD player CD20R or our tuner T20) to feed into your PA20R. Use a goodquality, screened phono-phono audio cable to connect the phono output sockets of your sound source to the appropriate pair of left and right sockets marked SOURCE aux, tuner, cd or TAPE in 1, in 2 or in 3 on the back of your PA20R(2).
Start playing your sound source. Turn up the VOLUME, sit back and enjoy the music.

amplifier connection

Use a good-quality, screened phono-phono audio cable to connect the phono sockets marked OUTPUT 1 left and right on the back of your PA20R to the corresponding inputs of your power amplier.
Throughout this instruction manual (except in titles), bold print indicates the lettering that you will find on the panels of your PA20R The inputs for cd, tuner, aux, TAPE 1, TAPE 2 and TAPE 3 are all the same electrically. They are named for your convenience The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will release it The output is muted when the power is switched on to allow all the voltages to stabilize. This protects your amplifier and loudspeakers and prevents unpleasant switching noises from upsetting your listening experience

power connection

Check that the power button is out so that power is off when you plug in(3). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the back of your PA20R to an AC supply outlet. For the best sound quality, we recommend that you do not use multi-plug adaptors.
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selecting an input

Your PA20R has six line level inputs which can be selected by name(1). The input for listening can be selected independently from the input for recording, so you can listen to one source and record another at the same time.

inputs for recording

The signal from the input that you select for recording will be sent to the record output sockets marked TAPE out 1, out 2 and out 3(4). To select your source for recording, turn the RECORD selector until the mark on its side points to the name of the input that you want to record(5).

tuner aux tape 1 cd

inputs for listening
The signal from your chosen input source will be amplied and sent to OUTPUT 1, 2, 3(2) and the headphone socket. To select your source from the front panel, turn the INPUT selector until the mark on its side points to the name of the input that you want to listen to.
tuner cd aux tape 1 tape 2 tape 3
The record output is not affected by the muting or volume controls.

tape 2 tape 3

using the remote control
You can also select an input for listening by pressing the button on the remote control marked with the name of the input(3). For optimum performance from the remote control you must point it towards the remote control pickup window on the front panel. The remote control can also be used with selected TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series CD players. For details, see the separate remote control instructions.
1. 2. 3. The inputs for cd, tuner, aux, TAPE 1, TAPE 2 and TAPE 3 are all the same electrically. They are named for your convenience OUTPUT 3 is only functional if your PA20R has been fitted with the optional transformer-coupled and balanced output. See page 19 for details When you use the remote control, the INPUT selector on the front panel will turn automatically to point to the selected input. Make sure that nothing interferes with the free movement of the selector when you use the remote control The TAPE out 1, out 2 and out 3 output sockets are connected together internally With many preamplifiers, a feedback loop can be created if the output and input of a tape recorder are both connected to the preamplifier and the same tape recorder is selected as the record input. The PA20R has microprocessorcontrolled relays which prevent this from happening
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 15

volume control

gain control
The VOLUME and MUTE controls alter the signal level of OUTPUT 1, 2, 3(1) and the headphone socket. They do not affect the output of the record sockets (TAPE out 1, 2 and 3).

volume

Turn the VOLUME knob clockwise to increase volume and anticlockwise to decrease volume. Alternatively you can use the volume + button on the remote control to increase volume and volume to decrease it(2).

Different power amplier and loudspeaker combinations can give different sound levels from an identical preamplier output signal. For your added convenience, the PA20R has a GAIN control to compensate for this. The GAIN control allows you to select the right amount of preamplication to keep the volume knob near its middle position when listening at a comfortable sound level. The GAIN control also provides a suitable volume range for a wide variety of headphones. The GAIN control affects the volume of the sound from OUTPUT 1, 2, 3(1) and the headphone socket. It does not affect the output from the record sockets (TAPE out 1, 2 and 3).
Press the mute button on the remote control to switch off OUTPUT 1, 2, 3 and the headphone output. Press the mute button again or adjust the volume to restore the output. The PA20R also mutes for about three seconds to allow all the voltages to stabilize whenever you change the GAIN or an INPUT (3). An LED on the front panel indicates when the PA20R is muted.
OUTPUT 3 is only functional if your PA20R has been fitted with the optional transformer-coupled and balanced output. See page 19 for details When you use the remote control, the VOLUME knob on the front panel will turn automatically. Make sure that nothing interferes with the free movement of the knob when you use the remote control Muting protects your PA20R, your amplifier and your loudspeakers and prevents unpleasant switching noises upsetting your listening experience 1. OUTPUT 3 is only functional if your PA20R has been fitted with the optional transformer-coupled and balanced output. See page 19 for details
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 17

headphones

choosing the best gain setting
Turn the GAIN selector to select a gain setting. Gain is the amount of preamplication that the PA20R applies to the input signal. It is shown in dB(1).

headphone connection

Turn the VOLUME down before you connect your headphones. Insert the headphone plug into the 1/ (6.3 mm) stereo jack socket 4 on the front panel of your PA20R(1).
Start with the GAIN selector in the middle of its range at 9 dB. Play some music with roughly average dynamics and adjust the volume to suit your normal listening. If the VOLUME knob is near the low end of its scale, decrease the GAIN. If it is near the top end, increase the GAIN. Choose a GAIN setting which allows the VOLUME knob to sit nearest its middle position. To avoid excessive sound levels from, and prevent damage to, your loudspeakers, you should reduce the volume before you turn up the gain. You can nd the GAIN setting for your headphones in the same way. You may nd that the best setting for headphones is different to that for your power amplier and loudspeaker combination.

loudspeaker muting

When you plug in your headphones, OUTPUT 1, 2 and 3(2) are automatically muted.
1. 1. dB (short for decibel) is a logarithmic scale of the ratio between input and output. A step of 3 dB is equivalent to a factor of two in output power, and the human ear perceives 10 dB as an approximate doubling of the sound level
If you want to use headphones which have the smaller 1/8 (3.2 mm) jack plug, you should obtain an adaptor from your retailer. Remove the adaptor from the socket when you are not using the headphones or the output will remain muted OUTPUT 3 is only functional if your PA20R has been fitted with the optional transformer-coupled and balanced output. See page 19 for details
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 19

grounding

outputs
The AC mains supply normally operates at either 50 or 60 Hz (depending on which country you are in). Under some circumstances, this can cause an audible hum in your loudspeakers. Should you have any problems with hum in your system, please contact your retailer.
The audio outputs are intended to connect the PA20R to one or more power ampliers (such as our 60P, 100P or 125M). The low-impedance (100 ) output is buffered and will drive long cables or several inputs in parallel if required.

audio output sockets

OUTPUT 1 and 2 each consists of two phono sockets on the back panel of your PA20R, one for the left channel and one for the right(1). Always use high-quality, screened cables for your connections.

OUTPUT 2 1

avoiding hum
To minimise the possibility of mains hum in your system: do not link the ground terminals of separate audio units together. use screened cable for your signal connections and keep the left and right channel cables close together.

grounding your system

All the units in the TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series are double insulated and do not require safety ground connections. Although a ground terminal is provided on the PA20R, for your convenience your system does not need to be connected to ground (audio engineers call this oating). However, if you want to ground your system, please contact your retailer who will be able to assist you.

OUTPUT 1 and 2 are connected together in parallel
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 21
connecting power amplifiers

OUTPUT

transformercoupled, balanced audio output (option)
As an option, the PA20R can be tted with transformers to provide a balanced output via XLR connectors. This gives greatly enhanced immunity to electromagnetic interference, resulting in less noise, especially if long cables are used. This type of connection is often used in professional applications. Please contact your retailer if you require this option. If you do not have the transformer-coupled, balanced output option, the XLR sockets labelled OUTPUT 3 left and right are not connected and cannot be used(1). When the transformer-coupled, balanced output option is installed, you can use the XLR sockets labelled OUTPUT 3 on the back panel of your PA20R. The output uses two XLR sockets, one for left and one for right.

3 right left

Your PA20R needs to be connected to a high-quality, separate stereo power amplier (such as our 60P or 100P) or to a pair of monoblocs(1) (such as our 125M). Always switch off your system before changing any connections.
using a stereo power amplifier
Using a good-quality, screened phono-phono audio cable, connect the phono sockets marked OUTPUT 1(2) left and right on the back of your PA20R to the corresponding inputs of your power amplier.

This diagram shows a

right speaker left speaker
PA20R connected to a hf lf TAG McLaren Audio 100P stereo power
The XLR connectors are latched so you will hear a click when the plug is fully inserted. You have to press the button on the plug to remove it. Always use high-quality, screened cables for your connections.

amplifier (3)

in out
A monobloc is a single-channel or mono power amplifier You can use OUTPUT 2 instead of OUTPUT 1. They are the same electrically. OUTPUT 3 is only functional if your PA20R has been fitted with the optional transformer-coupled and balanced output. See page 19 for details This diagram, and those that follow, are for illustrative purposes only; they are not to scale and do not show all connections
TAG McLaren Audio has pre-installed the XLR connectors to make the upgrade quick and easy
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 23

using mono amplifiers

Instead of one stereo power amplier, you may prefer to use two monobloc ampliers (such as our 125M) in conjunction with your PA20R.

bi-amping

Connect OUTPUT 1 left of the PA20R to the audio input of one of the monoblocs and OUTPUT 1 right to the audio input of the other monobloc. Connect each monobloc to a loudspeaker(1).

With many high-quality loudspeakers, you can make separate connections to the high- and low-frequency drivers(1). If your loudspeaker allows it, you can improve the sound further by using separate ampliers for high and low frequencies. This may allow you to increase the volume without distorting the sound. As each amplier is operating in a smaller bandwidth, intermodulation distortion may also be reduced.
This diagram shows a PA20R connected to

right speaker hf

left speaker hf
two TAG McLaren Audio monobloc 125M power amplifiers
1. 1. For the best sound quality we recommend that you place each monobloc near the loudspeaker it is feeding and use short loudspeaker leads. Use high-quality, screened phono leads to connect the amplifiers
The driver is the mechanism inside the case of the loudspeaker which actually makes the sound. Most high-quality loudspeakers have drivers for high, low and often middle frequencies and the capability to connect them separately. However, the lack of this facility is not necessarily a sign of low quality (as some of the finest loudspeakers in the world have proved)
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 25
Connect OUTPUT 1 left and right of the PA20R to the left and right audio input of one stereo power amplier and OUTPUT 2 left and right to the left and right audio input of the other stereo power amplier. Connect one power amplier to your loudspeakers high-frequency drivers and the other power amplier to the low-frequency drivers(1).
This diagram shows a PA20R connected to two TAG McLaren Audio 100P stereo power amplifiers

right speaker hf in out

bi-amping alternative arrangement
If you have two matched ampliers (such as two TAG McLaren Audio 100Ps), you can connect them as shown here. This arrangement has the added advantage of allowing you to place each amplier close to the loudspeaker it is feeding, thus enabling you to connect them together with short cables. Connect OUTPUT left on the PA20R to INPUT left on one of the 100Ps and OUTPUT right on the PA20R to INPUT left on the other 100P. On each 100P connect OUTPUT left to OUTPUT right. On each amplier, connect one of the stereo outputs to the highfrequency driver and the other to the low-frequency driver.
This diagram shows an alternative method of connecting the PA20R
right speaker hf left speaker hf

for bi-amping

lf in out
to two TAG McLaren Audio 100P stereo power amplifiers
1. This simple connection method works with any combination of TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series amplifiers because they have matched gains. If you want to connect a different manufacturers amplifier, you may need to use an active crossover or a gain-setting facility. Please contact your retailer for advice if you wish to do this
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 27

running in and warming up
other multiple amplifier arrangements
The arrangements described on the previous pages are only suggestions and do not cover all the connection possibilities for preampliers and power ampliers. If you want to expand your audio system, please contact your retailer who will be happy to discuss your specic requirements. running in
TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum performance for many years.
Just like a high-quality car, the performance of your PA20R will improve during the rst few hours of operation. The electronic components will then have reached and settled down to nearperfect specication.

warming up

Every time you switch on your PA20R, the performance will improve until the components reach their optimum operating temperature.
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care and maintenance

There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your PA20R. To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and pull out the fuse carrier drawer(1). The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the rst one that you see when you open the carrier. There are no other user-serviceable parts inside the PA20R.

service

The only service you should do to your PA20R is described on the left. All other servicing should only be carried out by one of our authorised service agents. If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG McLaren Audio retailer. If your PA20R is still under guarantee, please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on how to claim against the guarantee. Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your PA20R is transported.

cleaning

In order to maintain the appearance of your PA20R, you can clean it as follows: before cleaning, always disconnect your PA20R from the AC supply. any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft, lint-free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm water and detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not use any other solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives. take great care not to get any liquid inside the case. If this happens, you should have your PA20R serviced.

You cannot open the fuse carrier drawer while the plug is in the socket
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technical data

This section is for those of you who really want to know the insides of your PA20R. You will not miss out on any of the functions or performance of your PA20R if you choose not to read any further.
total harmonic distortion + noise

less than 0.007%

channel separation input impedance 20 k crosstalk rejection input level vs gain setting 500 mV at 0 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) 350 mV at 3 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) 250 mV at 6 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) 175 mV at 9 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) 125 mV at 12 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) 90 mV at 15 dB (relative to 0.5 V output)
greater than 100 dB at 1 kHz

polarity (phase)

non-inverting for all inputs and outputs
preamplifier output impedance

100 nominal

signal to noise
greater than 97 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) preamplifier maximum output greater than 7.7 V rms (20 dBm)

frequency response

(-3 dB)
0.1 Hz 75 kHz audio output connector OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 2 OUTPUT 3 phono socket phono socket XLR (optional connection)
frequency response (20 Hz 20 kHz)

0.2 dB

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standard XLR connector wiring transformer coupled (option)
not connected pin 1 ground pin 2 non-inverting signal pin 3 inverting signal

muting attenuation

greater than 63 dB
operating temperature range

record output impedance

1 k nominal

ac supply frequency

record output gain
0 dB (i.e. the record output level is the same as the input level)

ac supply voltage

V or V The voltage is marked on the rear of the unit

headphone maximum output

greater than 7.7 V rms emf power consumption less than 25 W

headphone amplifier gain

18 dB (additional to dB variable gain)

dimensions

(including feet, terminals and controls)
445 mm wide 75 mm high 336 mm deep
headphone output impedance
100 (suitable for headphones of 8 2 k impedance)
The rated and typical performance applies when the mains supply voltage is either 230 V AC for 220 - 240 V units or 115 V AC for 110 - 120 V units

(headphone output)

greater than 80 dB
We reserve the right to alter designs and specification without notice Specification may vary for different countries

GRA00046.1-[CA]PA20R 13/03/01 11:12 Page 35

international standards

Your PA20R meets or exceeds all the legal requirements listed below:

directives

89/336/EEC 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC) Low Voltage Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)

safety

IEC65: IEC65 A2: IEC65 A3: EN60065:

1992 1993

emc emissions
EN50081 -1: EN55022 Class B: EN60555 -2: EN61000 -3-2: EN61000 -3-3: FCC Part 15 Class B:

1995 1997

emc immunity
EN50082 -1: IEC801 -2: IEC801 -3: IEC801 -4: EN61000 -4-2: EN61000 -4-4: EN61000 -4-5: EN61000 -4-11:

1995 1994

8 kV V/m 1 kV 8 kV 1 kV 2 kV
air discharge AC power, 500 V other ports air, 4 kV contact discharge AC power, 500 V other ports common mode, 1 kV differential mode
Units supplied in USA and Canada also comply with UL6500: Rev. Dec 1997

CD20R / CDT20R-T2L/ 60iRV / PA20R

Infrared Remote Codes

Key Name play stop pause Track + Track Index + Index Search + Search Open/Close Repeat A-B Time TOC Display System Command Key Name CD Tuner Aux Tape1 Tape2 Tape3 volume + volume mute System Command 17 13
We reserve the right to alter this specification without notice. 2001 TAG McLaren Audio 12.6.2001 TMAM11241