HDVA 600
Pure audio in perfection
Instruction manual
Contents
Important safety instructions ...................................................................... 2
Package contents ........................................................................................... 5
Product overview ........................................................................................... 6
Overview of the front panel ........................................................................ 6
Overview of the rear panel .......................................................................... 6
Putting the HDVA 600 into operation ......................................................... 7
Integrating the headphone amplifier into an existing connection
between devices (daisy-chaining the audio signal) ............................... 9
Connecting the headphone amplifier to the mains .............................. 10
Using the HDVA 600 .................................................................................... 11
Connecting headphones ............................................................................. 11
Selecting an audio source .......................................................................... 12
Adjusting the signal level of the RCA input ........................................... 13
Adjusting the volume ................................................................................. 13
Specifications ................................................................................................ 15
Manufacturer declarations ......................................................................... 16
1 | HDVA 600
Important safety instructions
Important safety instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions. Always include these instructions when
passing the apparatus on to third parties.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power supply cord from being walked on or pinched, par-
ticularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, when the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, discon-
nect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.
16. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or moisture.
17. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure
that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.
18. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily
accessible.
HDVA 600 | 2
Important safety instructions
Hazard warnings on the bottom of the product
The label shown on the left is attached to the bottom of the product. The
symbols on this label have the following meaning:
Presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
Never open the product as there is a risk of electric shock. There are no user
serviceable parts inside. Always refer repairs and servicing to your autho-
rized Sennheiser service partner.
Read and follow the safety and operating instructions contained in the
instruction manual.
Preventing damage to health and accidents
̈ Do not listen at high volume levels for long periods of time to prevent
hearing damage.
̈ Keep the product, accessories and packaging parts out of reach of chil-
dren and pets to prevent accidents and choking hazards.
Preventing damage to the product and malfunctions
̈ If the product was moved from a cold environment to a warm one,
allow the product to stand for approx. half an hour before using it.
Intended use/Liability
The HDVA 600 is an amplifier for dynamic headphones. It can be connected
to different audio sources such as hi-fi systems, turntables with preampli-
fiers, computers and DVD players.
This product is intended for private domestic use only. It is not suitable for
commercial use.
It is considered improper use when this product is used for any application
not named in this instruction manual.
Sennheiser does not accept liability for damage arising from abuse or
misuse of this product and its attachments/accessories.
3 | HDVA 600
The HDVA 600 headphone amplifier
The HDVA 600 headphone amplifier
The state-of-the-art HDVA 600 headphone amplifier allows you to fully
exploit the potential of your high-end headphones. The HDVA 600’s con-
sistently symmetrical signal processing and extremely low harmonic dis-
tortion ensures an unadulterated and perfect music enjoyment.
The HDVA 600’s output circuitry is designed for use with up to four
dynamic headphones. Consistent wiring and the use of XLR-4 sockets
ensures an excellent channel separation.
You can connect digital audio sources such as CD, DVD and Blu-Rayplayers
and analog audio sources such as as tuners, open reel machines and turn-
tables with a corresponding preamplifier to the HDVA 600. Digital sources
are connected via their analog outputs. The input selection rotary switch
allows you to switch between the connected audio sources.
The headphone amplifier and the Sennheiser HD 800, HD 700 and HD 650
high-end headphones are optimally matched with regard to technology,
design and performance characteristics and fulfil the demands of the most
discerning audiophile.
Features
•
Symmetrical signal processing with exact signal transmission over the
entire frequency spectrum and extremely low harmonic distortion
•
•
Can be used with up to four dynamic headphones
122 dB dynamic range, wide bandwidth and high transient response
due to short signal paths
•
•
Balanced XLR-4 sockets and high-quality ¼“ (6.35 mm) jack sockets
for connection of headphones
Connection possibilities:
– analog inputs: balanced XLR-3, unbalanced RCA
– analog output: balanced XLR-3
High-quality components
•
HDVA 600 | 4
Package contents
Package contents
1 HDVA 600 analog headphone amplifier
1 quick guide
Quick Guide
1 safety guide
Safety Guide
1 CD ROM with a detailed instruction manual as PDF
Manual
Required accessories
A suitable and approved mains cable is available from your
Sennheiser service partner.
A list of accessories can be found on the HDVA 600 product page at
5 | HDVA 600
Product overview
Product overview
Overview of the front panel
1 On/off button
4 Input selection LED
5 Input selection rotary switch
6 Volume control
2 Headphone outputs,
XLR-4 socket, balanced
3 Headphone outputs,
¼“ (6.35 mm) jack socket,
unbalanced
Overview of the rear panel
A
7 XLR-3 input socket,
9 RCA input socket,
balanced (BAL L, R)
unbalanced (UNBAL L, R)
8 Input attenuation rotary switch 0 XLR-3 output socket,
(-GAIN+) for RCA input
balanced (BAL L, R)
A Mains socket
The type plate and the electrical data can be found on the base of the
product.
HDVA 600 | 6
Putting the HDVA 600 into operation
Putting the HDVA 600 into operation
Setting up the headphone amplifier
CAUTION
Risk of staining of furniture surfaces!
Varnish or furniture polish may degrade the feet of the product, which
could stain your furniture.
̈ Do not place the product on delicate surfaces; if necessary, use a non-
slip pad under the product.
̈ Place the headphone amplifier on a flat, horizontal surface.
̈ Ensure sufficient ventilation. The headphone amplifier generates heat
which is dissipated through the housing.
Connecting the headphone amplifier to audio sources
You can connect several audio sources to the headphone amplifier and
switch between these connected sources using the input selection rotary
switch.
̈ Switch your audio source off.
̈ Select a suitable high-quality connection cable for your audio source
and, if necessary, a suitable adapter. Please observe the maximum rec-
ommended cable length L max.
Connection possibilities of
the audio source (OUT)
Connection cable/adapter
L max Page
XLR-3 (analog)
2 balanced XLR-3 cables
10 m
1 m
8
8
A
Stereo audio cable
with 2 RCA plugs on each end
RCA (analog)
B
̈ Proceed as described in the corresponding chapter.
7 | HDVA 600
Putting the HDVA 600 into operation
Integrating the headphone amplifier into an existing
connection between devices (daisy-chaining the audio
signal)
You can integrate the HDVA 600 into an existing connection between your
audio source and an additional device. By way of example of an amplifier
as an additional device, this chapter describes how to integrate the
HDVA 600 into an existing connection.
̈ Pull out the plug of the connection cable from the input IN on the
amplifier.
̈ Connect this plug to a suitable input IN on the HDVA 600 (see page 7).
̈ Connect a second connection cable to the input IN on the amplifier and
to the output OUT on the HDVA 600.
̈ Use the input selection rotary switch (see page 6) to select the corre-
sponding audio source.
9 | HDVA 600
Putting the HDVA 600 into operation
Connecting the headphone amplifier to the mains
CAUTION
Danger of damage to the product!
If you use an unsuitable power supply, this can cause damage to the
product.
̈ Use a suitable mains cable to connect the product to the mains (100 to
240 V AC, 50 or 60 Hz).
̈ Connect the mains cable to the mains socket and a wall socket.
To disconnect the headphone amplifier from the mains:
̈ Unplug the mains cable from the wall socket.
HDVA 600 | 10
Using the HDVA 600
Using the HDVA 600
Switching the HDVA 600 on/off
WARNING
Hearing damage due to high volumes!
nent hearing defects.
̈ Set the volume to a low level before putting on the headphones
(see page 13).
̈ Do not continuously expose yourself to high volumes.
̈ Press the on/off button.
When the headphone amplifier is switched on, the on/off button is
backlit. When you switch off the headphone amplifier, the backlighting
of the on/off button goes off.
Connecting headphones
The HDVA 600 features 2 balanced XLR-4 sockets and 2 unbalanced
¼“ (6.35 mm) jack sockets for connecting up to 4 headphones. We recom-
mend using high-impedance headphones for an optimal listening
experience.
̈ Connect one or several pairs of headphones
.
11 | HDVA 600
Using the HDVA 600
Selecting an audio source
WARNING
Danger of hearing damage!
In order to protect your hearing, before switching to a different
audio source, first set the volume on the headphone amplifier to
a low level. Different signal sources and different listening material
(e.g. different pieces of music on different CDs) can have widely
varying signal levels. In the case where you switch to a higher level
signal source from a lower one without first reducing the volume
could damage your hearing.
̈ Set the volume on the headphone amplifier to a low level (see
page 13) before switching to a different audio source.
̈ Use the input selection rotary switch to select your connected audio
source.
o
Selected input on the
Switch position
headphone amplifier
UNBAL
RCA (analog)
BAL
XLR-3 (analog)
HDVA 600 | 12
Using the HDVA 600
Adjusting the signal level of the RCA input
In order to optimally set the gain of the headphone amplifier, you can use
the input attenuation rotary switch (-GAIN+) to adjust the signal level of
the RCA input.
̈ Turn the input attenuation rotary switch (-GAIN+) towards the
+ sign: if the signal is too low or
- sign : if the signal is overmodulated.
Adjusting the volume
̈ Use the volume control to adjust the volume.
13 | HDVA 600
Cleaning and maintaining the HDVA 600
Cleaning and maintaining the HDVA 600
CAUTION
Liquids can damage the electronics of the product!
Liquids entering the housing of the device can cause a short circuit and
damage the electronics.
̈ Keep all liquids far away from the product.
̈ Do not use any cleansing agents or solvents.
̈ Disconnect the product from the mains before cleaning.
̈ Only use a dry and soft cloth to clean the product.
If a problem occurs ...
Problem
Possible cause
Solution
Page
RCA input:
The sensitivity is
Adjust the signal of the
13
signal distorted adjusted too high or analog audio source.
or too low
too low
Analog
The audio signal is
Adjust the audio signal
XLR-3 input:
signal distorted too low at the audio source.
or too low source
adjusted too high or directly at the audio
-
If a problem occurs that is not listed in the above table or if the problem
cannot be solved with the proposed solutions, please contact your local
Sennheiser partner for assistance.
To find a Sennheiser partner in your country, search at
HDVA 600 | 14
Specifications
Specifications
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Weight
approx. 224 x 44 x 306 mm
approx. 2.25 kg
Max. output power
approx. 480 mW @ 1 kHz and
600 load at the XLR-4 output
Frequency response
Crosstalk attenuation
THD+N
< 10 Hz to > 100 kHz
min. 93 dB @ 1 kHz
< 0.001%
Gain
adjustable
RCA input/XLR-4 output
14 dB, 22 dB, 30 dB, 38 dB, 46 dB
Gain
XLR input/XLR-4 output
16 dB
Dynamic range
>115 dB @ 600 load
(A-weighted)
Operating temperature range
0° – 45°C
Power supply
Voltage range
100 – 240 V ~, 50 – 60 Hz
Power consumption
nom. 7 W
(2x 300 headphones connected
to the XLR-4 outputs)
max. 15 W
(2x 16 headphones connected to
the ¼“ (6.35 mm) jack outputs
RCA input
Max. input voltage
Impedance
20 dBV (with minimum gain)
10 k
XLR-3 input
Max. input voltage
Impedance
18 dBV
20 k
XLR-4 output
Pin assignment
Impedance
1: L+, 2: L-, 3: R+, 4: R-, screen: GND
min. 16
¼“ (6.35 mm) headphone outputs
Pin assignment
tip: left, ring: right, sleeve: GND
Impedance
min. 16
15 | HDVA 600
Manufacturer declarations
Manufacturer declarations
Warranty
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 24 months on this
product. For the current warranty conditions, please visit our website at
In compliance with the following requirements
•
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)
Please dispose of this product at the end of its operational life-
time by taking it to your local collection point or recycling center
for such equipment.
CE Declaration of Conformity
•
•
•
•
EMC Directive (2004/108/EC)
Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC)
ErP Directive (2009/125/EC)
RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
Statements regarding FCC and Industry Canada
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This class B digital apparatus complies with the Canadian ICES-003.
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved
by Sennheiser electronic Corp. may void the FCC authorization to operate
this equipment.
Trademarks
Sennheiser is a registered trademark of Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG.
Other product and company names mentioned in this instruction manual
may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
HDVA 600 | 16
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