Janis interphase help

[robbyd]

Hello - not been here for a while!

though being an American forum I'm hoping someone might be able to help here...

Currently playing with quad 57s rebuilt by ES, and a pair of Janis w1 aubs, driven by the Interphase 1a dedicated amp...

the Interphase has some controls that I have no idea how to use... the off/on switch also has a 'cal' setting. I take this to mean 'calibrate', but what/how?

it also has a 'comparator' setting and bypass - again, what does this do. Tge output level and phase are self explanatory.

there's so little info on the web about these famous but vintage products - does anyone own them here, or has access to a user manual??

many thanks in advance...
Regards
Rob

 

[Lampie519]

As a sub can be placed anywhere in the room it needs to be phase adjusted to the main speakers. Plus it can be "omited" when using at night not to disturb the neighbors...

 

[robbyd]

Thanks - so 'comparator' is just a fancy term and it's a setting that cuts iut the sub...

but what would the 'cal'/calibrate(?) function be? Maybe it is really nothing and just an on/off switch!?

 

[Lampie519]

I do not know the device but i think it has a build-in amp for the speaker. If so it will switch-off or go into a stand-by mode. When then a signal is offered it will jump to the "on" state... the sensitivity (comperator threshold) can be adjusted so it does not jump on and off nervously...
Do you have an image of the front panel of this device?

 

[robbyd]

Not mine, but can be seen here...

thanks

Janis W-1 Subwoofer with A1 Interface Amp/crossover - Photo1021315

www.usaudiomart.com

 

[Lampie519]

My guess is that it is a "set up once and foget" device.
It can be place close to the woofer and then the volume setting and signal will trigger it to activate and do its job (unmuting the signal to the poweramp).
Bass level is clear (balance to match you main speakers). Phase is also clear (to get the bass at your listening position and not in the kitchin).
The CAL setting is yet unclear to me...
I will check if i can find more or maybe here someone can add more info...

 

[Lampie519]

Not mine, but can be seen here...

If i look at this unit it has speaker connectors so it should have an amp (that is also what the Ad states).
Can you please check yours and confirm?

 

[robbyd]

Yes it's the same - a two way active crossover and power amp combined

 

[tapepath]

I use a Janis W1 and Interphase 1a combination and thoroughly enjoy its performance. The "cal" refers to centering the woofer's voice coil in the gap for reducing distortion. Since the 15" woofer is placed with the cone facing upward the suspension could "sag" slightly over the years (more than 50 in my case) and the voice coil could no longer be centered vertically in the gap this adjustment solves that.
I believe I have the original owner's information if that would help?

 

[robbyd]

Hello Tapepath -

the original owner info would be invaluable to me!
Much appreciated - thank you