Leema-acoustics Pyxis Manual - page 7
PYXIS
7
Construction
Design Philosophy
Pyxis employs a totally balanced internal topology from end to end. This even includes the EQ. The Leema Antila CD
player multi-DAC architecture inherently produces a balanced output in the digital domain due to the way the
converters are configured and this is maintained after analogue conversion. Thus, in a Leema CD system there is a
balanced path from source to pre-amp output and on the power amplifier(s).
For the analogue inputs all level control and equalisation is carried out in the analogue domain without resorting to
unnecessary digital signal conversion and processing.
Equalisation is passive Baxendall with up to plus or minus 6dB at 50Hz and 15kHz in 0.5dB steps.
Pyxis has two independent listen and record paths. The record output is configurable to use a different source to the
one feeding the power amplifier(s). Similarly, the pre-amplifier outputs take either the selected input or the tape return
input at the touch of a button.
Recognising that there are occasions when even the most dedicated audiophile will find it expedient to listen to digital
sources from a PC, Mac or portable digital entertainment source, Pyxis provides a USB connection and S/PDIF input and
output.
Phono Options
A built-in phono-stage is available as an option. Alternatively, balanced and single ended inputs provide for
connecting an external phono-stage such as the Leema Agena.
Simple to use
Straight out of the box, the system is extremely simple to use. The user simply powers up the Pyxis, selects the required
input source and the rest of the system will respond accordingly.
This level of simplicity in everyday operation has been provided to ensure that all members of the family can enjoy their
favourite material without reading a manual.
Construction
The non-magnetic case is hewn from alloy billet and austenitic stainless steel. Finished in either silver or black anodise,
the attention paid to the fit and finish is echoed in the internal construction and choice of components. Mains input is
a medical grade, filtered IEC socket and the Pyxis power supply is linear analogue with discrete voltage regulators. The
torroidal transformer is very different to a conventional transformer or indeed a switch-mode power supply. Pyxis is
extremely efficient thanks to the very low losses conferred by the torroidal transformer. Power consumption in stand-by is
negligible making this pre-amplifier as energy efficient as possible. Pyxis is equipped with superior Burr Brown precision
binary-weighted resistor stack gain control elements. Leema Acoustics do not use motorised potentiometers because
of the degradation they introduce. S/PDIF Analogue to Digital converters and digital to analog converters are Cirrus
Logic Crystal devices and the USB A to D and D to A converters are Burr Brown. All op-amps are Analog Devices preci-
sion audio components. EQ uses gold-palladium relay switching.
System
Pyxis cannot be used in isolation. It must be used in a system which includes a source or sources and a power amplifier
or amplifiers and loudspeakers. Significant control and compatibility advantages apply if the entire system is designed
using Leema units.
The Leema system provides audiophile performance with convenient control both locally and via the convenient
hand-held remote control. (Included with Pyxis) All Pyxis settings are configurable on an ‘input associative’ basis. This
means that settings are stored per input and are recalled when the relevant input is selected.
What is Leema LIPS ?
The Leema audio components communicate using a system called LIPS.