Audio Research reference dac, User Manual

Page: 12 / 36

12
Installation
The ‘ambient’ operating temperature should
never exceed 120° F or 49° C. Improper
installation will cause premature tube
failure and will affect your warranty,
as well as the service life of the unit.
It is normal for a vacuum tube component
to run quite warm, and if used for
prolonged periods, hot to the touch.
All components within are, however,
operated at safe, conservative levels
and will not be improperly affected
thereby, providing the requirements
outlined above are adhered to.
A Note about Vacuum Tubes
The vacuum tubes in your Reference
DAC have been burned in, tested and
electrically matched to provide the
best performance and reliability of your
DAC. That said, vacuum tubes must be
replaced from time to time. The 6H30
tubes in the Reference DAC should have
an expected life of approximately 4,000
hours, while the 6550WE tube in the power
supply should have a life expectancy of
approximately 2,000 hours. These life
expectancies are only approximate.
In your system
To insure normal component life and safe
operation this unit must be operated
only in an upright position. Adequate
airflow and proper cooling can occur
only if there is no restriction above and
behind the unit and on either side.
The special non-marring elastomer feet
provide adequate spacing and stability
only on a smooth, hard surface, and
also assist to isolate the DAC from
spurious vibrations. For upright stability
and best performance, never operate
the unit while it is sitting on a soft
surface such as a thick rug or carpet.
Due to its weight, this DAC must be
supported on a surface specifically
rated for such a load. Check with the
manufacturer of your support system to
be sure it is rated to handle this weight.
If the unit is to be operated in an enclosure
such as an equipment rack, make certain
that adequate airflow above and to
each side of the unit is provided.