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SET UP GUIDE
1 Unpack unit carefully
. Make sure that it is in good
condition. It is important that you keep packaging for
warranty/service return.
2 Check that the valves are fitted properly.
The
valves will normally come fitted, so a visual check
that they are upright is normally all that is necessary.
If not see the section on “changing valves”.
3, Connect the power lead
between the power
supply unit and the pre-amp.
Please note the power
lead is permanently connected at the power supply
unit. Do not attempt to remove it.
Please note that the PS 3 must only be used with
its own power supply. Neither unit is compatible
with any other units.
Ensure that the power supply is not switched on
until properly connected.
4, Connect to turntable and amplifier.
Making sure that you connect the “earth” leads from
the turntable and/or arm to the earth post on the rear.
5 Connect the power supply unit,
And site it away
from the preamp. Connect to the mains using the
supplied IEC mains lead. If for some reason the
welded plug must be removed, please remove fuse
and dispose of immediately. (As they can be a
dangerous to children). The replacement plug should
be wired in the following way Brown to Live terminal,
Blue to Neutral terminal and Green/Yellow to Earth
terminal.
6 SWITCH ON!
The blue mains indicator should light
up and unit will start working after about 30 seconds.
All valves should have a visible orange glow from the
cathode heaters. Full quality will be reached in 5
minutes.
7, Moving Magnet or Moving Coil?
If your PS3 is fitted with the optional x10 step-up
transformers (designated by PS3 MC on the rear)
you can select between MM and MC by the selector
switch on the front. Otherwise the selector should be
left in the “MM” position. High output MC pickups
may be used without the MC step-up transformers,
but you may notice an increase in background noise.
Or you may choose to use external step-up
transformers. Moving coil pickups generally give
superior performance to MM as records are originally
cut with MC cutters. Our high quality British made
transformers will optimise the performance of your
PS3. offer optimum
The PS3 may be returned to us in the future to
have this upgrade fitted.
8. Volume
The PS3 has a high output (1.6v for 5mv input) and is
capable of driving most power amps directly.
However the full output may prove to high for some
integrated or pre-amps, therefore “back off” the
volume control of the PS3 to get a similar level to CD
or radio. This will also help with the noise level.
Normal position is about “3 o’clock”.
When the volume control is set to “full” it is effectively
“out of circuit” as if it were removed.
Getting the best from your PS3
Hum problems
Like any phono stage the PS3 will pick up hum from
other hi fi and electrical units. This can be minimised
by taking care to site both the pre-amp and power
supply away from both each other and other
equipment.
On the rear of the PS3 is a “ground Lift” switch
.
This will minimise any hum that is due to an “earth
loop” (to many earths). If on initial setting up you are
aware of loud hum, try this switch first, and leave in
the position that gives the minimum hum. If you do
not notice any difference, leave in the “Earth position.
Bear in mind that subsequent alterations to your
system may make it necessary to change this setting.
As a rough guide, when set up correctly the hum
level (when checking on full volume of your
amplifier) should be at about the same level as
the background noise. You dealer or Icon can
advise you.
The PS3 is not particularly sensitive to hum in
Moving Magnet mode, but this will depend upon the
hum field of associated equipment such as amplifiers
etc.
Moving Coil requires 10x more gain and therefore is
more sensitive to hum and noise from adjacent
equipment, so it makes sense to spend a little time
experimenting in order to find the best site for your
PS3, arranging your turntable and cables for least
interference. Keep the turntable signal lead away
from power cables and other equipment.
Most problems associated with hi fi equipment
involve connecting leads. Always make sure you
have good connections and use good quality
interconnects. Your dealer will advise you.
General points
•
Some mobile phone ‘breakthrough’ is normal
•
Clean with a damp cloth, with power
disconnected. Do not use solvents.
•
Keep liquids away from the power supply and
pre amp.
•
Allow about 30 seconds after switching off
before switching on again.
•
Disconnect power cable and allow about 15
minutes discharge time before removing the
cover for changing valves etc.
•
Do not operate power supply without connecting
to the preamp.
Connecting Leads
Use good quality connecting leads, which are no
longer than they need to be.
Do not leave the PS3 switched on continuously.
The sound quality will reach its optimum within 5 to
10 minutes, so there is no advantage in PS3
switched on when it is not in use. Although it is only
30 Watts, valves have a finite life, (averaging about
3000 hours). Do not switch on and off unnecessarily.
Burning in
: From new the PS3 will take about 3
months it is fully “burnt in”.
