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Instruction Manual Covering: 

 

Stereo 40 MK III all models

 

 

 

                                              Pictured with SG KT88 valves 

 

Contents 

 

1 Introduction & Final Inspection 

 

2 Quick Set Up Guide 

 

3 Connecting inputs & outputs 

 

4 Getting the best out of your amplifier 

 

5 Trouble Shooting 

 

6 Bias Checking & Valve Replacement 

 

7 Specifications  

 

8 Packing and Shipping 

 

 

 

 

1 Introduction 

 

Thank you for purchasing the 

Stereo 40 MKIII

. A 

great deal of care has been taken in the design, 
selection of components and production of this 
amplifier. We are sure that you will hear the 
difference. 

 

In order to get the best out of your amplifier, 
please read the enclosed notes. Even if you are 
experienced with hi fi 

please read the ‘quick set 

up guide’. 

Should you be uncertain about 

anything to do with your amplifier please contact 
us for advice. 
Valve (or Tube) amplifiers do the same job as a 
solid state amplifier, but they do it differently. And 
whilst solid state specifications look good on 
paper even quite modest valve amplifiers can 
have a richer, more textured sound. Your ears will 
have become accustomed to your old amplifier. 
Sometimes it may take some hours before your 
ears attune themselves to the new sound. 
Your source, loudspeakers and room acoustics 
will also affect the sound before it finally reaches 
your ear. Some people find a small adjustment in 
re positioning their speakers can help too. The 
weakest link will always affect the final results 
when making judgements. Not all recordings are 

‘equal’! Therefore an amplifier which faithfully 
reproduces the input signal will also reproduce 
imperfections in the tonal balance and the 
recording itself. Setting up and judgements should 
be made with a ‘clean’ well balanced recording. 

 

The 

Stereo 40 MKIII

 is a push-pull Ultralinear 

stereo power amp, capable of running in either 
pentode ultralinear or pure triode mode, using the 
excellent EL34 or KT88* valves in fixed bias. The 
driver and phase splitting is all triode. The pre-
amp is a high quality ‘Passive’ circuit using silver 
audio cable and an ALPS ‘blue’ volume control. It 
is sensitive enough to be used with all modern 
source equipment having an output of 250mv or 
greater. Its simplicity coupled with point to point 
wiring hand wiring without the use of printed 
circuit boards results in an open euphoric sound 
that is wonderfully detailed and warm sounding.  

also covers the SE & ‘ie’ model, where the 
tape monitor facility & triode circuit and are 
omitted. *This model may be used with either 
EL34/6CA7/KT77/KT66/KT88/6550 

 

Summary of Contents for Stereo 40 MK III

Page 1: ...themselves to the new sound Your source loudspeakers and room acoustics will also affect the sound before it finally reaches your ear Some people find a small adjustment in re positioning their speake...

Page 2: ...Run min 6 hour test Check inputs tape monitor Output Valve Bias level mv Sound Quality Channel Balance Valve Microphony Valve Seating Hum level left right mv RF Test LED brightness Serial No sticker a...

Page 3: ...rely discernable gentle hum If there are any unpleasant sounds coming from the speakers switch off and refer to the Trouble Shooting section or contact Icon Audio The 274B valve rectifier acts as a HT...

Page 4: ...cables than to spend a fortune on longer cables You can either hard wire your cable to the amplifier by baring enough cable to fit in the connector and twist together to avoid any spare strands touch...

Page 5: ...left in the standby state This enables the valves to be fully warmed and ready to use the instant you put the standby switch down In the standby position the amplifier is only using about 50 of norma...

Page 6: ...ame position They should be well packed in cardboard foam or similar and returned to Icon Audio for testing Valves are very rugged if packed properly Mains Supply This amplifier is hard wired to work...

Page 7: ...This should normally last longer than the audio valves Replacements may be obtained from Icon Audio Alternative valves to use are GZ34 5AR4 GU5 RMS watts Do not literally exist But this figure is bas...

Page 8: ...ng Instructions It is essential that the original box and packing be kept in good condition as this provides vital protection during transit Please do not write on box but use removable labels If retu...

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