Chapter Two: Using Your Einstein
2.1 Mains Connections, Power and Standby
2.1.1 Mains/Connection to Power Outlet
Please make sure that both switches (Power and Standby) are in the off position
before connecting to the mains circuit. Verify line voltage before connecting the
power cord. Never start Einstein without connecting speakers to the proper
terminals. (See 3.2.5)
2.1.2 Power up, Warm up, Standby off
First, turn the Power switch to on (facing up). The indicator light will turn on.This
starts the tube heating process. After about 40 seconds, the tubes should be
sufficiently heated for normal operation. Your Einstein is then ready for operation and
the standby switch can be turned to “run” (also facing up). Premature activation of
the standby switch will lead to unnecessary tube stress and subsequent reduction of
the power tube’s life span.
2.1.3 Power Tube Caution
Tubes are electronic components that function only with vacuum intact and under
very high operating temperatures. Each tube has one or more heating filaments,much
like a light bulb. These filaments heat up the anode of the tube. If you switch the
standby switch to the “run” position before these anodes have reached their operating
temperature (when the anode surfaces are not heated evenly), this causes undue
stress to the tubes and their related components inside the amp. Always give the amp
its much needed warm-up time, even if musical inspiration hits you with a full force.
2.1.4 Operating Temperature
It will take a little more time after warm-up until everything inside the amp is working
in sync and to its fullest potential. A trained ear will notice a slightly warmer tone and
better complexity in tone after playing the amp for a short while. It’s like stretching
before exercising.
2.1.5 Power Tube Life
The power tubes of your amplifier are subjected to a certain aging process. Once
signs of aging, such as unreliability or unusual noise, are detected, we suggest that
you replace all power tubes at once. Matched tube sets age relatively evenly, so our
experience suggests. This means that if one goes, the others are not far from meeting
the same fate. The aging process manifests itself by a depletion of a thin layer of
wolfram on the anodes. This can take anywhere from 6 month to 3 years, depending
on the amount of use of the amplifier.
