Page 4
SET UP GUIDE
Like your turntable, tone arm and cartridge, care
should be taken positioning and setting up the
PS3 MK II for best results.
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
small 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”. The 8 pin 6SN7 may need fitting to the pre
amp unit, be careful to align the centre spigot before
inserting. See diagram on page 2.
3, Connect the power lead
between the power
supply unit and the pre-amp.
Please note the DC
power lead is permanently connected at the power
supply unit. Do not attempt to remove it. Please note
that the PS3 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 to minimise hum, MC models will be
more sensitive than MM only models. Connect to the
mains using the supplied IEC mains lead. If for some
reason the welded plug must be removed wire the
replacement plug 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 60 seconds.
Most valves should have a visible orange glow from
the cathode heaters. Full quality will be reached after
10 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 there may be a noise penalty. Or you may
choose to use an external step-up device. Moving
coil pickups generally give superior performance to
MM as records are originally cut with MC cutters. So
the two systems are sonically compatible. Our high
quality transformers will optimise the performance of
your PS3.
The PS3 may be returned to us in the future to
have this upgrade fitted (£250.00 @ 01/2013).
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 too 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”.
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 sighting the PS3 and power supply away from
both each other and other equipment.
On the rear of the PS3 is an “earth” or “ground
Lift” switch
. This will minimise any hum that is due
to an “earth loop” (too 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 very sensitive to hum in Moving
Magnet mode, but this will depend upon the hum field
of associated equipment such as amplifiers.
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
Storage in damp conditions could damage
transformers.
Clean with a damp cloth, with power
disconnected. Do not use solvents.
Keep liquids away from the power supply and
pre amp.
Allow about 60 seconds after switching off
before switching on again.
Always switch off and allow about 20 mins
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.
Leaving the amp switched on
Transistor equipment needs to be left on for a long
period to reach its optimum sound. With valves this
takes minutes. Therefore there is no advantage in
leaving the PS3 switched on when it is not in use. It
is using electricity and valves have a finite life,
(averaging about 5000 hours or 6000 LPs). Do not
switch on and off unnecessarily.
