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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 PS1.2 is not compatible with
the PSU from the earlier PS1.1.
4, Connect to turntable and amplifier.
Making sure that you connect the “earth” leads form
the turntable to the 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
danger to children if plugged in). 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 15 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 PS1 is fitted with the optional x10 step-up
transformers (designated by PS1 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 British made transformers will optimise the
performance of your PS1. offer optimum
The PS1 may be returned to us in the future to
have this upgrade fitted (£230.00 @ 04/2011).
8. Volume
The PS1 has a high output (1.6v 5mv input) and is
capable of driving most power amps directly.
However the output may prove to high for most
integrated or pre-amps, therefore back off the volume
control of the PS1 to get a similar level to CD or
radio. This will help with the noise level. Normal
position is about “3 o’clock”.
Getting the best from your PS1
Hum problems
Like any phono stage the PS1 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 PS1 is an “earth” or “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
should be at about the same level as the
background noise as you advance the volume on
your amp. You dealer or Icon can advise you.
The PS1 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
PS1, 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 20 seconds after switching off
before switching on again.
•
Always switch off and allow about 5 mins
discharge time before making any adjustments
such as changing valves.
•
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 PS1 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. From new the PS1
will take about 30 hours before it is “burnt in”.
