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Instruction Manual and User Guide:
Stereo 300 MK II
Pictured with upgraded David Shaw CV181/6SN7
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 300
. This
unique design by David Shaw is the result of a
lifetime working with audio amplification. A great
deal of care has been taken in the design,
selection of components and production of this
amplifier. With a little care and attention, the
ST300 should give a lifetime of pleasure.
The
Stereo 300
is a Pure Triode integrated valve
amplifier running in fixed bias push-pull mode.
Fixed bias allows all of the power to be used to
drive the speakers in Class A/B mode where the
important first 5 Watts are class A.
The pre-amplifier is a high quality ‘Passive’ circuit
using silver audio cable and an ALPS volume
control with remote control. The ST300 is
sensitive enough to be used with virtually any
modern source. A pre-amplifier may be used if
desired using the “low sensitivity” mode.
The circuit design is our own using only three
stages employing the venerable 6SN7 (CV181)
giving an excellent combination of the best of
vintage valve sound, yet accurate and dynamic to
suit modern speakers and recordings.
In order to get the best out of your amplifier,
please read the enclosed notes. Even if you are
experienced with valve amps
please read the
‘quick set up guide’.
Should you be uncertain
about using 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. Our “old
school” method of point to point wiring hand wiring
without using printed circuit boards significantly
adds to the sound quality. Your ears may have
become accustomed to your old amplifier, so 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 listening quality.
When making judgements use a good well
balanced recording. Remember that a new
amplifier will take a few months to fully “burn in”.
IMPORTANT!
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL HEALTH & SAFETY
INFORMATION FOR YOU AND
YOUR AMPLIFIER. PLEASE
READ & KEEP SAFE AND
REFER TO IF NECESSARY
