Page 3
IMPORTANT READ THIS FIRST
2 QUICK SET UP GUIDE
Box contents:
Amplifier, remote control, mains lead, manual,
bias meter.
1 Unpack unit carefully
and check that it is in
good condition. Transit damage must be reported
to Icon Audio within 3 days. It is important that you
keep packaging for warranty/service return.
2 If Necessary fit the valves, or check that they
are firmly in place.
The KT88/EL34s should be
fitted first observing the numbers 1,2,3,4 on the
rear of the valve; this corresponds with the four
sockets from left to right viewed from the front.
This is essential as each valve is ‘set up’ in this
position.
Do not push or pull the output valves
by the glass envelope
, this could cause the
glass envelope to become detached from the
base, damaging the valve.
The small valves are normally numbered 1, 2, 3
and should be gently pushed into place. The
middle one is a 6SL7, the outside pair are 6SN7.
Please note the 6SN7/6SL7s are not
interchangeable with the KT88/EL34 this could
be dangerous and will damage the amplifier.
3 Connect to source units
, e.g. CD, Tuner,
Tape, Phono pre amp (if used) etc via appropriate
phono sockets.
4 Connect to speakers
making sure that the
correct impedance (ohms) is chosen, (see back of
speakers). Most modern speakers are 6 ohms
which so this is not critical (see Ch 3). Don’t forget
to get the correct polarity of speaker cables. (See
speaker connections chapter). If ‘bi-wiring’ both
‘common’ should go to the black terminal, and
both ‘positive’ (or red) should go to either 4 or 8
ohm terminals.
5 Connect to mains
supply using supplied IEC
mains lead to 240v supply.
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.
6A Put the STANDBY switch in the “down”
position.
6B SWITCH ON!
The blue mains indicator should
light up and the valves will take approximately 60
seconds to start working. All valves should have a
visible orange glow from the cathode heaters.
6C The Volume
control will “re-set” on switch on
to aprox “9pm” position. There should be no
sound coming from the speakers except a barely
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 delay on
switch on. If you do not intend to use the amplifier
for a few hours you can switch put into “standby”,
when it will use minimal power and be ready for
use “instantly”. In standby you may hear
low
distorted sound from the speakers if you have a
source playing. This is normal, reduce the volume
during this time.
7 Your unit should now be functioning
. If not
check wiring again and/Use selector/tape
monitor/volume to choose source program and
suitable listening volume. Do not operate at a high
volume for the first five minutes to allow the valves
to warm up properly.
8, Remote Control.
If the batteries are OK (2x
AAA) the blue LED should light when any of the
keys are pressed. A little skill is needed in pointing
and pressing, as the unit has a motorised “pot”
which may not be as responsive as you TV.
Please note all these things are normal for
valve amplifiers:
A, Valves can get very hot, BEWARE!
B, The transformer cover will get quite warm
C, The amplifier may smell slightly for a few weeks.
D, Mobile phone ‘breakthrough’ is normal.
E, Valves may make a ‘tinkling’ sound when
warming up and cooling down.
F, The volume control may sometimes appear to
sound ‘Scratchy’, this is not a fault!
G, Valves occasionally “Pop” or “Crackle”. If this is
regular problem it could be your CH
boiler/cooker/fridge etc. (see trouble shooting).
8 Health and Safety
. The valves when operating
have high surface temperatures. Keep out of
reach of children and pets. The use of the
supplied guard is recommended in these
circumstances. Always unplug when making
adjustments.
Like all amplifiers there are
potentially lethal high voltages inside (over
400v DC), which when switched off can take
twenty minutes to discharge!
Do not remove
bottom panel unless you are a competent
engineer. There are no user serviceable parts
inside.
Like other household electrical
appliances do not leave unattended whilst
switched on.
Do not adjust the output valve grid
bias pre sets without reference to the manual.
Incorrect adjustment could cause the valves to
overheat, with resulting in damage to valves and
amplifier.
To maintain the best performance of the
amplifier you should check the bias of the
output valves from time to time (say twice a
year). Full details will be found in section 7.
