Page 3
IMPORTANT READ THIS FIRST
2 QUICK SET UP GUIDE
Box contents:
Amplifier, remote control, mains lead, manual.
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 e
ach 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. Take care to observe
the alignment of the centre spigot when inserting
all valves.
The single GZ34/5AR4 MUST ONLY BE FITTED
TO THE CENTRE POSITION.
The small valves are fitted at the front. Again
observing the “spigot”. The middle one is a
6SL7/6H9C/6188, the outside pair are 6SN7/6H8.
Please note the 6SN7/6SL7/6H9Cs 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.
6 Before switching on make sure that the
“standby switch” is in the “up” position.
SWITCH ON!
The meter should light up. Leave
for at least 60 seconds to for the valves to warm
up, and then push the “standby” switch into the
“down” position. The amplifier should now be
working. All valves should have a visible orange
glow from the cathode heaters. With the volume
control set to minimum (fully anti-clockwise) there
should be no sound coming from the speakers
except a barely discernible 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 GZ34/5AR4 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 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 there is a plastic safety tab,
loosen rear screws and pull out, re-tighten screws.
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 your TV. Maximum range is
about 5 meters. System re-
sets to 9 o’clock on
switch on. Strong light may interfere with
operation.
Remove batteries when amplifier is
unused as batteries will eventually leak causing
damage.
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.
