Page 3
IMPORTANT READ THIS FIRST
2 QUICK SET UP GUIDE
Box contents:
Amplifier, remote control, mains lead, manual,
screwdriver.
1 Unpack unit carefully
and check that it is in
good condition. Report any transit damage to your
re-seller immediately. 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 KT88s should be fitted
first observing the numbers 1,2,3,4 on the rear of
the valve, corresponding with the four sockets
viewed left to right from the front. Take care to line
up the centre spigot when inserting all valves.
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 four smaller 6SN7/CV181 valves are fitted at
the front. Again observe the position of
“spigot”.
Please note the 6SN7 are not interchangeable
with the KT88 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 loudspeakers
to the BLACK terminal
and either 4 or 8 Ohm RED terminals. (See your
speaker info). Make sure the polarity is correct.
(See speaker connections chapter). If ‘bi-wiring’
both black and both red leads should be
connected together. A second banana plug can
go vertically through the terminal hole. Make sure
the headphone is set to “SPEAKERS”.
5 Connect to mains
supply using supplied IEC
mains lead to 230/240v supply (or 117v North
America).
If for some reason the welded (fixed)
plug must be removed, remove the 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 SWITCH ON!
With the Standby switch in the “0”
position (recommended) The meter should light
up, the valves will heat up. The amplifier will start
working within about 45 seconds, then take out of
standby (“I” position). 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 virtually no sound
coming from the speakers except a barely
discernible hum. If there are any unpleasant
sounds coming from the speakers, switch off and
refer to the ‘Trouble Shooting’ section or contact
your dealer or Icon Audio. When using for the first
time check the bias reading (see section 6.2)
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”.
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. Batteries should be replaced every two
years to prevent leakage.
Remove batteries when
amplifier is not in regular use to prevent leakage.
Please note all these things are normal for
valve amplifiers:
A, Valves can get very hot, BEWARE!
B, The middle transformer will get
“hand hot”.
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 heating
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. Avoid situations where flammable
material such as paper or curtains may come into
contact with the valves. Always unplug when
making adjustments.
Like all amplifiers there
are potentially lethal high voltages inside (over
500v 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 regularly (say monthly using
built in meter). Full details will be found in
section 7.
