ENVIRONMENT
1)
Water and Moisture
- Do not use this product near water - i.e. near a bathtub, ash bowl, kitchen sink
or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool or the like. Damp basements should be
avoided.
2)
Heat
- The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves or other appliances that produce heat. Also avoid putting the unit in the direct rays of the sun.
3) For indoor use only.
PLACEMENT
1) Accessibility -
It is normal for a vacuum tube power amplifier to run warm if used for prolonged periods.
Tubes are very hot when operating and should not be touched for at least ten minutes after the unit is turned
off to prevent burns.
Always place your amplifier away from children and pets to prevent burns.
2) Ventilation
- This product should not be placed in a built-in installation or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been followed. Never place anything
on top your amplifier that could obstruct the airflow and cause the electron tubes to overheat and damage
the amplifier. Do not place your amplifier in a closed bookcase; overheating could occur. Ensure that
there is at least 8” (200mm) of open space above the amplifier.
2) Surface
- Place the unit on a flat level surface. Care should be taken to prevent objects from falling and
liquids from spilling into the unit. Do not subject the unit to excessive smoke, dust, vibration or shock.
MAINTENANCE
1) Cleaning
- Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Use a dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring
powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzene.
2)
Tube replacement
– Electron tubes have their life in the 1000-2000 hrs range. We strongly recommend
replacing the output tubes at 12-18 months interval (depending on your listening habits) and signal tubes
at every other power tube replacement (after 24-36 months). This will ensure that the amplifier always
performs at its best and tube failure will not overstress other parts.
3)
Biasing the amplifier -
The
model i34
amplifier uses tubes in fixed bias configuration. The amplifier is
delivered with adjusted bias. Bias adjustment is required only when replacing the original tubes. Matched
tubes should be used in each channel. They are available from multiple vendors as well as directly from
Vista Audio.
4)
Socket contacts –
tube pins and socket contacts are subject to oxidation. If the amplifier is not used
for several days at a time, the oxidation may cause loss of contact and it may be necessary to reinsert
tubes to restore the operation.
SERVICE
1) Replacement Parts
- When replacement parts are required, be sure that the service technician
uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or parts with the same characteristics as the original
part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
2) Tube Replacement/Rolling
-
Should it become necessary to replace your tubes, remove the
AC power plug from the wall and allow thirty minutes for the high voltage capacitors to discharge.
Follow instructions outlined in this manual. Tube rolling (frequent replacement for experimenting
purposes) is not recommended – the tube sockets are sensitive mechanical parts and frequent
insertions will cause premature failure and loss of contact, which may result in amplifier damages.
3) Modifications
–
Modifications to the amplifier are strongly discouraged. The unit was designed
by experienced engineers and tested for safe and reliable operation. Any modification may pose a
safety problem and result in reduced lifetime of the product. Removing cover will void warranty.
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