Preface
Please take time to carefully read and understand the
following instructions before you install or attempt to
operate your Audio Research SP17 preamplifier.
Becoming familiar with the product and its correct operat-
ing procedures will help assure you of maximum musical
enjoyment and reliable operation. The effort you invest
now will be well rewarded in the years ahead.
Warnings
1.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this
product to rain or moisture.
2.
This unit operates on voltages which can cause serious
injury or death. Do not operate with covers removed.
Any necessary servicing should be carried out by your
authorized Audio Research dealer or other qualified
electronics technician.
3.
The power cord on this unit is safety-tested and is
equipped with a proper grounding plug. If used normally,
it will provide a safe earth ground connection of the
chassis. Defeat of the grounding plug or replacement
of the plug or power cord, or any unauthorized modifi-
cation of the active circuitry or controls of this unit,
automatically voids warranty coverage, and could cause
injury or death.
4.
For safe operation and protection against fire hazard,
replace fuses only with those of the same type and
rating as those supplied with this unit.
Packaging
Save all packaging accompanying this product. You have
purchased a precision electronic instrument, and it should
be properly cartoned any time shipment becomes neces-
sary. It is very possible that this unit could be damaged
during shipment if repackaged in cartoning other than that
designed for it. The original packaging materials help
protect your investment from unnecessary damage, delay
and added expense whenever shipment of this unit is
required.
N o t e :
This unit has been shipped with the vacuum tubes
installed in a protective foam block under the top cover.
Using a phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the fastening
screws, remove the top cover and set aside. Install the
numbered tubes in their respective sockets, refasten the
top cover and store the foam block with your carton.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THIS SP17
PREAMPLIFIER BEFORE INSTALLING THE TWO
VACUUM TUBES IN THEIR PROPER SOCKETS.
Description of Controls
VOLUME CONTROL [VOL]:
Pressing the down [
] or
up [
] button decreases or increases the volume level.
Note that the SP17 has 102 individual steps across the
volume control adjustment range and 20 numbered volume
LEDs. The corresponding LED position that is illuminated
for a given volume control setting serves as a general level
indicator and will remain lit for several individual adjust-
ment steps before an adjacent LED illuminates.
INPUT SELECTOR SWITCH:
Allows selecting any of five
single-ended input sources [labeled PHO (phono), CD, TUN
(tuner), VID (video) and AUX]. Pressing the Input
selector switch steps through the input source options
which are indicated by LED illumination.
POWER ON / OFF SWITCH:
Supplies power from AC
wall outlet to SP17 when in “on” position (indicated by
illuminated LEDs).
In the event of loss of power to the SP17 while it is
turned on, the Power on/off switch will default to the “off”
position when power is restored. If the SP17 is
unplugged, the Power on/off switch will default to the “off ”
position when it is plugged in again. In each instance you
must manually select the Power switch “on” position to be-
gin operation of the unit.
Should you lose power to the SP17 or unplug it from its
power receptacle, and on initial power-up, it will default to
muted minimum volume level on the CD input and stereo
mode. After subsequent turn-on by the Power on/ o f f
switch, the SP17 will return to the previously used
settings, but in the “mute” position.
Model SP17
1
R E A R
F R O N T
V 1
V 2
SP17
TUBE LOCATIONS
TOP VIE W
LINE SECTION
V 1 6H30
OPTIONAL
PHONO SECTION
V2 6H30
