Page 3
IMPORTANT READ THIS FIRST
2 QUICK SET UP GUIDE
1 Unpack unit carefully
. Make sure that it is
in good condition. If not report to Icon Audio.
It is important that you keep packaging for
warranty/service return. Rubber feet are
supplied to protect delicate surfaces. These
may be removed if not required.
2 Valve Fitting.
The KT88s should be fitted
first observing the numbers 1 & 2, on the rear
of the valve; this corresponds with the four
numbered sockets from left to right viewed
from the front. This is essential as each valve
was
‘set up’ in this position.
Do not push or
pull the KTs by the glass envelope
, this
could cause the glass envelope to come
loose from the base.
The small valves are normally numbered 3 &
4, and should be gently pushed into place. It
is normal for them to feel a little loose after
insertion.
The middle rectifier valve (5) should be fitted
in the same way.
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 4ohms. 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. Do not use 4 and 8
ohm at the same time.
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 terminal.
6 SWITCH ON!
The blue mains indicator
should
light
up
and
unit
will
take
approximately 40 seconds to start 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 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.
This amplifier uses a vacuum tube rectifier to
obtain the High Tension voltage. This
requires about 30 seconds to start working.
With the advantage that it also acts as a
delay in gently applying the HT to the audio
valves, thereby protecting them from sudden
HT “shock”.
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.
Please note 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 for a few weeks.
D, M
obile phone ‘breakthrough’ is normal.
E, Valves may make a ‘tinkling’ sound when
warming up and cooling down.
F, One channel may come on before the
other at switch on.
G,
The
volume
control
under
some
circumstances
may sound ‘Scratchy’, this is
not a fault!
H, There may be a ‘click’ when switching off.
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 KT88 grid bias pre sets
without reference to the manual. Incorrect
adjustment could cause the valves to
overheat, with resulting 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.
