Accustic Arts CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) User manual

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To our valued customer and music enthusiast,
With the purchase of your PREAMP I –MK 3 from ACCUSTIC ARTS®you have opted for a product
which incorporates the most modern technology to achieve excellent sound and quality. To make sure
that you have pleasure for as long as possible with your preamplifier we kindly ask you to thoroughly
read this instruction manual through to the end.
We wish you many enjoyable hours of listening to music with your new unit.
SCHUNK AUDIO ENGINEERING –The home of ACCUSTIC ARTS®
1 PREAMP I –MK 3 highlights
Fully balanced premium preamplifier with professional exceptionally low ohm and extremely
low distortion Class A output stage using technology derived from studio engineering
Premium quality ICs: 4 x selected Burr Brown®OPA 627 for fully balanced signal paths; 4 x
selected Burr Brown®OPA 2107 for unbalanced signal paths
Circuit topology optimized for very short signal paths
Magnetically shielded and encapsulated 75 VA toroidal core transformer for high output reserves
3 x fully balanced high level inputs (XLR)
2 x unbalanced high level inputs (RCA)
1 x unbalanced input (RCA) is configured as “SURROUND BYPASS”
2 x fully balanced outputs (XLR) e.g. for Bi-Amping configurations
1 x unbalanced output (RCA) e.g for a separate active subwoofer
Premium quality relays and premium quality switch (“Made in Germany”) with gold-plated silver
contacts for the input selection
Encapsulated high grade volume potentiometer for regulating the volume
Fully aluminium-made remote control for volume
ACCUSTIC ARTS®PREAMP I –MK 3 is “Handmade in Germany”

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CAUTION: WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Marking by the “CE” symbol indicates compliance of this device with the EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of
the European Community.
To guarantee a reliable function of this unit over the long-term we kindly ask you to thoroughly read
this instruction manual before connecting this unit and to observe the following instructions. This is
also necessary for your own safety when dealing with the unit.
2 Important safety instructions
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this appliance near water.
Never use this appliance near hot surfaces.
Never use this appliance outside and always place it in a dry environment.
Check that your mains voltage corresponds to that stated on the appliance.
Never leave the appliance unsupervised when in use. Always keep electrical equipment out of the
reach of children.
Never pour or spill liquids directly onto this appliance.
Never operate this apparatus in an explosive atmosphere.
Do not put any vases or similar objects containing water or liquids on top of this appliance.
Unplug this appliance during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

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Ensure that the appliance has sufficient air around it and avoid extreme temperature influences on
the unit, especially direct sunshine and high humidity.
Always disconnect the appliance from the mains power before carrying out any changes to the
cables or when cleaning the appliance.
Protect the mains cable from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptables and the point where they exit from the appliance.
The mains cable (power cord) of this appliance is equipped with an equipment grounding
conductor. This equipment grounding conductor must never be disconnected or taped over. In
case any humming occurs please contact your authorized dealer.
From time to time check the mains cable and the appliance for damages. Take care that the mains
cable is not buckled or damaged by any house pets.
Never move the appliance by pulling the mains cable. Make sure the mains cable cannot get
caught in any way. Do not wind the mains cable around the appliance and do not bend it.
Never use accessories which are not recommended by the manufacturer. They could constitute a
danger to the user and risk to damage the appliance.
Never operate the appliance with the housing open.
To clean the aluminium housing please only use a cloth moistened with water and some
detergent. Never use inflammable or chemically aggressive cleaning agents.
In the event of a defect, please never attempt to repair it yourself. Any tampering with the
appliance by an unauthorised person will make the warranty void. Please get in contact with your
authorized dealer.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the appliance has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the appliance, the appliance has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally or has been dropped.
Replace fuses only with original types having the same ampere value, the same voltage
endurance and the same time-lag. You can find the corresponding value in chapter 5.7of this
instruction manual.
Never bypass a fuse.
No user-serviceable parts inside.
3 Unpacking
Great care must be exercised when unpacking the unit. Carefully store the transportation packaging
for the possibility of further use. If you have a claim on the warranty, always use the original packaging
for any necessary transportation. Transportation without this packaging can lead to damage to the
housing.
Please check, if the following items are included:
1 x AC mains cable (type depends on your country)
1 x Aluminium remote control –RC II
2 x batteries for the remote control
1 x replacement fuse (type depends on your mains voltage)

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4 Positioning
The PREAMP I –MK 3 has no special requirements regarding its position. You can even put the unit
in a cupboard. For reasons of better access to the various input and output sockets we recommend
you position the unit in an audio rack. Professionally designed audio racks can have a positive effect
on the music reproduction of your audio system.
IMPORTANT !
Please observe at all times.
Before you connect the unit with some other unit using a cable, please
never forget that both units must first be switched off and disconnected
from the mains power.
5 Installation and start-up
Fig. 1: Rear view
1Fuse holder for the main fuse (plastic cap with integrated fuse)
2Mains power –on / off switch
3.1 Fully balanced input (XLR) for connection of a reproduction device 1 >IN 1<
3.2 Fully balanced input (XLR) for connection of a reproduction device 2 >IN 2<
3.3 Fully balanced input (XLR) for connection of a reproduction device 3 >IN 3<
4.1 Unbalanced input (RCA) for connection of a reproduction device 4 >IN 4<
4.2 Unbalanced input (RCA) for connection of a reproduction device 5 >IN 5<
5Unbalanced input (RCA) configured as “SURROUND BYPASS”
(before use, please see chapter 5.3)
6.1 Fully balanced output (XLR) for connection to the power amp >LINE OUT 1<
6.2 Fully balanced output (XLR) for connection to a second power amp >LINE OUT 2<
7 Unbalanced output (RCA) for connection to an amp or subwoofer >LINE OUT 3<

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Fig. 2: Front view
8Rotary switch to select input of reproduction device
>IN 1 –IN 2 –IN 3 –IN 4 –IN 5<
9.1 Push-button for activating input >SURROUND BYPASS<
9.2 LED lights up when switch >SURROUND< is pressed
10 Infrared remote control receiver for volume control >REMOTE<
11 LED (blue) indicates unit is ready for operation >ON<
12 Push-button for deactivating the output relays >MUTE<
13 Rotary potentiometer for volume setting >VOLUME<
5.1 Application possibilities for the PREAMP I –MK 3
The PREAMP I –MK 3 is a premium audiophile preamplifier without compromise, fulfilling the highest
demands of audiophile listeners. For this premium preamplifier only the best and most expensive parts
of the world’s most renowned manufacturers are used.
The PREAMP I –MK 3 is designed to work with a power amplifier, e.g. AMP I, AMP II or AMP III from
ACCUSTIC ARTS®. Of course you can use this ACCUSTIC ARTS®unit with units from other premium
quality brands.
5.2 Use and start-up of an analog input >IN 1 to IN 5<
The PREAMP I –MK 3 has three fully balanced (analog) high level inputs >IN 1 –IN 2 –IN 3< and
two unbalanced (analog) high level input >IN 4 –IN 5<. This means in total you can connect 5 various
reproduction devices via their analog outputs.
>SURROUND BYPASS< is a special configured analog input and will be described in chapter 5.3.
If you want to connect a digital-analog converter, e.g. the DAC I from ACCUSTIC ARTS®, in order to
use digital devices via the converter, then simply connect the analog output of your digital-analog
converter with one analog input of this preamplifier.
If you have an analog record player (turntable, phono), then do not connect it directly to one of the
inputs. To connect the record player you need a phono-preamplifier which you must wire between the
record player and the PREAMP I –MK 3.

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You can activate the individual connected reproduction devices using the rotary switch >IN 1 to IN 5<.
Please use only high quality interconnect cables. This is the only way to ensure that the sound quality
of the PREAMP I –MK 3 is fully exploited.
Pin declaration of the balanced input / output (XLR):
Pin 1: Ground (shield) Pin 2: Non-inverting (hot; 0°) Pin 3: Inverting (cold; 180°)
These pin assignments comply with the standard adopted by the Audio Engineering Society. Refer to
the operating manual of your other units to verify that the pin assignments of their connectors
correspond to your ACCUSTIC ARTS® preamplifier.
IMPORTANT!
Always switch off the preamplifier before connecting an additional unit.
5.3 Use of the analog input >SURROUND BYPASS<
The SURROUND BYPASS from ACCUSTIC ARTS®is a special input configuration that allows the
signal from a surround processor to pass through the preamplifier with no gain. The volume will be
controlled by the surround processor.
WARNING!
You can’t connect standard units like for example a CD-Player to this input.
In the SURROUND BYPASS configuration the volume of this input is not controlled, this means
that the incoming signal is transferred unchanged to the 3 outputs >OUT 1< to >OUT 3<. This
could otherwise lead to very high volume levels and do serious harm to your connected
loudspeakers.
The >SURROUND BYPASS< input will be activated by pressing >SURROUND< 9.1 on the frontplate.
When the >SURROUND< push-button is pressed the blue LED 9.2 will light up.
5.4 Use of the line outputs >OUT 1 to OUT 3<
Connect the preamplifier balanced outputs 6.1 >OUT 1< or 6.2 >OUT 2< to the respective input of
your balanced power amplifier. Please check, if the pins of the XLR sockets have the same
configuration (see chapter 5.2 ).
Notice: “Bi-Amping”
To use two stereo power amplifier (or 4 mono power amplifier) in a “Bi-Amping” configuration, both
balanced line outputs of the PREAMP I –MK 3 are necessary.
Even if you use the two balanced outputs of the PREAMP I –MK 3 for such a “Bi-Amping”
configuration, you still have the possibility to use the unbalanced line output >OUT 3< for connecting a

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separate subwoofer. Subwoofers often have only unbalanced high level inputs. The >OUT 3< can also
be used as subwoofer connection if you don’t operate in „Bi-Amping” mode, and only use one
balanced line output, e.g. >OUT 1<.
If you don’t own a power amplifier with balanced inputs, you can of course also connect a power
amplifier equipped with unbalanced inputs. Therefore please use the unbalanced line output >OUT 3<.
Using the rotary control 13 >VOLUME< you can set the volume of the reproduction device connected
to the PREAMP I –MK 3
The volume can also be changed using the separate remote control ACCUSTIC ARTS®type RC - II.
Fig. 3: Volume setting on the rotary potentiometer VOLUME
Minimum Maximum
Fig. 4: ACCUSTIC ARTS® remote control –RC II
reducing volume
increasing volume
5.5 Use of the mute function >MUTE<
This push-button is configured for short interrupts. By pushing this button all three line outputs >OUT
1< to >OUT 3< are turned off. This means that no music signal is being transmitted to the connected
power amplifier.
If you don’t operate the unit for a longer period, e.g. several hours or days, then the unit must be
switched off by pushing the mains switch 2on the rear site of the unit.

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5.6 Connection to mains power
Only connect the unit to the mains power when all the other cable connections have already been
carried out.
Plug in the mains cable firstly in the inlet connector sockets of the unit and only then the earthing pin-
plug in the mains socket.
By actuating switch 2you can switch your unit on or off.
5.7 Replacing damaged mains fuses
If a fuse is damaged only replace the fuse with original types having the same ampere value, the
same voltage endurance and the same time-lag. Never use fuses with other ampere classes or time-
lag classes.
IMPORTANT!
Pull out the mains plug!
Always disconnect the unit from the mains power before replacing a fuse.
To change the fuse please use a screwdriver suitable for the slot in the fuse holder 1. Press the
screwdriver lightly into the slot and gently lever the fuse holder (plastic cap) carefully out of the
respective socket. Now you can take out the fuse holder and replace the fuse.
For countries with 220-240 V / 50-60 Hz
please use the following fuse types:
For countries with 100-120 V / 50-60 Hz
please use the following fuse types:
400 mA –slow blow
800 mA –slow blow
Notice: Use the included fuse for replacement!
6 Looking after your equipment
The PREAMP I –MK 3 from ACCUSTIC ARTS® does not require special treatment in excess of the
usual care taken with high quality devices. Clean the housing with a dry or slightly moistened cloth.
Please do not use any aggressive detergents or detergents which contain silicon.
The best way to clean the chromed inlay and knops is with a mild non-aggressive fat-dissolving
detergent (e.g. glass cleaner). Use a very soft clean cloth and wipe the front plate with this without
exerting strong pressure. Never use abrasive agents or polishing agents with abrasive particles.
IMPORTANT!
Do not place the unit in direct sunshine and avoid extreme changes in
temperature.

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7 Troubleshooting
Malfunctions are mostly caused by something simple which can be put right quickly.
In the next section some possible malfunctions are described together with their corrective action.
However, if it is not possible to remove the malfunction please contact your authorized dealer.
Malfunction The unit was switched on, the blue LED 11 remains dark.
Cause 1 The mains cable is not properly connected.
Solution Check mains cable and push in firmly.
Cause 2 The fuse 1is damaged.
Solution Pull out the mains plug and replace the corresponding fuse (see chapter 5.7 ).
Malfunction >SURROUND BYPASS< is connected but you hear no signal.
Cause 1 The button 9.1 isn’t switched on
Solution Push-button 9.1 on front panel.
Malfunction The volume control does not react to the remote control.
Cause 1 The remote control transmitter does not send the right signal.
Solution Check batteries and change if necessary.
Cause 2 The infrared receiver cannot receive the transmitted signal.
Solution Always point the remote control transmitter directly towards the receiver diode and
remove any barriers which might possibly interfere.
For malfunctions which affect the reproduction of individual devices first of all make sure that all
connections are correctly and thoroughly carried out. In general errors which arise are often a result of
an unsatisfactory or wrongly made connection.
8 Specifications (selection)
Inputs: 3 x fully balanced high level inputs (XLR)
2 x unbalanced high level input (RCA)
1 x unbalanced input (RCA) as “SURROUND BYPASS”
Outputs: 2 x fully balanced line-out (XLR)
1 x unbalanced line-out (RCA)
Maximum gain: balanced: 3.7-times / +11.4 dB
unbalanced: 3.5-times / +10.8 dB
Signal difference left/right: < 0.5 dB (from 0 dB to –40 dB)
Input resistance: balanced: 2 x 50 k
unbalanced: 50 k
Output resistance: balanced: 2 x 34 
unbalanced: 34 
Max. output voltage: balanced: > 18 Veff on 10 k
unbalanced: > 9 Veff on 10 k

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Crosstalk: > 100 dB with 1 kHz
Signal-to-noise-ratio: -103 dB (ref. 500 mV / potentiometer turned fully to left)
Intermodulation distortion: 0.0029 % with 1.0 Veff on 10 k
(SMPTE 60 Hz / 7 kHz 4:1)
Distortion (THD+N): 0.00015 % with 1.6 Veff on 10 k
(effective bandwidth 22 Hz –22 kHz)
Power consumption: 5.9 watts
Dimensions (H x W x D): 100 x 482 x 375 mm / 3.9 x 19 x 14.8 inches
Weight: 10 kg / 22 lbs.
VI-5