Aesthetix MIMAS User manual

Aesthetix Audio Corporation
5220 Gabbert Rd., Suite A  Moorpark, CA. 93021
Phone: [phone]
Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE USING
THE MIMAS.

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The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of significant
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 product.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THE AC (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED
TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
Extension cords are not recommended for use with this product.

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PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Mimas Integrated amplifier. It has been engineered to deliver the highest
attainable sound quality from your music sources. This is its sole purpose. Only the highest grade electronic
components are used in the Mimas, including: non-inductive Roederstein metal film resistors in the signal path;
polystyrene, polypropylene, and electrolytic power supply, bypass, and signal capacitors; low noise matched
vacuum tubes; glass epoxy dual mono circuit boards; 16 gauge aluminum chassis; custom wound low flux power
transformers.
PLACEMENT
The Mimas should be located away from possible sources of hum such as power cords, power transformers
and the like. It should not be located near any other heat source such as another power amplifier or power
supply. It must be kept well ventilated any time it is on. If it is positioned within an enclosed space then fans may
be warranted. All air vents must remain unobstructed.
VENTILATION
When installing the Mimas in your system, make certain to allow a minimum of 4 inches of ventilation on each
side of the unit. Also allow at least 6 inches of ventilation space above the unit. The front must be open.
BURN IN TIME
This unit has a break in period of about 400 hours during which continuous improvement in sound quality will
be observed.
IMPORTANT
Save all packaging in a dry place away from fire hazards. Your Mimas is a precision electronic instrument and
should be properly packaged any time shipment is made. In the unlikely event that you have to return your
Mimas to the factory for service, or if you send it to us for updating, the original packaging will best protect the
unit from shipping damage.
In order to achieve the fullest flexibility and enjoyment from your Mimas, we at Aesthetix recommend that you
read this manual in full before connecting the unit to your audio system.
Note: It is imperative that the Mimas be operated in a well-ventilated environment and the immediate external
temperature be maintained as specified. External cooling fans may be required in some cases. Do not
stack any equipment directly above or below the Mimas to protect it from overheating, as well as the
continued functionality of any equipment near and around it.
Warning: Each channel is a balanced bridged amplifier, thus the minus speaker terminal is NOT a ground, and
cannot be connected to a system ground or a loudspeaker system with a common ground. Consult
your speaker manufacturer to ensure that any speaker in your system that will be connected to the
Mimas does NOT have internal circuitry with a common ground.
WARNING
United States law prohibits disposition of these commodities to Libya, Laos, North Korea, Cambodia, Syria,
Sudan or Cuba unless otherwise authorized by the United States.
AFTER MARKET and THIRD PARTY MODIFICATIONS
Please note that any aftermarket and/or third party modifications will void the warranty. In the case of changing
the feet on a unit, in order to prevent any damage (which will also not be covered under warranty), please verify
that the screws being used to secure non-Aesthetix feet do not screw any deeper into the chassis than the
original ones. The original screw is 10-32 by 3/8” and extends into the chassis 1/8 inch.
Manual Conventions
For clarity purposes, a button/LED name will be in uppercase when instructed to press/view it, and capitalized
when it is referred to. When any of the 5 line Inputs is referred to, INPx may be used, where x is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
Concurrently when editing an Input specific parameter in the Setup menu, SETx may be used.
 2018 Aesthetix Audio Corporation. Written and Illustrated by Glenn Buckley

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please carefully read each item of the operating instructions and safety precautions before
installing and using this product. Use extra care to follow the warnings written on the product itself
and/or in the operating instructions. Keep the operating instructions and safety precautions for
future reference.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE ANY OF THE COVER
PANELS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
ONLY.
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT ALLOW LIQUIDS TO SPILL OR OBJECTS TO FALL
INTO ANY OPENINGS OF THE PRODUCT.
THIS UNIT IS SUPPLIED WITH A 3 PIN GROUNDED AC PLUG. ALWAYS INSERT THE AC PLUG INTO A
GROUNDED OUTLET. DO NOT REMOVE THE GROUND PIN OR DISABLE THE GROUND FOR ANY
PURPOSE.
BEFORE MAKING ANY CONNECTIONS TO THE MIMAS, FIRST TURN OFF THE POWER AND THEN
DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD.
WHEN INSTALLING THE MIMAS IN YOUR SYSTEM, MAKE CERTAIN TO ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 4
INCHES OF VENTILATION ON EACH SIDE OF THE UNIT. ALSO ALLOW AT LEAST 6 INCHES OF
VENTILATION SPACE ABOVE THE UNIT. IMPROPER VENTILATION OF THE UNIT MAY CAUSE
OVERHEATING, WHICH MAY DAMAGE THE UNIT AND CAUSE A FIRE. PLACE THE UNIT ON A SOLID
SURFACE ONLY. I.E. NOT ON CARPET, ETC.
DO NOT PLACE THE MIMAS NEAR HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS DIRECT SUNLIGHT, STOVES, HEAT
REGISTERS, RADIATORS OR OTHER HEAT PRODUCING EQUIPMENT.
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE ANALOG OUTPUT CIRCUITRY, BE CERTAIN NOT TO SHORT THE
OUTPUT SIGNAL TO GROUND. ENSURE THAT YOUR AUDIO OUTPUT CABLES DO NOT HAVE ANY
INTERNAL SHORTS BEFORE CONNECTING THEM TO THE MIMAS.
IF REPLACEMENT OF THE AC LINE FUSE AND/OR ANY INTERNAL FUSE BECOMES NECESSARY,
REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME VALUE AND TYPE OF FUSE. NEVER BYPASS THE FUSE.
IF THE AC CORD BECOMES DAMAGED, DO NOT USE IT. IMMEDIATELY REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE
OF THE SAME OR BETTER RATING.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE MIMAS BE OPERATED IN A WELL VENTILATED ENVIRONMENT AND THE
IMMEDIATE EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE BE MAINTAINED AS SPECIFIED. EXTERNAL COOLING FANS
MAY BE REQUIRED IN SOME CASES. DO NOT STACK ANY EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY ABOVE OR BELOW
THE MIMAS AS TO PROTECT IT FROM OVERHEATING, AS WELL AS THE CONTINUED FUNCTIONALITY
OF ANY EQUIPMENT NEAR AND AROUND IT.
EACH CHANNEL IS A BALANCED BRIDGED AMPLIFIER, THUS THE MINUS SPEAKER TERMINAL IS NOT
A GROUND, AND CANNOT BE CONNECTED TO A SYSTEM GROUND OR LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM WITH
A COMMON GROUND. CONSULT YOUR SPEAKER MANUFACTURER TO ENSURE THAT ANY SPEAKER
IN YOUR SYSTEM THAT WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE MIMAS DOES NOT HAVE INTERNAL CIRCUITRY
WITH A COMMON GROUND.
IF THE TOP COVER HAS TO BE REMOVED, FIRST TURN OFF THE REAR PANEL POWER SWITCH AND
WAIT 15 MINUTES. THEN REMOVE THE TWO 6-32 PANHEAD SCREWS AT THE TOP OF THE REAR
PANEL AND LIFT THE BACK OF THE TOP COVER UPWARDS.

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Table Of Contents
PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 3
PLACEMENT ................................................................................................................................................... 3
VENTILATION ................................................................................................................................................. 3
BURN IN TIME ................................................................................................................................................. 3
IMPORTANT .................................................................................................................................................... 3
WARNING ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................................................................... 4
Front Panel Layout ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Rear Panel Layout ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Wiring Diagram .................................................................................................................................................... 8
AC Power: ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Initial Setup .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Standby ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Menu Map .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
OPERATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Main Menu ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Input Select ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Display ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Mute ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Volume........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Setup .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
General ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Headphones ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Balance ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Start Level ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Maximum Level ....................................................................................................................................... 13
IR (Infrared) ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Display (Advanced Display Functionality) ............................................................................................... 14
Restore (Factory Settings) ...................................................................................................................... 14
Remote Trigger ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Setup Input ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Input On/Off ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Input Level ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Home Theater Bypass ............................................................................................................................ 15
Input Name ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Bypass (Advanced) ................................................................................................................................. 16
Internal Gain Setting ....................................................................................................................................... 16
RS232 ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
Phono ................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Setup Phono ............................................................................................................................................... 18
Cartridge Type ........................................................................................................................................ 18
Resistive Load ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Capacitive Load ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Gain ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Input Active ............................................................................................................................................. 18
Phono Input Name .................................................................................................................................. 18
Appendix A Internal Gain Jumper Settings ...................................................................................................... 19
Appendix B Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................................................. 20
Display Codes ................................................................................................................................................ 20
Appendix C RS232 Pinout ............................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix D Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 22

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Front Panel Layout
Figure 1 - Front Panel Layout
1. DISPLAY button. Press to extinguish or illuminate the display. This button is also used in some Setup
menus.
2. Display LED. Not used in normal operation. It is illuminated in some Setup menus, indicating that the Display
button is used for changing the currently selected parameter.
3. In the main menu, the four left characters are the name of the currently selected input.
4. In the Main menu, the larger, two rightmost numbers represent the current volume level.
5. Headphone LED. Illuminates when the output signal is routed to the headphone jack only.
6. MUTE button. Toggle to mute or un-mute the Mimas.
7. Mute LED. Illuminates when the Mute function is active.
8. Pressing the left side of the DISPLAY will lower the volume, or decrement the value when in a sub-menu.
9. LED DISPLAY.
10. INPUT button. Used to select an Input. Also used in some Setup menus for parameter selection.
11. INPUT LED. Illuminates when the MAIN menu is active or when the Input button can be used to make edits
in any of the Setup menus.
12. STANDBY button. After the rear panel MAIN POWER switch is turned on and the Mimas has completed its
Warm Up cycle, press the front panel STANDBY button to exit the standby mode. Pressing this button again
will put the Mimas into STANDBY and illuminate the Standby LED.
13. Standby LED. Illuminates when the Mimas is in Standby, flashes when coming out of Standby.
14. SETUP button. Accesses all setup menus. Press to exit the Setup Menu system.
15. Setup LED. It is illuminated when in any of the Setup menus.
16. LOCK LED. Illuminates when the Mimas locks onto a digital input signal.
17. Pressing the right side of the DISPLAY will raise the volume, or increment a value when in a Setup menu.
18. HEADPHONE jack. When enabled, the output signal is re-routed from the main outputs, to the headphones.

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Rear Panel Layout
Figure 2 - Rear Panel Layout
1. 6-32 screws to secure the top cover. Before removing top cover, turn off rear panel MAIN POWER switch
and wait 15 minutes. Then remove the two 6-32 screws and pull up top cover from the rear panel.
2. Right channel Plus BINDING POST. Connect plus speaker wire for the right speaker to this terminal.
3. Right channel Minus BINDING POST. Connect minus speaker wire for the right speaker to this terminal. DO
NOT CONNECT TO GROUND.
4. Left channel balanced and single-ended Analog Input jacks.
5. Left channel balanced and single-ended Preamp Output.
6. AC POWER INPUT and main fuse. Spare fuse inside.
7. MAIN POWER Switch. Disconnects AC to all circuits. It is recommended that this be left ON at all times
during regular use with the exception of whenever cables are connected/disconnected or when the unit is not
going to be used for an extended period of time.
8. Left channel Plus BINDING POST. Connect the plus speaker wire for the right speaker to this terminal.
9. Optional Phono Input module.
10. Optional Digital to Audio (DAC) input module.
11. Right channel balanced and single-ended Analog Input jacks.
12. Right channel balanced and single-ended Preamp Output.
13. IR extender input jack. Connect external IR receiver to this input
14. DB9 RS232 connector. Used for connecting a system control device to the Mimas to control and monitor its
functions.
15. Remote Trigger jack. When set to do so, as the Standby button is pressed to take the Mimas out of standby,
the rear panel trigger jack becomes active with a 5 VDC signal. A compatible receiving device such as
another Power Amplifier will receive this signal and then change its mode from standby to operate. When the
Standby button is pressed again the signal goes to 0V and puts the receiving device into standby mode. The
Remote Trigger Jack can also be setup as a trigger input, which when receiving a 5VDC signal, takes the
Mimas out of standby.
16. Left channel Minus BINDING POST. Connect the minus speaker wire for the left speaker to this terminal.
DO NOT CONNECT TO GROUND.

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Wiring Diagram
Figure 3 - Examples of Typical Input and Output Connections
CAUTION: Make all input and output connections before turning the Mimas Main Power Switch on.
WARNING! The Mimas rear panel Main Power switch MUST always be turned OFF when making or
changing speaker connections.
AC Power:
The Mimas may be plugged directly into an un-switched wall outlet. Although proprietary RFI (radio-frequency
interference) filtering is built into the Mimas, in some situations an AC power-line filter may provide additional
sonic benefits.

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Initial Setup
With the AC cord disconnected, remove the Mimas top cover by first removing the two Philips screws
on the rear panel closest to the top, then lift each rear corner one at a time.
Install 2 tubes into the Mimas. See Mimas Tube Guide. Afterwards replace the top cover and secure it with the
same 2 Philips screws.
Connect all sources to the Mimas rear panel inputs.
If used, connect a trigger cable to the device that the Mimas standby will either control, or be controlled by.
Connect a third party IR extender, if desired.
Connect the speakers to the Mimas outputs. Please adhere to all warnings and references in this documentation
with regards to not connecting the Mimas speaker minus (-) terminal to any ground.
Connect the AC cord.
Turn on the rear panel power switch. Each time the rear panel power switch is turned on, the Mimas will go into
Warm Up mode for up to 2 minutes. The timing of this is dependent on the current temperature of the Output
module heatsinks. During this time the display will read WARM UP.
Note: If using the optional HRC-3 hand held remote, it is shipped in “Transport” mode (off). It must first be set to
Active. Please refer to the Metis remote owner’s manual.
Install battery(s) in the hand held remote control.
CAUTION! To avoid loud pops and possible speaker damage, turn on all other system components
before taking the Mimas out of standby.
Standby
After the Mimas completes its Warm up phase, it will then go into Standby and the Standby LED will illuminate.
Pressing the STANDBY button will initiate the startup process. At this time the blue Standby LED will blink for a
few minutes before displaying the Main Menu.

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Menu Map
Figure 4 – Mimas Standard Menus

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OPERATION
Note: Put the Mimas into Standby before turning off the rear panel AC Power Switch.
It is normal that a slight pop may be heard when going into or coming out of Standby. This is due to the amplifier
switching from high bias to low bias.
Important Note: In order to extend the life of the tubes, do not have a source playing into the Mimas
while it is in STANDBY. Mute the source first.
Main Menu
When the Mimas comes out of standby, it will be muted and the Main Menu will be displayed. The Main Menu
consists of the currently selected input and the master volume level. If the currently selected input is in Bypass
mode, BP will be displayed instead of the volume level.
Pressing the left or right side of the Display lens (UP/DOWN on the remote) will raise or lower the volume when
not in Bypass.
Input Select
Repeatedly pressing the front panel or remote INPUT button advances the currently selected input to the next.
The factory default Line input names are INPx, where x is 1 through 5 – corresponding to the rear panel input
jack labeling. The factory default phono input names are P1 and P2.
Display
When the DISPLAY button is pressed, all LEDs will extinguish. Pressing any button will turn on the display and
applicable indicator LEDs. If the button pressed was INPUT or MUTE, the display and LEDs will extinguish again
after 5 seconds. If the STANDBY button was pressed, the unit will immediately enter the Standby mode. In
Standby, the Standby LED is always illuminated, regardless of whether the display was on or off. Pressing the
DISPLAY button while the display is off, or during the 5 second timeout period, will turn on the display and
normal operation will return.
Note: The LED for the DISPLAY button is intentionally inactive unless in a Setup menu, where it may be used to
select a submenu.
Mute
Pressing the MUTE button will alternately mute or un-mute the unit. When the Mute LED is illuminated, there will
be no audio at the speaker outputs. The Mute feature is available in most Setup menus.
Volume
The volume can be raised or lowered by pressing the left or right side of the front panel display, or the UP and
DOWN buttons on the remote.

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Setup
The SETUP button accesses a set of features that are programmable for each individual Input, and another set
of features that are ‘Global’, or General. Pressing the Setup button once accesses the General (GEN) sub menu.
Pressing the right side of the display lens takes the user to the (SETx) settings by input, beginning with Input 1
(SET1). Each time the Setup submenu is accessed, the last used (GEN or SETx) Setup type will display first.
Each time the Mimas comes out of Standby, the default Setup type first displayed will be GEN.
When in any Setup menu, pressing the SETUP button once will exit and return the user to the Main Menu.
Note: To audition changes in the Setup submenus, the user must re-select the edited input. This does not apply
to the Input Level (Offset), Balance and Headphone features, where edits are audible in real time with
each parameter change.
General
The General setup options are:
o Enabling/disabling the Headphone jack.
o Shifting the Left/Right Balance.
o Creating a [volume] Start Level when the Mimas comes out of standby.
o Setting a maximum level that the Mimas can be turned up to (Child proofing, speaker protection and
neighbor compatibility).
o Set the Mimas front panel IR receiver to respond to command sets from either the Mimas or Aesthetix
Calypso HRC-2 remote control.
o Setting up the front panel display brightness options.
o Restoration of factory presets.
At any time that a sub menu is displayed, pressing the INPUT button will advance to the next parameter.
Pressing the left and/or right side of the front panel lens will edit the displayed parameter value. The Mute feature
is active in all submenus with the exception of Balance.

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Headphones
By default the Headphone feature is set to OFF. The Mimas will auto sense when headphones are plugged in
and the display will indicate that the Headphone (HP) jack is enabled (ON). This will disable the speaker outputs.
When the headphones are unplugged, the Mimas will disable the Headphone jack and enable the speaker
outputs. Caution is to be given to note the Master Volume level prior to unplugging headphones.
The Headphone jack setting can be changed while headphones are plugged in. This is useful when the user
wishes to leave the headphones connected and go back and forth between listening to the speakers or the
headphones.
To enable or disable the Headphone jack, first press the SETUP button. If the menu does not say GEN,
repeatedly press the right side of the display until it does. Press the INPUT button. The display will read OFF HP
or ON HP. Toggle this parameter by pressing the left/right side of the display or the UP/DOWN buttons on the
remote. Press the SETUP button to exit, or the INPUT button to access additional programmable features.
Caution!! It is important to note that any time the headphones are unplugged from the front panel,
the speakers will automatically be enabled. Please note the Master Volume level prior to
disconnecting the headphones.
Balance
The Balance can be shifted 12dB to the left or right. Going past that turns the opposite speaker off.
To access this menu, press the SETUP button. If the menu does not show GEN, repeatedly press the right side
of the display until it does. Press the INPUT button two times to display BAL 00. Press the volume UP or DOWN
button on the remote, or the right/left side of the front panel lens to set the desired Balance. Press the SETUP
button to return to the Main menu.
Start Level
The factory default is 0 and the programmable range is 0-20.
To set the volume level that the Mimas will be at when coming out of Standby, press the SETUP button. If the
menu does not show GEN, repeatedly press the right side of the display until it does. Press the INPUT button
three times to display STL XX. Press the volume UP button on the remote or the right side of the front panel lens
to set the desired level. Press the SETUP button to return to the Main menu.
Maximum Level
The factory default is 88 and the programmable range is 50-88.
To set the maximum volume level that the Mimas will go to, press the SETUP button. If the menu does not show
GEN, repeatedly press the right side of the display until it does. Press the INPUT button four times to display
MAX: XX. Press the volume down button on the remote or the left side of the front panel lens to set the desired
level. Press the SETUP button to return to the Main menu.
IR (Infrared)
The factory default is Mima[s].
To set whether the Mimas responds to a Mimas or Calypso remote, press the SETUP button. If the menu does
not show GEN, repeatedly press the right side of the display until it does. Press the INPUT button five times to
display MIMA IR. Press the volume UP or DOWN button on the remote or either side of the front panel lens to
select the desired response. Press the SETUP button to return to the Main menu.

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Display (Advanced Display Functionality)
The Mimas is able to sense the ambient light level in the room and adjust its front panel LED brightness
accordingly. While the factory settings will work for most situations, there may be times when adjustment to the
settings is useful.
The Mimas will read the current ambient room brightness and break it down onto 16 levels (00-15), where 00 is a
very dark room and 15 is a very bright room, as measured at the center of the front panel display lens. As the
room brightness changes, the Mimas will read it and set the brightness of the display according the user’s desire.
The factory presets will bring the LED brightness down as the room darkens. This low LED brightness level will
be difficult to read or completely washed out then the room brightens, so as this happens, the LED brightness
increases.
Should it be desired to edit these settings, from the main menu, press the SETUP button and if the menu does
not show GEN, repeatedly press the right side of the display until it does. Press the INPUT button six times to
display DISP. Note that the Display button LED illuminates, indicating that pressing the DISPLAY button will
access the Display brightness Setup submenu. Once the DISPLAY button is pressed, L104 XX will appear in the
display.
In this example, L1 refers to Light Level 1. 04 is the current ambient light level the Mimas is reading in the room.
XX is the value the user can change the display brightness to when the Mimas reads the room light level at 1. As
the desired value is edited, the display brightness changes to show the user how bright or dim the current setting
will be.
Note: If edited via the front panel, the user’s hand or body could shadow the path of the ambient room light level
that the Mimas light sensor reads. Therefore it is recommended to view/edit this feature via the hand held
remote.
Restore (Factory Settings)
The Restore feature restores the factory settings for all programmable parameters.
From the Main menu, press the SETUP button and if the menu does not show GEN, repeatedly press the right
side of the display until it does. Press the INPUT button seven times to display REST. The Display LED will
illuminate and the display will read NO. Press the right side of the Display so that it reads YES, and then press
the DISPLAY button. Pressing any button when the Display reads NO, will have no effect on the current settings.
This option will allow the user to abort. Press the SETUP button to return to the Main menu.
* * *
Remote Trigger
The remote trigger control allows an external component to control the STANDBY state of the Mimas. Connect
the Trigger Out jack from a host component to the Remote Trigger jack on the rear panel of the Mimas.
The trigger voltage should be between +5 and +12 volts DC. There are two signal types that may be used; level
and pulse. The Mimas automatically senses which type of trigger signal it is receiving and responds accordingly.
A positive pulse that is greater than 100mS is interpreted as a Level trigger whereas shorter pulses are treated
as Pulse triggers. The minimum detectable pulse is 50uS.
When a Level type signal is received, the Mimas will be taken out of standby and when that signal drops to zero,
the Mimas will go into standby.
When a positive pulse signal is received, the Mimas will toggle between STANDBY and OPERATE modes,
duplicating the action of the front panel STANDBY button.
Use a 1/8” (3.5mm) mono plug for this jack. The tip is positive and the sleeve is ground.

15
Setup Input
The individual Input Setup options are:
o Enable/Disable the currently selected Input.
o Adjusting the input level to match that of other inputs.
o Selecting an Input(s) to be used for Home Theater Bypass.
o Naming an enabled Input.
o Selecting advanced Home Theater Bypass options.
At any time that a sub menu is displayed, pressing the Input button will advance to the next parameter. Pressing
the left and/or right side of the front panel lens (UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) will edit the displayed
parameter value. When Naming an Input or setting advanced Home Theater bypass options, the DISPLAY
button is used to enter these sub menus first. In these cases, the Display LED will be illuminated. In all sub
menus except NAME, the Mute feature is active.
The factory settings for each Line Input Name are Inp1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and TT 1, TT 2 for the two Phono Inputs.
The instructions in this section will edit Inp1.
Note: When editing Input specific parameters, the name of the Line input to be edited will be SET1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
The Phono Inputs will be P1 and P2.
* * *
Input On/Off
The factory default setting for each Input is ON.
From the Main menu, to set whether an Input is active or not, press the SETUP button. Press the left or right
side of the Display (UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) to select SETx, where x = the input to be edited. In this
example, SET1. Press the INPUT button once. Press the left or right side of the Display (UP/DOWN buttons on
the remote) to turn the Input On or Off. Press the SETUP button to exit and return to the Main menu.
Input Level
The factory default is 0.
Line level sources may have different output levels. To streamline this, the Mimas allows the user to adjust any
Input level to match that of other sources. The range is –12 to + 12.
To change the offset of Input 1, from the Main menu press the SETUP button. Press the left or right side of the
Display to select SET1. Press the INPUT button twice so that the display reads LVL. Use the left or right side of
the Display (UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) to select the desired value. If the source is playing, the user will
hear the audio level change as the displayed value does. Press the SETUP button to exit and return to the Main
menu.
Home Theater Bypass
The factory default is OFF. On the Main menu, a Bypassed input will be displayed as INPx BP, and volume &
mute changes are disabled, as the source device will control these features.
From the Main menu, to enable or disable Bypass for Input1, press the SETUP button. Press the left or right side
of the Display to select SET1. Press the INPUT button three times so that the display reads NORM or BYP. Use
the left or right side of the Display (UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) to select the desired value. Press the
SETUP button to exit and return to the Main menu. Refer to Bypass (Advanced) on the next page for additional
bypass options.

16
Input Name
The factory default names for Line inputs are INP1 through INP5, and TT 1, TT2 for the Phono inputs, when
installed.
Each input can be named using up to four characters. The available characters are A-Z; [blank]; 0-9 and several
special characters.
To name an Input, from the Main menu press the SETUP button. Press the left or right side of the Display to
select SET1, or the desired Input to name. Press the INPUT button four times so that the display reads the
current name. Press the DISPLAY button once. Use the left or right side of the Display (or Up/Down button on
the remote) to select the desired character. Press the DISPLAY button to move to the next character, which
identified with a dot to the right of it. Press the SETUP button to exit and return to the Main menu.
Bypass (Advanced)
In the Home Theater Bypass mode, the bypass routing of the incoming signal can be set in one of two ways:
Software (S/W) or Hardware (H/W). S/W routes the signal through all internal circuitry in the standard way, but at
a fixed volume level. This fixed level is user adjustable. When H/W is selected, the signal is routed from the input
jacks, directly to the power amp section, thereby bypassing all preamp paths, including the offset and vacuum
tubes.
Note: The Input must be set to BYP (see the Home Theater Bypass section on previous page) for these
parameters to have an effect.
To set this up from the Main menu, press the SETUP button once, then press the left or right side of the Display
(UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) to select SETx, where x is the desired bypassed input. Press the INPUT
button five times so that the display reads ADV. The Display LED is illuminated, indicating that it is to be used to
select the Bypass mode. Press the Display button, then use the left/right side of the display (UP/DOWN buttons
on the remote) to select H/W or S/W.
If the Bypass mode is set to S/W, the user can then press the INPUT button to access the software bypass fixed
level. The default level is 80. Press the left/right side of the display (UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) to edit the
volume level that will be used when this software bypassed Input is selected.
Note: If H/W is selected and the INPUT button is pressed, the user will be returned to the ADV. Sub menu. Press
the SETUP button to return to the Main Menu.
* * *
Internal Gain Setting
There are gain shunts (2 per channel) that allow the internal gain to be set at 0 or –15dB. Changes to these
settings must be completed by an authorized service technician, and the unit must have its AC cord removed for
at least 15 minutes prior to removing the top cover. Contact your dealer if these settings need to be adjusted.
The shunt positions are detailed in Appendix A.
Caution: to reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove any of the cover panels.
No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel
only.
RS232
All functions of the Mimas can be controlled and monitored via RS232, using the DB9 connector. As long as the
rear panel power switch in turned on, the RS232 circuitry is always active, thus allowing the Mimas to be taken
out of STANDBY via RS232. Refer to Appendix D for more information on using RS232.

17
Phono
When the optional Phono input module is installed, additional submenus will be revealed in the Setup Input
section. The Phono submenus are shown below in the right-hand column.
Figure 5 – Mimas Phono Menu Map
As indicated above, the Capacitive Loading submenu is available only when the Cartridge Type is set
to MM. Therefore if the cartridge being used is a moving magnet, begin by setting the Cartridge Type
to MM. The factory default is MC.

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Setup Phono
There are two phono inputs on the Phono Module. The first offers both balanced XLR and a single-ended RCA input
connectors whereas the second contains RCA jacks only. In the Setup Phono submenus, the first is referred to as P1 and
the second as P2. Both can store unique settings for different cartridges.
To set the Phono inputs to their appropriate values, navigate to the Phono Setup
submenu by pressing the SETUP button, then press the right side of the lens to get to the
Setup Input menu. Continue pressing the right side of the lens until the desired phono
input (P1 or P2) is displayed.
Cartridge Type
As indicated on the previous page, if the cartridge type being used for the currently
selected phono input is a Moving Magnet, press the INPUT button 4 times to display the
Cartridge Type submenu and press the lens Left or Right to change the type to MM.
Resistive Load
From Setup/Input/Phono, press the INPUT button once. The Resistive Load sub-menu
will be displayed.
If the Cartridge Type is set to MC (default), the available Load values will be: 47K, 20K,
10K, 5K, 2.5K, 1K, 750 ohms, 500, 375, 250, 200, 150, 125, 100, 75 and 50 ohms.
If the Cartridge Type is set to MM, the available Load values will be 47K, 20K, 10K and 5K
ohms.
Capacitive Load
Only when the Cartridge Type is set to MM will this sub-menu appear. The available
options are: 100pF, 220pF, 330pF and 470pF.
Gain
If the Cartridge Type is set to MC, the available Gain values will be: 72, 68, 64 and 60dB.
If the Cartridge Type is set to MM, the available Gain values will be: 56, 52, 48 and 44dB.
Figure 6 – Phono Module
Input Active
The factory default setting for Phono1 Input is ON, whereas Phono 2 is OFF.
From the Main menu, to set whether an Input is active or not, press the SETUP button. Press the left or right side of the
Display (UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) to select SETx, where x = the input number to be edited. In this example, P2.
Press the INPUT button once. Press the left or right side of the Display (UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) to turn the
Input On or Off. Press the SETUP button to exit and return to the Main menu.
Phono Input Name
The factory default Phono Input Names are TT 1 and TT 2.
Both phono inputs can be named using up to four characters. The available characters are A-Z; [blank]; 0-9 as well as
several special characters.
To name a phono input, from the Main menu press the SETUP button. Press the left or right side of the Display to select
SET1. Press the INPUT button six times so that the display reads the current name. Press the DISPLAY button once. Use
the left or right side of the Display (or UP/DOWN buttons on the remote) to select the desired character. Press the
DISPLAY button to move to the next character, which identified with a dot to the right of it.
Press the SETUP button to exit and return to the Main menu.
* * *
Both Phono Ground jacks are connected together.

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Appendix A Internal Gain Jumper Settings
Caution: to reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove any of the cover panels.
No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only.
Changes to these settings must be completed by an authorized service technician, and the unit must have its AC
cord removed for at least 15 minutes prior to removing the top cover. Contact your dealer if these settings need
to be adjusted.
Figure 7 – Internal Gain Jumper Settings

20
Appendix B Troubleshooting Guide
If the Mimas should function abnormally during operation, please review the items in the following checklist. Please
be sure to thoroughly check all other connected components such as speakers as well as cables.
Symptom Possible Cause(s) Remedy
No power or front panel
lights and no sound.
Power cable is not inserted 100% into AC
input connector.
Ensure that the AC cord is inserted all the
way into the Mimas and that the wall outlet is
active.
Power Supply fuse is open. Replace with same type and rating ONLY
Rear panel fuse is open. Replace with same type and rating ONLY.
Circuit breaker is open (AC outlet). Check the AC outlet circuit breaker and reset,
if necessary, or contact your dealer.
Module rail fuse is open. See “Display codes” section below.
Not responding to HRC-
3 remote.
Mimas IR set to Calypso In Setup: IR, change setting to Metis.
Remote mis-programmed. Restore factory settings on remote.
No audio output. Headphones are connected and turned
off.
In the Setup Menu, set the headphones (HP)
to ON
Mute is active Un-mute the Mimas.
Overheating The amp module(s) may be overheated. Shut
down the Mimas until it cools. An external fan
may be necessary.
Amp module fuse is open. Replace with same type and rating ONLY.
Input missing in display Input turned off. Turn on input in Setup/Inp.
Hot/Warm Normal operation
Display Codes
If the Mimas displays the following message in the display upon power up:
LEFT FUSE PLUS The left channel plus fuse is blown. Replace with same type and value.
LEFT FUSE NEG The left channel minus fuse is blown. Replace with same type and value.
RITE FUSE PLUS The right channel plus fuse is blown. Replace with same type and value.
RITE FUSE NEG The right channel minus fuse is blown. Replace with same type and value.
HOT Heatsink Temperature over 85 C. Turn Mimas off to cool it. Research reason for overheating.
DC DC offset on the output.
If one of these messages is in the display on power up, the Mimas will not come out of STANDBY until the error is
corrected.