AGD Andante User manual

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 1 of 28

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 2 of 28
AGD Andante
Reference Preamplifier
DAC –Phono Stage –Analog
Hi-Def Streamer
by AGD Productions, Inc.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 3 of 28
“Andante”Reference Preamplifier
by AGD Productions, Inc.
Operating Manual
Rev.01.
Document Date, March 28th, 2020
CAUTION
THE UNIT CONTAINS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS.
DO NOT REMOVE THE PANELS OR ANY SCREWS OR CONNECTORS.
DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WITHOUT THE GLASS TUBE FULLY
INSERTED IN THE PROPER SOCKET.
DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT IF WET OR NEAR WATER OR IN
UNCONTROLLED OUTDOOR CONDITIONS.
BE CERTAIN TO INSTALL IT IN A SECURE LOCATION FROM WHICH IT
CANNOT FALL OR TIP OVER.
TIME SPENT FAMILIARIZING YOURSELF WITH THIS MANUAL WILL BE
WELL REWARDED.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 4 of 28
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. About this document......................................................page 5.
2. Letter from AGD Team ...................................................page 6.
3. Important Safety Instructions ........................................page 7.
4. Introduction....................................................................page 8.
5. Main Features.................................................................page 9.
6. Unpacking the AGD ANDANTE .......................................page 10.
7. Installation of the AGD ANDANTE..................................page 11.
8. Front Panel Functions and Operation ............................page 12.
9. Back Panel Connectors...................................................page 14.
10. AC Power Entry module .................................................page 12.
11. Operation .......................................................................page 18.
12. Remote Control Operation.............................................page 21.
13. Troubleshooting .............................................................page 22.
14. Specifications..................................................................page 24.
15. CE and FCC Certification.................................................page 26.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 5 of 28
1- ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This Owner’s Manual covers unboxing of, familiarization with, and
configuration of your new amplifier. This manual will enable you to
expertly tailor the behavior and performance of your preamplifier to
fit your preferences of your equipment and listening room.
This user manual is integral part of the AGD “ANDANTE”and must be
available and consulted prior the installation of the equipment.
The “ANDANTE”is designed to operate indoor and must be utilized
uniquely for the scope of audio signal amplification within the
specifications and conditions defined in the manual.
It is strongly recommended that you follow this manual in the order in
which it is written so that you understand the safety considerations
before configuring the unit.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 6 of 28
Dear Customer,
I have always been driven by my passion to merge perfection and
beauty in the art of Audio reproduction.
After the launch of the "GANTubeTM technology, with the “Vivace”
and “The Audion”Hi-End Monoblock amplifiers, the “ANDANTE”
is our first Reference Analog-Digital preamplifier.
Crafted with the same care and dedication as all AGD products,
the “ANDANTE” is a superior musical preamplifier that combines
the best of the analog world and the top leading-edge digital
technology available today.
It took a long time to merge harmonically the two worlds into a
single unit, delivering all the musicality required for a world class
audio system. We at AGD believe the goals we set when we
started this challenging design have been finally achieved.
While The “Andante” is by design the perfect companion
preamplifier for our “Vivace”and “The Audion”GaNTube
Monoblocks, it will also deliver the most sublime and purest sound
with any audio systems of any standard.
The AGD Audio Design team is confident the “Andante”will meet
your expectations and as a team we will always stand in support
of your needs and future requirements.
Sincerely
Alberto Guerra
CEO, AGD Productions, Inc.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 7 of 28
3- IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS: All the safety and operating instructions
of your AGD ANDANTE PREAMPLIFIER should be read before power
is applied to the equipment.
RETAIN OWNER'S MANUAL: These safety and operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.
READ WARNING: All warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions should
be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: All operating and use instructions should be followed.
CLEANING: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and leave for at least 10 min. - make
sure the unit is not hot before you start cleaning. Use dry or damp soft cloth to clean
the surfaces. Do not use corrosive/abrasive spray for cleaning.
VENTILATION: Do not block any ventilation openings. Do not install near any heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including other
amplifiers). The unit should not be installed in a built-in location such as a bookcase
or rack unless proper ventilation is provided.
GROUNDING: Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A
grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the apparatus.
LIGHTNING: Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
SERVICING: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as if the power-supply cord
or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled inside the appliance or it has been
exposed to moisture, the appliance does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET: There are no user serviceable components inside this
product. Opening the cabinet may present a shock hazard and any modification to
the product will void your warranty.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 8 of 28
4- INTRODUCTION
The AGD “ANDANTE” is a complete audiophile Analog and Digital Reference
Preamplifier that delivers a unique set of features and components in a
single beautifully crafted single billet aluminum cabinet. With his built-in
fully balanced phono stage (MM & MC), the sophisticated R2R DAC with DSP
functions, and full-fledged versatile Network Player with seamless Roon,
Tidal and Qobuz services integration, the “ANDANTE” is by design the perfect
companion preamplifier for our “Vivace” and “The Audion” GaNTube
Monoblocks.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 9 of 28
5- MAIN FEATURES
•Fully Balanced Phono preamplifier stage with MM & MC cartridges
support (selection via Menu and Remote control) and with dedicated
ultra-low noise linear power supply and ultra-low noise linear
professional grade amplifiers stage.
•Analog boards fully shielded and separated from digital boards to
deliver the lowest possible noise and prevent any undesired
interference.
•High Dynamic low noise professional grade instrumentational
amplifier stages for the output buffer stage (configurable as bi-amp X-
Over upon request).
•Fully balanced design and full DC coupling (no capacitors in line with
analog signals).
•Three Analog inputs with one input fully balanced (XLR connectors).
•8bit fully balanced passive Ladder volume control.
•Network Player functionality (via Ethernet port). Full HD Streaming
Capability (DLNA, UPNP. Airpaly, ROON).
•AptX Bluetooth.
•Digital inputs:
•1- AES
•1- Spdif
•1- Toslink
•1- USB
•R2R multibit DAC with Up-Sampler (sampling rate of all signals are
increased to 32-bit / 384 kHz).
•Clock / Jitter control Digital block- synchronizes incoming data with an
internal clock reference generator removing jitter
•Three analog outputs (for multi-amplification solutions.
•1 XLR balanced output (6.4VRMS max)
•2 Single-ended stereo output (low/high pass X-Over customizable)
•Remote control.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 10 of 28
6- UNPACKING
Unpacking
All AGD products shipping boxes have been specially designed to
protect their contents and special care has been taken to prevent
damage under normal shipping conditions.
When unpacking the product:
•Mishandling should be evident upon inspection of the flight case.
•Carefully remove the component from its packaging and examine
it closely for signs of shipping damage.
•We strongly recommend saving all original packaging to protect
the unit from damage, should you wish to store it or ship it later.
Please check the content of the shipping is complete and all the following
items are included:
1- AGD Andante Unit
2- Power Cable
3- BT Antenna
4- Remote control
5- Gloves
6- Operating Manual

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 11 of 28
7- INSTALLATION
POWER REQUIREMENTS:
The AGD “ANDANTE” has universal voltage input configuration and can
operate between 90~264VAC 50/60Hz single phase.
A detachable IEC power cable intended for use in the region where the unit
is sold is included.
WARNING: The unit should be operated only at the rated
voltage indicated on the power connector. If you are not
sure what the main voltage supplied to your home is,
consult with your unit dealer.
•Connect the power supply to the power source indicated on the rear
panel.
•Avoid power conditioners that float the ground pin.
•ALWAYS connect power cord to component before plugging it into an AC
outlet and make sure that unit's main switch is set to the “OFF” position
before making the final connection.
•For best performance, try to position the power cord away from any
input signal cables if possible.
•Pay close attention to power quality and be aware that different power
cords can alter the sound.
•For initial power-up, operate the main switch located on the back-panel
power entry module.
•BE CERTAIN TO INSTALL THE UNIT IN A SECURE LOCATION FROM WHICH
IT CANNOT FALL OR TIP OVER.
•Do not operate on carpet or any other surface that might block air flow.
•Do not allow the chassis to touch any metal parts, such as the frame of
an equipment rack. This might create a parallel ground path that could
degrade the sound of your system.
•Connect the source's cables to their appropriate inputs.
IMPORTANT: READ THE SECTIONS “BACK PANEL”

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 12 of 28
8- FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS AND OPERATION
All keys of the AGD ANDANTE are touch-sensitive (no mechanical
movement) hence attention to familiarize with their operation is required.
The functions of the left end side switch group are:
Stand-by - Switches the unit from stand-by to operational mode.
Function/Menu selection: sequential rotation of the following:
▪Balance control
▪Selection of the Menu pages
▪Page 1: Phase inverting / Remote control setup / Display
brightness / Phono stage source type - MC or MM
▪Page 2: Digital filter - SD Slow / SD Sharp / Slow / Sharp /
Bypass.
Input Selector
▪Toggles between input sources as follow:
▪PHONO, RCA2, RCA3, XLR, USB, COAX, OPT, AES, LAN, BT
▪Switches back to the home screen if one of the menu pages
is open.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 13 of 28
8- FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS AND OPERATION
The functions of the right end side switch group are:
Volume up
▪Turn the volume control up by one step
▪Menu navigation (up).
Enter
▪Apply input selection
▪Select highlighted menu item.
Volume Down
▪Turn the volume control Down by one step
▪Menu navigation (down)

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 14 of 28
9- BACK PANEL CONNECTORS
DIGITAL INPUTS
The AGD Andante has a complete front end of digital signal inputs.
•All the Digital input connectors are located on the upper area of the
back panel.
•Please refers to the above picture to locate their positions and
identify the functionality.
DIGITAL INPUTS:
•1x Network (LAN)
•1x COAX (RCA)
•1x Toslink (Optical)
•1x AES (XLR)
•1x USB
•1x Bluetooth Antenna
Note: The Bluetooth antenna is assembled before shipping and it should be
re-checked and locked in position during installation.
Do not exercise excessive force. No tools are necessary to secure the
correct position and orientation of the BT antenna.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 15 of 28
9- BACK PANEL CONNECTORS
ANALOG INPUTS:
The AGD Andante has four different analog inputs.
•All the Analog input connectors are located on the bottom left area
of the back panel.
•Please refers to the above picture to locate their positions and
identify the functionality.
ANALOG INPUTS
•1x Phono Input L-R –Input #1
•2x RCA Single-Ended (Line level) Input # 2 & #3.
•1x XLR balanced level input
Note: A ground screw connection is made available next to the Phono Input
(Analog Input 1). Use this ground binding terminal to secure the
connection of the ground wire from the Turntable.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 16 of 28
9- BACK PANEL CONNECTORS
ANALOG OUTPUTS:
The AGD ANDANTE has three sets of analog output terminals.
•One pair of XLR (balanced output)
•2 pairs of RCA (single ended outputs).
The Andante output interface is then capable of driving up to six different
independent amplification channels.
The buffer output stage circuit is designed around a professional grade
operational amplifier ICs with output characteristics capable to drive any
system of amplification thanks to an output impedance of ~50Ωand
maximum voltage swing of 6.4VRMS.
ANALOG OUTPUTS
•1x XLR 1(Balanced Output) Output #1
•1x RCA (Single ended output) Output #2
•1x RCA (Single ended output) Output #3

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 17 of 28
10-AC POWER ENTRY MODULE
AC POWER ENTRY MODULE
AC Power Entry module functions:
The AGD “ANDANTE” has universal voltage input configuration and can
operate between 90~264VAC 50/60Hz single phase.
A detachable IEC power cable intended for use in the region where the unit
is sold is included.
WARNING: The unit should be operated only at the rated
voltage indicated on the power connector. If you are not
sure what the main voltage supplied to your home is,
consult with your unit dealer.
Power
ON-OFF
Switch
Fuse Holder
IEC Power
Cable Input

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 18 of 28
11-OPERATION
OPERATION
•After all the connections of the input signals are verified and are correct,
and the power cable is plugged-in, turn the power switch of the back
panel ON. A red light will illuminate. The unit is powered-up.
•Please note that LED lights of the ANDANTE will illuminate the front panel
area.
•At this point the unit enters automatically in STAND-By mode.
•To bring the unit in operation mode, touch the “Stand-by” switch.
•Please note it will take 2~3 seconds after turning the main
power on before the front panel touch sensors are operational,
including the stand-by switch.
•Use the “INPUT” selector switch to toggle between input sources
and set the one you will be using by touching the ENTER button.
•The Menu button gives access to the following functions:
Screen 1:
▪Balance control Operation
Screen 2:
▪Output Phase
▪Remote control setup
▪Display brightness
▪Phono stage source select - MC or MM
Screen 3: DAC Digital filters Selection
▪SD Slow
▪SD Sharp
▪Slow
▪Sharp Bypass
▪Dither
▪De-emphasis.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 19 of 28
•BALANCE ADJUSTMENT:
•To shift the Left/Right balance, press Menu once, and use the
navigation keys on the remote or on the front panel to
adjust the balance of the LEFT-RIGHT channels.
•PHONO INPUT
•To select the appropriate setting for the type of the cartridge
mounted on the tonearm (MM - moving magnet or MC - moving
coil), press the MENU function twice to enter into the second
page of the menu and select the radio button MM or MC and
press ENTER
•BLUETOOTH
•The Bluetooth functionality requires the pairing of the source
(Phone, PC, Tablet ect.) with the AGD ANDANTE Bluetooth
receiver.
•Select, either via remote control or by manual selection from the
front panel, the Bluetooth input on the AGD Andante.
•From the settings menu of the source (Phone, PC, Tablet), search
from the list of the Bluetooth devices available the one named
“AGD ANDANTE”, select it and initiate the pairing function.
•The Bluetooth range is about ~10mt (30 feet).
•Make sure the BT antenna is properly inserted and locked in
position.
•LAN (Streaming Function)
•THE AGD ANDANTE streaming function is available via Ethernet
port (LAN).
•Once the LAN input is selected, the AGD ANDANTE acts as DNLA,
UPNP renderer or as ROON or AirPlay device (and it is recognized
as such buy the relevant application software in use).
•The broacasted name of the renderer/device is “AGD”.
•That is the device name that needs to be selected in the
application settings of the streming device (Phone, Tablet, PC) in
order to send the streaming signal to the unit.
•In streaming mode all audio formats are available with resolution
up to 192Khz-24bit.

AGD Productions, Inc.
AGD ANDANTE REFERENCE DAC_PRE_PHONO_STREAMER Operating Manual_Rev1 Page. 20 of 28
•When in streaming mode (LAN input), the control of the volume
is also possible from the service in use (i.e Roon, BubbleUPNP,
etc.).
•Music services as Quboz and Tidal, are fully compatible with the
ANDANTE. Seamless integration available via 3rd party
applications (Android, iOS, Windows, Linux).
•We recommend as music management platform, either ROON
service, iTunes AirPlay or, for the open source application,
BUBBLEUPNP (available in Adroid and Windows).
•USB
•THE AGD ANDATE USB module is based on the latest XMOS
chipset and can decode any format available and specifically:
•Sampling frequencies: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz,
176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz and 768kHz
16-, 24- and 32-bit resolution
DSD Audio over PCM frames. DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256
•DSD Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512 on Linux
and Windows, using Thesycon audio driver.
•No drivers needed for MAC OS version 10.6.4 and above.
•ASIO/KS/WASAPI/Direct Sound drivers are needed for Windows
XP to 10 (32 and 64 bit).
•Licensed XMOS USB Audio 2.0 Stereo Driver downloadable from
3rd party link: www.JLSounds.com
•DIGITAL FILTER SELECTION
•The ANDANTE has 5 different digital filter options (Slow, Sharp,
SD Slow, SD Sharp, Bypass)
•The Digital filter functions are available via menu options and can
be accessed by entering the third page of the Menu function by
pressing the Menu key three times.
•Each option provides a distinct defined listening experience
based on the individual preference and the musical content.
•By default, no filter selection is active at the first turn-on.
•Every selection will require an adequate time for familiarization
of the sound reproduced.