Amoenus audio ASM 6-3 User manual

amoenus audio
AUTHENTIC STEREO MONITOR
ASM 6-3 SP
amoenus audio
AUTHENTIC STEREO MONITOR ASM 6-3 SP
phones
power
volume
2
8
5
4
3
1
0
6
7
9
10
input
USB
SPDIF
optical
AES-EBU
line
XLR
balance
L
R
amoenus
off
on

Manual ASM 6-3 SP
Foreword
The ASM 6-3 SP is a special device for playing stereophonic music.
The two algorithms for an improved playback quality on speakers
(amoenus verus) and headphones (amoenus externus) are
unique and provide a natural and comfortable listening experience.
Despite an uncompromising audio quality the ASM 6-3 SP is quite small
with a versatile but simple user interface.
This device was created out of true love for music. Therefore, I wish you
many relaxing and enjoyable hours in the fascinating world of music.
Erich Meier
(founder and CEO of amoenus audio)
ASM 6-3 SP !1

Actually, the operation of the ASM 6-3 SP is self-explanatory. Since
there are some special features to be observed, please read this
manual carefully before use.
Installation
For optimal operation and the best possible audio quality, use only the
included power supply. It works with all common mains voltages (100 -
240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) and requires very little current (<0.075W) when the
ASM 6-3 SP is switched off.
An internal voltage monitoring mutes the audio outputs at under-
voltage (<10V) and over-voltage (>14V).
Due to the small dimensions of the ASM 6-3 SP, the device is very
handy. This is very useful, especially for headphone playback.
Before you switch on the ASM 6-3 SP, all necessary inputs and outputs
should be connected and the volume control must be turned to
position “0”.
ASM 6-3 SP !2

Inputs
USB
Connect the ASM 6-3 SP to a free USB port on your computer. Do not
turn on the ASM 6-3 SP until the computer is completely started up.
Mac OS X 10.6 and later:
No special audio driver is required.
The ASM 6-3 SP is shown as "USB2-0 High-Speed True HD Audio" in the
system settings "Sound" under "Output" and can be selected with a
mouse click.
Further settings can be made in the program "Audio-MIDI-Setup".
Windows XP and later:
To playback high-resolution audio files (e.g. 96 kS/s or 192 kS/s) a
special driver is required. For this, the computer must be connected to
the Internet when the ASM 6-3 SP is connected for the first time. The
System will load and install the required driver automatically.
SPDIF, optical, AES-EBU
These connectors support digital stereo signals with the appropriate
format (see Technical Data ASM 6-3 SP).
If no digital signal is present or a foreign format can’t be processed by
the ASM 6-3 SP, the LED above the balance control flashes.
Line
Here you can connect an analogue source with line level.
XLR
This input is designed for a balanced, analogue signal with +4 dBu
nominal level.
ASM 6-3 SP !3

Outputs
The switching between loudspeaker (Line, XLR) and headphones is
made by connecting and disconnecting the phones. Thereby the
corresponding algorithms amoenus verus (loudspeaker) or
amoenus externus (headphones) are activated.
Headphones
Before plugging in a headphone to the "phones" jack, turn the volume
knob to position “0”.
When a headphone is connected, the Line and XLR outputs are
muted.
The output has a very low impedance (0.13 Ω) and can damage
headphones with an impedance <50 Ω(e.g. phones for mobile
devices) at a high volume setting.
With amoenus externus the ASM 6-3 SP allows you to listen
relaxed for a long period. Therefor you should adjust the volume to a
rather low level, in order to prevent to harm your hearing.
The output is protected by a self-healing fuse against short circuit.
However, you should avoid to insert a mono jack.
Line
The line output can be connected to an input of a HiFi system. The
volume of the ASM 6-3 SP is bypassed. The volume has to be adjusted
by the HiFi system.
XLR
This balanced output is for active speakers. The volume is adjusted with
the volume control of the ASM 6-3 SP. The volume position “8”
corresponds approximately to a 0 dB gain.
The outputs Line and XLR are always simultaneously active.
ASM 6-3 SP !4

Input
The various audio sources are selected with the rotary switch.
Volume
The controller is located after the D/A converter and does not affect
the dynamics and resolution of the digital signal processing in any way.
Balance
The center position is indicated by the LED above the controller.
In headphone mode, a channel is attenuated by a maximum of 10 dB.
Thereby, possible differences in the ear-sensitivity can be
compensated.
In loudspeaker mode, the maximum attenuation of a channel is 100
dB.
amoenus
The algorithm can be switched on and off.
amoenus verus
This algorithm is used for loudspeaker playback (line and XLR output).
The sound of an acoustic musical instrument is emitted over the entire
area of the sound body.
Thus the different shares of the direct sound reach the ear of the
listener not at the exact same time.
On the other hand the radiating surface of a speaker is very small.
Especially in the higher frequency range, where the localisation of the
ear is highly accurate, the sound is emitted virtually punctual.
ASM 6-3 SP !5

The human hearing realise such differences very good.
Therefore in a blind-test it‘s quite easy to distinguish a live played
instrument and the same one reproduced by a loudspeaker.
amoenus verus reconstructs the missing spatial image of the
instrument and achieves amazing results:
• The sound image detach slightly from the speakers and appear
three-dimensional.
• The instruments sound naturally (particularly such with a wide
overtone spectrum).
• The stereo image appear tidy (better localisation of the sound
sources).
• The virtual centre-channel gets the necessary presence.
• The “live“ feeling is increased.
without amoenus verus
with amoenus verus
ASM 6-3 SP !6

amoenus externus
This algorithm is used for headphone playback.
When you are listening to stereo music with headphones (as opposed
to loudspeakers) you may observe several sonic degradations:
• The stereo field is stretched to an angle of 180°, as if you were sitting
just in-between the speakers (also known as “in-head localisation").
• Because of the 90 ° position of the sound source, the music is
perceived with a wrong tone colour.
• There‘s no depth in the sound. All sonic sources seem to be lined up
between your ears and it‘s difficult to localise their position in the
stereo field.
The result is an unnatural listening experience and may cause a
phenomenon called “Headphone fatigue“.
The reason for this problem is quite simple:
By far the largest share of music is made (mixed) for playback on
loudspeakers ideally arranged in a 60° triangle to the listener to get the
most accurate sound reproduction.
In order to achieve the original listening experience on headphones
the sound of loudspeakers in a 60° triangle array has to be simulated
on the phones.
ideal 60° stereo
triangle
listening position
listening with
headphones
listening with
headphones and
amoenus externus
ASM 6-3 SP !7
LS
LS
LS
LS

CE Declaration
The ASM 6-3 SP complies with all requirements and relevant
directives of the European Union.
Recycling information
This electronic device must not be deposed of with haushold
waste. Consumers are obligated by law to return it at the end
of it’s service live to the public collecting points set up for this
purpose or point of sale. Details are defined by the national
law of the respective country.
Important Notes
To prevent hearing loss, do not listen for a long period with high
volume, especially when using headphones.
Use the ASM 6-3 SP only in a dry environment.
Clean the surface with a dry or slightly wet cloth and do not use any
aggressive detergents.
amoenus audio assumes no liability for misuse of the ASM 6-3 SP.
Warranty
amoenus audio grants a product guarantee of 2 years.
Support
If you have any questions or problems, please contact support:
www.amoenus-audio.ch
ASM 6-3 SP !8

Technical Data ASM 6-3 SP
Digital Input
USB: USB Type B (female)
SPDIF: Cinch (female) 0.5 - 2.1 Vpp @ 75 Ω
optical: TOSLINK (female)
AES-EBU: XLR (female) 0.25 - 8.5 Vpp @ 110 Ω
Sample Rate: 44.1 - 192 kS/s
Internal Data Format: 88.2 kS/s, 24 Bits
Line Input
Connector: Cinch, unbalanced (female)
Impedance: ~5.3 kΩ
Max. Input Level: +8 dBu
Frequency Range: 15 Hz - 30 kHz (< -1 dB)
Linearity: 30 Hz - 22 kHz (< ±0.2 dB)
XLR Input
Connector: XLR, balanced (female)
Impedance: ~13 kΩ
Max. Input Level: +15 dBu
Frequency Range: 10 Hz - 30 kHz (< -1 dB)
Linearity: 30 Hz - 22 kHz (< ±0.2 dB)
Headphone Output (amoenus off)
Connector: 6.35 mm TRS (female)
Impedance @ 1 kHz: 0.13 Ω
Max. Output Power @ 10 Ω: 2.3 W
Frequency Range: 10 Hz - 35 kHz (< -1 dB)
Linearity: 10 Hz - 25 kHz (< ±0.2 dB)
THD&N (unweighted): < 0.005 %
Crosstalk @ 1 kHz: < -85 dB
Noise unweighted (Vol. 8): < -120 dB
Noise unweighted (Vol. 10): < -105 dB
ASM 6-3 SP !9