ANK L1 EL84 V2 Instructions for use
L1 EL84 V2 Integrated Amplifier
EI-Core and C-Core
Construction Manual
Version 2.02, June 2019
1-613-822-7188
Copyright © 2019 AudioNote Kits
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Table of Contents
Section 1 —Introduction ……………………………………………..…………………………..………………..…... 4
1.1 About ANK Audio Kits ……………………………………………..…………………………..……………..…...... 5
1.2 Evolution of the L1 EL84 Integrated Amplifier V2 ………………………….…………..…... 6
1.3 Equipment ……………………………..………………………………………………………………………......…7
1.3.1 Overview of the Kit ……………………………………………………….………….…………...…7
1.4 Tips and Suggestions …………………………………………………….………….………………………..….…8
1.4.1 Soldering …………………………………………………….……….……………………………...…8
1.4.2 Components ……………………….…………………………….…………………………………..….…8
1.4.3 Resistor Sizes ……………………………………………….……….…………………………………....... 8
1.4.4 Capacitor Voltage Ratings ……………………………………………..………………....…… 8
1.4.5 Electrolytic Capacitors ……………………………………………………………………………..…… 9
1.4.6 Diodes ………………………………………….……………………………..………………………………..…9
1.4.7 Hardware/Mechanical …………………………………………………………………………..……… 9
1.4.8 Wire Stripping and Tinning ………………………………………………………………..….…10
1.4.9 Wire Color ……………………………………………………..……………….……………………...…10
1.4.10 Optional Finishing Touches …………………………..……………….………………….......…10
1.5 Build Process …………………………………………………………………………….…………………..………...…11
1.5.1 Some Good Rules of Thumb for Building Your Headphone Amplifier ….... 11
1.5.2 Organization of this Manual ………………………………………………………..…….…....…12
1.5.3 Electrical Safety Warning ………………………………………………………..…….…....…13
Section 2 —Chassis, AC, and Mains Transformer installation ………......…..…14
2.1 Overview ……………………....................……………………………………..………..….…………….…....…14
2.2 Installing the Feet ……………………....……………………………………..………..….…………….…....…14
2.3 Installing the Mains Transformer ……………………………………………………………....…....…15
2.4 Installing the Chassis Ground Screw …………………………………………………….…..………..…… 16
2.5 Installing the IEC and Rocker Switch …………………………………………....….……………………… 17
2.6 Wiring the IEC, Rocker Switch, and Chassis Ground ………………………………….……........ 20
2.7 IEC PCB Wiring …………………………..………………...............................…....................……………………… 26
2.8 Connecting and Mounting the IEC PCB …………………………..….......................……………………… 29
Section 3 —Dyna-Choke Installation ……….......................................................................…..…33
3.1 Overview ……………………....................……………………………………..………..….…………….…....…14
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Section 4 —RCA, Selector Switch, and Volume Pot Installation and Wiring ...... 34
4.1 Overview ……………………....................……………………………………..………..….…………….…....…14
4.2 Installing the RCA Jacks ……………………....………………………..………..….…………….…....…35
4.3 Installing the Volume Pot and PCB ……………………....……………………………………...…....…36
4.4 Wiring the RCA Jacks and Volume Pot Ground ……………………....………………...……….…....…38
4.5 Wiring the RCA Jacks and Volume Pot Signal Wires ……………………....…………….…....…39
Section 5 —PCB Preparation and Installation….....……………………………................................ 42
5.1 Overview ……………………....................……………………………………..………..….…………….…....…14
5.2 Installing the Resistors ….…………………….................................….……………....…...………….…........... 43
5.3 Installing the Capacitors ….……………………..….………...............…….....…..………….…........... 47
5.4 Installing the Valve Bases ….……………………..….……………....…..................………….…........... 49
5.5 Building the Power Supply ….……………………..….……………....…...…………................…........... 50
5.6 Final Steps ….……………………..….……………....................................................…..………….…........... 52
5.7 Mounting the PCB ….……………………..….……………....................................…..………….…........... 54
5.7.1 Connecting the Dyna-Choke …………………………...……………….………………..….......…55
5.7.2 Mounting the PCB ……………………................……...……………….………………….........…55
Section 6 —Installing and Wiring the Selector Switch …....................................... 56
6.1 Overview ……………………....................……………………………………..………..….…………….…....…14
Section 7 —Speaker Posts and Output Transformers Installation ….....….............. 57
7.1 Speaker Posts ……………………....................……………………………………..………..….…………….…....…14
7.2 Output Transformers ………….................……………………………………..………..….…………….…....…14
Section 8 —Interwiring …....................................................................................................….............. 59
8.1 Connecting the Filaments ….…………………………………..….……………....…..………….…........... 59
8.2 Connecting the HT ….………………………….……………..….……………....…..…………...............…….. 60
8.3 Connecting the Output Transformers ….………………………….……………………..….………......….. 61
8.4 Connecting the Volume Pot ….……………................…………….……………………..….………......….. 66
Section 9 —Power On and Testing …......................................................................….............. 68
Section 10 —Finishing Touches ….....……………………………................…........................................... 69
10.1 Installing the Front Faceplate and Knobs ………..………………..……………………......……… 69
10.2 Installing the LED ……………………..…………………………………..……..………….....……..…………… 69
10.3 Installing the Chassis Top ………..………………………………..……….......……………..……………… 70
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Section 11 —Final Thoughts ….....…………………..………..................…......................................... 71
11.1 Congratulations ….………………………….……………………..….……………....…..………….....…….. 71
11.2 Cables …………………………….………………………….…………………….….……………....…..………….…....….. 71
11.3 Tube Rolling ……………….….…..................……...............………........................................................... 72
11.3.1 ECF80/6BL8 ……..………………..................……..............……………………............................ 72
11.3.2 EL84/6BQ5 ……..………………..................……..............……………………............................ 72
11.4 Thanks …………………………………...............................……...............……………......................................... 72
Appendix
Resistor Color Code Reference .………………………………….…………..…...................………….…...…. 73
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Section 1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the new ANK Audio Kits L1 EL84 Integrated Amplifier V2. This is a
high end and sophisticated piece of audio equipment that will surely become the centerpiece of
your sound system! We are excited that you have chosen to join us on the path of audio
superiority, and thus, we have created this manual to help guide you through each step of the
assembly process with as much detail and clarity as possible. To facilitate the build process,
the manual has been divided into a number of sections, each focusing on a separate aspect of
the system: follow the sections in order and we guarantee you not only a problem free
experience but also a pleasant time doing so. If you are new to building kits or if at any time
you feel as though you need help or advice, feel free to contact us and we will do whatever it
takes to get you on the right track.
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1.1 About ANK Audio Kits
Audio Note (UK) started out in the early '90s developing several DIY audio kits while they were
building up their finished product business. DIY Audio has a long history and it was an
opportunity for knowledgeable customers to take advantage of world class designs and
components. Audio Note (UK) was focused on using the very finest materials and components
custom-made to their specifications, across their entire product line —from custom film and
electrolytic capacitors to tantalum resistors, transformers, binding posts, wires, etc. The Kit1
300B Single Ended integrated amplifier was born during development of the Meishu and it
proved to be extremely popular worldwide. The ANKit business was born!
As the finished product business and dealer network started to flourish, Audio Note (UK)
eventually moved the kit business off into a separate division; thus, in 2004, Audio Note Kits
started up and was supported by a website so that customers not located near Audio Note (UK)
dealers could order kits and have them shipped direct. Kit development continued in earnest
during the 2000s with development assisted by Audio Note (UK) engineering. Audio Note (UK)
parts were used throughout the kits, depending on the various levels and budgets. By 2013,
ANK Audio Kits (as it came to be called) had developed a wide product range covering all areas
of two channel audio: a single-ended 300B product line, an EL34 classAB and single-ended
product line, digital to analog converters, pre-amplifiers, Phono stages, and Audio Note (UK)
speaker kits. The end result today is that customers worldwide with DIY skills can now build
an entire high end audio system to their liking. With the introduction of higher levels in 2013
and the release of the Level 5 Mentor Pre-amplifier and the DAC 5.1 Signature, some customers
wanted these high end products assembled by a professional builder. As a result, ANK Audio
Kits began offering this service for Level 4 and 5 products so that a significant investment in a
kit could be turned into a work of art! Since ANK Audio Kits was born in 2004, over 2,500 kits
have been shipped to customers worldwide. Clearly, there is a real demand for high end audio
kits and ANK Audio Kits has been delivering the goods now for 15 years.
We believe and hope that you will have a great experience building your kit and we look
forward to hearing from you about your experience.
Regards,
Brian Smith —Director ANK Audio Kits
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1.2 Evolution of the L1 EL84 Integrated Amplifier V2
ANK Audio Kits is pleased to announce the newly updated L1 EL84 Integrated Amplifier V2.
Who doesn't love listening to the rich and revealing sound of your favorite CDs, streaming, and
other source(s) through a beautiful high quality amplifier.
“I have always wanted to introduce a top quality integrated amplifier kit with
the gorgeous EL84 pentode that is easy to build for the first timer, affordable,
and an ultimate audiophile experience! We succeeded! After many years of
thought and development the new low cost L1 EL84 Integrated is a reality.”
Brian Smith
The amplifier's 6-tube design includes a large Mains transformer, 4 line-level inputs, 2 ECF80
driver tubes, and 4 EL84 Power pentode output tubes producing 17 beautiful class AB1 watts
and a dead quiet operation. The El84 has more gain than is usual in a power pentode,
producing full output from a relatively small drive signal. Many audiophiles love this tube for
its distinctive, articulate sound. All you need to do is attach your speakers, plug in some
sources, turn it on, and away you go!
We hope you will be very happy with this kit. It uses top of the line parts all the way, including
a 3mm thick aluminum chassis powder coated black for serious robustness and high quality
Mains and output transformers —EI-Core or triple C-Core, with high gloss black covers,
custom-designed and manufactured for Audio Note (UK). The majority of components fit onto a
single thick high quality printed circuit board (PCB), expertly engineered and tested. To keep
your amplifier perfect over many years, or do periodic checks for maintenance, there are test
points for tube cathode voltages and High Voltage.
This is a fun build and ideal for the first-time builder. The kit is not overly complex and we
believe that this manual will enable you to assemble it successfully. A good first step is to view
the parts list included on the disk and do an inventory of all the parts. If there are any
discrepancies please contact audionotekits@rogers.com or call (613) 822-7188. Then you will
start by installing the large Mains transformer in the chassis and hooking up the AC socket
and PCB, and rocker switch. Our manual will walk you carefully through all the required steps
—then, you can start on the build of the large PCB. The goal, of course, is to carefully install
the resistors, capacitors and other parts into the correct positions and to make sure that the
wiring between the various functional parts of the amplifier (what we call the "interwiring") is
correct. To help you we have included many pictures, including high resolution pictures on
disk, that you can use to get things just right. And finally, we'll install the output transformers
and the various input jacks and front panel controls and then test everything.
One of the key aspects of ANK Audio Kits success is our terrific support. We're always here to
help you. So, rest assured, we'll make sure you succeed!
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1.3 Equipment
Here is the list of equipment that will be required:
Philips screwdriver
A pair of quality wire strippers
A large, organized work area
Soldering iron station with wet sponge
Lead-based solder (4% Silver is recommended)
1.3.1 Overview of the Kit
We suggest that you download the AudioNoteKits DIY Guide from our website:
(http://www.ankaudiokits.com/PDF/AudioNoteKits_DIY_SKILLS.pdf). This guide gives an
overall introduction to kit building skills and soldering, as well as the arrangement of the ANK
Audio Kits components.
In your kit you will find a series of kit bags containing all the hardware, wire, and parts for the
associated sections of the amplifier. See the Parts List files on the disk to match up the parts in
the kit bags with the lists. There is also a Master list for the kit. It’s a good idea to do a basic
inventory to ensure you have all the parts.
Good luck –take your time and enjoy the kit build!
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1.4 Tips and Suggestions
We have learned a lot about kit building over the last decade from our customers and I'd like to
share some tips with you to ensure a successful project. Please read through this section
thoroughly, it will give you a good idea of what's ahead and help ensure your success!
1.4.1 Soldering
We highly recommend using lead-based solder with some silver content1on the build. You
should use lead-free ONLY if you are experienced using it and confident. Lead-free solder
requires a higher melting temperature and thus is more difficult to use. We don’t recommend
lead-free solder for first-time builders.
We suggest that you practice your soldering before starting on the kit. Feel free to request
practice parts with your kit so that you can practice tinning wires and making nice solder
joints. The key is a good soldering station with a sponge, the right temperature, a good size tip,
and experience; remember, tips can wear out so make sure your tip is working. (You can also
check out YouTube videos for soldering lessons and examples.) The solder should flow freely; if
it’s forming balls then there is likely a problem with the tip, the temperature, or (sometimes)
the surface. Feel free to contact us for help!
1.4.2 Components
Using the Ohm setting on your multimeter is very useful when building a kit. It's a good,
practical way of measuring resistors and continuity and is much easier than reading the color
codes on the side. (With practice, the color codes can also be a good way to determine the
resistance, but that method is better left to experienced builders.)
1.4.3 Resistor Sizes
Resistors today, particularly metal film resistors, are often smaller than you might expect. It
used to be that the difference between a 1/2W and a 1W resistor was obvious: the 1W was
considerably larger. That way of looking at things sometimes now no longer applies. Please be
assured that all resistors supplied with ANK Audio Kits are rated at least per the specified
wattage: in some cases, a higher than specified wattage may be supplied.
1.4.4 Capacitor Manufacturers and Voltage Ratings
Occasionally, depending on parts availability, we may use capacitors from different
manufacturers. These will always be of equal or higher quality! As a result, some of the
pictures in the manual may look a bit different at times. With regard to voltage ratings,
1For example, WBT-0800.
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normally, the voltage rating of the supplied capacitors will be exactly what you see on the
parts lists. Occasionally, a part may be supplied with a higher voltage. Think nothing of it!
1.4.5 Electrolytic Capacitors
For those who have not built a piece of electronics before, here is a little lesson on capacitors.
There are basically two types of capacitors that we use in the kits: electrolytic and signal
capacitors. Of these, electrolytic capacitors require special attention. Electrolytic capacitors
are “polarized,” which means they have a POSITIVE (+) and a NEGATIVE (–) lead and typically
have values like 100uf 450V, 10uf 160V, or 470uf 35V.
These capacitors need to be installed
correctly or else they will possibly blow up at some point!
Each electrolytic capacitor will have a
wide stripe
on the NEGATIVE side. Always ensure that
this stripe (NEGATIVE) is positioned correctly. There are several keys on a printed circuit
board to help you to know how to position the capacitor:
1. There may be a "+" on the board indicating where to position the POSITIVE lead.
2. The segmented half of the circular stencil on the board shows where to position the
NEGATIVE lead. The unsegmented ('half-moon') part of the circle is where the POSITIVE
lead goes.
3. The POSITIVE lead goes to a square solder pad while the NEGATIVE lead goes to a round
solder pad.
1.4.6 Diodes
When installing diodes note that they are oriented with a stripe —
match the stripe on the
diode with the banding (||) stencil on the board.
1.4.7 Hardware/Mechanical
Not all of us are mechanically oriented. So, the kit is well laid out such that all the hardware is
provided and bagged in individual sections, so things should make sense. Start thinking
mechanically because about a third of the kit is mechanical. The first thing to remember is
that good hardware is beautiful: we use all stainless steel metric hardware in the kits. It truly
is a thing of beauty: don’t rush your hardware! Here are a few helpful things to understand:
We use British metric hardware (M3, M4, M5, screw size 10mm, 15mm, etc..) as opposed
to the American imperial system (5/1000th or 50/1000th, 1 inch, 3/4 inch). Please
familiarize yourself with the hardware in the kit.
The screws will be called M3 or M4, which is the diameter of the shaft. The length of the
shaft will be in millimeters, so you will encounter things like an M4 screw 16mm, a PAN
head screw (which is a round spherical head), or a COUNTERSUNK or FLAT head screw
(a screw head that needs to be flush with a surface —for example, under a
transformer). So if you are asked to use an M3 16mm CSK screw, this is an M3 size
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(obviously), which is a thinner shaft diameter than an M4; 16mm is the length of the
shaft; and the head type is CSK, which is a countersunk or flat head screw.
Once you have the screws mastered, look at the matching nuts such as M4 nut or M3 nut
and corresponding washers.
Standoffs are common in the kits (again, they are either M3 or M4 size, with different
lengths). They are typically threaded, so the screw goes into them.
If any of the hardware is confusing or something is not fitting right, please email us.
1.4.8 Wire Stripping and Tinning
When it comes to wires, we typically use 18 gauge (thicker) and 22 gauge in the kits. It's PTFE:
Teflon silver-plated copper wire. Basically this is classed as hook-up wire; we typically twist
wire for you when it needs to be. The other wire we use is called shielded cable, like an AN-A
(Audio Note (UK)) for some signals. This is two-conductor wire: one is for the signal and the
other (a big ground braid wrapped around the signal wire) is the shielding, which helps
prevent the cable from picking up noise. You should practice stripping some 18g or 22g wire,
and then try tinning this wire; this is the process of adding solder to the bare wire so that the
invisible coating on the wire is burned off. This makes for easy soldering to a PCB, an RCA
connector, or a transformer terminal. So it's a good idea to practice this a little before starting
the kit.
1.4.9 Wire Color
In the earlier sections of this manual, particularly those sections dealing with the Mains
transformer and Dyna-Choke wires, the colors of the wires should match the color of the wires
in your kit. If they don't, or if you're unsure about things, contact audionotekits@rogers.com.
Later on, at the Interwiring stage, there may be some differences between the descriptions (or
pictures) of the color of wires that you will connect and the color of the wires supplied with
your kit; for example, depending on inventory, we may supply a Black–Red twisted pair instead
of a Green–Red (or vice-versa). Don't worry! Just be sure to check the wiring diagrams
carefully and connect the correct points together and all will be well!
1.4.10 Optional Finishing Touches
From time to time we get asked about some of the build details of the ANK Finished Products
that you can see in the pictures in the "Assembled Kits Gallery!" (https://ankits.smugmug.com/)
on our website. It's important to understand that these stunningly beautiful products were
done by an accomplished professional builder with decades of experience and that some
particulars of the build may be beyond most of us. However, experienced builders who want to
incorporate some of these finishing touches should feel free to do so. While we don't officially
support or supply parts for these optional enhancements, there's no reason why you couldn't
or shouldn't do them if you want to and feel that you can handle them. Without getting into the
details (you're on your own here), what you'll want to get hold of are: heatshrink (to bundle
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wires), cable ties (to secure large capacitors), stacked (male/female) standoffs and cable
clamps (to elevate and secure signal cables), and cable sleeving. You can get some of these
from your local hardware store (for example, 1/4" Cable Clamps) and other, more specialized,
parts from online distributors such as Grainger, Digi-Key, Mouser, or Cable Ties and More. If
you do decide to dress your build with some of these, please send us a picture or two. We'd love
to see what you did!
1.5 Build Process
1.5.1 Some Good Rules of Thumb for Building Your Amplifier
Take your time, prepare, and try and work on a small task each time you start to build
the kit.
Instead of rushing through another section —use the end of your session to check your
work. Always ask yourself if the step you are performing makes sense.
Have fun with your build and savour the experience. Take the time to do a really good
job!
Feel free to contact us via email audionotekits@rogers.com if you have any questions
or suggestions during your build —and feel free to send us pictures, etc. We'd be
pleased to give you tips along the way.
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1.5.2 Organization of this Manual
This manual is intended for the new, upgraded version (V2) of the L1 EL84 Integrated Amplifier
and for both the EI-Core and C-Core variants. The upgrades include 4 line inputs, a new chassis
with changes to the IO configuration on the back channel to keep the inputs away from the
Power Supply, the addition of an IEC printed circuit board (PCB), and a Dyna-Choke.
For the moment, until we have pictures of a build using the new chassis, you will notice some
minor discrepancies between the text (which is right up-to-date and addresses building the kit
with upgrades and the revised chassis) and some of the pictures which have some view of the
earlier version of the amplifier. The minor discrepancies are insignificant and do not change
the build, but we have noted them where they exist. We expect to issue a revision of the manual
soon, with new pictures: perhaps they'll be from your build! Thanks for your understanding.
The manual tracks the building of both the EI-Core and C-Core versions interchangeably, since
the builds are identical except for some minor differences related to the output transformer
wiring, differences which are documented in that section of the manual.
We have divided the build up into the following sections:
1. Introduction
2. Chassis, AC, and Mains Transformer installation
3. Dyna-Choke Installation
4. RCA, Selector Switch, and Volume Pot Installation and Wiring
5. PCB Preparation and Installation
6. Installing and Wiring the Selector Switch
7. Speaker Posts Installation
8. Interwiring
9. Power On and Testing
10. Finishing Touches
11. Final Thoughts
Appendix
Resistor Color Code Reference
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Here's another way of looking at how the manual is organized and how the sections fit into the 'big
picture': the main sections are mapped so that they mirror how the components will be positioned in the
amplifier chassis:
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1.5.3 Electrical Safety Warning
Please be aware of proper electrical safety.
There are sufficient voltages in this kit to give you a very nasty and harmful shock, so be
careful when powering on, debugging, and probing around.
Please contact ANK Audio Kits via phone or email (audionotekits@rogers.com)to discuss any
precautions necessary when building the kit if you feel unsure about what you are doing at
any stage of the build.
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Section 2
Chassis, AC, and Mains Transformer installation
This section of the manual has a number of pictures from a build of the previous version of the
amplifier and you will notice, in particular, that the Rocker Switch and IEC position have
flipped in the upgrade (the IEC is now on top) and that the configuration of the holes for line
inputs and speaker posts is different. Until we replace these pictures in a future revision of the
manual, just use your good common sense to negotiate the differences. For example, install the
IEC and Rocker Switch in the positions for your chassis, disregarding their positions in the
pictures, but wire their connections as you see in the graphics. (There is no change in the
wiring.)
2.1 Overview
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2.2 Installing the Feet
Take the 4 feet and the M4 x 16mm screws and M4 nuts and washer and mount the feet into the
four corners of the chassis, as shown below.
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2.3 Installing the Mains Transformer
Position the Mains transformer into the chassis such that the White, Black, and Green wires
are on the edge of the chassis, as shown below. These wires are the Primary.
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Here's another view:
2.4 Installing the Chassis Ground Screw
Insert the M4 16mm chassis Ground screw into position from underneath the chassis.
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2.5 Installing the IEC and Rocker Switch
With the Mains transformer approximately in position we can to install the IEC and Rocker
Switch.
Do not screw the Mains transformer in yet, as we need to access the IEC area. It's easier to do
this first and then install the Mains. In the pictures you can see where the Mains will end up.
Here are the parts we'll need:
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