ANK The Artiste EL34 Instructions for use

EL34 Triple C-Core Monoblock
"The Artiste"
Construction Manual
Version 3.03, July 2019
[email protected]
1-613-822-7188

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Table of Contents
Section 1 —Introduction ……………………………………………..………………………….…………….……… 5
1.1 About ANK Audio Kits ……………………………………………..………………………….…………….……… 6
1.2 Basic Operation of the Amplifier ………………………………….…………………..…….……… 7
1.2.1 Overview ………………………………….……………………………………………..…….……… 7
1.2.2 Schematic ……………………………………………….……..……………………………….……… 8
1.2.3 Component Placement ………………………………….……..……………………………….……… 9
1.2.4 Block Diagram ………………………………………………………………………….……..…….……… 10
1.3 Equipment ……………………………..…………………………………………………………………….………. 11
1.3.1 Overview of the Kit ……………………………………………………….………….…….….…… 11
1.4 Tips and Suggestions …………………………………………………….………….……………………..……… 11
1.4.1 Soldering …………………………………………………….……….……………………..………… 11
1.4.2 Components ……………………….…………………………….……………………………..………… 12
1.4.3 Resistor Sizes ……………………………………………….……….………………….…….…………… 12
1.4.4 Capacitor Manufacturers and Voltage Ratings ……………………………..…………… 12
1.4.5 Electrolytic Capacitors ………………………………………………………………………..………… 12
1.4.6 Diodes ………………………………………….……………………………..……………………..…………… 13
1.4.7 Hardware/Mechanical …………………………………………………………………..……………… 13
1.4.8 Wire Stripping and Tinning …………………………………………………..………………… 13
1.4.9 Wire Color ……………………………………………………..……………….…..…………………… 14
1.4.10 Optional Finishing Touches …………………………..………………………………………… 14
1.5 Build Process …………………………………………………………………………….…….……………..………… 14
1.5.1 Some Good Rules of Thumb for Building Your Amplifier …………………….…….…14
1.5.2 Organization of this Manual ………………………………………………………..……..….…15
1.5.3 Electrical Safety Warning …………………………………….…………………..….…….…15
Section 2 —Mechanical Assembly and Initial Mains Transformer Wiring .….…16
2.1 Overview …………………………………………………………………………………..….………..…………… 16
2.2 Installing the Feet ……………………………………………………………………..….………..…………… 18
2.3 Installing the Rocker Switch and IEC ………………………………………………………..…………… 19
2.4 Installing the Speaker Posts ……………………………………………………………………..……..….…20
2.5 Installing the RCA Jack …………………………………………………………………………………..……..….…21
2.6 Installing the Mains Transformer …………………………………………………………..……...… 22
2.7 Installing the Chassis Ground Screw ………………………………………………………..….…..…… 23
2.8 Installing the Chassis Ground ……………………..………………………………………………….…..…… 24
2.9 IEC PCB Wiring ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……… 25
2.10 Connecting and Mounting the IEC PCB …………………………………………….……………….……… 28

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Section 3 —Choke Installation ……………………………………………………………..…..……...............…. 32
3.1 Overview …………….…………………………………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 32
3.2 Installing the Choke …………….……………………..….………………………………………………..…….…… 33
Section 4 —Power Supply Installation ………………………………………………..…..……...............…. 34
4.1 Overview …………….…………………………………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 34
4.2 Parts List …………….…………………………………..….………………………………………………..…….…… 34
4.3 Building the Power Supply PCB …………….…………………………………..……………….………..…….…… 35
4.4 Initial Power Supply Interwiring …………….…………………………………..…..………..…….…… 37
Section 5 —Driver Board Installation ………………………………………………..…..……...............…. 39
5.1 Overview …………….…………………………………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 39
5.2 Installing the Valve Bases …………….………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 40
5.3 Installing the Resistors …………….……………………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 40
5.3.1 Installing the Chassis Mounted Resistors ……..…………………….……..…………… 42
5.4 Installing the Capacitors …………….………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 43
Section 6 —Output Transformer Installation ………………………..…………………..……………… 45
6.1 Overview …………….…………………………………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 45
Section 7 —Interwiring ………………………………………………………..…………………………..……………… 46
7.1 Wiring the Filament Wires from the Mains Transformer …………….………………………………… 47
7.2 Wiring the HT Wires from the Power Supply Board …………….……………………..…….…… 48
7.3 Wiring the Output Transformer Primary …………………………………...….………..…….…… 48
7.4 Wiring the Output Transformer Secondary and Speaker Posts …………………………….…… 49
7.5 Wiring the Chassis Mounted Resistors …………….………………………………………………..…….…… 50
7.6 Wiring the RCA Jack …………….……………………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 51
7.7 Wiring the LED …………….…………………………………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 52
7.8 Final Step …………….…………………………………………………………………………..….………..…….…… 53
Section 8 —Turn-on Procedure and Testing ………………………………………………….. 54
8.1 Turn-on …………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 54
8.2 Measuring the HT Voltage …………….………………………………………………………………………… 55
8.3 Measuring the Filament Voltages …………….…………………………………….……………………… 56
8.4 Measuring the CATHODE Voltages …………….…………………………………….……………………… 56
Section 9 —Finishing Touches ……………………..………………………….……….…………….…...………… 58
9.1 Installing the Front Faceplate ………..………………………………………..…….……………………………… 58
9.2 Installing the LED ……………………..………………………………………..…….……………………………… 58
9.3 Installing the Chassis Top ………..………………………………………..….………………………………… 58

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Section 10 —Final Thoughts ……………………..………………………….…………………….…...………… 59
10.1 Congratulations ……………………..………………………………………..…………………………………… 59
10.2 Cables …………………………………..………………………….……………………………………………….…...………… 59
10.3 Tube Rolling ……………………..………………………….……………………………………………….…...………… 60
10.3.1 ECF80 ……………………..…………………..……….………………………..……………………...…………… 60
10.3.2 EL34 ……………………..…………………..……….………………………..……………………...…………… 60
10.3.3 5U4G …………………………………..………………………………………………………….…….…………… 60
10.4 Thanks ……………………..…………………………………………………..……………….…………….………………….… 60
Appendix ……………………………………………..……………………………………………………..….……….……….…… 61
Resistor Color Code Reference …………………………………………………………….………….…..…….…… 62

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Section 1
Introduction
Thanks for purchasing the ANK Audio Kits EL34 Triple C-Core Monoblock –"The Artiste". We believe it
is truly the finest EL34 amplifier on the planet! Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality kit
that you will build from scratch with these instructions.
This is very high end and sophisticated piece of audio equipment that will surely become a showpiece
of your sound system. We're excited that you have chosen to join us in enjoying and appreciating
superb audio and we've 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 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 Basic Operation of the Amplifier
1.2.1 Overview
ANK Audio Kits is pleased to announce the EL34 Triple C-Core Monoblock –"The Artiste". There is
something very special about the music that flows from an EL34 amplifier: gorgeous midrange,
transparent highs, and solid bass. "The Artiste" is an ideal power amplifier and an exceptional value.
The circuit is a classic design: the amplifier is based on a pair of EL34 pentodes in classAB push-pull
mode driven by an ECF80/6BL8. The triple C-Core transformers bring a weight and authority to the
EL34 sound that must be experienced and the dual 5U4G rectification brings a smoothness to the
sonics that will make you addicted to tube rectification.
The Power Supply is very modern. A large Choke handles both the HT and screen voltages and two
high quality Mundorf MLytic capacitors of 30uf and 220uf provide smoothing and energy storage.
The high quality 3mm thick and 2oz copper trace line stage printed circuit board (PCB) houses all the
circuitry to drive the output transformers and new 300R chassis mount gold 50W resistors1have
been added. With triple C-Core output transformers (CC-390T), extra large Mains and Choke
transformers, and dual 5U4G tube rectifiers, the EL34s provide about 40W of classAB power.
Additional high quality components include non-magnetic Takman Resistors from Japan, Audio Note
(UK) Copper Foil Capacitors, speaker posts and RCA jacks, and PTFE silver-plated stranded copper
wire.
Construction is fairly straight forward as the kit is very well architected. Our PCBs are expertly
designed with all signal and chassis grounding and CATHODE and HT test points, guaranteeing a
perfectly working amplifier even for a beginner builder. You'll start with the Power Supply and IEC
section: there you'll install the Mains, Choke and Power Supply board,. Then we'll test it. After that
you'll build the line stage, install the output transformers, and then do the interwiring to connect the
component modules.
1Just in case we forget later! these new resistors mean that R21 and R22 on the main board are now empty.

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1.2.2 Schematic2
2Schematics change as product development continues, so, while it may be helpful, don't overly rely on this
schematic. The build instructions are the most current reference.

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1.2.3 Component Placement
Let's take a look at the overall layout of the amplifier:

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1.2.4 Block Diagram
Here's another way of looking at how the manual sections fit into the 'big picture': the sections
basically follow how the components are positioned in the amplifier chassis:

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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
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.
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 content3on 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!
3For example, WBT-0800.

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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, 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.

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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 (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
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.

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1.4.9 Wire Color
In the earlier sections of this manual, particularly those sections dealing with the Mains transformer
and 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 audionot[email protected]m. 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 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 savor the experience. Take the time to do a really good job!
Feel free to contact us via email audiono[email protected]om 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
We have divided the build and the manual into the following sections:
1. Introduction
2. Mechanical Assembly and Initial Mains Transformer Wiring
3. Choke Installation
4. Power Supply Installation
5. Driver Board Installation
6. Output Transformer Installation
7. Interwiring
8. Turn-on Procedure and Testing
9. Finishing Touches
10. Final Thoughts
Appendix
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 ([e-mail]) 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
Mechanical Assembly and Initial Mains Transformer Wiring
In this section we will install the feet, IEC socket, Rocker Switch, and the IEC PCB. Before we begin, It's
a good idea when you receive the kit to do a complete inventory. You should see the following parts:
Mains Transformer T-191
Choke CH-40W
Output Transformer CC-390T
The kit bags will have a complete list in each bag that you can check the parts against.
Hardware Kit Bag –All hardware in individual bags corresponding to each section
IEC Bag –Rocker Switch, etc.
Power Supply Kit Bag –PCB and all associated parts and tubes
EL34 Monoblock PCB –PCB and all associated parts and tubes
Chassis Fittings –speakers posts , RCAs , feet, etc.
Wire Bag –various wires required for the kit
2.1 Overview

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Here's a graphic for reference showing the various Mains transformer windings that will be used for
the HT and various filament needs throughout the amplifier:

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2.2 Installing the Feet
Take the 4 feet and the M4 x 20mm screws and M4 nuts and washer and mount the feet into the four
corners of the chassis, as shown below.

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Feet installed on the chassis
2.3 Installing the Rocker Switch and IEC
Install the Rocker Switch, which just snaps into position. Be sure to install it with the narrow
switch lugs nearest the side of the chassis.
Use M3 screws to Install the IEC plug; it can mount from inside the chassis or from the outside. Be
sure to install it with the IEC Ground at the bottom of the chassis..
Here's the view from the rear of the chassis:

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2.4 Installing the Speaker Posts
Install the speaker posts found in chassis fittings bag. Let's do it, from top to bottom:
Red
Red
Black
The view from inside the chassis: Note the insulation against the chassis .