ASR Basis Exclusive User manual

ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
Table of contents of this manual
1.0 Receiving the ASR Basis Exclusive 2
1.1 Unpacking the ASR Basis Exclusive 2
1.2 Setting up the ASR Basis Exclusive 2
1.3 Important safet precautions 3
2.0 Connecting the ASR Basis Exclusive 4
2.1 Connecting to a preamp or an integrated amplifier 4
2.2 Connecting the tone arm cable 4
2.3 Connecting the separate batter power suppl 5
3.0 Ad usting the ASR Basis Exclusive 6
3.1 Switching in unbalanced mode 6
3.2 Adjusting the input resistance in balanced mode 6
3.3 Adjusting the input resistance in unbalanced mode 8
3.4 Adjusting the input capacit 10
3.5 Settings the gain 10
3.6 Settings the low frequenc cut OFF 10
3.7 Settings for common cartridges 11
4.0 Operating the ASR Basis Exclusive 12
4.1 General Operation 12
4.2 Monitor Leds 12
4.3 Batter capacit displa 13
4.4 Option : Mono switch 13
5.0 Maintenance of the ASR Basis 13
5.1 Cleaning of acr lic material 13
5.2 Removal of scratches 13
5.3 Trouble-shooting 13
5.4 Batter life expectanc 15
5.5 Just in case: repair 15
6.0 The ASR Basis Exclusive technical description 15
6.1 Function of the the main unit 15
6.2 Function description of the separate batter power suppl 16
7.0 Technical Data 17
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
Dear music lover,
all of us at ASR would like to offer ou thanks and congratulations to ou for purchasing the
ASR Basis Exclusive Phono Pre-Amplifier. We sincerel believe that our ASR Basis Exclusive
will bring ou many years of musical pleasure and enjo ment.
All ASR products are handmade with greatest care to details and with high-grade selected parts.
Enjo our records even more with this true High End-Phono-Pre-Amplifier!
While every new owner is anxious to begin listening, we encourage you to take
some minutes to read this manual and familiarize yourself with the full
capabilities of the ASR Basis Exclusive.
1.0 Receiving the ASR Basis Exclusive
1.1 Unpacking the ASR Basis Exclusive
Use care in unpacking our ASR Basis Exclusive. Inspect it for an shipping damage and call
our dealer immediatel if an is found.
! Do not plug your ASR Basis Exclusive into an AC outlet if you find shipping damage !
Provided with the ASR Basis Exclusive are the following accessories:
a) Phono Pre-Amplifier ASR Basis Exclusive
main unit with one golden or chromium control knob
b) Battery Power Supply
no controls on the front plate, one push button for capacit check at the backside
c) Repair-set contains: 1x 3 mm Allen-wrench, replacement screws M4 x 16,
replacement fuses 0,5 (1) Amp / slow blow for the batter power suppl
d) Care-set contains: 1x bottle of antistatic plastic-cleaner and a special cloth
1.2 Setting up the ASR Basis Exclusive
Check to make sure, your ASR Basis Exclusive has been manufactured for operation at
your AC line voltage. Attempting to use your ASR Basis Exclusive at any voltage other
than the specified on the battery power supply’s back side may damage the unit.
Damage caused by improper operation is not covered by ASR warranty.
If the voltage specified is different from your local AC voltage, contact your ASR dealer.
Do not place the ASR Basis Exclusive main unit close to the batter power suppl .
Place the main unit close to our turntable and use a cable as short as possible to connect
our turntable to the main unit.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
1.3 Important safety precautions
To get the best performance from our ASR Basis Exclusive, and for our own safet ,
please read and follow these important safet instructions.
1. Before operating the ASR Basis Exclusive Phono Pre-amplifier, please read
ALL operating and safet instructions.
2. Never place the ASR Basis Exclusive or the batter power suppl near heat sources such
as radiators, fireplaces, stove, or other appliances that produce heat. Avoid placing the
ASR Basis Exclusive where it will be subject to direct sunlight or low temperatures.
3. This product is equipped with a three wire AC power cord which includes an earth ground
connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connectors must alwa s be used.
If our AC outlets will not accept this t pe of plug, an adaptor ma be purchased.
If an adaptor is necessar , be sure it is an approved t pe and that it is used properl , suppl ing
an earth ground. If ou are not sure of the integrit of our home’s electrical s stem, contact an
licensed electrician for assistance.
4. Before cleaning the ASR Basis Exclusive, alwa s turn the unit Off and disconnect the
AC power suppl cord.
5. If ou smell smoke, or an abnormal smell, immediatel turn the ASR Basis Exclusive OFF
and unplug the unit from the power suppl and contact our ASR dealer.
6. In case the unit becomes wet unplug it immediatel , and dr it completel before using again.
7. Replace fuse onl with the exact t pe originall included.
230 Volt: 0,5 Amps slow blow 115 Volt: 1 Amps slow blow
8. The batteries need to be charged at least 1 da a month, otherwise the ma be damaged.
The Batteries have a self discharging rate from about 0,5% per da like car batteries.
When ou don’t use the Basis please unplug the Main unit from the Basis to avoid discharging.
For storage the Batter PSU can be connected to AC power all the time, that has no disadvan-
tages. But AC power connection should be done at least 1 time a month for at least 8 hours !
9. The batteries should be replaced after about 5-7 years with 6 pieces new 6 Volts/ 12 Ah Lead/
Acid Gel t pes. We are using Panasonic Japan Production t pes.
10. THERE ARE NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE ASR BASIS EXCLUSIVE !
- Do not attempt to repair or modif our ASR Basis Exclusive.
- All service should be performed b qualified service personnel.
- Do not open the unit while it is attached to the AC outlet.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
2.0 Connecting the ASR Basis Exclusive
2.1 Connecting to a preamp or an integrated amplifier
UATTENTION:U Before connecting cables to the inputs or outputs please switch the main unit OFF.
After ou made this connections ou ma connect the power cord to the AC outlet as last cable.
On the back panel of the main unit the output sockets ( named with „Out“) are located left and right
of the power suppl cable. The input sockets are located left and right of the „Out“ sockets and are
named with „In“. The RCA sockets for the right channel are marked with a red ring, for the left
channel with a white ring.
The ASR Basis Exclusive has two outputs RCA for unbalanced and XLR for balanced connection.
You can use them both also together upon our needs.
When you are using the balanced inputs you are not obliged to use the balanced out.
The preferred output is the unbalanced t pe, cause the balanced signal is made with a converter.
2.2 BCCConnecting the tone arm cable
Moving Coil (MC) and MM cartridges can be connected to the ASR Basis Exclusive.
Balanced or unbalanced connection can be used at the inputs of the Basis Exclusive !
But we strongly recommend the use of balanced connection !
The ASR Basis Exclusive is designed for using the balanced input and has best results onl with
balanced input connection.
!! Cartridges are like microphones the onl balanced sources from their construction !!.
With unbalanced connection at the input ou don’t have the full possible sound qualit .
The use of the balanced output is not obligator together with the use of the balanced input.
Definition of a Balanced connection :
A balanced tone arm cable must have two conductors and a separate shielding.
This shielding has to connected separatel to ground and should never be connected to the plus or
Minus wires- otherwise ou will get heav distortions, cause the shield will work as antenna !
Balanced cables can be connected at both the RCA or the XLR plug. Both inputs sockets are
internall connected. The RCA inner pin is connected to Plus, the outer ring to Minus.
The pins on the XLR sockets are international standard: 1 = Ground, 2 = Plus 3 = Minus.
The onl advantage of using XLR is that the third pin 1 can be used for ground connection of the
shield. At RCA the shield must be connected separatel to the big ground pole plug connector.
A tone arm cable that has alread two wires and be converted simpl b connecting the shield to
ground ( the black pole plug at the Basis ) instead of to the outer ring at RCA what is minus.
At balanced connections the adjustments have to be made at both 12 Pin Dip switches left
and right. The switch Dip No. 12 has to be OFF.
Please connect the ground cable of our turntable to the (black) pole terminal on the back panel.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
Unbalanced connection :
An unbalanced tone arm cable is normall coaxial with one conductor and a shielding.
Cables with two inner wires can be converted simpl b separating the shield from minus.
Unbalanced cables should be connected to the RCA plug. The RCA inner pin is connected to inner
wire, the outer ring to the shielding.
MM cartridges must be connected in the unbalanced mode.
At unbalanced connections the adjustments has to be made at the left 12 pole Dip switch.
The right Dip switch No. 12 has to be ON to connect the minus input to ground.
Please connect the ground cable of our turntable to the (black) pole terminal on the back panel.
2.3 Connecting the separate battery power supply
The ASR Basis Exclusive is equipped with an external ASR battery power supply.
To connect the main unit to the Batter PSU please follow the sequence exactl :
a) Turn Off Off the ASR Basis Exclusive and our amplifier and disconnect
the power cord from the Batter power suppl unit or AC outlet.
b) To connect the 16 pole male plug at the end of the heav silver cable please attach
the connector to the female plug at the Power suppl .
c) Then please press the spring clamps at the female plug forward to fix the male plug .
d) UconnectU the power cord to the AC outlet.
If ou want to disconnect the external ASR batter power suppl , do it in the following order
a) Turn Off Off the ASR Basis Exclusive and pre- or integrated amplifier and
disconnect the power cord from the Batter power suppl unit the AC outlet.
c) wait until the Leds inside the main unit are not shining an more.
d) Press away the spring clamps and disconnect the male plug from the ASR batter PSU.
Has the connection between the main unit and the batter power suppl accidentall been
disconnected before the Leds in the main unit stopped shining, please wait at least two hours
before connecting the two units again.
B this ou prevent the ASR Basis Exclusive from harm through the high current that ma occur
when ou have residual energy in the capacitors.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
3.0 Ad usting the ASR Basis Exclusive
The ASR Basis can be perfectl adjusted to match the needs of our cartridge.
Before you do any ad ustments inside the ASR Basis Exclusive UturnU the unit UOFFU.
a) use the enclosed (silver) 3mm Allen wrench to remove the top plate of the main unit
(please mark the front- and backside of the top plate before removing it!)
b) behind the „Input“ sockets of each input there are two 12 fold DIP switches to exactl
adjust the ASR Basis Exclusive to our cartridges. Please find the drawing at page 10.
c) the input resistance can be adjusted on Dip No 1 to 10 at the 12 fold DIP
switches named „Input Resistance“.
d) The switching between balanced and unbalanced mode is done at the right Dip No 12.
e) the gain can be adjusted on the 6fold DIP switches named „Gain Ad ust“
f) the low frequency cut Off can be adjusted to 2 Hz (switch to „On“) or 20Hz
(switch to „Off“) on the 2 fold DIP switches named „Low“ and “2 Hertz”
The DIP switches have two different settings: „On“ or „Off“; please be sure, that the
switches are set correctl (when set correctl , ou will hear a slight „click“)
3.1 Choosing the input mode, switching in unbalanced mode
The Basis needs to be adjusted to the input mode based on different kind of connections ou use.
Please read page “Connection the tone arm cable” for more info.
When ou use unbalanced cable ou have to switch the right Dip No. 12 to ON.
Otherwise hum or popping noises ma occur. This Dip switch is marked with “Unbalanced”.
With balanced cable please switch the No. 12 to Off, otherwise ou won’t get out
the full qualit of the balanced connection.
!! Balanced Cable Dip No. 12 right OFF, unbalanced cable Dip No. 12 ON !!
3.2 Ad usting the input resistance in balanced mode
Adjustment of the input resistance ( from 10 ohms to 20 kilo ohms ) can be easil made on the
switches No. 1-10 on the 2 pieces 12 fold DIP switches named „Resistance Ad ust“.
In balanced mode both the Dip switches marked with “Unbalanced” and “Balanced”
No. 1 to 9 per input channel must be ad usted in the same way to get the same load resistance for
both the positive and negative input !
Please set the DIP switches exactly the same for the right and the left channel.
The chart at the right half between the two rows of Dip switches shows the resistance values for
balanced mode.
For example for 94 Ohms ou have to switch Dip No. 3 at the left and the right Dip switch marked
with “Unbalanced” and “Balanced” to ON. For 2 k for example put both Dips No. 7 to ON.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
Adjustment for
200 Ohms
Balanced
Possible adjustments on the left and right 12 fold DIP switches „Input Resistance“
The following chart shows ou on the left column the value ou get when ou switch On
the Dip switches shown in the right columns.
U Value Dip No 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
10 Ohms -- -- -- -- on on on on on on
15 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on on --
20 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on
30 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on on --
44 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on --
70 Ohms -- -- -- -- on on -- on -- --
94 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on -- --
100 Ohms -- -- on on on on on -- -- --
150 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- on on -- -- --
200 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- on -- -- --
250 Ohms -- -- on on -- on -- -- -- --
442 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- on -- -- -- --
950 Ohms -- -- -- -- on -- -- -- -- --
2 K Ohms -- -- -- on -- -- -- -- -- --
4,4 K Ohms -- -- on -- -- -- -- -- -- --
9,4 K Ohms -- on -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
U
20 K Ohms on -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Value Dip No 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
Normall for the adjustment a value of about 5x to 10x the internal resistance
of the generator ( the cartridge ) should be used.
Most common MC cartridges have values between 4 to 25 Ohms,
so we recommend resistance values between 20 and 250 Ohms.
We know from experience that when ou are using an adjustment with a lower input resistance
the soundstage is deeper and is more precise, but the dynamic gets lower.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
With a higher input resistance the overall performance is brighter and has more dynamic,
but definition and precision are decreased.
Higher values than 500 ohms makes onl small changes in the sound characteristic.
You can easil find out the perfect setting for ou: make an adjustment and listen to the s stem.
! The best adjustment is the one you like best !
We don’t recommend higher values than 9,4 K Ohms in balanced mode, cause
this may cause higher noise and maybe unstable operation of the input stage.
B using combinations of Dip switches ou can get additionall values for the resistance.
Formula for the Calculation : 1/R total = 1/R1+ 1/R2+ 1/R3......
Example: 44 and 94 Ohm combined (47 k is fix): 1/Rt=1/44+1/94+1/47000 =1/0,033 = 30 Ohms
The result gives 30 Ohms when ou switch Dip No 2 and 3 to ON at both Dip Switches.
3.3 Ad usting the input resistance in unbalanced mode
Adjustment of the input resistance (from 5 ohms to 47 kilo ohms) can be easil made on the
switches No. 1-10 on the 2 pieces 12 fold DIP switches named „Resistance Ad ust“.
MM Cartridges with 47 K load can only be used in unbalanced mode !
In unbalanced mode onl the left Dip switches No 1 to 10 per input channel must be ad usted.
At the right Dip switch onl the switch No. 12 has to be switched ON.
That shortens the negative input to ground.
The column at the left half between the two rows of Dip switches marked with “Unbalanced”
shows the resistance values for unbalanced mode.
For example for 100 Ohms ou have to switch Dip No. 4 at the left and the right Dip switch 12
to ON. For 1 k for example put Dip No. 7 at the left and the right Dip switch 12 to ON.
Adjustment for
1000 Ohms
unbalanced
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
Possible adjustments on the left 12 fold DIP switch „Input Resistance“ in unbalanced mode
The following chart shows ou on the left column the value ou get when ou switch On
the Dip switch shown in the right columns.
U Value Dip No 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
5 Ohms -- -- -- -- on on on on on on
10 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on
15 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on on --
22 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on --
32 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- on on -- --
47 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- on -- --
70 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- on on -- -- --
100 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- on -- -- --
150 Ohms -- -- -- -- on on -- -- -- --
221 Ohms -- -- -- -- -- on -- -- -- --
470 Ohms -- -- -- -- on -- -- -- -- --
1 K Ohms -- -- -- on -- -- -- -- -- --
2,2 K Ohms -- -- on -- -- -- -- -- -- --
4,7 K Ohms -- on -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
10 K Ohms on -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
47 K Ohms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
U
Value Dip No 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
Normall for the adjustment a value of about 5x to 10x the internal resistance
of the generator ( the cartridge ) should be used.
Most common MC cartridges have values between 4 to 25 Ohms,
so we recommend resistance values between 20 and 250 Ohms.
Higher values than 500 ohms makes onl small changes in the sound characteristic.
We know from experience that when ou are using an adjustment with a lower input resistance
the soundstage is deeper and is more precise, but the dynamic gets lower.
With a higher input resistance the overall performance is brighter and has more dynamic,
but definition and precision are decreased.
You can easil find out the perfect setting for ou: make an adjustment and listen to the s stem.
! The best adjustment is the one you like best !
MM Cartridges can only be used in unbalanced mode !
For MM cartridges we recommend values of 47 k, what means all Dip switches left to OFF.
B using combinations of Dip switches ou can get additionall values for the resistance.
Formula for the Calculation : 1/R total = 1/R1+ 1/R2+ 1/R3......
Example: 221 and 475 Ohm combined (47k is fix): 1/Rt=1/221+1/475+1/47000 =1/0,00665 = 150
The result gives 150 Ohms when ou switch Dip No. 5 and 6 to ON at the left Dip Switch.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
3.4 Ad usting the input capacity
The input capacit in unbalanced mode can be adjusted on the left DIP switch No. 12:
position „Off“ = 100pF, „On“ = 320pF. Number 11 at the left dip switches to 570 pF.
You can easil determine the value for our cartridge b using
the cartridge manufacturer’s recommended value and subtract
the capacit of the phono cable ou are going to use –
the result is the value ou have to adjust in our ASR Basis Exclusive.
For balanced mode ou can use the Dip switches Number 11 left
and right to in increase the input capacit from 100 to 570 pF.
This can be used to filter Radio frequencies that are picked up from
the tonearm cable.
Also of the input stage work more stable with higher input capacities.
3.5 Setting the gain
The gain can easil be adjusted on the 6 fold DIP switches „Gain Adjust“.
The switches can be combined to get higher gain.
The minimal total gain of +32 dB is obtained with all Dip switches
in OFF, the Maximum total gain of +70 dB (32+ 38dB ) is obtained b
putting all 6 DIP switches to „On“.
To know the adjusted gain please add the following values to 32 dB
switch No. „On“ none 1 2 3 4 5 6
gain: 0dB +4dB +8dB +12dB +18dB +24dB
+32dB
When ou set combined Dip Switches to ON, the gains does not add up ! For Example :
when ou switch for example No. 3 and 4 to ON ou will have a gain of 22 dB, not 30 dB.
Please set the DIP switches exactl the same for the right and the left channel ( onl exception from
this rule: our cartridge has different output levels at the right and left channel ).
!! The gain should be set as low as necessary to get lowest possible noise !!
3.6 Setting the low frequency cut OFF
With the 2 pole-Dip-switch named „Low“ the low Cut Off frequenc can be
adjusted between 2Hz (position „ON“) and 20Hz (position „OFF“).
In the position 20 Hz (OFF) low frequent disturbances like rumble are reduced.
As a result of the acousticall favourable 6 dB characteristic, however,
these are not suppressed completel .
In the position 2 Hz (ON), the frequenc range is wider into the subsonic area.
When ou audio equipment has a ver low frequenc resolution, the bass
signals can be even more substantiall and ma have more impact.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
3.7 Settings for common cartridges
MC cartridge Low
Output, balanced
94 Ohms, +18dB
MC cartridge Medium
Output, unbalanced
1 K Ohms, +12dB
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MM cartridge High
Output, unbalanced
47 k, 320 pF, +4 dB
MC cartridge Med
Output, balanced
950 Ohms,+12dB

ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
4.0 Operating the ASR Basis Exclusive
4.1 General Operation
The knob on the front plate of the ASR Basis Exclusive has the following functions :
a) position „Off“: the unit is turned off.
b) position „Line“ („Line A“ and „Line B“) if our unit is equipped with two inputs) :
the main unit is turned ON and is supplied with current out of the charging transformer.
To protect all the internal high-grade components the voltage is lowered in this position.
c) position „Auto“ („Auto A“ and „Auto B“) if our unit is equipped with two inputs) :
the main unit is turned ON and is supplied with current out of the charging transformer.
when a output signal higher than 100 mV is detected the Basis is switched Batt mode.
After about 3 minutes without signal the unit switches to Line mode again.
d) position „Batt“ („Batt A“ and „Batt B“) if our unit is equipped with two inputs):
the unit is turned On and supplied with current out of the external batter power suppl .
The charging transformer is separated from the AC outlet.
We recommend that ou normall should use the unit in Auto mode.
Use the other modes are onl when ou want to operate the unit definitel in Line or Batt mode.
It ma happen that when the records start ver low the voltage is too low to switch to Batt mode.
In this case ou ma just wait till the signals gets louder. Or ou ma adjust the gain higher.
UIMPORTANT:U before switching from one position to another on the ASR Basis Exclusive
turn down the volume control on our pre- or integrated amplifier or simpl switch to another
input, which is not used at the moment.
This will keep our speakers from getting damaged b probabl occurring switching noise.
4.2 Monitor Leds
The operation mode is monitored in the Main unit b some Leds around the switch ON knob:
Line Operation with a yellow led, in Batt operation an additionall blue Led comes ON,
input A is shown with a green led, input B is shown with a red led.
In the battery power suppl unit during “Batt” operation a blue led Bar is showing “Batt ON”.
In all other positions the displa is showing a yellow bar with “Charge”.
Additionall the operation voltage is shown with 4 ellow and 4 blue Leds in front of the main unit:
The 4 yellow leds are shining in „Line” mode, the blue ones light up additionally in „Batt” mode.
There is 1 led for the positive and 1 led for the negative voltage of the both colours at each channel.
While operating the ASR Basis Exclusive, the voltage is constantl monitored. When the batteries
are completel discharged, the ASR Basis Exclusive switches automaticall into charging mode
and supplies the main unit out of the transformer so that ou can continue listening music.
For best sonic results the ASR Basis should not be switched into Off Position.
Also when not in use please switch it in Line or Auto Position to keep the circuits warm.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
4.3 Battery capacity display
The capacity of the batteries can be monitored b pushing the button at the back side of the ASR
Batter Power suppl unit. 10 green led bars will shine when the batteries are fully charged.
The amount of bars does not show perfect the residual capacit of the batter . Onl the positive
voltage at the batteries is monitored. The voltage at the batteries is relativel constant during
discharging. That means that till the capacit is about 60 % when 7-8 bars are On.
Below 50 % capacit the bars go down faster.
When the batteries are nearl empt then onl 2-3 bars can be seen.
4.4 Mono switch
The optional Mono switch that is located at the rear panel. To use this switch while pla ing Mono
records, simpl turn it in the “Mono” position. Turn it back to “Stereo” position when not used.
7.0 Maintenance of the ASR Basis
5.1 Cleaning of acrylic material
The standard cleaning set includes ever thing ou need to take care of the finish of the ASR Basis
Exclusive: antistatic plastic cleaner and a special cloth. Please do not use an other cloths than
the supplied one to clean the acr lic glass of the ASR Basis Exclusive.
The use of the plastic cleaner is quite simple: spra some of the liquid on the acr lic glass and
spread it with the cloth. Clean the acr lic glass, wipe off the liquid and polish it with the cloth.
The knob on the front plate is sealed and ma not be cleaned with an thing else than a soft cloth
with no liquids or chemicals on it.
UTipp:U if our are not using our equipment for a certain time cover it with a soft, fluff-free cloth –
ou avoid most of the soiling on our equipment.
5.2 Removal of scratches
Most of all scratches can easil be removed b using acr lic polishing paste. Please use as specified
b manufacturer. After the use of acr lic polishing paste ou should use the plastic cleaner.
The ASR warrant does not cover an damage of the acr lic material.
5.3 Trouble-shooting
No LED is shining when the unit is turned to “LINE” mode
First please check if the ellow Charge Bar is shining in the batter unit. If not please check the
fuse that can be found in a little drawer in the connector for the AC plug at the backside of the
batter unit. Replace the fuse, when necessar with a 0,5A slow at 230V and 1A slow for 115V.
When the charge Led is shining, but there are no Leds in the main unit, please check if the plug
at the heav silver cable is connected properl to the Batter powers suppl unit.
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
The main unit is not switching into “Batt” mode
After switching the main unit to “Batt” the blue Batt ON bar should light up in the front plate of
the batter unit. The blue leds in the Basis main unit should light up and shows that the Basis is
supplied out of the battery. If that does not occur, and the ellow Charge Bar is shining up instead
then the batteries are empt and should be charged.
After recharging the batter unit switches automatically into batter mode.
If the charge led is not shining please check if the AC cord is plugged in properl .
The Battery PSU is switching between Charge and Bat On
If the unit is switching between charging and operation, ( between the ellow Charge and blue
Batt On Led ) please control the two battery fuses on the PCB board and the connecting cables
to the batteries, or the batteries have reached the end of their lifetime and need to be exchanged.
Hum
In principle the ASR Basis Exclusive should not be placed near power supplies, AM/FM-receivers,
cordless phones, computers etc.. Due to its unique design principe the ASR Basis itself can not
produce an hum. Hum can also occur because of other reasons:
a) Ground loop caused b a improver ground connection, Action : tr different ground
connections in different manners that ma interrupt the hum-chain.
b) Electromagnetic fields. Action : Remove power supplies from the surroundings,
or tr to put the record pla er as well as the Basis Exclusive at another places.
b) Connecting the tone arm cable with an unbalanced cable to the ASR Basis Exclusive,
although the ASR Basis Exclusive is set to operate in balanced mode
Action: switch the ASR Basis Exclusive to unbalanced mode (see 3.1)
Noise
If noise occurs while pla ing an LP, ou should lower the gain.
The noise at the cartridge’s inner resistance of a ver low output MC cartridge might be alread
higher, than the noise of the built-in input gain stage of the ASR Basis Exclusive!
Different channel volumes
Please check if all DIP switches are set the same for both channels and are positioned correct.
Radio Interferences
Some times the connecting Cables to the turntable have the exact length of an FM antenna.
This ma cause distortion in the pla back. Please tr Dip switches No 11 for a higher input
capacit , use a lower input resistance and nevertheless please use the balanced connection.
That also results in a much better sound !
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
5.4 Battery life expectancy
The batteries used in the ASR Power suppl are completel sealed Gel lead acid T pes.
Like all batteries the lose their capacity of storing electrical power over the ears.
When the ASR Basis is able to pla onl one da without recharging, the batteries should
be replaced. To get best results, please replace the batteries after 5-7 ears of use.
The batteries can be exchange easil at our dealership.
To lengthen the lifetime of the batteries please do not use the Basis with the ON/OFF-
selector to the “Batt” Position for longer than one day.
Otherwise the batteries may get completely discharged !
The ON/OFF switch can sta in “Line” position. The ON/OFF switch in “Auto” position can
also be used all the time, when ou listen to records a few hours per da and there is time for
recharging when the unit is not being used.
Please avoid playing records continuously in Auto Mode, without letting the unit time to charge.
This shortens the life expectanc of the batteries
One hour of charging is equivalent to three hours of playing music.
If however, the unit is left in “Auto” position all the time then ou don’t need to do an thing as it
relates to charging the batter unit.
When ou have disconnected the Basis from AC power network cause ou are not using it, please
charge the Batter unit at least for one day every month.
5.5 Just in case: repair
If all the help we provided in this trouble-shooting-section of the manual did not help to make
the ASR Basis Exclusive operate properl , please contact our authorized ASR dealer.
Please pack the units into the original ASR boxes and with the original ASR packing accessories.
Your authorized ASR dealer will take care of our unit and will repair it properl .
7.0 The ASR Basis Exclusive technical description
6.1 Function of the main unit
The ASR Basis Exclusive is an Phono-Preamplifier for MC and MM. The input stage
is full balanced and amplifies the input signal linear. Gain, input resistance and input capacit
can be easil adjusted. Either unbalanced mode can be chosen b grounding the negative input.
The signal then passes a passive high frequenc RIAA filter.
The low frequency cut OFF is switchable. The following amplifier achieves an active RIAA
equalisation. With its ver low output impedance it drives the unbalanced output directl .
The balanced output is equipped with an additionall converter/driver circuit.
The ASR Basis Exclusive has a double-sided la er board with two ver thick 105 µ
copper-lead-la ers. In the signal path onl Pol prop len and Pol st ren capacitors are used.
Additional foil capacitors are used to buffer the operational voltage.
The main unit has more than 860,000 µF capacitors.
U
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ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
6.2 Function description of the separate battery power supply
The ASR Battery Power is housed in massive separate case. The case contains six batteries,
each 6Volts/12Ampere-hours and capacitors for buffering summing up to 440,000µF.
All operations are controlled b an optical digital logic circuitr to avoid RF distortions.
Function explanation and description of the control Leds
•turned Off (Off-mode): the batteries are charged with 20Volt. The yellow “Charge” Led
is shining. When full (19,5Volt) the green Leds “Batt+Full” and “Batt-Full” are shining.
•turned On (Line-mode): the batteries are charged with 20V. The main unit is supplied
with +/- 12 Volts out of the charging circuit to preheat the built in circuits.
The red “Standby” and “10 V” Leds are shining.
•turned on (Batt-mode): The yellow led “Amp ON” and the blue Led “Line Off” are shining.
Then the batteries are switched to the buffering capacitors with 2 Power Mos-Fets.
The main unit is supplied with current out of the batteries.
•Then the charging transformer is separated via rela in both phases from the AC power line.
The green Led “Batt On” and two blue Leds “Batt+ON” and “Bat-ON” are shining.
•during „Batt“-mode the voltage at the batteries is constantl monitored. When the voltage is
lower than 17 Volts the batteries are empt , and the Batt Full Leds will go out. The Batter PSU
switches into the charging mode and the main unit is supplied out of the charging circuitr .
•Also during charging the main unit is working and ou can still listen to music.
•when the batteries are fully charged the voltage reaches 19,5 Volts and the green Leds
“Batt+Full” and “Batt-Full” are shining. Then the charging transformer is disconnected,
and the ASR Basis Exclusive is supplied again out of the batteries.
•full charged, the batteries can suppl the ASR Basis Exclusive for approximatel 60 hours.
To lengthen the lifetime of the batteries please turn the main unit to the „Line“ position after
approximatel 24 hours of pla ing in “Batt” position, or just over night. In this case the batteries
are not much discharged. Lower quantit of discharging is good for the batter life expectancy.
One hour of charging is equivalent to about three hours of pla ing music.
Fuses: 0,5 Amp slow-blow for 230V, 1 Amp for 115V for the charging transformer.
This fuse is located in a small drawer in the power input module for the AC cord.
2 Fuses 8A slow-blow protect the batteries. This fuses are located at the PCB board.
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Charging voltage minus Charging voltage plus
Output Voltage plus
Output Voltage minus

ASR Audio Systems Friedrich Schaefer, D- 35 745 Herborn [phone]
7.0 Technical Data ( Effective date: Jul 2010 )
Signal-to-noise-ratio: (depends on settings)
with 5 mV MC input signal and 1 volt output: > 77dB
with 0.5 mV MC input signal and 1 volt output: > 68 dB
Frequency response: from 3 Hz to 200 kHz (+/- 3dB), RIAA Correction
better than (+/- 1dB) between 20 and 20 kHz
Distortion factor: from 0,5V to 8VAC Output (100 Ohm load) at 1 kHz
< 0.01%, from 20Hz to 20 kHz < 0.05%
Input impedance: MC: adjustable between 5 and 10 K Ohms
MM: adjustable between 10 and 47 K Ohms
Input capacity: switch able between 100, 320 and 570 pF
Gain : adjustable between + 32 dB and +64 dB
Output impedance: less than 50 Ohm
Dimensions & weights:
(width x depth x height)
ASR Basis Exclusive (main unit) 43 x 37 x 10 cm, 10 kg (16,9‘ x 14,6‘ x 3,2‘, 22 lbs)
ASR Batter Power Suppl : 46 x 33 x 15 cm, 26 kg (18,4‘ x 13,0‘ x 5,9‘, 58 lbs)
Our address :
ASR Audio S steme
Friedrich Schaefer
Hohe Straße 700, House 5A,
D 35 745 Herborn / Germany
Phone +49 ( 27 72 ) 42 905
Fax +49 ( 27 72 ) 40 488
E- Mail : [email protected]
Internet : www.ASRAudio.com
Subject to change without notice.
 July 2010 Friedrich Schaefer, ASR Audio
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