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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