ASR emitter User manual

ASR Audiosystems Friedrich Schaefer, D-35727 Herborn, Germany
High End Integrated Amplifier ASR Emitter Page 1
0.0 Table of Contents of this manual Page 01
1.0 Receiving the ASR Emitter – First moves
1.1 Unpacking Page 02
1.2 Setting up the ASR Emitter
1.3 Important safety precautions Page 03
1.4 The ground lift switch Page 03
2.0 Connecting the ASR Emitter to your system Page 04
2.1 Standard connections Page 05
2.1.1 Connecting high-level source
components to the ASR Emitter
2.1.2 Connecting a high-level source component
to the direct input of the ASR Emitter
2.1.3 Connecting a tape deck to the ASR Emitter Page 06
2.1.4 Connecting an auxiliary source
component to the ASR Emitter
2.1.5 Connecting a pair of speakers to the ASR Emitter
2.1.6 Connecting the external power supply/supplies Page 07
2.2 Additional connections (on special order) Page 08
2.2.1 Connecting a high-levelsource component to
the balanced inputs of the ASR Emitter
2.2.2 Connecting a turntable to the ASR Emitter
2.2.2.1 Adjusting the ASR Plug-in phonoboard Page 09
2.2.3 Connecting a headset to the ASR Emitter Page 10
2.2.4 Connecting a second pair of speakers to the ASR Emitter
2.2.5 Connecting the ASR Battery Power Supply
(available only for the ASR Emitter Exclusive-versions!)
3.0 Operating the ASR Emitter Page 11
3.1 General operation of the ASR Emitter
3.2 Front panel control knobs of the ASR Emitter Page 12
3.3 Operating the ASR Emitter via remote control Page 13
3.4 Adjustments of the ASR Emitter Page 14
4.0 Protection circuits of the ASR Emitter Page 16
4.1 Impedance-check before the ASR Emitter is switched on
4.2 Distortion- and overload-protection circuit
4.3 Over-temperature protection circuit Page 16
5.0 Maintenance of the ASR Emitter
5.1 Cleaning the ASR Emitter
5.2 Touble-shooting Page 17
6.0 Facts about the ASR Emitter Page 19
6.1 How the separate battery power supply works
6.2 How the ASR Emitter works
6.3 Technical data Page 20

ASR Audiosystems Friedrich Schaefer, D-35727 Herborn, Germany
High End Integrated Amplifier ASR Emitter Page 2
Dear music lover,
all of us at ASR would like to offer thanks and congratulations to you for purchasing
the ASR Emitter High End Integrated Amplifier. We sincerely believe that your ASR
Emitter will bring you many years of musical pleasure and enjoyment.
All ASR products are handmade with greatest care to details and with high-grade selected
parts. Enjoy your music even more with this true High End Integrated Amplifier!
While every new owner ist anxious to begin listening, we encourage you
to take a few minutes to read this manual and familiarize yourself with
the full capabilities of the ASR Emitter.


2001 Klaus Henkes (http://www.hifihenkes.de) for ASR Audiosystems
1.0 Receiving the ASR Emitter – First moves
1.1 Unpacking the ASR Emitter
Use care in unpacking your ASR Emitter. Inspect it for any shipping damage and call your
dealer immediately if any is found. Do not plug your ASR Emitter into an AC outlet if
you find shipping damage.
Accessories
Provided with the ASR Emitter are the following asseccories:
a) Integrated amplifier ASR Emitter
(main unit with three golden or chromium control knobs
b) Separate power supply (ASR Emitter I = one, ASR Emitter II = two)
(no controls) incl. one/two shielded ASR powercord(s)
c) Repair-set
(consisting of: 1x 3 mm-Inbus-wrench, replacement srews M4 x 16,
replacement fuses 1 Amp/slow for the battery power supply)
d) Care-set
(consisting of: 1x bottle of antistatic plastic-cleaner and a special cloth
e) (available only for the ASR Emitter Exclusive versions)
Battery Power Supply
(no controls) incl. one powercord
1.2 Setting up the ASR Emitter
Check to make sure, your ASR Emitter has been manufactured for operation at your
AC line voltage. Attempting to use your ASR Emitter at any voltage other than the
specificated 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 AC voltage, contact your ASR dealer.

ASR Audiosystems Friedrich Schaefer, D-35727 Herborn, Germany
High End Integrated Amplifier ASR Emitter Page 3
The heatsinks of the ASR Emitter radiate some heat, so please place the main unit in a
place, where air can circulate around the heatsinks. Never put a unit on top of the main
unit. The ASR power supplies (including the ASR battery power supply) do not radiate a lot
of heat. Do not stack the ASR power supplies or place the ASR power supply unit(s) too
close to the main unit. Place the main unit close to your source components and use a
cable as short as possible to connect your source components to the main unit. of the ASR
Emitter.
1.3 Important safety precautions
To get the best performance from your ASR Emitter, and for your own safety, please read
and follow these important safety instructions.
1. Before operating the ASR Emitter Integrated Amplifier, please read ALL operating and
safety instructions.
2. Never place the ASR Emitter or the (battery) power supply unit(s) near heat sources
such as radiators, fireplaces, stove, or other appliances that produce heat. Avoid
placing the ASR Emitter where it will be subject to direct sunlight or low temperatures.
3. This product is equipped with three prong AC powercords which include an earth
ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connectors must always be
used. If your electrical outlets will not accept this type of plug, an adaptor may be
purchased. If an adaptor is necessary, be sure it is an approved type and that it is used
properly., supplying an earth ground. If you are not sure of the integrity of your home´s
electrical system, contact a licensed electrician for assistance.
4. AC extension cords are not recommended for use with this product. If an extension
cord must be used, be sure it is an approved type and has sufficient current carrying
capacity to power this product.
5. Before cleaning the ASR Emitter, always turn the unit off and disconnect the power
supply cord.
6. If you smell smoke, or an abnormal smell, immediately turn the ASR Emitter off and
unplug the unit from the power supply and contact your ASR dealer.
7. Unplug unit if it becomes wet.
8. Replace fuse only with the exact type originally included.
external power supplies ASR Battery Power Supply
(only available for the ASR Emitter
Exclusive versions)
110 Volt: 10 amps, slow-blo 2 amps, slow-blo
120 Volt: 2 amps, slow-blo 2 amps, slow-blo
220 Volt: 5 amps, slow-blo 1 amp, slow-blo
240 Volt: 1 amp, slow-blo 1 amp, slow-blo
9. THERE ARE NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE ASR EMITTER!
-Do not attempt to repair or modify your ASR Emitter.
-All service should be performed by qualified service personnel.
-Do not open the unit while it is attached to the AC outlet.
1.4 The ground lift switch
The ground lift switch is located on the backpanel of the ASR Emitter above the AC input.
Switching to position „1“ will connect the ground of the power supply to the ground of the
connected source components (on the RCA inputs). Audio ground should be once

ASR Audiosystems Friedrich Schaefer, D-35727 Herborn, Germany
High End Integrated Amplifier ASR Emitter Page 4
connected to the power supply ground in every audio system. If connected more often
hum can occur. Switching to position „2“ disconnects the ground connection as described
above. In any doubt: please switch the ground lift switch to „1“.
2.0 Connecting the ASR Emitter to your system
ATTENTION: Inputs (cables from source compnonents) and outputs (cable to speakers)
can be safely connected to the ASR Emitter when the units (left) control knob is set to „0“
(= off). Be sure that the least cable you connect is/are the powercord(s) to the AC outlet.
To obtain the best performance please make sure, that all your cables from and to the
ASR Emitter are as short as possible. The ASR Emitter´s main unit should be placed close
to your source components. If your source components are equipped with „fixed“ and
„variable“ outputs always use the „fixed“ outputs to connect the component to the ASR
Emitter. All standard inputs of the ASR Emitter are high-level-inputs and are identical, just
the marking ist different. Only exception from this rule: if your ASR Emitter is equipped with
the ASR plug-in phonoboard (on special order, see 2.2.2), do not use the input „PH“ to
connect your high-level source components.
On the backpanel of the main unit the RCA input sockets are located left and right above
the speaker outputs. The RCA sockets are named (from left to right) „Ph, Ta, CD, Tu, DT,
Vi“. The RCA input sockets for the right channel are marked with a red ring, for the left
channel with a black ring.
Tip: please use high quality interconnects, speakercables and powercords to connect your
ASR Emitter. The performance of your system will be increased by using the best
affordable cables.
Burn-in time
Straight out of the box, the performance of the ASR Emitter is not as impressive as the
performance of a unit that has been broken in. Why?
Each ASR Emitter needs at least 100 to 200 hours of playing music to fully break-in.
Especially the ASR Emitter Exclusive versions with the large amounts of capacitors inside
have to stabilize over the initial 200 hours of playing.
Tip: connect your CD player to the ASR Emitter and play a CD with dynamic music or a
dedicated burn-in-CD in repeat mode a few times (ASR Emitter volume level should be set
between 20 and 30).
If you are not playing the ASR Emitter for more than a week, the same effect will occur, but
not as apparent as when connected for the first time. After one or two days of listening the
ASR Emitter sounds as good as the unit did before.
Tip: if you are absent for more than three days, please disconnect all the powercords from
the AC outlet. This is the safest and cheapest way to prevent your hifi system from any
damages.

ASR Audiosystems Friedrich Schaefer, D-35727 Herborn, Germany
High End Integrated Amplifier ASR Emitter Page 5
The ASR Battery Power Supply should not be disconnected from the AC outlet for more
than 10 days. Like any other high-end amplifier, the ASR Emitter sounds best about one
hour after you put the left control knob to the „1“ (ON) position.
Tip: about 30 minutes before you want to listen to music, turn the ASR Emitter on. Just
turn the ASR Emitter off, if you are not listening to music for more than two hours.
2.1 Standard connections
As a standard version the ASR Emitters are equipped with high-level inputs with RCA
sockets (one of the inputs is a direct input), one (two) RCA tape outputs and one pair of
speaker outputs as direct outputs.
2.1.1 Connecting high-level source components to the ASR Emitter
High-level source components are all audio components except turntables.
Every ASR Emitter is equipped with the following (identical) RCA inputs: „Ph“ = phono (if
your ASR Emitter is equipped with the ASR plug-in phonoboard, this is NOT a high-level
input anymore!), „Ta“ = tape, „CD“ = CD player, „Tu“ = Tuner, „DT“ = digital tape, „Vi“ =
vcr. The additional RCA sockets (on the backpanel, outer left/right side) are tape outputs –
the ASR Emitter I is equipped with one, the ASR Emitter II with two tape out RCA sockets.
These outputs are named „Out“.
Connect each of your source components to one input. Attention: connect the right outputs
of your source components to the right inputs of the ASR Emitter (same for the left
channel) and make sure, the RCA connectors fit tight.
2.1.2 Connecting a high-level source component to the
direct input of the ASR Emitter
The RCA input sockets of the direct input are directly connected to the relais volume
control via silverwire, the grounding is separately routed. The direct input was especially
developed for audio systems with just one source component (for example a CD player).
The signal of the direct input passes two relais less than the signals of the other inputs.
The RCA sockets of the direct input are located between the „Out“- and the „Vi“ RCA
sockets on the backpanel of the ASR Emitter. Connections to the direct input should be
made like described in 2.1.1.
The direct input can not be switched via the input selector (right control knopb on
frontpanel of the ASR Emitter). If you have connected a source component to the direct
input and switch the input selector to another input, where a source component is
connected and playing, you will hear the signals of both inputs.
Tip: if you are using the direct input, put the input selector to a position, where no other
source compnoent is connected. If your ASR Emitter is equipped with a balanced input, do
not put the input selector to „CD“ while having a source component connected to the direct
input. If you want to listen to another source component than the one, that is connected to
the direct input, please turn the direct connected unit off or disconnect ist powercord from
the AC outlet.

ASR Audiosystems Friedrich Schaefer, D-35727 Herborn, Germany
High End Integrated Amplifier ASR Emitter Page 6
2.1.3 Connecting a tape deck to the ASR Emitter
The ASR Emitter I is equipped with one, the ASR Emitter II with two tape outputs
(additional tape output on special order).
Connect the „Line out“ or „Tape Ot“-RCA sockets on your tape deck to the RCA input
sockets „Ta“ on the ASR Emitter and the „Line In“- or „Tape In“-RCA sockets on your tape
deck to the „Out“-RCA sockets (sockets closest to the heatsinks) on the ASR Emitter.
Additional tape decks or open-reel decks can be connected to each RCA input of the ASR
Emitter. To make recordings, put the input selector knob to the position, where the source
that you want to record from, is connected. The signal of the chosen source component
will be routed to the „Out“-RCA sockets. Tape-to-tape recordings are possible in the same
manner too.
ATTENTION: during a recording or when your tape deck is ready to record, DO NOT
switch the input selector knob to the input, where your (recording) tape deck is connected
to. Switiching to the „Ta“-input means switching tape in- and output together – a feedback
will be the result. This feedback may cause damages to your connected speakers.
2.1.3 Connecting an auxiliary source component to the
ASR Emitter
The „Ta“ input of the ASR Emitter may as well be used to connect any auxiliary source
components like equalizer. Connect the „Line out“-RCA sockets on your auxiliary
component to the RCA input sockets „Ta“ on the ASR Emitter and the „Line In“-RCA
sockets on your auxiliary component to the „Out“-RCA sockets (sockets closest to the
heatsinks) on the ASR Emitter. Pressing the „monitor“-button on the ASR Emitters
frontpanel or on the remote control will bring the signals of the auxiliary component into the
signalpath of the chosen input on the ASR Emitter.
2.1.5 Connecting a pair of speakers to the ASR Emitter
ATTENTION:
Put the left control knob to the „0“ (Off) position before you connect or disconnect any
speakercables. check all speakercabels for shortcuts. This will keep your speakers and the
other connected components from being damaged. A shortcut is easily detectable and is
not covered by the ASR warranty!
The standard versions of the ASR Emitter are equipped with a direct (speaker) output. To
increase the performance of the ASR Emitter, the speaker outputs are directly connected
to the output transistors and named „Direkt“.
An ASR Emitter with direct output differs from an ASR Emitter with a relais-switched
speaker output (read 2.2.5):
-while switching the ASR Emitter on or off, there might be a audible sound in your
speakers
-before switching the ASR Emitter to the „On“-position, the DC resistor can not check, if
a shortcut has occured on the speakers – this means: all speakercables HAVE TO BE

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checked before the ASR Emitter is initially switched to the „On“-postion
-if a technical defect occurs, the speaker output can not be turned off; in case of trouble,
the protection circuitry shuts down the speaker outputs
-in case of overmodulation the ASR Emitter with direct output will be immediately and
completely turned off to protect your speakers; to listen to music again, the left control
knob on the ASR Emitter has to be set to the „0“-(Off)-postion and then to the „1“-(On)-
position
The speakers connected to the ASR Emitter should have an impedance that is no lower
than 1,5 ohms (20Hz to 20kHz). If the ASR Emitter is equipped with a relais-switched
speaker output (named „A“) and/or with a second pair of speaker outputs, an impedance
check will be automatically made, before the unit switches from „0“ to the „On“ position.
The impedance check will not let the ASR Emitter switch to the „On“-position, when the
measured value is under 1,5 ohms.
The speaker outputs are located on the back panel of the ASR Emitter below the RCA
input sockets. Please connect the „minus“ (black on most speakercables) of the right
speakercables to the „minus“ (black) terminal on your speaker, than the other end of the
cable to the right black terminal on the ASR Emitter, and the „plus“ (red) of the right
speakercables to the „plus“ (red) terminals of your speakers, than the other end of the
cable to the right red terminal on the ASR Emitter - same for the left channel.
Do not reverse „minus“ (black) and „plus“ (red) – neither on the ASR Emiter nor on your
speakers.
If the ASR Emitter is equipped with one speaker output, the output relais for A and B are
switched together to improve the output resistance. The display on the frontpanel of the
ASR Emitter shows „A+B“.
2.1.6 Connecting the separate power supply/supplies
to the ASR Emitter
Every ASR Emitter is equipped with external power supplies. The ASR Emitter I has one
external power upply, the ASR Emitter II has two external power supplies. Due to the very
high power capability of the ASR Emitters, the power supplies MUST be connected
directy. to wall AC outlets.
Connecting the power supplies to the ASR Emitter is quite simple, please pay attention to
the following order:
a) turn off the ASR Emitter (left control knob to „0“-position) and disconnect the
powercords from the AC outlet, disconnect the powercord(s) from the AC input of
the power supply/supplies
b) carefully connect the heavy silver cable (with grey plug featuring 30 contacts)
hanging out of the backpanel of the ASR Emitter I´s main unit to the socket on the
backpanel of the external power supply. The ASR Emitter II features two cables
hanging out of the backpanel. Please connect the two cables (with 30 contacts) to
each of the two power supplies; both power supplies are identical.
c) connect the powercords to the AC input of the power supply/supplies
d) connect the powercords to the AC outlet

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If you want to disconnect the external ASR power supply/supplies please pay attention to
the following order
a) turn off the ASR Emitter (left control knob to „0“-position)
b) disconnect the powercord(s) from the AC outlet, disconnect the powercord(s)
from the AC input of the power supply/supplies
c) wait until the LEDs inside the ASR power supply/supplies are not shining anymore
d) disconnect the heavy silver cable from the power supply/supplies
If the connection between the ASR Emitter´s main unit and the power supply/supplies has
been disconnected before the LEDs have not shone anymore, please wait at least two
hours before you connect the power supply/supplies again. This will avoid damage on your
audio system.
Tip: powercords have a big influence on the obtainable sound quality. We recommend to
use the ASR Active Powercord on all the components in your audio system.
2.2 Additional connections (on special order)
Every ASR Emitter can be equipped with a lot of in- and outputs on special order at
additional cost. The most common connections are described here.
2.2.1 Connecting a high-level source component to the balanced
input of the ASR Emitter
The ASR Emitters (that is not equipped with the ASR plug-in phonoboard) can be
equipped with a balanced input. This input can easily be choosen by switching the input
selector (right control knob on the frontpanel) to the „CD“-position. The RCA input sockets
on the backpanel named „CD“ are not that sensitive (not so loud) than the balanced inputs.
You can connect either every high-level source component or even a phono pre-amplifier
(like the ASR Basis Exclusive) to the balanced inputs of the ASR Emitter. A balanced
cable (with male-/female XLR plugs) can - due to international standards – only be
connected one way: the male XLR plug is connected to the source component and the
female XLR plug is connected to the ASR Emitter.
Tip: if oyu have to use a cable longer than approximately ten feet between a source
component and the ASR Emitter, you should use a balanced connection. Balanced
connections are less suspectible for disturbances.
2.2.2 Connecting a turntable to the ASR Emitter
Every ASR Emitter (that is not equipped with a balanced input!) can be equipped with the
ASR plug-in phonoboard. If an ASR Emitter is equipped with the ASR plug-in phonoboard
a turntable with Moving Magnet- oder Moving Coil-cartridge can be directly connected to
the ASR Emitter. The turntable can be connected to the RCA input sockets named „Ph“ on
the backpanel of the ASR Emitter. The groundig cable of the turntable (if there is one) can
be connected to one of the black speaker output terminals.

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The ASR plug-in phonoboard can be retrofitted. Simply follow the described steps:
-before you put the phonoboard into the ASR Emitter, please adjust it acoording to the
cartridge you are using (see 2.2.2.1)
-turn off the ASR Emitter (left control knob to „0“-position) and disconnect the
powercords from the AC outlet, disconnect the powercord(s) from the AC input of the
power supply/supplies
-carefully release the bolts of the topplate of the ASR Emitter (inside the heatsinks) and
remove the topplate
-at the end of the pc-board in the middle (view from the front) there are two black 10fold
sockets (right were the word „phono“ is written on the pcb); there are two bridge-wires
in this sockets (one for each channel) - carefully remove this bridge-wires
-carefully insert the ASR plug-in phonoboard into the two black 10fold sockets; the
parts on the phonoboard facing the frontpanel of the ASR Emitter)
2.2.2.1 Adjusting the ASR plug-in phonoboard
There is a 6fold DIP switch for each channel in the middle of the phonoboard to adjust the
phonoboard according to your cartridge. The input resistance can be adjusted on DIP
switches no. 1 and 2, the gain can be adjusted on the DIP switches no. 3 to 6.
a) the DIP switches have two different settings: „on“ or „off“; be sure, that the switches
are correctly set (when set correctly, you will hear a slight „klick“)
b) please set the DIP switches exactly the same for the right and the left channel (only
exception from this rule: your cartridge needs to be balanced because of different
output from the right and left channel)
c) the ASR plug-in phonoboard was not developed to work with very low output MC
cartridges
Adjusting the input resistance
We know from experience that if you are using an adjustment with a lower input resistance
the ambiance is improved with limited dynamics, with a higher inputresistance the overall
performance is brighter and more dynamic, but definition and precision are limited. You
can easily find out the perfect setting for you: make an adjustment and listen to the
system. the best adjustment is the one you like best!
DIP switch no. 1 2 Input resistance
47kΩ −− −− for MM- und High Output MC cartridges
100kΩ −− ON for medium output MC cartridges (Denon/Yamaha)
22 Ω ΟΝ −− for low output MC cartridges (Ortofon MC 200)
18 Ω ΟΝ ΟΝ for very low output MC cartridges (limited)

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Setting the gain
The gain can easily be adjusted on DIP switches no. 3 to 6. Please put just ONE switch to
the „on“-position. Maximum gain is obtained by putting the DIP switches no. 3 to 6 to „on“.
The following chart shows, how the gain can be set:
switch no. „ON“ all four 3 4 5 6 none
Gain: +34dB +26dB +20dB +14dB +9dB minimum
*1 *2 *3 *4
*1 = for extreme low output MC cartridges (limited)
*2 = for very low output MC cartridges
*3 = for low output MC cartridges (limited)
*4 = for MM cartridges (minimum gain)
Please set the DIP switches exactly the same for the right and the left channel (only
exception from this rule: your cartridge needs to be balanced because of different output
from the right and left channel). The gain should be set as low as possible.
2.2.3 Connecting a headset to the ASR Emitter
Every ASR Emitter can be equipped with a headset output, either on the front- or the
backpanel. Connection can be made via a gold-plated 6,3mm-socket. The headset output
can be easily chosen by switching the left control knob to the „Kh“-position or via remote
control. Two yellow LEDs indicate that the headset output is selected. The 6,3mm-plug
must not be disconnected, when the headset is not in use.
2.2.4 Connecting a second pair of speakers to the ASR Emitter
Every ASR Emitter I can be equipped with an additional speaker output. The speaker
outputs are named „A“ and „B“. Every ASR Emitter II can be equipped with up to two
additional speaker outputs. The speaker outputs are named „A“, „B“ and „C“. The
additional speaker outputs on the ASR Emitter can be either selected single („A“ or „B“, „A“
or „B“ or „C“) or together („A“ and „B“, „A“ and „B“ and „C“). The chosen mode is shown in
the display on the frontpanel. If an ASR Emitter has additional speaker outputs, it has no
longer a direct output. The speaker outputs are switched via relais then.
Connect the additional speakers according to 2.1.5.
2.2.5 Connecting the ASR Battery Power Supply
(available only for the ASR Emitter Exclusive versions)
The input stages of the ASR Emitter Exclusive versions can be supplied with an optional,
external ASR Battery Power Supply. The standard power supply/supplies should be
connected before you connect the ASR Battery Power Supply to the ASR Emitter
Exclusive (refer 2.1.6).