Astin Trew AT2000 User manual

Website: www.astintrew.co.uk

AT2000
high definition integrated amplifier
Rosebank House
Shepherd's Green
Nr. Henley on Thames
Oxfordshire RG9 4QL UK
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile : [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Astin Trew
Website: www.astintrew.co.uk

Operating information for the Astin Trew AT2000
integrated amplifier
SECTION PAGE
1. Introduction
2. Unpacking
3. AC Mains supply
4. Safe use
5. General Set up
6. Description of AT2000 amplifier and functions
7. Operation and remote control.
8. Valve and internal fuse replacement.
9. Troubleshooting
10. Specifications
11. Spares, cables for multi-room connectivity.
12. Guarantee
13. CE, RoHS and WEEE
14. Architectural / Engineering description for
specifiers.
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1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Astin Trew AT2000 stereo integrated
amplifier, an amplifier with musical sound qualities, multi-room and A/V features. This
amplifier has been designed and is manufactured to a very high design specification,
making it a true audiophile product. It will give you many years of listening pleasure. The
following notes explain all aspects of its functions and use, to help you get the very best
from it.
The AT2000 integrated amplifier, when used with high-quality audio source components
and loudspeakers, will offer an involving musical experience, normally only achievable
with far higher priced products.
AT2000 features include:
1. Incorporation of the patented Never Connected (NC) power supply, perhaps the
lowest noise and cleanest mains power supply available to audiophile amplifier
designers. Using the NC supplies allows the designer to use a single toroidal multi-
tapped transformer as the NC design ensures that the individual circuits in the
amplifier do not 'see' one another and effect the sound qualities.
This can be partially achieved by using separate transformers for each separate
circuit, at a much higher cost. The savings made using one power supply
transformer have been directed toward higher quality audio components in other
areas of the design, offering a higher quality sound and better value.
2. Balanced input and output circuitry, offering the best sounding solution available,
short of using specialist and expensive transformers (Bill Whitlock of Jensen
Transformers actually helped develop the circuit design for balanced audio we use).
3. The use of over rated power supplies and generous power capacitor storage for the
power amplifier MOSFET's.
2
The AT2000 amplifier has many features that offer flexibility in use, without
compromising your enjoyment of the highest quality sound. These include:
·Audiophile quality two or three room function, allowing all your master listening
room source components to be used remotely, up to 100Mtrs. distant, offering
high quality second room sound through balanced audio cables.
·Alternative two room function, allowing your master listening room source
components to be used remotely, up to 100Mtrs. distant, using low cost audio /
data cable.
·2:1 active sub-bass option.
·Pre-amplifier output, for bi-amping
·Line level output for analogue to digital conversion (ADC), recording, or monitoring.
TM

·RS232 data bus connectivity for remote control in 'smart home' installations,
compatible with Creston, AMX and other controllers.
·XLR and RCA (phono) inputs to pre-amplifier.
·Direct input to power amplifier, for integration into multi-channel A/V systems.
·InfraRed (IR) control cable input and output for remote control of source components.
3
The other components you use within the chain will also affect the fidelity of the sound.
The AT2000 integrated amplifier deserves to be used with the highest quality source
and ancillary components to give the best results, and works particularly well with
other AT range products, whilst being flexible enough to work with virtually any other
equipment you have in your audio system.
2. Unpacking
Included with your AT2000 integrated amplifier:
Mains lead(s); UK type and Europe type at 230VAC; or US type for 115VAC.
One remote control with batteries.
One Alan Key
One spare fuse, located within the fuse holder, see section 7.
Please retain all packing materials. Re-packing may be necessary to transport your
integrated amplifier in the future, without risk of damage to the equipment.
3. AC Mains supply
This amplifier is designed to work on either 220-240VAC or 110-120VAC supplies. The
amplifier is factory packed at 220-240VAC. If you live in a
This switch can be
found on the rear face of the unit, next to the mains input socket.
110-120VAC supply area,
you must change the voltage switch to 115VAC supply.
4. Safe use
The amplifier generates the some heat when switched on. Do not place on a carpet or
any material where the feet may sink into the surface, obstructing the ventilation slots on
the underside.
The amplifier should be located in a well ventilated area and kept away from sources of
heat, dust, humidity and direct sunlight.
Do not open the equipment at any time with the mains cable attached to the amplifier.
See section 7 for full details.

4
Do not attempt to change or alter any component or part of this amplifier except for
those which are user replaceable (see sections 6 and 7). Unauthorised adaptations will
void the warranty and may cause damage.
5. General Set up
After unpacking, check the mains voltage switch on the rear face is set to the correct
voltage for your country. IT IS FACTORY SET FOR 220-240VAC. Select the mains cable
supplied to suit your mains output socket type. All the mains cables supplied are fitted
with an IEC female plug that fits the IEC socket on the rear face of the amplifier.
The performance of this amplifier may be impaired if the electrical supply is in poor
condition. We recommend that you use a high-quality wall socket directly, or a multi-way
socket unit designed for audio use. You may also wish to try a combined multi-socket
and power supply conditioner unit, designed for audio, to optimise fidelity.
We recommend that you place the amplifier on a suitable rack, table or platform support,
offering maximum isolation from mechanical vibration.
We also recommend that the amplifier is turned on half an hour or more before use, as
most audio electronics sound better once they have 'warmed up' and this is the case
with the AT2000 . We do not recommend that you leave it on all the time - but it will
come to no harm if you do. From new, you'll find that the amplifier will need about 100
initial hours use to achieve its optimum high quality sound.
All the RCA (phono), XLR and other sockets are mounted on the rear panel, except for
the MP3 input socket. We recommend that you use high-quality signal cables for
optimum performance. Upgrading to an audiophile quality mains cable may also improve
the sound quality; however, the use of Never Connected power supplies does isolate
the critical amplification stages in the AT2000.
6. Description of the AT2000 amplifier and functions
The AT2000 integrated amplifier combines a high quality class 'A' biased pre-amplifier
stage, with a hybrid design MOSFET power amplifier. Never Connected power supply
to the pre-amplifier ensures a perfectly clean and isolated supply, allowing the amplifiers
electronics to operate with optimum fidelity under all working conditions. The volume is
controlled through a resistor ladder network, ensuring a high quality signal to the power
amplifier stage.
The power amplifier design employs a valve in its power supply regulation, optimally
driving a single pair of audio quality MOSFET's per channel in a circuit designed with
short PCB tracks and minimum components in the signal path. The power amplifier
supply is sourced from an overrated toroidal transformer and large (32 Joules)
capacitive storage per channel. The power amplifier design is particularly tolerant of low
or awkward loudspeaker impedances. The design will offer high quality sound through all
loudspeaker types.
TM
TM

5
Front fascia illustration Figure 1
integrated amplifierintegrated amplifier
MP
3in
MP
3in input
p. ampp. amp
input
disp.
At 2000At 2000
on off
/
on off
/mute
rem.
remote sourceremote source
Power on LED
IR control receiver
Remote source LED
Volume control Display
Power
on/off Headphone
Earphone MP3 in
Display brightness
Remote sourced
input
Power amp.
Input
Mute
Source inputs
selection

6
Rear panel showing connections illustration Figure 2
CAUTION
RISK OFELECTRIC SHOCK RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENDO NOT OPEN
MODEL AT2000
POWER CONSUMPTION : <300W
SERIAL NO.:
MODEL AT2000
POWER CONSUMPTION :<300W
SERIAL NO.:
AC INAC IN
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
~230V~230V
50Hz
~115 V~115 V
60Hz
SPEAKER OUTSPEAKER OUT
RL
CD TUNER TA P E AUX 1AUX 1LINE AMP
SUB.
OUT
XLR OUTXLR OUT
LR
RS-232RS -232
OUT
IR
IN
XLR INXLR IN
LR
L
R
CAT 5CAT 5
OUT
CAT 5CAT 5
IN
PRE-AMP
OUT IN
IN
TM
FUSE: T5AL 250VAC/FUSE: T5AL 250VAC/
1. XLR balanced line
signal output
3. I.R. data
remote control
5. XLR balanced line
signal input (aux 2)
12. Pre-amp.
output
11. RCA (phono)
line level output
16. Power input
voltage select
switch
15. Loudspeaker
outputs, spade end,
banana or bare wire
2. RJ45 Balanced L/R
audio output and I.R.
data control
4. RS232 data
remote control
6. RJ45 Balanced L/R
audio input and I.R.
data control
7,8,9,10. RCA
(phono) inputs
13. RCA (phono)
power amp. Input
14. RCA (phono)
mono sub-bass
output
17. IEC power
input socket
18. Mains input fuse
and spare fuse holder

7
6.1 Stereo amplification, connections.
The AT2000 design has a high quality audiophile integrated amplifier at it heart. In
single room operation, there is a choice of XLR (balanced) and RCA (phono) source input
sockets. The circuitry running the balanced XLR inputs is driven from a Never
Connected supply, offering the highest quality sound from your source equipment.
The loudspeaker output binding posts will accept bare cable, banana plug or spade end
terminals. To bi-wire your loudspeakers, we suggest you use spade terminals or bare
wire connections on the binding posts.
Loudspeaker outputs for stereo configuration illustration
Figure 3
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCKRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENDO NOT OPEN
MODEL AT2000
POWER CONSUMPTION : <300W
SERIAL NO.:
MODEL AT2000
POWER CONSUMPTION :<300W
SERIAL NO.:
AC INAC IN
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
~230V~230V
50Hz
~115 V~115 V
60Hz
SPEAKER OUTSPEAKER OUT
R L
CD TUNER TA P E AUX 1AUX 1LINE AMP
SUB.
OUT
XLR OUTXLR OUT
LR
RS - 232RS -232
OUT
IR
IN
XLR INXLR IN
LR
L
R
CAT 5CAT 5
OUT
CAT 5CAT 5
IN
PRE-AMP
OUT ININ
TM
FUSE: T5AL 250VAC/FUSE: T5AL 250VAC/
RIGHT
LOUDSPEAKER
LEFT
LOUDSPEAKER
TM

8
6.2 Active sub-bass output, 2.1 operation.
The AT2000 2.1 option allows you to use smaller stand or bookshelf speakers with an
additional active bass unit, from a single RCA (phono) output socket. The stereo signals
are combined and buffered, again powered from the Never Connected supply, offering
the best low frequency audio source.
2.1 audio is useful if you wish to combine your audio with your TV set up. In this
configuration, small (high quality) bookshelf or stand mount speakers are placed either
side of the TV screen and a floor standing active sub-bass is used to 'fill in' the lower
frequencies and can be placed in a discrete position in the room.
Stereo speaker configuration with sub-bass (2.1 operation)
illustration Figure 4
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCKRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENDO NOT OPEN
MODEL AT2000
POWER CONSUMPTION : <300W
SERIAL NO.:
MODEL AT2000
POWER CONSUMPTION :<300W
SERIAL NO.:
AC INAC IN
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
~230V~230V
50Hz
~115 V~115 V
60Hz
SPEAKER OUTSPEAKER OUT
R L
CD TUNER TA P E AUX 1AUX 1LINE AMP
SUB.
OUT
XLR OUTXLR OUT
LR
RS - 232RS -232
OUT
IR
IN
XLR INXLR IN
LR
L
R
CAT 5CAT 5
OUT
CAT 5CAT 5
IN
PRE-AMP
OUT ININ
TM
FUSE: T5AL 250VAC/FUSE: T5AL 250VAC/
RIGHT
LOUDSPEAKER
LEFT
LOUDSPEAKER
Active sub-bass
TM