Audio Note P2 SE User manual

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Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of the Audio Note P2SE power
amplifier. The P2SE is a Pure Class A Parallel Singled Ended valve amplifier that
uses the 6L6GB/5881 output valve. The P2SE offers a level of performance and
technology that was previously unavailable in a product at this price point.
The P2SE’s design is derived from Audio Note’s key technological features
originally embraced by the world famous Audio Note™Ongaku and Kegon
amplifiers. These features include:
-Pure Class A operation.
-Zero negative feedback.
-Single ended output stage.
-Valve rectification.
-Directly heated Triode connected output stage.
-Materials and component quality.
The subjective sonic performance of our products can be measured by the
number of these features included. The P2SE meets level 2 requirements.
The P2SE is a single-ended type amplifier. This means that the complete music
waveform reproduced by the amplifier is preserved as a complete “whole”.
Consequently, a true single-ended amplifier must be operated in pure class A
and operates in a coherent and natural way. This produces significant sonic
advantages compared to conventional push-pull amplifiers since push-pull
amplifiers require that an inverted waveform of the original input be created and
this is far from the only problem associated with push-pull amplifiers.
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
Please take care when unpacking the amplifier as it is fairly heavy and place on a
suitable clean space (table or floor) it is recommend that you store the packaging
materials in case the unit requires shipping at a later date.
These amplifiers are shipped with the valves installed. It is advisable
that before the unit is powered up for the fist time that the top cover is
removed and the valves are inspected to see that the valves are
correctly seated in their respective sockets. This is a precaution only.
See diagram 1 below.

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6L6GB/5881
Diagram 1: P2SE tube locations
Installation
Select a suitable location for the units ensuring that adequate ventilation
clearance is provided allowing at least 30cm. of space above the units. This is an
important consideration as the amplifier generates substantial heat during
normal operation. Be sure not to install the amplifier into a cabinet with
restricted air flow or onto a thick pile carpet.
In the interest of safe, reliable operation situate the amplifier away from
dampness or direct sunlight. Site the unit on a flat and firm surface capable of
sustaining the amplifier’s weight. Worthwhile sonic improvements may be
obtained by locating the amplifiers on a purposely designed audio support
system.
CONNECTION –Inputs
The amplifier has a pair RCA sockets on the rear panel for connection to your
preamplifier. The sockets are colour coded Black for Left channel and Red for
Right channel. The P2SE is equipped with a volume control and so a preamplifier
6L6GB/5881
6SL7

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is not strictly necessary if you are only using a single line level music source such
as a CD player. This makes for a compact, high quality music system. To use the
P2SE without a preamplifier, simply connect your source component output to
the amplifier inputs.
CONNECTION –Speakers
The P2SE is equipped with three colour coded standard binding posts for
connection to your speakers. Connect the amplifiers black speaker output binding
post marked as “ 0 ” to the black terminal (also marked “ – “) on the speaker.
Connect the amplifiers red speaker output binding post marked “8 Ohm” to the
red terminal (also marked “ + “) on the speaker.
The other red speaker output binding post is marked “4 Ohm” and may be used
with 4 Ohm speakers. If you are uncertain whether your speaker system is of 4
or 8 Ohm type, try the following test once all other connections are made and
the amplifier is operational. Compare the sound quality using a familiar recording
with the speakers connected to the 8 ohm connections and then the 4 Ohm
connections respectively. The selection that produces the best frequency balance
and maximum dynamics should be used.
CONNECTION –Mains
The amplifier has an IEC mains inlet socket. Use the supplied mains cable to
connect the unit to the local mains supply. The mains fuse and a spare is located
in the inlet socket fuse drawer. The mains cable must be removed to access the
fuse or fuses.
Special Note – Make sure that all connection are tight and clean. For best results
use good quality audio interlinks. Although several companies make good quality
interlinks those manufactured by Audio Note give the best performance with
Audio Note Amplifiers.
USING THE AMPLIFIER
Once all the connections are completed and checked, turn on the amplifier by
using the rocker switch located on the rear top right of the back panel just above
mains inlet socket. The amplifier requires approximately two minutes initializing
time before it is ready for operation. During this time ensure that the volume
control on the amplifier or your preamplifier is at the minimum setting.
A new amplifier requires about 200 hours of initial use (called “bedding in time”)
before the circuitry becomes stable and optimum performance is realized. As the
amplifier “beds in” the sound will become increasingly smoother, detailed and
open. Once the amplifier has “bed in” a warm up time of approximately 30 to 45

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minutes is required each time the amplifiers are switched on before optimum
sonic performance is reached.
CAUTION – Valves can reach very high operating temperatures when in
use and can cause burns if touched.
AFTER CARE
No special maintenance is required for the amplifiers. A small feather or wool
duster is excellent for removing household dust from the valves and chassis.
Fingerprints and such may be cleaned with a soft cloth. Use a soft cloth
dampened in mild, warm and weak soapy solution to remove grease or oily
substances. Strong or alcohol based solvents may damage the finish on the
amplifiers. Dust or clean the amplifiers only when switched off and “cold”.
VALVE REPLACEMENTS
The valves used in the amplifier should provide at least 6000 hours of operation.
These valves are specially selected and carefully matched by Audio Note for use
with the P2SE and should only be replaced with matched pairs. Please consult
your Audio Note dealer should the performance of the amplifiers deteriorate so
that arrangements for valve replacements can be made.
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
Audio Note warrants this product free from defects in materials and
workmanship for 1 year from original date of purchase from an appointed Audio
Note dealer. The valves are warranted for 3 months. In the event that your
Audio Note product requires servicing, please contact your Audio Note dealer. If
the equipment needs to be shipped, please use the original packaging and
include a copy of the purchase receipt, with a note explaining in as much detail
as possible, the problems that you are experiencing with the unit.
Any modification not authorized by Audio Note™will invalidate this
warranty.

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If you require technical support, new valves or have any questions, please direct
them to your Audio Note dealer first or contact us directly.
Audio Note (UK) Limited,
25 Montefiore Road
Hove, East Sussex,
BN3 1RD,
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight 19 kg
Dimensions in mm 140(H) x 300(W) x 410(D)
Fuse Rating 2A anti-surge 110 to 120 VAC
1A anti-surge 220 to 240 VAC
Input Impedance 100kOhm
Maximum Output 18W RMS per channel
Into 4 or 8 Ohms
Valve Compliment 6L6GB/5881 x 4, 6SL7 x 2
Power Consumption 165VA or 165 Watts
Note: Due to Audio Note’s desire to continually improve its products,
specifications are subject to change without notice.
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH CE STANDARDS