Audio Note PALADIN Silver Signature Technical manual

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PALADIN
Silver Signature
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STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER
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OWNER’S INFORMATION
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1) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
2) CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
DISPOSAL
POWER REQUIREMENTS
3) INTRODUCTION
4) OVERVIEW
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
5) VALVE INSTALLATION
6) CONNECTION
7) OPERATION
8) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
9) WARRANTY INFORMATION
10) CONTACT INFORMATION
CONTENTS
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SUCH REPLACEMENT MUST ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY A
QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
Do not attempt to replace any fuses without first disconnecting the unit
from the mains electricity supply.
! IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION !
RISK OF SHOCK OR ELECTROCUTION! INTERNAL OPERATING
VOLTAGES ARE LETHAL!
Do not remove top cover, unless specifically instructed to do so in the user
manual.
This unit contains fuses and other safety components in accordance with
BS60065 requirements.
In the event of failure, replacement fuse or safety component must be of
the same part type and value.
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This product generates high levels of heat. Adequate ventilation must
be provided. Do not restrict airflow through any ventilation slots or
place the unit on any surface that may restrict airflow.
Valve equipment operates at extremely high temperatures;
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS.!
Do not store or operate this unit in areas of high humidity or in close
proximity to water / moisture.
Do not expose or immerse the unit in liquid of any kind.
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This product must be earthed –ensure that the mains supply cable earth /
ground is correctly connected.
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OTHER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: -
Never touch the power cord with wet hands.
Always remove the power cord by grasping the plug, not the cable.
Never expose the unit to excessive heat or magnetism.
Never let an inexperienced person repair or reassemble the unit.
Never put anything, especially metal objects, inside the unit.
Never place excessive weight on the unit.
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POWER REQUIREMENTS
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary depending on your geographical
location. Please ensure that your unit meets the power requirements in your area.
The power requirement for your unit is marked on the serial number plate, located on
the rear panel.
If you are in doubt, please contact your dealer before plugging the unit into the mains
supply.
CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
DISPOSAL
This product must not be disposed of as normal household waste. To
prevent possible harm to the environment please separate the product
from other waste to ensure that it can be recycled in an environmentally
safe manner. Please contact your retailer or the appropriate local
government office for collection facilities.
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We declare under our sole responsibility that this product is in conformity
with the following standards or standardized documents:
BS EN 60065 in accordance with the regulations 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC
(from 1 January 1997)
CE 94
Peter Qvortrup,
Director
Audio Note (UK) Limited
25 Montefiore Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1RD
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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Thank you for purchasing this Audio Note (UK) product. With the correct care it
should give you many years of pleasure and enjoyment.
Please take the time to read all of the information in this manual before connecting
your new component to an electrical supply or your system, to ensure both your
safety and satisfaction.
Please note that due to our desire to continually improve products, specifications are
subject to change without notice. Therefore it is important to refer to the manual that
is supplied with your product for the most accurate information; manuals downloaded
from our website or obtained from other sources may no longer fully apply to your
product.
If you have any questions regarding the information contained within this document
or your new component, please feel free to contact us: -
Audio Note (UK) Limited
25 Montefiore Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1RD
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]o.uk
INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note (UK) PALADIN stereo power
amplifier.
It is a Pure Class A Singled Ended valve amplifier that uses the highly regarded 45
triode valve, producing a level of performance that is radically superior to the vast
majority of current designs.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical
specification, and fulfills all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria: -
Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage
Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation
Materials and component quality
The Silver Signature version builds upon the already superb performance of the
standard PALADIN, and features the following additions: -
Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil signal capacitors
Audio Note (UK) Tantalum film resistors
Audio Note (UK) IHiB Double C-core output transformers
Please take care when unpacking your PALADIN stereo power amplifier. Choose a
clean, clear location to unpack your unit. Be aware that the amplifier is very heavy;
before attempting to unpack or lift the unit, check the weight and if necessary use
more than one person so that it can be moved safely and easily.
We recommend that you retain and carefully store all of the original packing
materials, in case transportation / shipping is required at a later date.
Select a suitable location for the unit. This should be a dry, dust free and level area,
preferably shielded from direct sunlight and free from vibration. Also ensure that the
location is stable and capable of carrying the weight of the unit.
A suitable mains power outlet must be close to the location; power cords must not be
pulled or stretched tightly in an attempt to reach a wall socket. If the power cord will
not easily reach the socket, choose a closer location!
Please ensure that adequate ventilation for the unit is provided, and that airflow
through any ventilation slots in the unit is not restricted. We recommend a distance of
at least 20cm free space is maintained above the unit, and preferably it should be
sited in free space or on the top shelf of your equipment rack or table. Please also
remember that valve equipment operates at extremely high temperatures, so a
position that is inaccessible to any children or animals is essential.
PALADIN STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION

The amplifier is shipped without its valve compliment installed. It is necessary to
install the valves before operation.
It is essential that the valves are installed correctly or serious damage that is not
covered by the warranty will result. We recommend that your dealer perform
this procedure for you if you are in any way unsure.
FIRSTLY, ENSURE THAT THE AMPLIFIER IS NOT CONNECTED TO A MAINS
ELECTRICAL SUPPLY, AND THAT THE POWER CORD IS NOT CONNECTED TO
THE AMPLIFIER.
Now remove the valves that are packed inside the amplifier and carefully unwrap
them. Also inspect the amplifier to check that nothing has become damaged or
dislodged during transit.
Unless you have purchased the PALADIN complete with a pair of 45 valves, it will be
shipped with the following valves only, and you will need to purchase a pair before
the amplifier can be operated: -
1x 6SL7GT input stage valve
1 x 5R4GY rectifier valve
Once again, please understand that it is absolutely vital these valves are fitted
correctly.
Looking from the front of the amplifier install the 45 valves first. Inspect a 45 valve
base and you will notice that two of the pins are larger than the other two; this is to
help ensure that the valve can only be inserted one way.
Now examine the two large apertures located in the top plate of the amplifier,
between the single front valve base aperture and the large, black, square transformer
cover; you will notice that two of the four holes in each aperture are larger than the
others. Line up the large pins on the base of the 45 valves and the large holes in
each valve base, and with gentle but firm pressure insert the valve into its socket.
Next, examine the single 6SL7GT input stage valve. You will see that there is a rib on
the central pin of the valve, which ensures that it can only be inserted into the valve
base correctly. Locate this rib and align with the corresponding aperture in the centre
of the valve base, located in the top plate at the front / centre of the amplifier. With
gentle but firm pressure,insert the valve.
Next, examine the remaining 5R4GY rectifier valve. You will see that there is a rib on
the central pin of the valve, which ensures that it can only be inserted into the valve
base correctly. Locate this rib and align with the corresponding aperture in the centre
of the valve base, located in the top plate towards the rear of the amplifier, between
the two large, black, square transformer covers. With gentle but firm pressure,insert
the valve.
Check one more time that all of the 4 valves are correctly fitted!
VALVE INSTALLATION

VALVE INSTALLATION Continued…
5R4GY
6SL7GT
45
45
6SL7GT

Line inputs Being a stereo power amplifier, the PALADIN is fitted with one pair of
single ended / RCA inputs. Looking from behind the amplifier, they are
located at the right hand side of the rear panel. The Black socket (top)
is for the Left channel, the Red socket (bottom) is for the Right
channel. Connect the output from your preamplifier to these inputs.
Speakers Each channel is equipped with 3 colour coded binding posts for
connection to your speakers, located on the rear panel.
Looking from the rear of the amplifier, the 3 binding posts at the top
are for the left channel and the 3 binding posts at the bottom are for
the right channel.
Connect the amplifiers black speaker output binding post marked as
“0” to the black / negative terminal (also marked “ –“) on the speaker.
Connect the amplifiers red speaker output binding post marked “8
Ohm” to the red / positive 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 specified as 4 or 8 Ohm, 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.
Mains The PALADIN utilizes an IEC 320 mains inlet socket. Use the supplied
mains cable to connect the unit to the local mains supply. The mains
fuse and a spare are located in the inlet socket fuse drawer.
Special Note –Make sure that all connectionsare tight and clean. For
best results use good quality audio interconnects. Although it is
perfectly acceptable to use cables manufactured by other companies,
for best results and performance, we recommend our own Audio Note
(UK) range of interconnects and loudspeaker cables. For further
information, please consult your nearest Audio Note (UK) dealer, or
alternatively please feel free to contact us directly.
CONNECTION

Once all the connections are completed and checked, ensure that the volume control
of your preamplifier / source is at the minimum setting.
Turn on all components in the signal chain BEFORE the PALADIN; it should always
be the LAST component to be switched ON, and the FIRST to be switched OFF.
Turn on the amplifier by using the rocker switch located on the rear top right of the
back panel, just above mains inlet socket.
Bedding in The new amplifier requires about 200 hours of initial use (called
“bedding in”) 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 “bedded in” a warm up time of
approximately 30 to 45 minutes is required each time the
amplifier is switched on before optimum sonic performance is
reached.
Cleaning No special maintenance is required for the amplifier. Use a
soft, clean lint free cloth to remove any surface marks from the
casework. For finger marks / grease, use a soft, clean lint free
cloth, lightly moistened with a solution of warm water and mild
detergent. Do not use any alcohol or solvent based cleaning
products, as they may damage the finish of the amplifier.
ENSURE THAT THE AMPLIFIER IS SWITCHED OFF AND
DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAINS ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY CLEANING.
Valve Life The valves supplied with your amplifier should provide
approximately 6000 hours of operation. They are specially
selected by us, and should only be replaced with matched
pairs. Please consult your Audio Note (UK) dealer should your
valves need replacing.
OPERATION

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT IMPEDANCE
INPUT SENSITIVITY
MAXIMUM OUTPUT
CHANNEL BALANCE
VALVE COMPLIMENT
UNIT WEIGHT
SHIPPING WEIGHT
(ORIGINAL PACKAGING)
UNIT DIMENSIONS
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
(ORIGINAL PACKAGING)
MAINS INPUT
MAINS FUSE
MAX. POWER
CONSUMPTION
NOTE
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100k ohm, line level
250mV for full output
2 watts RMS per channel into 4 or 8 Ohm
loads
+/-0.3dB
1 x 6SL7GT
2 x 45 (not supplied)
1 x 5R4GY
20KG
30KG
195mm (h) x 205mm (w) x 500mm (d)
295mm (h) x 320mm (w) x 610mm (d)
AC 100-120V/220-240V 50/60 Hz
2A Anti Surge (110/120V Supply)
1.2A Anti Surge (200/240V Supply)
400mA (Internal HT)
270 VA
Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing
research and development program,
specifications are subject to change
without notice.
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Audio Note (UK) warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for two yearsfrom the original date of purchase from an appointed
Audio Note (UK) dealer, and agrees to cover the cost of parts and associated labour
required to correct such defects, subject to terms & conditions.
This Warranty is offered to the first purchaser only.
Any valves supplied with the unit are warranted for three months from the original
date of purchase.
If the product fails in normal domestic use and during the Warranty period due to the
above described faults or defects, Audio Note (UK) will,at its discretion, repair or
replace the item free of charge within a reasonable time once it has been returned to
Audio Note (UK) or an appointed Audio Note (UK) dealer or service engineer.
Audio Note (UK) is not liable for any shipping charges incurred whilst transporting the
product to or from Audio Note (UK) or an appointed Audio Note (UK) dealer or
service engineer, should the item require service or repair during or after the
Warranty period.
If the product must be shipped, please use the original packaging materials and
include a copy of the original sales receipt along with a note explaining, in as much
detail as possible, the problems you are experiencing with the unit.
Only use a reputable Courier Service or Shipping Agent, and ensure that your
product is insured during transit.
Any servicing, repairs or modificationsnot authorized by Audio Note (UK), or
carried out by persons other than appointed Audio Note (UK) service
engineers will invalidate any warranty.
This Warranty does NOT cover: -
Damage sustained whilst in the possession of a shipping agent, retailer or consumer
and not caused as a direct result of defects in materials or workmanship.
Damage caused by normal wear and tear.
Damage or defects caused by abnormal or unreasonable use.
Damage caused by accident, acts of nature, misuse or neglect.
Damage caused by a failure to follow the operating and installation instructions
supplied with the product.
Damage caused by improper or careless cleaning.
Audio Note (UK) reserves the right to refuse warranty for any component of which
the serial number has been removed, defaced or tampered with.
WARRANTY INFORMATION

Audio Note (UK) Limited
25 Montefiore Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1RD
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]o.uk
CONTACT INFORMATION
If in the future your Audio Note (UK) product
requires servicing, or if you require technical support
or have any questions regarding this or any of our
other products, please contact your local Audio Note
(UK) dealer.
Alternatively, please feel free to contact us directly: -!