Audio Note RIAA-ZERO PHONO User manual

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note™ RIAA-ZERO PHONO stage.
The RIAA-ZERO provides outstanding performance as an additional unit for line level
playback systems, is of a compact size and represents excellent value.
Please read over this manual carefully in order to obtain the best possible performance
and longevity from the RIAA-ZERO.
UNPACKING & INSTALLATION
We recommend that you store the packaging materials in case the unit requires shipping
at a later date. Also, check that no transit damage has occurred before installing the pre
amplifier.
Next, select a suitable location for the unit, not next to any large mains unit or damp
areas.
Worthwhile improvements may be obtained by locating the pre amplifier on a support
system specifically designed to reduce and absorb any vibrations.
AFTER CARE
Cleaning: No special maintenance is required for the RIAA-ZERO. A soft cloth or
brush similar to those sold by photographic stores for lens cleaning applications is best
used for cleaning.
Use a cloth lighty dampened with a mildly warm, weak soap solution to clean off grease
or oily substances. Strong or alcohol based solvents may damage the finish of this
amplifier.
Tube replacement: The vacuum tube used in the RIAA-ZERO should provide about
two years of continuous operation. With three hours of use per day, they should
provide a 10,000 hour life span.
Audio Note has taken considerable care in selecting and matching vacuum tubes
specially for the RIAA-ZERO, and so we recommend that you contact your Audio Note
dealer, who will be able to provide the correct tube should replacement be required.

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CONNECTION -Mains
Use the supplied mains cable to connect the phono stage to the mains supply, ensuring
that the plug is firmly inserted to the mains input socket.
Connection -Turntable
One set of RCA output connectors are provided marked `INPUT`. The connectors are
colour coded with red and white bands for quick channel identification with red being the
right channel and white being the left channel. Connect the turntable lead to these
sockets. If you have an earth lead connect it to the screw earth terminal.
Connection to Pre-amp
One set of RCA output connectors are provided marked `OUTPUT`. The connectors are
colour coded with red and white bands for quick channel identification with red being the
right channel and white being the left channel. Connect the RIAA to any line input on
your pre-amp (eg: aux, av, etc).
Special Note: Make sure that all connections are tight and clean. For best performance, use good
quality audio interconnect. Although several companies manufacture good quality interconnect,
those manufactured by Audio Note are excellent!
USING THE R-ZERO
Once all connections are completed and checked, flip the main on/off switch located next
to the mains input socket to the “on” position. The red indicator on the front panel should
now be glowing. Being vacuum tube, the pre amplifier will take about 45 seconds before
it is ready for operation. The power amplifier may now be turned on.
when not in use. The power consumption is minimal. You may, however, prefer to turn
the unit off when not in use by using the “ON/OFF” switch located on the rear panel, next
to the mains inlet socket.
Bedding in time: The new pre amplifier requires about 200 hours of initial use (called
“bedding in time”) before the circuitry becomes stable and optimum performance is
realised. As the amplifier “beds in”, the sound will become more lucid, detailed and
expansive.
Once the RIAA-ZERO is “bedded in”, a warm-up time of approximately 30 to 45 minutes
is required each time the unit is turned on before optimum sonic performance is reached.
The RIAA-ZERO is designed for continuous operation and may remain switched on,
even when not in use. The power consumption is minimal.

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TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
The RIAA-ZERO meets the requirements of Level Zero and the basic technological
requirements of all Audio Note™ products.
Audio Note™ use a technique called “Comparison by Contrast”* during the development
of our products. This method of aural evaluation is a system currently unique to Audio
Note.
All inputs are routed to the line stage via an input selector, volume and balance control.
High quality parts are used throughout the pre amplifier.
The circuitry is simple and incredibly effective, yielding a high level of sonic performance.
•An essay titled ‘Audio Hell’ that describes the Comparison by Contrast technique is available from Audio
Note on request.
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
Audio Note™ warrants this product free from defects in materials and workmanship for
one year from original date of purchase from an appointed Audio Note dealer. The
vacuum tubes are warranted for three months.
In the event that your Audio Note™ product requires servicing, please contact your Audio
Note™ dealer. If the component needs to be shipped, please use the original packaging
materials and include a copy of the sales purchase with a note, explaining, in as much
detail as possible, the problems that you are experiencing with the unit.
If you require technical support, new vacuum tubes or have any questions, please direct
them to your local Audio Note™ dealer or alternatively to:
Customer Support
Audio Note (UK) Limited
Unit C, Peacock Industrial Estate
Lyon Close
125-127 Davigdor Road
HOVE
East Sussex
BN3 1SG
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

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SPECIFICATIONS
Weight 4 kilograms
Dimensions 220(w) x 120 (h) x 300(d) (mm)
Power consumption 11 Watts
Fuse ratings 500ma anti-surge (110/120V supply)
500ma anti-surge (220/240v supply)
Input impedance K, line in
Input sensitivity MV @ 0db
Output impedance K.
Output noise < 0.MV
Tube compliment 6111 WA Valve Line Stage
Note: Due to Audio Note’s ongoing research and development programme, specifications are subject to change
without notice.
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH CE STANDARDS.