Audio Valve ASSISTENT 30 User manual

ASSISTENT 30
Integrated stereo tube amplifier
This handcrafted product was special made for your high demands,
to display the music in its finest way.
We guarantee, that this amplifier was carefully produced
and tested in all details.
Congratulations on your decision to become the proud owner of the ASSISTENT 30 tube
amplifier.
This owner manual has been prepared to help you to understand the operation of your amplifier
and to provide some information about its design and the variety of ways it may be used.
We have designed and manufactured this amplifier to faithfully and accurately reproduce music.
This hand build instrument should give a lifetime of pleasure and with a little care and a full
understanding of the operation recommendation in this manual the ASSISTENT 30 should provide
trouble free performance.
Please take time to read this manual thoroughly before using your amplifier.

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
List of contents
Introduction to AudioValve
IAS AND PC
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
UNPACKING & SET UP
FRONT PANEL / REAR PANEL
INPUT / OUTPUT TERMINALS
PLACEMENT AND VENTILATION
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
STORY
REMOTE CONTROL
CHANGING VALVES AND POWER VALVES
TU E PLACING
SPECIFICATIONS
Power tube probs
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
CE confirmation
lease take time to read this manual
thoroughly before using your amplifier
Introduction to AudioValve
All AudioValve products are designed by Helmut ecker and feature
advanced, modern circuitry, combined with the superb sound of
valves. Now it is no longer necessary to sacrifice one to get the other.
Combining the finest in modern valve technology with sophisticated smartbias
circuitry, AudioValve brings you the best of both worlds - and more.
With contemporarily-styled chassis built from 3 up to 5 mm laser-cut steel, every
amplifier and pre-amplifier we manufacture utilises double sided PC boards
and automatic bias regulators to ensure a continuously uniform current flow
to and a perfect match between all the valves throughout their entire life,
even as the various valves decay at different rates.
Unlike other valve amplifiers, where a certain amount of guesswork and
experience is required to know when valves need to be replaced, with
AudioValve amplifiers not only do valves not have to be removed
prematurely (prior to burn out), but when burnt out does occur, only the bad
valves need to be replaced. The amplifier will automatically adjust and
distribute the total current flow to optimally match the new configuration.
AudioValve amplifiers always deliver nothing but the most advanced,
economical, high quality valve sound. Power output valves in most models
may be varied among several different types with no modifications to the
units, so that an appreciable degree of sonic system matching and user
preference may be accommodated.
No matter what combination of valves one uses (differing valves, new valves, old valves), one will
experience at all times the balanced and coherent sound of amplifiers working with brand new,
perfectly matched valves. The bonus is that there is never any need to use a meter or screwdriver
to adjust bias on any valve in any condition of

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operation. AudioValve`s smart - bias circuitry is the best and most
unobtrusive available in the world also in your Assistent 30 !!!
The ASSISTENT 30 amplifier represents exceptional value for money. We
have designed and manufactured this power amplifier to faithfully and
accurately reproduce music. The high quality of components used and
advanced valve operational principles employed in this design ensures that
you will enjoy the superb audio performance and pride of ownership,
inherent in such a hand-crafted product as this, for many years to come.
BIAS AND CB
Traditionally, valve biasing is performed with a screwdriver to adjust the bias
current to the valve. Any such adjustment can only be optimum for an
instant as valves, even selected ones or a matched set, cannot hold a
consistency of performance in the long term. Each valve will deteriorate
individually and, if in a set, not necessarily in the same way as others in that
set. A matched pair or quad will therefore only remain matched for a
relatively short period of time!
Helmut ecker of AudioValve has developed a absolute unique valve biasing circuit
that automatically monitors, biases and controls each valve independently
thereby maintaining any number of valves at their optimum performance
level. These valves do not even have to be of the same type or condition.
This is AudioValve`s Automatic ias Regulator (A R) circuit, a feature that
AudioValve considers essential to deliver optimum performance from any
multiple power valve amplifier and, in particular, to get the very best from
the stunning QQE 02-12.
AudioValve`s A R therefore delivers a long awaited dream - to combine
the operational convenience of solid-state amplifiers with the sonic benefits
of pure triodes. True 21st century valve-technology!
The CB
All electronic components of the ASSISTENT 30 are mounted on one double
sided mil-spec printed circuit board created from a pure copper covered
panel using CAD/CAM software to produce a circuit board completely free
from solder bridges or point-to-point wiring. All signal and power tracks are
separated by grounding tracks to minimise cross-talk and noise and the
overall construction is designed to ensure low microphony and excellent
conductivity.
The advantage of this approach is a consistency and reliability of
performance and the certainty that all production examples of any
AudioValve model will be exactly like its reference sample! This is in stark
contrast to amplifiers that employ hardwired components, where the sonic
outcome will depend upon the construction technicians ability to solder all
joints to a consistent standard and place the components in the same
position and orientation as those of the reference sample to ensure
consistency of interaction with other components.
AudioValves PC ensures that all components receive the same accuracy
of assembly and that electro-dynamic interactions between components
are constant in all aspects of the construction. Only the use of a well thought
out and calculated printed circuit can achieve this.

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WARNINGS & RECAUTIONS
The ASSISTENT 30 amplifier operates in a floating class-A and is therefore capable of
generating moderate to high temperatures. This may have an adverse
effect on other equipment, furniture and fittings close by and you will need
to position the amplifier carefully to avoid this.
Do not remove the top cover or the metal top from this amplifier whilst it is in
operation or connected to the mains supply as you will be exposed to
potentially lethal voltages.
Do not attempt to connect any input of this amplifier to any of its outputs
otherwise damage to components will result.
Do not earth any output terminal or connect any of these terminals together
without following the instructions in this manual or seeking qualified
assistance.
Do not connect any voltage source, short circuit, earth/ground or appliance
(other than a suitable Hi-Fi quality loudspeaker) to any output terminal.
Repair work should only be undertaken by a suitably qualified service
engineer.
e sure that you understand the requirements fully
before you make any connection to this amplifier or switch ON !!
This amplifier ASSISTENT 30 operates in class - A and is
therefore capable of generating a moderately high temperature which requires care full placing to
aviod any effect this heat may have on other equipment, furniture and fittings etc.
Do not remove the top cover from this amplifier.
Hazardous voltages are present. Any repair work should
be refer to a suitable qualified and experienced
service person.
Do not attempt to connect any input of this amplifier to
any of its outputs.
Do not earth any output terminal or connect any of these
terminals together without following the instructions in
this manual or seeking qualified assistance.
Do not place this amplifier in any position where liquids
or any foreign material may accidentally enter it.
Do not disconnect any in / output wire, the power cord or the connecting cables between the amp
and the power supply , while the amplifier is operating.
Some preamplifiers, processor, CD players etc produce
large switching pulses when switched on or off, causing a loud
click through the loudspeakers. For this reason, turn off your power amplifier at first when you
plan to switch off your audio device.
Turn on your power amplifier at last when you plan to switch on your audio device.
All handling at the open amplifier has to be done
when the main power plug is disconnected .

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
Please notice that you never exceed the mains voltage in the prescribed value shown at the lable of
the serial number on the rear side. If you can`t provide the amplifier with the exact shown main
voltage, please use a voltage stabilizer - particulare for the US ( 115 VAC ) market and Mainland
China
The amplifier needs a certain time to form the brand new components (capacitors) otherwise they
can be destroyed.
Use the Stand - y mode for warm hold periodes ( tube heating ) when you aren`t listening. Please
switch OFF the amp while leaving the house or sleeping !
Please only do use your amplifier while listening to music.
UN ACKING & SET U
Ideally your dealer will carry out this process for you. If you wish to unpack
and set-up the amp yourself please follow the following steps carefully.
Each ASSISTENT 30 comes in its own stable carton and weighs 15kg
unpacke.
To remove the ASSISTENT 30 from its crate first undo the plastic wrapping. Each
person should then grab the outer rim of the Perspex top and lift the amplifier
until it can be rested on the edge of the crate. Any further lifting should be
carried out holding the bottom of the amplifier chassis. Do not lift the
amplifier using the protective grille!
We suggest you leave all packaging in the crate and re-fix the top so you
can use it again in the unlikely event that you need to return the unit under
warranty (see warranty conditions at the end of the manual) or place the
unit in storage.
It is possible that the driver valves already on the circuit board may have
been vibrated loose in transit, so first check that they are securely in place - if
not, push them firmly home. Once you have done this, remove the power
valves from their packing one at a time and fit them into the vacant sockets.
Take care to align the pins correctly before pushing them fully into position
otherwise the socket may be damaged requiring a return of the unit to the
factory for repair.
Once all 8 power valves have been installed, clean any finger marks off
them and the driver valves with a tissue or lint-free cloth and replace the top
plate assembly. This assembly is decoupled from the amplifier`s chassis by
plastic washers. When you re-fit the cover do not over-tighten the knurled
nuts or the decoupling will be reduced. It is sufficient to tighten the nuts until
they touch the top plate and then tighten one half-turn more only.
The amplifier is now ready for connecting into your audio system. Experience
has shown that these amplifiers benefit from resting on a solid surface rather
than carpet. Your AudioValve dealer will be able to recommend a suitable
support that ensures adequate airflow around and through the amplifier. Do
not place this amplifier in a position where liquids or any hard objects may
accidentally enter it.

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
MAINS VOLTAGE
CHECK that the mains voltage printed on the rear of this
amplifier is similar to the mains voltage normaly supplied to
your area. If in doupt, please consult your AUDIOVALVE dealer.
Please notice that you never exceed the mains voltage in the prescribed value shown at the lable of
the serial number on the rear side. If you can`t provide the amplifier with the exact shown main
voltage, please use a voltage stabilizer - particulare for the US
and Mainland China market.
FRONT ANEL
The ASSISTENT 30 is NOT remote controlled designed. You have on the front panel installed the
volume control, input selection and power ON or OFF.
On the right side of the ASSISTENT 30 front panel is located the volume potentiometer by the 2
section ALPS potentiometer guaranteed a high accurate analog volume control .

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
REAR ANEL
IN UT TERMINALS
The 5 pair RCA are standard terminals for the use of unbalanced input signals coming from the
signal sources . The ASSISTENT 30 uses for all inputs female jackets and for the TAPE output one
pair of RCA jackets too.
The 5 RCA IN UTs are standard RCA terminals for the
use of unbalanced input signals coming from most signal sources .
OUT UT TERMINALS
Speaker terminals - 8 Ohm - are located on the rear panal, close to the input sources.
Two pairs of heavy duty gold plated binding posts for each cannel are supplied.
CONNECT your loudspeaker positive terminal to the
amplifier (+) output terminal. Connect your loudspeaker
negative terminal to the ( - ) output terminal.
OLARITY - HASING
Quality of the connections must be examined to ensure a high
performance trouble free operation is enjoyed. Check that the connections are tight, but do not
overtighten with exessive use of spanners etc. If bare wires are used, make sure that no loose

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
strands of wire short across to the other terminals or the amplifier chassis. When using plugs such
as anana, be sure to use good quality one`s with a firm fit.
Please remember that the AUDIOVALVE Assistent 30 amplifier is a high quality electronic
instrument capable of an exeptional level of performence.
LACEMENT AND VENTILATION
This AudioValve ASSISTENT 30 amplifier is designed to
operate at a moderately high temperature. The ideal location
is on the rigid stand or floor mounted away from direct contact with any objects, materials or deep
pile carpets which may be effected by the heat or which may interrupt the flow of air around the
amplifier.
When operating the amplifiers quite a lot of heat is generated which should be allowed to dissipate
without restriction. Make sure that no objects are placed on the top of the amplifier. Always ensure
adequate ventilations.
INSTALLATION AND O ERATION
MAIN VOLTAGE
and Main ower lug ( fuse ) and Main Switch
MAIN OWER connection is via supplied plug-in lead. The standard IEC socket connects the mains
power at the amplifier end while a local mains plug is required at the wall end. In the event where
a "local" plug needs to be fitted to the wall end of the lead, ensure that the plugs is wired correctly
by a suitable qualified or experienced person.
Ensure the amplifier is disconnected from the main voltage before attempting any
modification of the main connection.
The heavy square duty rocker switch for the main voltage ON /OFF is located on the front panel.
The main fuse is next to the main plug, the value is 3,15 amp sb. for 115VAC or 1,6 amp. sb as for
230VAC.
DO DISCONNTECT the main power cord from the voltage when you check the fuse !
MAINS VOLTAGE
CHECK that the mains voltage printed on the rear of this
amplifier is similar to the mains voltage normaly supplied to
your area. If in doupt, please consult your AUDIOVALVE dealer.
Please notice that you never exceed the mains voltage in the prescribed value shown at the lable of
the serial number on the rear side. If you can`t provide the amplifier with the exact shown main
voltage, please use a voltage stabilizer - particulare for the US and Mainland China marcet.

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
Please switch OFF the main power while leaving the house or sleeping, the red light in front will be
go off !
Make sure that your home voltage is the same as the printed voltage on the lable of the rear side
of the power supply.
Please notice that you never exceed the main voltage in the prescribed value shown on the lable of
the serial number on the rear side.
If you can`t provide the amplifier with the exact shown main voltage, please use a voltage
stabilizer - particulare for the US or Taiwan ( 115 VAC, max. 120 V AC )
and Mainland China market with 230 V AC.
MAIN FUSE
The Mains fuse is fitted in the IEC Main / Line socket on the rear of the power supply.
The fuse must has the value 1,6A for 230 VAC and 3,6 A for 115 VAC slow blow.
If the fuse keeps blowing up the amplifier must be checked by a professionel technican.
DO NEVER FIT A FUSE WITH HIGHER RATING.
INSTALLATION AND O ERATION
LACEMENT AND VENTILATION
This AudioValve ASSISTENT 30 amplifier is designed to
operate at a moderately high temperature. The ideal location
is on the rigid stand or floor mounted away from direct contact with any objects, materials or deep
pile carpets which may be effected by the heat or which may interrupt the flow of air around the
amplifier.
When operating the amplifiers quite a lot of heat is generated which should be allowed to dissipate
without restriction. Make sure that no objects are placed on the top of the amplifier. Always ensure
adequate ventilations.
MAIN OWER connection is via supplied plug-in lead. The standard IEC socket connects the mains
power at the amplifier end while a local mains plug is required at the wall end. In the event where
a "local" plug needs to be fitted to the wall end of the lead, ensure the at the plugs is wired
correctly by a suitable qualified or experienced person.
Ensure the main switch of the rear side of this amplifier is OFF before attempting any modification
of the mains connection.
MAINS FUSE
A Mains fuse is fitted within the IEC Mains / Line socket on the rear of the amplifier. A small draw
at the bottom of this socket may be removed (after the IEC plug is removed) by levering it out
with a flat blade screw driver. The fuse fitted should be razed at no greater than 1,6A for 230 VAC
and 3,15A for 115 VAC slow blow.
In the unusual event that this fuse should blow, you must first
establish the cause of this failure, cure the fault and then replace the fuse with one of the same
type.
DO NOT FIT A FUSE WITH HIGHER RATING.

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
AUTOMATIC BIAS CONTROL FUNCTION ( ABR )
Every QQE 03/12 power tube is controlled by an unique complete automatic bias regulator for
each system in the tube.
When the amplifier is warmed up, the red ABR - led next to each power tube will not
shinning by correct function the power tube. Only when a tube is faulty the red LED
shinning up, then you have to chance its tube.
CHANGING VALVES AND OWER VALVES
IMPORTANT before changing a valve you must remove the mains lead from
the IEC socket and allow the valves to cool down. Touching a hot valve can
cause very serious burns.
Standard power valve type: QQE 02-12.
Automatic ias Regulator (A R ) function and interpretation
Each power valve is controlled by an A R for each circuit within the
Valve.
There are two LEDs right side each power valve circuit. These LED`s
indicate the status of the valve when the amplifier is in OPERATE
mode and will light if the valve malfunctions in some way.
If a power valve in the ASSISTENT30 falls in performance to the point
where it needs to be changed, the appropriate A R circuit will
indicate this by lighting LEDs next to the valve that needs
replacing.
Exchange the faulty valve for a suitable replacement from the list
above. You need only exchange the faulty valve as the A R
automatically adjusts the interrelationship between the valves to give
optimum sound.
AudioValve will supply individual replacement valves (or complete
sets of valves) through its distributors at an extremely competitive
price.
Once you have changed the faulty power valve the LEDs should go
out. If this or any other of the LEDs remains lit, turn the amp off at the
POWER switch and contact your AudioValve dealer. Under normal
operating conditions none of the LEDs are lit. A LED on each power valve
light up, and when the amplifier is being driven to very high output levels it is normal for
the LEDs that monitor the valve circuits to simultaneously light dimly.

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
TUBE LACING

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
technicial facts
Push-Pull 2 * >30W Sound, Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier
Pure lass A operation - high precisition full automatic bias agjustment
NOS SIEMENS germany military high grade power tubes 8 pcs. QQE 03-12
input tubes: 2*12AU7 ( E 82 ), 2*12AX7 ( E 83 )
Most of super Hi Fi fans also know this 's from AudioValve. the highest grade of amp.
100% HAND MADE IN GERMANY, 100% NEW IN BOX
main voltage: 110 V - 240VA
Frequency: 20Hz-60KHz +/-3 dB
Signal/Noise Ratio: 90dB
ALPS volume control pot
Distortion: less than 1% at full power
Input Jack: 5 pairs cinch, switchable
RE - out
burn in time: 50-100 hours
Input onsumption: 150W
Size Dimenson:220 mm wide x 360 deeph x 230 mm high
Weight: 15kg

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CE – Confirmity
Declaration Of Conformity
Manufacturer: AudioValve,
Germany, 34123 KASSEL, Umbachsweg 70,
[e-mail]
Product Name: ASSISTENT 30
Product Type: Audio Amplifier
Complies with Standards:
LVD: 92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC, & 73/23/EWG
Safety: EN60065
EMC: EN55013, EN55020, EN55022, EN55103, EN61000-3-2,
& EN61000-3-3
The official Declaration of Conformity for this product is kept on file at:
AudioValve, 34123 Kassel,Umbachsweg 70, Tel. [phone]

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W A R R A N T Y
AUDIOVALVE warrants its components for a two - year period on all electronics and a 90-
day period on the tubes from the purchase date.
In the event of a failure of your amplifier , AUDIOVALVE will repair or readjust this unit or
, should the occasion arise , will replace it provided that all conditions stipulated in this
warranty are met.
In order to initiate service of any kind it is necessary to obtain distributor or dealer
authorization prior to shipping the unit for service.
Any of the following conditions shall void the warranty:
•Operation not in accordance with this manual.
•Abuse , accidental damage or unauthorized modifications , as determined by
AUDIOVALVE or its agents exclusively.
•Removal , defacing or falsifying of the serial numbers.
•Shipping without the original complete factory crates.

Assistent 30 integrated tube amplifier__________________________________
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
lease fill out and return this warranty form to the distributor within 15 days of
the purchase date with this form here, or make it online on our webside.
•MODEL : _______________________________________________
•SERIAL NUM ER : _______________________________________
•PURCHASE DATE : ______________________________________
•AUTHORIZED AUDIOVALVE DEALER:
•PURCHASER`S NAME : ___________________________________
•STREET ADDRESS : ______________________________________
•CITY : __________________________________________________
•ZIP / POSTAL CODE : _____________________________________
0561 - 701 33 60
0160 910 77 376
0561 – 60 2929 3
[e-mail]
www.audiovalve.info
Fa. Helmut ecker Produktion
Marken: AUDIOVALVE & E-TEC
Umbachsweg 70
34 123 KASSEL - Germany
U-St.Ident.Nr.: 195 191 420
WEEE-Reg.Nr.: DE81178274
Gerichtsstand: Kassel