AudioNemesis PA-1m User manual

AudioNemesis
CLASS A MONO POWER AMPLIFIER
PA-1m
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009
www.audionemesis.com
AudioNemesis
Enjoy the Music
Superior Audio Products
Handmade in Italy
OWNER’S
MANUAL
© 2009 Fabio Camorani
All right re erved, any copy, partial or complete,
i forbidden unle authorized with a written con ent.
Graphic Fabio Camorani — Giu eppe Intorrella
Fabio Camorani
Via Orceoli, 11B — 47122 Forlì — Italy
VAT IT03182620405

2
AudioNemesis
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of the AudioNemesis PA-1m!
This product represents a great evolution in audio technology at affordable price. It represents an important
step to Music bringing the listener to emotion of live Music events. This product is designed for the best
quality of sound and reliability, matching unprecedented performance with convenience not obtainable
from most high performance products.
All AudioNemesis products are made for helping you in listening to your favourite Music for many years
no compromises in core parts.
AudioNemesis products are not made for a limited life, every part is used to take you in listening to you
favourite Music for a very long time: we respect You and Music above all.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING AUDIONEMESIS
PREFACE
• Read carefully these instructions before turning on this appliance. Keep these instructions in a sure
place for future readings.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this device near water, or with high humidity, or under the rain or moisture.
• Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
producing heat.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• This device can be used only for purposes it is designed for.
• Never open the appliance: risk of electric shock. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
• Do not modify the appliance.
• Use high quality cables and power cord. Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, extension cords and the point at which they exit the unit.
• The device is connected to ground through the power cord. Be sure that the power cord you are
using has the ground connection. Be also sure that your connector has the ground connection. A
grounding type plug has 2 blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does not fit, into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
• Before connecting this appliance to the mains, be sure that the voltage information in the rear label
of the appliance is compatible with your mains voltage.
• If the appliance had wide thermal shocks (for example, from low external temperature to high room
temperature), do not turn on the appliance, but wait till the appliance temperature equals the room
one (about 1 hour).
• Unplug this device during lightning storms or when not used for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only. Servicing is required when the unit has been
damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the device, the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
No expressed or implied warranty is made for any AudioNemesis product damaged by accident,
No expressed or implied warranty is made for any AudioNemesis product damaged by accident, No expressed or implied warranty is made for any AudioNemesis product damaged by accident,
No expressed or implied warranty is made for any AudioNemesis product damaged by accident,
abuse, misuse, natural or personal disaster, unauthorized modification. Any disassembly,
abuse, misuse, natural or personal disaster, unauthorized modification. Any disassembly, abuse, misuse, natural or personal disaster, unauthorized modification. Any disassembly,
abuse, misuse, natural or personal disaster, unauthorized modification. Any disassembly,
components or parts replacement, perforation or modification of the chassis or modifications
components or parts replacement, perforation or modification of the chassis or modifications components or parts replacement, perforation or modification of the chassis or modifications
components or parts replacement, perforation or modification of the chassis or modifications
performed to the unit will void the warranty.
performed to the unit will void the warranty.performed to the unit will void the warranty.
performed to the unit will void the warranty.
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

3
AudioNemesis
CAUTION
CAUTIONCAUTION
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove the cover or the front panel or any other
part. Inside there is no user serviceable parts. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
WARNING
WARNINGWARNING
WARNING
To reduce the risk of electric shock or fire, do not expose this appliance to moisture or rain.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of dangerous voltage (inside the
enclosure) that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions
in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the need of specific disposal, due to recycling,
following the Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE). Please refer to your National Register for the correct
procedure or call your official AudioNemesis dealer / distributor.
This product complies with the EMC directive (89/336/EEC) and the low voltage
directive (73/23/EEC).
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

4
AudioNemesis
A Letter FROM Fabio Camorani
Dear Audio Enthusiast,
Thank you for your purchase of the PA-1m.
AudioNemesis was born to offer serious and reliable products, instruments for Music lovers. At the centre of
all AudioNemesis products there is only Music. Most of competitors are offering products for impressing
Audiophiles, but after a few discs only, audiophiles feel the need for a change! This is due to a poor and
not natural sound. The reproduction of Music is a repeatable event by definition and also imperfect. I think
that reproduction may have many interpretations. The one by AudioNemesis put Emotion behind
everything, a step ahead, because this is the only common element between Produced (Live) Music and
Reproduced (Home) Music. Emotion is the essence of the Music. Listening to Music using AudioNemesis
products you will have all the Emotion of Live Music, without special effects, without pretending, no false
creations. Natural feeling, richness of harmonics, details of the event: everything is reproduced with a very
clear sense of LIVE, without false aspects, without false sounds.
Like all other AudioNemesis products, PA-1m has been designed without preconceptions, without following
trends, and without following the latest technology “innovation”. This is our philosophy, using simple and
elegant designs for the highest emotions. Circuit simplicity and a minimum number of components are key
elements. Less is better, but we do want to use the right device for the right purpose in the right way. Our
products are simple appliances, using only the minimum quantity of parts for the proper work, following
“the simpler the better, but not even simpler”. PA-1m design is a breaking point, because it’s totally
different from what offered by the market: a simple circuit, full of uncommon choices for its class and rare
in absolute, no matter the cost, all together in a new typology I called Echidna
EchidnaEchidna
Echidna. The market of power
amplifiers is full of similar products, similar in schematic and sound. And lots of them declare low feedback,
despite tens of decibels. It’s very rare to see original designs, with real study and research on sound (with
clear ideas and listening tests).
If You have the PA-1m in your hands, You are a Music lover. I’m sure you’ll love it, and you’ll listen to
your favourite Music for many years using the PA-1m . Enjoy the Music!
Sincerely,
Fabio Camorani
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

5
AudioNemesis
pA-1M AUDIO AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER:
PRODUCT P ILOSOP Y AND DESIGN
Echidnas (sometimes also Ekidna) are unusual animals living in Australia and New Zealand: they are small
egg-laying (primitive) mammals that are covered with coarse hair and spines. So, it’s a very “strange”
animal, it’s a “hybrid”. And it’s very “nice” and “sweet”.
We at AudioNemesis called ECHIDNA
ECHIDNA ECHIDNA
ECHIDNA our original topology for a hybrid power amplifier, developed and
used for the first time in this model PA-1m. Echidna puts together, in an original form, a few known circuits
and ideas, creating a very unique simple topology.
Echidna idea is simple: a triode voltage gain stage plus a bipolar current gain stage, without loop feedback.
However, this hybrid configuration is unusual from many points of view.
Triodes are the best devices for voltage gain. Nothing is more linear than a triode. It’s the only device
which can be used without any kind of feedback, assuring a very low distortion. Bipolar transistors are the
best devices for current gain. They can work only using local feedback but they can allow very low
distortion also in simple topology, if well designed, and very high current.
Hybrid designs usually have triodes plus Mosfets and not bipolar transistors. New York Audio Laboratories
(NYAL) in early ’80 proposed the Moscode topology and since then it seems that the only way of doing
hybrid designs is triode and Mosfets. Recently, a few examples of hybrid amps with bipolar transistors
appeared on the market (and DIY magazines).
Echidna is a very special configuration with only 3 active devices in series to the signal
only 3 active devices in series to the signalonly 3 active devices in series to the signal
only 3 active devices in series to the signal. All other devices are
passive. So, there are only 7 components in series to the signal
only 7 components in series to the signalonly 7 components in series to the signal
only 7 components in series to the signal!
The output stage is made by bipolar transistors only. It’s a complementary configuration composed by the
output devices and the driver devices. As output devices we chose the best available audio power
transistors: they are made by Sanken and they are ring emitter type. These devices are able to supply 17A
DC, and up to 35A for 10ms. This outperforms any requirement in real applications.
As driver devices we chose a very linear device, with 100Mhz Ft and a very low capacitance (ensuring low
distortion in real life loads), made by Toshiba.
This output stage is unconditionally stable
unconditionally stableunconditionally stable
unconditionally stable and it has low output impedance assuring a high damping
high damping high damping
high damping of the
loudspeaker, for better bass response.
A DC servo circuit assures an output DC voltage near zero without output capacitors.
Linearity of base current of output devices is essential for the best audio performance. So the voltage gain
stage must be able to drive the output stage with high linearity of base current.
Triodes are the most linear devices for voltage gain. But usually they don’t have much current capability.
The standard common cathode stage (standard gain stage) is linear if properly designed but cannot
guarantee the current we want for the best performance and proper driving of the output stage. For this
reason it is very common to use a cathode follower stage after the gain stage. This configuration is standard
and it is used really often. We don’t think this stage has the right sound, so we designed a driver stage using
two triodes in a single very fast stage, able to drive the current base of the output stage in a linear way.
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

6
AudioNemesis
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009
The power supply makes use of a high quality and low noise toroidal transformer with many separated
secondary windings, dedicated to each requirement of the circuit. Requested voltage for the output stage
has very special, very fast and soft-recovery diodes, with low ESR electrolytic capacitors. The ripple is very
low assuring very low noise. High value capacitors assure energy while low value and very fast ones
(positioned close to the power transistors) assure speed. The voltage is unregulated. Regulated power
supply sounds better than un-regulated one only if regulation is necessary for a stable work of the audio
stage. Otherwise, it’s very difficult to reach better results. Our driver stage is very stable with stable sound
performances and this allows the use of a very good but un-regulated power supply too. Filament (heater)
power supply is regulated and precisely stabilized at the optimum voltage for assuring long life of the
triode. Furthermore, stabilized dual voltages are dedicated to other non-audio circuits. A custom designed
mains filter completes the power supply.
The complete circuit is divided in three different PCBs: audio signal, output stage power supply, high
voltage and filament power supply. This does optimize space and performance. The signal path is as short
as possible.
As usual, all components are of the best quality, with Sanken ring-emitter power transistors, Toshiba audio
driver transistors, very high quality passive parts and a NOS 5687WB double triode with a ceramic socket.
The pure aluminium heat sink let the circuit manage the high temperature of the output transistors caused
by the high idle current for a correct Class A bias. The Bias circuit, moreover, sets a very stable output idle
current since the turn on of the amplifier. The fast correction this circuit is capable of allows a warm-up of
about 30 minutes, even if we suggest a longer period for the best performance.
The chassis is very similar to the one used in other AudioNemesis products, adapted to the high temperature
typical of Class A amplifiers.

7
Why ECHIDNA?
ECHIDNA
ECHIDNA ECHIDNA
ECHIDNA ‐
‐‐
‐ E
EE
Exclusive
xclusive xclusive
xclusive C
CC
Circuit for
ircuit for ircuit for
ircuit for H
HH
Hybrid
ybrid ybrid
ybrid I
II
Improved
mproved mproved
mproved D
DD
Design by
esign by esign by
esign by N
NN
Nemesis
emesis emesis
emesis A
AA
Audio
udioudio
udio
The Echidna output stage has no output choke and no Zobel network
no output choke and no Zobel networkno output choke and no Zobel network
no output choke and no Zobel network!
! !
! Despite this, it is unconditionally
unconditionally unconditionally
unconditionally
stable
stablestable
stable and the low output impedance is assuring a high damping
high damping high damping
high damping of the loudspeaker, for better bass
response.
This amplifier is able to drive any efficient loudspeaker, thanks to the low distortion and high current
capability. However, it has no protection system
no protection systemno protection system
no protection system! So it’s not protected against short circuits. Warning!
20 khz distortion before clipping
The second harmonics is –40dB, third and forth with linear decay.
Square wave response at 20 khz and 8ohms, 34 Vpp
Many famous amplifiers have bad response and don’t self-oscillate thanks only to a choke in series to the
output and a Zobel network when they drive 0,1uF in parallel to the 8 ohms resistor.
Square wave response at 20 khz and 8 ohms + 3,3uF (3 point 3 micro farad!), 30 Vpp
AudioNemesis
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

8
AudioNemesis
Obtained after 1 hour warm-up, with regulated 230 Vac power line
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 50 KHz + 0dB/ -1dB @ 15W @ 8 ohms
20 Hz to 50 KHz + 0dB/ -1dB @ 1W @ 8 ohms
Gain 15 dB
Power Output 15 Watts @ 8 ohms
27 Watts @ 4 ohms
45 Watts @ 2 ohms
THD @ 1kHz <0.03% @ 1,5 W
<0.3% @ 15W
THD @ 20kHz <1% @ 15 W
Input Impedance 475 kohm
Damping Factor >80 @ 8 ohms nominal
Output: Inverting
DC offset < 50mV
Input Connectors Gold plated RCA, Teflon
Output Connectors Gold plated RCA for audio signal
Gold plated screw type for GND
Dimension (WxHxD): 23 x 8,5 x 34 cm.
Weight: 6 Kg
Shipping weight: 7 Kg
Power consumption: <80 Watts
Power Supply: 110/120 Vac or 230/240 Vac 50/60 Hz +/- 10%
Fuse 2,5 A slow blow type for 230 Vac
5 A slow blow type for 115 Vac
All specifications can change without notice.
SPECIFICATIONS
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

9
AudioNemesis
1.
1.1.
1. Name
Name Name
Name AudioNemesis
When the item is ON the name turns ON with a blue light.
2.
2.2.
2. Power switch
Power switchPower switch
Power switch
The power switch is in the bottom part of the chassis, front-right side.
3.
3.3.
3. Mains connector
Mains connectorMains connector
Mains connector
Always connect the power cable with the power switch turned OFF (power switch pushed to the
rear side of the chassis)
4.
4.4.
4. Fuse
FuseFuse
Fuse
The main power fuse is inside the connector. Never change it if not blown. Never open it if the
appliance is ON. Always verify the data reported in this manual.
5.
5.5.
5. Mains characteristics
Mains characteristicsMains characteristics
Mains characteristics
Verify that the data reported on the rear panel of the chassis match the characteristic of the mains
line of your country.
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

10
AudioNemesis
6.
6.6.
6. Analogue output terminals
Analogue output terminalsAnalogue output terminals
Analogue output terminals
Connect a high quality analogue speaker cable to these high quality output pins. Then connect the
other side of the cable to the connectors of your speaker. Be sure that the output characteristics of
this unit matches the input characteristic of the unit you want to connect to. Correct polarity of the
connections between the amplifier and speakers is essential. The positive terminal on the amplifier is
marked + (plus) and coloured red, and the negative terminal is marked – (minus) and coloured
black. This amplifier is inverting (see Specifications). Bi
BiBi
Bi-
--
-wiring
wiring wiring
wiring and bi
bibi
bi-
--
-amping
amping amping
amping connections and
suggested.
7.
7.7.
7. Analogue input connection
Analogue input connectionAnalogue input connection
Analogue input connection
Connect this input pin to the audio signal cable from your preamplifier.
8.
8.8.
8. “Earth” or “Ground” terminal
“Earth” or “Ground” terminal“Earth” or “Ground” terminal
“Earth” or “Ground” terminal
For best performance this terminal should be connected to the “earth” or “ground” terminal of the
speakers, if offered by your model. This screening effect can give an improvement in detail clarity,
depending on the speaker used. Optimum results are achieved using a screened loudspeaker cable
designed for such a system. If a screened loudspeaker cable is not in use but you wish to utilise the
earthing facility, run a single cable between the “earth” or “ground” terminal on the amplifier to the
earth (ground) connection on the loudspeaker.
OW TO USE T E APPLIANCE
• How to turn on the converter
How to turn on the converterHow to turn on the converter
How to turn on the converter
Turn ON the appliance AFTER turning on the preamplifier.
• Mains voltage
Mains voltageMains voltage
Mains voltage
No power cable is offered with this appliance. Please use a good quality power cable: this improves
the performance is this power amplifier. A screened cable is suggested.
• Connection cables
Connection cablesConnection cables
Connection cables
No analogue cable is offered with this appliance. Please use good quality cables both for analogue
connections. Using good quality cables may give a very big improvement in sound quality
reproduction and gives you even better Music listening sessions.
• Mains filtering
Mains filteringMains filtering
Mains filtering
In this appliance there is a high quality mains filtering unit. This is a custom design to assure the
highest final quality and to meet CE requirements. Before using an external filter, conditioner,
stabilizer or any other appliance please do a deep listening session to verify effectiveness, to
avoid sound quality problems.
• Cleaning
CleaningCleaning
Cleaning
Use a high quality lint-free cloth that has not been treated with chemicals of any kind. Dampen the
cloth with warm water only. Do NOT use cleaning agents of any kind, such as alcohol or other
common cleaning products.
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

11
AudioNemesis
PROBLEM
PROBLEMPROBLEM
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE CAUSEPOSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
SOLUTIONSOLUTION
SOLUTION
The appliance does not
turn on
Main voltage is not present,
the power cable is not
properly connected or it is
damaged, the fuse in blown
Be sure that the turn on switch is in
ON position.
Verify that the power cable is
properly connected and that it’s is in
proper working condition, verify
that the fuse is working.
There is no output signal
The digital cable is not
properly connected or it is
damaged
Verify that the digital cable is
properly connected and that it’s is in
proper working condition. Turn off
then turn on the appliance.
The appliance does not
work properly, it has
distortion, it works to
strokes
Main voltage with noise or
incorrect main voltage
Remove the sources of noise or use
stabilizers, verify that the appliance is
connected to the right main voltage
as reported by the rear label (5)
TROUBLE-S OOTING
For any other problem, please contact your dealer.
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009

12
AudioNemesis
WARRANTY RECORD FORM
Last name ……………………………………………….. First name…………………………………………
Address……………………….…………………………………………………………..………………………
City …………………………………………………...……………… ZIP Code……………………………….
Country ………………………………………..
Owner’s information
Owner’s informationOwner’s information
Owner’s information
Model:
Model: Model:
Model: Audio Power Amplifier PA- m S/N
S/NS/N
S/N:
Purchasing:
Purchasing:Purchasing:
Purchasing:
Warranty
WarrantyWarranty
Warranty: This appliance has a limited warranty of 3 years from the date of purchasing on labour and
parts . The mechanical and electronic components of this appliance are warranted to be free
of defects in material and workmanship for that period. The warranty does not include
damage due to misuse or abuse or modified products and also does not include consequential
damage. The warranty begins on the date of the original retail purchase, as noted on the bill
of sale or receipted invoice from an authorized AudioNemesis dealer or distributor.
Privacy
PrivacyPrivacy
Privacy: All data from this document will be used for standard administration records and warranty
and will be protected and taken secure.
Note
NoteNote
Note: Every effort is made to ensure the highest standard of quality. The producer reserves the right
to change the specifications without any notice. The specifications and the design of the
device may differ from the information given in this manual.
M_PA1m REV.01 ENG OCT 2009