AVID HIFI Reference User manual
Reference Pre-Amplier
USER MANUAL
2
Topic Page
Welcome 3
Cauon 3
Key Reference Pre Amplier features 4
Placement 5
Connecng the Power Supply 5
Front Panel Controls 6
Phono Sengs 7
Balanced and unbalanced inputs 8
XLR Connecon Standard 9
Troubleshoong 10
Specicaons 11
Declaraon of Conformity 12
Warranty Statement 13
Table of Contents
3
Welcome to your AVID Reference Pre Amplier
Congratulaons on purchasing your AVID Reference pre-amplier. Using the highest quality materials
during assembly and built to the highest industry standards, your AVID Reference Pre-amplier should
provide you with many years of trouble-free enjoyment.
Please read this manual carefully to ensure you understand all the features and operang funcons
available.
Cauon
• These units are heavy, and it is recommended that at least two people are used when moving the unit.
• Care should be taken to ensure that the unit is switched o and unplugged from the mains before connecng or
disconnecng any other equipment. This is to protect your speakers from any momentary high-level signals which
could cause damage.
• There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Please do not, under any circumstances, remove any of the unit’s covers.
Doing so would expose you to potenally lethal voltages and void your warranty.
• Only clean the units with a dry micro-bre cloth.
• Take care to ensure the unit is not exposed to water or other liquids. If you believe water may have entered the case,
turn the unit o at the socket immediately and seek advice from your dealer before aempng to use it again.
4
Key Reference Features:
• 6 Line inputs, 3 Balanced and 3 unbalanced
Giving great exibility the Reference Pre-amplier provides a large number of line inputs, without
compromising audio performance. Carefully designed input switching technology promises consistent reliable
service, while ensuring the ulmate sound quality. Balanced input guarantees the best noise performance,
while unbalanced inputs ensure compability and convenience with all modern line level sources.
• High performance Phono stage with adjustable Gain, input Resistance and Capacitance
Derived from our hugely successful Pulsare II phono stage, the Reference’s two sets of phono sengs allows
unrivalled performance and exibility when compared to other designs. Adjustments for Gain, Resistance and
Capacitance are possible allowing you to accurately match any Moving Magnet or Moving Coil cartridge
currently available. Designed to oer the best performance in terms of distoron, noise and compliance with
the RIAA specicaon—but most importantly, it promises the ulmate in Phono reproducon. Both Balanced
and Unbalanced operaon are catered for, allowing up to four cartridge/arm combinaons to be connected
simultaneously.
• 50mm, High Quality Volume Potenometer
Illustrang that not all volume controls are born equal! This massive brass-cased device oers a level of
unequalled transparency. Its reassuringly weighty but smooth acon indicave of the highest levels of build
quality and ensures long-term reliability. This device alone has a huge impact on the performance of the pre-
amplier, and was a prerequisite of the design.
• Switchable Subsonic Filter
Designed to have minimal impact on sound quality, the subsonic lter will reduce the eect of excessive warps
and other sources of low frequency noise—protecng your loudspeakers from excessive excursion and
reducing distoron levels. Assuming the record being played is not excessively warped, we recommend
disabling the subsonic lter, to ensure opmum sound quality.
• Separate, High power external Power Supply
Any amplier is only as good as its power supply, and this is true whether it is a power amp or pre-amplier.
The Reference Preamplier has a massive 1kVA transformer providing independent power feeds to both le
and right channels of the amplier—this opmises noise and distoron performance of the system as a
whole—the large toroidal transformer ensuring that any power demand is met without impacng on the audio
performance. The twin enclosure design means that the incredibly fragile signals being processed by the phono
stage are not adversely aected by any electromagnec elds around the high power devices.
• Tape Output
Your Reference pre-amplier includes a ‘Tape’ output. This outputs a line level output of the currently selected
input—it is unaected by the volume control posion.
5
CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY
WARNING:
• Never connect or disconnect the power supply from the Pre-amplier while the mains is connected—doing
so may permanently damage both units.
• Both umbilical cables must be connected before connecng the unit to the mains supply.
• Leave the unit switched o for at least 5 minutes before disconnecng either of the umbilical cables.
• If the Power Supply is inadvertently powered up while disconnected from the Pre-amplier, disconnect the
Power Supply from the mains, and leave it for 10 minutes before aempng to connect the units.
• Only use the supplied cables for connecng the two units
• If any damage is spoed on either of the cables, do not aempt to use the system, but contact your dealer
for advice.
PLACEMENT
• Your Reference Pre-amplier consists of two units, the Pre-amplier itself, and its associated Power
Supply — the Pre amplier may be stacked on top of its power supply, but performance benets may be
noted if placed on separate shelves.
• Both units are heavy, and must be placed on a sturdy, level shelf.
• Avoid locaons where either unit may be aected by direct sunlight or damp.
• Keep the units away from external heat sources.
• Ensure adequate venlaon is provided.
PSU to Preamplier umbilical Mains Socket and power switch
6
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
Inially there may appear to be a bewildering array of controls and sengs available on the front panel of the
Reference Pre-amplier, however, they are logically arranged, and once you familiarise yourself with them, their
funcon is straight-forward. It is probably best to work from right to le, when familiarising yourself with the
controls.
VOLUME CONTROL
This large control allows you adjust the output level of the Pre-amplier, minimum (fully an-clockwise) to
maximum (fully clockwise). It is always wise to set the volume to its minimum seng when making adjustments,
such as changing sources, to avoid any unexpectedly loud noises. When playing music, slowly increase the volume
unl a comfortable listening level is reached. Depending on the source selected, this may not always be the same
posion on the control.
SELECTOR
This is the main input selector and allows you to select what source you wish to listen to—their labels match up
with those on the rear panel. This control allows you to choose between:
PHONO SELECTOR
When the main selector switch is set to PHONO, the secondary PHONO SELECTOR switch becomes acve.
As with the other inputs you can use the XLR sockets for balanced input and the RCA input for unbalanced. In
addion to this, the RCA input can also be used in balanced mode—this is a unique case regarding phono
cartridges, as they are inherently balanced devices. All cartridges can be used in balanced or unbalanced mode,
however using the balanced, “RCA(b)” mode may improve noise performance when having to use an RCA
connecon. If you experience high levels of hum, you may also nd that switching to balance (RCA(b) will help.
There are two phono stages built-in to the Reference Pre-
amplier each has its own set of independent adjustments.
Regardless of whether you are using RCA or XLR, PHONO 1
uses the upper bank of sengs and PHONO 2 uses the
lower bank of sengs. Depending on which bank is selected
one of the blue LED indicator lamps will light to the le of
the Phono selector switch.
Both sets of RCA and XLR connectors can be populated
simultaneously, meaning that up to 4 tonearms/turntables
can be connected at any one me, maximising exibility.
INPUT NAME INPUT TYPE
XLR 3
BALANCED
XLR 2
XLR 1
PHONO BALANCED/
UNBALANCED
RCA 1
UNBALANCED
RCA 2
RCA 3
Twin-bank phono settings
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PHONO SETTINGS
Once you have connected your turntable to the amplifier, you
will need to configure the Phono settings to ones that match
your cartridges parameters. It is always best to refer to your
cartridge manufacturers literature to ensure the most accurate
setup. Consult your dealer for additional guidance.
In the absence of full cartridge documentation, please follow these guidelines
Initial setup
Sensitivity
There are four sensitivity levels available; MM, MC (low), MC (mid) and MC (high).
Check what type of cartridge you have. If you are uncertain, set the dial to MM. If you have an MC cartridge, then
set the dial to MC (mid).
Now listen to a piece of music with which you are familiar. Adjust the volume control to a comfortable listening
level, if the volume control is much beyond the half way point, you should probably consider increasing the
sensitivity level, if the volume is immediately very loud, then choose a lower sensitivity.
Some very high output MC cartridges work well using the MM setting—no harm will be done by experimenting
with settings.
Resistance
Normally, the ideal aim is to match the amplifiers input impedance to that of the cartridge, this will ensure
maximum signal transfer, and minimise noise (hiss) - however, if you do not have this information (remember you
can check the manufacturer’s website), you can safely experiment with any of the possible values—again, tune by
ear to get the most pleasing sound. Most MM cartridges are 47k, high output MC cartridges also tend to benefit
from a high resistance setting, however low output MC cartridges are invariably low impedance, suggesting a low
resistance setting. Please experiment with this setting, as the minor adjustments can make worthwhile
improvement to the overall performance.
Capacitance
The effect of the capacitance setting is most obvious at high frequencies, but can be quite subtle. The values
chosen are affected by the design of cartridge, but also by the connecting cables—so there is no absolutely
correct setting, and experimentation is recommended until you find a setting that suits your set-up and personal
preference. Low impedance designs tend to be largely unaffected by capacitance settings, but high impedance
designs, and especially MM cartridges can be greatly affected. Start by playing a selection of tracks you know well
and adjust the setting until you find one where you feel the best balance of detail and musicality are achieved.
Mono
This selector blends the right and left channels together. This can help create a more accurate ‘mono’ signal when
playing back a mono recording using a stereo cartridge.
REMEMBER, YOUR EARS ARE THE FINAL ARBITER - WHAT SOUNDS CORRECT TO YOU IS THE CORRECT SETTING.
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There are two methods of connecng analogue audio devices, “Balanced” and “Unbalanced”. By far the most
common is unbalanced –the main reason for this is cost - fully balanced system uses almost twice as many
components as a typical unbalanced system.
Unbalanced inputs
A normal, unbalanced system uses interconnects with just two conductors (normally using RCA connectors)—an
inner core that carries the audio signal, and an outer sheath that acts as a “Ground” or 0V reference. In an ideal
situaon, this would be all that is needed. Unfortunately, as well as transferring the intended signal, a cable is also
very eecve at picking up radio frequency noise. This noise can be generated by many things, for example the
operaon of light switches, thermostats , or uorescent lamps will commonly produce RF ‘spikes’. The result is a
combinaon of the two signals, as illustrated below:
Unfortunately, once the signal has become corrupted with noise, there is no method of removing this noise
without further damaging the original signal.
Balanced inputs
A balanced input uses a clever technique where instead of having just one signal conductor, there are two (as well
as a Ground). The standard connecon for a balanced input is the 3-pin XLR connector.
This method sends the original signal along one of the conductors, and a second idencal, but inverted one, down
the second conductor. Now, if this signal is corrupted by the same noise signal, both signals will be aected
idencally. Note the orange plot, which shows the inverted signal, the signal remains inverted, but the noise is not;
this is because, being in close proximity to each other, the two conductors pick up the noise signal at exactly the
same me (and therefore phase).
Now when the two wave forms are recombined (by subtracng one from the other, the noise cancels
itself out, leaving the original, noise-free signal.
Balanced and unbalanced inputs
Original signal Signal + noise
Balanced Signal Balanced signal + noise Recombined signal
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XLR connecon Standard
As menoned previously, balanced inputs use two signal
conductors and a single ground conductor. For correct
operaon, it is vital that the correct connecon standards are
used. AVID adhere to the EIA Standard RS-297-A to ensure
compability with all modern audio equipment.
By convenon, the two signals are referred to as the posive phase (somemes referred to as ‘hot’) and the
negave phase (‘cold’).
The standard pin connecons are as follows:
PIN Connecon
1Ground
2Posive (Hot)
3Negave (Cold)
Mixed systems
Whilst it is possible to connect unbalanced units to Balanced units, this is not the opmum method, and
ideally a balanced source should be always be connected to a balanced input —the fact that the Reference
Pre Amplier ulises both connecon types, allows the use of both connecon types with minimal
compromise in performance.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Operation of your Pre-Amp is straight-forward, but if you are having problems, please use the following sequence:
Fault Soluon
No Power light 1: Make sure that both umbilical cables are connected at both ends
2: Ensure the power lead is plugged in, and that the power socket is switched on
3: Ensure the Power switch under the unit is in the ON posion
4: Check for damage to the mains lead—Try an alternave cable
5: Check the mains input fuse (unplug from the mains before checking)
No Sound 1: Check that the volume control is not turned all the way down
2: Check the correct source is selected, and plugged in
3: Check that the power amplier is connected to the Pre-amplier, and that it is on.
3: Check the Mute buon is out (and its associated light is o)
Distorted sound 1: If the volume is excessively high, turn the volume down
2: If you are listening to the Phono input, reduce the sensivity (see PHONO INPUT)
Hum from Phono input 1: Ensure that the turntables earth cable has been aached to the earth post on the
rear of the amplier
2: Check the same connecon on your turntable—refer to units documentaon
Sound cuts out 1: Check amplier and speaker terminals for loose, or shorted connecons
2: Ensure that the unit has adequate cool air and venlaon
If you ever have any issues with your AVID equipment that you are unable to resolve yourself, please, in the
rst instance, contact your dealer.
11
Specicaon
INPUTS
Phono
Gain: 48dB – 60dB – 70dB
Input resistance: 100R – 300R - 500R – 1K – 5K – 10K – 47K
Input capacitor: 100pF – 200pF – 500pF
Distoron: Less than 0.001%
RIAA Accuracy: + 0.5dB 5Hz – 70KHz (Neumann HF correcon)
Noise (A weighted): MM –81dB MC –67dB (high seng)
Channel separaon: < -85dB 5Hz – 20KHz
Line (RCA and XLR)
Nominal sensivity: TBC V
Input impedance: TBC kΩ
Maximum input: TBC Vrms
Frequency response: TBC Hz—TBC kHz ± 0.2dB
Signal/noise rao:
XLR (Awtd) 50 W, ref. 1V input: TBC dB
RCA (Awtd) 50 W, ref. 1V input: TBC dB
OUTPUTS
Preamplier output
Nominal output level: TBC mV
Output impedance: TBC Ω
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Specicaon (cont’s)
POWER CONSUMPTION
Input voltage (region dependent) 120V or 240
Power Consumpon (Max) TBC Was
DIMENSIONS AND Weights
Pre-amplier/PSU (each unit—W x D x H) : 500mm x 410mm x 190mm
Packed: 660mm x 560mm 270mm
Unit weight: 29kg (Pre-amplier)
28kg (PSU)
Packed weight: 66kg
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
EC Declaraon of Conformity 06 December 2017
We declare that our Reference Pre Amplier conforms to direcves
and harmonized internaonal standards:
EMC (89/36/EEC) Electromagnec conformity
BS EN 60065: 1994
Safety requirements for mains operated electronic and related apparatus for household and similar use.
CENELEC HD21/22 Flexible cables and cords
EN 55020: 1988 Electromagnec Immunity
EN 55013: 1990 Electromagnec Emissions
C. Mas Director AVID HIFI Limited
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Warranty Statement UK Residents
AVID HIFI Limited products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the original date of
purchase, or no later than three years from the date of shipment to an authorized AVID agent, which ever comes rst, extending to ve
years subject to the product owner having submied the Registraon form (www.avidhi.com/register.htm). Also the following condions
being observed.
• The product must have been purchased through an authorized AVID dealer
• By default, the warranty is in favour of the original purchaser only, however warranes are transferable providing the new owner
completes the online product registraon form. In this case, warranty obligaon will pass from dealer to manufacturer.
• During the warranty period, AVID will repair, or replace any defects due to material or workmanship, without charge for parts or
labour.
• Should product need to be returned, a wrien descripon of the defect and a photocopy of the original purchase receipt must
accompany it. Receipts must show the model, serial number, date of purchase, name and address of purchaser and authorized
dealer and the price paid.
• Returned product must be packed in the original packing and returned to AVID or original dealer by the customer at his/her
expense. AVID will pay return freight of its choice.
• The warranty is void if the product has been used or handled other than in accordance with the instrucon manual supplied, abused
or misused, damage by accident or neglect or in being transported, or the defect is due to the product being repaired or tampered
with by anyone other than AVID or an dealer with prior authorizaon.
• The warranty is void if the product serial number has been removed, altered or made illegible.
• The warranty is void if the product has been taken out of the country of purchase.
• AVID shall not be held liable for incidental or consequenal damages of any kind arising from the sale or use of its products.
• The warranty applies to ex-demonstraon product, using manufacture date as purchase date.
• Where the product is sold under a consumer transacon (as dened by the Sale of Goods Act 1979) the statutory rights of the
purchaser are not aected by this warranty.
• Products are sold on the basis of specicaons applicable at the me of sale. AVID shall have no obligaon to modify or to update
products once sold.
Outside UK
AVID has formal distribuon in many countries throughout the world. In each country the AVID importer has contractually accepted the
responsibility for the product warranty. Warranty should normally be obtained from the imporng agent or distributor from whom you
obtained your product. In the unlikely event of service required beyond the capability of the importer, AVID will, of course, back up the
warranty.
• Where product has been either supplied directly or there is no current distributor, AVID accepts responsibility for the warranty
period. Returned product must be packed in the original packing and returned to AVID by the customer at his/her expense. AVID
will pay return freight of its choice. The warranty is only valid in the country of purchase.
• Products outside their original desnaon requires that units with remaining warranty be returned to the country of purchase for
the warranty to be valid. Customer is responsible for freight both ways and all associated import and export charges.
• Foreign distributors are not required to provide warranty service, repair or change AC mains voltage on units that they did not
originally import and sell.
• Foreign distributors may at their discreon oer service for a fee.
MISCELLANEOUS. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ABOVE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS
WARRANTY. THE WARRENTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL COSTS OR DAMAGES TO THE PURCHASER.
WARRANTOR. Inquiries regarding the Limited Warranty may be sent to the following address:
AVID HIFI Limited. Bicton Industrial Park, Kimbolton, Hunngdon. PE28 0LW ENGLAND
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AVID HIFI Ltd
Bicton Industrial Park,
Kimbolton, Huntingdon,
Cambridgeshire.
PE28 0LW
ENGLAND
Company Registered No: 5435528 — VAT Registration No: GB 694 9858 48 — Directors: C. Mas & S.J. Mas
Updated 3rd January 2018
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