Canary audio Ca-980 User manual

CANARY AUDIO®

Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

Handcrafted in California

CA-980

OWNER’S MANUAL

MADE IN USA

!This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence

of important operating and maintenance (servicing)

instructions in the literature accompanying the unit.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol is intended to

alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous

voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of

sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock

to persons.

Dear Customer:

Please allow us to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing this

CANARY AUDIO product.

We strongly recommend that you carefully study the Safety Instructions before

attempting to operate the unit.

After you have finished reading the instructions, please save this manual for

future reference.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE

THE UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG

WITH AN EXTERSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS

THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE

COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SER-

VICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Power Source:

•The unit should be connected to an AC power source of the proper rated

voltage.

•Never replace the power supply’s line fuse with the one of incorrect

characteristics.

AC Cord Protection:

•Do not defeat the grounding or polarization feature of the AC cord.

•Make sure that the AC receptacle holds the AC cord plug firmly and securely.

•Keep the AC cord away from heating appliances.

•Never put heavy object on the AC cord.

•If smoke, malodors or noises are emitted from the unit, turn the power off and

disconnect the AC cord.

Keep Away from Water and Moisture:

•This unit should not be used near water.

•Keep the unit away from flower vases, bathtubs, washbowls, kitchen sinks,

laundry tubs, swimming pools, etc. If liquids are spilled into the unit, serious

damage could occur.

Ventilation:

•Slots and openings in the chassis and in the back or bottom are provided for

necessary ventilation.

•Do not place a cloth on top of the unit or block the provided ventilation slots

and openings in any other way.

•Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface which may

block the slots and openings.

•Do not place the unit in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in

cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.

Non-Use Periods:

•When left unused for a long period of time, the unit should be unplugged from

the AC outlet.

PROPER CARE

Break-in Period:

•As with most audio components, the CA-980 requires a “break-in” period.

During this period the internal components will stabilize and reach their

normal operating parameters. There are no special procedures required for

this break-in period, just listening to your favorite music will accomplish this

task all by itself.

•The time required to break in the CA-980 is approximately 30 to 50 hours.

Upon completion of the break-in period you will hear an improvement in the

overall sound quality of the preamplifier.

No Fingers or Other Foreign Objects:

•Touching internal parts of this unit is dangerous and may cause serious

damage to the unit. Do not attempt to disassemble the unit.

•Do not put any foreign object into the unit through the ventilation slots and

openings.

Cleaning:

•A regular dusting with a soft, non-abrasive cloth will generally keep the finish

of the faceplate and chassis looking like new.

Packing Materials:

•The original packing materials and shipping boxes are custom designed to

prevent shipping damage from occurring.

•We recommend that you retain all of the packing materials and shipping

boxes for your CA-980 to be covered by warranty.

Registration Card:

•To ensure that your CA-980 is registered, please spend a moment now to

complete and return the Registration Card.

•Save a copy of the Registration Card and the bill of sale as proof of purchase

for future reference.

UNPACKING

•Open the shipping boxes.

•Remove the owner’s manual and other accessories from the packing box.

•Grasp the underside of the preamplifier and lift it straight out of the box.

•Place the preamplifier in a safe location. Remove the packing foam and the

protective plastic wrapping.

•After unpacking the CA-980, inspect it for any shipping damage and contact

us immediately if any is found. Do not plug the power supply into any outlet if

you find any shipping damage.

•Please keep all packing materials for future transport of your player. Shipping

the CA-980 in anything other than its original boxes may result in damage that

is not covered by warranty.

ACCESSORIES

The following items are included in the package aside from the main unit:

•Owner’s manual

•Warranty card

•AC power cord

PLACEMENT

•Do not place the unit near a heating device or in a location where it is

exposed to direct sunlight.

•Do not place the unit in an excessively humid or dusty location.

•Avoid placing the unit in the areas of vibration, impact or where the surface is

tilted as the internal parts may be seriously damaged.

•Avoid placing the unit next to kitchen counters or other locations where it is

subjected to oily fumes.

•Place the unit in a horizontal position, and do not place anything heavy on it.

•Do not place the unit on any other equipment which may become hot.

CONNECTION STEPS

1. Place the CA-980 in a rack or on a shelf. The CA-980 does not require a

special rack or cabinet for installation.

2. Neatly arrange and organize wiring to and from the preamplifier and all

components. Separate the AC wires from any audio cables to prevent

hum or other unwanted noise from being introduced into the system.

3. Turn off any associated components prior to connecting the CA-980. This

minimizes the chance of momentary electrical surges disturbing your

system.

4. Connect the left and right analog audio outputs from all audio source

equipment to any of the inputs on the back of the CA-980.

5. Connect the left and right analog audio outputs from the back of the

CA-980 to the inputs of an audio amplifier.

The two pair of RCA outputs are active at all time. There is no sonic

difference between the two pair of outputs.

6. With the power switch in the OFF position, attach the power cord to the

CA-980 and connect it to your AC outlet.

7. Turn on the main power switch. The CA-980 will take approximately 60

seconds to initialize before it is ready for use.

8. Select the desired input signal using the front panel input select knob.

9. Use the front panel volume control knobs to adjust the volume to a

comfortable level.

CANARY AUDIO®

VACUUM TUBE PREAMPLIFIER

Handcrafted in California

CA-980

INPUT SELECT

OFF 23 22

VOLUME

LINE - 1

LINE - 2

CD - 2

CD - 1

10 13

OFF

VOLUME

LEFT CHANNEL RIGHT CHANNEL

POWER

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

Power Switch:

Power on and off

the CA-980.

Power LED:

The blue power LED

will illuminate when

the unit is power on.

Input Selector:

Select the desired input

signal from the 4 available

inputs.

Volume Control:

Adjust the left channel

output volume.

Volume Control:

Adjust the right channel

output volume.

INPUT AUDIO OUT

CD-1 CD-2 LINE-1 LINE-2

AC POWER IN

WARNING: LETHAL VOLTAGES WITHIN. DO

NOT OPERATE WITH COVER OFF. REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

GND

CANARY AUDIO®

Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

Handcrafted in California

Fuse and Fuseholder:

The fuseholder drawer houses

two line fuses: one is functional

and one is a spare.

IEC Connector:

Connect with the IEC

standard 15 Amp

power cord.

Ground connection

for turntable or other

source equipment.

Analog Outputs:

2 pair of RCA outputs are both

active at all time. There is no

sonic difference between the

two pair of outputs.

Analog Inputs:

4 pair of RCA inputs allow

connection for up to four

external sources.

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: CA-980

Input Impedance: 50,000 Ohms min

95,000 Ohms max

Output Impedance: 1000 Ohms

Maximum Gain: 11.7 dB

Frequency Response: +/- 1 dB from 10 Hz to 80,000 Hz

Hum and Noise: -92 dB

Maximum Output Voltage before clipping: 41.2 Volts

Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.02%

Power Consumption: 72 Watts (true RMS)

Tube Complement: 1-5Y3GT

1-EF86

2-12AX7A

1-12AU7A

1-12BH7A

Dimensions: 19” W x 14” D x 4.5” H

Weight: 38 lbs.

Note:

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Weight and dimensions are approximate.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Canary Audio warrants to the original purchaser that each CA-980 preamplifier is

free of manufacturing defects for a period of three (3) years from the date of

purchase. To receive this warranty, the original purchaser must complete the

enclosed Warranty Registration Card and mail it to Canary Audio within thirty

(30) days from the date of purchase. Canary Audio will then validate the warranty

to the original purchaser.

This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God,

accident, misuse, abuse or negligence. This warranty does not cover damage

due to improper operation or maintenance, use with incompatible accessory,

connection to improper voltage supply, or attempted repair, modify or upgrade by

anyone other than Canary Audio or a facility authorized by Canary Audio. This

warranty does not cove any damages to the vacuum tubes and does not cover

normal maintenance.

Canary Audio shall not be responsible in any way for consequential or indirect

damages or liabilities resulting from the use and operation of the product covered

herein or resulting from any breach of this warranty or any implied warranty

relating to said product. Under no circumstances does Canary Audio assume

liability or responsibility for injury or damages sustained in the use or operation of

this equipment or for damages to any other equipment connected to it.

During this stated period, Canary Audio will repair or replace any defective

components free of charge. A Return Authorization Number (RA Number) is

required before any product is returned to our factory for any reason. This

number must be visible on the exterior of the shipping container(s).

Units to be repaired by Canary Audio must be sent shipping and insurance

prepaid by the original purchaser in the original packing material. Canary Audio

will accept no responsibility for any damage occurring to the unit that is shipped

in packing material other than the original packing material. A written description

of the defect and a copy of the original bill of sale should be accompanied with

the returned product.

This warranty applies only to the first end-user purchaser of a CA-980

preamplifier that is purchased and used in the United States of America and is

not valid for subsequent purchasers. All other warranties or conditions either

written or implied are void.

Canary Audio

P.O. Box 6216, Rosemead, CA 91770, USA

Telephone: (626)500-6261

Http://www.canaryaudio.com

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CANARY AUDIO CA-980 User manual