CH I1 User manual

I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier
User Manual
Rev 1.0 I1 User Manual 1

2 I1 User Manual Rev 1.0

Dear Valued Customer,
We are onored t at you c ose t e I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier for your audio system. Our team devoted every effort to
design and manufacture t is ig est-quality versatile and future-proof product and is proud to present it to you. We wis you
ours of enjoyment from your music collection wit t e I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier installed in your system.
Before you embark on your musical journey, we kindly request your special attention regarding t e information contained in t is
manual. T e I1, as you will discover in t e following pages, is a Swiss precision product designed for ultimate performance and
flexibility. However, reac ing sonic excellence from your audio system requires your unit to be set up and operated correctly and
t is w at t is manual is all about. If you ave any questions or require assistance, please don't esitate to contact your aut orized
dealer.
We ope you will enjoy your I1 for many years to come.
T e Concert as just begun...
Cossy F.
Heeb T.
Rev 1.0 I1 User Manual 3

4 I1 User Manual Rev 1.0

Table of contents
1 Product ig lig ts......................................................................................................................................................................7
1.1 Modular arc itecture and slot-in boards............................................................................................................................9
1.2 Amplifier feedback control................................................................................................................................................9
1.3 Power amplifier bias adjustment.....................................................................................................................................10
1.4 System clocks.................................................................................................................................................................10
1.5 Volume control...............................................................................................................................................................10
1.6 Rigorous metal work construction...................................................................................................................................10
1.7 Power supply..................................................................................................................................................................11
2 I1 option boards......................................................................................................................................................................12
2.1 Digital inputs and CH Link (DIGITAL_IN).........................................................................................................................12
2.2 Et ernet audio streaming input (ETHERNET_IN)..............................................................................................................12
2.3 USB audio input (USB_IN)..............................................................................................................................................12
2.4 External clock sync ronization (SYNC_IO)......................................................................................................................12
2.5 MC cartridges p ono input (PHONO_I1).........................................................................................................................13
3 System setup examples...........................................................................................................................................................14
3.1 Sources connection: I1 + Et ernet streaming + P ono + D1 setup..................................................................................14
3.2 Bi-amplification: I1 + A1 setup.......................................................................................................................................15
3.3 Improved clock accuracy: I1 + T1 setup..........................................................................................................................16
4 Read carefully before use........................................................................................................................................................17
4.1 Package content.............................................................................................................................................................17
4.2 Safety notice..................................................................................................................................................................17
4.3 Mains supply..................................................................................................................................................................18
4.4 Transport and packaging................................................................................................................................................18
4.5 Cleaning.........................................................................................................................................................................18
4.6 Maintenance and Servicing.............................................................................................................................................18
5 Installation..............................................................................................................................................................................19
5.1 Unpacking......................................................................................................................................................................19
5.2 Removing t e transportation screws................................................................................................................................19
5.3 Unit positioning..............................................................................................................................................................19
6 Connections.............................................................................................................................................................................21
6.1 Loudspeakers outputs.....................................................................................................................................................22
6.2 Preamplifier output........................................................................................................................................................22
6.3 Analog line and p ono inputs.........................................................................................................................................22
6.4 Processor input...............................................................................................................................................................23
6.5 Digital audio inputs (DIGITAL_IN)...................................................................................................................................23
6.6 Type B USB port (USB_IN)..............................................................................................................................................23
6.7 BNC input and outputs (SYNC_IO)..................................................................................................................................23
6.8 Et ernet port..................................................................................................................................................................23
6.9 Type A USB port..............................................................................................................................................................23
6.10 Ground connections......................................................................................................................................................23
6.11 Mains socket and voltage selection...............................................................................................................................24
6.12 Fuses............................................................................................................................................................................24
7 Operation................................................................................................................................................................................26
7.1 Front panel.....................................................................................................................................................................26
7.2 User control knob...........................................................................................................................................................27
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7.3 Remote control operation...............................................................................................................................................28
7.4 C anging t e remote control batteries............................................................................................................................29
7.5 Operating modes............................................................................................................................................................30
7.5.1 Normal mode........................................................................................................................................................30
7.5.2 S ortcut Mode.......................................................................................................................................................31
7.5.3 Menu mode...........................................................................................................................................................34
8 T e I1 menus..........................................................................................................................................................................37
8.1 AUDIO menu..................................................................................................................................................................37
8.2 INPUT menu...................................................................................................................................................................38
8.3 DISPLAY menu................................................................................................................................................................39
8.4 SHORTCUTS menu...........................................................................................................................................................39
8.5 NETWORK SETTINGS menu..............................................................................................................................................40
8.6 FACTORY menu...............................................................................................................................................................41
9 Firmware update.....................................................................................................................................................................42
9.1 Preparing t e USB Stick..................................................................................................................................................42
9.2 Updating t e unit's firmware..........................................................................................................................................42
9.3 Emergency firmware update procedure...........................................................................................................................42
10 Clocking considerations..........................................................................................................................................................44
10.1 Only ever one clock master..........................................................................................................................................44
10.2 I1 wit out SYNC_IO board............................................................................................................................................44
10.3 I1 and D1 wit SYNC_IO board....................................................................................................................................45
10.4 T1 + I1 and D1 wit SYNC_IO board............................................................................................................................47
10.5 I1 wit USB_IN board+ Computer................................................................................................................................48
10.6 I1 wit ETHERNET_IN board+ Computer.......................................................................................................................49
11 Troubles ooting.....................................................................................................................................................................50
12 Specifications.........................................................................................................................................................................52
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1 Product highlights
CH products are proudly designed and manufactured in Switzerland by CH Precision Sàrl. Our engineers put toget er all t eir
know- ow, expertise and ingeniousness to bring you t e I1, a top performance future-proof modular stereo integrated amplifier
wit Et ernet control capabilities and USB flas -drive firmware update. T e I1 is t e gateway to t e CH world. It combines t e soul
and essence of four products from t e 1-Series of products: T e P1 p ono stage, T e C1 converter, t e L1 preamplifier and t e A1
power amplifier. Like t e C1, t e ub of t e I1 is digital. T e analog inputs (line and p ono) are converted into t e digital domain
w ile t e digital inputs are up-sampled. T e digital stream is processed and finally converted to t e analog domain at
352.8kHz/384kHz. T e 2-c annel amplifier is a purely analog power stage wit a class A input stage and a class AB output stage.
It is derived from t e A1 amplifier circuitry and t erefore features t e ExactBias circuitry as well as t e unique variable global vs
local feedback ratio.
Like all of CH Precision products, t e I1 is ig ly versatile and modular. T e base model comes wit four digital inputs, t ree
analog line inputs, an integrated digital to analog converter, a ybrid volume control and t e two c annels of power amplification.
However, t e back of t e unit is fitted wit slots into w ic optional input boards can be fitted. T e I1 can be customized to t e
requirements of a specific system. Option boards can be eit er factory-fitted or added easily at a later stage. Many option boards
are available: Digital inputs boards providing CH Link, AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF and optical TOSLINK inputs, Et ernet Audio
Streaming, USB Audio Streaming, current-mode p ono inputs dedicated to MC cartridges and External clock sync ronization input
and output board.
Versatility is apparent in t e way t e I1 can play center stage in an evolving and growing audio system. T e approac taken by CH
Precision is to enable I1 users to expand and refine t eir system from a single-box solution to a more complex and more refined
system:
•Connect t e I1 preamplifier balanced outputs to an A1 or M1 2-c annel power Amplifier and enable loudspeaker bi-
amplification.
•Connect a D1 CD/SACD Drive using t e proprietary CH-Link input and create t e ideal transmission pat between disc
and digital to analog converter.
•Connect a T1 10MHz Time Reference to t e input of t e I1 External clock sync ronization option board and benefit from
t e T1 ultra-accurate and stable clock reference.
•Use a C1 digital to analog converter to extract t e digital to analog conversion out of t e I1. All t e I1 digital inputs
boards, including t e Et ernet and USB audio streaming board and t e external clock sync ronization are removed from
t e I1and fitted at t e back of t e C1. T e C1 analog outputs are connected to one of t e I1 Analog input configured as a
Processor input (see c apter 6.4). By doing so, t e I1 turns into a pure analog 2-c annel power amplifier.
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I1 main components
(1) Audio speaker terminals
(2) Factory-fitted monaural analog input boards. Can be optionally equipped wit current mode p onostage module
(3) Optional clock in/out sync ronization board
(4) Mains switc and power cord receptacle (on back panel)
(5) Factory-fitted digital input board
(6) Input slot. Can be optional y fitted wit a digital input board or a USB audio input board
(7) USB (firmware update) and RJ-45 (control and optional Et ernet audio streaming) board
(8) Output coil for HF immunity
(9) Adjustment s afts and screws
(10) Digital power supply regulation board
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(11) Heatsink-mounted monaural amplifier boards
(12) Dual concentric pus control knob
(13) Display (on front panel)
(14) Standby power transformer (ensures green mode standby)
(15) Main power transformer
(16) Analog power supply regulation board
1.1 Modular architecture and slot-in boards
T e slot-in boards section consists of a vertically-mounted backplane board w ere optional boards can be plugged into. Optional
boards provide audio functionality and connectivity to ot er pieces of equipment. T ere are six types of slot-in boards:
•PHONO_I1: analog input piggyback module t at provides current-mode p ono inputs dedicated to MC cartridges
•DIGITAL_IN: provides CH Link, AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF and optical TOSLINK digital inputs (one board is factory fitted)
•USB_IN: enables bit-exact, ultra low jitter playback of ig resolution audio files directly from a computer
•SYNC_IO: provides advanced clock sync ronization options (1 clock in, 2 clocks out)
•ETHERNET_IN: used for Et ernet audio streaming. Connects to a UPnP/DNLA compatible server (eg. NAS). Browse music
from a tablet using t e CH Control app
•CONTROL: provides a USB port for software upgrade and an Et ernet port for command
T ere are five slots in t e I1. Two of t em can be populated wit any combination of DIGITAL_IN and USB_IN boards. One of t em
is dedicated to t e optional SYNC_IO board. Anot er one is factory fitted wit a CONTROL_IN board but can be upgraded to a
ETHERNET_IN board to enable Et ernet audio streaming capability. T e last slot is factory fitted wit stereo analog lines inputs and
can be upgraded to add t e PHONO_I1board. See c apter 2.5.
1.2 Amplifier feedback control
One of t e I1's most unique features is its user-controllable amplifier feedback. T is feature controls t e ratio between t e global
and t e local feedback applied in t e I1's amplification stage. Global feedback takes a portion of t e output signal after t e power
stage and feeds it back to t e input of t e amplifier. T is ensures a very low output impedance and low distortion figures. Local
feedback, on t e ot er and, does not include t e output stage and lets t e latter operate in open loop mode. T is favors small
signal details and timing.
As a rule of t umb, a ig er ratio of global feedback is preferred for grip and control in t e low frequencies w ereas a lower ratio
is preferred for speed and details in t e ig frequencies. T is rule is owever not absolute as eac speaker and cross-over is
different and we ig ly recommend to experiment wit various settings to find t e best matc wit t e connected loudspeakers,
especially if t e I1 is driving a complete full bandwidt loudspeaker.
In multi-amplification systems, different feedback settings are commonly used for t e various speaker sections opening a w ole
new level of performance. We recommend to start wit pure local feedback and increase t e global feedback until t e bass are
controlled enoug to your personal taste. Feedback settings can be adjusted on t e fly from t e I1 front panel menus or from t e
CH Control app.
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1.3 Power amplifier bias adjustment
T e I1 provides an advanced bias control circuitry (ExactBias) t at not only follows slow temperature variations, but also accurately
takes into account all t e dynamic aspects induced by transients in t e musical content.
1. System clocks
T e first requirement to ac ieve perfect timing is t at audio data are fed into t e DAC c ips, sync ronous to a jitter-free clock. T is
is w y two ig -precision low-drift audio crystal clock oscillator (22.5792 MHz for 44.1 kHz multiples and 24.576 MHz for 48 kHz
multiples) are located only a few cm away from t e DAC c ips. T e clocking section as its owns dedicated power supply fully
decoupled (complete galvanic isolation) from all noisy digital signals.
In order to be sync ronous to t e incoming audio signal, t e crystal oscillators (VCXO) are fine-tuned using a voltage controlled
feedback computed by a proprietary algorit m. Performances of t is “digital p ase-locked loop” (digital PLL) as a jitter rejection
below 0.1 Hz, w ile frequency tracking is ac ieved t roug sub 0.1 PPM correction steps. P ase alignment is also guaranteed wit
a +/-2.5 microsecond accuracy.
1.5 Volume control
T e I1 integrated amplifier as a ybrid volume control. T e word ybrid describes a volume control set bot in t e analog domain
as well as in t e digital domain. It is a combination of fine steps applied in t e digital domain and derived from t e C1 D/A
controller software algorit ms in between coarse analog attenuation steps using t e tec nology developed in t e L1 line
preamplifier.
Please note t at t e I1 can be also be configured as a pure 2-c annel power amplifier w ere t e audio signal remains in t e
analog domain wit no A/D nor D/A conversion at all. In t is mode t e volume is fixed and t e level is equivalent to a volume
control set to no attenuation! T is mode is to be used wit an external volume control unit connected upstream to t e I1.
1.6 Rigorous metal work construction
T e I1 c assis is made of ig -grade aluminum alloy wit no visible screws on t e front, top and side panels. First class mec anical
and c emical surface treatments provide its luxury finis . Pin assembly of all c assis elements enables smoot joints between
metal parts w ile screws every 6cm ensure protection against electromagnetic interferences.
T e unit rests on four stainless steel feet. Eac foot is fitted wit an elastomer ring to sit on delicate surfaces but is also equipped
wit eig t adjustable steel spikes to fine tune t e unit’s position. Horizontal leveling is accomplis ed using t e provided
screwdriver t roug t e four adjustment s afts accessible from t e top of t e unit. Most importantly, t e steel spikes serve as
vibration evacuation c annels. W en used wit t e provided CH Support discs, t ey create t e most effective way to c annel
unwanted vibrations away from t e unit.
Finally, for units t at are stacked on top of eac ot er, stacking covers are provided to interface wit t e spikes of t e unit above
(see section 5.3). Vibrations from t e upper unit is transmitted by t e stacking cover to t e s aft of t e lower unit and from t ere
to t e lower unit's feet or spikes, forming a privileged pat to c annel vibrations away from t e unit.
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1.7 Power supply
T e power supply of t e I1 is a linear supply wit multiple independent local regulations. It is based on an oversized magnetically
s ielded toroidal 1000 VA mains transformer. A secondary (also toroidal) transformer is used as Standby transformer to ensure
green Standby mode, meeting t e latest energy saving regulations. Bot transformers ave static s ields between primary and
secondary windings. T ey are mounted on a separate steel plate w ic is isolated from t e main base steel plate by silent blocks.
4-poles capacitors are used for rectification. T ese capacitors ex ibit exceptionally low ESR, ig speed and ig capacitance,
providing instantaneous response to current demanded by t e audio output stage.
Discrete ultra-low noise regulators are used t roug out t e power supply to ensure t e purest low-noise DC feeds possible to t e
different audio sections. T e input stages of t e power section are also fully regulated to avoid any coupling distortion.
Input AC voltage to t e power supply can be set to 100V, 115V or 230V AC depending on your local mains voltage.
Rev 1.0 I1 User Manual 11

2 I1 option boards
T e I1 modular arc itecture enables t e unit to be tailored to t e requirements of a system. T e base model comes factory fitted
wit one DIGITAL_IN option. T e analog line input section (not considered an option) is also factory fitted.
T e I1 also comes factory fitted wit t e CONTROL_IN board. It provides a USB port for software updates and an Et ernet port for
controlling t e unit over a network. It can be upgraded to t e ETHERNET_IN option board, adding t e Et ernet audio streaming
capability.
2.1 Digital inputs and CH Link (DIGITAL_IN)
T e DIGITAL_IN board provides AES-EBU, S/PDIF and Optical TOSLINK standard digital inputs t at can transmit 16 and 24 bits PCM
audio at sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz and DoP encapsulated 1 bit DSD at 2.8224 MHz. Besides, t e
DIGITAL_IN board olds t e CH Link ig -definition proprietary format. CH Link carries ig resolution audio and control data
over a single link between CH units and supports bot PCM (up to 768kHz, 32bits) and DSD64/128.
One DIGITAL_IN board is factory fitted at t e back of t e unit. If more digital inputs are needed, a second DIGITAL_IN board can
be fitted in t e remaining Digital input slot.
2.2 Ethernet audio streaming input (ETHERNET_IN)
Being an upgrade to t e CONTROL_IN board, t e ETHERNET_IN board provides a USB port for software upgrade and an Et ernet
port to remotely access t e I1 settings as well as to stream audio from an Et ernet network. Connect t e I1 as well as a
UPnP/DNLA compatible music server to an Et ernet router equipped wit wireless access. Using an Android based tablet, run t e
CH Control app. T e app detects t e I1 and t e music server. Music libraries can be browsed, playlists created and music files can be
played back using t e CH Control app as a remote. T e ETHERNET_IN board supports 16 to 32 bits PCM audio at sample rates up
to 384 kHz, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3 formats; DSD files up DSD128 in DSF and DFF formats (and up to DSD256 in DFF
formats).
2.3 USB audio input (USB_IN)
T e USB_IN board provides async ronous USB audio input. Async ronous mode means t at t e I1 is clock master and t e
computer is clock slave. T erefore no jitter is added by t e computer. Moreover, t e digital receiving devices on t is board are
powered by t e USB port and are galvanically isolated from t e rest of t e I1. T e USB input can be configured to operate as audio
class 1.0 (no computer driver required, sample rates up to 96kHz) or as audio class 2.0 (a provided driver is needed for Microsoft
Windows systems, PCM audio sample rates up to 384kHz and up to DSD128 are supported). T e driver can be downloaded from
CH Precision’s website. A compatible driver is now part of Windows 10 and doesn’t require t e installation of our specific driver.
2. External clock synchronization (SYNC_IO)
T e SYNC_IO board provides advanced sync ronization options for t e I1 w en used wit a CD transport wit clock input capability
(like a Sync_I/O-equipped D1) and/or an external clock generator (like t e T1). It includes a clock input on a BNC connector wit
a selectable 75 O m or ig impedance termination. Supported input frequencies are 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 196 kHz,
22.5792 and 24.576 MHz, 2.8224 MHz, 100 kHz and 10 MHz.
Two 75 O m Wordclock outputs complete t e input/output capabilities of t e SYNC_IO board.
In a system w ere t e I1 fitted wit t e SYNC_IO board is sync ronized by a T1 Time Reference unit, t e I1 needs to be set as
clock slave by selecting SYNCHRO BNC 75 from t e I1 clock source menu. Connect a 75 O m BNC cable (typically t e CH Reference
Clock-Link cable) between one of t e T1 outputs and t e I1 SYNC_IO board input connector. See c apter 3.3 for more information.
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In a system w ere a D1 connects via CH Link to t e I1 (and bot units are fitted wit t e SYNC_IO board), t e recommended
configuration is to set t e I1 as clock master by selecting INTERNAL from t e I1 clock source menu and by selecting SYNCHRO BNC
75 from t e D1 clock source menu. Connect a 75 O m BNC cable (typically t e CH Reference Clock-Link cable) between one of t e
I1 SYNC_IO board outputs and t e D1 SYNC_IO board input connector. See c apter 3.1 for more information.
2.5 MC cartridges phono input (PHONO_I1)
T e PHONO_I1 option board provides a current-mode p ono stage input to t e I1. A current-mode input reads t e current
generated by t e cartridge (not its voltage). Current-mode inputs are dedicated to MC cartridges. T e current from t e cartridge is
amplified by a discrete transistor-based trans-impedance amplifier. Using a current-mode input provides a superior signal-to-noise
ratio compared to conventional voltage inputs, better immunity and no necessity to apply impedance loading to t e p ono input.
T e gain of t e trans-impedance amplifier is intrinsically dependent on t e cartridge’s ability to deliver current and is t erefore
ig ly dependent on t e cartridge internal resistance. T e lower t e cartridge internal resistance, t e ig er t e current it can
deliver, t e ig er t e gain.
T e p ono input stage as an input gain setting t at can be applied to furt er amplify t e signal of low current cartridges. T is
gain setting is independent of t e global volume control and is located upstream from t e volume control, in t e p ono input
section of t e unit. Be aware t at a ig gain setting combined to a ig current cartridge could result in t e signal clipping
independently of t e global volume control applied. If t is appens, reduce t e input gain to a lower value. T e gain setting is
accessible from t e I1 INPUTS menu.
T e current-mode analog input stage is followed by and analog to digital converter digitizing t e signal at a fixed 384kHz
sampling rate. Playback equalization is applied to t e signal to compensate t e equalization applied at t e record cutting stage.
T e industry standard equalization curve is named RIAA. Numerous ot er equalization curves were used prior to RIAA. T e I1
offers a total of 6 playback equalization filters to cover t e major curves t at were used prior to standardization: RIAA, Extended
RIAA (eRIAA), Emi, Columbia, Decca and Teldec. T e selected playback equalization curve is applied by signal processors using
proprietary software filter algorit ms allowing t e greatest level of accuracy to t e equalization applied. Finally, t e equalized
signal joins t e usual internal pat and is converted to t e analog domain before reac ing t e I1 amplification stage.
T e PHONO_I1 is an add-on board to t e I1 factory-fitted analog section. It is mounted on t e analog input board in a piggyback
configuration. It uses t e same p ysical audio input connectors as t e ones used by t e line inputs. T roug t e I1menus, t e user
can reconfigure t e input connectors to become a line or a p ono input (or a Processor input, see c apter 6.4).
T is gives maximum flexibility to t e user:
•T e t ree analog inputs connectors can be used as t ree line inputs, or t ree p ono inputs or any of t e line/p ono
combinations in between.
•T e inputs can be reconfigured at all times.
Be extremely careful w en reconfiguring an input from line level to eit er p ono or processor level as t e overall gain in t e system
will dramatically increase. Connecting a line level source to a p ono configured input of t e I1 may damage t e source, t e
loudspeakers and your ears. Always mute t e I1 as well as all connected sources w en reconfiguring t e I1 analog input types, and
double-c eck connections before unmuting.
T e PHONO_I1 option board comes wit a 4mm banana plug. T e ground lead from a turntable can be screwed to t e banana
plug w ic in turns can be inserted into t e I1 black or yellow-green back panel sockets (see c apter 6.10).
Rev 1.0 I1 User Manual 13

3 System setup examples
Below are t ree examples of setups t at can be realized wit t e I1.
3.1 Sources connection: I1 + Ethernet streaming + Phono + D1 setup
In t is setup, t e I1 is populated wit t e ETHERNET_IN option board as well as t e PHONO_I1 option board.
T e Et ernet_IN board allows t e I1 to be connected to a NAS drive via an Et ernet router. Music libraries can be browsed, playlists
created and music files can be played back using t e CH Control app as remote.
T e P ono_I1 board provides up to t ree current mode inputs dedicated to MC cartridges. T e p ysical connectors are s ared
between line and p ono input. T roug t e I1menus, t e user can reconfigure t e input to be used as a line input or a p ono
input.
For t e best audio performance, we recommend to connect t e D1 SACD/CD Drive to t e I1 using t e proprietary CH Link cable.
If bot t e I1 and t e D1 are fitted wit a SYNC_IO option board, t en t e I1 s ould be set as clock mater (clock source set to
INTERNAL) and t e D1 s ould be set to clock slave (clock source set to SYNCHRO BNC 75) and t e connection s ould be done as
s own below.
I1 +Ethernet streaming + Phono + D1 setup
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3.2 Bi-amplification: I1 + A1 setup
T is setup allows t e audio system to bi-amplify loudspeakers. An A1/M1 is used to create t e second set of amplification stages.
Bass and trebles are powered separately, t e I1 supplying t e trebles w ile t e A1/M1 powers t e bass.
T e XLR Pre Outputs are used to link t e I1 preamplification output stage to t e A1/M1 inputs.
I1 + A1 setup
Rev 1.0 I1 User Manual 15
Balanced XLR cables
A1 Stereo Power Amplifier
I1 Stereo Integrated Amplifier
Left Speaker Binding Post
Right Speaker Binding Post

3.3 Improved clock accuracy: I1 + T1 setup
In t is setup, t e I1 needs to be equipped wit t e SYNC_IO option board.
Connect t e T1 BNC output 1 to t e I1 SYNC input using a low capacitance 75 O ms coaxial cable (typically t e CH Clock_link
Reference cable) and terminate t e cable by activating t e clock source to Sync BNC 75 O m from t e I1 menu.
If unused, disable t e T1 BNC outputs 2 to 6 in order to minimize electromagnetic radiations.
T1 + I1 setup
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Read carefully before use
Please read t is manual carefully before making connections or operating your I1. After reading t is manual, please store it in an
accessible place for future reference. If after reading t is manual you feel unsure about ow to make connections or ow to
operate t e unit, please contact your aut orized dealer for assistance.
.1 Package content
Make sure t at t e package content is complete. If not, please contact your aut orized dealer. Your package contains:
T e I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier unit
A power cord
Four adjustment steel spikes
A suction cup (used to unscrew t e top covers)
An accessory box containing:
◦an infrared remote control
◦a spike eig t-adjustment screwdriver
◦an Allen key
◦a Torx 10 screwdriver
◦four stacking covers
◦a USB stick containing t e latest CH Precision pieces of firmware
◦four CH Support Discs
Please store t e packaging for future use. C eck your I1 for any apparent damage. In case of a damage, immediately contact your
aut orized dealer. If your I1 is cold due to transport, please let it warm up to room temperature before powering it up.
.2 Safety notice
Make sure to observe t e following safety rules:
T e I1 is very eavy, so ave someone to elp you w en moving it
Always keep t e unit orizontal w en andling it
Install your unit on a stable and sturdy base
Do not install your I1 near water
Do not expose t e unit to any liquid
Do not install it under direct sunlig t or near any eat source suc as radiators or ot er apparatus generating eat
Do not install it in a confined space and make sure t ere is sufficient airflow around t e unit, including under and be ind
t e unit
Do not operate t e I1 under ig ambient temperature (>35°C) or in extremely ig umidity conditions
Only use options and accessories specified or recommended by CH Precision
Rev 1.0 I1 User Manual 17

Do not open t e unit nor try to service it. Always refer to a qualified tec nician for service, maintenance or upgrades.
Failure to do so will void t e unit's warranty.
.3 Mains supply
Before connecting t e mains power cord, make sure t at t e mains voltage selection at t e back of t e unit matc es your local mains
voltage.
Make sure t at your I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier is disconnected from t e AC wall socket in t e following cases:
W en cleaning t e unit
During t understorms
W en unused for long periods of time
Besides, make sure your I1 is turned off w en making connections (it is also ig ly recommended to turn off t e rest of t e
system).
. Transport and packaging
T e I1 must always be stored in its original packaging for transportation. Doing so will ensure an optimal level of protection for
your unit. Please store all packaging in a dry and clean area for future use.
Very importantly, t e t ree transportation screws at t e bottom of t e unit must be fitted prior to transportation to avoid internal
damage. Please refer to section 5.2 for furt er details.
Finally we recommend to remove t e adjustment spikes and to store t em in t e packaging prior transportation. Vibrations during
transport may cause t e adjustment spikes to move from t eir retracted position; t ere could be a risk of scratc ing t e piece of
furniture t e unit is installed onto if t e spikes are not fully retracted.
.5 Cleaning
Use a soft, dry clot to clean your unit. Never use any solvent or liquids as t ey mig t damage t e surface or infiltrate t e unit.
Please use an ultra-soft piece of fabric (for example a clot designed to clean eyeglasses) to clean t e front display area.
.6 Maintenance and Service
T e I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not try to open, modify or repair your I1. T is will void
any warranty. Your I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier must be c ecked by a qualified and approved tec nician for any of t e
following cases:
T e unit is malfunctioning
T e power cord or mains plug at t e back of t e unit is damaged
T e unit was dropped on t e floor or presents external damage
T e I1 as been exposed to liquids or unknown substances
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5 Installation
5.1 Unpacking
Unpack your I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier and store t e packaging for future reference. T e I1 is very eavy so ave someone
to elp you w en removing it from its packaging.
5.2 Removing the transportation screws
T e internal transformers must be secured during transportation to avoid internal damage. T e t ree transportation screws are
located at t e bottom of t e unit. Always keep t e unit orizontal w ile fitting or removing t e transportation screws. Use t e Allen
key stored in t e accessory box to tig ten and loosen t e transportation screws.
For t e best audio results, we recommend to remove t e transportation screws w ile installing t e I1 in an audio system.
Transportation screws location
(1) Transportation screws. Must be fitted for transport and s ould be removed during installation
5.3 Unit positioning
W en delivered from factory, t e I1 integrated amplifier rests on elastomer rings, ensuring bot scratc -protection for t e base on
w ic t e unit sits as well as safe anti-slipping positioning.
A more advanced vibration-c anneling mec anical coupling can owever be implemented, t anks to t e steel spikes and t e
polymer CH Support discs provided wit t e I1. To use t is optimal coupling, simply go t roug t e following steps:
1. Place t e I1 unit on a stable base at its approximate final position, for instance on an audio rack. Make sure air is able to
flow freely around t e unit.
2. One by one, gently lift t e unit's corners and insert a CH support disc under eac foot. T e elastomer rings of t e feet
s ould disappear in t e support discs' groove w en properly positioned.
3. Unscrew t e four top covers from t e I1's s afts using t e provided suction cup.
4. Insert t e adjustment spikes into eac adjustment s aft.
5. Gently screw clockwise eac adjustment spike into t e s aft wit t e provided screwdriver until some resistance is felt
(just before t e unit starts being lifted by t e spike).
6. T en screw clockwise eac spike by t e same amount (for instance two full turns).
7. Use a spirit level and apply correction to t e spikes until t e unit rests orizontally and solidly on its four feet.
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If no CH Precision unit is to be stacked on top of t e I1, screw t e four top covers back. Ot erwise, screw t e four polymer stacking
caps instead, and gently lay down t e unit to be stacked on top of it. Repeat steps 3 to 7.
Adjustment shafts, feet and spikes
(1) Adjustment s afts. Insert t e adjustment spikes and use t e provided screwdriver to secure and adjust individual spikes
(2) Feet
(3) Adjustment spike eads (w en inserted into t e adjustment s afts)
(4) Adjustment spike
Never stack any component ot er t an CH ones on your I1. Always use t e stacking covers w en anot er CH component is to be
stacked on top of t e I1.
Top covers (left: stacking cover, right: top cover)
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