Continuum Audio Caliburn User manual

OWNERS MANUAL
AUDIBLE SCIENCE

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Welcome and congratulations on your purchase of our
Caliburn turntable. Your Caliburn was hand-crafted and
assembled by the team at Continuum Audio, and has been
rigorously tested and is ready for your enjoyment.
We ask that you take the time to read this manual carefully
to ensure that you not only enjoy optimum sound quality
from your Caliburn, but also understand the care and
maintenance procedures required to keep your Caliburn in
as-new condition for many years to come.
If you have any questions in reference to any part of your
Caliburn at any time in the future, please feel free to
contact your Continuum Consultant for assistance.
Your Authorised Continuum Consultant is:
Serial Number:
Date of Manufacture:
AUDIO LABORATORIES PTY LTD
AIM FOR PERFECTION
by
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WARNING
To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose
this unit to rain or
moisture.
To avoid electrical shock,
do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
Precautions
On Safety
Should any solid object or liquid
fall into the cabinet, unplug the
unit and have it checked by your
Factory Authorized Consultant
On Power Sources
• Before operating the unit, check
that the operating voltage is
identical with your local power
supply. The operating voltage is
indicated on the name plate at
the rear of the unit.
• The unit is not disconnected
from the AC power source
(mains) as long as it is connected
to the wall outlet, even if the unit
itself has been turned off.
• If you are not going to use
the unit for a long time, be sure
to disconnect the unit from the
wall outlet. To disconnect the AC
power cord, grasp the plug itself;
never the cord.
• AC power cord must be changed
only at a qualified service shop.
On Placement
• Place the unit in a location with
adequate ventilation to prevent
heat buildup and prolong the life
of the unit.
• Do not place the unit near heat
sources, or in a place subject to
direct sunlight, excessive dust or
mechanical shock.
• Do not place anything near the
unit that might block ventilation
and cause malfunction.
On Operation
Before connecting to other
components, be sure to turn off
and unplug the unit.
On Cleaning
Clean cabinet, panels and
controls with a soft cloth slightly
moistened with a mild detergent
solution. Do not use any type of
abrasive pad, scouring powder
or solvent such as alcohol or
benzine.
If you have any questions or
problems concerning your
Caliburn turntable, please
contact your Authorized
Installation Consultant.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ................................. 6
CALIBURN’S COMPONENTS ................................. 8
INSTALLATION
Your Caliburn will be fully installed by your Authorised
Continuum Consultant ............................................ 10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Turntable record playing procedure ......................... 12
Vacuum Selection ................................................ 14
Turntable stopping procedure .................................. 16
Speed Selection .................................................... 18
Manual Turntable Speed Adjustment procedure ......... 20
Factory Speed Calibration value restore procedure. .... 24
OWNER CARE & MAINTENANCE
Cleaning Routine ................................................... 28
Scheduled Factory Service ...................................... 32
Faults & Trouble shooting ........................................ 34
THE CALIBURN’S DESIGN HISTORY
A brief history of how the Caliburn came to be. .......... 42
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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AIM FOR PERFECTION
Perfection, as a design concept, is not easily
defined. It maybe easier explained by listing
the rules it cannot be constrained by - budget, time,
materials, tradition, aesthetics, fashion or dogma.
AIM FOR PERFECTION, means we strive remove all the
constraints listed above, allowing us to concentrate
wholly on creating a product whose only constraint is
perfection itself. How close we get is for others to judge,
but we see no point aiming for anything less.
The Caliburn is the direct result of this design philosophy,
and was created because, after looking closely at the
state-of-the-art, we believed it could be better.
Any future products from Continuum Audio Labs will
follow this same philosophy - if we believe it can be
better, we will build it. If we believe we cannot improve
it, we will enjoy and happily recommend the state-of-the-
art product. Because, our ultimate aim is the pursuit of
perfect sound reproduction.
OUR
DESIGN
PHILOSOPHY
DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO LIFT THIS
UNIT WITHOUT
CONTACTING
YOUR CONTINUUM
CONSULTANT FIRST.
DAMAGE RESULTING
FROM MOVING THIS
UNIT MAY VOID
YOUR WARRANTY
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CALIBURN COMPONENTS
The Caliburn consists of three separate units
that combine to create a most sophisicated
analogue playback system.
THE CALIBURN TURNTABLE
The Caliburn turntable is a precisely engineered piece
of equipment designed to be a silent foundation for the
record to sit, allowing the stylus to extract the maximum
information from the record’s groove.
THE CALIBURN CONTROL UNIT
The Caliburn Control Unit controls start process for
platter via the speed selection, 33, 45 and 78, and speed
adjustment/memory settings and the vacuum.
THE CALIBURN VACUUM UNIT
The Caliburn Vacuum Unit is a super quiet pump
mechanism with a “stealth-mode” operation during
playback. It is computer controlled with a negative
pressure mechanism to maintain minimum vacuum for
record playback. It has an “on” button, but for ease
of use, we recommend using the “vac” button on the
Control Unit to start the vacuum.
PARTS OF
YOUR
CALIBURN
CALIBURN CONTROL UNIT
CALIBURN TURNTABLE
CALIBURN VACUUM UNIT
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INSTALLATION
Your Caliburn is a complex piece of audio
equipment requiring an understanding of
hydraulics, vacuum settings, electronics, vibration and
materials engineering in order to assemble it, which
is why we have organized for our specifically trained
Authorized Installation Consultant to install your Caliburn.
Please do not lift this unit.
If in the future you need to move your Caliburn to a
new location, we ask that you contact your consultant
to ensure that your Caliburn isn’t damaged during
transportation and that it is set-up correctly in the new
location so as to fully optimize the performance of your
Caliburn turntable.
Please store the road-case that your Caliburn came in so
that any future transportation your Caliburn may need to
take, can be done safely. Talk to your consultant if you
would like us to store this road-case for you.
If you have any questions in reference to any part of your
Caliburn at any time in the future, please feel free to
contact us or your Consultant for assistance.
INSTALLING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Now that your Caliburn turntable has been
installed and fully optimized it is now ready
for you to enjoy. Please take a moment to familiarize
yourself with the basic controls for operating your
Caliburn.
RECORD PLAYING PROCEDURE
Note: Clean equipment and clean media is a
necessary prerequisite to ensure the Caliburn will
give you the best performance every time.
Ensure that the platter surface on the turntable is clean
and dust free, and clean the record to be played on both
sides, using electrostatic dust pad to remove any dust.
Place the record on the platter, ensuring the black outer
sealing rubber ring is evenly placed around the rim of the
record so as to create optimum negative pressure when
the vacuum is turned on.
Set the master amplifier volume control close to its
minimum setting to avoid damaging your speakers.
OPERATING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CONT.
OPERATING THE VACUUM
Press the Vacuum button on the Caliburn Control Unit to
the “ ON “ position. The LED will light up. The record is
drawn down to the platter within a few seconds. Use the
supplied vacuum spindle seal to secure the record to the
spindle.
Next, select the required play speed by pressing the
corresponding button on the Control Unit - 33, 45 or 78.
The LED will light up. The motor will start and the platter
will start to spin at the selected speed.
Wait about ten seconds for the platter speed to stablise,
then place the stylus arm gently on the record and enjoy.
Note: If an electrical protection device (Fuse)
blows, your Authorised Continuum Consultant
should be called to investigate the reason for the
failure.
OPERATING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CONT.
REMOVING RECORD PROCEDURE
Set the master amplifier volume control close to its
minimum setting to avoid any damaging your speakers.
Gently remove the stylus arm from the record and place
it on its rest position.
Press the selected speed button (LED will be on) on the
Control Unit to stop the motor and platter from spinning
(LED will turn off).
Press the Vacuum button on the Control Unit to turn the
vacuum off (LED will turn off). The record slowly rises up
away from the platter within a few seconds.
Wait about ten seconds, then remove clamp and spindle
seal. The record can now be removed from the platter.
If you have finished playing records, place a cover over
your Caliburn, to protect the platter, tonearm and stylus
from dust and to keep your Caliburn in pristine condition.
OPERATING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CONT.
OPERATING THE MANUAL SPEED SELECTION
The Caliburn turntable has one of the most advanced
speed control systems that today’s technology can
provide. The turntable is fitted with a drive motor fully
integrated with electronic control to maintain the speed
to preset values within a Micro controller. There are two
possible ways to set the turntable playing speeds:
i) MANUAL adjustment via “SPEED LOWER & SPEED
RAISE” push buttons .
ii) FACTORY PRESET value - permanently set within the
controller during Factory calibration.
Place a speed calibration strobe disk (available from
quality hi-fi suppliers) on the platter, following the
previously mentioned record playing procedure, and
press the platter speed button of the desired speed to be
adjusted i.e. 33, 45 or 78.
OPERATING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CONT.
MANUAL SPEED SELECTION CONT.
Simultaneously press “Speed Lower” and “Speed Raise”
push buttons on the Control Unit and hold down
for more than 5 seconds. A small “click” sound means
the Speed Control Computer is in adjustment mode.
Release the push buttons “ both LED lights should come
on the push buttons. If “ON steady” they indicate that
the speed is the same as the calibrated value.
To lower the speed of the Platter, push the “Speed Lower”
button . This will cause the platter speed to reduce by
0.1 r.p.m. each time it is pressed. The light on the push-
button will start to flash once the speed of the platter is
less than 0.1 r.p.m. than the previous calibration value.
Once you have set the desired speed, you must wait
45 seconds, with no further adjustments for the Caliburn
Control Unit to accept and store the setting into its
memory as the new user default. Should you wish to
make further speed changes, repeat this procedure.
OPERATING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CONT.
MANUAL SPEED SELECTION CONT.
To Raise the speed of the platter push the “Speed Raise”
push button on the Control Unit. This will cause the
platter speed to increase by 0.1 r.p.m. each time it is
pressed.
The light on the push-button will start to flash once the
speed of the platter is greater than 0.1 r.p.m. than the
previous calibration value.
Once you have set the desired speed, you must wait
45 seconds, with no further adjustments for the Caliburn
Control Unit to accept and store the setting into its
memory as the new user default. Should you wish to
make further speed changes, repeat this procedure.
OPERATING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CONT.
MANUAL SPEED SELECTION CONT.
RESTORE FACTORY DEFAULT SPEED SELECTION
On the Control Unit, press the SPEED selector button
to OFF (LED will turn off), and then press the VACUUM
button to OFF (LED will turn off).
Press simultaneously the “Speed Lower” and “Speed
Raise” push button on the Control Unit and hold
for 15 seconds.
The controller is now in FACTORY DEFAULT RESTORE
MODE. The original factory calibration settings are
restored.
To restore the “33 rpm speed factory default value”
Press the 33 rpm Speed selector button (LED will light
up). Press simultaneously “Speed Lower” and “Speed
Raise” buttons on the Control Unit, hold for
more than 15 seconds.
The 33 rpm speed setting is now reset.
OPERATING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CONT.
MANUAL SPEED SELECTION CONT.
RESTORE FACTORY DEFAULT SPEED SELECTION CONT.
To restore the “45 rpm speed factory default value”
Press the 45 rpm Speed selector button (LED will light
up). Press simultaneously “Speed Lower” and “Speed
Raise” buttons on the Control Unit, hold for
more than 15 seconds.
The 45 rpm speed setting is now reset.
To restore the “78 rpm speed factory default value”
Press the 78 rpm Speed selector button (LED will light
up). Press simultaneously “Speed Lower” and “Speed
Raise” buttons on the Control Unit, hold for
more than 15 seconds.
The 78 rpm speed setting is now reset.
Press speed selector buttons to the OFF position (LED’s
will turn off), wait 2 minutes, the unit is now ready to
use with the original settings.
OPERATING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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OWNER CARE & MAINTENANCE
Your Caliburn turntable is a delicate piece
of equipment, and care needs to be taken
when using and cleaning it. Below are recommendations
for keeping your Caliburn at its optimum performance.
CARING FOR METAL SURFACES
The metals we have chosen because of their superior
sound qualities are more susceptible than other common
alloys, to being dented and scratched. Care should be
taken when using your Caliburn. Make sure there are no
sharp objects on or near that could scratch the metal
surfaces. Clean with a soft camera-lens-quality cleaning
chamois. Do not use any window cleaning solutions,
silicon based polish, abrasive pads, scouring
powder or solvents such as alcohol or bezine to
clean your Caliburn. Your Continuum Consultant
can advice you on what products available in your
area are suitable to use for cleaning.
CLEANING THE PLATTER
The platter can be cleaned using a soft, camera-lens-
quality, cleaning chamois.
CARING
FOR YOUR
CALIBURN
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OWNER CARE & MAINTENANCE
BEARING MAINTENANCE
The bearing is fully enclosed and requires no owner
maintenance. Bearing oil is a proprietary formulation
and is replaced during the scheduled factory service
(recommended every 3 years). If you hear any
unfamiliar noise coming from your Caliburn, turn the unit
off immediately and contact your Continuum Consultant.
NOTE: Use of any oil other than our proprietary
formulation will void your warranty.
MOTOR
The motor is sealed and can only be serviced by an
Authorised Continuum Agent. Warranty will be void if seal
is broken.
MOTOR BELT REPLACEMENT
Replacement of the belt requires the removal of the
tonearm assembly. We recommend you contact your
Continuum Consultant. The belt is replaced during the
scheduled factory service (recommended every 3 years).
Three belts are supplied with your Caliburn.
CARING
FOR YOUR
CALIBURN
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SCHEDULED FACTORY SERVICE
Your Caliburn has been built with the
highest quality materials and components
to exacting specifications. Like anything with moving
parts, that relies on precision machining to work at their
optimum, your Caliburn will need to be serviced from
time to time.
We recommend that you have your Caliburn serviced
every three years to ensure that your Caliburn remains in
top condition and runs at it’s optimum performance.
SERVICING
YOUR
CALIBURN
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FAULTS & TROUBLE SHOOTING
Whenever a fault or failure is detected, the
computer in the Control Unit will flash the
output “Q1” lamp at different pulse rate, to indicate the
different faults, these are listed in the table below.
To reset Alarms just operate the “Speed Lower” & “Speed
Raise” push buttons for 2 seconds.
To reset the Service Alarms, hold the push-button
pressed for at least 20 seconds
SERVICING
YOUR
CALIBURN
FAULT
CODE FAULT FUNCTION DESCRIPTION RESET ALARM
1 pulse 33 r.p.m. CALIBRATION VR1 Not applicable
Adjustment mode ON
2 pulses 45 r.p.m. CALIBRATION VR2 Not applicable
Adjustment mode ON
3 pulses 78 r.p.m. CALIBRATION VR1 Not applicable
Adjustment mode ON
4 pulses 33 r.p.m. Push button
Adjustment mode ON Not applicable
5 pulses 45 r.p.m. Push button Not applicable
Adjustment mode ON
6 pulses 78 r.p.m. Push button Not applicable
Adjustment mode ON
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FAULTS & TROUBLE SHOOTING
SERVICING
YOUR
CALIBURN
FAULT
CODE FAULT FUNCTION DESCRIPTION RESET ALARM
7 pulses POOR VACUUM ALARM - Hold “Speed Lower
PUMP FAILED- & Raise” P/B 2 sec
Major Vacuum Leak present
in System pipe work
Vacuum Valves closed -
Excessive vacuum usage
8 pulses FEEDBACK SIGNAL FAILED - Hold “Speed Lower
Call your Continuum Consultant. & Raise” P/B 2 sec
9 pulses VACUUM SENSOR FAULTY Hold “Speed Lower
or Out of Adjustment. & Raise” P/B 2 sec
Call your Continuum Consultant.
10 pulses ORIGINAL FACTORY SETTING Hold “Speed Lower
MODE ON - & Raise” P/B 2 sec
11 pulses VACUUM PUMP SERVICE DUE: Hold “Speed Lower
5,000 Hours RUN & Raise” P/B 30 sec
Call your Continuum Consultant.
12 pulses TURNTABLE MOTOR SERVICE DUE: Hold “Speed Lower
5,000 Hours RUN & Raise” P/B 30 sec
Call your Continuum Consultant.
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SPECIFICATIONS
CALIBURN TURNTABLE
• 86 kilo fully assembled
PLATTER
• 36 kilo nested platter mass.
• 1-4 kilos pressure exerted on the bearing
BEARING
• Solid one-piece, centre ground steel alloy with high tin
compound bronze bearing with machined internal oil
galleries and oil recirculation system.
VACUUM
• Super quiet pump mechanism with “stealth-mode”
operation during playback.
• Computer controlled, negative pressure mechanism to
maintain minimum vacuum for record playback.
MOTOR
• No cogging or hysteresis torque
• Cogging and hysteresis torque
(c and o h) 0 oz-in.
• Viscous drag torque (ac) 0.16 oz-in./krpm
THE
CALIBURN
SPECS
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