Finale Audio F-108 Owner's manual

http://www.FinaleAudio.com | USER MANUAL F-108
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Where music begins!
QUICK USER MANUAL: F - 108
Finalé Audio Toronto, Canada
http://www.FinaleAudio.com
V1.1 2016

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Model: F-108 Tube Integrated Amplifier
First of all, thank you for purchasing our product. Anytime you see the Finale
Audio badge, you are getting a finest piece of hifi product in its class. All our
products are designed to last forever with absolute reliable ownership.
Everything, from design to manufacture are done right here in Toronto, Canada,
in-house by our tube masters and engineers. Today, let us present you the new
era of tube amplifications.
It was Science, now it’s Art!
BEFORE YOU START UP THE MUSIC :
Here is some DOs and DON’Ts to learn about the basic usage of tube amplifiers.
DOs: -Always have all correct tubes in place (See page 3) - Hook up all signal
input cables (RED/WHITE) & speaker wires (RED/BLACK) BEFORE you put the power cord
into the IEC inlet (In case the power button is switched on) - Always put volume to
minimal before or after used - Use matched pair or matched quad tubes whenever
possible - A decent power cord will be beneficial, and plug direct into wall outlet -
After turned off amplifier, let rest and avoid restart immediately
DON’Ts - Do not let children or pets get closed to the amplifier when it is playing, as
the tubes can be harmful, or lethal (The optional cage is highly recommended) -
Do not remove any tubes, cables and wires while the amplifier is playing / on -Do
not try to fix or modify the amplifier, as there could be lethal voltage remains in parts,
even in days or weeks. We have to mention this as we take safety very seriously and we
all have our loved ones and families. So far, we do not have one warranty claimed yet,
so we can safely say shall one day your amplifier requires service, most likely it is caused
by external reason such as misused, lightening, physical abuse and damage...etc.

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QUICK CONNECTIONS:
1. Plug in all tubes at correct locations (EL84 / 6BQ5 / 7189 X 2 Pcs on the outer tube
sockets and 1 Pcs 12AX7 / ECC83 in the middle of the three tube sockets in the
front –see above picture). 1 Pc of 6CA4/EZ81 Rectifier tube in the back location
between the transformers.
2. Connect your source to RCA Jacks (Red/White RCA cables for signal inputs) on
the left side of the amplifier, and connect speaker wires (Red/Black Binding
Posts) in the back of the amplifier
3. Plug in power cord (Do this at last, in case the power switch is on)
4. Turn ON the power button in the back
5. Select your source input via Selector knob (The knob on the left)
6. Turn to suitable volume Via Volume Knob (The knob on the right - And is a good
practice to dial volume to lowest before start and after finish)
7. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

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TROUBLESHOOT / QUESTIONS:
The tubes are not glowing - check your power cord or fuse
Only one channel is playing or hum/low/weak in volume - switch off, and let
tubes cool. Try rotate tubes between L and R channel, and make sure all
cables/wires are secured. If the problem is not resolved after rotating tubes, try
rotate L to R channel cables/wires until you find out if it is poorly connected or
defected tubes. If volume/power remains weak or blurry, try a set of new tubes.
Most noises and music pauses are induced by loose wires
Upgrades - people talk about upgrades and modifications, should I listen? Our
answer is NO, because each model of amplifiers we designed and made are
voiced to how we wanted. We are not just engineers who purely pursuit our
products with a high spec and performance on paper. We are also music lovers
and musicians who care how instruments and voices are being portrayed. Each
part and transformer is hand-picked and most of them are what we have been
used for decades. Please be warned: if any changes and modifications done will
void the warranty and affects its value.
NOS or NEW Tubes - We prefer new tubes, as NOS tubes can vary a lot in quality.
Speaker Cables Gauge - We prefer something thin, from 12-18 gauge, we use 15
gauge. No matter it is on single driver loudspeakers or multi-ways large speakers,
we don’t like to use bi-wiring.

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Quick Fact:
Class A
5W + 5W Autobias (Max 5.7W)
Single Ended Pentode / Powered by EL84/6BQ5/7189
Driven by 12AX7/ECC83 Our all-time favourite preamp / driver tube
Tube rectified by 6CA4/EZ81 Separated tube rectifier stage for better noise
separation and, like the vintage amps and the purest preferred, being rectified
by tube, higher to cost, but no hold barrette for us!
6 Ohms Speakers Out Standard
Optional 8 ohms and 4 ohms version available on special order at no extra cost
3 Sets of Inputs (New/Standard for 2015)
7.5" W x 15" D X 7" H (Similar to an A4/Letter Sized Paper)
Parts Highlights:
EDCOR (USA) Output Transformers:
Hammond Canada or EDCOR USA Power Transformer
Hammond Canada Choke Transformer
Mundorf's Germany Audiophiler ZN Coupling Caps
Japanese 105 C Degree / Long Life E Caps (New/Standard for 2015), as well
brand name and authentic passive resistors/caps thru-out.
High quality RCA Inputs and 5 way insulated binding posts
High quality ceramic socket and copper wires for signal path
Finished in Glossy White
Design Philosophy:
Story: The F-108 family of Finale amplifiers features single-ended EL84 / 6BQ5 circuitry that
we have used and enjoyed for decades. Ever wonder why so many people who care about sound
quality prefer this amplifier’s (circuit’s) low-wattage refinement over solid state amps, or even
single-ended triode-circuits? The key is the unique voicing and refinement of the El84/6BQ5
tube itself that compares well to most other tubes in the sweetness, transparency and holographic
department —and you’ll be surprised with its bass, attack and speed! Our Class A, single-ended
circuit gets the best out of these tubes.
We have opted to give the F-108 subtle looks and simple features, and focus our resources on
providing high quality parts and transformers. Although this is our entry single-ended amplifier,
it is as quiet, sharp and stunning as any other we have designed and made. Its amazing giant-
beating sound makes it a true bargain.