icon Audio MP 3se User manual

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icon Audio
MP 3se Instruction Manual
Pure Valve Single Ended 5 watt
Hi Fi and Headphone Amplifier
A Simple No Compromise High End Pure Valve Amplifier
The MP 3 Story:
For a long time we have wanted to create a simple
low cost, high quality all valve amplifier that
would serve as either an introduction to the joys
of a pure valve amplifier or as a secondary
amplifier for those needing lower lever sound in
another room. The bedroom or study for example.
Using our experience gained in the production of
the ST20SE and HP8SE we decided to use the
chassis and overall layout of the HP8
The conventional way to provide a headphone
output on an amplifier is to drop the power
through a resistor. This has a big problem that it
provides very high source impedance (rather like
a weak battery) the effect of this is to give very
“Low FI” results. Ideally headphones should be
driven from small high quality amplifiers. Many
headphone amplifiers use small “microchip”
amps which although are a better solution still do
not provide ideal matching to the wide range of
headphones available.
The first stage gain uses the excellent ECC83 for
voltage gain. The 2nd half is used as a cathode
follower, an excellent way of buffering the ECC83 to
the EL84 output valve. This wonderful valve has
exceptional detail and fluidity. Its smoothness
complements the superb EL84 (small version of the
EL34 probably the most popular of output HI FI
valves). This combination will give you a simply
stunning insight into inner detail of your favourite
recordings whether Analogue or digital.
We have also provided speaker terminals on the rear
to further increase the versatility. Although 5+5w
(RMS) does sound much it can give surprisingly good
results in an office or bedroom environment where
high sound levels are not required. Indeed, used with
medium to high efficiency speakers.
Like our other amplifiers, close attention has been
paid to the finish of the MP 3. It uses the same “Bullet
Proof”* build (*Hi Fi News/Hi Fi Choice) as our other
amplifiers with a combination of anodised alloy plate,
stainless and painted steel. We do not use “tin and
plastic”!
For space saving we have used the same
“lengthways” chassis as our phono pre-amp so it will
fit nicely alongside your existing equipment, with the
connections on the rear, and headphone socket at the
front.
The MP 3 is very versatile. It may used in several
ways:
1, As a small hi fi amplifier from any normal line input
e.g. CD/DAC/Tuner etc using speakers of
headphones.
2, Connect direct from your phones earphone socket
in the deadicated 3.5mm input.
3, As a headphone amplifier connect to the output of
your hi fi system.

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QUICK SET UP GUIDE
1 Unpack unit carefully. Make sure that it is in good
condition. It is important that you keep packaging for
warranty/service return.
2 Fit the valves if necessary. Or if fitted check that
they are seated properly. (see also valve replacement)
3 You may connect directly to your source unit
(e.g. CD player) or from the “Record Out” of your
amplifier. You can also use an MP3 unit or similar
by selecting the input from the front.
3a You can select between headphones and
loudspeakers by using the switch on the rear.
4 Connect to mains supply using the attached mains
lead to 230/240v supply. If it is necessary to change
to a different type of mains plug, the welded plug
must be removed and replaced with a suitable
type. Please then remove fuse and dispose of
carefully. (As they can be a danger to children if plugged
in). The replacement plug should be wired in the following
way Brown to Live terminal, Blue to Neutral terminal and
Green/Yellow to Earth terminal.
6 Connect your headphones and SWITCH ON!
The blue mains indicator should light up and unit will
take approximately 40 seconds to start working. All
valves should have a visible orange glow from the
cathode heaters. With the volume control set to
minimum (fully anti-clockwise) there should be no
sound coming from your headphones except a barely
discernable hum.
6a, Headphone Impedance
The dedicated headphone winding in the output
transformer is suitable for headphones from 16 to 600
ohms
7 Your unit should now be functioning. If not check
wiring again. Use front selector to choose source
program and suitable listening volume. The best
sound quality will be when the unit has warmed up for
at least 20 mins.
8 Health and Safety. The valves when operating
have moderately high surface temperatures. Keep out
of reach of children and pets.
Under no circumstances operate with valves
removed!
Like all amplifiers there are potentially lethal
voltages inside (300v DC), which when switched
off can take up to 15 mins to discharge! Do not
remove bottom panel unless you are a competent
engineer. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Like other household electrical appliances do not
leave unattended whilst switched on.
Connecting inputs & outputs
Many problems with hi fi equipment involve
connecting leads which are usually either ‘Bad, or
Wrong connection’. So it’s worth making sure that
you have good connections and that your leads are
the right way round.
Inputs
The amplifier will work with any standard piece of hi fi
e.g. CD, Tuner, Tape Deck, Mini Disc, TV, Video
Recorder, DVD etc.
General points
•Mobile phone ‘breakthrough’ is normal
•A switch-off ‘click’ through the speakers is
normal.
•Storage in damp conditions could damage
transformers.
Connecting Leads
Use good quality connecting leads, which are no
longer than they need to be.
Leaving the amp switched on
People sometimes ask if the amp should be left
running 24/7 without switching off. Whilst the amplifier
will sound at its best when it is properly warmed up,
there is no advantage leaving it switched on when it is
not in use. It is using electricity and valves have a
finite life. Conversely the valves and other
components are stressed more at switch on; therefore
do not switch on and off unnecessarily. Although the
amplifier should sound good within a few minutes
like most hi fi units it will take a couple of months
of regular use before it is ‘run in’.
Cabinet Care
To remove dust from the cabinet and valves we
suggest gentle brushing with a soft paintbrush and a
duster. Finger marks can usually be removed with a
damp cloth. Always clean with the power
disconnected.
CAUTION –HEALTH & SAFETY!
When making any adjustments remember to
isolate from power supply, and remember that
high voltages can remain present inside for some
time after switch off.
Trouble Shooting
Amplifier Dead
Check the 1amp mains fuse which is in the IEC mains
socket on the rear. Replacements should be 20mm
1Amp ‘anti-surge’ or “T” type. These are available
from Icon Audio should you have any difficulty.
The fuse in the mains plug should be a 3 or 5 amp
fuse, although unlikely, this should be checked if the
amplifier fuse is OK.
No sound
Have you selected the right input? Are the
connections OK? Is everything switched on? Are the
speakers/headphones connected?
Distorted sound.
Try another source; if sound improves then it’s
probably something wrong with the first source. If no
improvement try different speakers, if no improvement
could be an amplifier problem.
Hum Problems
These are generally caused by “bad” earths or
A common cause is a ‘hum loop’ caused by having
too many earths, and may be identified by unplugging
each input source from the mains. One remedy for
this is to use an interconnect which only has the
screen connected at one end. Other causes of low-
level hum can be from adjacent equipment, so
experiment with moving equipment around to see if
this makes the hum better or worse.

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One channel missing.
Usually ‘bad’ connection on either the input or the
speakers. Try swapping the connection over to
establish if the cause is:
(a) Input to the amp. Sound will move to the other
channel.
(b) Amplifier or speakers. Sound will not move.
Strange noises coming from speakers
Turn volume to minimum on unused input, if problem
corrected either fault with source unit or with
connection. If noise persists, problem with amplifier.
A valve that is lit up is not a guarantee that it is
working properly; conversely a valve that is not lit up
will not be working.
Valve Replacement
Valve life will depend upon such things as hours of
use and number of on/off cycles. As all the valves are
lightly loaded. As a rough guide we would estimate
life of approx 2 to 5 years. But this can vary.
What can happen?
A valve is at the end of its life if one of the following
happens:
•ECC83’s are twin triode valves. One of the
two heaters may fail.
•A valve could get “noisy” or “microphonic”
•The emission (and therefore output and
sound quality) may fall.
•The valve works intermittently.
•An air leak causes the silver “getter” material
to turn white.
It is essential that only the correct valves are used
as some similar looking valves have a different
pin connection and insertion could result in
damage to the amplifier and risk of electric shock.
It is not good practice to remove the valves
unnecessarily as this can strain the pins and cause
tiny air leaks. Icon Audio are happy to replace valves
and check to performance of your amplifier, and
advise on the latest upgrades available.
Method:
Switch off, disconnect from mains and allow to stand
for 20 mins to allow voltages to discharge. Undo the
6x Allan bolts Remove cover. Replace valves as
necessary. Replace cover and test. Do not operate
without cover!
Service: Should you suspect a problem, you could
return the unit to your dealer or Icon Audio for a
periodic service or return the valves for testing free of
charge. You should carefully remove the valves they
should be well packed in cardboard & foam or similar,
and returned to Icon Audio. (Valves are very rugged if
packed properly).
We welcome any comments you may have regarding
errors or omissions in this manual.
Should you need further advice or information
regarding the use of this unit please contact us.
NEW OWNER?
If you have bought this unit from someone else,
please register with us by email or post stating your
name, address, model, serial number and whom you
purchased from in order that we can keep you up to
date with upgrades and improvements
Specifications and Features
•All hand wired point to point
•No printed circuit board to ‘colour’ sound
•Japanese Blue ALPS volume pot.
•Class A, all Triode circuit
•Custom, hand wound transformers
•Output impedance matching from 8 to 600Ω phones
•2 x Electro Harmonix EL84s
•1x ECC83 first stage valve
•2x 4.5w continuous per channel max
•Signal to noise level -90db
•Freq response better than 20hz-20kHz
•Total harmonic distortion typically less than 0.2% 1khz
•Suitable for 4 to 12 ohm loudspeakers (8 for max power)
•Japanese steel EI transformers with low oxygen copper
•Slim profile design
•High quality 2W metal film, & wire-wound resistors
•Blue LED mains indicator
•Polypropylene audio capacitors
•Silver coated PTFE audio cable
•Custom hand wound output transformers
•Ceramic valve holders for minimum leakage
•Gold plated Input & speaker terminals
•One line or phone low impedance input.
•300mv input sensitivity.
•230-240v (or 117v) 50/60 Hz 50 watts.
•C E, ROHS and WEEE compliant where applicable.
•11cm W, 35 cm D, 14.8 H, 7 kg (remember to allow
space for connections)
(Specifications subject to change, errors & omissions excepted. General 19/02/20)
icon Audio (UK) Ltd
351 Aylestone Road Leicester LE2 8TA
www.iconaudio.com
email: [email protected]
Ph [phone] [phone]

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Final Inspection
This amplifier has been carefully checked, tested and final adjustments made by Icon Audio in
Leicester.
It has passed our rigorous listening test and final inspection to assure you of optimum
performance and reliability.
Date …./…./….
Model ……….
Amp Serial Number ……….
Customer ……………………………
Check amplifier finish ……….
Run 6 hour test ……….
Check inputs/outputs ……….
Sound Quality ……….
Channel Balance ……….
Valve Microphony ……….
Valve Seating ……….
Hum & noise level ……….
RF Test ……….
Serial No sticker and recorded ……….
Mains voltage 230/240V or 117v
(changeable)
IEC Mains Fuse ………A
Sales invoice ……….
Credit card receipt .………
Chassis linearity .………
Bias meter N/A
Transformer Protection N/A
Upgrades:
Output valve ……….
Capacitors ……….
Interconnects ……….
Signed off by ……………………….
Notes:
Please note we do not test the standard mains lead.