Mistral MM-6 User manual

MM-6
Digital Vacuum Tube Amplifier
Instruction Manual

2
Thank you for purchasing this Mistral MM-6 Amplifier.
This instruction manual provides all of the information that you need to know
about your Mistral MM-6 Digital Vacuum Tube Amplifier. Please read it
carefully before you start using the unit.
The Mistral MM-6 is a high quality hybrid tube / transistor amplifier for use in
digital Hi Fi system applications. It has an inbuilt digital to analogue
converter and several input options to enable users to connect digital and
analogue music sources. It also has a pre amp output option which means
that it can be used with an external power amplifier or with a subwoofer.
The robust build and high quality finish of this amplifier make it a practical,
long lasting and durable Hi Fi system component.
Digital audio sources that can be used with this amplifier include:
Apple iPod
Apple Airport
Slim Devices Squeezebox
Roku Soundbridge
Linksys Music Bridge
Sonos ZP80
Digital output from CD Player
Digital output from laptop or Apple Mac

Introduction
3
Safety Instructions 4
Front Panel Connections 7
Back Panel Connections 8
Connections 9
Useful Tips 12
Product Guarantee and Service 14
Troubleshooting 15

Safety Instructions
4
IMPORTANT
Please read this manual before operating your Mistral amplifier. Observe the
Safety Instructions to avoid electrical shocks or equipment failure due to
improper installation. Please retain these instructions in a safe place for future
reference.
A triangle with a lightning symbol indicates
“dangerous voltage” which may be high enough to
entail risk of electric shock.
A triangle with an exclamation mark indicates
important instructions for use and maintenance in the
accompanying manual.
To prevent risk of electric shock, do not remove cover
(or back). Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
1. Observe all safety warnings given in the manual.
2. If the unit produces smoke, a strange smell, or strange sounds
upon turning the product “ON”, the unit may have been damaged in
shipment. If this happens, immediately switch the power “OFF” and
unplug the power cord.
3. This unit should NOT be situated in close proximity to water. E.g.
Near baths, sinks, washing machines, swimming pools, saunas etc.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or to extreme temperature,
humidity, or changes in temperature.
4. Do not place near direct heat sources such as radiators, stoves,
gas fires, naked flames or candles.

Safety Instructions
5
5. Ensure that the unit is placed on a clean, dry and flat surface before
operation.
6. Do not drop the unit, apply excessive force to the controls or place
heavy objects on top of the unit.
7. Do not allow excessive levels of dust to gather on the amplifier. To
clean, unplug the cooled unit and use a soft dry cloth. If necessary,
use a damp cloth without any solvents.
8. Ensure that the area in which the unit is situated has adequate
ventilation. Do not place the amplifier in a position where its
ventilation may become obstructed.
9. Avoid placement on beds, sofas, rugs, enclosed bookcases /
cabinets and any other area which may cause interference to the
ventilation of the product thus causing it to overheat.
10. Ensure that the unit is connected to the correct power supply as
indicated on the unit. Unplug the amplifier when not in use for a
long period.
11. Always make sure power cables are placed safely and are not
obstructing a walkway.
12. This product can get hot. Do not touch the tubes and keep away
from babies, children and pets.
13. To avoid risk of electric shock, do not attempt to remove the cover
or the back of unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing of internal parts to qualified service personnel. Any
unauthorised changes or modifications to this equipment would
render the manufacturer's warranty null and void.
14. WARNING: Tube electronics use high voltages that can cause
injury or death. Dangerous voltages may be stored in capacitors
many hours after the unit has been tuned “OFF”.
15. Check that your local mains supply voltage agrees with the setting
indicated on the back panel of the amplifier. Always use a quality
power surge protector.
16. Always turn OFF the power switches when connecting or
disconnecting from mains power.
17. It is recommended that you disconnect the power supply from the

Safety Instructions
6
mains when the unit is in a protracted period of non-use (holidays,
etc) and during initial setup.
18. Refer to the owner's manual of each component that is connected
to this unit.

Front Panel Connections
7
1. Power
2. Input Selector
3. Tube (Valve) window
4. Volume Control

Back Panel Connections
8
1. Speaker Terminals: The speaker terminals are clearly marked red-
positive and black-negative for correct polarity.
2. AC Power Cord Attachment and Fuse: The power cord is included
in the MM-6 box. The fuse is user replaceable after turning the
amplifier off. You should call your dealer with any questions
regarding fuse replacement.
WARNING: Using the wrong fuse type may cause damage to the
MM-6 and is a potential fire safety hazard.
3. USB Digital Input: To connect directly to your computer or other
digital device.
4. Optical Digital Input: For optical digital sources such as CD players.
5. Auxillary: For analog line level sources.
6. Pre-Amp Output: To connect the MM-6 to an external amplifier or
subwoofer. The MM-6 amplifier operates as an active pre-amp
when this output is used and allows a system upgrade path if a
separate power amplifier is introduced.

Connections
9
Optical Digital
Inputs
How to connect source with a
digital optical output. (i.e. CD
Players, Apple TV or Airport
Express (special Apple optical
cable needed).
Connect a digital optical cable to
the optical input on the back of
the amplifier. Select the
corresponding input on the front
of the amplifier.
USB Input for
Computer
How to connect a personal
computer to your MM-6
amplifier.
Connect a USB cable from your
PC to the back of the amplifier.
In the bottom right corner of your
computer screen, you’ll see a
speaker icon. Right click on this
icon and select “Adjust Audio
Properties”. Select the “Volume”
tab.
Use the drop down box to select
“USB Audio DAC”. This should
be next to the speaker icon in
the Volume tab.
You are now ready to launch
and play your music software.
Select the USB input on your
MM-6.
USB Input for
Mac
How to connect an Apple Mac to
your MM-6 amplifier.
Connect a USB cable from your
MAC to the USB input on the
back of the MM-6. Turn on the
MM-6 and then boot up your
Mac. Do not have your music
software open before you
connect the USB.
In the “System Preferences”
select the Speaker icon. Next
switch from “Internal Speakers”
to “USB Audio Device”.
You are now ready to launch
and play your music software.

Connections
10
Analogue Input
How to connect conventional
components (i.e. Tuner, Tape
Deck, SACD player)
Connect an RCA cable to the
RCA inputs on the back of the
MM-6. Take care not to connect
them to the RCA pre amp
outputs.
To use a turntable an external
phono pre-amp will be required.
Consult your dealer for
recommendations.
Speaker
Output
The MM-6 is designed to drive
one pair of speakers between 4-
8 ohms. However it can be
used with more than one pair if
appropriately matched. Consult
your Authorised Dealer to advise
on this.
Subwoofer
Output
The RCA Pre Amp Outputs can
be used for several applications.
To use as a subwoofer output,
run a stereo pair of RCA cables
from the pre amp output to the
subwoofer RCA line input. If
your subwoofer has only one
line input, you can use a Y
Adapter (Dual Male to Single
Female) to connect the
subwoofer to your MM-6
amplifier. This will give you a
single output.
Pre Amplifier
Output
Connect a Stereo RCA cable
from the pre amp output of the
MM-6 to the stereo inputs on
your external amplifier.
Pre Amplifier
Output and
You will need to split the L/R
outputs to two L/R outputs. To

Connections
11
Powered
Subwoofer
Together
do this you will require
2 Y Adapters (Single Male to
Two Female). Plug the Y
Adapters into the pre-out of the
MM-6. You now have two
outputs for each channel.
Connect 1 set of L/R RCA type
connectors to the external amp
and the other two outputs to
your subwoofer.

Useful Tips
12
USB Connections
Steps may vary between Macs and PCs however basic instructions are very
similar.
Having completed the ‘USB Input for Computer’ and ‘USB Input for Mac’
procedures described under the ‘Connections’ section above,,your computer
should recognise the USB Audio DAC and default to it when plugged in. If you
unplug the USB connection and restart your music program before re-
connecting first, you may find that you have to repeat the steps outlined in the
procedures again.
Other Helpful Tips
1. Always set your computer and music software volume control to
maximum and use the MM-6 volume as a master control. This will
achieve a better listening experience.
2. Avoid keeping multiple programs open while streaming music. It
can compromise the sound quality and even cause signal drop-outs.
3. Avoid plugging and unplugging the USB input multiple times in a
short time span. It usually is not a problem but can increase the
chance of a voltage spike to the USB input.

Product Guarantee & Service
13
Warranty, Contact and Support Information
International Guarantee
The MM-6 has a 1 year parts and labour guarantee from time of purchase.
Vacuum tubes are covered for six months. Units that are covered under this
guarantee include MM-6 purchased from any authorised MM-6 distributor or
dealer.
Mistral can take no responsibility for defects arising from accident, misuse,
abuse, wear and tear, neglect or through adjustment and/or repair. We also
cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss occurring during transit to or
from the person claiming under the guarantee. The warranty does not cover
shipping costs.
Claims under Warranty
The equipment should be packed in it’s original packing and returned to the
dealer from whom it was purchased, or if unavailable, directly to the MM-6
distributor.
You should use a reputable carrier. Do not send by Postal Service. Mistral
cannot accept responsibility for returns goods in transit to the dealer,
distributor or service facility. Please insure the unit against loss or damage
while in transit.

Troubleshooting
Problem
Cause/Remedy
The MM-6 will not turn on.
Make sure the on/off switch on the
front panel is engaged.
Check that the AC Plug is
connected.
Check the fuse.
The MM-6 unit turns on but there is no
sound.
Ensure proper input selected.
Check mute is not selected.
Check source is on. If the input
button is blinking then your digital
signal is not locked.
Check your cable connections and
your source.
You intermittently lose signal on the USB
input.
Try re-starting your music software
(e.g. ITunes, Spotify, Windows
Media Player etc).
Try turning your MM-6 off at the
mains and re-boot your computer.
Turn your MM-6 back on. If the
computer still doesn’t recognise the
USB DAC repeat the process. Also
unplug the USB cable from the
computer and the MM-6, and plug it
back in before re-booting.
The MM-6 has been designed to
remain locked on the USB signal at
all times, but there may still be
instances where the signal can
drop out.
When you switch from one source to
another you get a loud “click” or “pop”
This can be caused from static
build up but it should not occur
consistently over a long period of
time. If problem persists, please
contact your distributor or dealer.
Your iPod doesn’t sound as expected
through the MM-6.
Your iPod offers custom
equalizations for headphone use
that aren’t necessary with the MM-
6 and a good pair of speakers.
Ensure that the iPod volume is set
to match the other components in
your system.