QUALIA & Co INDIGO Series User manual

Owner's Manual
Assembled in Japan
INDIGO Series
Phono Amplier
QUALIA & Co. of America

Introduction
ank you for purchasing the QUALIA INDIGO Series Phono Amplier.
Please read this Owner's Manual thoroughly before using the product so
that its high-quality audio can be enjoyed for years to come.
If you have any questions, please contact the dealer where you purchased
the product or QUALIA & Co. directly.
[e-mail]
●Warranty registration card and product warranty
Please ll out the warranty registration card packaged with the product
and send it to QUALIA & Co.
1. If a product failure occurs aer following the instructions in the
Owner's Manual under normal conditions of use within a period of
one (1) year from the date of purchase, QUALIA & Co. will repair
the product free of charge. Users are responsible for the cost of
shipping the product to the dealer or QUALIA & Co. When warranty
requirements are satised, QUALIA & Co. will be responsible for the
cost of sending the repaired product back to the user.
2. Failures caused by the following are excluded from the warranty, even
if they occur during the warranty period:
Failures or damage caused by incorrect use or improper repairs or
modications
Failures or damage caused by transporting, moving, or dropping the
product aer purchase
Failures or damage caused by a natural disaster, such as a re,
earthquake, ood, or lightning strike, pollution, or abnormal voltage
Failures or damage caused by using the product for purposes other
than home use (for example, extended use for business purposes)
Registration for warranty is not led
●Product carton and packing
Keep the product carton and packing if possible. When transporting
or shipping the product to the dealer or QUALIA & Co. for adjustment
or maintenance, be sure to use the original carton. QUALIA & Co.
will take no responsibility for problems occurring during transport or
shipment of the product if the product is not packed in the original
carton and packing.
●Packaged contents
First of all, please conrm that the items listed below are all present.
INDIGO PHONO AMPLIFIER x 2
Power supply x 1
Power cable x 2
Owner's Manual x 1
1
CONTENTS
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Part Names (Main Unit) . . . . . . . . .
4. Part Names (Power Supply)
5. Positioning and Location of the Units
6. Connections
*Connection of Power Cable
*Disconnection of Power Cable
*RCA Input Jacks (MC INPUTS)
*RCA Output Jacks (OUTPUTS)
*Connection of AC Power Cord
7. Basic Operation
*Turning on the power
*Playback *Turning o the power
8. Countermeasures against Humming Noise
8. How to Replace Fuse
9. Before Requesting Repair
10. Specications
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

How to Use Audio Equipment Correctly
Before using the product, please read the Safety Precautions and Owner's Manual
thoroughly and use the product correctly.
Keep this Owner's Manual at hand for future reference.
●
Symbols
The Safety Precautions and the product use various symbols to help users use the product safely
and correctly and also prevent any hazard or damage to you, other people, or property.
The symbols and their meanings are found below. Please understand them before reading the
instructions.
WARNING
CAUTION
2
Safety Precautions
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if the product is
mishandled ignoring the indication, could result in serious injury or
possibly death.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if the product is
mishandled ignoring the indication, could result in injury or property
damage only.
symbols are used to indicate cautions and warnings.
Specic caution is illustrated in the symbol (“Electric shock” in the gure to
the left).
symbols are used to indicate actions that should not be performed. The
specic action that should not be performed is illustrated in the symbol or
near it (“Do not disassemble” in the gure to the left).
●symbols are used to indicate mandatory actions and instructions.
Specic instruction is illustrated in the symbol (“Pull out the power plug” in
the gure to the left).

3
INDIGO PHONO Main Unit (Only one unit is shown for convenience sake.)
MC INPUT : RCA connectors (Special Moving Coil Phono Cartridge)
OUTPUT : RCA connectors
GND : Ground Terminal
POWER IN (Fischer connector): A connector used to connect the Power Cable from the INDIGO Series
Power Supply.
Part Names (Main Unit)
(2) Rear Panel
(1) Front Panel
Indicator
Power inlet
(Fischer connector)
MC InputOutput
Ground
Terminal

Power indicator
INDIGO PHONO Power Supply
(1) Front Panel
(2) Rear Panel
(3) Power Cables
4
120
5
Power switch
Lch Power outlet
(Fischer connector)
Rch Power outlet
(Fischer connector)
AC power inlet
(15 AMP IEC type)
Fusebox
Voltage indication
(operate the Power Supply
only at the voltage indicated)
Rch Power cable
Rch Fischer connector
(Power outlet)
Lch Power cable
Lch Fischer connector
(Power outlet)
Part Names (Power Supply)

5
Positioning and location of the units
Install this equipment in a location with adequate space for ventilation and heat release.
If this equipment is installed in a location where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, extremely high
temperature (for example near a heater), high humidity, or dust, a failure may occur even if heat is
released smoothly.
Do not install this equipment in such a location because, in a worst case scenario, it may result in a re.
Do not place this equipment on an unstable surface, for example an unstable or uneven table.
When installed on an unstable surface, this equipment cannot perform its functions adequately.
Install this equipment out of the reach of children to prevent it from being dropped or knocked down,
causing an injury.
Secure sufcient space.
Install this equipment on a top panel of a rack if possible.
When installing this equipment on a middle shelf of a rack, be sure that there is at least 10 cm of clearance
from the top face of the Main Unit and 15 cm of clearance from the back side. Without these clearances,
heat remains trapped inside this equipment, resulting in a failure. In a worst case scenario, it may cause a
re.
Install the Power Supply separately from the Main Unit. DO NOT place the Main Unit on top of the Power
Supply.
Do not place any objects on this device.
Do not place a vase, plant pot, glass, cosmetic product, container lled with medicine, water, or other
contents, or small metallic articles on this device.
If water spills or enters this equipment, it may result in a re or electric shock.
Prevent any foreign matter from entering this equipment.
Do not insert or drop metals, burnable articles, or anything else into this equipment through the ventilation
hole on the Main Unit. It may result in a re or electric shock.
Beware of small children. Install this equipment out of the reach of children if possible
WARNING

6
Main Unit
Power Supply
Main Unit
Power Supply
Spacer
(1) Installation recommended by QUALIA & Co.
The INDIGO PHONO AMPLIFIER Main Units are monophonic. Install the two units separately on a shelf of a
rigid rack if possible.
Install the Power Supply separately from the Main Units.
(2) When installing this equipment on a middle shelf of a rack
When one unit needs to be installed on top of the other unit, place a wooden or resin spacer between the main unit
spike and top panel to prevent electric contact between them. (Use a spacer to prevent damage as well.)
Install the Power Supply separately from the Main Units.
If this equipment is installed on a rack with sides or a back panel, be sure that there is at least 10 cm of clearance
from the top face and 15 cm of clearance from the back side. If ventilation holes on the back panel are too small,
make them larger. If this equipment is installed on a rack with glass doors, remove the doors. (Having glass doors
is not preferable regarding sound quality as well as heat release.)

7
Connection of Power Cable
Note: Be sure to connect the power cable before connecting the AC power cord.
Connecting cables in an incorrect order may damage the Main Unit and result in an electric shock. Be sure
to connect the cables as described below.
WARNING
Connect the power cable into the POWER OUT (LEFT) socket on the Power Supply with the red dot on the Fisher
connector facing up. Then, connect the cable into the POWER IN socket of the Lch Main Unit with the red dot on the
Fisher connector facing up. Make the connection on the RIGHT ch side following the same procedure.
Insert cables carefully. Cables need to be inserted in a specic direction and they cannot be connected if the direction is
slightly off.
When a cable is inserted fully, it is locked so does not come off easily. Be sure that cables are connected correctly. The
Power Supply is exposed to extremely high voltage. Be sure to conrm that the connector is properly attached.
Power inlet
(Fischer connector)
120
5
Power switch
Lch Power outlet
(Fischer connector)
Rch Power outlet
(Fischer connector)
AC power inlet
Voltage indication
(operate the Power
Supply only at the
voltage indicated)
OFF
Fisher connector
Power cable
Power inlet
(Fischer connector)
Main Unit Lch
Main Unit Rch
Power Supply

8
1. Set the Power switch on the Power Supply to OFF.
2. Disconnect the AC power cord from the power outlet on the wall (or power strip).
3. While supporting the Main Unit with one hand, hold and pull the latching sleeve of the Fisher
connector of the power cable using the other hand. The lock is released and the cable can be
pulled out easily.
Note: Lock is not released when the cable is pulled with holding parts other than the latching
sleeve.
Do not pull the cable forcibly or it will break.
Disconnection of Power Cable
Latching sleeve Cable
Disconnecting the cable correctly
Incorrect ways to disconnect the cable
Fisher connector
× Do not pull the cable by holding the base of
the Fisher connector.
× Do not pull the cable by holding the cable section
itself.

9
●
When connecting a cable, conrm that the power cable is not connected.
Connecting a cable with the power on may damage the Main Unit and the equipment to be connected,
which may result in an electric shock.
●
Before connecting equipment, thoroughly read the instruction manual for each device and turn off the
power. Then, connect the equipment following the instructions. Use high-quality connection cables.
●
Connect/disconnect the RCA interconnect cable while keeping it straight and without turning the plug.
Connecting/disconnecting while turning the plug may rotate the terminal on the Main Unit, causing
disconnection. Be sure to connect/disconnect the cable while keeping it straight.
MC phono input
Connect a turntable (record player) equipped with a MC cartridge.
Note
: Before connection, be sure to clean the terminal of the turntable and cable plug.
Special moving coil cartridge input terminal (MC INPUT)
Each unit has one special moving coil cartridge RCA jack input terminal.
Ground terminal (GND)
Connect the ground terminal of the turntable (record player) to the ground terminal (GND) of the Main Unit Lch. Then,
connect the ground terminals (GND) of the Main Units Lch and Rch.
Connection (Input)
120
5
OFF
Main Unit Lch
Main Unit Rch
Power Supply Power switch
Turntable
R L
Rch MC InputRch Output Rch Ground
Terminal
Lch MC InputLch Output Lch Ground
Terminal
Grounding wire 2
Grounding wire 1

10
●
When connecting a cable, conrm that the power cable is not connected.
Connecting a cable with the power on may damage the Main Unit and the equipment to be connected, which may
result in an electric shock.
●
Before connection, thoroughly read the instruction manual of the turntable, moving coil cartridge, and preamplier
and turn off the power. Then, connect the equipment following the instructions. Use high-quality connection cables.
●
DO NOT short-circuit the output terminal.
DO NOT place a shorting pin on the unbalanced output terminal.
Short-circuiting the output terminal will damage the internal circuit.
●
Connect/disconnect the RCA interconnect cable while keeping it straight and without turning the plug. Connecting/
disconnecting while turning the plug may rotate the terminal on the Main Unit, causing disconnection. Be sure to
connect/disconnect the cable while keeping it straight.
Unbalanced output terminal (OUTPUT)
One RCA jack unbalanced output terminal is available.
Connect it to an unbalanced input terminal of a preamplier using an RCA interconnect cable.
Connection (Output) CAUTION
120
5
OFF
Main Unit Lch
Main Unit Rch
Power Supply Power switch
Turntable
R L
Rch MC InputRch Output Rch Ground
Terminal
Lch MC InputLch Output Lch Ground
Terminal
Grounding wire 2
Grounding wire 1
Preamplifier
R L
INPUT

11
● Before connecting the AC power cord, conrm that cables are properly connected to input/output
terminals and the Power switch is set to OFF once again.
● Do not place heavy articles on the power cord. Conrm that the cord is not crushed under this
equipment. A damaged power chord can cause re or electric shock.
● Do not use this equipment on a voltage other than the specied power supply voltage.
A damaged device can cause re or electric shock.
●Connection of AC Power Cord
AC POWER INLET
The AC power inlet of the Main Unit is 15 AMP IEC.
First, conrm that the Power switch is set to OFF. Then, connect the AC power cord to the AC POWER INLET on the
Power Supply.
Next, connect the plug of the power cord into the wall outlet.
If the wall outlet is a three-prong outlet, connect the plug properly as is. The polarity will be determined.
WARNING
L=Live(120V), N=Neutral(0V), G=Ground
NL
G
AC power inlet
G
N
LWall outlet
120
5
OFF
Main Unit Lch
Main Unit Rch
Power Supply Power switch
Turntable
R L
Rch MC InputRch Output Rch Ground
Terminal
Lch MC InputLch Output Lch Ground
Terminal
Grounding wire 2
Grounding wire 1
Preamplifier
R L
INPUT
N
G
Wall outlet
L

12
● Basic Operation
● Before turning on the power, conrm that cables are properly connected once again.
● Before turning on the power, be sure to conrm that the volume of the preamplier is lowered
to the minimum.
Turning on the equipment with the volume up may damage the speakers.
(1) Turn on the power of the preamplier or pre main amplier.
First, conrm that the volume control of the preamplier is set to the minimum level.
Then, set the input selector of the preamplier to a position where no device is connected to the preamplier.
CAUTION
(2) Turn on the power of the INDIGO PHONO.
Set the Power switch on the rear panel of the Power Supply to the right side viewed from the rear (left side viewed
from the front panel) to turn ON the power. Then turn on the power of the power amplier.
This equipment is not equipped with a time muting circuit because of sound quality concerns.
Therefore, it takes approximately ve minutes for each circuit to operate stably.
Order to turn on the power
Lower the volume of the
preamplier, set the input selector
to a position of a device that this
equipment is not connected to,
and turn on the power.
Turn on the power of
the INDIGO PHONO
amplier (this unit).
Turn on the power of
the power amplier.
Power switch
Set to OFF Set to ON
120
5
OFF
Main Unit Lch
Main Unit Rch
Power Supply Power switch
Turntable
R L
Rch MC InputRch Output Rch Ground
Terminal
Lch MC InputLch Output Lch Ground
Terminal
Grounding wire 2
Grounding wire 1
Preamplifier
R L
INPUT
N
G
Wall outlet
L

13
(3) Set the input selector of the preamplier to the position of a device that the INDIGO PHONO is connected to.
(4) Set the volume to a desired level.
Note: When the air is dry, release static electricity to the rack or something else. Then, operate the arm of
the turntable and play the record.
If static electricity enters the INDIGO PHONO through the tone arm or cartridge, it may damage the
element of the input stage. Ensure that there is no risk of static electricity.
Set the volume to a desired level by gradually turning the volume control knob on the preamplier clockwise (to the
right).
Notes for changing the cartridge
Before changing or replacing the cartridge, be sure to lower the volume of the preamplier to the minimum level,
set the input selector to a position of a device that the INDIGO PHONO is not connected to, and turn off the power.
“Pay extra attention to this matter when using a universal type tone arm.”
Changing or replacing the cartridge with the volume increased may break the amplier or speakers. QUALIA & Co.
will take no responsibility for any damage or problems caused by taking such actions.
(5) Turn off the power.
Turn off the power in the following procedure.
Lower the volume of the preamplier to the minimum and set the input selector to a position of a device that the
INDIGO PHONO is not connected to. Turn off the power of the power amplier and then turn off the power of the
INDIGO PHONO.
Procedure to turn off the power
Tips for enjoying higher quality sound
Install this equipment as recommended by QUALIA & Co. and keep it powered up at all times if heat release
is not a problem. In this condition, be sure to keep the volume of the preamplier at its minimum level.
Since this equipment handles weak signals, it takes some time for the circuits to reach optimal operating
conditions. The best sound performance can be obtained by keeping the equipment always powered up.
Turn off the power of
the INDIGO PHONO
(this unit).
Lower the volume
of the preamplier.
Set the input selector to a
position of a device that
the INDIGO PHONO is not
connected to.
When the equipment is not going to be used for a long period of time due to travel or other similar reason, remove
the power plug from the wall outlet for safety. Keeping the power plug in the wall outlet may result in a re.
When pulling out the power plug, do not pull the power cord. It may damage the cord, resulting in a re or
electric shock. Be sure to pull it out by holding the plug.
When there is a risk of power outage or lightning strike due to a typhoon, heavy rain, or thunder, be sure to pull
out the power plug of this equipment from the wall outlet. A sudden power outage or lightning strike can damage
the Main Unit and connected equipment, which may result in a re or electric shock.
WARNING
Turn off the power
of the power
amplier.

14
●There are many possible causes of humming noise or other noise.
The INDIGO PHONO is a wide-band amplier. It is sensitive to high-frequency noise generated on the power supply
and digital noise generated on line cables. These noises are generated by various factors.
● Digital noise often found on CD players, D/A converters, and PCs greatly inuence phono equalizer ampliers,
preampliers, and power ampliers of a system.
In order to prevent negative inuence of such noise on other equipment, take the power from an adequate place and
use a power strip or isolated power supply equipped with a noise lter.
●Noise may come from a line cable.
Extra attention to noise is necessary when an unbalanced cable is used. Some cables are not very resistant to noise
(often expensive cables). Noise sometimes disappears when an ordinary cable is used.
● Take consideration for ground loop.
Recently, power cords with grounding are often used. When many such cords are used, a common ground is used
for equipment connected to a power outlet and a complicated ground loop is generated due to relationships with
signal cables. As a result, a humming noise is sometimes generated of which the cause is hard to identify. In this
case, attach a three-prong to two-prong adapter to create a oating ground. This is a problem in the entire system.
Try it on the phono equalizer amplier (INDIGO PHONO), preamplier, and power amplier to nd the best position.
● When a metal rack is used, cables making contact with the rack sometimes negatively inuence the entire system.
Install cables so that they make an arc without making contact with any metal parts of the rack. If cables are heavy,
lift them by placing a woodpiece or something similar between the cables and the rack.
●When humming noise or other noise is generated
●Maintenance
Before servicing or moving this device, be sure to turn off its Power switch, pull out the power plug from
the wall socket, and disconnect external connection cables. Damaged cords can cause re or electric
shock.
To clean this equipment, wipe it with a soft cloth such as commercially available cleaning cloth. When
the device is extremely dirty, gently remove dirt using a soft slightly dampened cloth. DO NOT use acid
detergent or solvent such as benzene and paint thinner because they damage the cabinet.

DO NOT detach the rear cover of the Main Unit, cabinet, or cover. Do not modify this equipment. This
device contains high-voltage parts. In order to prevent electric shock, please contact the dealer or the
Service Department of QUALIA & Co. for inspection, maintenance, or repair of the inner parts.
In case of an abnormal condition, such as smoke or an abnormal smell or sound originating from the unit,
immediately stop using this device. Turn off the power of all ampliers on the system, turn off the Power
switch of this device, and pull out the power plug from the wall outlet. After conrming that the smoke has
stopped, contact the dealer or the Service Department of QUALIA & Co. for repair. Continuous use of this
equipment in such a condition may result in re or electric shock.
If water or foreign matter enters this equipment, the equipment is dropped, or the cabinet is damaged,
immediately stop using the equipment. Turn off the power of all ampliers on the system, turn off the
Power switch of this device, and pull out the power plug from the wall outlet. Then, contact the dealer or
the Service Department of QUALIA & Co. for repair. Continuous use of this equipment in such a condition
may result in re or electric shock.
If the indicator goes off and operation stops, the fuse may have blown out due to some type of a problem
that occurred inside the device. In this case, immediately stop using the device. Turn off the power of all
ampliers on the system, turn off the Power switch of this device, and pull out the power plug from the
wall outlet. Then, contact the dealer or the Service Department of QUALIA & Co. for repair.
●When abnormal conditions occur
• Replace the fuse only when instructed to do so by the Service Department of QUALIA & Co. QUALIA &
Co. is not responsible for any failure of the Main Unit or bodily harm caused by replacement of the fuse
without instruction from QUALIA & Co.
• Before replacing the fuse, be sure to pull out the power cord from the Main Unit or wall outlet. DO NOT
replace the fuse with the power cord connected to the Main Unit or wall outlet because it will result in
electric shock. QUALIA & Co. is not responsible for any bodily harm caused during the replacement of the
fuse.
How to Replace Fuse
When the fuse in the fuse holder blows out
Lower the volume of the device, turn off the Power switch on
the front panel, and pull out the power cord from the Main
Unit or wall outlet.
First, contact the Service Department of QUALIA & Co.
Explain to the person in charge that the fuse blew out.
• Power supply variations are usually not considered to
blow out a fuse. However, the fuse may blow out due to
a variation a lot greater than expected, noise mixed in, or
signicant interference by illegal wireless communications
along a road even when the Main Unit does not experience
any problems.
• When instructed to change the fuse by the Service
Department of QUALIA & Co., disconnect the speaker
cables and perform the procedure described on the right.
After replacing the fuse, connect the power cord.
Turn on the Power switch.
If the newly replaced fuse blows out, the Main Unit may have
a failure. In this case, contact the dealer or QUALIA & Co.
Fuse: "6.35 mm dia. x 31.8 mm L 250 V 8 A" semi time lag
type
Press the cover of the fuse holder using a
slotted screwdriver and turn it counterclockwise.
Replace the blown fuse.
Fuse: 6.35 mm dia. x 31.8 mm L 250 V 8 A semi
time lag type
After replacing the fuse, press the top
cover using a slotted screwdriver and turn it
clockwise to lock it rmly.
Turn the cover
counterclockwise.
Turn the cover
clockwise.
15
WARNING

16
●Before Requesting Repair
During use, some conditions that can be mistaken as a failure may occur. Before requesting repair, check the table below and
go through the instruction manuals of the devices used with this equipment. If the cause of the failure is unclear, please contact
the dealer you bought this equipment from or QUALIA & Co. When a repair is requested, inspection fee and other fees are
charged even if it is determined that there is nothing to repair.
Problem Cause Countermeasure
The power is off even when
the Power switch is set to
ON.
The power plug has come out of the
outlet or is not inserted properly.
Insert the power plug into the wall
outlet properly.
The power plug has come out of the
AC inlet or is not inserted properly.
Insert the power plug into the AC inlet
properly.
The fuse has blown out.  Contact the Service Department of
QUALIA & Co.
Although the power is turned
on, no sound is generated
from either the left or right
channel.
 The input selector of the amplier is
set incorrectly.
Set the selector correctly.
 The Power switch of the amplier or
connected device is not set to ON.
 Turn on the power of the amplier or
connected device.
 The volume control of the amplier is
set to the minimum level.
Adjust the volume control.
 The amplier is not connected
correctly to the device.
 Properly connect the amplier to the
device.
Sound is generated from one
side only.
Only one side is connected. Properly connect the cables.
Cartridge is disconnected. Properly connect the cables.
Cable is disconnected. Request repair of the equipment.
Humming noise or other
noise is generated.
The ground wire of the Phono cable
is disconnected or has a contact
problem.
Repair the equipment or connect the
cable properly.
The ground side of the connection
cable does not make contact.
Connect the cable properly.
The equipment is exposed to induction
from the power transformer of other
equipment.
Install the equipment separately from
other equipment.
The equipment is effected by digital
equipment.
Install the equipment separately from
the respective equipment.
The equipment is effected by a power
outlet.
Supply power from a different source.
Use a 3P-2P adaptor.
The power cable and pin cable are too
close.
Separate the cables.
The equipment is effected by a
metallic rack.
Separate the cable from the metallic
part of the rack so they do not make
contact with each other.

17
Specications
Gain : 68 dB (1 kHz)
Input impedance : 10 kΩ
Output impedance : 50 Ω
Input : Special input/unbalanced terminal (RCA) for MC x 1
Output : Unbalanced terminal (RCA) x 1
Power supply voltage : 120V AC (60 Hz)
Power consumption : 42W
External dimensions : Main Unit 400(W) x 105(H) x 305(D) mm (not including terminals) (one Main Unit)
: Power Supply 400(W) x 100(H) x 305(D) mm (not including terminals)
Weight : 15kg (Main Unit), 20kg (Power Supply)
• Specications and external appearance are subject to change without notice.