TAG MCLAREN AUDIO PA10 User manual

phono cd
INPUT RECORD VOLUME
tuner
tape 1
tape 2
tape 3
tuner cd phono
tape 1
tape 2
tape 3
MUTE
input
selector knob headphone
socket
mute
button
volume
knob
power
LED power
button
record
selector knob
ground
left
right
left
right
left
right
1 2 out 3 in out 2 in out 1 in cd tuner mm mc
mm
mc
serial
number
220-240V
~50-60Hz
Fuse: T1A L250V
made in United Kingdom
OUTPUT TAPE SOURCE PHONO
fuse
carrier tape in/out
sockets turntable input
sockets
ground
terminal
output
sockets input
sockets mm/mc
selector
ac supply
socket
PA1 1234567
contents
02 welcome
08 key features
09 getting started
11 selecting an input
13 connecting a turntable
14 volume control
15 headphones
16 grounding
18 outputs
19 connecting power amplifiers
25 running in and warming up
26 care and maintenance
28 technical data
32 international standards
Specification shown may vary for different countries
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 1

03
Now,this blend of talent and
expertise has been combined
with the award-winning
experience ofAudiolab to create
a company with a technical
advantage and access to
resources second-to-none in the
high end audio industry -
TAG McLarenAudio.
TAG McLarenAudio has been created with
one aim in mind:to produce the best high-
fidelity audio and audio-visual systems
available.Now the first fruits of that
alliance are ready – a unique new range of
audio products.
Throughout the F3 Series development
process,quality,performance and
reliability have been paramount,resulting
in unparalleled performance, operational
excellence and sheer listening pleasure.
celebrating a TAG McLaren victory
All TAG companies perpetually strive
for,and achieve, excellence and high-
performance in every area of their
business.
These qualities are demonstrated in the
fastidious standards that makeTAG Heuer
watches some of the world’s most
admired;in the teamwork that makesTAG
McLaren’s motor racing team one of the
most successful in Formula One;and in the
advanced electronics technology that
makesTAG Electronic Systems the first
choice for many Formula One constructors
and high-performance car makers.
Derek Scotland (on the left) – Technical Director
Peter Stevens – Chief Industrial Designer
Dr. Zucker – Chief Executive
welcome to a new partnership
..in hi-performance, hi-fidelity
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 3

We are convinced it will give you many hours of
listening pleasure
The PA10 preamplifier is an ideal entry into the world of
audio separates.By using a separate‘box’ for each part of
your audio system you minimise the interference normally
caused by the close proximity of components.Separating
the preamplifier from the power amplifier also means that
the power supply is not shared,so power fluctuations
caused by the power amplifier do not
affect the preamplifier.
versatile input
and recording selection
The PA10 has six selectable inputs (five line
level and one RIAA-specification phono for
turntables) and three outputs for recording.
The phono input can be configured for
either a moving magnet or a moving coil
cartridge.A separate signal path is provided
for recording,with its own independent
input selector,so you can record one piece
of music while listening to another.
low intermodulation distortion
The theoretically-ideal preamplifier
reproduces sound perfectly over an infinite
range of frequencies – starting from well
below the audible range and extending far
welcome welcome
0504
Thank you for purchasing theTAG McLarenAudio preamplifier PA10.
above the capabilities of human hearing.
Although sound outside the human hearing
range of approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz
cannot be heard,it can significantly distort
the quality of music reproduction through
an effect that audio engineers call
‘intermodulation distortion’.This type of
distortion moves imperfections that
originate outside the hearing range back
into the audible frequencies.To minimise
this effect,TAG McLarenAudio
preamplifiers have a frequency response
which extends both above and below the
range of normal human hearing.
high-quality circuitry
The circuits in the PA10 (a ClassA
amplifier) are‘no-compromise’ designs
using high-quality,high-stability,
components to send a smooth,clean signal
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 5

to your power amplifier for excellent sound
quality.To achieve fidelity at low frequencies
the PA10 uses capacitors to block the
unacceptable Direct Current (DC) but let
the sound signals through.TAG McLaren
Audio has expended many man-years of
design effort on the special circuit design
which, without compromising sound
quality,accommodates the high values of
capacitance that must be used.
versatile output
Two sets of output sockets are provided
for connection to power amplifiers.
The outputs are buffered and have low
impedance so they can supply more than
one power amplifier (e.g.for multi-room
installations).They also allow long cables
to be used.A switch on the front panel
mutes the output and redirects it to a
separate ClassA amplifier to supply
headphones.
The PA10 gives you versatility without
compromising hi-performance,hi-fidelity.
welcome
06
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 7

We know you are keen to get your PA10 working. This section will
have you listening to your favourite music as quickly as possible.
If you fold out the front cover of this manual you will locate
diagrams which will help you find your way around your PA10(1).
Make sure that all the components of your audio system are
disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any
connections.
You will need a source of audio signals (such as our CD player
CD20R or our tuner T20) to feed into your PA10. Use a good-
quality, screened phono-phono audio cable to connect the phono
output sockets of your sound source to the appropriate pair of
left and right sockets marked SOURCE aux,tuner,cd or TAPE in
1,in 2 or in 3 on the back of your PA10(2).
Use a good-quality, screened phono-phono audio cable to connect
the phono sockets marked OUTPUT 1 left and right on the back
of your PA10 to the corresponding inputs of your power amplifier.
09
getting started
before
you start
sound source
connection
amplifier
connection
1. Throughout this instruction manual (except in titles), bold print indicates the
lettering that you will find on the panels of your PA10
2. The inputs for cd, tuner, TAPE 1, TAPE 2 and TAPE 3 are all the same electrically.
They are named for your convenience. If you want to connect a turntable, please
see page 13
Class A amplifier stages
Independent input selection for listening and tape recording
Five line level inputs for cd, tuner and three tape recorders
Phono input for mc or mm cartridges
Three stereo outputs for recording
Two low-impedance stereo outputs to allow long cable runs
Automatic and manual muting
Separate Class A headphone amplifier suitable for a wide range
of headphone impedances
High-quality audio components
Sorbothane®sonic isolation feet, specially designed by
TAG McLaren Audio(1)
08
key features
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1. For the very best performance we recommend that our units are placed on
individual shelves and are not stacked one on top of another
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 9

Your PA10 has one phono and five line level inputs which can be
selected by their name(1). The input for listening can be selected
independently from the input for recording so you can listen to
one source and record another at the same time.
The signal from your chosen input source will be amplified and
sent to OUTPUT 1 and 2or alternatively to the headphone
socket(2). To select your source turn the INPUT selector until the
mark on its side points to the name of the input that you want
to listen to.
inputs for
listening
11
selecting an input
1. The inputs for cd, tuner, TAPE 1, TAPE 2 and TAPE 3 are all the same electrically.
They are named for your convenience. The PHONO input is only suitable for the
very low level input from a turntable pickup cartridge and cannot be used for
line level inputs such as cd players, tuners, tape players, etc
2. Please see page 15
phono cd
INPUT
tuner
tape 1
tape 2
tape 3
Check that the power button is out so that power is off when you
plug in(1). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the back
of your PA10 to an AC supply outlet. For the best sound quality,
we recommend that you do not use multi-plug adaptors.
Turn the VOLUME right down (all the way anticlockwise).
Set the INPUT selector to the input to which you connected your
sound source.
Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on.
Wait for about five seconds for the automatic muting to switch off(2).
Start playing your sound source.
Turn up the VOLUME, sit back and enjoy the music.
power
connection
setting controls
switch on
10
getting started
1. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will
release it.
2. The output is muted when the power is switched on to allow all the voltages to
stabilize. This protects your amplifier and loudspeakers and prevents unpleasant
switching noises from upsetting your listening experience
phono cd
INPUT
tuner
tape 1
tape 2
tape 3
VOLUME
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 11

connecting
a turntable
13
connecting a turntable
1. Record Industry Association of America
2. The input selector button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next
will release it
3. Some moving coil cartridges have such a high output that you will get better
results by using the mm input with the input selector set to mm
1. The TAPE out 1,out 2 and out 3 output sockets are connected together internally
2. A loop is created if a tape recorder output and input are both connected to your
PA10 and the same tape recorder is selected as the record input. This may cause
feedback if your recorder is set to record. To avoid this possibility, we
recommend that you select the input for recording before you set your recorder
to record
The signal from the input that you select for recording will be sent
to the record output sockets marked TAPE out 1,out 2 and out 3(1).
To select your source for recording, turn the RECORD selector until
the mark on its side points to the name of the input that you want
to record(2).
The record output is not affected by the muting or volume controls.
The PA10 has a phono input that can accept either a moving coil
(mc) or a moving magnet (mm) pickup cartridge. The instruction
manual for your cartridge will tell you which type you have.
The phono stage meets the RIAA(1) specification.
If you have a moving coil cartridge, connect it to the PHONO
inputs labelled mc on the back panel of your PA10 and press in
the input selector button next to the connectors(2). If you have a
moving magnet cartridge, connect it to the inputs marked mm
and ensure the selector button(3) is released.
Please see page 16 for recommendations about grounding your
cartridge and turntable.
inputs for
recording
12
selecting an input
RECORD
tuner cd phono
tape 1
tape 2
tape 3
out 3 in out 2 in out 1 in
TAPE
ground
left
right
mm mc
mm
mc
PHONO
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 13

Turn the VOLUME down before you connect your headphones.
Insert the headphone plug into the 1/
4” (6.3 mm) stereo jack
socket on the front panel of your PA10(1).
You can only use your PA10 to listen to headphones when the
preamplifier output is switched off using the MUTE button, as
described on page 14.
Press the MUTE button in to listen to headphones. There is no
output to the headphone socket when the MUTE button is out.
headphone
connection
loudspeaker
muting
15
headphones
1. If you want to use headphones which have the smaller 1/8” (3.2 mm) jack plug,
you should obtain an adaptor from your retailer
MUTE
The VOLUME and MUTE controls alter the signal level of OUTPUT
1,2 and the headphone socket. They do not affect the output of
the record sockets (TAPE out 1, 2and 3).
Turn the VOLUME knob clockwise to increase volume and
anticlockwise to decrease volume.
If you use your PA10 in conjunction with a TAG McLaren F3 Series
amplifier (such as our 60P, 100P or a pair of 125Ms), and supply
it with an input with a peak level of 2 V rms (the typical output
from a CD player), your PA10 gives its full rated output with the
VOLUME knob in the middle of its travel. Turning the knob past this
point may distort the sound and could damage your loudspeakers.
Press the MUTE button on the front panel of your PA10 to switch
off OUTPUT 1 and 2. Release the MUTE button to restore the
output(1).
The PA10 also mutes automatically for a short time to allow all the
voltages to stabilize whenever you change an INPUT(2).
volume
mute
14
volume control
1. The MUTE button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will
release it.
2. Muting protects your PA10, your amplifier and your loudspeakers and prevents
unpleasant switching noises upsetting your listening experience
VOLUME
MUTE
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 15

All the units in the TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series are double
insulated and do not require safety ground connections.
Your system does not need to be connected to ground (audio
engineers call this ‘floating’). However, if you want to ground
your system, please contact your retailer who will be able to
assist you.
grounding
your system
17
grounding
The AC mains supply normally operates at either 50 or 60 Hz
(depending on which country you are in). Under some
circumstances, this can cause an audible hum in your
loudspeakers.
Should you have any problems with hum in your system,
please contact your retailer.
To minimise the possibility of mains hum in your system:
do not link the ground terminals of separate audio units
together.
use screened cable for your signal connections and keep
the left and right channel cables close together.
Consult the instructions for your turntable, tone arm and cartridge
for the manufacturer’s recommendations on grounding. If your
tone arm has a separate flying lead, you should connect it to the
ground terminal on the back panel of your PA10.
avoiding hum
grounding a
turntable on
your
16
grounding
ground
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 17

Your PA10 needs to be connected to a high-quality, separate
stereo power amplifier (such as our 60P or 100P) or to a pair of
monoblocs(1) (such as our 125M).
Always switch off your system before changing any connections.
Using a good-quality, screened phono-phono audio cable,
connect the phono sockets marked OUTPUT 1(2) left and right on
the back of your PA10 to the corresponding inputs of your power
amplifier.
using a stereo
power amplifier
19
connecting power amplifiers
1. A ‘monobloc’ is a single-channel or mono power amplifier
2. You can use OUTPUT 2 instead of OUTPUT 1. They are the same electrically
3. This diagram, and those that follow, are for illustrative purposes only; they are
not to scale and do not show all connections
This diagram shows a
PA10 connected to a
TAG McLaren Audio
60P stereo power
amplifier(3)
out
outin
hf
lf
left speakerright speaker
hf
lf
The audio outputs are intended to connect the PA10 to a power
amplifier (such as our 60P). The low-impedance (100 Ω) output is
buffered and will drive long cables or several inputs in parallel if
required.
OUTPUT 1 and 2each consists of two phono sockets on the back
panel of your PA10, one for the left channel and one for the right(1).
Always use high-quality, screened cables for your connections.
audio output
sockets
18
outputs
1. OUTPUT 1 and 2are connected together in parallel
left
right
12
OUTPUT
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 19

With many high-quality loudspeakers, you can make separate
connections to the high- and low-frequency drivers(1). If your
loudspeaker allows it, you can improve the sound further by using
separate amplifiers for high and low frequencies. This may allow
you to increase the volume without distorting the sound. As each
amplifier is operating in a smaller bandwidth, intermodulation
distortion may also be reduced.
bi-amping
21
connecting power amplifiers
1. The ‘driver’ is the mechanism inside the case of the loudspeaker which actually
makes the sound. Most high-quality loudspeakers have drivers for high, low and
often middle frequencies and the capability to connect them separately.
However, the lack of this facility is not necessarily a sign of low quality
(as some of the finest loudspeakers in the world have proved)
Instead of one stereo power amplifier, you may prefer to use
two monobloc amplifiers (such as our 125M) in conjunction with
your PA10.
Connect OUTPUT 1 left of the PA10 to the audio input of one of
the monoblocs and OUTPUT 1 right to the audio input of the other
monobloc. Connect each monobloc to a loudspeaker(1).
using mono
amplifiers
20
connecting power amplifiers
This diagram shows a
PA10 connected to two
TAG McLaren Audio
monobloc 125M
power amplifiers
1. For the best sound quality we recommend that you place each monobloc near
the loudspeaker it is feeding and use short loudspeaker leads. Use high-quality,
screened phono leads to connect the amplifiers
outin
hf
lf
left speaker
hf
lf
right speaker
outin
out
left
right
12
OUTPUT
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 21

23
connecting power amplifiers
If you have two matched amplifiers (such as two TAG McLaren
Audio 60Ps), you can connect them as shown here.
This arrangement has the added advantage of allowing you to
place each amplifier close to the loudspeaker it is feeding, thus
enabling you to connect them together with short cables.
Connect OUTPUT left on the PA10 to INPUT left on one of the
60Ps and OUTPUT right on the PA10 to INPUT left on the other
60P. On each 60P connect OUTPUT left to OUTPUT right.
On each amplifier, connect one of the stereo outputs to the high-
frequency driver and the other to the low-frequency driver.
bi-amping
alternative
arrangement
This diagram shows an
alternative method of
connecting the PA10 to
two TAG McLaren
Audio 60P stereo
power amplifiers
for bi-amping
outin outin
hf
lf
left speaker
hf
lf
right speaker
out
22
connecting power amplifiers
Connect OUTPUT 1 left and right of the PA10 to the left and right
audio input of one stereo power amplifier and OUTPUT 2 left and
right to the left and right audio input of the other stereo power
amplifier. Connect one power amplifier to your loudspeakers’
high-frequency drivers and the other power amplifier to the
low-frequency drivers(1).
bi-amping
1. This simple connection method works with any combination of TAG McLaren
Audio F3 Series amplifiers because they have matched gains. If you want to
connect a different manufacturer’s amplifier, you may need to use an active
crossover or a gain-setting facility. Please contact your retailer for advice if
you wish to do this
This diagram shows a
PA10 connected to two
TAG McLaren Audio
60P stereo power
amplifiers for bi-amping
outin
outin
hf
lf
right speaker
hf
lf
left speaker
out
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 23

25
running in and warming up
TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum
performance for many years.
Just like a high-quality car, the performance of your PA10 will
improve during the first few hours of operation. The electronic
components will then have reached and settled down to near-
perfect specification.
Every time you switch on your PA10, the performance will improve
until the components reach their optimum operating temperature.
running in
warming up
other multiple
amplifier
arrangements
The arrangements described on the previous pages are only
suggestions and do not cover all the connection possibilities for
preamplifiers and power amplifiers.
If you want to expand your audio system, please contact your
retailer who will be happy to discuss your specific requirements.
24
connecting power amplifiers
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 25

The only service you should do to your PA10 is described on the
left. All other servicing should only be carried out by one of our
authorised service agents.
If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG
McLaren Audio retailer. If your PA10 is still under guarantee,
please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on
how to claim against the guarantee.
Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your
PA10 is transported.
service
care and maintenance
27
26
care and maintenance
1. You cannot open the fuse carrier drawer while the plug is in the socket
There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your PA10.
To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and pull out the fuse
carrier drawer(1).
The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the first one that
you see when you open the carrier.
There are no other user-serviceable parts inside the PA10.
In order to maintain the appearance of your PA10, you can
clean it as follows:
before cleaning, always disconnect your PA10 from the AC
supply.
any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft,
lint-free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm
water and detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not use any
other solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives.
take great care not to get any liquid inside the case.
If this happens, you should have your PA10 serviced.
fuses
cleaning
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 27

technical data
technical data
29
2 Hz – 65 kHz
± 0.5 dB
less than 0.01%
greater than 60 dB at 1kHz
non-inverting for all inputs and outputs
100 Ωnominal
greater than 7.76 V rms
phono input levelphono input level
signal to noise
(line level)
phono input
signal to noise
frequency response
(-3 dB)
frequency response
(20 Hz – 20 kHz)
total harmonic
distortion +noise
(20 Hz – 20 kHz)
line input
impedance
28
This section is for those of you who really want to know the ‘insides’ of
your PA10. You will not miss out on any of the functions or performance
of your PA10 if you choose not to read any further.
30 kΩnominal
175 mV rms (relative to 0.5 V output)
greater than 92 dB (relative to 0.5 V output)
mm 47 kΩ/ 85 pF nominal
mc 100 Ω/ 3.3 nF nominal
mm 3.5 mV rms (relative to 0.5 V output)
mc 175 µV rms (relative to 0.5 V output)
mm greater than 81dB (relative to 0.5 V output)
mc greater than 77 dB (relative to 0.5 V output)
line input level
phono input
impedance
channel separation
polarity (phase)
preamplifier output
impedance
preamplifier
maximum output
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 29

technical data
technical data
31
less than 25 W
445 mm wide
75 mm high
336 mm deep
headphone output
impedance
operating
temperature range
ac supply frequency
ac supply
voltage
power
consumption
dimensions
(including feet,
terminals and controls)
30
headphone output
maximum
1kΩnominal (1.6 kΩwhen using phono source)
greater than 60 dB
100 Ωnominal
(suitable for headphones of 8 Ω– 2 kΩimpedance)
greater than 7.76 V rms emf
10 – 35 ˚C
50 – 60 Hz
110 – 120 V or 220 – 240 V
The voltage is marked on the rear of the unit
record output
impedance
We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice
Specification may vary for different countries
muting attenuation
The rated and typical performance applies when the mains supply voltage is either
230 V AC for 220 - 240 V units or 115 V AC for 110 - 120 V units
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 31

international standards
32
Your PA10 meets or exceeds all the legal requirements listed below:
directives
safety
emc emissions
emc immunity
89/336/EEC EMC Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)
73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)
IEC65: 1985
IEC65 A2: 1989
IEC65 A3: 1992
EN60065: 1993
EN50081 -1: 1992
EN55022 Class B: 1994
EN60555 -2: 1987
EN61000 -3-2: 1995
EN61000 -3-3: 1995
FCC Part 15 Class B: 1997
EN50082 -1: 1992
IEC801 -2: 1991 ± 8 kV air discharge
IEC801 -3: 1984 3 V/m
IEC801 -4: 1988 ± 1 kV AC power, ± 500 V other ports
EN61000 -4-2: 1995 ± 8 kV air, ± 4 kV contact discharge
EN61000 -4-4: 1995 ± 1 kV AC power, ± 500 V other ports
EN61000 -4-5: 1995 ± 2 kV common mode, ± 1 kV differential mode
EN61000 -4-11: 1994
GRA00046.1-[CA]PA10 13/03/01 10:41 Page 33