Trafomatic Audio Experience TWO User manual

Experience TWO
Integrated Tube Amplier
User’s Manual
www.trafomaticaudio.com rev. 1.1
Trafomatic Audio

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Table of Contents
Section Page No.
Safety Precautions 3, 4
Getting Started
 AboutYourAmplier 5
 ConstructionandTesting 5
 Packaging/Unpacking 5,6
 Accessories 6
 PreparationforUse 6
 OperatingProcedures 6
Controls and Their Functions 7
Vacuum Tube Layout: 8
Tube Replacement 8, 9
Servicing 9
Technical Specications 9
Trafomatic Audio
Trafomatic Audio
Experience Two

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3
SAFETY
1) Read the User’s Manual and refer to it
frequently during use of this product
All the safety and operating instructions should be
read before the product is operated.
2) Retain the User’s Manual
The safety and operating instructions should be re-
tained for future reference.
3) Follow Instructions
All operating and instructions for use should be close-
ly followed.
4) Power Sources
This product should be operated using only the type
of power source indicated on the marking label. If you
are not sure of the type of power supply in your home,
consult your product dealer or local power company.
5) Grounding
This product is equipped with a three prong IEC con-
nector. Always use power cord with adequate wire
cross section and an electrical outlet that is grounded.
If you do not know whether the outlet is grounded,
consult your electrician or local power company.
6) Power Cord Protection
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are
not likely to be walked on or pinched. Pay particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles
and where they exit from the product. Always use
power cords with adequate current ratings and safety
certications(UL,CE,TÜV,CSA,etc.)
7) Fuses
Forcontinuedprotectionagainstrehazard,replace
fuses with the same type and rating of the fuses
specied.Whenchangingfuses,completelyunplug
the AC cord from the wall outlet.
8) Tubes
During operation the tubes get very hot. Do not
touch the tubes since this may result in a severe
burn. Allow at least 10 minutes after removing pow-
er for tubes to cool down before touching them.
9) Turn-off when not using
Turn off the unit as soon as you stop actively using
it. Unplug the power supply from the wall during a
lightning storm or when the product is to be left unat-
tended and unused for longer periods of time.
Trafomatic Audio
Trafomatic Audio
Experience Two
CAUTION!
TOREDUCETHERISKOFELECTRICSHOCK,DONOTREMOVE
SCREWS.NOUSERSERVICEABLEPARTSINSIDE.REFERSERVICING
TOQUALIFIEDSERVICEPERSONNEL.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY ALL THE FOLLOWING
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS THAT ARE APPLICABLE TO
YOUR EQUIPMENT

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ENVIRONMENT
1) Water and Moisture
Do not use this product near water - i.e. near a bath-
tub, ash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet
basement; or near a swimming pool or the like. Damp
basements should be avoided.
2) Heat
The product should be situated away from heat sourc-
es such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
appliances that produce heat. Also avoid putting the
unit in the direct rays of the sun.
3) For indoor use only.
PLACEMENT
1) Accessibility
Itisnormalforavacuumtubepowerampliertorun
warm if used for prolonged periods. Tubes are very
hot when operating and should not be touched for at
least ten minutes after the unit is turned off to pre-
vent burns.Always place your amplier away from
children and pets to prevent burns.
2) Ventilation
This product should not be placed in a built-in installa-
tion or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or
the manufacturer’s instructions have been followed.
Neverplaceanythingontopyouramplierthatcould
obstructtheairowandcausetheelectrontubesto
overheatanddamagetheamplier.Donotplaceyour
amplierinaclosedbookcase;overheatingcouldoc-
cur.Ensurethatthereisatleast8”(200mm)ofopen
spaceabovetheamplier.
3) Surface
Placetheunitonaatlevelsurface.Careshouldbe
taken to prevent objects from falling and liquids from
spilling into the unit. Do not subject the unit to exces-
sive smoke, dust, vibration or shock.
MAINTENANCE
1) Cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before clean-
ing. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Use a dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use any type of
abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as al-
coholorbenzene.
2) Tube replacement
Electron tubes have their life in the 2000-3000 hrs
range.Westronglyrecommendreplacingtheoutput
tubesat 20-30months interval(depending onyour
listeninghabits)andsignaltubesateveryotherpow-
er tube replacement (after 24-36 months). This will
ensurethattheamplieralwaysperformsatitsbest
and tube failure will not overstress other parts.
3) Biasing the amplier
The Experience Two amplier uses tubes in
self-biasing conguration and does not require any
adjustments. The only requirement is to ensure that
matchedtubesareusedinbothchannels.Matched
tubes are available from multiple vendors as well as
directly from Trafomatic Audio.
SERVICE
1) Replacement Parts
Whenreplacement partsarerequired, besurethat
the service technician uses replacement parts speci-
edbythemanufacturerorpartswiththesamechar-
acteristics as the original part.  Unauthorized sub-
stitutions may result in re, electric shock or other
hazards.
2) Tube Replacement
Should it become necessary to replace your tubes,
remove the AC power plug from the wall and allow
thirty minutes for the high voltage capacitors to dis-
charge. Follow instructions outlined in this manual.
3) Modications
Modications to the amplier are strongly discour-
aged. The unit was designed by experienced engi-
neers and tested for safe and reliable operation. Any
modicationmayposeasafetyproblemandresultin
reduced lifetime of the product. Any removal of the
cover will void warranty.
Trafomatic Audio
Trafomatic Audio
Experience Two

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Your Experience Twoamplierwasdesignedto
provideasignicantvaluebasedonahighperform-
ance to price ratio that will exceed the sonic quality
ofgoodsolidstateamplierswithitsmusicalac-
curacy.
The Experience Twouses two300Bpoweroutput
tubes,two6SN7(6N8PRussian)preamptubesand
one 5U4G4 rectier tube. The Experience Two is
designed to work in a Single-Ended class A. Parts
are carefully chosen for the optimum sound quality
andtheoverallcircuitlayoutismaximizedforsonic
purity.
Handling Vacuum Tubes
Many people have never had experience handling
vacuum tubes. Process is very similar to handling
incandescent light bulbs. As with light bulbs, you
should not touch a vacuum tube when it is operat-
ing since you can burn yourself. Similarly, if a tube is
droppedonahardsurfaceitwillbreak.Whenreplac-
ingthetubesallowsufcienttime,minimum30min-
utes, for tubes to cool down and internal capacitors to
discharge.Beforeyouinsertatubeyoushouldmake
certain the unit is disconnected from the AC outlet
and that the tube has cooled down. Inspect the tube
forcracksandphysicaldamage.Makesurethatthe
pins are straight. If you need to straighten the pins,
be very careful as it may cause the glass envelope
to break, causing the tube to lose the vacuum and
failassoonastheamplierispoweredon.Carefully
align the pins with the socket and gently insert the
tube. Never force a tube into a socket. Should
you decide to buy replacement tubes from Trafomatic
Audio, rest assured that they were fully tested before
the shipment.
Packaging
Saveallthepackaginginadryplace.Youramplieris
a precision electronic instrument and should be prop-
erlypackagedanytimeshipmentismade.Because
of its weight it is highly probable that the unit will be
damaged during shipment if repackaged in a box and
packing other than that designed for the unit.
Preparation for Use
Placeyouramplieronaatsurface.
Before inserting the tubes, inspect them for cracks
and physical damage. Make sure that the pins are
straight. If you need to straighten the pins, be very
careful as that may cause the glass envelope to break,
causing the tube to lose the vacuum and fail as soon
astheamplierispoweredon.Refertothedrawing
below to locate correct location for each tube. Care-
fully align the pins with the socket and gently insert
thetubeaccordingtothedrawingbelow.Neverforce
a tube into a socket.
Trafomatic Audio
Trafomatic Audio
Experience Two
Getting Started - About Your Amplier
V1 V5
V4V2 V3
300B
5U4G
6SN76SN7
300B
Figure 1: Experience Two tube layout
Never use excessive force when inserting the tubes into their socket.

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Operating Procedure
1.Makesurethatyoureadinstructionsbeforeattemptingtooperateyourunit.
2.Attachtheaudiosourcesandspeakers(refertothepicturebelow).
Never run the amplier without speakers connected since that may damage the transformers.
Speaker’sminusterminalshouldbeconnectedtothespeakerterminalmarkedaszero(0)andpositivetermi-
nalshouldbeconnectedtotheterminalthatcorrespondstothespeaker’snominalimpedance(4or8ohms).
Ifyourspeakerhasnominalimpedanceof6ohms,youcanconnectittoeitherofthetwooutputs.Youshould
trybothandselecttheonethatperformsbetterwithyourspeakers.Makesuretopreventshortcircuitatthe
amplier’sspeakerterminalsasthatwilldamagetheamplier
Figure 2: Experience Two speakers connection
NOTE: 4 ohms and 8 ohms speakers cannot be connected to the speaker terminals at the same time!
Makesureyouramplierisproperlyconnectedtoahigh-currentpowerreceptacle.
3.Whenturningtheuniton,makesurethevolumecontrolisatitslowestpoint(thevolumecontrolisatmini-
mumwhenturnedcounterclockwisetothemechanicallimit).
4.Theamplierwillbefullyfunctionalafteronlyacoupleofminutes.However,asitwarmsupovertherst30
minutes of operation you may notice slight improvement in the sound quality.
5.Attheendofyourlisteningsessionmakesuretoturntheamplieroff.Leavingitondoesnothingforsound
quality and it reduces life of the vacuum tubes.
The amplier should always be turned on and off via its own power on-off switch.
Trafomatic Audio
Trafomatic Audio
Experience Two
right
left
CD TUNER AUX
TRAFOMATIC LTD, Serbia
www.trafomatic.com
0 4 80 4 8
right left
230V/50Hz
1.5Amp
120V/50Hz
3Amp
Made in Serbia
Serial No.

57
7
Front Panel
Selector Switch
The three position selector switch can be used to
select the active audio source.
Volume control
This control is used to adjust the output volume lev-
el. Turning the control knob clockwise increases the
sound level and turning it counterclockwise decreas-
es the sound level.
Back Panel
Power Switch
Press the power switch to (I) turn the power on.
Within10-20seconds,astheheatersreachoperat-
ing temperature the tubes will begin to glow a soft
orangelight.Pressthepowerswitchto(0)toturnthe
unit off. As the heaters cool off, the orange glow will
slowly disappear.
It is normal for a vacuum tube equipment to
run warm if used for prolonged periods. Tubes
are operating at much higher temperature and
should not be touched for at least ten minutes af-
ter the unit is turned off to prevent burns. Always
place your amplier away from children and pets
to prevent burns.
Audio signal connection jacks
Use these jacks to connect the audio interconnects
fromyourcomponentstotheamplier.
Speaker terminals
Your amplier has two output channels, the Right
OutputandtheLeftOutput.Eachoutputchannelis
designed to handle one speaker. Follow the instruc-
tions outlined in the Operating Procedure for the cor-
rect speaker connections.
Trafomatic Audio
Trafomatic Audio
Experience Two
Controls and Their Functions

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TUBE REPLACEMENT
Your Experience Two amplier’s conservative de-
sign maximizes life of the tubes. You can expect
thatyour300Band5U4Gtubeswilllastinexcessof
1000,whilethe6SN7preampliertubesshouldlast
approximately 2500 hrs. Lacking the accurate time
measurement, we strongly recommend replacing the
outputtubesat20-30monthsinterval(dependingon
yourlisteninghabits)andsignaltubesateveryother
powertubereplacement(every24-36months).This
willensurethat theamplier alwaysperforms atits
best and tube failure will not overstress other parts.
Beforeyoustartreplacementyoushouldmakecer-
tain that the unit is turned off and disconnected from
the AC outlet and that the tubes have cooled down.
Allowsufcienttime,minimum30minutes,fortubes
tocooldownandinternalcapacitorstodischarge.Be-
fore inserting a new tube, inspect the tube for cracks
and physical damage. Make sure that the pins are
straight. If you need to straighten the pins, be very
careful as it may cause the glass envelope to break,
causing the tube to lose the vacuum and fail as soon
astheamplierispoweredon,possiblydamagingthe
amplieraswell.Also,makesuretoinspectthetube
sockets for cracks and pin inserts. Carefully align the
pins with the socket and gently insert the new tube.
Never force a tube into a socket.
Should you decide to buy replacement tubes from
Trafomatic Audio, rest assured that they were fully
tested before the shipment.
Only 300B power tubes can be used. Regarding
preamplier tubes, the 6SN7 tube can be replaced
with other 6SN7 tube type (like 6N8P Russian ,
6SN7GTetc.).Noothertypesoftubescanbeused
astheymaycausedamagetotheamplier,whichis
not covered by the warranty.
Wedonotrecommendfrequentchangesofthetubes,
as the sockets are sensitive mechanical parts and are
rated for relatively small number of insertions.
Servicing
Becauseofitscarefuldesignandhighmanufactur-
ingstandards,yourampliershouldnormallyrequire
only minimal service to maintain its high level of per-
formance.
CAUTION
Lethal voltages are present inside the amplier.
Do not remove the amplier’s bottom cover and
do not tamper with components inside the unit
even with the power turned off. Servicing should
be left only to authorized and trained personnel.
Trafomatic Audio
Trafomatic Audio
Experience Two

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Integrated tube amplier
Maximum output power:8W
Class of operation: A
THD: 0.8%max(1W/1kHz)
Bandwidth:10Hz(-1dB)-45kHz(-3dB)
Inputs: CD, Tuner, Aux
Input sensitivity:0.5Vpk
Input impedance: 100 kOhm
Output (speaker) impedance: Speaker terminals for 4 and 8 ohms
Tubes: 2x6SN7,2x300B,1x5U4G
Input Voltage:120V,60Hzor230V,50Hz(asmarkedontherealplate)
Maximum input current:3Aat120V,1.5Aat230V
Dimensions:
Width x Depth x Height:430mmx300mmx200mm(17”x12”x8”)
Weight: 20kg(44lbs)
Trafomatic Audio
Trafomatic Audio
Experience Two
Technical Specications:

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Notes
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Trafomatic Ltd.
AndijeHabusa15
11400Mladenovac,Serbia
www.trafomatic.com
Trafomatic Audio®is a registered trademark of the Trafomatic LTD.
Copyright2007,2008byTrafomatic.Allrightsreserved.
Trafomatic Audio