Tube Technology SeM-02 User manual

THE SEER
PREAMPLIFIER
BY TUBE TECHNOLOGY
~ USER'S MANUAL ~
Applicable to
PHONO & LINE MODEL
TT PART No. SeM-02
Printed in England
1st Edition - May 1994
i

Introduction Thank you for selecting the Tube Technology Seer Preamplifier.
Please read through this manual so you will know how to operate your Seer Preamplifier
properly. After you have finished reading this manual, please put it away in a safe place for
future reference.
We have done our utmost in the design and build of the Seer to ensure you a low
maintenance, trouble free preamplifier that will bring you many years of pleasure as an important
part of your hi-fi system.
Please do not forget to complete and return the enclosed registration card.
We wish you many hours of musical enjoyment !
ii

Contents - 1
Contents 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Getting Started
Unpacking your Seer Pre-Amplifier
Mains Connection
Connecting The Seer to the household mains supply
Wiring a Mains Plug - UK
Earthing Arrangements
Installation
Installing & ventilation of your preamplifier
Audio Connection - Rear Panel
Connecting the Seer's Inputs & Outputs.
Operating your System -Front Panel
Switching your Seer On & Off
Front Panel Functions
Operational Notes
Running-In
Burning in your Preamplifier
Tube Information
Maintenance
Care and Cleaning of your preamplifier
Troubleshooting
Changing Mains Voltage
Specifications
Guarantee
Claims under the Guarantee
Tube Renaissance
1-1
2-1
2-1
2-2
3-1
4-1
4-2
5-1
5-2
5-2
5-3
6-1
6-1
7-1
7-3
7-5
8-1
9-1
9-2
10- 1

Conventions This manual uses the following conventions;
Bold indicates emphasis or a minor heading.
Italic Bold refers to a sub heading of a chapter.
This symbol refers to Notes containing important information set off from the text.
THIS SYMBOL REFERS TO CAUTION MESSAGES AND PROCEDURES WHICH IF
NOT OBSERVED CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE OR INJURY
Contents - 2

Getting Started 1-1
Getting
Started This chapter contains information on;
Unpacking your Seer Preamplifier
Your preamplifier is packed in "jiffy-cell" support foam. Grip the top of this foam and simply pull it
out of the box. The Seer is then left sitting on its middle support and can be lifted out.,
The following items are included in the packaging of the Seer;
1 x Seer Preamplifier
1 x Reference Manual & Registration Card
1 x IEC Mains Leads (only on serial nos. 6022 and up)
1 x Allen Key
Your pre-amplifier is supplied with the tubes already in place. Check through the mesh windows on
the top lid making sure that the (2 x LINE) (4 x PHONO) tubes have not worked free in transit.
Unpacking
All packing should be retained. Amplifiers returned under guarantee are only accepted in their
original packaging.

Mains Connection 2 - 1
Mains
Connection This chapter contains information on;
Connecting the Seer to the household mains supply.
Wiring a mains plug (UK)
Earthing arrangements
Your Seer plugs into the mains supply via the IEC socket located on the back panel (Only on
Models Serial No. 6022 & onwards,models preceeding this have a flying mains lead
See diagram 1). The Seer has been factory set to the correct mains voltage for your country.
The voltage setting is marked on the serial badge, located on the rear panel of the unit. (See
diagram 1). Check that this voltage complies with your local supply.
When using a pre-power combination it is essential to ensure that no "earth loops" occur, this is
when too many earths are connected to the mains earth, resulting in a feint low frequecy hum
through the system. If neccessary you may not need to earth the preamplifier to the mains earth,
consult the handbook for your power amplifier if you are unsure. .
Mains
Connection
DO NOT CONNECT/SWITCH-ON THE MAINS SUPPLY TO THE AMPLIFIER BEFORE
COMPLETING ALL OTHER CONNECTIONS. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT REGARD-
ING MAINS CONNECTIONS PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED ANY FURTHER WITHOUT
CONSULTING YOUR DEALER.
Earthing
Arrangements

Mains Connection 2 - 2
Export units for certain markets have a moulded mains plug fitted to comply with local
standards. If your mains supply lead does not have a plug fitted, the coloured wires should be
connected to the appropriate plug terminals in accordance with the following code.
Wire Colour Label on Plug
GREEN/YELLOW Eor EARTH or
BLUE Nor NEUTRAL or BLACK
BROWN Lor LIVE or RED
If your mains plug has a fuse, please fit a fuse with 5A rating.
IF YOUR SEER IS NOT SET CORRECTLY FOR THE LOCAL SUPPLY OR IF YOU
INTEND TO MOVE THE AMPLIFIER TO A LOCATION WHERE THE SUPPLY IS AT A
DIFFERENT VOLTAGE, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO CHANGE THE VOLTAGE
SWITCH ON THE SEER. IF THIS IS NECCESSARY PLEASE REFER TO Changing
Voltage IN THE MAINTENANCE CHAPTER.
Wiring a
Mains Plug
DO NOT SWITCH ON THE AMPLIFIERS BEFORE COMPLETING THE AUDIO
CONNECTIONS.

Installation 3 - 1
Installation This chapter contains information on;
Installing and Ventilation of your Preamplifier
Installing &
Ventilation
Ensure that the amplifier is placed in a stable location that is able to accept its weight the Seer
weighs approx. 6 kilograms.
It is not recommended that preamplifier is installed in a cupboard or in any enclosed area if
there is not sufficient air space and ventilation to keep it cool. A minimum distance of four
inches above the preamplifier should be allowed as this is where most of the heat is generated.
Dedicated racks are available for housing your tube equipment, contact your dealer or Tube
Technology. Do not locate the preamplifier close to radiators or any other heat source, this
could increase the operating temperature. Do not directly block the ventillation grilles on the
top cover of the preamplifier.
Do not locate the preamplifier too close to a turntable, as the cartridge could pick up hum from
the power transformer.
DO NOT SIGHT THE PREAMPLIFIER OR POWER SUPPLY NEAR WATER OR HEAVY
MOISTURE, THE VENTILATION GRILLES ON THE TOP OF THE UNIT ARE AN EASY
ACCESS POINT FOR MOISTURE TO ENTER.

Audio Connection 4 - 1
Audio
Connection This chapter contains information on;
Connecting the Seer's Inputs & Outputs
Rear Panel
Diagram 1

Audio Connection 4 - 2
Your Preamplifier uses high quality connectors to ensure that maximum signal transfer is
possible, therefore ensure that all cables used for connection to the preamplifier are terminated
with connectors of similar quality. See Diagram 1 for Rear Panel layout.
One pair of connectors are offered for the outputs.. Connect these outputs to the inputs of your
power amplifier. If you are using directional cables ensure the arrows point away from the
preamplifier. Red denotes the right channel and black the left. The quality of this interconnect is
important for sonic clarity, consult your dealer if in doubt.
These outputs provide an audio output suitable for connection to the RECORD input of a tape
deck. The source to be recorded is selected by means of the input selector switch on the right
hand side of the front panel. See Diagram 2.
This terminal is used to ground any inteconnecting leads which have a separate ground
connection.
These inputs are used to connect the audio output of a digital compact disc player or any other
audio hi-fi component that produces output voltage within the range 150mV-3 V.
These inputs are used to connect the audio output of a tape deck or audio section of a video
recorder or any other audio hi-fi component that produces output voltage within the range
150mV - 1V.
These inputs are used to connect the audio output of a tape deck or audio section of a video
recorder or any other audio hi-fi component that produces output voltage within the range
150mV - 1V. If you have a PHONO SEER this input is not functional
Connecting
the Inputs
& Outputs
PRE OUT
REC
GROUND
CD
AUX 1
TAPE
AUX 2

Audio Connection 4 - 3
These inputs are used to connect the audio output of a tuner or any other audio hi-fi component
that produces output voltage within the range 150mV-1 V.
These inputs are suitable for both moving magnet and high output type moving coil cartridges,
with outputs in the order of plus 0.5millivolts. An external step-up device is required for use
with low output moving coil cartridges. If you have a Line Seer this input is absent.
Only on Models Serial No. 6022 and upwards.
The IEC connector on the rear panel, connects to the mains supply via the mains cable supplied.
DO NOT SWITCH-ON THE SYSTEM UNTIL YOU HAVE READ CHAPTER 5 Operating
Your System.
TUNER
PHONO
IEC
INLET

Operating your System 5 - 1
Operating
your System This chapter contains information on;
Switching your preamplifier ON and OFF.
Front Panel Functions
Operational Notes
Front Panel
Diagram 2

Operating your System 5 - 2
Switching
On & Off Rotating the knob located on the left hand side of the panel (see Diagram 2) in the clockwise
direction switches the preamplifier ON and counter-clockwise switches it OFF.
It is always wise to switch on your preamplifier first and then the power amplifier, this always
ensures a trouble free warm up.
This LED is illuminated RED indicating that the unit is switched on and functional.
Operation
Indicator
Source
Selector
Volume
Control
Selects the source of the input signal.
PHONO - Selection for listening to a Vinyl Recording from a Turntable
Not functional in a Line Level Seer
CD - Selection for listening to a Compact Disc
AUX 1 - Selection for listening to an Auxiliary Input such as TV or Video
AUX 2 - Selection for listening to an Auxiliary Input such as TV or Video
Not functional in a Phono Seer
TAPE - Selection for listening to a cassette tape
TUNER - Selection for listening to a radio broadcast
Controls the sound output level for both left and right channels. Counter-clockwise rotation
provides minimum output and clockwise rotation provides maximum output.
Front Panel
Functions

Some users of tube amplifiers believe that because tube amplifiers take some time to warm up
that they should be left on all the time. The Seer preamplifier reaches peak performance levels
15-20 minutes after switch on. Unless absolutely necessary it is not recommended that you
leave your preamplifier permanently switched on, this only wastes electricity and tube life, but
if necessary the Seer premplifier is quite capable of being left switched on for very long periods
of time.
Operational
Notes
Operating your System 5 - 2

"Burning-In" is a generic term given to the basic 'running-in' of the amplifier. You may notice a
slight 'electronic-smell' from your preamplifier during the first few days of operation. This smell
is usually caused by various prints and dyes used on the components which takes some time to
evaporate This is quite normal and there is no need for concern as your preamplifier has been
extensively soak tested before leaving the factory. This burning-in process continues with your
use of the preamplifier.
This process simply allows for new components like tubes, capacitors and resistors to settle and
'sweeten' enhancing the amplifiers sonic performance. An estimated 40 hours of operation
allows your Seer this running-in period.
As with all tubes, their qualities degrade with age due to cathode emission (a natural process
common to all tubes) A typical life span of a twin triode signal tube as used in the Seer would
be approx. 6000 hours, after which time they should be replaced, thus keeping your
preamplifier at it's maximum sonic performance; Refer to the Maintenance chapter.
Running-In 6 - 1
Running-In
Burning-In
Amplifiers
This chapter contains information on;
Burning-In your Preamplifier
Tube Information
Tube
Information

All polished metal parts on your amplifier are unlacquered. These metal parts will in time
lack lustre due to oxidisation. They can easily be restored to original condition by using a
mild metal polish (such as duraglit) and a soft polishing cloth. Do not clean the polished parts
with water as this smears the surface and can leave water marks.
Anodised parts such as the front panel and top covers of the Seer & painted parts such as the
bottom cover are best cleaned with a damp cloth then buffed with a dry cloth. DO NOT apply
any kind of polish. For very stubborn marks a mild solvent such as methylated spirits can be
applied.
Maintenance 7 - 1
Maintenance
Care &
Cleaning
This chapter contains information on;
Care and Cleaning of your Preamplifier
Troubleshooting
Changing Mains Voltage
ENSURE THAT THE UNITS HAVE BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAINS
BEFORE COMMENCING ANY CLEANING OPERATIONS.

Diagram 3
Maintenance 7 - 2
WARNING ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD - HIGH VOLTAGES EXIST WITHIN THE
EQUIPMENT EVEN AFTER THE UNIT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE
MAINS SUPPLY.

Preamplifier switches on but there is no
sound from the system.
Preamplifier does not switch on
With volume at zero hum is present
When looking in the top window of the
preamp, a tube seems to have gone milky
white, it does not light up when the unit is
switched on
Maintenance 7 - 3
Troubleshooting
1. Look in the top window of the preamp to see if
the tubes are glowing, this is an indicaton that the
power supply is operating the preamp.
2. Ensure you have connected the outputs of the
preamp to the inputs of your amplifier.
1. Ensure IEC plug on the mains lead is a snug fit
into the IEC connector on the rear panel.
2. Check the mains fuse located inside the fuse
holder next to the switch . Disconnect mains
connector before changing fuse. see diagram 3.
1. Check that the the earthing arrangements are
correct - see chapter 2. Only one amplifier
component should go to the mains earth.
1. The vacuum of this tube has escaped through a
small crack in the glass. When inserting tubes into
their sockets, place a finger behind the socket
ensuring the pcb does not flex and the tube fits into
the socket with little stress. Stress at the base of the
tube around the pins can cause tiny fractures in the
glass which develop in time.
SYMPTOM REMEDY

After replacing a tube, with the volume
mid-way, I can hear my hand touching the
preamplifier through the loudspeakers, like
an echo.
After de-selecting an input I can still hear
it in the background.
Maintenance 7 - 4
Troubleshooting
1. The tube you have replaced is ' microphonic '.
This is particularly noticeable if the tube has been
fitted in the phono stage.
2. Change the tube for another.
1. This is caused by breakthrough on the selector
switch, it cannot be avoided, unless complicated
sound degrading circuitry is employed. The best
advice is to switch of the offending signal, this is
particularly true for tuners which are often left on.
SYMPTOM REMEDY
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON REMOVE THE
COVERS OF AN AMPLIFIER. IF IN DOUBT PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DEALER OR
TUBE TECHNOLOGY.

Maintenance 7 - 5
Changing
Mains Voltage
Settings
240V / 220V
Red & Org LINK, Blk & Blu to
switch
120V / 110V
Blk & Org LINK - pair to switch
Red & Blu LINK - pair to switch
The voltage on the Seer is switchable from 120V to 240V.
The primary of the mains transformer can be changed from 120V to 240V, this is done by
changing the taps on the transformer. It is recommend that only an experienced technician
carries out this task, or refer to Tube Technology. See diagram 4.
This is done by turning the switch located at the base of the Prophet Power supply to the
desired position. A large coin is best used for this task.
Diagram 4