VALVER DR160 User manual
DR160
SINGLE ENDED 845 INTEGRATED amplifier
User Manual
2022
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for choosing VALVER!
DR160
Congratulations on your purchase of the DR160 valve integrated circuit.
You have purchased a very high quality amplifier, built entirely by hand in
Italy, with components selected to ensure a long life and sound
performance of the highest level.
The DR160 has been designed to offer audiophiles a noteworthy sound
quality, with dynamics and tonality geared towards the faithful reproduction
of your favorite tunes creating a natural sound stage and the atmosphere of
a live musical representation, with the aim of transmit in addition to the
message of the song the emotions that music can give.
Please take a few minutes to read this manual to better understand the
features and capabilities of your DR160.
We hope you enjoy many hours of wonderful music with your VALVER
handcrafted amplifier.
AG Moldovan
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Contents of the User Manual
INTRODUCTION
PAGE
1. Description of the DR160 …….…………………………………...
2. Safety Instructions ………………………………………………...
2.1. Before starting …………………………………………….
2.2. Positioning ………………………………………………...
2.3. Warranty …………………………………………………...
3. Installation ……………………………………………..……….….
3.1. Connect the amplifier …………………………………….
3.2. Operation …………………………………………………..
4. Front panel operations .......……………………………………....
5. Connections …… ………………………………………………....
5.1 Rear panel …………………………………………………….
6. Valves ……………………………………………………………....
6.1. Remove the grille ………………………………………….
6.2. Adjusting the BIAS ………………………………………..
6.3. Valves efficiency …………………………………………..
6.4. Valve Replacement .......................................................
7. REMOTE CONTROL ...............................................................
8. Problem solving ……………………………………………………
9. Technical data and dimensions ………………………….…….…
10. CONTACTS………….…………………………….…..………..
11. Declaration of conformity …………………..……………….…
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1. DESCRIPTION OF THE DR160
The DR160 is a integrated tube amplifier in “Single Ended”
configuration with a power of 30w per channel.
DUAL MONO
This is one of the best solutions for the circuit structure of a
tube amplifier, it consists in the physical separation of the two
channels and all the dedicated components, behaving in fact
as two independent monoblocks.
Single Ended
The real feature that distinguishes the DR160 is the "Single
Ended" circuit configuration with very low output
transformers in terms of power, but oversized and designed
to best express the refinement, dynamics and true identity of
the sound. valve.
Safety
Each VALVER amplifier is equipped with numerous
prevention and protection systems for the internal electronics
and peripheral components of your audio chain. We leave
nothing to chance because your safety is our top priority.
Only by producing reliable and safe appliances can we
guarantee the quality that distinguishes us and that we want
to highlight, providing a full 5-year warranty and direct
assistance.
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Protection
Our protection system includes an independent circuit that
controls the correct operation of the power tubes. When the
maximum allowed values are exceeded, the system
automatically cuts off the tubes to protect the same tubes
and the rest of the amplifier.
The "Soft Start" ignition system is a protection circuit that
excludes any possibility of error during ignition, prevents
voltage fluctuations and ensures a gradual supply of voltage
to the valve.
Audiophile enthusiasts usually get advice such as:
"never operate without speakers connected"; “Follow the
ignition sequence in order”; “Turn the amplifier off and on as
little as possible”, etc.
These tips are certainly important for many amplifier brands,
but that's not the case here. Reliability and design, as well
as built-in circuits, control and protect the amplifier.
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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2.1. Before starting
Before using the amplifier please check if the tubes are mounted, if not please
remove the protective grille and install the tubes supplied with the amplifier in the
appropriate sockets (see Removing the grille and Layout Valves).
In case of an emergency: unplug it from the socket
Never use an amplifier if it is damaged or defective. Make sure it cannot be used
until repaired by a qualified technician. Make sure that you have easy access to the
plug and power cord.
Do not open the amplifier
There are dangerous high voltages and hot tubes inside the unit. To avoid burns or
the risk of electric shock, do not allow anyone except qualified persons to open the
amplifier or remove the grille and tubes.
Service and Maintenance
For safety reasons, make sure that maintenance, repairs and other modifications to
VALVER equipment are only carried out by a qualified technician. To prevent further
damage, fuses should only be replaced by a qualified technician. Always replace
the fuses with those of the same type and value, making sure by reading the values
of the blown fuse. If the amplifier requires assistance, please ship or take the
amplifier directly to the VALVER laboratory or to an authorized service center.
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Before Powering On
Make sure the amplifier voltage matches the power supply voltage.
Grounding
This amplifier is a protection class 1 device (with a ground conductor). To exclude
the risk of electric shock in the event of a fault, the unit must be grounded. Use a
three-conductor power cord with a three-pin plug (supplied).
Safety alarm: the valves are very hot!
Attention: Removing the protection grid involves the risk of burning yourself when in
contact with the valves, VALVER srls declines all responsibility for damage caused
by the removal of this grid.
2.2. Positioning
1. Location
The VALVER appliances have been designed for use in a dry home environment
only. Do not use it outdoors or in humid environments!
Never place plants or containers containing liquids near your VALVER appliance.
Be careful that no objects fall or liquids are spilled inside. If so, remove the plug
immediately and take the amplifier to a qualified technician.
Condensation can form if the amplifier is moved from a cold to a warm environment.
If you do this, wait until the amplifier has reached room temperature and make sure
it is completely dry before turning it on.
Avoid installing the unit near heat sources such as radiators or anywhere that can
be exposed to direct sunlight.
Do not use the unit near flammable materials, gases or vapors. Avoid areas where
there may be heavy accumulations of dust or where the unit may be subject to
mechanical vibrations.
Place your VALVER amplifier on a stable and flat surface.
2. Grid
We recommend never using the amplifier without the protective grille.
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3. Ventilation
Make sure the amplifier has good airflow around it. If you are going to install the
equipment in a cabinet or shelf, make sure there is at least a ten centimeter gap
between the ventilation slots and the ends of the amplifier. The rear panel of a closed
piece of furniture such as a wardrobe should have ventilation holes to prevent heat
build-up. Do not place the appliance on a soft surface such as rugs or foamy sheets.
2.3. Warranty
VALVER guarantees the safety, reliability and performance of this unit only if
modifications and repairs are carried out by authorized personnel and only if the
amplifier is used in accordance with the instructions contained in this manual,
otherwise the warranty will be void if identified. unauthorized interventions.
Throughout the warranty period, upon communication via e-mail and / or registered
letter with return receipt, you can return the material and if it is found to be defective
or non-compliant, it will be repaired or replaced with an equivalent or higher one if it
is no longer in production. . The customer is responsible for the shipping costs to
bring the defective goods to our office, while the costs for returning the replaced /
repaired product will be borne by us. If the material is not working due to "neglect",
incorrect use or incorrect installation by the customer, it will be returned as is and
the customer will also have to pay the return costs.
The warranty we provide on valves extends the European warranty on bulk
electronic components which would simply guarantee the item free from defects
upon receipt and assembly. This 30 days warranty extension does not apply if the
damage to the component is caused by negligence or incorrect installation.
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3. INSTALLATION
3.1. Connecting the amplifier
1. 1. In your interest, please observe the safety precautions and placement tips
(chapter 2)
2. Before connecting your VALVER amplifier, turn off all other equipment you wish
to connect to it. This will avoid possible problems due to the connection of this
type of components.
3. Connect the cables from the sources to the appropriate input on the back of each
channel. When connecting recording devices, be careful to connect the recording
and playback inputs and outputs correctly.
4. Connect the speakers to the amplifier, taking care to respect the correct polarity
(positive of the amplifier to positive on the speakers).
5. Check that the amplifier is turned off before plugging the power cord
into the wall outlet.
6. At this point, turn on the amplifier using the "Power" button (on / off) and then the
"source" button or the red button from the remote control to start (see chapter 4
Operations). After switching on, the amplifier will be ready for use in
approximately 30 seconds.
7. Check that the volume is not set to maximum before turning on the amplifier.
8. Turn on other equipment in any order.
3.2. Operation
All VALVER equipment is subject to an operating cycle of at least 100 hours in the
laboratory for valve break-in. For each model, valves specially selected for this use
are used.
The sound quality of tube amps improves throughout the initial break-in
period which can last up to three months.
During this time, daily use is useful (even at high levels), but not a requirement.
Continuous operation does very little to contribute to break-in and is therefore not
recommended.
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4. OPERATIONS: Front panel
①INPUT button Press to select the desired input. Press and hold to turn the
amplifier on and off.
ATTENTION: Input 1: Phono MM Inputs 2,3 and 4: Line
②SET BIAS Potentiometer for BIAS adjustment.
③LEFT To set the BIAS with the correct value (MAXIMUM 90mA).
④VOLUME Volume potentiometer.
⑤RIGHT To set the BIAS with the correct value (MAXIMUM 90mA).
⑥SET BIAS Potentiometer for BIAS adjustment.
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5. CONNECTIONS
5.1 Rear panel
①IMPEDANCE Select the impedance according to the speakers.
②CONNECTORS Connect the speakers observing polarity.
③ON-OFF Main switch.
④MAINS Connect the supplied power cord.
⑤F1-F2-F3 Protection fuses.
⑥INPUTS RCA inputs for the sources.
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6. VALVES
6.1. Remove the grill
To remove the grill:
1. For your safety, please turn off the amplifier.
2. Using a screwdriver (Hex M3 supplied with the manual) unscrew the screws on
the upper part of the grill, then remove the shapes that make up the grill one by
one, unscrewing the spacers that act as support with your hand.
3. Continue to the base until only the holes remain.
6.2. Adjusting the BIAS
To get maximum performance from your tube amplifier it is imperative that the BIAS
is properly tuned.
This model is equipped with acalibration fixed BIASsystem, which can be adjusted
from the outside by means of a “SET” potentiometer.
It is advisable to operate below 80mA to preserve the valves for longer and in no
case exceed the maximum value of 90mA.
6.3. Valves Efficiency
■The tubes supplied with the amplifier can last from 5 years for the Power tubes
and 10 years or more for the pre and driver tubes.
■Please be aware that some tubes need a long period of time (up to 250 hours) to
reach their optimum sound quality.
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6.4. Replacing the Valves
ATTENTION: Use only the same or equivalent valves with the models indicated
on page 14.
In the table below the identification of the valves used:
Ref.
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
Model
845
845
PCL82
PCL82
EF183
EF183
6N2P-EV
6N2P-EV
function
Power Valve
Power Valve
Pre-line
Pre-line
Pre-Phono
Pre-Phono
Pre-Phono
Pre-Phono
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7. REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control supplied with the amplifier is equipped with 2 new AAA
batteries.
The simplicity of its use does not require special instructions. From the remote
control it is possible to put the amplifier in standby and switch on, change the
input using the (CH +) / (CH-) keys and obviously operate the motorized Volume
potentiometer using the (Vol +) / (Vol-) keys.
8. TROUBLESHOOTING
■Hum and crepitus
The phenomenon known as "Hum" in an audio system is often caused by
different components of the whole system. It is especially common with tuners,
VCRs or satellite receivers where ungrounded antenna cables can cause hum
via the antenna input. Tube amps are normally grounded, and the DR160 is no
exception. It is not recommended to connect the amplifier with faulty cables or
without grounding. Lack of grounding in the home system adversely affects the
sound or signal quality.
■Switching interference
The proximity of some old appliances and halogen lamps can cause crackling
through the speakers when they are turned on and off.
Solution: The only solution is to use a single power outlet for the entire system
and to use a different power outlet in the listening room. However, it is not always
possible to completely eliminate the problem.
■Signal cables and valves
Damaged cables and poorly constructed plugs can create resistance in the signal
path and is sufficient to reduce the output level of a channel.
Solution: Try new cables or clean plugs and connectors with isopropyl alcohol.
A faulty tube can cause a drop in level on a channel and can cause distortion at
high power levels.
Solution: Identify the defective valve using a valve tester and then replace the
valve.
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9. TECHNICAL DATA AND DIMENSIONS
Amplifier
Output Power
2 x 30 W
Frequency Response
10 Hz - 25 KHz (1w)
Harmonic Distortion
≤ 0.1% (1w)
S / N Ratio
96 dB
Output
Impedance Input Impedance
4-8 ohm
100 Kohm
Input sensitivity
0.33V
4.7mV Phono line
General
Power consumption
140-360 W
Standard Accessories
Power cable
Remote control
Dimensions Alt / Lar / Lun
Weight
270x430x410 mm
28 kg
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10. CONTACTS AND INFORMATION
FOR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
SHIPPING ADDRESS
VALVER SRLS
Via Del Fante 14
37066 Caselle di Sommacampagna,
Verona, Italy
Opinion and personal experience with the product
Thank you for choosing VALVER and for reading this User Manual. It is our
concern to ensure the best quality of our products for this reason we ask your
opinion regarding the shopping experience, listening and any assistance by
writing a sincere review on our website www.gabrisamp.it.
A. Gabriel Moldovan
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11. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 'EC
DECLARE UNDER OUR SOLE RESPONSIBILITY' THE ELECTRONIC
DEVICE DESCRIBED BELOW:
PRODUCER: Valver SRLs
ADDRESS: Via Ciro de Vita 8-37060 Sona VR - Italy
Tel: 0452211983
PRODUCT: DR160
FAMILY: DR
MODEL: 160
BRAND: VALVER
FUNCTION: “Indoor” device for amplifying the audio signal.
IT COMPLIES1999/5
WITH DIRECTIVE/ EC
AND WITH THE FOLLOWING HARMONIZED STANDARDS:
Electromagnetic compatibility:
IEC 61000-3-2 (Part 3-2: Limits)
According to the provisions:
-Directive 89/336 / EEC (Electromagnetic compatibility) and subsequent
amendments 92/31 / EEC and 93/68 / EEC.
-Directive 71/23 / EEC (Low voltage) and subsequent amendments
93/68 / EEC.
Lugagnano di Sona, 02/02/2020
Signed by: AG Moldovan, designer and builder
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