Reference Preamplifier Owners Manual
Contents
1. for example mixed outputs balanced and unbalanced to be accommodated The Tape Output is a source direct output which bypasses the attenuation transformers so is always at the same level as the input irrespective of the setting of the front panel level control Only ever connect one main output type balanced OR unbalanced at a time use of both main output types at once is not recommended and may cause damage to any equipment connected to the Reference Preamplifier This does not apply to the additional Auxiliary and Tape outputs If you are in any doubt about connections please contact us via email info mfaudio co uk and we ll be very happy to help INPUT Attenuation Main Transformer Outputs Auxiliary Auxiliary Isolation gt Output Transformer Tape Output Tape Isolation gt Output Transformer Reference Preamplifier user manual Connection Ground XLR Balanced XLR Balanced Tape Auxiliary Selector Main Outputs Inputs Output Output Switch RCA Unbalanced Inputs P RCA Unbalanced Main Outputs DC Power Level Control Source Selector RCA Unbalanced inputs Inputs C F are unbalanced RCA inputs XLR Balanced inputs Inputs A and B are XLR Balanced inputs XLR Balanced Main Outputs Dual parallel XLR balanced outputs RCA Unbalanced Main Outputs Dual RCA unbalanced outputs Auxiliary RCA output Transformer isolated auxiliary output This output is post level control and transformer isola2. of features 46 position level control from 60dB to 6dB in 1 5dB steps Six inputs two balanced and four unbalanced Six outputs two main balanced two main unbalanced auxiliary output and tape output Three position output ground selector switch Seamless 6dB switching offers gain for lower powered sources Remote control of level via a stepper motor there are no active electronics in the signal path e All internal components are mounted on a thick heavy dual material laminate block and the entire preamplifier rests on custom designed feet for maximum stability and vibration immunity e Various custom options are available please enquire In order to get the most out of your Reference Preamplifier please take a little time to read through this user guide Reference Preamplifier user manual Unpacking and Installation The Reference Preamplifier comes supplied in a professional flight case This ensures that your preamplifier arrives with you in the same condition as it left us Please keep this flight case in case you ever need to return the unit to us for modification for example Under the preamplifier you will find a removable panel in the bottom of the flight case Under this panel you will find the preamplifier accessories The case contains 1 x Music First Audio Reference Preamplifier 4 x Reference Preamplifier feet 1 x Universal remote Control handset 1 x Universal Power Supply Unit 1 x Mains Power Lead
3. Always turn amplifier levels down and power off before powering down sources again to avoid damage Burn in To obtain the very best results from the Music First Audio Reference Preamplifier a period of burn in is necessary Simply put this means you will find the sound of the unit improving over the first 100 hours or so of use If possible we recommend the following procedure 1 2 3 Connect source and amplifier as described Set the level of the Music First Audio Reference Preamplifier to O maximum This ensures the transformers entire winding will be burnt in Play music through the Music First Audio Reference Preamplifier for 100 hours using the amplifiers volume control to set level If you need further help or advice you can e mail us at info mfaudio co uk Reference Preamplifier user manual Maintenance The unit should be cleaned with a soft dry cloth NEVER use abrasive cloths or cleaning solution For stubborn stains slightly dampen the cloth with water Contacts and connectors can be cleaned with proprietary contact cleaners Servisol DeoxiT etc although the use of switch lubricants is not recommended Specifications Inputs 4 x Stereo unbalanced 2 x Stereo balanced Outputs 2 x Stereo unbalanced main outputs 2 x Stereo balanced main outputs 1 x Stereo Auxiliary output transformer isolated 1 x Source Direct Tape Output transformer isolated Controls Level 46 position rotary switch Sou
4. Te music first audio Reference Preamplifier Owners Manual Reference Preamplifier user manual Introduction Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Music First Audio Reference Preamplifier This original device controls up to six sources and attenuates level It sits between stereo source devices such as CD players turntables etc and power amplifiers It also offers additional isolated outputs for recording and connection of additional amplification A rotary switch on the front panel selects inputs and the level is controlled by another rotary switch Music First Audio introduced the Classic Preamplifier in 2003 and it went on to receive widespread critical acclaim Glowing reviews and many awards followed and it became the standard by which others are judged In the years since we designed our original preamplifier we experimented with many different approaches and techniques We discovered that we could improve on our original design but only by ignoring the usual manufacturing constraints of time and expense The Reference Preamplifier is a true cost no object design We have used only the finest possible components and each Reference Preamplifier is built by hand in our Hastings East Sussex workshop over a five week period The Reference Preamplifier takes the multiple award winning performance of our original product to another level and offers unparalleled sonic performance together with an extraordinary range
5. connect this to the Power Supply 1 x User Manual 1 x Certificate of Authenticity The Reference Preamplifier feet are not attached to the unit itself Instead they should be placed underneath the preamplifier with the rubber side up two feet at the front and two at the rear Reference Preamplifier user manual Connection The rear panel houses all input and output connections Inputs are situated to the right and outputs to the left when viewed from the rear The inputs should be connected to the outputs of source devices CD player cassette player etc at line level The phono RCA inputs are for connection to unbalanced equipment while the XLR inputs are for connection to balanced equipment As a general rule of thumb if the output of a piece of source equipment is on XLRs then it is balanced and if it is on phonos RCAs then it is unbalanced This is not always the case but should give a good starting point The outputs of the unit are located on the left hand side of the back panel The main XLR outputs are balanced and the phono RCA outputs are unbalanced Because the transformers convert balanced and unbalanced signals these outputs are always the same regardless of which input type is used The Reference Preamplifier also offers additional transformer isolated outputs The Auxiliary output works in the same way as the main outputs but is isolated from the main outputs via high quality isolation transformer This allows
6. e of going to press The manufacturer reserves the right to change the specification and features without prior notice 10
7. ndset to turn the level up and down 4 Always disconnect the power supply from the mains when you have finished using the preamplifier To Preamplifier To Mains Power DC POWER IN Power Supply Reference Preamplifier user manual The Ground Selector Switch Once equipment has been connected as described it is necessary to select grounding options with the rear mounted switch This three position switch controls whether the main output ground is floating unconnected or connected to the internal ground reference and to input ground In the centre position the output ground is floated In the RCA position the main RCA outputs are grounded and in the XLR position the main XLR outputs are grounded The setting of this switch is entirely dependent on the rest of your system A simple procedure will deduce how it should be set 1 Ensure your power amplifier is turned off and connect it s input to the output of the Reference pre amplifier 2 Connect all your source equipment as described above and switch it on do not play any music at this point 3 Set the Ground Selector Switch to the centre Lift position and the Reference pre amplifier level control to co minimum 4 Turn on your power amplifier and turn up the volume control if there is one a little 5 Gradually increase the level control on the Reference Preamplifier You should here nothing a little hiss from source devices is normal If y
8. ou here a loud buzzing or humming sound turn down all level controls and switch your power amplifier off 6 Set the grounding switch to RCA or XLR depending on the type of main output you are using 7 Repeat steps 4 and 5 The buzzing should now have stopped You might find that the switch requires a different setting for each piece of source equipment It is worth trying the above procedure for each separate source Please note The input grounds are connected to the internal reference via resisters this is to drain static voltage on source equipment ground which prevents clicks and pops when switching sources Input F is hard grounded no resister this input is best suited to sources that are particularly noisy e g digital television receivers etc The Auxiliary output and Tape output are not affected by the Ground Selector Switch Reference Preamplifier user manual Operation Before use ensure the level control is set to minimum level Switch on the source devices CD player tuner turntable etc Switch on the amplifier and set the amplifier volume control if there is one to the maximum necessary listening level Select the source device Set the Reference Preamplifier level control to the desired listening level Please note If the source is to be changed always return the level control to minimum level before changing the source to avoid damage to loudspeakers and amplifiers
9. rce 6 position rotary switch Grounding 3 position toggle switch Z out Odb volume setting Source Impedance 600 R 1k Source 1600 R 6db volume setting Source Impedance x 4 900 R 1k Source 4900 R 20db volume setting Source Impedance 100 33 R 1k Source 43 R Reference Preamplifier user manual Troubleshooting No Sound No source playing selected Ensure the source is playing Ensure the correct source is selected Reference Preamplifier any volume control is Up Loud buzzing or humming Ground selector incorrectly set Check that the grounding sound switch is correctly set see The grounding switch Remote Control not working Power supply not connected Check to ensure that the power supply is properly connected Audio Function not selected Ensure that the remote handset is set to the correct function by pressing the Audio button at the top of the handset Battery low Replace handset batter Out of range Try moving a little closer to the main unit For any further advice please contact us at info mfaudio co uk WARNING e Inno event shall the manufacturer be liable for any damage direct indirect or consequential of any type or any expenses or losses resulting from the use of this product Contains no user serviceable parts refer servicing to qualified personnel only e Do not expose the unit to moisture excessive heat or cold The contents of this manual are correct at the tim
10. ted Tape output Transformer isolated source direct output DC Power Input The Reference Preamplifier requires a 12V DC 2 3A centre positive power supply for the remote operation This powers the remote control board and the stepper motor used to turn the level switch There are no active electronics in the signal path The preamplifier will function without power but will not be remote controllable WARNING Connection of faulty equipment to the unit will cause malfunction ensure all devices connected are in good working order Reference Preamplifier user manual Remote Operation The Reference Preamplifier offers remote control of level The remote control uses a very high quality stepper motor to turn the level switch The Reference Preamplifier is supplied with a Universal remote control handset This handset can be used to control other items please refer to the included guide The Reference Preamplifier is supplied with a Universal Power supply This power supply accepts mains voltage from 100V to 230V so is suitable for use in most countries The output of this power supply is 12V DC at 2 4A with a centre positive pin To operate the Reference Preamplifier using the remote control 1 Connect the supplied universal power supply to the preamplifier plug it into the mains power and switch on the power 2 Select the AUDIO function on the universal remote handset 3 Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons on the ha
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