Reference 150 SE Manual Stereo Power Amplifier
Contents
1. Thank you for choosing the Reference 150 SE to be a part of your high performance music listening system Since 1970 Audio Research has been creating some of the world s finest audio equipment Each piece is handcrafted in Minnesota and has been designed to provide many years of listening enjoyment We understand you are eager to begin listening however please take a few minutes to read through this guide for useful information concerning the operation of your new amplifier Once installed please allow an appropriate break in period to fully appreciate the benefits this amplifier will provide to your system After reading the user guide if you have any further questions regarding your amplifier contact your dealer or Audio Research customer service they will be happy to help you make the most of your new component Happy Listening Contents Warnings 5 Installation Before Operating the Reference 150 SE 6 In Your System 7 Connections Back Panel Controls and Connections Input Connectors Output Connectors Matching Remote Turn on 10 A C Power Connection 11 O Oo o Operation 12 Front Panel 13 Start Up 13 Shut Down 13 Break in 14 Output Tube Bias Adjust Maintenance Vacuum Tubes 15 Service 15 Cleaning 15 Disposal and Recycling Guidelines 15 Warranty 16 Specifications 17 Warnings To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose your Reference 150 SE to rain or moisture Do2. not place objects containing water on top of this unit This unit contains voltages which can cause serious injury or death Do not operate with covers removed Refer servicing to your authorized Audio Research dealer or other qualified personnel The detachable power cord on your Reference 150 SE is equipped with a heavy gauge 3 conductor cable and a standard three prong grounding plug For absolute protection do not defeat the ground power plug This provides power line grounding of the Reference 150 SE chassis to provide absolute protection from electrical shock The appliance coupler a c power connector at the rear of this unit must be accessible for emergency power disconnect If the unit is to be operated in an enclosure such as an equipment rack make certain that adequate airflow above and to each side of the unit is provided and ensure that the ventilation fans on the back panel are not obstructed For continued protection against fire hazard replace the fuse only with the same type and rating as specified at the fuse holder This unit is ROHS compliant A note about packaging Save all packaging in a dry place away from fire hazard Your Reference 150 SE amplifier is a precision electronic instrument and should be properly cartoned any time shipment is made You may not have occasion to return your unit to the factory for service but if that should prove necessary or other occasion requiring shipmen
3. the Reference 150 SE is turned on before other components the amplifier will amplify any extraneous turn on noises those components might generate which could potentially damage the loudspeakers Good operating practice dictates that the amplifier should be turned on last and turned off first in an audio system The Reference 150 SE uses a grounding system that does not require a ground lifter adapter plug on the A C power cord to minimize hum The power cord supplied with the Reference 150 SE has a standard grounding plug to provide maximum safety when properly connected to a grounded wall receptacle If there is any question regarding proper grounding procedures in your installation seek help from a qualified technician Caution should be taken before using custom after market power cords they must be at least 12 gauge and havea standard grounding plug properly installed These power cords are to be used with caution at the sole risk of the owner If electronic crossovers or other AC powered equipment is used with the Reference 150 SE it may be necessary to use ground lifter adapters on the power plugs of that equipment to minimize system hum Generally the lowest hum is achieved when the only direct connection between audio common ground and true earth ground occurs in the preamplifier through its grounded power cord Other equipment in the system should have some form of isolation to prevent ground lo
4. the case of speaker systems with significant variations in impedance throughout the frequency spectrum such as most electrostatic types determine the best impedance match empirically for best overall sonic results Connect the Reference 150 SE input to the preamplifier or electronic crossover using only the highest grade of audio interconnect cables To avoid sonic degradation use the shortest practical length of cables Important Use the best available speaker wires and interconnects Audio Research cannot emphasize this enough As better components and systems are developed it becomes increasingly important to avoid the limitations of inferior system interconnections It is important sonically that your entire system be connected so that the audio signal arriving at the speakers has correct or absolute polarity i e non inverted Connect the black or speaker terminal to the wire that connects to the 0 terminal on the Reference 150 SE Connect the red or speaker terminal to the wire that connects to the 4 8 or 16 ohm terminal on the Reference 150 SE and tighten the speaker terminals securely to ensure best sonic results Connections Remote Turn on The Reference 150 SE has a built in 12V DC remote turn on off circuit for operation by a master control system in a home theater or large audio system Usea 3 5mm 140 diameter mono mini plug to connect to the 12V IN jack on the rear of the
5. INS VOLTAGES WHICH MAY BE HAZARDOUS CAUTION WARNING FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST WARNING RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY FIRE HAZARD REPLACE FUSE ONLY RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY MAKE PROPER SPEAKER CONNECTIONS WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING MAKE PROPER SPEAKER CONNECTIONS SEE OWNERS MANUAL C SEE OWNERS MANUAL S00W MAX 50 60 HZ 7AFUSE an 80 TARRA Oo 40 80 160 0000 Sl Och 0000 Fuse holder A C Mains connector Speaker connections Connections Input Connectors The Reference 150 SE uses a fully balanced circuit topology and has a pair of balanced XLR input connectors on the rear panel It therefore requires a balanced preamplifier output as provided by most Audio Research preamplifiers Connect your preamplifier s output to the Reference 150 SE before turning on the amplifier Output Connectors Heavy duty output terminals are provided on the rear panel for 4 8 or 16 ohm speaker impedance loads Using high quality speaker cables securely fasten the speaker lead to the appropriate black terminal then the lead to the matching red terminal Follow your speaker manufacturer s impedance specification The Reference 150 SE puts out the same amount of power whether the 4 8 or 16 ohm terminals are used Matching It is important to use as close as possible an impedance match between the amplifier and speaker for optimum transfer of power to the speaker with minimum distortion In
6. Reference 150 SE The 12V IN jack should be connected to the 12V DC output of the master control system using a continuous 12V DC signal at 12mA per Reference 150 SE for the duration of amplifier on time Do not use a momentary or data pulse control signal The 12V DC remote jacks have polarity protection so they will not operate if a 12V DC signal is accidentally connected or if the control wires are reversed When the 12V DC remote turn on off circuit is used the power switch on the front panel should be turned off A C Power Connection It is important that the Reference 150 SE be connected via its supplied 20 amp IEC 12 gauge power cord to a secure dedicated A C power receptacle Never connect to convenience power receptacles on other equipment Only use the power switch on the front of the Reference 150 SE for On Off control of the amplifier or the 12V start up trigger for remote installations The AC power source for the Reference 150 SE amplifier should be capable of supplying 10 amperes for 100 or 120 volt units or 5 amperes for 220 or 240 volt units For the very best performance on 100 or 120 volt circuits the Reference 150 SE should be connected to its own AC power circuit branch protected by a 15 amp breaker The preamplifier and other audio equipment should be connected to a different power circuit and breaker The Reference 150 SE should be turned on after the other components of your system If
7. ge the anodized finish of the front panel A small soft paintbrush is effective in removing dust from bevels the recessed nameplate and other features of the front panel Disposal and Recycling Guidelines Y To dispose of this electronic product do not place in landfill In EE accordance with the European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment WEEE directive effective August 2005 this product may contain regulated materials which upon disposal require special reuse and recycling processing Please contact your dealer or importing distributor for instructions on proper disposal of this product in your country Or contact Audio Research Corporation 763 577 9700 for the name of your importing distributor and how to contact them Packing and shipping materials may be disposed of in a normal manner Warranty Audio Research Corporation products are The specific terms and remedies for covered by a 3 Year Limited Warranty fulfillment of the Limited Warranty may or a 90 Day Limited Warranty vacuum vary from country to country Warranty tubes This Limited Warranty initiates service should normally be obtained from from the date of purchase and is the importing retailer or distributor from limited to the original purchaser whom the product was purchased or in the case of demonstration In the unlikely event that technical service equipment limited to the balance beyond the ability of the importer is of warranty remaining after
8. her side It is normal for a vacuum tube power amplifier to run quite warm and if used The special non marring elastomer feet for prolonged periods hot to the touch provide adequate spacing and stability All components within are however only on a smooth hard surface and operated at safe conservative levels also assist to isolate the amplifier from and will not be improperly affected spurious vibrations For upright stability thereby providing the requirements and best performance never operate outlined above are adhered to the unit while it is sitting on a soft surface such as a thick rug or carpet Due to its weight this amplifier must be supported on a surface specifically rated for such a load Check with the manufacturer of your support system to be sure it is rated to handle this weight If the unit is to be operated in an enclosure such as an equipment rack make certain that adequate airflow above and to each side of the unit is provided Connections Back Panel Controls and Connections Left and Right XLR inputs 12V remote trigger RIGHT INPUT REFERENCE 150 LEFT INPUT STEREO AMPLIFIER audio research SE PLYMOUTH MINNESOTA MADE IN U S A A A 12V REMOTE TURN ON WARNING TO PREVENT FIRE AND SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE UNIT MUST BE OPERATED IN A HORIZONTAL POSITION DO NOT OPERATE WITH COVERS REMOVED UNIT CONTA
9. ops and associated hum Operation Front Panel audio research VACUUM TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER REFERENCE 150 HIGH DEFINITION Main Power Switch Operation Start Up Break in e Secure interconnects between the amplifier All quality stereo equipment benefits from and your preamplifier attach speaker leads a break in period during this time the to the appropriate output terminals various components wiring and solder e Attach supplied power cord to rear IEC connections change as electrical signals inlet of amplifier and plug other end pass through them While your Reference into grounded A C power receptacle 150 SE will sound fantastic out of the box e Turn on preamp and all other it will only improve with continued use components mute preamp output e Press Reference 150 SE front panel control switch Green power LED will light e Unmute preamplifier output initiate source component signal and adjust gain as appropriate Shut Down e Mute preamplifier output e Switch Reference 150 SE front panel control switch to off e Turn off preamplifier and then the associated input source components Operation Output Tube Bias Adjustment As shipped from the factory the output bias adjustments are set for a nominal 65mA per KT150 tube Under these idle conditions the tubes are each dissipating approximately 27 watts of their 75 watt rating Thi
10. original required Audio Research will fulfill the shipment to the retailer or importer terms and conditions of the Limited In the United States the specific terms Warranty Such product must be conditions and remedies for fulfillment returned at the purchaser s expense to of this Limited Warranty are listed on the Audio Research factory along with a the warranty card accompanying the photocopy of the dated purchase receipt product in its shipping carton The for the product a written description warranty terms are also available on the of the problem s encountered and internet at www audioresearch com any information necessary for return en us company warranty statement shipment The cost of return shipment Outside the United States the authorized is the responsibility of the purchaser importing retailer or distributor has accepted the responsibility for warranty of Audio Research products sold by them Specifications Power Output 150 watts per channel continuous from20Hz to 20kHz 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0 6 at 150 watts below 0 03 at 1 watt Approximate actual power available at clipping 160 watts 1kHz Note that actual power output is dependent upon both line voltage and condition i e if power line has high distortion maximum power will be affected adversely although from a listening standpoint this is not very critical Power Bandwidth 3dB points 5Hz to 80kHz Frequency Respon
11. quality and reliability In the event you need to replace a single output tube please refer to the numbers written on the silver base at the bottom of the vacuum tube when ordering a new tube Servicing Because of its careful design and exacting standards of manufacture your Reference 150 SE amplifier should normally require only minimal service to maintain its high level of performance Caution Your Reference 150 SE amplifier contains sufficient levels of voltage and current to be lethal Do not tamper with a component or part inside the unit Even with the power turned off a charge remains in the energy storage capacitors for some time Refer any needed service to your authorized Audio Research dealer or other qualified technician Additional questions regarding the operation maintenance or servicing of your amplifier please contact the Customer Support Department of Audio Research Corporation at service audioresearch com or call 763 577 9700 You may also initiate a service request by visiting the Audio Research website www audioresearch com and selecting Service Repair at the top right of the home page Cleaning To maintain the new appearance of this amplifier occasionally wipe the front panel and top cover with a soft damp not wet cloth to remove dust A mild non alkaline soap solution may be used to remove fingerprints or similar smudges Cleaners containing abrasives should not be used as they will dama
12. s point of operation provides enriched Class ABT and will satisfy the most critical listener For best results operate and adjust the Reference 150 SE at 120V AC Adjustment must be made under zero signal conditions after at least 15 20 minutes of uninterrupted stabilization time A digital voltmeter capable of accurate measurements with 0 1 mVDC resolution is preferred for accurate adjustment must have 3 Y digit display Use the plastic alignment tool provided to make the adjustment The measurement points are yellow and black banana test jacks next to each output tube Adjust the bias for a voltage reading of 65mVDC 065 Volt DC at the blue bias pot for one of each output tube pair as follows noting the voltage setting of the larger V number tube in each pair is slaved to the adjustment setting of its lower V number companion tube for example adjust V5 for 65mVDC and measure its companion tube V7 to verify a reading of 57 to 73mVDC Repeat procedure by adjusting and measuring V9 to read 65mVDC and verify V11 reads 57 73 mMVDC adjust and measure V6 to read 65mVDC and verify V8 reads 57 73mVDC and finally adjust and measure V10 to read 65mVDC and verify that V12 reads 57 73 mVDC Maintenance Vacuum Tubes It is recommended that you replace the vacuum tubes of your Reference 150 SE in sets All of the tubes in your amplifier have been matched to have similar operating characteristics to provide the best sound
13. se 3dB points at 1 watt 0 5Hz to 120 kHz Input Sensitivity 2 0V RMS BAL for rated output 24 dB Bal gain into 8 ohms Input Impedance 300K ohms Balanced Output Polarity Non inverting Balanced input pin 2 IEC 268 Output Taps 16 ohms 8 ohms 4 ohms Output Regulation Approximately 0 6dB 16 ohm load to open circuit Damping factor approximately 14 Overall Negative Feedback 14dB Slew Rate 13 volts microsecond Rise Time 2 0 microseconds Hum amp Noise Less than 0 1mV RMS 114dB below rated output IHF weighted input shorted Power Supply Energy Storage Approximately 1040 joules Power Requirements 105 125VAC 60Hz 210 250VAC 50Hz 730 watts at rated output 900 watts maximum 420 watts idle Tubes Required 4 Matched pair KT150 Power Output 4 6H30 Driver Dimensions width 19 48 3 cm height 8 75 22 2 cm depth 19 5 49 5 cm Handles extend 1 5 3 8 cm forward Weight 75 lbs 34 2 kg Net 90 lbs 41 kg Shipping audio research amplifier series audio research HIGH DEFINITION 3900 Annapolis Lane North Plymouth MN 55447 www audioresearch com Specifications subject to change without notice 2015 Audio Research Corporation Reproduction of this document in part or whole is expressly forbidden without written consent from Audio Research Corporation
14. t occurs the original packaging will protect your Reference 150 SE from unnecessary damage or delay Installation REAR 0 we 8 KT150 ORO a B TUBE LOCATIONS TOP VIEW FRONT Before operating the Reference 150 SE Remove all screws fastening the top cover Your Reference 150 SE amplifier is shipped Carefully remove each vacuum tube with the vacuum tubes packed in foam from its protective foam and match its blocks These must be unpacked and location V number written on the base installed before you attempt to operatethe of the tube to the V number printed amplifier Included are two matched quads next to each socket Firmly seat each of KT150 output tubes and four 6H30 dual tube in its matching socket taking care triodes used in the input stage Proceed to key the tube pins to the socket holes according to the following instructions Retain the foam blocks with other packing materials for possible future use Refasten top cover on amplifier Installation In your system The ambient operating temperature should To insure normal component life and safe never exceed 120 F or 49 C Improper operation this unit must be operated installation will cause premature tube only in an upright position Adequate failure and will affect your warranty airflow and proper cooling can occur as well as the service life of the unit only if there is no restriction above and behind the unit and on eit
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