User manual TAG MCLAREN AUDIO PA10

input selector knob record selector knob power LED volume knob headphone socket power button INPUT RECORD VOLUME MUTE cd phono tuner tape 1 tape 2 tape 3 tape 1 tape 2 tape 3 tuner cd phono contents 0 2 welcome 0 8 key features 0 9 getting started 1 1 selecting an input 1 3 connecting a turntable 1 4 volume control 1 5 headphones 1 6 grounding 1 8 outputs 1 9 connecting power amplifiers 2 5 running in and warming up 2 6 care and maintenance 2 8 technical data 3 2 international standards made in United Kingdom serial number mute button fuse carrier output sockets tape in/out sockets input sockets mm/mc selector turntable input sockets 220-240V ~ 50-60Hz Fuse: T1A L 250V OUTPUT 1 2 out 3 in out TA P E 2 in out 1 in SOURCE tuner cd mm PHONO mm mc left left left right right mc right PA1 1234567 ground ac supply socket ground terminal Specification shown may var y for different countries welcome to a new partnership . . i n h i - p e r fo r m a n c e , h i - f i d e l i t y All TAG companies perpetually strive for, and achieve, excellence and highperformance in every area of their business. These qualities are demonstrated in the fastidious standards that make TAG Heuer Derek Scotland (on the left) ­ Technical Director Peter Stevens ­ Chief Industrial Designer Dr. Zucker ­ Chief Executive TAG McLaren Audio has been created with celebrating a TAG McLaren victor y one aim in mind: to produce the best highfidelity audio and audio-visual systems available. Now the first fruits of that Now, this blend of talent and expertise has been combined with the award-winning experience of Audiolab to create a company with a technical advantage and access to resources second-to-none in the high end audio industry TAG McLaren Audio. Throughout the F3 Series development process, quality, performance and reliability have been paramount, resulting in unparalleled performance, operational excellence and sheer listening pleasure. alliance are ready ­ a unique new range of audio products. watches some of the world's most admired; in the teamwork that makes TAG McLaren's motor racing team one of the most successful in Formula One; and in the advanced electronics technology that makes TAG Electronic Systems the first choice for many Formula One constructors and high-performance car makers. 03 welcome welcome caused by the power amplifier do not affect the preamplifier. versatile input and recording selection Thank you for purchasing the TAG McLaren Audio preamplifier PA10. We are convinced it will give you many hours of listening pleasure. The PA10 has six selectable inputs (five line level and one RIAA-specification phono for turntables) and three outputs for recording. The phono input can be configured for either a moving magnet or a moving coil cartridge. A separate signal path is provided for recording, with its own independent input selector, so you can record one piece of music while listening to another. low intermodulation distortion above the capabilities of human hearing. Although sound outside the human hearing range of approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz cannot be heard, it can significantly distort the quality of music reproduction through an effect that audio engineers call `intermodulation distortion'.This type of distortion moves imperfections that originate outside the hearing range back into the audible frequencies.To minimise this effect,TAG McLaren Audio preamplifiers have a frequency response which extends both above and below the range of normal human hearing. high-quality circuitry The PA10 preamplifier is an ideal entry into the world of audio separates. By using a separate `box' for each part of your audio system you minimise the interference normally caused by the close proximity of components. Separating the preamplifier from the power amplifier also means that the power supply is not shared, so power fluctuations 04 The theoretically-ideal preamplifier reproduces sound perfectly over an infinite range of frequencies ­ starting from well below the audible range and extending far The circuits in the PA10 (a Class A amplifier) are `no-compromise' designs using high-quality, high-stability, components to send a smooth, clean signal 05 welcome to your power amplifier for excellent sound quality.To achieve fidelity at low frequencies the PA10 uses capacitors to block the unacceptable Direct Current (DC) but let the sound signals through.TAG McLaren Audio has expended many man-years of design effort on the special circuit design which, without compromising sound quality, accommodates the high values of capacitance that must be used. versatile output separate Class A amplifier to supply headphones. The PA10 gives you versatility without compromising hi-performance, hi-fidelity. Two sets of output sockets are provided for connection to power amplifiers. The outputs are buffered and have low impedance so they can supply more than one power amplifier (e.g. for multi-room installations).They also allow long cables to be used. A switch on the front panel mutes the output and redirects it to a 06 key features getting started · · · · · · · · Class A amplifier stages Independent input selection for listening and tape recording Five line level inputs for cd, tuner and three tape recorders Phono input for mc or mm cartridges Three stereo outputs for recording Two low-impedance stereo outputs to allow long cable runs Automatic and manual muting Separate Class A headphone amplifier suitable for a wide range of headphone impedances High-quality audio components Sorbothane® sonic isolation feet, specially designed by TAG McLaren Audio(1) amplifier connection sound source connection before you start We know you are keen to get your PA10 working. This section will have you listening to your favourite music as quickly as possible. If you fold out the front cover of this manual you will locate diagrams which will help you find your way around your PA10(1). Make sure that all the components of your audio system are disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any connections. You will need a source of audio signals (such as our CD player CD20R or our tuner T20) to feed into your PA10. Use a goodquality, screened phono-phono audio cable to connect the phono output sockets of your sound source to the appropriate pair of left and right sockets marked SOURCE aux, tuner, cd or TAPE in 1, in 2 or in 3 on the back of your PA10(2). · · Use a good-quality, screened phono-phono audio cable to connect the phono sockets marked OUTPUT 1 left and right on the back of your PA10 to the corresponding inputs of your power amplifier. 1. 2. 1. For the very best performance we recommend that our units are placed on individual shelves and are not stacked one on top of another Throughout this instruction manual (except in titles), bold print indicates the lettering that you will find on the panels of your PA10 The inputs for cd, tuner, TAPE 1, TAPE 2 and TAPE 3 are all the same electrically. They are named for your convenience. If you want to connect a turntable, please see page 13 08 09 getting started selecting an input power connection Check that the power button is out so that power is off when you plug in(1). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the back of your PA10 to an AC supply outlet. For the best sound quality, we recommend that you do not use multi-plug adaptors. Your PA10 has one phono and five line level inputs which can be selected by their name(1). The input for listening can be selected independently from the input for recording so you can listen to one source and record another at the same time. setting controls Turn the VOLUME right down (all the way anticlockwise). Set the INPUT selector to the input to which you connected your sound source. VOLUME inputs for listening The signal from your chosen input source will be amplified and sent to OUTPUT 1 and 2 or alternatively to the headphone socket(2). To select your source turn the INPUT selector until the mark on its side points to the name of the input that you want to listen to. INPUT cd phono tuner tape 1 tape 2 tape 3 switch on Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on. phono INPUT cd tuner tape 1 tape 2 Wait for about five seconds for the automatic muting to switch off . (2) Start playing your sound source. Turn up the VOLUME, sit back and enjoy the music. tape 3 1. 2. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will release it. The output is muted when the power is switched on to allow all the voltages to stabilize. This protects your amplifier and loudspeakers and prevents unpleasant switching noises from upsetting your listening experience 1. The inputs for cd, tuner, TAPE 1, TAPE 2 and TAPE 3 are all the same electrically. They are named for your convenience. The PHONO input is only suitable for the very low level input from a turntable pickup cartridge and cannot be used for line level inputs such as cd players, tuners, tape players, etc Please see page 15 2. 10 11 selecting an input connecting a turntable inputs for recording The signal from the input that you select for recording will be sent to the record output sockets marked TAPE out 1, out 2 and out 3(1). To select your source for recording, turn the RECORD selector until the mark on its side points to the name of the input that you want to record(2). The record output is not affected by the muting or volume controls. out 3 in out TA P E 2 in out 1 in The PA10 has a phono input that can accept either a moving coil (mc) or a moving magnet (mm) pickup cartridge. The instruction manual for your cartridge will tell you which type you have. The phono stage meets the RIAA(1) specification. connecting a turntable If you have a moving coil cartridge, connect it to the PHONO inputs labelled mc on the back panel of your PA10 and press in the input selector button next to the connectors(2). If you have a moving magnet cartridge, connect it to the inputs marked mm and ensure the selector button (3) is released. Please see page 16 for recommendations about grounding your cartridge and turntable. PHONO mm mm left mc RECORD cd tuner tape 1 tape 2 tape 3 phono right mc ground 1. 2. The TAPE out 1, out 2 and out 3 output sockets are connected together internally A loop is created if a tape recorder output and input are both connected to your PA10 and the same tape recorder is selected as the record input. This may cause feedback if your recorder is set to record. To avoid this possibility, we recommend that you select the input for recording before you set your recorder to record 1. 2. 3. Record Industry Association of America The input selector button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will release it Some moving coil cartridges have such a high output that you will get better results by using the mm input with the input selector set to mm 12 13 volume control headphones The VOLUME and MUTE controls alter the signal level of OUTPUT 1, 2 and the headphone socket. They do not affect the output of the record sockets (TAPE out 1, 2 and 3). headphone connection Turn the VOLUME down before you connect your headphones. Insert the headphone plug into the 1/ (6.3 mm) stereo jack 4" socket on the front panel of your PA10(1). volume Turn the VOLUME knob clockwise to increase volume and anticlockwise to decrease volume. If you use your PA10 in conjunction with a TAG McLaren F3 Series amplifier (such as our 60P, 100P or a pair of 125Ms), and supply it with an input with a peak level of 2 V rms (the typical output from a CD player), your PA10 gives its full rated output with the VOLUME knob in the middle of its travel. Turning the knob past this point may distort the sound and could damage your loudspeakers. VOLUME loudspeaker muting You can only use your PA10 to listen to headphones when the preamplifier output is switched off using the MUTE button, as described on page 14. Press the MUTE button in to listen to headphones. There is no output to the headphone socket when the MUTE button is out. MUTE mute Press the MUTE button on the front panel of your PA10 to switch off OUTPUT 1 and 2. Release the MUTE button to restore the output(1). The PA10 also mutes automatically for a short time to allow all the voltages to stabilize whenever you change an INPUT(2). MUTE 1. 2. The MUTE button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will release it. Muting protects your PA10, your amplifier and your loudspeakers and prevents unpleasant switching noises upsetting your listening experience 1. If you want to use headphones which have the smaller you should obtain an adaptor from your retailer 1/ 8" (3.2 mm) jack plug, 14 15 grounding grounding The AC mains supply normally operates at either 50 or 60 Hz (depending on which country you are in). Under some circumstances, this can cause an audible hum in your loudspeakers. Should you have any problems with hum in your system, please contact your retailer. grounding your system All the units in the TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series are double insulated and do not require safety ground connections. Your system does not need to be connected to ground (audio engineers call this `floating'). However, if you want to ground your system, please contact your retailer who will be able to assist you. avoiding hum To minimise the possibility of mains hum in your system: do not link the ground terminals of separate audio units together. use screened cable for your signal connections and keep the left and right channel cables close together. grounding a turntable on your .... Consult the instructions for your turntable, tone arm and cartridge for the manufacturer's recommendations on grounding. If your tone arm has a separate flying lead, you should connect it to the ground terminal on the back panel of your PA10. ground 16 17 outputs connecting power amplifiers The audio outputs are intended to connect the PA10 to a power amplifier (such as our 60P). The low-impedance (100 ) output is buffered and will drive long cables or several inputs in parallel if required. Your PA10 needs to be connected to a high-quality, separate stereo power amplifier (such as our 60P or 100P) or to a pair of monoblocs(1) (such as our 125M). Always switch off your system before changing any connections. audio output sockets OUTPUT 1 and 2 each consists of two phono sockets on the back panel of your PA10, one for the left channel and one for the right(1). Always use high-quality, screened cables for your connections. OUTPUT 1 2 left using a stereo power amplifier right Using a good-quality, screened phono-phono audio cable, connect the phono sockets marked OUTPUT 1(2) left and right on the back of your PA10 to the corresponding inputs of your power amplifier. out This diagram shows a PA10 connected to a right speaker left speaker TAG McLaren Audio 60P stereo power hf lf hf lf amplifier (3) in out 1. 2. 1. OUTPUT 1 and 2 are connected together in parallel 3. A `monobloc' is a single-channel or mono power amplifier You can use OUTPUT 2 instead of OUTPUT 1. They are the same electrically This diagram, and those that follow, are for illustrative purposes only; they are not to scale and do not show all connections 18 19 connecting power amplifiers connecting power amplifiers using mono amplifiers Instead of one stereo power amplifier, you may prefer to use two monobloc amplifiers (such as our 125M) in conjunction with your PA10. Connect OUTPUT 1 left of the PA10 to the audio input of one of the monoblocs and OUTPUT 1 right to the audio input of the other monobloc. Connect each monobloc to a loudspeaker(1). OUTPUT 1 2 bi-amping left right With many high-quality loudspeakers, you can make separate connections to the high- and low-frequency drivers(1). If your loudspeaker allows it, you can improve the sound further by using separate amplifiers for high and low frequencies. This may allow you to increase the volume without distorting the sound. As each amplifier is operating in a smaller bandwidth, intermodulation distortion may also be reduced. out This diagram shows a PA10 connected to two right speaker hf left speaker hf TAG McLaren Audio monobloc 125M power amplifiers lf lf in out in out 1. 1. For the best sound quality we recommend that you place each monobloc near the loudspeaker it is feeding and use short loudspeaker leads. Use high-quality, screened phono leads to connect the amplifiers The `driver' is the mechanism inside the case of the loudspeaker which actually makes the sound. Most high-quality loudspeakers have drivers for high, low and often middle frequencies and the capability to connect them separately. However, the lack of this facility is not necessarily a sign of low quality (as some of the finest loudspeakers in the world have proved) 20 21 connecting power amplifiers connecting power amplifiers bi-amping Connect OUTPUT 1 left and right of the PA10 to the left and right audio input of one stereo power amplifier and OUTPUT 2 left and right to the left and right audio input of the other stereo power amplifier. Connect one power amplifier to your loudspeakers' high-frequency drivers and the other power amplifier to the low-frequency drivers(1). This diagram shows a PA10 connected to two TAG McLaren Audio 60P stereo power amplifiers for bi-amping right speaker hf in out left speaker bi-amping alternative arrangement If you have two matched amplifiers (such as two TAG McLaren Audio 60Ps), you can connect them as shown here. This arrangement has the added advantage of allowing you to place each amplifier close to the loudspeaker it is feeding, thus enabling you to connect them together with short cables. Connect OUTPUT left on the PA10 to INPUT left on one of the 60Ps and OUTPUT right on the PA10 to INPUT left on the other 60P. On each 60P connect OUTPUT left to OUTPUT right. On each amplifier, connect one of the stereo outputs to the highfrequency driver and the other to the low-frequency driver. This diagram shows an alternative method of right speaker left speaker hf out out hf connecting the PA10 to two TAG McLaren Audio 60P stereo power amplifiers lf in out lf hf lf lf for bi-amping in out in out 1. This simple connection method works with any combination of TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series amplifiers because they have matched gains. If you want to connect a different manufacturer's amplifier, you may need to use an active crossover or a gain-setting facility. Please contact your retailer for advice if you wish to do this 22 23 connecting power amplifiers running in and warming up other multiple amplifier arrangements The arrangements described on the previous pages are only suggestions and do not cover all the connection possibilities for preamplifiers and power amplifiers. If you want to expand your audio system, please contact your retailer who will be happy to discuss your specific requirements. running in TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum performance for many years. Just like a high-quality car, the performance of your PA10 will improve during the first few hours of operation. The electronic components will then have reached and settled down to nearperfect specification. warming up Every time you switch on your PA10, the performance will improve until the components reach their optimum operating temperature. 24 25 care and maintenance care and maintenance fuses There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your PA10. To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and pull out the fuse carrier drawer(1). The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the first one that you see when you open the carrier. There are no other user-serviceable parts inside the PA10. service The only service you should do to your PA10 is described on the left. All other servicing should only be carried out by one of our authorised service agents. If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG McLaren Audio retailer. If your PA10 is still under guarantee, please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on how to claim against the guarantee. Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your PA10 is transported. cleaning In order to maintain the appearance of your PA10, you can clean it as follows: before cleaning, always disconnect your PA10 from the AC supply. any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft, lint-free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm water and detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not use any other solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives. take great care not to get any liquid inside the case. If this happens, you should have your PA10 serviced. 1. You cannot open the fuse carrier drawer while the plug is in the socket 26 27 technical data technical data This section is for those of you who really want to know the `insides' of your PA10. You will not miss out on any of the functions or performance of your PA10 if you choose not to read any further. frequency response (-3 dB) 2 Hz ­ 65 kHz line input impedance 30 k nominal frequency response (20 Hz ­ 20 kHz) ± 0.5 dB line input level 175 mV rms (relative to 0.5 V output) total harmonic distortion + noise (20 Hz ­ 20 kHz) less than 0.01% signal to noise (line level) greater than 92 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) channel separation greater than 60 dB at 1 kHz phono input impedance mm mc 47 k / 85 pF nominal 100 / 3.3 nF nominal polarity (phase) non-inverting for all inputs and outputs phono input level mm mc 3.5 mV rms (relative to 0.5 V output) 175 µV rms (relative to 0.5 V output) preamplifier output impedance 100 nominal phono input signal to noise mm mc greater than 81 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) greater than 77 dB (relative to 0.5 V output) preamplifier maximum output greater than 7. 76 V rms 28 29 technical data technical data record output impedance 1 k nominal (1.6 k when using phono source) power consumption less than 25 W muting attenuation greater than 60 dB dimensions (including feet, terminals and controls) 445 mm wide 75 mm high 336 mm deep headphone output impedance 100 nominal (suitable for headphones of 8 ­ 2 k impedance) The rated and typical performance applies when the mains supply voltage is either 230 V AC for 220 - 240 V units or 115 V AC for 110 - 120 V units headphone output maximum greater than 7. 76 V rms emf We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice Specification may vary for different countries operating temperature range 10 ­ 35 °C ac supply frequency 50 ­ 60 Hz ac supply voltage 110 ­ 120 V or 220 ­ 240 V The voltage is marked on the rear of the unit 30 31 international standards Your PA10 meets or exceeds all the legal requirements listed below: directives 89/336/EEC 73/23/EEC EMC Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC) Low Voltage Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC) safety IEC65: IEC65 A2: IEC65 A3: EN60065: 1985 1989 1992 1993 emc emissions EN50081 -1: EN55022 Class B: EN60555 -2: EN61000 -3-2: EN61000 -3-3: FCC Part 15 Class B: 1992 1994 1987 1995 1995 1997 emc immunity EN50082 -1: IEC801 -2: IEC801 -3: IEC801 -4: EN61000 -4-2: EN61000 -4-4: EN61000 -4-5: EN61000 -4-11: 1992 1991 1984 1988 1995 1995 1995 1994 ± 3 ± ± ± ± 8 kV V/m 1 kV 8 kV 1 kV 2 kV air discharge AC power, ± 500 V other ports air, ± 4 kV contact discharge AC power, ± 500 V other ports common mode, ± 1 kV differential mode 32