Mystère

pa21

User manual

Serialnumber:

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Mystère

pa21

Description

The pa21 maximizes all our efforts with more power, more dynamics and greater flexibility. The full-sized chassis allows us to use larger transformers and bigger caps and resistors, delivering greater control and detail.

The result is 55 watts of pure pentode output per channel, and im proved stability throughout the amplifier. We do implement a very modest amount of global negative feedback to make the amp rock solid.

With more room at their disposal, our engineers continued to search for improvements, such optimal efficiency, the lowest signal degradation and the greatest immunity from noise and hum. They accomplished just that, with carefully separated and laid-out signal ground, power supply ground and chassis ground schematics.

We’ve also advanced our proprietary Adaptive AutoBias board with a special circuit that re-calibrates it for EL34s or KT88s. One flick of a switch allows you to run either tube at its optimal level. And as always, the board continuously monitors each tube, tweaking it to its sweet spot. There’s no biasing, no need for matched tubes, no worries.

Combine the pa21 with its matching full-size ca21 preamplfier, and experience a truly reference-quality system, without a typical reference-quality price tag.

Specifications

Power output 55+55W @ 8 Ohm 1%thd

Bandwidth

4Hz-80kHz +/- 0,3dB @ 1W

Noise

Gain

Distortion

9Hz-52kHz +/- 1dB @ 40W

<-90dB wtd-a

26dB (20x)

0,09% @ 1W

0,2% @ 10W

1% @ full power 55W

Consumption 230W max

Net weight

27 kg

Dimensions

430x420x200 mm (l xwxh)

Websites

www.mystere-eu.com

www.mystere-usa.com

Mystère pa21

Thank you

We would like to thank you for choosing our Mystère pa21 stereo power amplifier as an important part of your music system.

Working with components across the spectrum day in and day out for more than 30 years led us to adopt an unassailable philosophy: the only acceptable level of quality for the products we produce is the highest quality, regardless of price point.

We have staked our reputation on this and are certain that the products we’ve already brought to market reflect this principle. We feel comfortable in stating that our standing in the audio community is of the highest order and we’re certain that Mystère will only serve to enhance that standing.

We hope that the Mystère pa21 stereo power amplifier will make you want to follow our next steps in expanding this new range of products. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also share your thoughts with others at www.audioreview.com or other review sites. On the www.mystere-eu.com website you will find links to these and other websites.

Our prices are kept low by using word-of-mouth and customer feedback, and we would appreciate hearing what you have to say about our product. If you need service during or after the warranty period, please contact us.

Thanks again for your support!

Herman van den Dungen - DUROB AUDIO BV

Table of Contents

Description

Specifications

Thank you

Warning - Setup - Contents 4

Inputs - Controls 5

Protection

Tube Basics

5

6

2

2

3

Troubleshooting

Warranty Info

Story - Contact 9

Copyright - Durob Audio B.V. 2009

7

8

Mystère pa21

Warning - Initial setup

To prevent serious injury, electrical shock or fire:

• Do not operate with bottom plate removed.

• Keep away from rain and moisture.

• Disconnect all cable connections before changing fuses and/or tubes.

• Do not replace tubes without reading instructions.

• Do not replace fuses or tubes if you have any doubt about your ability to do so. We accept no responsibility for any personal or material damage due to incompetent use or users.

• Remove the Mystère pa21 from its packaging. Use the white gloves.

• Remove the tube cage by pulling it up and away from the amplifier.

• Remove the protective foam surrounding the pre-installed tubes.

• Check that each tube is firmly seated in its socket. Use gloves.

• Replace cage back in its place if desired.

• Check to see the power switch is off (down).

• Connect each source to the corresponding plugs.

• Connect output of preamp with input of poweramp.

• Connect your speaker wires, positive to positive, negative to negative.

• Plug the powercords into the preamplifier and amplifier, then into the wall sockets.

• Switch the preamplifier on and wait for 30-60 seconds while to warm up.

• Switch the poweramplifier on after the preamplifier has been on for 30-

60 seconds.

• The tubes will be warmed up and ready to use in about 30 seconds.

Contents

1x Mystère pa21

Stereo power amplifier

1x Power Cord

1x Owner’s Manual

1x White Gloves

Tubes 4x 6SN7

4x KT88

Fuses 1x 5AT (100-120 VAC) or 1x 3AT (200-240 VAC)

Warning

Do not replace fuses with any fuse other than the same type and rating as used by the factory.

Mystère pa21

Front panel - Rear panel

The front panel of the Mystère models is like the rest of the chassis, finished in high gloss piano lacquer finish. The power switch is located on the right side of the amp, just behind the front plate. On the leftside, just behind the front plate, you will find the EL34/KT88 switch.

Looking at the rear panel, you will note one pair of stereo inputs and the pair of speaker terminals. Attach the positive (+) from your loudspeaker to the

4 or 8 ohm terminal that most closely matches the average impedance of your loudspeakers according to their manufacturer’s specifications. The negative (-) from your loudspeaker attaches to the 0 Ohm terminal.

Tip: Experiment using the 4 or 8 Ohm positive (+) terminal to find the best match for your speakers. Do not make any assumptions. Trust your ears.

Fuse Protection

A note on fuses: Fuses are safety valves. They should always be replaced with the exact same value and type.

Warning: Never attempt to check or replace a fuse while the amplifier is plugged in. Turn off the amplifier. Unplug all speakers, components and AC cords. Wait

10 minutes to let tubes cool down and the circuit to fully discharge.

Mains Fuse:

The mains fuse is located on the rear of the amplifier, at the top of the power cord socket. The fuse holder can be snapped out using a small slotted flat blade screwdriver.

Mystère pa21

Tube basics

The 6SN7 tubes will have a life of about 10,000 hours. However, the life span of power tubes is more difficult to predict. It greatly depends on how “gently” or

“roughly” you use your amplifier. In general, under normal conditions, you can figure between 2,000 and 3,000 hours.

Here are some tips on using tubes:

• Do not use treatments on tube pins or in sockets.

• If you decide to experiment with other tube types, it’s best not to swap tubes in and out repeatedly, as you never want to cycle (pre)amplifiers on and off rapidly. They should be left off for at least five minutes. Further, every time you insert a tube, you stand a chance of loosening the tube sockets. It’s okay to have fun, and we support that, but don’t go crazy and swap tubes in and out twenty times in a day.

• Some tubes and tube socketshave a “center key” which must correspond!

If you use“brute” force and misalign, you will damage important and expensive parts of your amplifier!!

• The Mystère pa21 has a warm-up time of just a few minutes. Do not leave the amplifier on 24 hours a day.

• Break-in yields improvements. Every tube, when new, needs to be left alone for a little while. So, when your amplifier is new, or when you retube it, it may take a little time to settle in. There is however no fixed “time rule” for break-in.

• Please note that tubes can vary electrically, and by plugging in the wrong type of tube you can damage the amplifier, and void your warranty.

Tube Tip

Some 6sn7 tubes are more microphonic than others. In your pa21 the 6sn7 positions most sensitive to this are the input tubes V1 and V2.

v1 v2

Experiment if you want with different 6SN7 tubes in the market to get your optimal sound. You also may experiment with the different tube-dampers available in the market to fine-tune your amplifier.

Mystère pa21

Troubleshooting

Some tips:

• No output. Power is on, but power LED is off and tubes do not light up.

AC cable makes bad connection in IEC connector. Please check.

• No output. Power is on, but power LED is off and tubes do not light up.

Mains fuse is out. Replace fuse as per instructions on page 5.

• No output. Power is on, but power LED is off and tubes do not light up.

Mains fuse is not out. Thermal protection may have switched off power transformer. If so, the power amplifier will switch on again after internal temperature of power transformer returns to normal. Overheating might be caused by higher environment temperature than normal or heavy use.

• No output. Power LED is on and tubes do light up normally.

Check preamp, input and output wiring; if all seems to be OK check power amplifier.

• Hum or noise coming from one channel.

Noisy tube. First swap the 6SN7 tubes left to right. If noise follows tube swap, then you have found the problem tubeset. Now swap one by one from left to right. If noise follows, you have found the problematic tube.

• Hum coming from one channel.

Possible bad output tube. Swap the output tubes in pairs from right to left. If hum follows the swap, swap the far left and far right tubes. If the hum returns to the original problem channel, you have found the problem tube. If not, swap the inside output tubes left to right.

• Noise/distortion coming from both channels.

Tubes may be in need of replacement. Read page 6 for tube basics and replacement options.

If you try these possible solutions and problems persist, contact us or your local distributor for further investigation.

Mystère pa21

Warranty Information - Terms & Conditions

Two-year limited warranty.

Six-month warranty on stock vacuum tubes

1. Limited to original purchaser. This warranty is for the sole benefit of the original purchaser of the covered product, and may not be transferred to a subsequent owner.

2. Conditions & Limitations. This warranty is subject to conditions and limitations, as follows. This warrantly is void and inapplicable if the product has not been used in accordance with the instructions found elsewhere in this manual, or if it has been misused, abused, damaged by accident or neglect, or in transport once in possession of purchaser. The warranty is also void if the product has been tampered with or has been repaired or modified by anyone other than

Durob Audio BV or its specifically authorized representatives.

3. Remedy. If this product contains material, manufacturing, or workmanship defects, it must be packed in orginal packaging and returned to Durob Audio BV or its authorized representative via insured freight, at the owner’s expense.

Returned products must be accompanied by written description of the defect, and a return authorization number

(available from Durob Audio BV or the authorized representative via e-mail). Upon receipt of the defective product,

Durob Audio BV or the authorized representative agrees to repair the product without charge for parts (except vacuum tubes if the unit is more than 6 months old), or labor. The product will then returned via prepaid, insured freight, with carrier at the sole determination of Durob Audio BV or the authorized representative. This constitutes the purchaser’s sole remedy.

4. Design change. Durob Audio BV and its partners reserve the right to modify their products or change specifications at any time without obligation or liability to previous purchasers.

5. Miscellaneous. Any implied warranties relating to the above product shall be limited to duration of this warranty. This warranty does not extend to any indentical or consequential costs or damages to purchaser or third-parties. Our liability will be no more than the amount you paid for the product that is the subject of a claim. This is the maximum amount for which we are responsible. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from country to country and state to state.

Sales & Support

Mystère - Durob Audio BV

P.O. Box 109

5250 AC Vlijmen

The Netherlands

+

31 73 511 2555 www.mystere-eu.com

[email protected]

Email us for your local distributor

The Mystère Story

It’s midnight and the year is 1,500 BC. An eerie wind is blowing across the Salisbury Plain in southern England and the flat, green ground is bathed in the moon’s ghostly light. A faint orange glow can be seen in the distance, seemingly coming from a huge circle of majestic stones that stand out in solitary grandeur against the barren landscape. As one draws closer, dark figures dancing around the wooden fire that smoulders at the centre of the great circle of stones become visible. Strangely, not a sound can be heard. The whole place is shrouded in mystery.

I am, of course, referring to the world-famous Stonehenge, which stands to this day as a powerful tribute to the people of the late Stone and Bronze Ages and consists of a ring of extremely large stones and while modern techniques in archaeology have helped shape new theories about these stones, their ultimate purpose nevertheless remains a fascinating and enduring mystery.

Whatever their exact purpose was, recent research has revealed that the stones at Stonehenge are able to contain and amplify sounds. Furthermore, most sounds made in the centre are not clearly transmitted beyond the rings of stone.

Almost all of the stones at Stonehenge were shaped, with the inner surfaces of many stones being dressed to be either flat or concave and their outer surfaces irregular or convex. The contrasting acoustic experiences between the inside and outside of the stone circle that result from the shaping and placement of these stones may have been utilised by the ancient builders to isolate people on the outside from the activities at the centre. An audience occupying the inner circle of Stonehenge would have heard amplified sounds. In contrast, no-one outside the monument could have clearly seen or heard events within, thus creating a sense of mystery!

Recent research suggests that the original Stonehenge probably had an almost concert-like acoustic that our ancestors developed and perfected over many generations. While undertaking a series of tests, one researcher commented, “A simple drum beat sounded incredibly dramatic. It felt special.”

Similarly, we want to invite you to join our select inner circle of audiophiles to sample the delights of the Mystère series. Be enticed towards the faint orange glow of the tubes that peer out from between the vertical slots of the sleek cover. Marvel at the realism and joy of music that has been perfected over many generations of equipment design, resulting in the Mystère range of audio products. Now your search for the ultimate experience is over!