Meishu

Line

Silver Signature

Tonmeister

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

OWNER’S INFORMATION

CONTENTS

1) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

2) CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

DISPOSAL

POWER REQUIREMENTS

3) INTRODUCTION

4) OVERVIEW

5) UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION

6) VALVE INSTALLATION

9) CONNECTION

10) OPERATION

12) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

13) WARRANTY INFORMATION

14) CONTACT INFORMATION

! IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION !

RISK OF SHOCK OR ELECTROCUTION! INTERNAL OPERATING

VOLTAGES ARE LETHAL!

Do not remove top cover, unless specifically instructed to do so in the user manual.

This unit contains fuses and other safety components in accordance with

BS60065 requirements.

In the event of failure, replacement fuse or safety component must be of the same part type and value.

SUCH REPLACEMENT MUST ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY A

QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

Do not attempt to replace any fuses without first disconnecting the unit from the mains electricity supply.

This product must be earthed – ensure that the mains supply cable earth / ground is correctly connected.

This product generates high levels of heat. Adequate ventilation must be provided. Do not restrict airflow through any ventilation slots or place the unit on any surface that may restrict airflow.

Valve equipment operates at extremely high temperatures;

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS.

Do not store or operate this unit in areas of high humidity or in close proximity to water / moisture.

Do not expose or immerse the unit in liquid of any kind.

OTHER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: -

Never touch the power cord with wet hands.

Always remove the power cord by grasping the plug, not the cable.

Never expose the unit to excessive heat or magnetism.

Never let an inexperienced person repair or reassemble the unit.

Never put anything, especially metal objects, inside the unit.

Never place excessive weight on the unit.

CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We declare under our sole responsibility that this product is in conformity with the following standards or standardized documents:

BS EN 60065 in accordance with the regulations 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC

(from 1 January 1997)

CE 94

Peter Qvortrup,

Director

Audio Note (UK) Limited

Viscount House

Star Road, Star Trading Estate

Partridge Green

West Sussex

RH13 8RA

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1273 830 800

Fax: +44 (0)1273 731 498

DISPOSAL

This product must not be disposed of as normal household waste. To prevent possible harm to the environment please separate the product from other waste to ensure that it can be recycled in an environmentally safe manner. Please contact your retailer or the appropriate local government office for collection facilities.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

Power requirements for electrical equipment vary depending on your geographical location. Please ensure that your unit meets the power requirements in your area. The power requirement for your unit is marked on the serial number plate, located on the rear panel.

If you are in doubt, please contact your dealer before connecting the unit to the mains supply.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this Audio Note (UK) product. With the correct care it should give you many years of pleasure and enjoyment.

Please take the time to read all of the information in this manual before connecting your new component to an electrical supply or your system, to ensure both your safety and satisfaction.

Please note that due to our desire to continually improve products, specifications are subject to change without notice. Therefore it is important to refer to the manual that is supplied with your product for the most accurate information; manuals downloaded from our website or obtained from other sources may no longer fully apply to your product.

If you have any questions regarding the information contained within this document or your new component, please feel free to contact us: -

Audio Note (UK) Limited

Viscount House

Star Road, Star Trading Estate

Partridge Green

West Sussex

RH13 8RA

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1273 830 800

Fax: +44 (0)1273 731 498 e-mail: [email protected]

MEISHU LINE SILVER SIGNATURE TONMEISTER

Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note (UK) Meishu Line Silver

Signature Tonmeister Integrated Amplifier.

It is a Pure Class A Singled Ended valve amplifier that uses the highly regarded 300B directly heated triode valve, producing a level of performance that is radically superior to the vast majority of current designs.

It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfills all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation

Zero Negative Feedback

Single Ended Output Stage

Valve Rectification

Directly Heated Triode operation

Materials and component quality

The Meishu Line Silver Signature Tonmeister is the latest version of our classic and award winning Meishu 300B Single Ended Triode integrated amplifier. The circuit has been completely redesigned and is now a beautiful example of elegant simplification, something that could only be realised thanks to our ability to create extremely closely matched transformers in-house, and having our own supply of custom resistors, inhouse made foil capacitors and custom made electrolytic capacitors. These allow us to have extremely tight control over the performance and voicing of the complete amplifier from input to output, something that is simply beyond the possibilities of manufacturers who have to rely on 'off the shelf' components.

The result is an amplifier that maintains the legendary musicality, midrange magic and glorious tonal colour of the original Meishu, whilst bringing new and previously unheard levels of information retrieval and dynamic expression, redefining what is usually expected of a 300B SET amplifier.

The Line version of the Meishu Silver Signature Tonmeister includes the following components: -

In house designed and manufactured Audio Note (UK) SHiB copper / copper interstage and output transformers

Audio Note (UK) IHiB copper / copper PSU Choke and mains transformers

Copper internal wiring

Audio Note (UK) AN-Vx silver interconnect cable used for signal wiring

Audio Note (UK) Copper signal capacitors

Audio Note (UK) STD and KAISEI Bi-Polar Electrolytic Capacitors

Audio Note (UK) 2W Non-Magnetic Ni-Chrome Resistors and Carbon Resistors

Audio Note (UK) 36 Step Mono Resistor Volume Attenuators

UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION

Please take care when unpacking your Meishu Line Silver Signature Tonmeister

Integrated Amplifier. Choose a clean, clear location to unpack your unit. Be aware that the amplifier is very heavy; before attempting to unpack or lift the unit, check the weight and if necessary use more than one person so that it can be moved safely and easily.

We recommend that you retain and carefully store all of the original packing materials, in case transportation / shipping is required at a later date.

Select a suitable location for the unit. This should be a dry, dust free and level area, preferably shielded from direct sunlight and free from vibration. Also ensure that the location is stable and capable of carrying the weight of the unit.

A suitable mains power outlet must be close to the location; power cords must not be pulled or stretched tightly in an attempt to reach a wall socket. If the power cord will not easily reach the socket, choose a closer location!

Please ensure that adequate ventilation for the unit is provided, and that airflow through any ventilation slots in the unit is not restricted. We recommend a distance of at least 30cm free space is maintained above the unit. Please also remember that valve equipment operates at extremely high temperatures, so a position that is inaccessible to any children or animals is essential.

VALVE INSTALLATION

The amplifier is shipped without the 2 x 300B output valves and the 1 x 5U4GB PSU valve installed. It is necessary to install these valves before the amplifier can be connected to the mains supply and operated.

It is essential that the valves are installed correctly or serious damage that is not covered by the warranty will result . We recommend that your dealer perform this procedure for you if you are in any way unsure.

FIRSTLY, ENSURE THAT THE AMPLIFIER IS NOT CONNECTED TO A MAINS

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY, AND THAT THE POWER CORD IS NOT CONNECTED TO

THE AMPLIFIER.

Using a No.2 pozidrive® screwdriver, remove the 6 x screws for the top and 7 x screws for each side of the top cover.

Now remove the 3 valves that are packed inside the amplifier. Also inspect the inside of the amplifier to check that nothing has become damaged during transit, including the remaining 2 smaller valves, located in valve sockets ‘3’ and ‘4’ (consult the drawing on the next page). Ensure that these valves are seated correctly in their valve bases.

For reference, these valves are as follows: -

Socket 3; 5687

Socket 4; ECC82

Carefully unwrap the 3 large valves. You will find the following: -

2 x 300B valves

1 x 5U4GB valve.

Once again, please understand that it is absolutely vital these valves are fitted correctly .

VALVE INSTALLATION Continued…

VALVE 1; 300B

VALVE 2; 300B

VALVE 3; 5687

VALVE 4; ECC82

VALVE 5; 5U4GB

VALVE INSTALLATION Continued…

Look at the drawing of the internals of the Meishu Line Silver Signature Tonmeister on the previous page, and familiarize yourself with the positions of the various valves.

First install the 300B valves, which should be inserted into sockets ‘1’ and ‘2’, located at the rear of the main central circuit board, as in the illustration below: -

Inspect the bottom of a 300B valve and the corresponding valve base on the circuit board. You will notice that two of the pins are of a larger diameter than the other two; this is to help ensure that the valve can easily be inserted correctly.

The larger pins must face towards the FRONT of the amplifier when each valve is inserted into the appropriate valve base.

With gentle but firm pressure insert the valve into its socket. Check again that both valves are fully inserted correctly.

Next, insert the 5U4GB valve into socket ‘5’, located at the rear of the PSU circuit board, on the right hand side of the amplifier. Locate the rib on the central pin of the valve and align with the valve base (it can only be inserted one way due to this locating rib) and with gentle but firm pressure insert the valve.

Check once again that all valves are correctly installed and then replace the top cover .

CONNECTION

Line inputs Four line level inputs are available, labeled CD1, CD2, Aux, and

Tuner, located on the right hand side of the rear panel.

There are also dedicated inputs and outputs for connection to a recording device. Connect the ‘Line Out’ sockets of your recording device to the ‘TAPE-IN’ sockets on the Meishu, and the ‘TAPE-OUT’ sockets on the Meishu to the ‘Line In’ sockets of your recording device. The ‘TAPE-IN’ sockets can alternatively be used as an additional line level input. The ‘TAPE-OUT’ sockets bypass the volume control, so cannot be used as a ‘PRE-OUT’.

Ground Post A ground post is provided for connection to those source components that also use a separate ground terminal.

Speakers Each channel is equipped with 3 colour coded binding posts for connection to your ‘speakers.

Looking from the front of the amplifier, the 3 binding posts to the left are for the left channel and the 3 binding posts to the right are for the right channel.

Connect the amplifiers black ‘speaker output binding post marked as

“0” to the black / negative terminal (also marked “ – “) on the ‘speaker.

Connect the amplifiers red ‘speaker output binding post marked “8

Ohm” to the red / positive terminal (also marked “ + “) on the ‘speaker.

The other red ‘speaker output binding post is marked “4 Ohm” and may be used with ‘speakers that have a characteristic load impedance of 4 Ohms. If you are uncertain whether your speaker system is specified as 4 or 8 Ohm, try the following test once all other connections are made and the amplifier is operational. Compare the sound quality using a familiar recording with the speakers connected to the 8 Ohm connections and then the 4 Ohm connections respectively. The selection that produces the best frequency balance and maximum dynamics should be used.

Mains The Meishu Line Silver Signature Tonmeister is equipped with an IEC

320 mains inlet socket. Use the supplied mains cable to connect the unit to the local mains supply. The mains fuse is located in the fuse holder positioned to the right of the mains inlet socket on the rear panel.

Special Note – Make sure that all connections are tight and clean. For best results use good quality audio interconnects. Although it is acceptable to use cables manufactured by other companies, for best results and performance, we recommend our own Audio Note (UK) range of interconnects and loudspeaker cables. For further information, please consult your nearest Audio Note (UK) dealer, or alternatively please feel free to contact us directly.

OPERATION

Once all the connections are completed and checked, ensure that the volume control is at the minimum setting (rotated all the way left).

Turn on any source components (CD player, DAC, Phonostage etc) BEFORE turning on the amplifier; the amplifier should be the LAST item to be turned on when you are ready to listen to your system, and the FIRST item to be turned off when the listening session is over.

Turn on the amplifier by using the rocker switch located on the rear top right of the back panel, just above mains inlet socket.

The red front panel light should now be lit. The amplifier requires approximately two minutes to initialize before it is ready for operation.

Function Selector Turn the selector to the source you wish to listen to; choose from CD1, CD2, AUX or Tuner.

Record Selector This selector allows you to listen to the output from your

Recording Device, if one has been connected. Turn the selector to ‘Source’ to listen to the input chosen with the

Function Selector, and turn to ‘Tape’ to hear the output from your Recording device.

Volume Controls There are two separate volume controls, one dedicated to each channel. For a correctly produced Stereo or Mono recording, adjust both channels to the same level. If it is necessary to equalize the relative levels for each channel, adjust the controls separately to achieve the desired balance.

Bedding in

Cleaning

Valve Life

OPERATION continued…

The new amplifier requires roughly 200 hours of initial use

(called “bedding in”) before the circuitry becomes stable and optimum performance is realized.

As the amplifier “beds in” the sound will become increasingly smoother, detailed and open.

Once the amplifier has “bedded in” a warm up time of approximately 30 to 45 minutes is required each time the amplifier is switched on before optimum sonic performance is reached.

No special maintenance is required for the amplifier. Use a soft, clean lint free cloth to remove any surface marks from the casework. For finger marks / grease, use a soft, clean lint free cloth, lightly moistened with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Do not use any alcohol or solvent based cleaning products, as they may damage the finish of the amplifier.

ENSURE THAT THE AMPLIFIER IS SWITCHED OFF AND

DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAINS ELECTRICITY

SUPPLY BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY CLEANING.

The valves supplied with your amplifier should provide approximately 6000 hours of operation. They are specially selected by us, and should only be replaced with matched pairs. Please consult your Audio Note (UK) dealer should your valves need replacing.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

INPUT IMPEDANCE

INPUT SENSITIVITY

MAXIMUM OUTPUT

CHANNEL BALANCE

VALVE COMPLEMENT

UNIT WEIGHT

SHIPPING WEIGHT

(ORIGINAL PACKAGING)

UNIT DIMENSIONS

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS

(ORIGINAL PACKAGING)

MAINS INPUT

MAINS FUSE

MAX. POWER

CONSUMPTION

NOTE

100k ohm, line level

240mV for full output

8 watts RMS per channel into 4 or 8 Ohm loads

+/- 0.3dB

1 x 5U4G

2 x 300B

1 x 5687

1 x ECC82

29.5KG

35KG

220mm (h) x 460mm (w) x 530mm (d)

410mm (h) x 660mm (w) x 680mm (d)

AC 100-120V/220-240V 50/60 Hz

3.15A Anti Surge (110/120V Supply)

1.6A Anti Surge (200/240V Supply)

200 Watts

Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, specifications are subject to change without notice.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Audio Note (UK) warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years from the original date of purchase from an appointed

Audio Note (UK) dealer, and agrees to covers the cost of parts and associated labour required to correct such defects, subject to terms & conditions.

This Warranty is offered to the first purchaser only.

Any valves supplied with the unit are warranted for three months from the original date of purchase.

If the product fails in normal domestic use and during the Warranty period due to the above described faults or defects, Audio Note (UK) will, at its discretion, repair or replace the item free of charge within a reasonable time once it has been returned to

Audio Note (UK) or an appointed Audio Note (UK) dealer or service engineer.

Audio Note (UK) is not liable for any shipping charges incurred whilst transporting the product to or from Audio Note (UK) or an appointed Audio Note (UK) dealer or service engineer, should the item require service or repair during or after the

Warranty period.

If the product must be shipped, please use the original packaging materials and include a copy of the original sales receipt along with a note explaining, in as much detail as possible, the problems you are experiencing with the unit.

Only use a reputable Courier Service or Shipping Agent, and ensure that your product is insured during transit.

Any servicing, repairs or modifications not authorized by Audio Note (UK), or carried out by persons other than appointed Audio Note (UK) service engineers will invalidate any warranty.

This Warranty does NOT cover: -

Damage sustained whilst in the possession of a shipping agent, retailer or consumer and not caused as a direct result of defects in materials or workmanship.

Damage caused by normal wear and tear.

Damage or defects caused by abnormal or unreasonable use.

Damage caused by accident, acts of nature, misuse or neglect.

Damage caused by a failure to follow the operating and installation instructions supplied with the product.

Damage caused by improper or careless cleaning.

Audio Note (UK) reserves the right to refuse warranty for any component of which the serial number has been removed, defaced or tampered with.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If in the future your Audio Note (UK) product requires servicing, or if you require technical support or have any questions regarding this or any of our other products, please contact your local

Audio Note (UK) dealer.

Alternatively, please feel free to contact us directly: -

Audio Note (UK) Limited

Viscount House

Star Road, Star Trading Estate

Partridge Green

West Sussex

RH13 8RA

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1273 830 800

Fax: +44 (0)1273 731 498 e-mail: [email protected] www.audionote.co.uk

Audio Note (UK) Ltd