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7. Bias Checking & Adjustment
Read notes all the way through before commencing.
If you are unsure about any aspect contact your
retailer, Icon Audio or a competent service engineer.
The Stereo 40i MKII uses the 'Fixed bias' method of
valve operation. This has the advantage of higher
power, lower feedback and cooler running. However
we recommend that once or twice a year you check
the bias reading using the supplied meter to ensure
best performance from the amplifier.
procedure which involves measuring 330mv (or 0.33v) in
the four sockets next to each EL34 and adjusting if
necessary.
1, Tools you will need: The supplied meter (optional with
some models) or one set to measure approx more than
330mv, and a small flat blade screwdriver. Adjustments
are done at zero volume with speakers connected. Run
the amp for at least 15mins (if it is working correctly).
2, Connect: the black probe to the chassis 'earth' by
unscrewing the '0' speaker terminal and tightening the
probe in the exposed hole. And the other in the test
socket adjacent to the valve on test. Set the 'Icon' meter
to 2000mv or the 'black mark'. See pics.
Making the 'earth' connection.
3, Checking: You should get a reading of 330mv if valve
is conducting correctly. But bear in mind that your mains
voltage fluctuations can affect your readings up to 10%
(i.e. 300 to 360). It is more important that both valves of
a pair read within about 10-15mv.
Showing a probe reading 1
4, Adjusting: If not 330mv, set this by using the bias
adjuster adjacent, then check the other valve of the pair,
(L to R 1&2, 3&4). The bias adjustment pots from left to
This is a safe
st
output valve
right are normally 'mirror image' in rotation, so some
will be anti-clockwise and some clockwise. They are
very sensitive so adjust very carefully; use tiny turns
of the screw. If the reading appears a little unstable
this is normally due to mains fluctuations.
5, If one or more valves are showing erratic readings
or you cannot set the 330mv, then that valve is
probably faulty or out of specification. If you are
unable to set the reading high enough this means the
emission of the valve is low.
Replacing the EL34 Valves
Important: Do not attempt to change the EL34
without reading these notes. Failure to do so
could be both dangerous and damaging to the
amplifier.
Health & safety; High voltages are present inside
the amplifier and on exposed valve sockets when
valves are removed, so take suitable care. It is
not necessary to remove the bottom cover.
Beware valves get hot in operation!
5, Changing valves: You should if possible check the
bias setting before you attempt to change the
valve(s), in order to familiarise your self with the
procedure.
The safe way is to change and check one or two
valves at a time. Remove the first old valve and fit the
replacement. Switch on and measure bias, you
should be setting the reading for each valve to about
330mv, Do not allow the reading to go above -
800mv. Don't worry how low the reading goes this
will not cause damage. Continue in the same way
and fit all four valves. Do final adjustment when the
amplifier is fully warmed up.
If all is well there should be no more than a barely
detectable hum from the speakers, and the amplifier
should sound OK When tested.
6, If you cannot set up 330mv then the valve is
probably faulty or is unsuitable.
If the valves are brand new, you will need to check
again after approximately 10 & 100 hours, after that
only occasionally or if you suspect a problem.
7, To avoid damage to the amplifier and electric
shock hazard you must use only valves marked
EL34 (or 6CA7), 6SL7, 6SN7 Or that you know to
be direct equivalents. Use only valves which you
know to be new or good condition and test the
amplifier thoroughly before resuming normal use.
8, Replacing the small valves:
6SL7 (centre) and 6SN7 valves. Neither of these
requires any set up procedure. It's just 'plug and
play', although care should be taken when removing
and inserting not to break the centre spigot. (These
valves are similar with the same pin connection;
accidental wrong insertion would not cause damage).
Icon Audio are happy to check the valves/amp or
your re-bias your amp free of charge.
Page 7
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