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Trouble Shooting
Amplifier Dead
Check the 1amp (2amp USA) mains fuse which is in the
IEC mains socket on the rear. Replacements should be
20mm 1 or 2 Amp 'anti-surge' or "T" type. These are
available from Icon Audio should you have any difficulty.
The fuse in the UK mains plug should be a 3 or 5 amp
fuse, although unlikely, this should be checked if the
amplifier fuse is OK.
No sound
Have you selected the right input? Are the connections
OK? Is everything switched on? Are the headphones
connected?
Distorted sound.
Try another source; if sound improves then it's probably
something wrong with the first source. If no improvement
try different headphones, if no improvement could be an
amplifier problem.
Hum Problems
The 205D is a "directly heated" valve and as such when
new need "balancing" using V1 (left) and V2 (right) hum
adjusters. These are pre set in Leicester and will only
need adjusting for minimum noise when changing the
205D valves.
If you are experiencing hum problems disconnect the
rear input. If there is no hum at minimum volume the
adjustments are correct and the problem is external to
the HP205D.
Excessive hum is generally caused problems external to
the HP 205D. For example by a poor grounding in the
signal lead, or a 'hum loop' caused by having too many
earths. This may be identified by unplugging the input
source from the mains whilst still connected to the HP
205D, the hum may then disappear. One remedy for this
is to use an interconnect which only has the screen
connected at one end. Some expensive interconnects
are not screened so try with a standard alternative. Other
causes of low-level hum can be from adjacent
equipment, so experiment with moving equipment around
to see if this makes the hum better or worse.
One channel missing.
Usually 'bad' connection on either the input or the
headphones. Try swapping the connection over to
establish if the cause is:
(a) Input to the amp.
channel.
(b) Amplifier or headphones. Sound will not move.
Strange noises coming from headphones
Turn volume to minimum on unused input, if problem
corrected either fault with source unit or with connection.
If noise persists, problem with amplifier.
A valve that is lit up is not a guarantee that it is working
properly; conversely a valve that is not lit up will not be
working.
Valve Replacement
Valve life will depend upon such things as hours of use
and number of on/off cycles, as all the valves are lightly
loaded. As a rough guide we would estimate life of
approx 4 to 10 years. But this can vary massively.
Sound will move to the other
What can happen?
A valve is at the end of its life if one of the following
happens:
•
The valves wear out reducing the sound quality
especially at high volume levels.
•
One of the glowing heaters fails, in the 205Ds or
the ECC88s (these have two each).
•
A valve could get "noisy" or excessively
"microphonic" (even new valves are a little
microphonic). Tap them gently to find out).
•
The emission (and therefore output and sound
quality) may fall giving low output.
•
The valve works intermittently.
•
An air leak causes the valve to fail and the silver
"getter" material to turn white.
To maintain the sound quality we recommend the
valves be changed every 2-5 years to maintain the
full sound quality. A new set of valves will give you
back a "NEW" HP 205D amplfier!
Icon Audio can supply a new set of valves which are
ideal for the HP 205D ranging from standard to
"premium" types. The will be matched and tested for
quality, and audio tested again to check that they are
sonically perfect. Don't skimp on valves!
It is essential that only the correct valves are used as
some similar looking valves have a different pin
connection and insertion could result in damage to
the amplifier and risk of electric shock. 5U4/5Z3
rectifier is not suitable.
It is not good practice to remove the valves unnecessarily
as this can strain the pins and cause micro air leaks. Icon
Audio are happy to check valves and check the
performance of your amplifier, and advise on the latest
upgrades available FOC.
Method:
Switch off, disconnect from mains and allow to stand for
10 mins to allow voltages to discharge. You should
carefully remove the valves, these should be held by the
base when removing to prevent damage. Care should be
taken when removing and inserting the valves. The
rectifier valve has a centre location "spigot" observe
correct orientation. Do not operate without valves!
Service: Should you suspect a problem, you could return
the unit to your dealer or Icon Audio for a periodic service
or return the valves for testing free of charge. You should
carefully remove the valves they should be well packed in
cardboard & foam or similar, and returned to Icon Audio.
(Valves are very rugged if packed properly).
We welcome any comments you may have regarding
errors or omissions in this manual.
Should you need further advice or information regarding
the use of this unit please contact us.
NEW OWNER?
If you have bought this unit from someone else, please
register with us by email or post stating your name,
address, model, serial number and whom you purchased
from in order that we can keep you up to date with
upgrades and improvements
Page 4
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