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General Points - icon Audio LA 5TX User Manual

Pure valve line pre-amplifier

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1 Unpack unit carefully. Make sure that it is in good
condition. It is important that you keep packaging for
warranty/service return.
2 Fit the rectifier valve 274B (or GZ34/5AR4)
BEWARE ONLY FIT IN REAR CENTRE (see pic P1)
Otherwise the unit will not function, and damage to
both valves and unit will result. The valves are
normally numbered in order that they will be in the
same position when tested and aged. The 6SN7s (or
equivalents) should be fitted to the left and right as
Be careful to align to "spigot" of the valve
marked.
with the socket before pushing in to place.
3 Connect to source & Output units, e.g. CD,
Tuner, Tape, Phono pre amp (if used) and power amp
etc via appropriate phono sockets and leads. Rear
outputs OUT 1 and OUT 2 are both at the same level.
4 Connect to mains supply using supplied IEC
mains lead to 240v supply. If for some reason the
welded plug must be removed, please remove
fuse and dispose of immediately. (As they can be a
danger to children if plugged in). The replacement
plug should be wired in the following way Brown to
Live
terminal,
Blue
Green/Yellow to Earth terminal.
6 SWITCH ON! The mains LED indicator should light
up and unit will take approximately 40 seconds to
start working. All valves should have a visible orange
glow from the cathode heaters. With the volume
control set to minimum (fully anti-clockwise) there
should be no sound coming from the speakers except
a barely discernable gentle hum. During switch on
you may hear a buzz from one channel, this is
normal.
7 Your unit should now be functioning.
If not check wiring again and/Use selector/tape
monitor/volume to choose source program and
suitable listening volume. The best sound quality will
be when the unit has warmed up for at least 20 mins.
8 Health and Safety. The valves when operating
have high surface temperatures. Keep out of reach of
children and pets. The use of the optional guard is
recommend in these circumstances. Always unplug
when making adjustments. Like all amplifiers there
are potentially lethal high voltages inside (400v
DC), which when switched off can take up to 15
mins to discharge! Do not remove bottom panel
unless you are a competent engineer. There are no
user serviceable parts inside. Like other household
electrical appliances do not leave unattended
whilst switched on.
Remote Control
When new remove the plastic tab which preserves
the batteries during storage. The 2x AAA batteries will
last up to 2 years with normal use. Replace with
"Alkaline" types when the indicator LED loses
brightness. The maximum range is approximately five
meters. Aim the handset directly at the LA5TX, at
longer distances multiple short clicks usually work
better than long presses. After each switch on the
volume control will re-set to approximately "9 o'clock".
QUICK SET UP GUIDE
to
Neutral
terminal
Remove batteries during storage to prevent leakage
damage. Spares and repairs are available from Icon
Audio (at time of writing 12/2012)
Connecting inputs & outputs
Many
problems
connecting leads which are usually either 'Bad, or
Wrong connection'. So it's worth making sure that
you have good connections and that your leads are
the right way round.
Inputs
The amplifier will work with any standard piece of hi fi
e.g. CD, Tuner, Tape Deck, Mini Disc, TV, Video
Recorder, DVD etc having an output of 200mv or
more, to get full power. The position of the volume
control will vary with the input voltage of different
units, this has no effect upon performance.
If you wish to use a turntable you will need a suitable
phono pre-amp. Your dealer or Icon can assist you.
Connecting a tape deck
The LA5TX will work with any tape deck having
suitable output, and it is possible to record from any
connected source using the terminals marked 'Pre-
and
out'. The LA5TX has a 'Tape Monitor' facility, which
enables you to use a 'three head deck' or an
equalizer.
Some tape decks 'Present a load' to the amplifier
terminals, even when not in use, which can affect
sound quality. (You can do an audible check for this
by removing the input and listening for a change in
sound quality). If so remove when not required.
Switching the pre-amp on before the power amp
will reduce "switch on thump, of the speakers"
Mobile phone 'breakthrough' is normal
A switch-off 'click' through the speakers is
normal.
Storage in damp conditions could damage
transformers.
Connecting Leads
Use good quality connecting leads, which are no
longer than they need to be.
Leaving the amp switched on
People sometimes ask if the amp should be left
running 24/7 without switching off. Whilst the amplifier
will sound at its best when it is properly warmed up,
there is no advantage leaving it switched on when it is
not in use. It is using electricity and valves have a
finite
life.
components are stressed more at switch on; therefore
do not switch on and off unnecessarily. Although the
amplifier should sound good within about 20
mins, like most hi fi units it will require several
months of regular use before it is fully 'run in'.
Cabinet Care
To remove dust from the cabinet and valves we
suggest gentle brushing with a soft paintbrush and a
duster. Finger marks can usually be removed with a
damp cloth. On no account use anything wet on the
amplifier,
and
disconnected.
with
hi
fi
equipment

General points

Conversely
the
valves
always
clean
with
involve
and
other
the
power
Page 4

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