icon Audio PS2 Manual

PS2
IMPORTANT!
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL HEALTH &
SAFETY INFORMATION FOR
YOU AND YOUR AMPLIFIER.
PLEASE READ & KEEP SAFE
AND REFER TO IF NECESSARY
A "High-end" All Valve Phono Pre-Amp
Welcome to the wonderful world of valve phono
pre amplifiers. The PS2 is a simplified version of
our PS1 phono stage, using a similar audio
circuit design.
Our amplifiers have a reputation for excellent
performance and reliability
reviews in the Hi Fi press.
After years of customers praise we can confidently
predict that you will be astonished with the PS2!
It is well know that for many reasons, valves can
sound much better than transistors, this is especially
so with vinyl reproduction. Chiefly because:
• The massive overload capability of valves reduces
distortion on highly modulated or scratched & worn
LPs therefore minimising noise.
• The "warm" sound of valves is particularly suited to
the reproduction of music from vinyl.
• The 40db RIAA difference between 20hz and
20khz is easier for valves than transistors.
• Our "passive" design uses no "feedback"
• Our simple design uses "audiophile" components.
• We use "hard wired" "point to point" wiring with no
printed circuit board.
There are several "valve phono pre-amps" on the
market that are only part valve or only use valves as
an output stage; these will not have the colour and
vibrancy of valves.
The simplicity of the design means that we were able
to avoid the use of printed circuit boards, which are
icon Audio
Pure Valve Phono Pre Amplifier Manual
About the PS2
following excellent
Page 1
not ideal for valve amplifiers despite their common
use.
Although good frequency response, low noise and
distortion are important in any hi fi unit, there are
several other criteria that are often forgotten.
Transistors have a poor overload capability, and the
resulting distortion is very unpleasant. The PS2 has a
massive overload capability and even then would go
into 'soft clipping', which is much more benign and
easier on the ear.
The simplicity of the circuit means that there are
much fewer components for the signal to pass
through, fewer connections and switches, again
adding to the purity of sound.
This simplicity also means that we can use higher
quality audiophile capacitors and resistors.
The use of popular valves, which are still in
production, means that obtaining replacements is
easy and inexpensive when necessary. This also
means you will be able to change valves yourself and
experiment with the different tonal balance of
different types.
The final result is an amplifier with excellent
characteristics, with an accurate yet smooth and
transparent quality.
To get the best out of the PS2 Please read the
enclosed notes. We have tried to give you all the
basic information you will need. Should you be
uncertain about anything contact your dealer, or
ourselves.