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Inputs
The amplifier will work with any equipment having
an audio "Line Output" e.g. CD, Tuner, Phono pre-
amp, Streamer, Tape Deck, TV, DVD etc.
If you wish to use a turntable you will need a
suitable phono pre-amp. Icon Audio or your dealer
can advise you. One of our pure valve phono
stages is an ideal partner.
Connecting a tape deck/Recorder
A fixed output is available for recording purposes
which is unaffected by the volume control.
Playback may be made using one of the inputs.
Connecting loudspeakers
Use good quality loudspeaker cable. This should
be relatively thick and multi-stranded. e.g. QED
'Classic" 79 strand 2.5mm is more than adequate
(for amplifiers up to 2,200W!) Take care to
connect the correct polarity. The use of 'Banana
plugs' or 'spade' connections will ensure a good
connection whilst minimising the risk of 'shorts'.
In our experience valve amplifiers are very
tolerant of loudspeaker cables, therefore the
benefits of very 'exotic' cables may be wasted!
But this is personal taste. Icon Audio or your
dealer will advise you.
As all cables have losses, use less than 10m
each. You can either 'hard wire' your cable to the
amplifier by baring enough cable to fit in the
connector and twist together to avoid any spare
strands touching anywhere else (soldering the
stands together helps). Warning! this amplifier
does not have an output protection device,
which would degrade the sound. So a
prolonged short due to strands of wire
touching
could
damage
Alternatively use good quality 'banana' plugs,
once fitted they are trouble free.
Bi-Wiring
Not recommended but a matter of personal
preference. Connect your loudspeakers up as
normal. Take care to use correct polarity for both
bass and high frequency connections. The ST40
loudspeaker terminals will accommodate two
banana plugs, the second one vertically though
the terminal shaft.
3 Connecting inputs & outputs
the
valves.
Speaker polarity.
It is essential that you observe the polarity of
the terminals; they must be the same for the
left/right connections at the amplifier end and
at the loudspeaker end. Otherwise the sound will
be 'out of phase' with the sound stage 'inside out'
with reduced bass. If you are unable to check
this or confirm the polarity (e.g. if you have
'built in' wiring), try the following; Connect the
system up and play some music with plenty of
bass (e.g. dance music), preferably in mono (most
1950's recordings are mono) and stand the
speakers close together. If correct you should
hear plenty of bass, if not reverse the terminals
for one channel only, either at the amp or
speaker. You will now hear more, or less bass.
The higher bass output is the correct setting to
use. Another alternative is to use a test disc. If
you are 'bi-wiring' your speakers only two
terminals, you must use only 4 or 8 ohms, not
both, as this will not load the amplifier properly.
The STEREO 40 is designed to work with full
range, medium to high efficiency (ideally higher
than 93dB) having impedance of 4 ohms to 8
ohms. Speakers having efficiency of lower than
88db will have greater difficulty in providing a high
sound level. But this will also depend upon
individual speakers, room size, type of music and
positioning etc.
Speaker impedance. It is important to use the
correct speaker impedance terminals, as this will
give the best sound quality and power matching. If
using
15-ohm
speakers
connections. If you are unsure or "6 ohms" or "4 to
8 ohms" is quoted; a rule of thumb guide is to try
both positions. 8 Ohms will sound a little louder,
the 4 Ohms position having a little more "weight"
in the bass end. Although your personal taste
should be the final deciding factor.
If two pairs of speakers are required to be
connected, they must both be 8-ohm and
connected 4 ohm terminals. Contact Icon Audio
for more information. Damage could occur if care
is not taken.
use
the
8-ohm
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