Western Electric 91E End User Manual

Western Electric 91E End User Manual

Integrated amplifier

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END USER GUIDE

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Summary of Contents for Western Electric 91E

  • Page 1 END USER GUIDE...
  • Page 2 To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Pour réduire les risques d’incendie ou de choc électrique, ne pas exposer cet appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove exterior panels. No user-serviceable parts inside.
  • Page 3 If at any point during operation you are not satisfied with the quality of this product, email support@westernelectric.com, call +1 (404) 352-2000, or post a letter to the address below. We believe quality products should come with quality service. Western Electric PO Box 10 Rossville, GA 30741 TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Type 91E Integrated Amplifier ..................... 1 Replica Tubes Disclaimer ......................1 NOTES FROM THE MANUFACTURER Patented Steered Current Source Technology (SCS) ..............2 Type 91 - Family History ......................2 FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS In the Box ............................4 Features Overview .........................
  • Page 6: Introduction

    Listeners take advantage of more than double the conventional output power of the Western Electric Type 300B tube. This powerful innovation was made possible by patented SE circuit topology. The 91E was made for the Western Electric 300B to provide end users the highest possible performance and quality.
  • Page 7: Notes From The Manufacturer

    MANUFACTURER PATENTED STEERED CURRENT SOURCE TECHNOLOGY The 91E is the result of years of research and effort by Western Electric engineers to provide listeners with the absolute finest in SE tube sound. This achievement is made possible by a patented (U.S.
  • Page 8 The 91E also elevates the listener’s experience with unforgettable industrial design. Liberated from the 91A’s stock chassis and cabinetry, the 91E is a showpiece that balances rugged retro features, like nickel-plated handles and an oversized attenuator knob, with stylish glass tube caging and an easy-to- read LCD screen for an overall modern elegance.
  • Page 9: Features & Specifications

    Interchangeable Output Transformer Block Common output transformers are large and excessive. The 91E has smaller, interchangeable transformer block add-ons that allow users to match loudspeaker impedance. The result? Lower hysteresis, lower distortion, and a lush, black-background soundstage. For instructions on output transformer block installation and handling, see page 14.
  • Page 10: Amplifier Data

    2000m or less Mains Fuse 2A slow-blow Electron Tube Complement 1x Matched Pair WE 300B, 2x ECC81 Phono MM Sensitivity (10W / 4Ω) 0.75mV Phono MC Sensitivity (10W / 4Ω) 70μV CD Sensitivity (10W / 4Ω) 0.27V TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 11 2 x 14 watts BT* Standard v4.2 BT Codecs BC, MP3, AAC, FastStream, APTX BT Sample Rate (adaptive) Up to 96kHz / 16-bit BT frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz BT SNR 96dB *BT wireless connectivity TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 12: Operation & Safety

    For transformer block installation instructions, see page 14. 300B Electron Tube (Left Channel Access) - See next page for installation instructions. ECC81 Electron Tube (pre-installed) Output Transformer Block - See page 14 for handling and instructions. 300B Electron Tube (Right Channel Access) TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 13: Electron Tube Installation & Access

    Using excessive force may cause the tube to suddenly dislodge from the socket, resulting in damage to the tube and amplifier. To reinstall a 300B, follow steps 3-4 above. DO NOT OPERATE AMPLIFIER WITHOUT GLASS COVER AND METAL GRILLE PROPERLY INSTALLED TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 14 (continued from previous page) 300B Electron Tube Replacement To ensure optimal performance, each 91E Integrated Amplifier is tuned with its included matched pair of Western Electric 300B electron tubes during final testing and inspection. If either tube (or both) is replaced, slight electrical parameter changes may occur, as compared to when the amplifier was originally tested.
  • Page 15: Front Panel Diagram

    Power On / Standby Indicator Input Selectors Headphone Output BT Wireless Connectivity- See page 14 for setup Attenuator (Volume Control) Infrared Receiver Glass Tube Cover - See page 8 for handling LCD Screen 300B Electron Tube Power On / Standby TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 16: Rear Panel Diagram

    Ethernet - Service Access Only Control Ports (3.5mm) - For interfacing with other audio Mains Switch / Power equipment. When amplifier is on, control ports output +5V. BT Antenna - For wireless connectivity - See page 14 for setup TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 17: Basic Hookup Diagram

    OPERATION & SAFETY BASIC HOOKUP The diagram below shows a common configuration with source device and loudspeakers. To learn what happens during amplifier power on and startup, see next page. TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 18: Mains Connection

    (30) seconds to ensure a stable operating point. Because the bias value of a 300B can change over its lifetime, the 91E performs this automatic bias process each time the amplifier is powered on. For tube bias troubleshooting, go to page 24.
  • Page 19: Wireless Connectivity (Bt)

    Output Transformer Block The 91E has a pre-installed 8-ohm output transformer block optimized for most 4 ohm to 8-ohm loudspeakers. You may swap the default 8-ohm transformer block with 4-ohm, 16-ohm, and 24- ohm options to further optimize your loudspeaker pairing. Visit westernelectric.com to purchase.
  • Page 20: Line Out & Pre-Out

    This is also known as “burn-in.” Amplifier Update Procedure The 91E has the capability to execute software updates over the Internet. To get started, you must connect your unit to the Internet with an ethernet cable. To check for an update the amplifier must be put into update mode. To do this ensure the AC mains switch is powered off then while holding BT and phono buttons turn on the AC mains switch.
  • Page 21: Lcd Screen Functionality

    OPERATION & SAFETY LCD Display Functionality The 91E Integrated Amplifier is equipped with an easy-to-read LCD readout screen that allows the user to control and monitor the amplifier. Western Electric Mascot Warm Up Countdown Tube Bias Countdown (startup image) Input Selection, Attenuator...
  • Page 22: Phono Input & Terminations

    (MM) and moving coil (MC) settings with a clearly labeled toggle switch on the rear panel. It is important to make sure the MM/MC setting on the 91E matches your turntable. There are also RCA inputs for phono loads. Your turntable may require an additional capacitive or resistive load to have the correct frequency response.
  • Page 23: Balance Adjustment

    When replacing the batteries, ensure that the “+” symbol is facing upwards toward the metal battery holder to avoid damage to the remote. REMOTE CONTROL BACK PANEL TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 24: Amplifier Safety

    Do not attempt to service the product yourself. The 91E was designed to operate at a normal room temperature and normal humidity (<60%). Do not expose the amplifier to wet areas, high humidity, or liquid spills. Do not install near heat sources or near flammable materials or vapors.
  • Page 25 BROKEN GLASS Glass is a brittle material and accidental breakage can occur at any time when handling electron tubes. Breakage will result in flying glass fragments. Gloves and safety glasses should be worn for the best protection. TYPE 91E INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER...
  • Page 26: Warranty & Service

    PURCHASE RECEIPT FOR VERIFICATION SHOULD YOU REQUIRE WARRANTY SERVICE. Western Electric will extend the time period of the Limited Warranty up to three (3) years from date of purchase. IN ORDER TO RECEIVE AN EXTENSION TO THE TIME PERIOD OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY, THE INCLUDED WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD MUST BE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT AND SENT TO WESTERN ELECTRIC.
  • Page 27 Western Electric 300B electron tubes carry a Limited Warranty period of ninety (90) days to the end user. To receive the Extended Warranty of five (5) years, the physical warranty cards must be returned to Western Electric by post. Please refer to the End User Guide included with your electron tubes for further instructions.
  • Page 28: Product Service Policy & Rma Process

    Moreover, you agree that in the event such a procedure is necessary you will NOT hold Western Electric liable for the return of the amplifier so disassembled.
  • Page 29: Troubleshooting

    WARRANTY & SERVICE Due to the complex nature of amplifier manufacturing, our service and support team is NOT able to provide price quotes for repair before fully diagnosing your product. The Western Electric amplifier service labor rate is $175.00 hourly.
  • Page 30 The 300B electron tube is manufactured by hand in the USA at the Western Electric Rossville Works. The 91E is assembled by hand in the same facility using globally sourced components.

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