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Summary of Contents for VAC ?200 Phi Two Hundred
- Page 1 The VAC Phi Two Hundred Stereo Beam Power Amplifier Operation & Maintenance Information Valve Amplification Company Manual issued 01/02/2009 Revised 03/11/2009, 01/21/2010...
- Page 2 BE CERTAIN TO INSTALL IT IN A SECURE LOCATION FROM WHICH IT CAN NOT FALL OR TIP OVER. Provide adequate ventilation - allow at least 3 inches above and to each side. Do not place in a completely enclosed cabinet. Do not stack other equipment on top of the VAC unit.
- Page 3 INDEX Introduction Installation - Stereo Mono Connections / Mono Switch (option) Operation Installing New Output Tubes Biasing & Checking Output Tube Condition Replacement of Low Level Tubes Care Of Chassis Tips and Advice A Word About Tubes in General Output Tubes Low Level Tubes Impedance Matching Grounding...
- Page 4 INTRODUCTION The Phi 200 is a unique power amplifier, and one of the most vivid and detailed in VAC’s history, second only to the larger Phi 300.1. Featuring a new direct-coupled input & driver circuit, extremely fast and vivid sound is achieved from both single-ended and balanced sources.
- Page 5 Connect the power cord to the power source indicated on the rear panel (will be either 100, 120, 220, or 240 volts AC). Voltage conversions must be done at the factory of by an authorized VAC importer. Avoid power conditioners that float the ground pin.
- Page 6 be aware that different power cords can alter the sound. Check the bias settings of the output tubes when the unit is first installed and whenever a tube is changed. It is also a good idea to verify the settings periodically, such as once a week.
- Page 7 MONO CONNECTION - with Mono Switch option For 200+ watt mono operation: Set the MONO SWITCH to “Mono”. Ensure that the two BALANCE/SE switches are set identically to one another. Connect the input cable to either XLR connector (balanced source) or to either RCA connector (unbalanced source).
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Page 8: Operation
3,000 to 8,000 hours. For best tube life, turn the amplifier off when you are not listening. Any time that the VAC Power Amplifier has not been used for a few weeks the sound may be different. This is also normal for high resolution audio equipment. Optimum sound should return after a few hours of operation, preferably with an audio signal. - Page 9 First, see the SAFETY NOTICE earlier in the manual. Output tubes are type KT88. Replacement output tubes should be purchased from VAC. It is desirable that tubes be in matched quartets for each channel, and be close to the "bogey" values for the major parameters.
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Page 10: Output Tube Bias Adjustment
CHECKING OUTPUT TUBE CONDITION The condition of each individual KT88 output tube should be checked with the built in indicator LED lights, located behind each KT88. Proper setting is indicated by an LED that is dark when no music is playing, but lights ‘with the beat’ as music is played. -
Page 11: Care Of Chassis
A Word About Low Level Tubes. CARE OF CHASSIS VAC chassis are machined aluminum for superior electromagnetic performance. The main chassis is finished in a durable matte powdercoat paint. Cleaning the unit with a damp cloth WHILE THE AMP IS SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED should suffice. Do not get cleaning solutions onto or into the... - Page 12 It is normal to see a slight violet glow in a power tube such as a 300B or EL34. However, a vivid violet indicates excess current flow through the tube and should be investigated. VAC can test tubes for concerned customers.
- Page 13 Your VAC Amplifier uses the KT88 kinkless tetrode. It is strongly recommended that replacement tubes be purchased only from VAC. If, however, you want to customize the sound to your tastes, be aware that as with interconnects and speaker cables, each tube manufacturer's KT88 tends to have a distinct sound, as well as its own reliability profile.
- Page 14 Contrary to popular misconception, no power is lost due to unused output taps. For more information consult VAC Technical Monograph 90-9, which may be viewed on our wesite (http://www.vac-amps.com).
- Page 15 Keep the audio cables as close together as possible. Keep the AC cords away from the audio cables. Try different ground settings on your preamplifier, if it has them. For example, the VAC Signature, Phi, and Renaissance preamplifiers may be set to “ungrounded” or “XLR” audio modes.
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Page 16: Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS The VAC Phi has been developed with the critical ear as the major arbiter of quality, with both conventional and unique measurements providing insight and guidance as necessary. The lack of emphasis on measurements is due to the fact that engineering's arsenal of equipment and techniques do not operate on the pattern recognition principles that control human perception of sound. -
Page 17: Warranty
Your equipment is warranted for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. In addition, if the registration form is received by VAC along with a copy of your sales receipt from an authorized VAC dealer within this thirty days, the warranty will be extended to two (2) years (tubes excepted). This warranty applies only to units sold in the United States of America through authorized VAC dealers and operated within the United States by the original purchaser.
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