MM-6 Digital Vacuum Tube Amplifier Instruction Manual
Thank you for purchasing this Mistral MM-6 Amplifier. This instruction manual provides all of the information that you need to know about your Mistral MM-6 Digital Vacuum Tube Amplifier. Please read it carefully before you start using the unit. The Mistral MM-6 is a high quality hybrid tube / transistor amplifier for use in digital Hi Fi system applications. It has an inbuilt digital to analogue converter and several input options to enable users to connect digital and analogue music sources. It also has a pre amp output option which means that it can be used with an external power amplifier or with a subwoofer. The robust build and high quality finish of this amplifier make it a practical, long lasting and durable Hi Fi system component. Digital audio sources that can be used with this amplifier include: Apple ipod Apple Airport Slim Devices Squeezebox Roku Soundbridge Linksys Music Bridge Sonos ZP80 Digital output from CD Player Digital output from laptop or Apple Mac 2
Introduction Safety Instructions 4 Front Panel Connections 7 Back Panel Connections 8 Connections 9 Useful Tips 12 Product Guarantee and Service 14 Troubleshooting 15 3
Safety Instructions IMPORTANT Please read this manual before operating your Mistral amplifier. Observe the Safety Instructions to avoid electrical shocks or equipment failure due to improper installation. Please retain these instructions in a safe place for future reference. A triangle with a lightning symbol indicates dangerous voltage which may be high enough to entail risk of electric shock. A triangle with an exclamation mark indicates important instructions for use and maintenance in the accompanying manual. To prevent risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. 1. Observe all safety warnings given in the manual. 2. If the unit produces smoke, a strange smell, or strange sounds upon turning the product ON, the unit may have been damaged in shipment. If this happens, immediately switch the power OFF and unplug the power cord. 3. This unit should NOT be situated in close proximity to water. E.g. Near baths, sinks, washing machines, swimming pools, saunas etc. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or to extreme temperature, humidity, or changes in temperature. 4. Do not place near direct heat sources such as radiators, stoves, gas fires, naked flames or candles. 4
Safety Instructions 5. Ensure that the unit is placed on a clean, dry and flat surface before operation. 6. Do not drop the unit, apply excessive force to the controls or place heavy objects on top of the unit. 7. Do not allow excessive levels of dust to gather on the amplifier. To clean, unplug the cooled unit and use a soft dry cloth. If necessary, use a damp cloth without any solvents. 8. Ensure that the area in which the unit is situated has adequate ventilation. Do not place the amplifier in a position where its ventilation may become obstructed. 9. Avoid placement on beds, sofas, rugs, enclosed bookcases / cabinets and any other area which may cause interference to the ventilation of the product thus causing it to overheat. 10. Ensure that the unit is connected to the correct power supply as indicated on the unit. Unplug the amplifier when not in use for a long period. 11. Always make sure power cables are placed safely and are not obstructing a walkway. 12. This product can get hot. Do not touch the tubes and keep away from babies, children and pets. 13. To avoid risk of electric shock, do not attempt to remove the cover or the back of unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing of internal parts to qualified service personnel. Any unauthorised changes or modifications to this equipment would render the manufacturer's warranty null and void. 14. WARNING: Tube electronics use high voltages that can cause injury or death. Dangerous voltages may be stored in capacitors many hours after the unit has been tuned OFF. 15. Check that your local mains supply voltage agrees with the setting indicated on the back panel of the amplifier. Always use a quality power surge protector. 16. Always turn OFF the power switches when connecting or disconnecting from mains power. 17. It is recommended that you disconnect the power supply from the 5
Safety Instructions mains when the unit is in a protracted period of non-use (holidays, etc) and during initial setup. 18. Refer to the owner's manual of each component that is connected to this unit. 6
Front Panel Connections 1. Power 2. Input Selector 3. Tube (Valve) window 4. Volume Control 7
Back Panel Connections 1. Speaker Terminals: The speaker terminals are clearly marked redpositive and black-negative for correct polarity. 2. AC Power Cord Attachment and Fuse: The power cord is included in the MM-6 box. The fuse is user replaceable after turning the amplifier off. You should call your dealer with any questions regarding fuse replacement. WARNING: Using the wrong fuse type may cause damage to the MM-6 and is a potential fire safety hazard. 3. USB Digital Input: To connect directly to your computer or other digital device. 4. Optical Digital Input: For optical digital sources such as CD players. 5. Auxillary: For analog line level sources. 6. Pre-Amp Output: To connect the MM-6 to an external amplifier or subwoofer. The MM-6 amplifier operates as an active pre-amp when this output is used and allows a system upgrade path if a separate power amplifier is introduced. 8
Connections Optical Digital Inputs USB Input for Computer How to connect source with a digital optical output. (i.e. CD Players, Apple TV or Airport Express (special Apple optical cable needed). How to connect a personal computer to your MM-6 amplifier. Connect a digital optical cable to the optical input on the back of the amplifier. Select the corresponding input on the front of the amplifier. Connect a USB cable from your PC to the back of the amplifier. In the bottom right corner of your computer screen, you ll see a speaker icon. Right click on this icon and select Adjust Audio Properties. Select the Volume tab. Use the drop down box to select USB Audio DAC. This should be next to the speaker icon in the Volume tab. You are now ready to launch and play your music software. Select the USB input on your MM-6. USB Input for Mac How to connect an Apple Mac to your MM-6 amplifier. Connect a USB cable from your MAC to the USB input on the back of the MM-6. Turn on the MM-6 and then boot up your Mac. Do not have your music software open before you connect the USB. In the System Preferences select the Speaker icon. Next switch from Internal Speakers to USB Audio Device. You are now ready to launch and play your music software. 9
Connections Analogue Input How to connect conventional components (i.e. Tuner, Tape Deck, SACD player) Connect an RCA cable to the RCA inputs on the back of the MM-6. Take care not to connect them to the RCA pre amp outputs. To use a turntable an external phono pre-amp will be required. Consult your dealer for recommendations. Speaker Output Subwoofer Output The MM-6 is designed to drive one pair of speakers between 4-8 ohms. However it can be used with more than one pair if appropriately matched. Consult your Authorised Dealer to advise on this. The RCA Pre Amp Outputs can be used for several applications. Pre Amplifier Output To use as a subwoofer output, run a stereo pair of RCA cables from the pre amp output to the subwoofer RCA line input. If your subwoofer has only one line input, you can use a Y Adapter (Dual Male to Single Female) to connect the subwoofer to your MM-6 amplifier. This will give you a single output. Connect a Stereo RCA cable from the pre amp output of the MM-6 to the stereo inputs on your external amplifier. Pre Amplifier Output and 10 You will need to split the L/R outputs to two L/R outputs. To
Connections Powered Subwoofer Together do this you will require 2 Y Adapters (Single Male to Two Female). Plug the Y Adapters into the pre-out of the MM-6. You now have two outputs for each channel. Connect 1 set of L/R RCA type connectors to the external amp and the other two outputs to your subwoofer. 11
Useful Tips USB Connections Steps may vary between Macs and PCs however basic instructions are very similar. Having completed the USB Input for Computer and USB Input for Mac procedures described under the Connections section above,,your computer should recognise the USB Audio DAC and default to it when plugged in. If you unplug the USB connection and restart your music program before reconnecting first, you may find that you have to repeat the steps outlined in the procedures again. Other Helpful Tips 1. Always set your computer and music software volume control to maximum and use the MM-6 volume as a master control. This will achieve a better listening experience. 2. Avoid keeping multiple programs open while streaming music. It can compromise the sound quality and even cause signal drop-outs. 3. Avoid plugging and unplugging the USB input multiple times in a short time span. It usually is not a problem but can increase the chance of a voltage spike to the USB input. 12
Product Guarantee & Service Warranty, Contact and Support Information International Guarantee The MM-6 has a 1 year parts and labour guarantee from time of purchase. Vacuum tubes are covered for six months. Units that are covered under this guarantee include MM-6 purchased from any authorised MM-6 distributor or dealer. Mistral can take no responsibility for defects arising from accident, misuse, abuse, wear and tear, neglect or through adjustment and/or repair. We also cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss occurring during transit to or from the person claiming under the guarantee. The warranty does not cover shipping costs. Claims under Warranty The equipment should be packed in it s original packing and returned to the dealer from whom it was purchased, or if unavailable, directly to the MM-6 distributor. You should use a reputable carrier. Do not send by Postal Service. Mistral cannot accept responsibility for returns goods in transit to the dealer, distributor or service facility. Please insure the unit against loss or damage while in transit. 13
Troubleshooting Problem Cause/Remedy The MM-6 will not turn on. Make sure the on/off switch on the front panel is engaged. Check that the AC Plug is connected. Check the fuse. The MM-6 unit turns on but there is no sound. You intermittently lose signal on the USB input. Ensure proper input selected. Check mute is not selected. Check source is on. If the input button is blinking then your digital signal is not locked. Check your cable connections and your source. Try re-starting your music software (e.g. ITunes, Spotify, Windows Media Player etc). Try turning your MM-6 off at the mains and re-boot your computer. Turn your MM-6 back on. If the computer still doesn t recognise the USB DAC repeat the process. Also unplug the USB cable from the computer and the MM-6, and plug it back in before re-booting. The MM-6 has been designed to remain locked on the USB signal at all times, but there may still be instances where the signal can drop out. When you switch from one source to another you get a loud click or pop This can be caused from static build up but it should not occur consistently over a long period of time. If problem persists, please contact your distributor or dealer. Your ipod doesn t sound as expected through the MM-6. Your ipod offers custom equalizations for headphone use that aren t necessary with the MM- 6 and a good pair of speakers. Ensure that the ipod volume is set to match the other components in your system.