Audio Note M Zero User manual
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1
Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note™ M-ZERO Line pre amplifier.
The M-ZERO provides outstanding performance for line level playback systems,
represents excellent value and is of a compact size.
Please read over this manual carefully in order to obtain the best possible performance
and longevity from the M-ZERO.
UNPACKING & INSTALLATION
We recommend that you store the packaging materials in case the unit requires shipping
at a later date. Also, check that no transit damage has occurred before installing the pre
amplifier.
Next, select a suitable location for the unit, ensuring that some ventilation is provided, as
some heat is generated by the pre amplifier during normal operation.
Worthwhile improvements may be obtained by locating the pre amplifier on a support
system specifically designed to reduce and absorb any vibrations.
AFTER CARE
Cleaning: No special maintenance is required for the M-ZERO. A soft cloth or brush
similar to those sold by photographic stores for lens cleaning applications is best used for
cleaning.
Use a cloth dampened with a mildly warm, weak soap solution to clean off grease or oily
substances. Strong or alcohol based solvents may damage the finish of this amplifier.
Tube replacement: The vacuum tube used in the M-ZERO should provide about two
years of continuous operation. With three hours of use per day, they should provide a
40,000 hour life span.
Audio Note™ has taken considerable care in selecting and matching vacuum tubes
specially for the M-ZERO, and so we recommend that you contact your Audio Note
dealer, who will be able to provide the correct tube should replacement be required.
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2
CONNECTION -Mains
Use the supplied mains cable to connect the pre amplifier to the mains supply, ensuring
that the plug is firmly inserted to the mains input socket.
Connection of Source Components
LINE INPUTS: Four line inputs labelled TUNER, AUX, AV, and CD are available for
connection to the corresponding music sources. Any “line level” music sources including
a Laser Disc, DVD, VCR and TV. Player may be connected to any of the line inputs.
TAPE CONNECTIONS: A set of inputs and outputs are available for connection to a
cassette deck, MD., etc. These connections are also suitable for use with a stereo video
tape recorded or any other “line level” equipment. Connect the music source’s “line out”
to “Tape in” sockets on the pre amplifier and the pre amplifier’s “Record out” to the music
sources “Line in” connectors.
Connection -Power amps.
Two sets of RCA `output` connectors are provided. Both sets are identical and either set
may be used for single or mono-block amplifier operation. The connectors are colour
coded with red and white bands for quick channel identification with red being the right
channel and white being the left channel.
Special Note: For best performance, use good quality audio interconnects. Although several
companies manufacture good quality interconnects, those manufactured by Audio Note are
excellent!
Remote-control
Remove rear battery cover by pressing and sliding down rear section and correctly insert
batteries. Replace batteries when necessary with the correct type (AAA, LR03, AM4,
1.5V) X 2.
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3
USING THE M-ZERO
Once all connections are completed and checked, flip the main on/off switch located next
to the mains input socket to the “on” position. The red `POWER` indicator on the front
panel should now be glowing. Being vacuum tube, the pre amplifier will take about 45
seconds before it is ready for operation. The power amplifier may now be turned on.
To set the pre-amp to the appropriate source (CD, AV, AUX TUNER, TAPE) press either
`INPUT` button on the remote control until the appropriate red led light is lit above the
source you wish to hear. Then press the `VOLUME` up button to the desired listening
level. If to loud press the `VOLUME` down button to the desired level.
Pressing the `MUTE` button will greatly reduce the volume (allowing you to answer the
telephone, etc). Press the `MUTE` button again will restore original volume. While the
mute facility is being used the red led above the `POWER` button will flash.
If the balance between Left and Right stereo channels is inappropriate, adjust the
balance control to compensate for the imbalance. Turning the control clockwise will
reduce the left channel’s sound level and turning the control anti-clockwise will reduce
the right channel’s sound level. The central, indented position is the normal setting for
this control. The Balance control is not operated by the remote control.
Bedding in time: The new pre amplifier requires about 200 hours of initial use (called
“bedding in time”) before the circuitry becomes stable and optimum performance is
realised. As the amplifier “beds in”, the sound will become more lucid, detailed and
expansive.
Once the amplifier is “bedded in”, a warm-up time of approximately 30 to 45 minutes is
required each time the unit is turned on before optimum sonic performance is reached.
The M-ZERO is designed for continuous operation and may remain switched on, even
when not in use. The power consumption is minimal. You may, however, prefer to turn
the unit off when not in use by using the “ON/OFF” switch located on the rear panel, next
to the mains inlet socket.
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4
TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
The M-ZERO meets the requirements of Level Zero and the basic technological
requirements of all Audio Note products.
Audio Note™ use a technique called “Comparison by Contrast”* during the development
of our products. This method of aural evaluation is a system currently unique to Audio
Note™.
All inputs are routed to the line stage via an input selector, volume and balance control.
High quality parts are used throughout the pre amplifier.
The circuitry is un-complex and incredibly effective, yielding a high level of sonic
performance.
•An essay titled ‘Audio Hell’ that describes the Comparison by Contrast technique is available from Audio
Note on request.
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
Audio Note™ warrants this product free from defects in materials and workmanship for
one year from original date of purchase from an appointed Audio Note dealer. The
vacuum tubes are warranted for three months.
In the event that your Audio Note™ product requires servicing, please contact your Audio
Note™ dealer. If the component needs to be shipped, please use the original packaging
materials and include a copy of the sales purchase with a note, explaining, in as much
detail as possible, the problems that you are experiencing with the unit.
If you require technical support, new vacuum tubes or have any questions, please direct
them to your local Audio Note™ dealer or alternatively to:
Customer Support
Audio Note (UK) Limited
Unit C, Peacock Industrial Estate
Lyon Close
125-127 Davigdor Road
HOVE
East Sussex
BN3 1SG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1273 220511
Fax: +44 (0)1273 731498
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5
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight 4 kilograms
Dimensions 220(w) x 120 (h) x 300(d) (mm)
Power consumption 11 Watts
Fuse ratings 500ma anti-surge (110/120V supply)
500ma anti-surge (220/240v supply)
Input impedance 100K, line in
Input sensitivity 92 MV @ 0db
Output impedance 2K.
Output noise < 0.5MV
Tube compliment 6111 WA Valve Line Stage
Note: Due to Audio Note’s ongoing research and development programme, specifications are subject to change
without notice.
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH CE STANDARDS.
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