Audio Note QUEST User manual
MANUAL-ZZ209 1
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of the Audio Note Quest mono power
amplifiers. The Quest is a Pure Class A Parallel Singled Ended valve amplifiers that uses
the highly regarded 300B directly heated triode valve. The Quest produces a level of
performance that is radically superior to current designs and was specifically designed for
sonic performance rather than technical specifications. It also fulfills all Level 3 criteria.
-Pure Class A operation.
-Zero negative feedback.
-Single ended output stage.
-Valve rectification.
-Directly heated Triode.
-Materials and component quality.
This Level 3 amplifier features Audio Note copper and silver wiring and Audio Note
capacitors.
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
These amplifiers are shipped without the valves installed. It is necessary to install
the valves first. It is essential that the valves are installed correctly or serious
damage that is not covered by the warranty will result. We recommend that your
dealer does this for you.
Installing the valves
Please take care when unpacking the amplifiers as they are fairly heavy and place on a
suitable clean space (table or floor) it is recommend that you store the packaging
materials in case the unit requires shipping at a later date.
Carefully unwrap all the valves. You will find 1x 6SN7WGTA, 1 x 300B and 1x 5U4G
valves for each amplifier.
Looking from the front of the amplifier, the first valve to insert is the 6SN7WGTA valve
which goes into the first valve base at the front of the amplifier.
Inspect the locating pin on the bottom center of the valve and align with the valve base
(the locating pin can only go in one way round due to a locating spigot) and with gentle
but firm pressure insert the valve.
Looking from the front of the amplifier, the next valve to plug in is the 5U4G valve
which goes into the last valve base at the back of the amplifier.
See Diagram 1 below:
MANUAL-ZZ209 2
Diagram 1:
Inspect the locating pin on the bottom center of the valve and align with the valve base
(the locating pin can only go in one way round due to a locating spigot) and with gentle
but firm pressure insert the valve.
Looking from the front of the amplifier, the next valve to install is the 300B valve which
is inserted into the 4 pin valve base in the middle of the amplifier.
It is absolutely vital that this valve is fitted correctly
(1) The larger pins must face the front of the amplifier when fitted to their valve base.
(2) The sticker on the valves base must also line up with the sticker on the copper top
plate, that is, A to A, B to B etc., or 1 to 1, 2 to 2 and so on.
Please make sure that both (1) and (2) are correct and with gentle but firm pressure insert
the valves into their sockets.
Check again that all valves are fully inserted in the correct way in their respective valve
sockets.
Follow the above installation for both amplifiers.
Installation
Select a suitable location for the units ensuring that adequate ventilation clearance is
provided allowing at least 30cm. of space above the units. This is an important
consideration as the amplifier generates substantial heat during normal operation. Be sure
not to install the amplifier into a cabinet with restricted air flow or onto a thick pile
carpet.
6SN7 300B 5U4G
MANUAL-ZZ209 3
Photo 1: Internal top view of amplifier
In the interest of safe, reliable operation situate the amplifier away from dampness or
direct sunlight. Site the unit on a flat and firm surface capable of sustaining the
amplifier’s weight. Worthwhile sonic improvements may be obtained by locating the
amplifiers on a purposely designed audio support system.
CONNECTION –Inputs
Each amplifier has a single RCA socket on the back panel for connection to your
preamplifier marked as Input. The sockets are colour coded Black for Left channel and
Red for Right channel.
CONNECTION –Speakers
Each amplifier is equipped with three colour coded standard binding posts for connection
to your speakers.
Connect the amplifiers black speaker output binding post marked as “ 0 ” to the black
terminal (also marked “ – “) on the speaker.
Connect the amplifiers red speaker output binding post marked “8 Ohm” to the red
terminal (also marked “ + “) on the speaker.
The other red speaker output binding post is marked “4 Ohm” and may be used with 4
Ohm speakers. If you are uncertain whether your speaker system is of 4 or 8 Ohm type,
try the following test once all other connections are made and the amplifier is operational.
Compare the sound quality using a familiar recording with the speakers connected to the
8 ohm connections and then the 4 Ohm connections respectively. The selection that
produces the best frequency balance and maximum dynamics should be used.
MANUAL-ZZ209 4
Photo 2: Front view of amplifier
CONNECTION –Mains
Both amplifiers have an IEC mains inlet socket. Use the supplied mains cable to connect
the unit to the local mains supply. The mains fuse and a spare is located in the inlet
socket fuse drawer. The mains cable must be removed to access the fuse or fuses.
Special Note – Make sure that all connection are tight and clean. For best results use
good quality audio interlinks. Although several companies make good quality interlinks
those manufactured by Audio Note give the best performance with Audio Note Amplifiers.
USING THE AMPLIFIERS
Once all the connections are completed and checked, turn on the amplifiers by using the
rocker switch located on the rear top right of the back panel just above mains inlet socket.
The amplifier requires approximately two minutes initializing time before it is ready for
operation. During this time ensure that the volume control on your preamplifier is at the
minimum setting.
A new amplifier requires about 200 hours of initial use (called “bedding in time”) before
the circuitry becomes stable and optimum performance is realized. As the amplifier “beds
in” the sound will become increasingly smoother, detailed and open. Once the amplifier
MANUAL-ZZ209 5
Photo 3: Rear view of amplifier
has “bed in” a warm up time of approximately 30 to 45 minutes is required each time the
amplifiers are switched on before optimum sonic performance is reached.
CAUTION – Valves can reach very high operating temperatures when in use and
can cause burns if touched.
AFTER CARE
No special maintenance is required for the amplifiers. A small feather or wool duster is
excellent for removing household dust from the valves and chassis. Fingerprints and such
may be cleaned with a soft cloth. Use a soft cloth dampened in mild, warm and weak
soapy solution to remove grease or oily substances. Strong or alcohol based solvents may
damage the finish on the amplifiers. Dust or clean the amplifiers only when switched off
and “cold”.
TUBE REPLACEMENTS
The valves used in the amplifiers should provide at least 6000 hours of operation. These
valves are specially selected and carefully matched by Audio Note for use with the Quest
MANUAL-ZZ209 6
and should only be replaced with matched pairs. Please consult your Audio Note dealer
should the performance of the amplifiers deteriorate so that arrangements for valve
replacements can be made.
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
Audio Note warrants this product free from defects in materials and workmanship for 1
year from original date of purchase from an appointed Audio Note dealer. The valves are
warranted for 3 months. In the event that your Audio Note product requires servicing,
please contact your Audio Note dealer. If the equipment needs to be shipped, please use
the original packaging and include a copy of the purchase receipt, with a note explaining
in as much detail as possible, the problems that you are experiencing with the unit.
Any modification not authorized by Audio Note will invalidate this warranty.
If you require technical support, new valves or have any questions, please direct them to
your Audio Note dealer first or contact us directly.
Audio Note (UK) Limited,
25 Montefiore Road
Hove, East Sussex,
BN3 1RD,
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1273 220511
Fax: +44 (0)1273 731498
Email: [email protected]
SPECIFICATIONS Per Mono Block
Weight 20 kg
Dimensions 195(h) x 205(w) x 500(d) mm
Fuse Rating 2A Anti Surge (110V/120VAC Supply)
1.2A Anti Surge (200/240VAC Supply)
Input Impedance 100k Ohm
Input Sensitivity 250mV for full output
Maximum Output 9 watts RMS per channel into 4 or 8 ohm loads
Channel Balance +/- 0.3db
Valves 1 x 6SN7WGTA, 1 x 5U4G, 1 x 300B
Power Consumption 135watts
Note: Due to Audio Note’s desire to continually improve its products, specifications are
subject to change without notice.
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH CE STANDARDS
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