C.E.C. TUBE53 User manual


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• Introduction ……………………………………………………………………… 2
• Important Safety Instructions …………………………………………………… 3
• Handling Precautions …………………………………………………………… 6
• Accessories ……………………………………………………………………… 8
• Front Panel Functions …………………………………………………………… 9
• Rear Panel Functions ……………………………………………………………10
•Vacuum tube replacement …………………………………………………… 12
• Cautions regarding Handling ……………………………………………………15
• Maintenance ………………………………………………………………………16
• Troubleshooting …………………………………………………………………17
• Specifications ……………………………………………………………………18
Thank you for purchasing the TUBE53.
Please refer to this Owner’s Manual to use your TUBE53 safely, and in the best pos-
sible way. It is recommended that you keep the carton box and the packing material
available for future transportation needs.
• Though it is a vacuum tube amplifier, the TUBE53 achieves a 20W + 20W (8Ω)
output and high response, that can drive the analog signal with ease from even
digital media players.
• The TUBE53 uses two 6L6GC tubes per channel in a push-pull configuration, and
low-distortion Mullard type phase inverting circuitry design.
• The TUBE53 achieves hi-fidelity music reproduction with minimum reliance on
negative feedback circuitry.
• The output transformer, which uses orient core materials, achieves a straight
sound quality with minimum phase misalignment. The TUBE53 uses a troidal
transformer, featuring superior rise characteristics, for its power supply. Noise is
thoroughly eliminated by solidifying the transformer with resin and covering it
with a steel casing.
• The TUBE53 uses selected high quality components to draw out the circuitry’s
full potential, such as low-distortion volume control, electrolytic capacitors and
resistors with high information processing ability and low noise.

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The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol, within an equi-
lateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to potential electric
shock hazards within the product’s casing.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended
to notify the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the accompanying docu-
mentation.
WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use the TUBE53 near water.
6) Clean only with a dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install the TUBE53 near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.

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9) (For USA, Canada: ) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, with one blade wider
than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the pro-
vided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet. (For European Countries: ) Do not defeat the safety purpose of
the grounding-type plug. This plug has two poles and a third grounding hole.
The third hole is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the TUBE53’s power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially
around the plugs, convenience receptacles, and where it exits the TUBE53’s
casing.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Only use the TUBE53 with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or
sold with the unit. If using a cart, exercise caution
when moving the cart/unit combination to avoid
injury from it tipping over.
13) Unplug the TUBE53 during lightning storms or
when leaving it unused for extended periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when
the TUBE53 itself, its power-supply cord, or plug has been damaged in any
way, when liquids have been spilled onto the TUBE53, when foreign objects
have fallen into the TUBE53, when the TUBE53 has been exposed to rain or
moisture, when the TUBE53 does not operate normally, or when the TUBE53
has been dropped.

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• Do not expose the TUBE53 to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the TUBE53.
• Do not install the TUBE53 in a confined space, such as within a book case
or similar piece of furniture.
• Plug the AC power cord into an easily accessible AC wall outlet, so it can
be quickly unplugged in case of emergency.
• DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING WITH A SCREW-
DRIVER.
• USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF
PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RE-
SULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
• IF THE TUBE53 SEEMS TO BE MALFUNCTIONING, CONTACT A QUAL-
IFIED SERVICE STATION. DISCONTINUE USE OF ANY MALFUCTION-
ING UNIT.
AC POWER CORD CONNECTION
CAUTION:
TO PR EVENT ELECTORIC SHOCK, MATCH THE BLADE
WIDTH OF THE PLUG TO THE SLOT WIDTH. THE PLUG
MUST BE FULLY INSERTED TO THE SLOT.

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1. Before connecting or disconnecting other devices, unplug the
TUBE53’s AC power cord from the outlet.
2. To avoid noise from your speakers, turn your system components
on or off in the following order:
Power on: Turn on other devices connected to the TUBE53’s inputs first, before
turning the TUBE53 on.
Power off: Turn the TUBE53 off first, before turning off any connected devices.
3. Handle with care
Avoid exerting excessive force to the glass cover, knobs and cabinet on the
TUBE53.
4. Installation
Use of an audio rack is recommended to maximize the sound quality and per-
formance of the TUBE53. Installation and use of the TUBE53 in the locations
described below may cause deterioration in sound quality or malfunction:
• Locations exposed to direct sunlight - such as windowsills, and other ex-
ceptionally warm locations - such as near heating appliances (surrounding
temperature higher than 35 ℃), or exceptionally cold locations (surrounding
temperature lower than 5 ℃), can prevent the TUBE53 from functioning
properly.
• Damp locations exceeding 90% humidity may cause the TUBE53’s metal
parts to rust, causing the unit to malfunction.
• Dusty locations may cause contact failure of the switches and noise, and may
result in deteriorated performance of the TUBE53.
• Otherwise, avoid installing the TUBE53 close to other transformers and
electrical motors, so as to prevent the pickup of induction hum. Also, avoid
mounting the TUBE53 on surfaces that may be affected by vibration.
5. Avoid lightning strikes
Disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet when there is a thunderstorm
in your vicinity.

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6. Condensation
When the TUBE53 is brought into a warm room when the exterior tempera-
ture is cold, or when the room temperature rises sharply from using a heater,
condensation may form both inside and outside the TUBE53, hampering its
performance. If this happens, leave the TUBE53 unused in the room for 1 to 2
hours (depending on the amount of condensation), so as to bring the TUBE53’
s temperature closer to the room temperature. The condensation should go away
gradually.
7. Listening etiquette
When adjusting the sound volume level, make sure you do not disturb other
people and your neighborhood.

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取扱説明書
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The packaging for the TUBE53 should contain the following:
1. TUBE53 unit
2. AC power cord
3. Owner’s Manual
Note: Keep the carton box and packing material available for future transportation
needs.
The AC power cord is for use with the TUBE53 exclusively, and should not be used
for other devices.

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POWER
Press the POWER button to turn the TUBE53 on. The LED above the button will
light up.
Note: It takes 2 to 3 minutes for the TUBE53 to stabilize once its power is on.
To turn the unit off, move the VOLUME knob to the minimum and press the POW-
ER button again.
SELECTOR
Turn the SELECTOR knob to select an input source from 1, 2 or 3.
Note: Before changing the input, turn the VOLUME to the minimum.
VOLUME
Turn the VOLUME knob clockwise for volume up.
Turn the VOLUME knob counter clockwise for volume down.

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AC LINE
Connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC LINE inlet.
RIGHT INPUT/LEFT INPUT
Line in audio signal input jacks equipped with unbalanced RCA connectors. Use in-
terconnect RCA cables to connect inputs 1 / 2 / 3 to an external source with an RCA
line output, such as a CD player, tuner or tape deck.
Note: Phono and digital sources cannot be connected directly to these line inputs.
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