Trends Audio PA-10 User manual

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D

Tube Headphone/Pre Amplifier

Version 1.0

USER GUIDE

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

All rights in this publication are reserved and no part may be reproduced without the

prior written permission of the publisher. The contents of this publication are believed

to be correct at the time of going to press, but any information, specifications, products

or services mentioned may be modified, supplemented or withdrawn without further

notice.

Trademarks

Trends, Trends Audio, and ITOK are the trademarks owned by ITOK Technologies

Limited

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

ITOK Technologies Limited

Rm. K, 11/F, Kwun Tong Industrial Centre, Phase 1

472-484 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tel : +852 2304 0730

Fax : +852 2566 5740

Email : sales@TrendsAudio.com

Website : www.TrendsAudio.com

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Table of Content

- 3 -

TABLE OF CONTENT.......................................................................................- 3 -

1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.............................................................................- 4 -

2. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................- 4 -

3. FEATURES..................................................................................................- 5 -

4. OVERVIEW..................................................................................................- 6 -

5. HINTS AND TIPS.........................................................................................- 7 -

6. SPECIFICATION..........................................................................................- 7 -

6.1 Specification of the Pre-Amplifier Unit.................................................... - 7 -

6.2 Specification of the Headphone Amplifier Unit........................................ - 8 -

6.3 Specification of the AC Adaptor............................................................. - 8 -

7. TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................................- 9 -

8. ACCESSORIES ...........................................................................................- 9 -

9. TECHNICAL NOTES (FOR PROFESSIONAL USER ONLY) ........................ - 10 -

9.1 Jumper Setting for Different Tube Series..........................................- 10 -

9.2 DC Bias Voltage Tuning ....................................................................- 10 -

10. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE................................................................... - 12 -

11. CONTACT US............................................................................................ - 12 -

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 1. Safety Instructions / Section 2. Introduction

- 4 -

Please take note the following instructions before installing your Trends PA-10/

PA-10.1D Tube Headphone/Pre Amplifier, they will enable you to get the best

performance and prolong the life of the product.

This unit must not be exposed to dripping or splashing water or other liquids. No

objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on the unit. In the event, switch

off immediately, disconnect from the main supply and contact your dealer or us for

advice

Do not route the power cable so that it can be walked upon or damaged by other items

near it.

Electronic audio components have a running in period of around a week (if used

several hours per day). This will allow the new components to settle down; the sonic

properties will improve over this time

If you do not intend to use this unit for a long period of time, unplug it from main socket

To clean the unit, wipe its case with a moist, lint-free cloth. Do not use any cleaning

fluids containing alcohol, ammonia or abrasives. Do not spray an aerosol at or near

Trends PA-10.

These units are not user serviceable, never attempt to repair, disassemble or

reconstruct the unit if there seems to be a problem. A serious electric shock could

result if this precautionary measure is ignored. In the event of a problem or failure,

please contact your dealer or us.

Thank you for purchasing a Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D Tube Headphone/Pre amplifier.

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D Tube Headphone/Pre Amplifier is an innovative audio

product and provides all functions of headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier. It

includes the innovative circuit design of low voltage hybrid (tube/transistor) pre-amp to

provide audiophile quality sound, compact size, and easy/safe DIYer accessibility -

pure class-A circuit to provide the best sound performance and have fun tube rolling

with this fantastic headphone/Pre amplifier.

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 3. Features

- 5 -

lthe innovative circuit design of low voltage hybrid (tube/transistor) pre-amp to

provide audiophile quality sound, compact size, and easy/safe DIYer accessibility

lpure class-A circuit to provide the best sound performance

lsupport both 6DJ8/6922 series and 12AU7 series tubes by simply switching the

jumpers. DIYers can easily change their both series tubes to enjoy the fun.

lONE bi-triode 6DJ8/6922 or 12AU7 tube as voltage amplification and TWO

MOSFETs as output driver which perform the warm, comfortable tube sound and

in addition, guarantee the high fidelity & sufficient driving power to the next power

amplifier stage.

lprovide all functions of headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier

lprovide TWO sets of switchable audio inputs. Besides the normal CD input, the

PC/iPod input with higher gain is provided for small output phono amplifier or

PC/Mac/iPod.

lBesides the normal audio output in the back panel, ONE headphone output in the

front to drive even high-impedance audiophile-grade headphones

lcompact design (mini-size & light weight), suitable for hi-fi room, living room,

sleeping room or even right beside your laptop computer.

lTWO precise screw-driving potentiometers for professional audiophiles to adjust

the tube’s bias voltage to guarantee the best working point for different tubes.

lrequire just a single +24V power supply ONLY, besides the bundled AC adaptor,

audiophiles can apply all other power supply with the same spec., e.g. lead-acid

batteries.

la specially designed AC power adaptor with extra low ripple & noise for Hi-Fi

device is bundled for continuous power supply

lseparate pre-amp unit & power adaptor to minimize interference and flexible to

apply other power sources, e.g. lead-acid battery.

lall audiophile-graded parts and components

lthe stylish aluminum case provides outstanding shielding & grounding capability to

keeps the background silent and maximize the S/N ratio.

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 4. Overview

- 6 -

Front View

PA-10 (1 Output) PA-10.1D (2 Output)

1. Headphone Socket

2. Volume Controller – Turn Anti-clockwise to lower down volume and vice versa.

Back View

PA-10 (1 Output) PA-10.1D (2 Output)

1. PC/iPod - Input from PC/Mac/iPod/iPad/Smartphone with higher gain by

RCA-RCA cable.

2. Output - To any line level input on your amplifier by RCA-RCA cable (PA-10.1D);

CD/DAC - Input from CD/DAC by RCA-RCA cable (PA-10).

3. Output - To any line level input on your amplifier using audio cable(2RCA-2RCA).

4. Power Supply Socket - Plug the bundled AC Adaptor to this socket to supply

power.

5. Power ON/OFF switch - pull up to power on and pull down to power off.

6. Input - Selection for CD/DAC or PC/iPod input. The default is CD/DAC input.

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 5. Hints & Tips / Section 6. Specification

- 7 -

lTry to have a soft work area in case you drop the tube.

lUse cloth glove or baggie to hold the tubes, wipe off any fingerprints on glass

portion of tube with a soft cloth. Fingerprints can lead to premature tube failure

lTry not put excess force on the glass of the tube this can (rarely) cause the seal

between the glass and base to leak the vacuum.

ldo not leave Trends PA-10 unattended for long lengths of time during the 22

hour initial burn-in

lThe sound of Trends PA-10 will open up after about 5 minutes of warm-up. At

least half an hour of warm-up, if you are doing some audiophile listening

lAlways wait at least 5 minutes prior to turning Trends PA-10 back on after

turning it off.

6.1 Specification of the Pre-Amplifier Unit

Model PA-10 (1 Output) PA-10.1D (2 Output)

Vacuum Tube 6DJ8/6922 series or 12AU7 series (exchangeable)

Standard Edition: Chinese 6N11 Tube

SE Edition: Russian 6H23n

GE Edition: USA 12AU7 Tube

Power Filtering Capacitor Rubycon MCZ ELNA Silmic II

Audio Output Capacitor Standard: 10uF cap (Black)

SE/GE: EVOX cap (White)

ELNA Silmic II

Output Stage MOSFET x 2

Amplification Gain x3 (for Audio CD/DAC IN)

x6 (for Audio PC/iPod IN)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) 92dB

Dynamic Range 92dB

THD+Noise 0.05% @ 10k ohm

0.15% @ 33 ohm

Input Two

Audio CD/DAC IN RCA (L/R) x

1 [3Vpp max.] AND

Audio PC/iPod IN RCA (L/R) x

1 [0.55Vpp max.]

Power Socket (5.5mm/2.1mm)

x 1

Two (switchable)

Audio CD/DAC IN RCA (L/R) x

1 [3Vpp max.] OR

Audio PC/iPod IN RCA (L/R) x

1 [0.55Vpp max.]

Power Socket (5.5mm/2.1mm)

x 1

Output Audio OUT RCA (L/R) x 1

Headphone OUT (3.5mm) x 1

Audio OUT RCA (L/R) x 2

Headphone OUT (3.5mm) x 1

Audio IN selection switch x 1

Power ON/OFF switch x 1

Power Indicator (Blue LED under Tube Socket) x1

Other Switch & Knob

Taiwan Made Volume Knob x

ALPS x 1

Front Panel 1.5mm 4mm

Power Supply DC 24V-26.5V (max.)

Dimensions (W)76mm x (H)46mm x (D)114mm

Weight 380g 400g

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 6. Specification

- 8 -

6.2 Specification of the Headphone Amplifier Unit

Model PA-10 (1 Output) PA-10.1D (2 Output)

Vacuum Tube 6DJ8/6922 series or 12AU7 series (exchangeable)

Power Filtering Capacitor Rubycon MCZ ELNA Silmic II

Headphone Output Capacitor Rubycon MCZ ELNA Silmic II

Output Stage MOSFET x 2

Amplification Gain x3 (for Audio CD/DAC IN)

x6 (for Audio PC/iPod IN)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) 92dB

Power Output: 3.0 Watts per channel on 33 Ohm Headphone

Frequency response: 15 Hz - 100 kHz -1db

Input Impedance: 100k Ohms

THD+Noise 0.05% @ 10k ohm

0.15% @ 33 ohm

Input Two

Audio CD/DAC IN RCA (L/R) x

1 [3Vpp max.] AND

Audio PC/iPod IN RCA (L/R) x

1 [0.55Vpp max.]

Power Socket (5.5mm/2.1mm)

x 1

Two (switchable)

Audio CD/DAC IN RCA (L/R) x

1 [3Vpp max.] OR

Audio PC/iPod IN RCA (L/R) x

1 [0.55Vpp max.]

Power Socket (5.5mm/2.1mm)

x 1

Output Audio OUT RCA (L/R) x 1

Headphone OUT (3.5mm) x 1

Audio OUT RCA (L/R) x 2

Headphone OUT (3.5mm) x 1

Audio IN selection switch x 1

Power ON/OFF switch x 1

Power Indicator (Blue LED under Tube Socket) x1

Other Switch & Knob

Taiwan Made Volume Knob x

ALPS x 1

Front Panel 1.5mm 4mm

Power Supply DC 24V-26.5V (max.)

Dimensions (W)76mm x (H)46mm x (D)114mm

Weight 380g 400g

6.3 Specification of the AC Adaptor

AC Input Universal AC 100V-240V/50-60Hz

DC Output DC 24V 0.6A (15W)

DC Plug DC 2.1mm

Ripple & Noise <= 25mV

Over-load Protection 105%-150%

Over-voltage Protection 115%-150%

Dimensions (L)78mm x (W)50mm x (H)33mm

Weight 150g

lTrends PA-10 SE: Trends PA-10 Tube Headphone/Pre Amplifier -Special Edition

lTrends PA-10 GE: Trends PA-10 Tube Headphone/Pre Amplifier - GE Edition

with 12AU7 Tube series

lTwo-Year limited warranty for Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D

lOne-Year limited warranty for the tube

lTo continuously improve our product, we reserve the rights to change some

specifications without further notice.

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 7. Troubleshooting / Section 8. Accessories

- 9 -

If your machine is out of order, it may not be very serious. Before you call your local

distributor or us to repair, you are suggested to check the following:

Symptoms Possible Reasons Handling Methods

power cords not properly

connected

properly connect the power

cords

cannot power ON

indicator not bright

power switch is OFF switch ON the power

the volume level is too low turn volume level higher

the audio cable not properly

connected

properly connect the audio

cable

the audio source (e.g. CD

player) not started playing

start playing the audio source

wrong input is selected check input selection

no sound at all

the speaker cables not

properly connected

properly connect the speaker

cables

hum tube not fully pushed in insert Tube securely

audio connector plug not fully

pushed in

insert plug securely

incorrect input switch position check the corresponding input

switch

sound out(s) out loose connection check input and output

connections. When all has

been double-checked reduce

volume and switch unit back

·Tube x1

·+24V power supply x1

·User Guide x1

·Warranty Card x1

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 9. Technical Notes

- 10 -

)

Trends Audio has already pre-set the jumpers and fine-tuned the DC bias voltage of

each PA-10/PA-10.1D with the packaged vacuum tube before shipping. However,

changing different tubes to taste for different sound is the great fun for many

audiophiles and also a great feature of PA-10/PA-10.1D. There are some important

notes should be aware before changing tubes.

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D supports two major tube series: (1) 6DJ8, 6922, 6N11,

6H23n, ECC88, E88CC, etc…, and (2) 12AU7, 5963, 5814, ECC82, etc… If you

change the tube within the same series, it needs to re-tune the DC bias voltages

ONLY. If you change the tube from another series, it needs both to re-tune the DC bias

voltages and re-set the jumpers. Otherwise, the tube may be burnt out.

9.1 Jumper Setting for Different Tube Series

You can simply configure the amplifier to support the two different tube series by

resetting the jumpers in J3, J4, J5 in the PCB as follows. (Remember to power OFF

the machine before setting)

6DJ8 Series 12AU7 Series

J3 O O O

O O O

J4 O O O O O O

J5 O O O O O O

9.2 DC Bias Voltage Tuning

Since each tube may derivate a bit in parameters, especially from different series, it

needs to re-tune the DC bias voltages to guarantee the machine is working in the best

point and performing the best sound quality.

There are two blue precise adjustable potentiometers (R5/R6(L/R channel) of

PA-10.1D, or R3/13(L/R channel) of PA-10) for tuning the DC bias voltage of each

channel. The DC bias has been tuned in factory. But after run-in for a period or

changed another tube, it would be deviated that the fine-tuning is needed.

Before you tune these, you need a screwdriver (take off the case), a small screwdriver

(turn the screw of the potentiometer) and a (digital) multi-meter to detect the DC bias

voltage.

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 9. Technical Notes

- 11 -

PA-10 (1 Output) Bias Setting PA-10.1D (2 Output) Bias Setting

1. Use screwdriver to take out the two upper level screws in the front panel &

another two screws in the back panel. Then, open the upper case.

2. Power ON the machine with no audio signal input.

3. Wait at least 5 minutes for the machine to run in.

4. Use the multi-meter to detect the DC voltage between the test point A(L) [red] in

the PCB & the GND [black] (e.g. the ring of the power switch or the outer ring of

those RCA sockets) of the LEFT channel.

5. Turn the screw on the top of the R5 of PA-10.1D or R3 of PA-10 potentiometer

by a small screwdriver clockwise or anticlockwise until the voltage as close as to

+16.5V.

6. Then, repeat step 4 and 5 for the RIGHT channel by changing the test point to

A(R) [red] and turning the screw on the top of the R6 of PA-10.1D or R13 of

PA-10 potentiometer.

7. Power OFF the amplifier.

8. Cover back the upper case and tighten the screws.

Trends PA-10/PA-10.1D User Guide

Section 10. Regulatory Compliance / Section 11. Contact Us

- 12 -

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party

responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class

B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to

provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not

installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference

to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television

reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is

encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

ITOK Technologies Limited (Trends Audio)

Address: Rm. K, 11/F, Kwun Tong Industrial Centre, Phase 1

472-784 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tel : +852 2304 0730 (9am-6pm, GMT+8:00)

Fax : +852 2566-5740

Email : sales@TrendsAudio.com (Marketing)

support@TrendsAudio.com (Technical Support)

Website : http://www.TrendsAudio.com

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