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ALLNIC AUDIO
L-3000 LINE STAGE PREAMPLIFIER
OWNER’S MANUAL
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ALLNIC AUDIO
L-3000 LINE STAGE PREAMPLIFIER
Thank you for purchasing this Allnic Audio L-3000 Line Stage Preamplifier.
We are certain your trust in Allnic Audio and Hammertone Audio, as well as
your appreciation for the sound of this high-quality device, will be
rewarded by its excellent operation for years to come.
Please read this entire manual before you connect the L-3000 Preamplifier
to the other components of your system and the wall outlet.
252 Magic Drive, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada V1V 1N2
Direct Telephone: (250) 862-9037; Fax: (250) 862-9039;
Cell: (780) 991-1960
email: [email protected]
Website: www.hammertoneaudio.com
** Information and specifications for the Allnic Audio product
described in this manual are subject to change without notice.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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INTRODUCINGTHE L-3000 LINE STAGE PREAMPLIFIER 4
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WHAT’S IN THE BOX? 5
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SAFETY 5
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CLEANING
Chassis
Connectors 5
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INITIAL SET-UP
Location, Location, Location
Power Connection
Inputs
Outputs
Phase Switch
Remote Control 5
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INITIAL POWER ON 7
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OPERATION 7
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TUBES 8
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SPECIFICATIONS 8
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WARRANTY 10
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FIGURES 10
Please read about SAFETY before you attempt to use the L-3000
Preamplifier - we care about our customers and the equipment, and we
want you to enjoy this product for a long time!
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INTRODUCING THE L-3000 PREAMPLIFIER
The L-3000 is Allnic Audio’s best line stage preamplifier.
Like all Allnic Audio products, it uses Permalloy (Iron and
nickel alloy) for its transformer cores. Allnic is grateful to
Mr. G.W. Elmen of Western Electric for inventing
Permalloy for transformer core use, and in so doing,
providing an enormous service to recorded music
listeners everywhere.
The L-3000 has the following features:
Single gain stage – A single gain stage circuit uses only
one tube for amplification (“gain”). This reproduces a
purer, more detailed, more spacious and more dynamic
sound than multi gain stages.
Line output transformer coupling – The L-3000 is
“transformer coupled”. In tube amp circuitry, there are
two coupling methods; one is capacitor coupling and
the other is transformer coupling. Capacitor coupling is
the traditional, low cost method. It is somewhat stable
but transfers only voltage, not wattage (i.e., not real
energy). With transformer coupling, about 90% of real
wattage is transferred (there is still a transformer loss
of about10% of wattage – voltage is not affected).
Transformer coupling is superior to capacitor coupling.
However, all the advantages of transformer coupling
depend on the quality of the transformer and on the
choice of tubes. Allnic Audio manufactures its own
transformers and uses what it views to be the best core
material, Permalloy. Allnic Audio's unprecedented,
wide (16Hz ~ 75kHz, -3db), low distortional, and ultraflexible (up to 50kHz square wave response) output
transformer helps Allnic Audio to realize the ideal
transformer coupled preamplifier. Of course, gain tubes
are also carefully selected for three critical factors for
function with the Permalloy output transformers: high
gm, low internal resistance and high mu.
Constant and low output impedance – One of the
benefits of transformer coupling is that it facilitates
constant low output impedance. Low output
impedance is critical to the design of a good
preamplifier. The L-3000 has a 150 ohm (150Ω)
constant output impedance at all frequencies. In
capacitor coupling (C-R coupling), a “cathode follower
circuit" is usually used to lower output impedance.
Unfortunately, this method of lowering output
impedance is accompanied by high distortion and has
an "L" shaped output impedance curve. Please
compare the two graphs below, especially for low
frequency response.
No negative feedback design
Advanced tube technology voltage regulation - For
quieter and more dynamic operation, the L-3000 has
an ultra high speed automatic voltage regulation
circuit, utilizing vacuum tubes. This also protects the
amplifying tubes from change in the AC line supply
and copes with any abrupt, internal current demand.
New vacuum tube damping technology – Allnic
Audio’s patented "Absorb GEL tube damper"
technology prevents harmful vibrations from
reaching the signal / gain tubes and, therefore,
prevents microphonic noise propagation in the tubes.
The Allnic Audio Absorb Gel damper technology
effectively solves a problem that plagues most tube
amplification systems. Provided other tube
components do not introduce microphonic noise into
your system, with the Absorb Gel damping system,
you will enjoy a degree of transparent sound that will
surprise and please you.
Precision attenuator volume control – The L-3000
does not employ a digital IC volume control or a lowcost carbon film volume control with a motor. Allnic
Audio has developed a precision oil clutched
motorized attenuator; the L-3000 has no (± 0db)
channel unbalance at any volume level.
Pure Class A operation
Pure balanced operation
As are all Allnic Audio products, the L-3000 is fully
RoHS (EU Reduction of Hazardous Substances
regulation) compliant in construction and materials
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WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Please check that the shipping box contains the following:
One (1) Allnic L-3000 preamplifier – in natural
aluminum or black, depending on your order
specification
One (1) power cord
One remote control
2 x AAA batteries for the remote control
One (1) Owner’s Manual
Note:
1) The L-3000 ships with the tubes installed.
2) The L-3000 will work with most IEC type
aftermarket power cords. Of course, only you can
determine the power cord that works most
synergistically with the L-3000 in your system.
We advise that you keep the box and other packing
materials that your L-3000 came in. It will be useful if you
sell your L-3000 or in the unlikely event you need to ship it
for service.
SAFETY
Remove ALL protective cushioning material inside
the tube chimneys before operation. The tube
chimneys should contain NOTHING except the
tubes.
Disconnect the power cord by pulling the plug, not
the cable.
Keep the power cord away from any heat source.
Keep the unit away from liquids – do not allow any
liquid to enter the interior of the unit.
When the unit is moved from a cold to a warm
environment, allow sufficient time for any
condensation to evaporate before plugging the unit
into an AC connection.
Do not attempt any repairs.
Do not remove the chassis cover without specific
authorization from Hammertone Audio.
See the notes on “Location, Location, Location”.
CLEANING
A. Chassis and glass
Use only a soft, lint-free cloth dampened slightly with
water only (NO cleaning fluids!) to clean the faceplate,
meter glass and chassis.
B. Connectors
You may use any good quality contact cleaner
recommended for such applications to clean the contacts
from time to time as you deem appropriate.
INITIAL SET-UP
A. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Like all audio products using tubes, the Allnic Audio L3000 needs to be placed on a solid stand in a location
that provides for good air circulation around the
preamplifier.
DO NOT cover the top of the L-3000 preamplifier.
DO NOT place the unit on carpet or foam.
DO NOT subject the unit to knocks and shocks as
you move it around. This advice is meant
Output
Impedance
Frequency
(Allnic LCR Output Impedance Curve)
Frequency
(Traditional CR Type Output Impedance Curve)
Output
Impedance
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particularly for those who may want to place the L3000 on some kind of after-market isolation feet
or similar devices. Dropping one side of the L-3000,
or the whole unit, is not a good thing to do.
DO NOT place the unit near a strong light or heat
source.
DO NOT place anything heavy on the unit.
DO NOT allow rubber or vinyl materials to rest on
the unit’s chassis for long periods of time. This
could discolour the metal.
DO place the unit on a shelf or stand that is stable
and not subject to vibration or sudden shock.
DO consider using a high quality power cord and
inter-connects, both inputs and outputs. The L3000 is a highly sensitive piece of electronic
equipment designed for neutrality and will output
what you put into it.
DO try to place the L-3000 away from major
sources of RFI and EMI; though well shielded, the L3000 will function best away from large power
transformers and other sources of such
interference.
B. POWER CONNECTION
The L-3000 uses a standard three prong male IEC
connection for AC input. You need to use a power cord with
a female three prong IEC connector at one end.
To the left of the IEC connector (facing the left side of the
unit as in Figure 1), there is a power on-off switch. Leave
this switch in the OFF position – that means the switch is
pressed “down” at the bottom - while you make all initial
connections.
The L-3000 you have purchased is set internally for AC
110/120 volt – 60 HZ operation. There is no way to change
this to another AC setting without return of the unit to the
factory for re-wiring, at the owner’s cost, including
transport both directions.
C. INPUTS
There are five (5) inputs. Line 1 and Line 2 are balanced
connections (XLR type connectors). The remaining 3 line
inputs are RCA type single-ended connections. None of the
inputs is intended especially for connection to any
particular device.
NO PHONO STAGE - The L-3000 is a line stage
preamplifier and does NOT have a built in phono
preamplifier section. You will need a phono preamplifier
if you want to use a turntable with the L-3000. You can
connect your phono preamplifier to any of the five
inputs, provided you have the appropriate types of
connections or adaptors.
The L-3000 has been designed and manufactured to work
most synergistically with Allnic Audio phono
preamplifiers, pre-preamplifiers and equalization
products.
D. OUTPUTS
The L-3000 has three pairs of outputs. Two (2) output
pairs are balanced (i.e., separate ground), using XLR
connectors; one (1) pair is unbalanced, using RCA type
connectors.
One pair of balanced (XLR) outputs is a “Record Out”
(“rec out”). It is a straight pass-through, unaffected by the
L-3000’s circuitry, and provides no gain.
The other two pairs of outputs are intended for
connection to a power amplifier. On the back panel of the
L-3000 there is a switch to select either the balanced or
single-ended connections. This selection switch is at the
top centre of the rear panel and labeled “output
unbalanced” (see Figure 2). Please set the output
selection switch to the output connection you are using.
If you set the switch to “balanced” (i.e., XLR – switch
pushed to the left, looking from the rear) and then
connect your cables to the RCA outputs (“main out 2”),
audible hum will be introduced.
You may use both the balanced and single-ended RCA
outputs at the same time; for example, if you run one
pair to your stereo amplifier and the other to a powered
subwoofer (or a pair of them). In such a case, set the
output selection switch to unbalanced (RCA – switch
pushed to the right). This will avoid the introduction of
hum.
E. PHASE SWITCH
On the right hand side of the top deck of the chassis,
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switch; phase is either normal or inverted one hundred
percent, depending on the switch position. On initial
connection, set the switch to normal. Depending on the
phase your sources output and their facilities with regard to
phase, you may want to switch to inverted phase
sometimes. Phase issues generally will result in lack of bass
and/or focus of the stereo image (Please see Figure 3).
F. REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control provides the ability to remotely:
Select the line source input using either the
numbered buttons or the horizontal arrow buttons
to each side of the Mute button (Please see Figure
4).
Control the volume level using the up (louder) and
down (quieter) arrow buttons above and below the
Mute button.
Mute the volume using the button labeled with a
speaker cone with an “X” across it, located between
the “CH” and “VOL” arrow buttons. Depressing the
mute button will run the volume control down to
zero. To raise the volume again after muting, press
the mute button to take the volume level to where it
was prior to muting.
There is no power on/off on the remote. The L-3000
on/off control is on the face of the chassis only. This
should help prevent accidental powering off of the L3000 when the power amps are still on.
INITIAL POWER-ON
Once you have your L-3000 in place and all connections
have been made to your sources and amplifier(s) and the
power cord is installed and plugged into an AC receptacle,
you are ready to turn on the power for your L-3000. Before
you power up the L-3000, though, be sure you have:
removed ALL the cushion materials from inside the
tube chimneys
ensured the batteries are in the remote control –
insert the batteries by removing the bottom of the
remote control.
selected the output connections that you want to use,
single ended (RCA) or balanced (XLR), on the two
switches on the back of the phono stage
there is a phase switch. This switch is a 180 degree phase
turned the volume down on or muted the L-3000
checked that all your connections are snug
Be sure you have manually turned the volume control on
the front panel to the extreme counter-clockwise position
(minimum volume).
When the Allnic L-3000 has powered up internally and
you have depressed the far left hand button marked
“power” on the front panel, the following will happen on
the front panel (Please see Figure 5):
The light above the “power” button will
illuminate.
The meters on the front panel will illuminate.
Any of the five numbered line source lights that
are depressed will illuminate.
After about forty (40) seconds, the light above
the “operate”/”mute” button will illuminate. The
L-3000 has a “soft start” delay for the tubes in
order to extend tube life.
The Allnic Audio L-3000 is now ready for operation. At
this point, you can power on your stereo power amplifier
or mono-blocks.
OPERATION
From this point on, operation is straight-forward. All
functions are controlled from the front panel or the
remote control. Of course, BE CAREFUL about differences
in gain between your sources. Generally, disc players and
tuners will have greater gain than phono stages. That
means the volume setting for listening to your turntable
might be too high for listening to CD’s.
To avoid surges to the speakers, it is best to change from
input to input only with the “operate” button set to mute
(the light above the button will not be illuminated when
the button is in the “mute” position).
When you are finished listening, turn off your stereo
power amplifier or mono-block amplifiers. Then turn off
the L-3000, using the remote control or depressing the
power switch on the front panel. The power switch on
the rear panel should stay in the “on” position – this will
keep key circuitry warm, and your L-3000 will be ready to
play when the soft-start turns on the L-3000 next time
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THE CURRENT METERS
These illuminated meters indicate the current supply to the
gain tubes in the L-3000. They are indicators of failure or
damage to the function of the unit. There is one meter for
each channel. The needle should be between the two
parallel lines just left of centre on the meter face. Any
failure of the tubes or circuits in one or the other of the L3000’s channels is indicated by the needle on the meter for
the respective channel moving out from between these two
parallel lines.
If the needle has moved to the left of the parallel
lines on a meter, it means that one or both the
E810F tubes for that channel is failing.
If the needle on either meter moves to the right of
the parallel lines, it means that one or the other of
the voltage regulator tubes (7233 or 6485) for that
channel is failing.
In the case of any failure indicated by the meter, please
contact Hammertone Audio for assistance.
TUBES
The L-3000 uses the following tubes (see Figure 6):
Two (2) x E810F
Two (2) x 7233
Two (2) x 6485
All consequences of changing or attempting to change
tubes are borne by the user unless by express agreement
between the owner and Hammertone Audio. Allnic Audio
and Hammertone Audio are not liable in any way
whatsoever for any injury or loss incurred by the user or for
damage to the L-3000, any of its parts, or tubes or
replacement tubes resulting from the user changing or
attempting to change tubes.
SPECIFICATIONS
FOR THE ALLNIC AUDIO L-3000 LINE STAGE PREAMPLIFIER
Inputs: Line level × 5 pairs
(Balanced × 2, Unbalanced (RCA) × 3)
you want to listen. Turn off your sources last.
Outputs: Balanced × 1 pair
Unbalanced × 1 pair
Input Impedance: Unbalanced 10kΩ
Balanced 20kΩ
Frequency Range: 20Hz ~ 20kHz (FLAT)
16Hz ~ 75kHz (-3dB)
Voltage Gain: +20dB
THD (1kHz): Output 0.3V, 0.06%
Output 1.0V, 0.15%
S/N Ratio: -90dB (CCIR, 1kHz)
Maximum Output: 15V RMS (Non-clipping)
Output Impedance: 150Ω Constant
Power
Consumption: 30W at 110/120V / 60 Hz
Tubes: E810F (or D3a) × 2 (gain
stage, left and right
channels – there are no
equivalents to these
tubes)
7233 (no equivalent) × 2
(Voltage Regulator)
6485 (similar to 6AH6,
6AH6WA, 6AH6S, CV2521)
× 2 (Voltage Regulator)
Fuse: 2A 250V
Dimensions: 430mm (16.9291 inches)
(W)
350mm (11.811 inches)
(D)
173mm (4.72441 inches)
(H)
Weight:16 kg (35.3 lbs) unpacked. Packed
shipping weight in original shipping material is 20
kg. (44.1 lbs)
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WARRANTY
All Allnic Audio amplifier products are warranted against materials and manufacturing defects
for parts, excluding tubes, and labour for two (2) years from date of purchase. Tubes are
warranted against materials and manufacturing defects for one (1) year from date of purchase.
The warranty is transferable for the balance of the original purchaser’s warranty period,
provided, as stated below, no unauthorized repairs or modifications have been performed on
the product. Date of purchase is the date indicated on the invoice for the product issued by
Hammertone Audio.
For the warranty to be valid, a defective product must be returned to Hammertone Audio for
service prior to any unauthorized attempt to repair. Any repair work on an Allnic Audio product
not specifically authorized by Hammertone Audio will void the warranty on the product.
FIGURES
Figure 1 – L-3000 Left Side Panel View
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Figure 2 – L-3000 Rear Panel View
Figure 3 – L-3000 Phase Switch
Figure 4 – L-3000 Remote Control
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Figure 5 – L-3000 Front Panel View
Figure 6 – L-3000 Internal View
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52 Magic Drive, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada V1V 1N2
Direct Telephone: (250) 862-9037; Cell: (780) 991-1960
Fax: (250) 862-9039;
email: [email protected]
Website: www.hammertoneaudio.com
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