Allnic T-2000 User guide

ALLNIC AUDIO

T-2000

30th ANNIVERSARY

STEREO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

OWNER’S MANUAL

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ALLNIC AUDIO
T-2000 30th ANNIVERSARY
STEREO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Thank you for purchasing the Allnic Audio T-2000 30th Anniversary Stereo
Integrated Amplifier. We are certain your trust in Allnic Audio and its

dealers worldwide, as well as your appreciation for the sound of this high­quality device, will be rewarded by its excellent operation for years to
come.

Please read this entire manual before you connect the T-2000 30th
Anniversary Stereo Integrated Amplifier to the other components of your
system and the wall outlet.

** Information and specifications for the Allnic Audio product described

in this manual are subject to change without notice.

*** For a list of Allnic Audio distributers around the world, please visit
Allnic Audio’s website:

http://allnicaudio.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

INTRODUCING THE
T-2000 30th ANNIVERSARY
STEREO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

4

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

5

SAFETY

5

CLEANING
A. Chassis and glass/plastic
B. Connectors

7

INITIAL SET-UP
A. Location, Location, Location
B. Inputs
C. Speaker Terminals
D. Power Connection

7

INITIAL POWER ON

8

TUBES AND TUBE BIAS

9

OPERATION
The Current Meters

9

WARRANTY

11

SPECIFICATIONS

12

FIGURES

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Please read about SAFETY before you attempt to use the T-2000
30th Anniversary Stereo Integrated Amplifier - 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 T-2000 30th ANNIVERSARY STEREO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

The T-2000 30th Anniversary stereo integrated amplifier is Allnic Audio’s first stereo integrated
amplifier to use the new KT170 power tube. Like all Allnic Audio products, the T-2000 30th
Anniversary has 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 T-2000 30th Anniversary has the following features:

• 120 watts of high-power output per channel in beam tetrode mode and 60 watts in triode. The T-2000
30th Anniversary is a push-pull, triode/tetrode switchable integrated amplifier.

• 61 STEP CONSTANT IMPEDANCE BRIDGED TYPE ATTENUATOR - A world’s “first of its kind” for Allnic
Audio - The T-2000 30th Anniversary does not employ a digital IC volume control or a low-cost carbon

film volume control with a motor. The T-2000 30th Anniversary uses the WORLD’S FIRST 61 step,
constant impedance, “bridged” type attenuator. Allnic’s new attenuator is now the most sophisticated
on the market, and we believe, without a doubt, also the absolute best sounding. With fixed impedance
and no (± 0db) channel imbalance at any volume level, this revolutionary and currently unique, oil
clutched, motorized attenuator will astound users with its elevation of the fidelity and purity of any
system in which it finds a home.

The Allnic 61 step constant impedance bridged type attenuator

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• Powerful Driving Circuitry. Allnic believes in the importance of using high-quality, low noise and
powerful driving circuitry in all its amplifying devices. The T-2000 30th Anniversary uses only two stages
of driving circuit to achieve +40dB of voltage gain, instead of three or four stages as one finds in many
conventional integrated amplifiers. This results in less coloration and more speed in signal/sound
reproduction. In the T-2000 30th Anniversary, we employ the D3a tube in triode mode as the second
stage driver tube, with a load of about 9K ohms, and using 12mA of current. The listener can easily hear
and even "feel" the differences between this design and other, more conventional, ones. Please
imagine, as you listen to the T-2000 30th Anniversary, its sound compared to the sound of an integrated
amplifier with conventional 12AU7 or 12BH7's used as drivers, with a load of about 47K ohm, and using
2 to 3mA of current.

• “Full Engagement" Output Transformers. Conventional output transformers use pre-set secondary
windings to accommodate 4, 8 and 16 ohm loudspeaker loads. However, these conventional
transformers utilize only one secondary winding at a time, while the other secondary windings remain
"idle". This approach has two adverse effects. First, the output transformers are not working at their
maximum efficiency, reducing their output relative to their potential. Second, the "idle" windings are
not actually "idle"; they are subject to parasitic oscillations, producing their own "signal". This
undesirable electrical information is additive to the transformer's output, distorting the amplified signal
going to the loudspeaker. Allnic's "Full Engagement" transformers address these issues by having 4
independent, secondary windings which are always fully connected, never "idled". This means that all
secondary windings are always connected to your loudspeakers, regardless of which output switch
position you use (4 ohms or 8 ohms or 8 ohms or 16 ohms, depending on the factory configuration you
have selected). The result is that there is neither a loss of transformer output efficiency, nor the
introduction into the output signal of distortion from parasitic oscillations of the secondary windings.

• Large Nickel/FeSi Core Output Transformers. As with our other models, Allnic uses very large output
transformers (96 mm) with nickel, mixed with FeSi, cores. This provides for higher inductance with
fewer windings than other designs can provide and results in the great benefit of an extremely wide
range of output frequencies.

• "Soft-start" Circuitry. Allnic uses soft start circuitry that, after sufficient warm-up only, provides the
high voltage supply to the plate of each tube. This protective design results in prolonged tube life and
fewer and less frequent issues with tube performance.

• Analog Power Tube Current Monitors. In order to provide constant current (bias) monitoring for the
power tubes, Allnic uses a separate analogue current meter for each tube. The meters make it
exceptionally easy to see the status of each tube at any time and to respond immediately to any
variation in bias by use of the bias control knob for the relevant tube. The meters offer a simple,
unambiguous indication of each tube's status compared to conventional LED bias monitors.

• "On-the-Fly" Triode/Tetrode Switching. Switching between triode and tetrode operation can be done
"on-the-fly" at any time while the amplifier is in use.

• Beautiful 10KHz square wave response. See Figures 1-3.

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• As are all Allnic Audio products, the T-2000 30th Anniversary is fully RoHS (EU Reduction of Hazardous
Substances regulation) compliant in construction and materials.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Please check that the shipping box contains the following:

• One (1) Allnic T-2000 30th Anniversary stereo integrated amplifier

• One (1) Allnic remote control

• One (1) Allen wrench for screws on top of the tube chimneys

• One (1) 15 Amp IEC type power cord

• One (1) Owner’s Manual

Note:

1) The T-2000 30th Anniversary ships with the tubes installed.

2) The T-2000 30th Anniversary will work with most IEC type aftermarket power cords. The Allnic

ZL-3000 and ZL-5000 power cables will make an excellent match. Of course, only you can
determine the power cord that works most synergistically with the T-2000 30th Anniversary in
your system.

3) Be sure the T-2000 30th Anniversary is set for the AC voltage of your location. If it is not, DO

NOT connect it to your AC outlet. Please contact your Allnic dealer.

We advise that you keep the boxes and other packing materials that your T-2000 30th Anniversary
came in. It will be useful if you sell your T-2000 30th Anniversary or in the unlikely event you need to
ship it for service.

SAFETY

• Remove ALL protective cushioning material (cardboard around tubes) 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.

• Do not attempt any repairs. Do not remove the unit’s chassis cover without specific

authorization from your Allnic Audio dealer.

• Keep the power cord away from heat sources.

• 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 T-2000 30th Anniversary into an AC connection.

• Do not attempt any repairs.

• See the notes on “Location, Location, Location”.

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CLEANING

A. Chassis and glass/plastic
Use only a soft, lint-free cloth, dampened slightly with water only (NO cleaning fluids!), to clean the
faceplate, chassis and tube chimneys of the T-2000 30th Anniversary.

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 T-2000 30th Anniversary needs to be placed on a
solid stand in a location that provides good air circulation around, above and below the stereo amplifier.

• DO NOT cover the top of the T-2000 30th Anniversary.

• 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

particularly for those who may want to place the T-2000 30th Anniversary on some kind of after­market isolation feet or similar devices. Dropping one side of the T-2000 30th Anniversary, or the
whole of the unit may cause damage and may void warranty.

• 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 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, inter-connects and speaker cables. The T-2000 30th

Anniversary is a highly sensitive piece of electronic designed for neutrality and will output what
you put into it. Allnic’s Zero Loss Technology cables will work synergistically with the T-2000 30th
Anniversary.

• DO try to place T-2000 30th Anniversary away from major sources and potential receivers of RFI
and EMI. Though well shielded, the T-2000 30th Anniversary will function best away from large
power transformers and other sources of such interference and from other equipment that could
be susceptible to/sources of such forms of interference.

B. INPUTS

There are three (3) RCA type female input pairs and two (2) balanced (XLR) input pairs. Facing the rear of
the chassis, the input connections are to the right of the IEC power input. The left channel connector is the
top one in each line input pair. Please refer to Figure 5.

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You can use the T-2000 30th Anniversary with a separate preamplifier by connecting the outputs of the
preamplifier to one pair of the T-2000 30th Anniversary ’s inputs. HOWEVER, please use caution when you

do this. If you have both volume controls above zero on turn on, especially with signal, you could
damage your speakers because of the extreme volume level from the combined gain of both the
preamplifier and the T-2000 30th Anniversary. On initial turn on with a separate pre-amp, you should

have the volume on BOTH units set to zero. Then use the volume control on both the pre-amp and the T­2000 30th Anniversary to set the volume control on the T-2000 30th Anniversary so that you can use the
preamplifier volume control as the main volume control – OR vice versa, as you prefer.

C. SPEAKER TERMINALS

The T-2000 30th Anniversary is equipped with two pairs of high-quality speaker terminals. These terminals
are located at the left of the back of the chassis (the right, facing the front of the chassis). Facing the front
of the chassis, the right channel pair is on the outside right and the left channel pair is to their left, on the
other side of the impedance toggle. The terminals accept bare wire (not recommended) and spade and
banana type connectors. Positive terminals are on top; negative below. Please refer to Figure 5.

D. POWER CONNECTION

Connect the input interconnects and the speaker cables before you insert the power cable into the
receptacle at the centre of the chassis rear. The T-2000 30th Anniversary 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. Please refer to Figure 5.

The T-2000 30th Anniversary you have purchased is set internally for AC 110 volt – 60 Hz or 230 volt ­50/60 Hz operation.* It is possible to change this to another AC setting without return of the unit to the
factory for re-wiring. Please contact your Allnic dealer for assistance.
*120 or 240 volt is also available on request.

INITIAL POWER-ON

Once you have your T-2000 30th Anniversary in place and all connections have been made to your
turntable and preamplifier, you are ready to turn on the power for your T-2000 30th Anniversary; before
you power it up, though, be sure you have:

• removed ALL the cushion materials (cardboard around tubes) from inside the tube chimneys.

•

checked that power tubes are snug in their sockets. Use caution so as not to break the centre pin of

the KT170’s octal base. Allnic Audio, its dealers and authorized representatives are not responsible

for such an outcome.

•

ensured the interconnects are firmly attached.

•

Turned on your source(s) and zeroed their volume controls or muted them.

•

turned the preamplifier’s and T-2000 30th Anniversary’s volume controls down to zero (if you use

that combination).

•

securely and correctly fastened the speaker cables and ensured that they are also connected properly

to the speakers.

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Turn on the T-2000 30th Anniversary by pushing in the power switch button located at the right of the
front panel (facing the front of the unit) to the “on” position (see Figure 6). After about a thirty to forty
(30 - 40) second delay (the soft start), the T-2000 30th Anniversary will apply current to the power
tubes. The power button on the remote control, at its top left hand corner (refer to Figure 7), is
inoperative for the T-2000 30th Anniversary. It is normal for it to take a few minutes for the amplifier to
stabilize and the needles of the two meters to rise to their correct position (see the next section, below).

TUBES AND TUBE BIAS

The T-2000 30th Anniversary uses the following tubes:

• Four (4) x KT170

• Two (2) x 6J4

• Four (4) x D3a

Because of the individual bias for each KT170, it is not necessary to use matched KT170 tubes in the T­2000 30th Anniversary. You may use any KT170 type tube in the T-2000 30th Anniversary.

On initial turn on, you will have to set the bias for each KT170. Between and to the outside of each channel
pair of KT170s is a small toggle switch. Pushing the toggle toward the rear of the chassis allows you to read
the meter for the rear KT170 for that side; pushing the toggle toward the front switches the meter to the
front KT170. Using an appropriate screwdriver, you must turn the yellow potentiometer for each KT170 to
adjust the bias so that the needle is in the centre of the area between the two parallel lines of the meter.
Please refer to Figure 8 for tube and potentiometer locations.

If the needle of the current meter for a KT170 is too far to the left or outside to the left of the parallel lines
on the meter face, adjust the potentiometer adjacent to that tube’s location by turning it clockwise until
the needle is again in the centre between the meter’s parallel lines. If the meter needle has moved to the
right of the parallel lines on the meter face, turn the potentiometer control counter-clockwise to correct.

You may need to repeat this process from time to time, and always when a KT170 is replaced.

As with all tube equipment, changing tubes from one manufacturer’s to another’s may alter the sonic
characteristics of the equipment.

All consequences of changing or attempting to change tubes are borne by the user unless by express
agreement between the owner and Allnic Audio or its authorized representative. Allnic Audio and its
dealers and authorized representatives are not liable in any way whatsoever for any injury or loss incurred
by the user or for damage to the T-2000 30th Anniversary, any of its parts, or tubes or replacement tubes
resulting from the user changing or attempting to change

OPERATION

When the power is on, the current meters on the face of the chassis will illuminate. From this point on, the
T-2000 30th Anniversary’s operation is straight-forward. The face of the chassis has an input selector

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control knob and a volume control knob (refer to Figure 4). The remote control (refer to Figure 7) will also
control the input selections (using the number buttons or the buttons labelled “CH”) and the volume
(using the buttons labelled “VOL” and “MUTE”). However, it will not control the power to the T-2000 30th
Anniversary, which must be switched on and off manually as described above. Remove the screws on the
bottom of the remote control to replace batteries.

Tetrode/Triode mode switching may be done “on the fly”, that is, without muting or otherwise adjusting
your system’s controls. Tetrode mode provides more power. Switch between the two modes to determine
which you prefer. Your preference may apply all the time, or it may change for different types of music or
recordings. To switch between tetrode and triode modes, use the button on the left-hand side of the front
of the chassis. Button out is tetrode; button depressed is triode (refer to Figure 4).

When you are finished listening, turn off your T-2000 30th Anniversary stereo amplifier(s) first; then, turn
off your preamplifier and sources. If the T-2000 30th Anniversary is in triode mode at turn-off, it will
produce a sound through the speakers as the amplifier’s relays turn off. Though this sound is harmless to
speakers; however, some users may prefer not to hear it. To avoid the sound, simply switch the T-2000
30th Anniversary to tetrode mode prior to turning it off.

In the case of any failure, please contact your Allnic Audio dealer for assistance.

THE CURRENT METERS

The two illuminated meters indicate the current supplies to the four KT170 power tubes in the T-2000 30th
Anniversary (refer to Figure 8). As noted in “Tubes and Tube Bias” above, there is a potentiometer for each
KT170 (Refer to Figure 8).

When you turn on the T-2000 30th Anniversary, the needle of the current meter for each KT170 should be
between the two parallel lines on the meter face. Any error of current supply to or failure of a KT170 tube
is indicated by the needle on the meter moving out from between these two parallel lines.

If a meter’s needle moves below the left parallel line on the meter face during operation, this indicates a
failure of the related KT170 tube. You must turn off and disconnect the T-2000 30th Anniversary from the
AC supply and replace both the KT170 and the fuse (0.5A, 250V, 20mm glass type) for that tube.

To replace a fuse, turn off and disconnect the T-2000 30th Anniversary from the AC supply; then, using
a screwdriver, simply turn the top of the fuse cap counter-clockwise. It will spring out holding the fuse.
Replace the fuse in the fuse cap, push the fuse cap down and turn it so it locks. If you have any questions
about doing this, please contact your Allnic Audio dealer for assistance.

When changing a KT170, ensure first that you use its associated yellow potentiometer to trim back the
bias below (to the left of) the parallel lines on the meters first. This will prevent the new KT170 from

drawing too much current at first turn-on and tripping its fuse and/or the power fuse at the IEC
connection. No harm is done to the original tubes by turning the bias down, nor is any harm done to the
new tubes by having them biased low to start. Use caution so as not to break the centre pin of the

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KT170’s octal base. Allnic Audio, its dealers and authorized representatives are not responsible for such

an outcome.

Once a new KT170 and its associated fuse (if required) are installed and the T-2000 30th Anniversary is
turned on, following the instructions in “Tubes and Tube Bias” above, use the potentiometer to adjust
the bias so the needle of the meter for the new power tube is again between the two parallel lines.

WARRANTY

FOR WARRANTY SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED ALLNIC DEALER.

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 Allnic Audio or its authorized
representative. For the warranty to be valid, a defective product must be returned to Allnic Audio’s
authorized representative for service prior to any unauthorized attempt to repair. Any repair work
on an Allnic Audio product not specifically authorized by Allnic Audio or its authorized
representative will void the warranty on the product.

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Output Power:

120w/channel beam tetrode
60w/channel triode
(8 Ω load, at 1KHz)

Distortion:

0.17% at 1KHz, 2.83V

Frequency Response:

20Hz - 20KHz Flat

S/N Ratio:

-80dB (CCIR, 1KHz)

Damping Factor:

8 at 8Ω load at 1KHz

Voltage gain:

+40dB

Input Impedance:

10KΩ (single-ended, unbalanced)

Input Sensitivity:

0.3V for rated power

Tubes:

KT170 x 4 (power tube)
6J4 x 2 (1st stage driver)
D3a x 4 (2nd stage driver)

Fuses:

AC Mains:
110/120 60Hz: 5A, 250V (220/230 50/60 Hz: 3A, 250V)
(20mm glass type - two supplied – one is a spare).
KT170 Tubes:

0.5A, 250V (20mm glass type x 4)

Dimensions:

(W x D x H) 440mm (17 inches) x 480mm (19 inches) x 300mm
(12 inches)

Weight:

36Kg (80 lbs) Net
41 Kg (91 lbs) Shipping

SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ALLNIC AUDIO T-2000 30th ANNIVERSARY STEREO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

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FIGURES

Figure 1 - Square Wave 50Hz

Figure 2 - Square Wave 1KHz

Measured by LEADER LAG-126 Audio Signal Generator and KENWOOD CS-4125 Oscilloscope

Figure 3 - Square Wave 10KHz

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Figure 4 – T-2000 30th Anniversary Stereo Integrated Amplifier - Front Panel View

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Figure 5 – T-2000 30th Anniversary Stereo Integrated Amplifier - Rear Panel View

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Figure 6 – T-2000 30th Anniversary Stereo Integrated Amplifier – Right Side View

Figure 7 – T-2000 30th Anniversary Stereo Integrated Amplifier - Remote Control

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Figure 8 – T-2000 30th Anniversary Stereo Integrated Amplifier - Chassis Top View