Audio P-Zero User Manual

1

Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note™ P-ZERO mono power amplifiers.
The P-ZERO’s are mono power amplifiers with an output power rated at about 8 watts.

We choose to use the now little used triode pentode ECL82 which was widely used in
small radios and early televisions as an output valve, the ECL82 is run in Class AB2,
which provides low-heat, reliable and long life.

Please read over this manual carefully in order to obtain the best possible performance
and longevity from the P-ZEROs.

UNPACKING & INSTALLATION

We recommend that you store the packaging materials in case the unit’s requires
shipping at a later date. Also, check that no transit damage has occurred before
installing the power amplifiers.

Next, select a suitable location for the units, ensuring that adequate ventilation is
provided, as some heat is generated by the power amplifiers during normal operation.

Worthwhile improvements may be obtained by locating the power amplifiers on a support
system specifically designed to reduce and absorb any vibrations.

AFTER CARE
Cleaning: No special maintenance is required for the P-ZEROs. A soft cloth or brush

similar to those sold by photographic stores for lens cleaning applications is best used for
cleaning.

Use a cloth dampened with a mildly warm, weak soap solution to clean off grease or oily
substances. Strong or alcohol based solvents may damage the finish of this amplifier.

Tube replacement: The output valves should be changed every three years if left on 24
hours a day, otherwise every 5-7 years.

Audio Note™ has taken considerable care in selecting and matching vacuum tubes
specially for the P-ZERO’s, and so we recommend that you contact your Audio Note
dealer, who will be able to provide the correct tube should replacement be required.

- -

2

CONNECTION

•

Pre-amp The P-ZERO’s have on RCA socket on the back panel of each chassis
and is available for connection to the pre-amp. Connect the left channel output from
your pre-amp to the P-ZERO with the RCA (white ring) input socket. This amplifier
now becomes your left amplifier. Connect the right channel output from your pre­amp to the P-ZERO with the RCA (red ring) input socket. This amplifier now
becomes your right amplifier.

•

Speakers The set of speaker outputs, which are designed for use with spades
(preferably Audio Note™ silver plated type such as the AN-SS). Alternatively 4mm
bananas can be used. Connect the black binding post (marked as “0”) to the black
terminal on the speakers and the red binding post (marked as “+“) to the red terminal
on the speakers. Do the same for both (left and right) channels/units.

The secondary impedance of the output transformer is 8 Ohms and is designed to
get the best possible dynamic power when used with the Absolute Zero range of Audio
Note™ loudspeakers. The P-ZERO’s should be used with speakers with 91db or higher
efficiency.

Special Note: Make sure that all connections are tight and clean. For best performance, use good
quality audio cable. Although several companies manufacture good quality cable, those
manufactured by Audio Note™ are especially good! Avoid using long speaker cables and
interconnect lengths wherever possible.

MAINS CONNECTION: Use the supplied mains cable to connect the power amplifiers to
the mains supply, ensuring that the plug is firmly inserted to the mains input socket.

USING THE P- ZEROS
Once all connections are completed and checked, first turn on your pre amplifier. Then

flip the main on/off switchs located next to the mains input sockets of the power
amplifiers to the “on” position. The red indicators on the front panels should now glow.

Bedding in time: The P-ZERO’s require about 200 hours of initial use (called “bedding
in time”) before the circuitry becomes stable and optimum performance is realised. As
the amplifier’s “bed in”, the sound will become more lucid, detailed and expansive.

Once “bedded in”, the P-ZERO’s require a warm-up time of approximately 30 to 45
minutes before optimum sonic performance is reached. For optimal performance, they
should be left on permanently. (low power consumption due to Class AB2 operation).

- -

3

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

The P-ZERO’s meet the basic technological requirements of all Audio Note products.
Audio Note™ use a technique called “Comparison by Contrast”* during the development

of our products. This method of aural evaluation is a system currently unique to Audio
Note™.

High quality parts are used throughout.
The circuitry is simple and incredibly effective, yielding a high level of sonic performance.
The fuse is situated in the mains inlet.

•

An essay titled ‘Audio Hell’ that describes the Comparison by Contrast technique is available from Audio Note on
request.

WARRANTY AND SERVICING

Audio Note™ warrants this product free from defects in materials and workmanship for
one year from original date of purchase from an appointed Audio Note™ dealer. The
vacuum tubes are warranted for three months.

In the event that your Audio Note™ product requires servicing, please contact your Audio
Note™ dealer. If the component needs to be shipped, please use the original packaging
materials and include a copy of the sales purchase with a note, explaining, in as much
detail as possible, the problems that you are experiencing with the unit.

If you require technical support, new vacuum tubes or have any questions, please direct
them to your local Audio Note™ dealer or alternatively to:

Customer Support
Audio Note (UK) Limited
Unit C, Peacock Industrial Estate
Lyon Close
125-127 Davigdor Road
HOVE
East Sussex
BN3 1SG
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

- -

4

- -

5

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight 6.5 kilograms x 2
Dimensions 218(w) x 110 (h) x 356(d) (mm)
Power consumption 30 Watts each
Fuse ratings 500M/A anti-surge (230V supply)

500M/A anti-surge (110V supply)

Input impedance 100K, main in
Input sensitivity 60 MV @ 0db
Maximum output 8 watts per channel
Tube compliment 2 ECL82s per channel (Push-Pull)

Note:

Due to Audio Note’s ongoing research and development programme, specifications are subject to change
without notice.

THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH CE STANDARDS

- -