AUDIO ELECTRONICS Nighthawk Owner's Manual
OWNER’S
Nighthawk
MANUAL
Headphone Amplier
NOTE: Before installing your new component, please read this manual
carefully as it will inform you of the product specications, proper
installation and correct operating procedures for your unit. Also included
in this manual are guidelines on how to service and care for your new
Audio Electronics product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................. 2
Welcome
Thank You ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Specifications
Basic Speficiations ................................................................................................................................ 5
Features
Product Features .................................................................................................................................. 6
Controls and Displays
Front Panel .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Rear Panel ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Installation
Unpacking ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Warranty Card...................................................................................................................................... 9
Placement ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Operation
Connections ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Diagrams ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Service and Care
Care and Cleaning .............................................................................................................................. 14
Factory Service ................................................................................................................................... 14
Non-Warranty Repairs ......................................................................................................................... 14
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................................................ 15
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2
WARNING: The triangle with the lightning flash symbol
displayed on the unit advises the user of dangerous uninsulated voltage inside the product’s enclosure.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside; it is recommended that only qualified personnel
service this component.
ALERT: The triangle with the exclamation point symbol on the component suggests that the owner refer to important
operating and maintenance instructions in the owner’s manual.
1. OWNER’S MANUAL: Before powering up the equipment, read all safety and operating instructions and follow them as
instructed. Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
2. ATTACHMENTS: Use only those attachments recommended by the unit manufacturer, as others may cause hazards.
3. ACCESSORIES: Do not place the unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing
injury to a person or damage to the unit. Mount the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions with the
suggested mounting accessory.
4. WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING: Mount the unit to a wall or ceiling only in the manner recommended by the
manufacturer.
5. WATER AND MOISTURE: Do not use the unit near water (for example, near a swimming pool, bath tub, wash bowl,
kitchen sink, or laundry tub) or in a damp environment (like a basement or outside in the rain).
6. OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY: Do not push objects of any kind into the unit through openings as they could touch
dangerous voltage points and short-out parts, possibly resulting in a fire or electric shock. Avoid spilling liquid of any
kind on the unit. If water or any metal object (such as a paper clip, coin, or staple) accidentally falls inside the unit,
disconnect it from the AC power source immediately and contact Cary Audio Design for further instructions.
7. HEAT: Position the unit away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other units (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
8. VENTILATION: Slots and openings in the cabinet create ventilation to protect the component from overheating. These
openings on the top and bottom panels must remain unobstructed. Allow at least 6 inches (16cm) of clearance above
the unit and an opening behind the unit for airflow. Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, built- in bookcase, or
rack without adequate ventilation.
9. GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: As a safety feature, the unit may be equipped with a polarized alternating
current line plug in which one blade is wider than the other. This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. If you
cannot insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still will not fit, contact a licensed
electrician to update your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
10. POWER SOURCES: Operate the unit only from the power source indicated on the marking label. If you are unsure of
the type of power supplied to your home, consult your unit dealer or local power company.
11. POWER CORD PROTECTION: Arrange power supply cords so that they do not suffer from foot traffic or pinching by
items placed on or against them. Pay close attention to cords where plug enter the AC outlet and where they exit from
the unit.
12. LIGHTNING: For added protection during a lightning storm or when the component is idle for long periods of time,
unplug the unit from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will help protect the unit from
lightning and power line surge damage.
13. POWER LINES: Do not locate an outside antenna system in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light
or power circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, take extreme care to avoid touching the power lines or
circuits; contact with them could be fatal.
14. OVERLOADING: Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this increases
the risk of fire or electric shock.
15. REPLACEMENT PARTS: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or those having the same characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
16. SAFETY CHECK: Upon completion of any service or repairs to the unit, ask the service technician to perform
safety checks to ensure the unit is in proper operating condition.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3
17. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
18. RECORDING COPYRIGHT: Recording of copyrighted material for other than personal use is illegal without
19. NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to
20. FCC INFORMATION FOR USER:
21. OUTDOOR ANTENNA INSTALLATION/SAFE ANTENNA AND CABLE CONNECTION:
Before connecting a new product such as the Cinema 12 to your audio or home theater system, turn off all
other equipment (preferably unplugging them from the AC power source). Many audio components feature
automatic turn-on circuits that may activate during an installation, potentially causing damage to electronic
components and/or speakers. This type of damage is not covered by product warranties, and Cary Audio
specifically disclaims responsibility for any such damage.
Power Cord: The re movable power cord provided with your unit was specifically designed
for use with this product, but other AC cords may be used. Consult your dealer for advice
on AC power cords and high quality wire in your system.
AC Fuse: The fuse is located inside the chassis and is not user serviceable. If the unit does not power up,
contact an authorized service representative
Wiring: Cables running inside walls should have the appropriate markings to indicate compliance and listing
by the UL, CSA or other standards required by the UL, CSA, NEC or your local building code. Questions
about cables inside of walls should be referred to a qualified custom installer, a licensed electrician, or low-
voltage contractor.
permission of the copyright holder.
article 820-40 of the NEC, ANSI/NFPA 70, which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular,
specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of
cable entry as practical.
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Cary
Audio Design 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 and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions it 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 where the receiver is connected.
If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the
equipment, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded in
order to provide protection against built-up static charges and
voltage surges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70 (in Canada, Part 1 of the Canadian Electrical
Code) provides information regarding proper grounding of the
mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to
an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes and requirements for the grounding electrode.
Outside antenna system should be located well away from
power lines, electric light or power circuits and where it will
never come into contact with these power sources if it should
happen to fall. When installing an outside antenna, extreme
care should be taken to avoid touching power lines, circuits or
other power sources as this could be fatal. Because of the hazards involved, antenna installation should be
left to a professional.
WELCOME
4
THANK YOU
Thank you for purchasing the new Audio Electronics by Cary Audio Nighthawk Headphone
Amplifier!
Cary Audio has a long history of providing the high-end community true audiophile sound quality
with its award winning line of tube and solid state amplification and digital products for audio and
cinema systems. Through Audio Electronics, Cary Audio’s subsidiary originally created in 1993 and
now re-launched, a new segment of music lovers is about to be wowed. While Cary Audio has an
established reputation with the seasoned audiophile, Audio Electronics is positioned to reach a new
generation of music fans with a smaller, sleeker design suited for the urban environment.
By providing a modern design and excellent sound quality in lower price-point products, Audio
Electronics is promoting the future of the high-performance audio industry while preserving the
heritage and integrity of the Cary Audio brand.
Thanks again for the support of our products.
SPECIFICATIONS
5
The following section describes the Nighthawk’s basic specifications. The specifications are
subject to change without notice or obligation.
BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
................................................................................................................................................
Input Impedance 50K ohms
................................................................................................................................................
Gain 20dB
................................................................................................................................................
Frequency Response 5Hz to 35 kHz (-1dB)
................................................................................................................................................
Signal to Noise Ratio >90dB at 0dB gain
................................................................................................................................................
THD <0.01%
................................................................................................................................................
Channel Separation >70dB/10kHz
................................................................................................................................................
Output Power 400mW/300 ohms, 600mW/30 ohms
................................................................................................................................................
Output Impedance 5 ohms
................................................................................................................................................
Full Regulated Power Supply Discrete regulators for audio circuits
................................................................................................................................................
Audio Connectors 1 x phone jack
................................................................................................................................................
RCA Connectors 4 x gold plated
1 set for input and other used as pass through
................................................................................................................................................
Dimensions 14.5” L X 8.5” W X 4” H
................................................................................................................................................
Weight 10 lbs.
................................................................................................................................................
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