Audio Note M-3 Owners manual

Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of an Audio Note™ M3 Line Preamplifier.

As a level 3 product, the M3 Line shares some of the technologies used in the world famous
Audio Note™ Ongaku, Kegon, and Gaku On amplifiers. We welcome you as a prestigious
Audio Note level 3 owner.

Please read over this manual carefully in order to obtain the best possible performance and
longevity from your M3 Phono Preamplifier.

The M3 Line incorporates sophisticated yet simple vacuum tube circuitry to re-create the most
accurate sound possible - uncoloured and realistic. We have developed the M3 using a
“Comparison by Contrast” technique of aural evaluation - a system that is currently unique to
Audio Note.™

The M3’s design is based on the following six key technical features:

- Transformer coupled output stage

- Zero negative feedback

- Hardwired audio circuit

- Dual mono power supplies

- Materials and component technology

- Valve rectification

The highly refined circuitry, timeless engineering and careful hand assembly has resulted in a
product of the highest long-term aesthetic and commercial value. We hope you will find the
M3 Line preamplifier to be a rewarding experience and a worthy investment.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

The development of the M3 Line is the result of Audio Note’s ongoing research to find ways
to make better audio products. Aside from the six key features on which the design is based, a
technique called “Comparison by Contrast” is used to ensure that the product is developed
with the most important specification of sound quality as the overriding factor.

Inputs are routed from Audio Note™ non magnetic RCA connectors into Swiss made ELMA
gold contact input selector switch. The volume and balance controls are Noble conductive
plastic potentiometers and this output signal drives the line stage.

The line stage is of a direct coupled cascaded anode follower type. Two 5687 dual triodes are
used for both anode followers. The second stage is again pure class A, single ended and is
transformer coupled using a custom line level output transformer.

The use of transformer output coupling in the M3 allows the output power generated by the
5687 triodes to be fully utilised to drive the power amplifier and cabling. This means that the
M3 is capable of driving low load impedances.

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Also, this transformer design provides a true balanced output option, making the use of
complex differential circuitry used by other manufactures completely redundant.

Parts selection is of the highest order with Beyschlag resistors, Audio Note™ copper foil and
some Black Gate capacitors. The power supply incorporates vacuum tube rectification and
choke input filtering for each channel, and in addition, a new type of vacuum tube regulator
ensures clean supply voltages to the amplifier stages.

UNPACKING & INSTALLATION

Please take care when unpacking the preamplifier as its weight is much more than its size
would suggest. We recommend that you store the packaging materials in case the unit requires
shipping at a later date. Also, check that no transit damage has occurred before installing the
pre amplifier.

Next, select a suitable location for the unit, ensuring that adequate ventilation is provided, as
considerable heat is generated by the pre amplifier during normal operation. The M3 is
capable of driving long interconnects to power amplifiers and so, if you are using mono
amplifiers, it may be worthwhile to locate them close to the speakers. This will reduce the
speaker cable lengths and provide sonic improvements. Further improvements may be
obtained by locating the preamplifier on a support system specifically designed to reduce and
absorb any vibrations.

CONNECTION - Main Outputs

BALANCED OUTPUT

To be used with power amplifiers equipped with a balanced input option. Using the balanced
option can sometimes result in better sound quality, particularly if interconnect runs of 3m or
greater are needed. Using balanced cables for long runs preserves high frequency information
better than unbalanced cables. Make sure that the balanced/unbalanced selector switch is set to
“balanced” when using the balanced outputs.

UNBALANCED OUTPUT

Two sets of unbalanced outputs are provided for Bi-amplified systems. Both sets are identical
and either may be used for single amplifier operation. The connectors are colour coded with
red and white bands for quick channel identification, with red being the right channel and white
being the left channel. Ensure that the balanced/unbalanced selector switch is set to
“unbalanced” when using the unbalanced outputs.

Note: Using the balanced and unbalanced outputs simultaneously is not recommended

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CONNECTION OF SOURCE COMPONENTS

LINE INPUTS

Four line inputs labelled PHONO, CD, AUX and TUNER are available for connection to the
corresponding music sources. Any “line level” music sources including a DVD Player may be
connected to any of the line inputs.

TAPE CONNECTIONS

A set of inputs and outputs are available for connection to a tape deck. These connections are
also suitable for use with a stereo video tape recorded or any other “line level equipment.
Connect the music source’s “line out” to “Tape in” sockets on the pre amplifier and the pre
amplifier’s “Record out” to the music sources “Line in” connectors.

MAINS CONNECTION

The M3 Phono has an IEC mains inlet socket. Use the supplied mains cable to connect the unit
to the local mains supply. The mains fuse and a spare is located in the inlet socket fuse drawer.
The mains cable must be removed to access the fuse or fuses.

Special Note: Make sure that all connections are tight and clean. For best performance, use
good quality audio interlinks. Although several companies manufacture good quality
interlinks, those manufactured by Audio Note™ are recommended.

USING THE M3 LINE PREAMPLIFIER

Once all connections are completed and checked, ensure that the volume control is rotated to
its minimum setting before turning your system on. Switch the main on/off switch located
above the mains input socket to the “on” position. The red indicator on the front panel should
now be illuminated. The preamplifier will take about 45 seconds before it is ready for
operation. The power amplifier may now be turned on.
Set the input selector to the appropriate source (PHONO, CD, AUX or TUNER) and the Tape
monitor selector to “Source”
To listen to a tape source, set the “Source/Tape” selector to “Tape”.

The volume control sets the loudness level while the balance control will correct for minor
imbalances in the stereo image. The balance control provides 9dB of attenuation for each
channel. The balance control will not reduce either channel volume to zero.

BEDDING IN TIME

The new pre amplifier requires about 200 hours of initial use (called “bedding in time”) before
the circuitry becomes stable and optimum performance is realised. As the amplifier “beds in”,
the sound will become more lucid, detailed and expansive.
Once the amplifier is “bedded in”, a warm-up time of approximately 30 to 45 minutes is
required each time the unit is turned on before optimum sonic performance is reached.
The M3 is designed for continuous operation and may remain switched on, even when not in
use. The power consumption is minimal. You may however, prefer to turn the unit off when
not in use for some time using the “ON/OFF” switch located on the rear panel, above the
mains inlet socket.

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AFTER CARE

Cleaning the M3 is best done with a soft brush - some photographic stores are able to provide
suitable brushes. Alternatively, a soft cotton cloth may be used with a mild soap and warm
water solution for removing dirt build-up. Strong or alcohol based solvents may damage the
finish of the preamplifier. Dust or clean the amplifiers only when switched off and “cold”.

TUBE REPLACEMENT

The vacuum tubes used in the M3 should provide about two years of continuous operation.
With three hours of use per day, they should provide a 10,000 hour life span. These devices are
original new old stock of British or American manufacture.
Audio Note has taken considerable care in selecting and matching the vacuum tubes especially
for the M3 Phono. We recommend that you contact your Audio Note™ dealer who will in turn
be able to provide the correct tubes for the pre amplifier, should they require replacement.

WARRANTY & SERVICING

Please take the time to fill out your warranty/registration card and mail it to us. This will
ensure that if service is ever needed, it will expedite your units’ return.

Audio Note warrants this product free from defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year
from original date of purchase from an appointed Audio Note dealer. The valves are warranted
for 3 months. In the event that your Audio Note™ product requires servicing, please contact
your Audio Note™ dealer. If the equipment needs to be shipped, please use the original
packaging and include a copy of the sales purchase receipt, with a note explaining in as much
detail as possible, the problems that you are experiencing with the unit.

Any modification not authorized by Audio Note will invalidate this warranty.

If you require technical support, new valves or have any questions, please direct them to your
Audio Note™ dealer first or contact us directly.

Audio Note (UK) Limited,
25 Montefiore Road
Hove, East Sussex,
BN3 1RD,
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

SPECIFICATIONS

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unweighted

Weight 16 kg

Dimensions 141(h) x 445(w) x 410(d) mm

Power Consumption 81 Watts

Fuse ratings 1A anti-surge (110/120VAC)
500mA anti-surge (220/240VAC)

Input impedance Line input, 100K

Phono input, 47K

Gain Line in,8.2 x (18dB)

Output Noise Line Input, less than 0.08mV RMS

Maximum output 4.4 volt RMS

Output impedance Less than 10 Ohms

Tube compliment 6X5 x 2, ECL82 x 2, 0B2 x 2, 5687 x 2

Note: Due to Audio Note’s desire to continually improve its products, specifications are

subject to change without notice.

THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH CE STANDARDS

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