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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