Audio Note M-8-RIAA Owners manual

M8 RIAA

Level 5 phono pre-amplifier

Owner's Information

Music's Finest Conductor

Introduction to the M8 RIAA pre-amplifier

Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note M8 RIAA level 5 pre-amplifier.

Audio Note Level System

First, a word about how we classify our products at Audio Note. The world renowned Audio Note Ongaku,
Kegon and Gaku-on amplifiers incorporate six technological design features which give them
unmatched sonic performance and clarity, placing them amongst the best amplifiers in the world. All
Audio Note products are, where applicable, judged by this standard. These features are:

• Single ended output stage

• Zero negative feedback

• Directly heated triode output stage

• Pure Class A operation

• Materials and component technology

• Valve rectification

Qualification for level 5 requires the inclusion of all of these features with the materials and component
technology pushed beyond that of level 4; only the best available components are used in level 5
products.

The M8 RIAA

The M8 RIAA is a stand-alone moving magnet phono stage based on the M8 Phono, but with a
dedicated in-built power supply unit, which features valve rectification.

The M8 RIAA incorporates vacuum tube technology to produce the most accurate sound possible. We
have developed the M8 RIAA using a "comparison by contrast"* technique of aural evaluation - a system
that is currently unique to Audio Note.

Please read this manual carefully in order to obtain the best possible performance and longevity from
your pre-amplifier.

*An essay dubbed "Audio Hell" which describes this system is available from Audio Note on request.

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Unpacking and installation

Please ensure care is taken when unpacking the pre-amplifier. We recommend that you store the
packing materials in case the unit requires shipping at a later date. Also, check that no transit damage
has occurred before installing the pre-amplifier.

Select a suitable location for the unit, ensuring that adequate ventilation is provided as the pre-amplifier
generates considerable heat during normal operation. Avoid sitting the M8 RIAA close to any other
equipment, such as a power amplifier, that may be generating a strong magnetic field, or in close
proximity to active mobile telephones.

The M8 RIAA is capable of driving long interconnects to power amplifiers and so, if you are using mono
block amplifiers, it may be worthwhile to locate them close to the speakers. This will reduce the speaker
cable lengths and provide sonic improvements.

Connections

Phono input

The phono input is suitable for connection to a turntable with a moving magnet (MM) cartridge installed.
Audio Note is able to provide a range of step-up transformers for use with moving coil (MC) cartridges.
These transformers are able to provide the best possible match for the M8 RIAA. The phono input consists
of a pair of RCA connectors.

NOTE: Some turntables are equipped with a separate ground wire for connection to the ground

terminal next to the phono input sockets. We recommend that this terminal is used, however, in
some systems this may cause a ground loop. This will be identifiable by excessive background
hum. It is therefore worthwhile to experiment a little to find the connection method that yields the
lowest background noise levels.

Line output

Each line output is provided for connection to the input of a line level pre-amplifier or integrated
amplifier. Each line output consists of a pair of RCA connectors, marked white for left channel and red for
right channel.The M8 RIAA has 3 line outputs available.

Mains power connection

Use the supplied cable to connect the IEC inlet socket on the pre-amplifier to the mains supply. Ensure
the power is switched off when you do this.

NOTE: It is important that all connections are firm, secure and airtight. any oxidisation of the

interconnects will result in loss of performance. Always use high quality interconnects - Audio
Note interconnects are recommended, as they are manufactured to the same exacting
standards as all of our products.

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Operation

Once all the connections are completed and checked, make sure all power amplifiers are off and flip
the mains rocker switch located on the back panel of the pre-amplifier to the 'on' position.

The M8 RIAA is a vacuum tube design and therefore requires about 45 seconds warm-up time. After this
the remaining system components may now be turned on.

In order to use the line or phono inputs, select 'source' and the appropriate input. To listen to a tape
select 'tape', the position of the source selector will not affect the output when 'tape' is selected.

The volume control adjusts the overall output level of the pre-amplifier while the balance control can be
used to correct minor imbalances in the stereo image. The balance control provides 9dB of attenuation
for each channel. It will not reduce the volume of either channel to zero.

Bedding-in time

The pre-amplifier requires around 200 hours of initial use (called 'bedding-in time') before the circuitry
becomes stable and optimum performance is realised. As the pre-amplifier beds in, the sound will
become more lucid, detailed and expansive.

After the initial bedding-in, a short warm-up period is required each time the unit is turned on before
optimum sonic performance is reached.

The M8 RIAA is designed for continuous operation and may remain switched on, even when not in use.
You may, however, prefer to turn the unit off between uses by using the power switch located on the
back panel, next to the mains inlet socket.

NOTE: Always turn the pre-amplifier(s) on before turning on the power amplifier and always turn the

power amplifier off before turning off the pre-amplifier. This will prevent any buzzing or popping
sounds from occurring.

After-care

Cleaning

Cleaning the M8 RIAA 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 propriety cleaner for removing
dirt build-up. Strong or alcohol based solvents may damage the finish of this amplifier. Ensure the
pre-amplifieris switched off and cold when cleaning. Do not wet the unit.

Replacing the vacuum tubes

The vacuum tubes in the M8 RIAA are carefully selected from Audio Note's vast stock to provide optimum
performance and reliability. Should these tubes require replacement, please contact your Audio Note
dealer, who will be able to supply the correct parts.

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Warranty and servicing

Audio Note warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year
from the 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 your are
experiencing with the unit.

Any modification not authorised by Audio Note will invalidate any warranty.

If you require technical support or have any questions, please direct them to your local Audio Note
dealer or alternatively contact us directly at:

Customer Support
Audio Note (UK) Limited
25 Montefiore Road
HOVE
East Sussex
BN3 1RD
United Kingdom

TEL: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

EMAIL: [e-mail]

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Technical overview

The M8 RIAA utilises simple but sonically effective circuitry using vacuum tube technology rather than
complex techniques using impure semi-conductor type devices, so common in the audio industry.

This kind of circuit architecture is incredibly transparent and revealing. As a natural consequence, part
material plays an important role in the final sonic performance, so we use only the best possible
components and materials. Where components that meet our standards are not available - we make our
own.

The M8 RIAA's circuit arrangement is briefly described below.

The input stage uses a cascode connected 6072A General Electric dual triode feeding a completely
passive (zero feedback) RIAA EQ network. Final phono stage gain and buffering is provided by a further
6072A, connected as an anode follower. Tantalum resistors and Audio Note silver foil capacitors are used
throughout.

Parts selection is of the highest order with an abundance of 2W Tantalum resistors, Audio Note silver foil
and Black Gate capacitors. The output transformers utilize the very best quality MBH double C cores and
have silver windings. 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.

The best quality NOS valves are provided with the M8 for enhanced performance.

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Specifications

Weight (kg) 7

Dimensions

Height (mm) 145
Width (mm) 300
Depth (mm) 415

Max Power Consumption (W) 30

Fuse Ratings

HBC T (110/120 Vac supply) (A) 1
HBC T (220/240 Vac supply) (A) 0.4

Input Impedance (k Ohm) 47

Gain @ 1kHz (dB) 37

Max Output (Vrms) 28

Output Impedance (k Ohm) < 5

Tube Compliment

6X5 x 2
ECL82 x 2
OB2 x 2
CV4068 x 3

NOTE: Due to Audio Note's ongoing research and development programme, specifications are subject

to change without notice.

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Safety Information

HEAT: By the nature of vacuum tubes, this product generates high levels of heat.
Adequate ventilation must be provided. Do not restrict the airflow through any of
the ventilation slots or place the amplifier on any surface that may restrict airflow.

CAUTION: The vacuum tubes and other nearby parts operate at extremely high temperatures -

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

HUMIDITY: Do not store or operate this unit in areas of high humidity or in close
proximity to water. Do not expose the unit to liquid.

EARTHING: The product must be earthed - ensure that the mains supply cable is
earthed.

SHOCK: Internal operating voltages are lethal. Do not remove the top cover. Do
not replace fuse without first disconnecting the unit from the mains supply.

SAFETY COMPONENTS: Internal fuses and other safety components are located
inside this unit in accordance with BS 60065 requirements. In the event of
component failure, replacements must be of the same part type. Such
replacements must be carried out by a qualified service technician.

This product conforms to CE standards

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