Audiovalve RKV-MARK 3 Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

model – 2016

ultra highend mulit function

headphone amplifier

Helmut Becker, Design & Production

RKV MARK 3 ultra highend headphone tube amplifier___________________

Table of contents

- Introduction and general information

- Manufacturers information

- Safety precautions

- Intended use / Application / Factory assembly & getting started

- Operating instructions & technical features

- Set up and installation

- Warranty / CE confirmation

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Dear client, we congratulate you on your purchase of this superb AUDIOVALVE HiFi component.

To safeguard maximum functionality and to avoid operating problems, it is important for
you to carefully study this owners manual and to follow all instructions therein
precisely!

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Important instructions, regarding safety, security and operational reliability while using the
SUNILDA Pre-Amplifier are highlighted throughout this manual.

F a

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AUDIOVALVE, H. Becker,
Umbachsweg 70

D-34 123 KASSEL
GERMANY,
Tel.: 0049 - (0) 561 7013360
Fax: 0049 - (0) 561 6029293
Email: i

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website: w

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RKV MARK 3 ultra highend headphone tube amplifier___________________

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Important: Study the owners manual before assembly and operation of the amplifier

Anyone, unable to comprehend the instructions stated in the owners manual should not operate the
device.

Children and minors are not to use the device and should be kept at a safe distance from the
device during it is running.

The user is responsible for operating the device in an appropriate fashion and it takes full
responsibility towards third parties. Before the amplifier can be used the first time, suitability of taken
precautions regarding electrical safety must be approved through professional assessment.

Check that the mains voltage printed on the rear panel of the amplifier corresponds with the line
voltage in the territory where you intend to use the amplifier.

Always check power-cords and plugs for damage before use.

Disconnect the power-cord before work is being done on the amplifier.
In the unlikely case of a failure of the device repairs may be performed by

AUDIOVALVE authorized technicians only. Use

ORIGINAL spare parts only!

Please take note of the fact that we waive product liability for damages caused by our devices,
parts and components as a result of:

a) Unprofessional and / or faulty and / or correct repairs that have been

performed in other than the by AUDIOVALVE approved repair facilities,

b) Usage of other than ORIGINAL and approved spare parts.

c) use within a channel for exchange only possible tubes of one type from the same

manufacturer.

d) Use of headphones over 100 ohms the OTL mode and / or IMPEDANCER mode, use for

headphones with low impedances only the IMPEDANCER mode

The RKV MARK 3 Amplifier is subject to and complies with German security class 1

for devices with metal housing. The device is grounded, and may not

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by manipulation or otherwise ­be ungrounded for any reason! To prevent hum as a result of interconnecting your devices with the
Amplifier, the internal electrical circuitry has been designed to have no grounded mass !!

The RKV is capable of extremely high sound levels. This has the danger of severe hearing damage.

While listening to headphones we lack several feedback mechanisms on volume level that are present
when we listen to loudspeakers. Much less distortion, no feeling of the lower frequencies by our body
and no psychological restraints not to annoy our fellow-men easily seduces us to listen at volume
levels that are detrimental to our hearing. Hearing damage from regular exposure to high sound levels
progresses slowly but is irreversible and can result in permanent hearing loss.

!! Please choose your volume setting with caution !!

RKV MARK 3 ultra highend headphone tube amplifier ___________________

The RKV MARK 3 was developed especially for the highest-quality reproduction with earphone-sand
serves very well complete range of impedances from 8 up to 1000 ohms. He unfolds his big strength
with roughly 6 watts per canal in 100 ohms.

The amplifier owns switchable entrances. Thus can be connected, e.g., CD player and TUNER at the
same time.

The circuit of the amplifier owns 8 tubes of the Type PCL 805 and prepares the signal for the output
stage tubes as OTL mode first line.

The final tubes work constantly in Class A and are post-regulated automatically optimally in the Bias
closed current, so that tolerance and aging of the tubes do not matter.

The care tensions are won from a strong, free of litter, Torodial-Transfomator. The amplifier itself rests
on one single two-page printed circuit board and was adapted signal-technically optimally. All parts on
the PCB are of the best quality and selected carefully to do justice to the requirements of the
reproduction in every regard. The case is from metal and prevents interferences from the outside. It is
available in the colors black and silver as standard and in a new more expensive line named "IVORY
EDITION".

Like all products of AudioValve this amplifier also distinguishes itself especially by his exceptional
musicality which is based at last also on the fantastic technical values of the circuit and their stability. As
a user you will be able to enjoy this product in the highest perfection for many years enthusiastically and
come with it to the pleasure of fantastically detached musical reproduction with your headphones.

Product

Description

Earlier than expected the AUDIOVALVE Team is happy and proud to announce the new headphone
amp RKV MARK III. Based on the legendary RKV MARK II ( since 1982 ) Mr. Becker - the designer ­has developed this new headphone-amp with unique new and interesting features. It will be launched
by beginning of November.
The below pictures are shown our also new ivory edition for all models, which are coming with a

special high quality ivory color chassis, special cables and some extra components.

RKV MARK 3 ultra highend headphone tube amplifier ___________________

The new RKV MARK 3 headphone tube amplifier is a beauty. It's ability to render fully
believable, 3D images, replete with harmonic richness is unparalleled. That's what it
comes back to, again - music. Amid all the subjective observations and objective
measurements that one can muster, the ineffable, emotional feel of the music is what
many of us are seeking. And it will be so easy you'll wonder how you ever survived
without it. The RKV MARk 3 is simply such a stellar performer it doesn't leave much
left to be desired.

AudioValve puts most of our budget towards the sound quality of our design and
components rather than all of the audio jewellery and marketable designs featured by
some of the comparable sounding amplifiers on the market. We would say on sound
alone it outclasses its price point, for design and fit and finish it fulfils our
expectations of an established company in this price range. Sound wise this amplifier
ticks all the boxes, great tonality, world class 3D sound stage, a noise floor on par
with all but the very best valve based amplifiers, and macro and micro dynamics in
spades. The sound quality of the RKV MARK 3 is of absolute top reference level for
an OTL based headphone tube amplifier. The pros to this are rock very low noise
floor, low distortions, high frequency range, high damping, very natural and musical
tonality, wide impedance matching, perfect open sound stage and so on. This amp
isn't for the weak of heart - this is an audioholic's . Highly recommended is an
understatement, we can't tell you how impressed we have been with the development
of this headphone tube amplifier.

RKV MARK 3 ultra highend headphone tube amplifier ___________________

Controls and operation on the front and rear panel

On the left side of the front aperture , the two jacks for headphones and three rotary switches. The
headphone jacks are connected in parallel when using the 6.3 mm connectors. For the use of XLR
connectors , take the lower bushing for the right ear and the top of the left ear .

Below the two headphone jacks is the Mode switch. Use it to select the mode with which you want to
hear. Use the OTL mode if you have a high-impedance headphones (> 100 Ohms) , or benefit you if
your headset has the IMP mode less than 100 ohms impedance , or if you intend to use speakers.
Which musical impedance best suit with your headphones , you have to find out for yourself. Just turn
on the IMPEDANCE switch.

With the last of the three rotary switches on the left, select the source you want to listen to. Then a total
of 45 ( 4 +1) RCA inputs for disposal . Input 1 + 2 are also equipped with XLR inputs.

Input 5 is occupied by the built-in phono module. Of these RCA phono jacks ( 5 ) you can pass the
phono signal to other devices .