Korg Ha-s User Manual

2019
HA-S
NUTUBE HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER KIT
EJ 2
Table of Contents
Main features .......................................................................2
Tools to prepare................................................................................... 5
Checking the parts .............................................................................. 5
Assembly .............................................................................6
Preparing the main circuit board and Nutube circuit board ..... 6
Install the main circuit board into the case .................................. 8
Part Names and Functions ............................................... 11
How to Use the Nu:Tekt HA-S ........................................... 11
Adjusting the main circuit board .....................................11
Troubleshooting ................................................................. 12
Replacing the operational amplifier ................................ 12
Specifications .................................................................... 12
Mounting Diagram ............................................................. 13
List of mounted parts ....................................................... 14
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM ........................................................... 16
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Thank you for purchasing the Nu:Tekt HA-S. To help you get the most out of your new headphone amp, please read this manual carefully.

Main features

• The HA-S is a kit to assemble a hi-fi headphone amp that utilizes a Korg Nutube vacuum tube.
• Although this headphone amp is powered with only two batteries, it can drive the Nutube with a line voltage of 26 V for an authentic vacuum tube sound.
• The filament is powered by a DC to DC converter, which consumes less electric current.
• An NFB (negative feedback) switch is used, which lets you switch the NFB circuit on and off as you like.
• The headphone amp output uses an IC socket, which allows the operational amplifier to be replaced. Two types of operational amplifiers are included.
• The Nutube anode load resistance value can be adjusted, letting you enjoy different sounds by changing the steepness of the load curve for the vacuum tube.
• This unit is shaped like a mint can case, which is familiar to fans of these kinds of cases. —The unit also includes a protector for the power switch.
• An acrylic cover is provided that features the Nu:Tekt design, letting you see the light from the Nutube through the cover.
About Nutube
Nutube is a new vacuum tube developed by KORG INC. and Noritake Itron Corporation and that utilizes technology from vacuum fluorescent displays. As with conventional vacuum tubes, the Nutube is constructed with an anode, grid and filament, and operates as a complete triode tube. Furthermore, it generates the response and same rich harmonic character istics of conventional vacuum tubes.
If a strong impact is applied to this unit, high-frequency noise may be
output. This is due to the structure of the Nutube; it is not a malfunction.
-
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Precautions
Location
Using the unit in the following locations can result in a malfunction.
• In direct sunlight
• Locations of extreme temperature or humidity
• Excessively dusty or dirty locations
• Locations of excessive vibration
• Close to magnetic fields
Power supply
Be sure to turn the power switch to OFF when the unit is not in use. Remove the battery in order to prevent it from leaking when the unit is not in use for extended periods.
Handling
To avoid breakage, do not apply excessive force to the switches or controls.
Care
If the exterior becomes dirty, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners such as benzene, alcohol or thinner, or cleaning compounds or flammable polishes.
Keep this manual
After reading this manual, please keep it for later reference.
Keeping foreign matter out of your equipment
Never set any container with liquid in it near this equipment. If liquid gets into the equipment, it could cause a breakdown, fire, or electrical shock. Be careful not to let metal objects get into the equipment.
Notice regarding disposal (EU only)
If this symbol is shown on the product, manual, battery, or package, you must dispose of it in the correct manner to avoid harm to human health or damage to the environment. Contact your local administra­tive body for details on the correct disposal method. If the battery contains heavy metals in excess of the regulated amount, a chemical
symbol is displayed below the symbol on the battery or battery package.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CONSUMERS
This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that are applicable in the country in which it is intend­ed that this product should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which you reside. WARNING: Use of this product in any country other than that for which it is intended could be dangerous and could invalidate the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty. Please also retain your receipt as proof of purchase otherwise your product may be disqualified from the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty. Company names, product names, and names of formats etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
* All product names and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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Cautions Before Assembly

Be careful of injury when handling parts
Use caution not to injure yourself due to the protruding parts when handling the circuit board. Use cotton work gloves to protect your hands when working. Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after working.
Tighten screws and nuts at a perpendicular angle
Tightening screws and nuts that are inserted diagonally may damage the threads, making it impossible to tighten them again. Be sure to tighten screws so that they are inserted perpendicular to the surface. Use caution, as applying too much torque and tightening the screws too tightly may damage the parts.
Do not injure yourself or scratch the surface with the tools.
When using tools to tighten screws and nuts, make sure not to injure yourself, such as by getting your fingers pinched. Work carefully to avoid scratching the case or circuit board with the tools. Provide a sufficiently large work space to complete the assembly procedure, and prepare work mats so parts will not be scratched.
Avoid losing the screws and nuts
Handle the screws and nuts with caution, to avoid losing them. Do not use other screws or nuts aside from the ones included with this kit, and do not use the screws and nuts included with this kit for any other purpose.

Tools to prepare

You will need the following tools in order to assemble this kit. Note: You will also need the AA alkaline batteries and so on. These items are
not included, so please obtain them separately.
Precision screwdriver (Phillips head No. 0, No. 1, flathead 2.4 mm) Use a screwdriver that matches the size of the screw. Using the wrong size of screwdriver may damage the screw or make it impossible to tighten.
Wrench (two-sided, 10 mm wide)

Checking the parts

Before assembly, make sure that all parts are on hand. (Page 6, Page 8) Contact us at www.nutekt.org if any parts are missing or damaged.
TIP If you are concerned about whether you can assemble this kit or
whether you might make a mistake, refer to the video explanations available on the Web (www.nutekt.org), or use our assembly service support (chargeable).
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Assembly

Nutube circuit board
CushionN2 (3)
CushionN2 (3)
the connector

Preparing the main circuit board and Nutube circuit board

Parts List
1 Circuit board cushion PORON 7t, 8x19 1 2 Cushion N1 Sponge 1t, 5x40 2 3 Cushion N2 Sponge 1t, 5x15 1
4
Harness
5 Hex spacers M2, L=3mm 2 6 Hex spacers M2, L=16mm 4 7 Internal tooth lock washers M2 4 8 Screws M2, L=5mm, Black 2
Building the Nutube circuit board unit
1. Peel off the release paper from one side of the circuit board cushion (1), and attach it to the back side of the Nutube circuit board.
-- 4
Circuit board cushion (1)
2. Attach the cushion onto the Nutube circuit board unit.
Attach cushion N1 (2) onto the edge of the Nutube circuit board. Attach cushion N2 (3) onto both upper edges of the Nutube.
CushionN1 (2)
Do not cover
CushionN1 (2)
Attaching the Nutube circuit board unit
1. Connect the Nutube circuit board unit and the main circuit board with the harness (4).
Do not use excessive force, as the wire can easily break. Also, do not
repeatedly connect and disconnect the harness.
2. Remove the release paper on the circuit board cushion (1) that you attached to the Nutube circuit board, and attach the circuit board unit to the main circuit board.
Make sure that the Nutube does not touch the adjacent parts or the case.
(4)
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Attaching the hex spacers
1. Mount the hex spacers (5, 6) onto the circuit board.
Use the screws (8) to affix the two hex spacers (6) and the internal tooth lock washers (7) for the volume and jack side. In the same way, tighten the hex spacers (6) on the Nutube circuit board side and the internal tooth lock washers (7) by tightening the screws for the lower hex spacers (5).
(6)
(6)
(7)
(5)
Since the screws (8) cannot be retightened from the outside of the
case, use a precision screwdriver (Phillips #1) to firmly tighten the screws.
(7)
(8)
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Install the main circuit board into the case

Parts List
4
3
11
10
5
6
1
12
2
13
78
12
1 Case Mint-tin size case 1 2 Pan head screws M2, No.0, L=2mm, Silver 2 3 Cover Resin treatment 1 4 Knurled screw M2, L=6mm 5 Main circuit board Parts for assembly on pages 6 and 7 1 6 Insulation sheet PET 1 7 Volume nut Included with Volume 1
8
Volume washer Included with Volume 1
9 Volume knob -- 1
10 Battery AA alkaline batteries (sold separately) 2
11 Battery cushion 1t, 30 x 10 1
12 Rubber feet -- 13 Rating label -- 1
Make sure not to lose any of the small screws.
4
4
9
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Fix the main circuit board in place on the case
Double-sided tape (bottom side)
Be careful not to cover the screw holes.
[7]
Tighten the fastener screw with a hex wrench.
1. Put the insulation sheet [6] into the case [1].
Peel off the release paper on the double-sided tape attached to the insulation sheet [6], and attach it to the case [1].
3. Attach the washer [8] to the volume, and then use the volume nut [7] to temporarily tighten the volume onto the case.
Make sure that the stereo mini jack protrudes from the hole in the case.
[6]
[1]
2. Slide the main circuit board (assembled) into the case [1] to mount.
TIP If the volume control is attached to the circuit board using a washer
and nut, remove the washer and nut and then mount the main circuit board onto the case.
[8]
4. Fix the main circuit board in place by screwing the pan head screws [2] into the two holes at the bottom of the case.
TIP Use a precision screwdriver (Phillips #0) to tighten the screws.
5. Retighten the volume nut [7] to be fixed in place.
6. Attach the knob [9] onto the volume.
Mount the volume knob onto this spindle.
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Put the batteries and close the case
1. Put the batteries [10] in.
3. With the printed jack names facing the jack side, put the cover [3] on, and fasten the knurled screws [4] in four places.
Take care not to pinch the harness or other parts when closing the
cover.
Tighten the knurled screws by hand. Overtightening the screws using
a screwdriver or other tool may damage the screws or the main unit.
Batteries are not included. You will need to purchase a commercially
available AA alkaline batteries.
2. Peel off the protective sheet on the cover [3], and attach the battery cushion [11].
A protective sheet is attached to both sides of the cover. After peeling off the protective sheet on the back side, attach the battery cushion in the position shown in the diagram below.
[4]
4. Attach the rubber feet [4] onto the case.
Attach the rubber feet [12] and rating label [13] so that they do not overlap, as shown in the diagram.
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[4]
[3]

Part Names and Functions

1 2 3 4
1
5
4
2

Adjusting the main circuit board

The main circuit board comes preadjusted at the factory. The main circuit board generally does not need to be adjusted, but if you notice a difference in volume between left and right, adjust VR 4, 5, 6, and 7 to balance the levels between left and right. The tonal character will also change when adjusting the sound. Adjust the settings to get the sound you like.
1. IN jack: Connect a portable music player or similar device here.
2. VOL (VOLUME) knob: Used for adjusting the volume. jack: Connect a pair of headphones or stereo earphones.
3.
4. ON/STANDBY switch: Turns on/off the device.

How to Use the Nu:Tekt HA-S

Do not connect headphones, an audio player or other device to the
jack or the IN jack before turning on the power.
1. Turn the volume all the way down (counter-clockwise), and set the ON/STANDBY switch to the upper position to turn on the power.
If the NuTube does not light up, turn off the power immediately and check to make sure that there are no mistakes in assembly.
TIP Note that the brightness of the Nutube may look different from left to
right.
2. Connect a pair of headphones or earphones to the connect an audio player or other device to the IN jack.
3. Adjust the volume using the VOLUME knob.
Turn the volume up gradually (clockwise) while checking the sound.
jack, and
3
1. NFB switch: Setting the switch to “A” will set the circuit to a non-NFB circuit. The harmonics present in the Nutube will be amplified to create a sound that is even closer to that of a vacuum tube. Setting the switch to “B” will enable the NFB circuit, offering a hi-fi sound.
Setting the switch to “A” will increase the output level, due to the
characteristics of the circuit .
The vacuum tube effect will change depending on the output level of the device connected to the input of the HA-S. Although, the effect is more prominent at higher levels, if the sound distorts, however, adjust by lowering the levels.
2. BIAS(L)(VR6)
3. BIAS(R)(VR7): This sets the Nutube bias voltage. Adjust VR6 and 7
while listening to the sound, in order to achieve maximum volume.
4. Anode Load(L)(VR4)
5. Anode Load(R)(VR5): This adjusts the Nutube’s anode load resistance.
In general, the unit is used with VR 4 and 5 turned all the way to the right. However, since the tonal character of the sound changes according to the load resistance, adjust VR 4 and 5 to get the sound that you like.
TIP
Turning the fixed resistors (VR 4, 5) all the way to the left will result in no sound.
TIP You may hear a crackling sound when turning the VR4, 5, 6 or 7 fixed
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resistors while playing sound, but this is not a malfunction.

Troubleshooting

When you have successfully finished assembling the unit, test its operation while reading “Part Names and Functions” . If you have found any problems with assembly or operation, use the troubleshooting steps below.
Some parts are left over.
• The kit may contain some extra parts that are not used, such as resistors or capacitors.
There aren’t enough parts.
• If you have lost some parts, contact us at www.nutekt.org.
• Also, contact us at www.nutekt.org if any parts were missing or damaged before you started to assemble the unit.
I can’t assemble the unit, because I broke a part.
• Please contact us at www.nutekt.org.
The unit makes an abnormal sound when I tilted it or shook it after assembly.
• A loose screw or other part might be left inside the unit. Open the lower case and check the inside.
The volume or jacks are loose.
• Make sure that the nuts are fastened tightly. Remove the knobs from the volume and retighten the nuts.
The sound is distorted.
• The input levels may be set too high. Adjust the volume level on the input device.
A pop noise is heard when turning on the power
• This product makes a popping sound when the power is turned on, This is not a malfunction because the muting circuit is not equipped in pursuit of the superior sound. Connect a pair of headphones or the like to the jack after you turn on the power.

Replacing the operational amplifier

The operational amplifier can be replaced with a DIP8 type operational amplifier. The power supply for the OP amp is a 24–28 V single power supply system. When replacing the operational amplifier, be sure that the replacement uses the same rated voltage.
Replacing the operational amplifier with any other operational
amplifier besides the one included with this kit is to be done on your own responsibility.
Use care when replacing the operational amplifier, so as not to bend
or break the legs.
Make sure that the components to mount are faced correctly when
replacing the operational amplifier. Install the pin #1 of the operational amplifier (shown with a mark) so that it lines up with the dot on the circuit board.

Specifications

· Vacuum tube: Nutube 6P1
· Connectors and jacks: IN jack (stereo mini phone jack), phone jack)
· Controls: Volume, NFB switch (internal)
· Output impedance: 10Ω; recommended load: 15Ω or greater
· Power: AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)
· Battery life: Approx. 9 hr. (using alkaline batteries)
· Dimensions (W x D x H): 111 x 65 x 29 mm / 4.37" x 2.56" x 1.14"
· Weight: 110 g / 3.88 oz. (without batteries)
· Included items: Owner’s Manual * Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice
for improvement.
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jack (stereo mini

Mounting Diagram

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List of mounted parts

Main circuit board
Part
number
Circuit
number
name
Part
Rating
Part
number
Quantity
Circuit
number
Part
name
Rating
Quantity
1 IC1
2 IC1S
3 C10, C14 4 C27, C28 5 C16, C17
C8, C11, C12,
6
C15, C23 7 C9, C13 Non-polar capacitor 8 C21, C22 9 C26
10 C19, C20
11 C24
12 C18 13 R16 Chip resistor 0 1 14 R29, R30 Chip resistor 10 1/4W 2 15 R32 Chip resistor 1K 1
Operational amplifier
Operational amplifier socket
Chip ceramic capacitor Chip ceramic capacitor 0.0022μF B
Film capacitor 0.012μF FILM
Electrolytic capacitor 10μF/2 5 V
Electrolytic capacitor 47μF/16V Electrolytic capacitor 100μF/3 5 V Electrolytic capacitor 220μF/2 5 V Electrolytic capacitor 220μF/6.3V
Electrolytic capacitor
NJM4580 1 MUSES01 1
8pin DIP 1
10PF CH 2
10μF/25V BP
OPEN --
16 R35, R36 Chip resistor 4.7 K 2
R6, R7, R21,
17
R24, R26, R28
18 R8, R9 Chip resistor 22K 2
R10, R12, R17,
19
2 2
5
2 2
1
2
1
R18 R14, R15, R20,
20
R23
21
BATT1
22 “+” side electrode -- 2
23 “-” side electrode -- 2 24 CN2 25 PH1, PH2 26 SW2 27 SW1 Toggle switch 2UD1-T1 1 28 VR6, VR7 29 VR1 30 VR4, VR5
Chip resistor 10K 6
Chip resistor 47K 4
Chip resistor 100K 4
Battery box
Connector
Stereo mini phone jack
Slide switch
Trimmer Potentiometer
Volume
Trimmer Potentiometer
BATTERY BOX 1
B12B-ZR 1 PJ-321 2 MK-22D10-G2 1
10K B 2 100K A 1 200K B 2
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Nutube circuit board
Part
number
31 IC3 Voltage regulator TLV61046A 1 32 IC2 Voltage regulator TPS62510 1 33 Q1, Q2 J-FET 2SK209 2 34 C4 35 C5 36 C3
37 C6 38 C7 39 C1, C2 40 C25
41
42 R33 Chip resistor 0 1 43 R1 Chip resistor 1 1 44 R31 Chip resistor 6.2 1 45 R11, R13 Chip resistor 10K 2 46 R3, R5 Chip resistor 62K 2 47 R2 Chip resistor 120K 1 48 R4 Chip resistor 2M 1 49 R34 Chip resistor OPEN -­50 L1
51 L2 52 CN1 Connector S12B-ZR 1 53 V1 Nutube (vacuum tube) Nutube 6P1 1
Circuit
number
C29, C30, C31, C32
Part
name
Chip ceramic capacitor Chip ceramic capacitor 0.001μF B Chip ceramic capacitor 0.1μF B Chip ceramic capacitor 4.7 μF B Chip ceramic capacitor 4.7 μF B Chip ceramic capacitor 22μF B Chip Electrolytic capacitor 390μF/2.5V
Chip ceramic capacitor 10μF B
Chip inductor 2.2μH Chip inductor 10μH
22PF CH 1
Rating
Quantity
1 1 1 1
2
1
4
1 1
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CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

[ I
GND
26V
NPUT ]
PJ-321
12 134 3
Q1 2SK209
R11 10K
PH1
4 3 2
GND
SW1B
2UD1-T1
4
5
6
SW1A
1
2
3
2UD1-T1 BATT1 BATTERY BOX
1.8V-3.6V
C8
10uF/25V
VR6
10K B
C12
10uF/25V
VR7
10K B
C24 220uF/6.3V
V1
10
7
4
912168
1234567891011
CN1 S12B-ZR
B12B-ZR
CN2
123456789
6P1
14
17
12
GND
101112
R16
0
C18
VCC_2
R17
47K
0.012uF FILM
R18
47K
0.012uF FILM
0.7V
26V
VCC
R32
1K
OPEN
VCC_2
VR4
2
200K B
1 3
10uF/25V
C11
C16
C15 10uF/25V
C17
VCC_2
VR5
2
200K B
1 3
13V
VCC_2
GND
R330R34
R1
1
C1
22uF B
C26
100uF/35V
SW2A
1
2
3
SW2B
4
5
6
100K
OPEN
25V
[ OFF ]
MK-22D10-G2 [ ON ]
[ OFF ]
MK-22D10-G2 [ ON ]
R14 100K
R15
Q2 2SK209
R13
10K
R6
10K
VCC_2
R10
R8
47K
22K
2
CWCW
C21
1 3
47uF/16V
GND
GND
R7
10K
VCC_2
R9
R12
22K
47K
2
C22
1 3
47uF/16V
GND
GND GND
C3
0.1uF B
10uF/25V
6 7 8 9
10
IC2 TPS62510
C9
10uF/25V BP
C13
10uF/25V BP
C23
MODE PG AVIN PVIN
VCCBIAS
4 8
1.8V-3.6V
11
OVT5EN
4
FB
3
AGND
2
PGND
1
SW
IC1C
NJM4580
R20
100K
4.7K
R23
100K
4.7K
120K
R35
R36
R2
L1
2.2uH
GND
GND
R3
62K
VR1A
100K_A
CW
2
R21 10K
BIAS
C27
0.0022uF B
VR1B 100K_A
CW
6
5
R24 10K
BIAS
C28
0.0022uF B
C4 22PF CH
22uF B
13
C10
10PF CH
IC1A
2
-
3
+
NJM4580
4
C14
10PF CH
IC1B
6
-
5
+
NJM4580
C2
1
7
R29
10 1/4W
R30
10 1/4W
R31
6.2
0.7V
C25
390uF/2.5V
C19 220uF/25V
C20 220uF/25V
6
4
5
EN
VIN
VOUT
0.001uF B
IC3
SW1FB3GND
L2
10uH
C6
4.7uF B
[ OUTPUT ]
4 3 2
R26 10K
GND
GND
R28 10K
2
TLV61046A
PH2
PJ-321
R4
C5
2M
R5
C7
62K
4.7uF B
10uF B
10uF B
C29
C30 10uF B
C31 10uF B
C32
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