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Quicksilver Audio Full Function Preamplifier
Operating Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the Quicksilver Audio Full Function Preamplifier. This piece of musical equipment has been
engineered to have a very wide bandwidth, extremely low distortion and superior dynamic range.
This all-tube preamp has a uniquely low output impedance, allowing it to drive very long interconnectcables and any
available amplifier, whether tube or transistor.
The preamp circuitry is non phase-inverting.
This device has very high internal voltages. Never operate with protective grills or base
removed. Any attempt at tube replacement must be done with unit disconnected from any
AC power source.
In some instances the mute switch may need to be depressed when the preamp is turned
on and off. See MUTE section.
PLACEMENT
For adequate ventilation allow at least 4 inches of space above the preamplifier.
SYSTEM GROUNDING
Your preamp has a three pronged grounded AC plug. For best grounding the Quicksilver preamp
should provide the system ground. If you ground other pieces independently a slight hum may be
audible.
MUTE
The safest system turn-on is to always turn the power amplifier ON LAST.
If you choose not to do this then you must depress the mute switch for 60 seconds after turn-on.
This is to avoid the appearance of DC voltage at the output of the preamplifier which may damage
some amplifiers and speakers.
When Quicksilver amplifiers are used, then the preamp and amps may be turned on at the same
time without the use of the mute switch.
Upon turn-off, the preamp automatically mutes.
NOISE
A small amount of hiss from the speakers in most systems in normal. If excessive noise is
noticed from the preamp, with the volume controls turned all the way down, then the 12AU7
line input tube may be bad. If the noise disappears when the mute switch is pushed in, this is
most likely the cause.
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FUSE
Never use larger than a 1.5 amp fast-blo fuse. A fuse can blow for the following reasons:
1. The preamp was switched on sooner than 45 seconds after it was switched off.
2. The 5AR4 rectifier tube at the left rear of the preamp is bad.
TUBES
The tubes and their placement within the preamp were chosen for their specific performance
characteristics. We can only guarantee the performance of this unit when used with the curvetraced and matched tubes supplied by Quicksilver.
The tubes should last several years or many thousands of hours. Replacement tubes may be
purchased directly from Quicksilver or your dealer.
Due to the unit’s high current, Class A design and slow warm-up features we highly recommend
that the unit NOT be left on when not in use.
POWER
Illuminated, this
indicates power
applied. Also energizes 2 outlets on
back marked “power
switch”
POWER OUTLETS MUTE
OUTLETS
Illuminated, this energizes 2
outlets on back panel marked
“outlet switch”. If left in the “ON”
position, the main power switch
will control these outlets and
switch
MUTE
Disconnects the preamp from the
amplifier and grounds the input of
the amplifier
-20dB
Decreases the output 20 db so
that volume controls need not
be adjusted to reduce the level
momentarily
LEFT RIGHT
MODE INPUT
MODE
Mono- Both channels are combined
Stereo Reverse- L input to R output; R input to L output
Left- Feeds L channel signal to both channels
Right- Feeds R channel signal to both channels
TAPE OUT
This switch, when moved to the OFF
position, turns off the tape output.
NOTE: This switch should be left in
the OFF position unless a signal is
needed for recording purposes.
LEFT & RIGHT VOLUME
Dual volume controls were chosen
for their sonic superioritiy
INPUT
Phono, CD, Tuner, Video, Aux
VOLUME
dB
TAPE
OUT MON
TAPE MON
This switch, when moved to the IN
position, turns off all sources, allowing only the signal entering the TAPE
INPUT to be amplified. NOTE: This
switch does not affest the signal at
the tape output.
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Quicksilver Audio Full Function Preamplifier
SPECIFICATIONS
LINE STAGE:
Bandwidth = 1Hz to 650KHz
Gain = 27 db
Input Impedance = 100K Ω -
20Hz to 20KHz
Output Impedance = 12.5 Ω
Maximum Input = 30volts RMS,
20Hz to 20KHz
Maximum Output = 65volts RMS,
20Hz to 20KHz
Tube Complement = 1-12AX7, 1-12AU7,
1-12FQ7
PHONO STAGE
Bandwidth = 20 Hz to 20KHz
Gain = 39 db at 1 KHz
Maximum Input = 500mv
Tube Complement = 1 -12AX7, 1 -12FQ7
POWER SUPPLY:
Storage = 122 joules
Output Voltage = 400 and 620 volts
Tube Complement = 1 -5AR4
Dimensions: Chassis 17”x11”,
Front panel 19” x 5.25”
Weight: 21 pounds
WARRANTY
Quicksilver Audio warranties your preamplifier for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase (90 days on tubes.) Parts and labor are provided free of charge as long as the failure was
not caused by misuse, accident or negligence. Shipping to the factory is not included.
Retain at least one packing carton in case a unit needs to be returned for service.
Quicksilver Audio
5635 Riggins Court, Unit 15
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 825-1514 / Fax 825-1552
www.quicksilveraudio.com
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