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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
It was science. Now it’s Art!
Model: AuPre - Tube Preamplifier / Phono Stage (2014 model)
QUICK USER MANUAL: Au Pre’s
Tube Preamplifier
V2.05.2016
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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
Model : Au Pre Tube Preamplifiers
First of all, thank you for purchasing our product. Anytime you see the Triode Lab
badge, you are getting a finest piece in its class. All our products are designed
to last forever with absolute reliable ownership. Everything, from design to
manufacture are done right here in Toronto, Canada, in-house by our tube
masters and engineers. Today, let us present you the new era of tube
amplifications.
It was Science, now it’s Art!
BEFORE YOU START UP THE MUSIC:
Here are some DOs and DON’Ts to learn about the basic usage of tube pre-amplifiers.
DOs: - Always have all correct tubes in place (See page 3) - Hook up all signal
input cables (RED/WHITE) & speaker wires (RED/BLACK) BEFORE you put the power cord
into the IEC inlet (In case the power button is switched on) - Always put volume to
minimal before or after used - Use matched pair tubes whenever possible - A
decent power cord will be beneficial, as well power conditioning devices - After
turned off amplifier, let rest and avoid restart immediately
DON’Ts - Do not let children or pets get closed to the amplifier when it is playing, as
the tubes can be harmful, or lethal (The optional cage is highly recommended) -
Do not remove any tubes, cables and wires while the amplifier is playing / on - Do
not try to fix or modify the amplifier, as there could be lethal voltage remains in parts,
even in days or weeks. We have to mention this as we take safety very seriously and we
all have our loved ones and families. So far, we do not have one warranty claimed yet,
so we can safely say shall one day your amplifier requires service, most likely it is caused
by external reason such as misused, lightening, physical abuse and damage...etc.
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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
QUICK CONNECTIONS:
1. Plug in all tubes at correct locations and make sure it fits in tight and
completely
2. Hook up all interconnect cables from your source output (Red/White RCA
cables from CD Player, DVD Player, Tuner, Radio, TV...etc ) to preamplifier’s
INPUTS
3. Connect preampflier’s PREOUT to power amplifier’s INPUT
4. Insert POWERCORD and switch on preamplifier
5. After all tubes lit up, wait 30-60 seconds and turn on power amplifier (Once
finish listening, always TURN OFF Power Amplifier FIRST, and turn off preamplifier
last)
6. Select your source via SELECTOR SWITCH KNOB
7. Turn on to appropriate / suitable VOLUME CONTROL KNOB
8. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
CONNECTION DIAGRAM
TUBES / KNOBS
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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
TROUBLESHOOT / QUESTIONS:
a. The tubes are not glowing - check your power cord, fuses, or try a new rectify tube
(EZ81/6CA4).
b. Only one channel is playing or hum/low/weak in volume - switch off, and let tubes cool.
Try rotate tubes between L and R channel, and make sure all cables/wires are secured. If
the problem is not resolved after rotating tubes, try rotating L to R channel cables/wires
until you find out if it is poorly connected or defected tubes. If volume/power remains
weak or blurry, try a new rectify tube (EZ81/6CA4)
c. Upgrades - people talk about upgrades and modifications, should I listen?
Our answer is NO, because each model of amplifiers we designed and made are voiced to how
we wanted. We are not just engineers who purely pursuit our products with a high spec and
performance on paper. We, are also music lovers and musicians who care how instruments and
voices are being portrayed. Each part and transformer are hand-picked and most of them are
what we have been used for decades. Please be warned: if any changes and modifications
done will void the warranty and affects its value.
d. NOS or NEW Tubes - We prefer new tubes, as they are more consistent.
e. Do rectify tube (EZ81/6CA4) and regulator tube (6GV8/ECL85/ECL805) make changes in
sound?
YES THEY DO! Like any “high end” tube ampflications, any changes of any tubes, cables, parts,
fuse, and different connectors and sockets…etc, and down to as small as one hook up wire or
different materials / plating on of the tube socket feet will tell. The better the tube equipment is,
the easier to tell the difference. This is the reason why we select the 6GV8 / ECL85 because of its
good tonal quality.
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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
Designer Notes:
The Au Pre design uses tube rectification and regulation, with two 12AU7s in the gain
stage (this is why it is called AU Pre) and a world class solid-state phono stage.
It’s been almost 30 years since we first developed this 12AU7 preamp circuitry. That first
version was designed for a recording studio in Germany as a contract job – Meeting
strict German specifications and requirements. This preamp is, however, a product of 30
years of subsequent research and development. During that time, the original design
was enhanced on the basis of continuous testing, use and feedback, leading to
improvements to both engineering and design philosophy.
Today, we are pleased to debut the design in its home/hi-fi version -- our AU Pre.
This is easily our reference and favourite tube preamp for triode and lower powered
tube amps. All the elements and design philosophy are also to unleash the best sound
and characteristics of such power amps. It does its important job of provide more gain
and volume in the most accurate and realistic way without alternated the sound like
most other preamps failed to do so.
The minimal design approach...
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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
Is not just for the looks and space savings. The Au Pre is a compact and simple-desk
policy preamplifier. But it is not just compact. Although we have kept all the wiring as
short as possible, we have also used top-level components throughout – it is hardwired
with heavy-duty silver plated wires, and high quality E-capacitors and parts - which
contribute to the darker and quieter noise floor.
Finally, to achieve the best signal to noise ratio and least interference, we separated
the entire power supply circuitry from the main circuitry board (have the same result as
an external power supply but keep the cost low). As a result, the Au Pre offers higher
quality and cleaner sound with excellent imaging. As with all other high-end tube
equipment, we are of course adopting the best of the old ways, in this case by using
tube rectification with a 6CA4/EZ81 tube. We also use a 6GV8/ECL85 tube to handle
the regulating and stability task. We favour it to the more commonly used ECL82/6BM8 -
- it just sounds better, and these days more affordable to the ECL82/6BM8. And yes,
every tube, including both the rectify/regulating tubes, can make a great difference
(day/night) in sound, so start looking for some NOS tubes! For the 12AU7s, we prefer new
production tubes. The EH12AU7 is what we supply with and tested / voiced with. It also
have thousands of reasons why we like it and chosen it.
Simple, but Best = Hardest in Design & Engineering
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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
The same care in planning has gone into the phono stage. We have chosen to go with
a non-tube phono stage for thispre- amplifier. Although it is not a tube-based
component and looks simple, we have listened to a lot of options, and are convinced
that we are using simply the best policy – aka quiet and good gain. We take our phono
stage very seriously. Like most audiophiles, we are obsessed to what we like. Imagine
back then we were crazy enough to fly over to Japan to ask old Mr. K san for a cart for
matching!
Although we like a simple approach, there are of course minimal safety, other
specifications, and sonic goals to meet – with a simple design, there is not a lot of room
for error. Thus, it is safe to say that a product of “simple-best” is harder to design and
engineer than an all-out “serious” design. With our Au Pre, we have had thirty years to
simplify, streamline and optimize the design of our preamp with phono stage. We think
we’ve landed on a pretty good version of “simple-best.” Its clarity and precision will
bring the best sound out of your other components. Now all you have to do is start
pulling out your old records and rediscovering your system’s true ability!
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MANUAL | AU PRE TRIODE LAB CANADA http://www.triodelab.com
QUICK SPECS
Inputs: 3 Inputs + 1 Phono Input
Controls: 1 Selector Switch +1 Volume Control
Input impedance: 100K
Line Stage Gain: 15 db / Approximately 6X
S/N Ratio: Better than 90 db
Phono Gain Stage: 34 db / 50x
Input impedance: 47K / RIAA Characteristic
TUBES USE:
12AU7 /ECC82
Matched Pair
1 x 6CA4/EZ81
Rectify Tube (First tube on the left)
1 x ECL85 / 6GV8
Regulate Tube (Second tube from left)
CHASSIS / BOX:
Finish: Magma Gray Metallic (2014)
or computer coded automotive paint (For Au Pre du Triode)
Chassis Dimensions:
17” x 8“ x 8” (W x D x H)
Shipping Box:
Shipping Weight: 20 LB
Launch Date: 2012
MSRP: Starting from $4,800 CAD (2016)
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