Vista i34 User Manual

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a brand of ENG Vista, Inc.

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http://www.vista-audio.com/

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Rev. 4

Dear Customer

We at ENG Vista want to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing the
Integrated Tube Amplifier. The people that stand behind your amplifier draw on more than

a decade of professional electronics design and manufacturing experience. We are
committed to providing our customers with the high quality sound at affordable prices. We
have achieved this goal through modern design, quality parts, expert components sourcing
and efficient manufacturing. We are confident that your amplifier will give you many years
of listening pleasure as a part of your audio system.

Before using this amplifier, please take the time to carefully read and understand the safety
instructions and operating procedures. Becoming familiar with all details about your
amplifier will ensure safe usage and reliable operation. Especially important is the section
on tube layout which gives information on tube replacement.

The effort you invest now will be well rewarded as the time goes by.

THANK YOU!
ENG Vista, Inc.

model i34

Table of Contents

Section Page No.

Safety Precautions 3, 4
Getting Started

About Your Amplifier 5

Construction and Testing 5
Packaging/Unpacking 5, 6

Accessories 6

Preparation for Use 6

Operating Procedures 6
Controls and Their Functions 6
Vacuum Tube Layout: 6

Tube Replacement 7

Biasing Output Tubes 8
Servicing 9
Technical Specifications 10

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY ALL THE

FOLLOWING IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS THAT

ARE APPLICABLE TO YOUR EQUIPMENT

CAUTION!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS. NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE

PERSONNEL.

SAFETY

1) Read the User’s Manual and refer to it frequently during use of this product - All the safety
and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

2) Retain the User’s Manual - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.

3) Follow Instructions - All operating and instructions for use should be closely followed.

4) Power Sources - This product should be operated using only the type of power source

indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply in your home, consult
your product dealer or local power company.

5) Grounding - This product is equipped with a three prong IEC connector. Always use power cord
with adequate wire cross section and an electrical outlet that is grounded. If you do not know whether
the outlet is grounded, consult your electrician or local power company.

6) Power Cord Protection – Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched. Pay particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles and
where they exit from the product. Always use power cords with adequate current ratings and
safety certifications (UL, CE, TÜV, CSA, etc.)

7) Fuses - For continued protection against fire hazard, replace fuses with the same type and rating of

the fuses specified. When changing fuses, completely unplug the AC cord from the wall outlet.

8) Tubes - During operation the tubes get very hot. Do not touch the tubes since this may result in
a severe burn. Allow at least 10 minutes after removing power for tubes to cool down before
touching them.

9) Turn-off when not using - Turn off the unit as soon as you stop actively using it. Unplug the
power supply from the wall during a lightning storm or when the product is to be left unattended and
unused for longer periods of time.

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ENVIRONMENT

1) Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water - i.e. near a bathtub, ash bowl, kitchen sink
or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool or the like. Damp basements should be
avoided.

2) Heat - The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves or other appliances that produce heat. Also avoid putting the unit in the direct rays of the sun.

3) For indoor use only.

PLACEMENT

1) Accessibility - It is normal for a vacuum tube power amplifier to run warm if used for prolonged periods.

Tubes are very hot when operating and should not be touched for at least ten minutes after the unit is turned
off to prevent burns. Always place your amplifier away from children and pets to prevent burns.

2) Ventilation - This product should not be placed in a built-in installation or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been followed. Never place anything
on top your amplifier that could obstruct the airflow and cause the electron tubes to overheat and damage
the amplifier. Do not place your amplifier in a closed bookcase; overheating could occur. Ensure that
there is at least 8” (200mm) of open space above the amplifier.

2) Surface - Place the unit on a flat level surface. Care should be taken to prevent objects from falling and

liquids from spilling into the unit. Do not subject the unit to excessive smoke, dust, vibration or shock.

MAINTENANCE

1) Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or

aerosol cleaners. Use a dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring
powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzene.

2) Tube replacement – Electron tubes have their life in the 1000-2000 hrs range. We strongly recommend
replacing the output tubes at 12-18 months interval (depending on your listening habits) and signal tubes
at every other power tube replacement (after 24-36 months). This will ensure that the amplifier always
performs at its best and tube failure will not overstress other parts.

3) Biasing the amplifier - The
delivered with adjusted bias. Bias adjustment is required only when replacing the original tubes. Matched
tubes should be used in each channel. They are available from multiple vendors as well as directly from
Vista Audio.

4) Socket contacts – tube pins and socket contacts are subject to oxidation. If the amplifier is not used

model i34

amplifier uses tubes in fixed bias configuration. The amplifier is

for several days at a time, the oxidation may cause loss of contact and it may be necessary to reinsert
tubes to restore the operation.

SERVICE

1) Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure that the service technician

uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or parts with the same characteristics as the original
part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

2) Tube Replacement/Rolling - Should it become necessary to replace your tubes, remove the

AC power plug from the wall and allow thirty minutes for the high voltage capacitors to discharge.
Follow instructions outlined in this manual. Tube rolling (frequent replacement for experimenting
purposes) is not recommended – the tube sockets are sensitive mechanical parts and frequent
insertions will cause premature failure and loss of contact, which may result in amplifier damages.

3) Modifications – Modifications to the amplifier are strongly discouraged. The unit was designed

by experienced engineers and tested for safe and reliable operation. Any modification may pose a
safety problem and result in reduced lifetime of the product. Removing cover will void warranty.

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