MEITNER PA6i PREAMPLIFIER

OWNER'S MANUAL

A Few Words.. | Unpacking | Operation | Remote | Phono Modules | Adjustments | A Few Last Words

A Few Words on Design Philosophy from Edmund Meitner...

• No Mechanical Switches
  There are no mechanical switch contacts in the critical audio path. All audio routing is achieved by logic controlled, current mode MOSFET devices. This assures that no frequency modulation distortion or dioding can occur due to the presence of audio voltages. Voltage controlled amplifiers in each channel eliminate noise, distortion and discontinuities associated with mechanical volume and balance controls.
• Remote Control Operation
  In my experience as a listener, the ideal location for all adjustments of the preamplifier is from the listening position. We have therefore included a remote control that allows you to control or change volume, balance, absolute phase and mode selection from your listening position. No audio signal is present at the remote, only DC control signals.
• Why Absolute Phase...
  When switching from one source to another and even from one record to another, we noticed that the absolute phase was constantly being changed. Some records in fact recommended that you reverse absolute phase by actually reversing both speaker connections. The absolute phase switch allows you to make these changes from your listening position.
• Output Protection
  Any fully DC controlled system presents a potential problem with DC offset. At the main output of the PA6i, a relay limits the DC offset and excessively low frequencies. As the relay is out of the audio path when activated, the "on/off" thump is eliminated without any degradation of the audio signal.
• Phono Input Flexibility
  We have two interchangeable phono input modules that will allow you the flexibility of using the vast majority of phono cartridges available.
• No Coupling Capacitors
  There are no coupling capacitors in the PA6i from input to output. In our opinion, any capacitor is a compromise.
• Charge Biasing
  We have introduced a unique circuit to charge bias critical areas of the PA6i circuits. This is one of the most significant improvements introduced since the original PA6 was designed.

CONTENTS

When unpacking the unit from the box, please ensure that it contains the following:

• Meitner PA6i
• Wire or Infra-red Remote Control
• Power Supply with connection cords attached
• Phono Module (if ordered)
• Owner's manual & brochures etc.

Please examine the wood boxes for any defects in finish which may have occurred in transit. Each unit was hand finished and examined prior to shipment.

Operating the PA6i

Set-Up

• At the back of the PA6i there are two DIN type connectors for the power supply and the remote control. Both are clearly marked. Plug in both units prior to connecting the power supply to the AC outlet.
• As soon as the power supply is plugged in and turned on, the "mute" indicators on both the preamplifier and the remote will flash for approximately twenty seconds. When the flashing stops, the unit is ready for operation.
• Connect the various inputs as indicated on the back panel of the PA6i. There are two pairs of power amplifier outputs. Both of them are identical. Connect your power amplifier to either of the two pairs of outputs. The additional pair of outputs can be used , as required, to power bi-amplify appropriate speakers or to drive a subwoofer.

Front Panel

• The front panel has only one control. This is a soft-touch mute switch and is recessed to be unobtrusive. When lightly pressed, the "mute" square activates the muting circuit which reduces the main output by 25 dB to facilitate record changing and other interruptions. This function is repeated on the remote control.

Phono Input Module

• There are two options available in the form of plug in modules. These will accommodate most of today's cartridges. Your PA6i comes with the module you ordered and you can order the other through your dealer.

Wired Remote Control

• Input Selection - Press the desired input selector and the appropriate light on the remote control and/or the front panel will indicate the input selected.
• Tape - When this is pressed, it activates the tape monitor circuit. You can select any one of the sources and the tape monitor switch depending on the source your wish to record from. One of the source inputs will also remain selected along with the tape.
• Mute - As discussed above, this reduces the main output by 25 dB. When this switch is activated and the volume control is turned down fully counter clockwise, the output protection relay is engaged. This facilitates a full mute condition. The mute has a "ramp" function that increases or decreases volume over a one second interval. When the volume control is at the lower 20% of its range and mute is engaged, output will be muted 100%.
• Phase - Activating this switch reverses the absolute phase; It simulates the effect of reversing the speaker leads on both channels. Some music sources are recorded with the absolute phase reversed. If the record sleeve does not specifically indicate this, use the normal position to start with. Experiment with this function from your normal listening position and select the phase offering the greatest clarity and most realistic presentation of sonic images.
• Balance and Volume - The volume control works in the traditional manner. The balance functions as a stereo pan control. As the level in one channel in increased, the level in the opposite channel is decreased. This allows you to move the sound "stage" to the left or right without changing the overall loudness in the room.

Infra-Red Remote Control

• The IR. system is comprised of two pieces; the IR. receiver unit and the IR. hand control. The IR. system eliminates the wire attaching the hand control to the preamplifier. It will also permit the PA6i to be used with many of the "smart" unified remote controls or infra-red link systems available.
• The IR. control offers all the control functions of the wired version, with the addition of a button positioned between "Balance Left" and "Balance Right" that, when pressed, will restore the balance to the center.
• Unlike most IR. controls wherein the adjustments in level from one setting to the next are too coarse (i.e. too soft or too loud), the adjustment "steps" of the PA6i are in 0.25 dB increments. Thus the resulting changes in volume and balance are smooth and continuous.
• Additional installation documentation on the IR. control can be found in the IR. control package.

Input Gain Adjustment

• There are three trim pots to adjust the gain of phono, tuner and AUX/CD relative to the tape input and relative to each other. Access to the trim pots is through three holes on the metal top chassis panel. The wooden sleeve can be removed by removing the two screws at the bottom of the unit. Each trimpot can then be used to adjust input sensitivity for the corresponding input. Phono, Tuner and CD/AUX can be adjusted relative to Tape, which is fixed. If Tape is not used, two inputs can be adjusted relative to the third.

Low Frequency Response

• There are four jumpers provided for adjusting low frequency response. Access to the jumpers is through two rectangular openings on the top panel. The options are as follows:
  • 1 Hz response ....... no jumper.
  • 3 Hz response ....... All four jumpers installed.
• For normal operation, we would recommend that you leave the PA6i as adjusted at the factory. Should you have any particular problems with the low frequency area due to turntable or speaker inadequacies, we recommend that you contact your dealer or our service department directly prior to making any adjustments.

Phono Modules

We offer a choice of two user changeable phono interfaces which plug into the rear of the PA6i. The modules are:

1. Trans-impedance MC
   Suitable for low and medium output cartridges of moving coil design.
2. Voltage Mode MMLZ Universal
   Suitable for high output moving coil and all other high output cartridge types.

The MC interface requires no load adjustment by the user, as the interface is dynamically load adjusting. There are user adjustments available for gain and RF interference.

The MMLZ interface should be used for cartridges of approximately 1.2 mV or greater; including high (not medium) output MC's and Moving Magnets. This interface provides user adjustments for gain, resistive load and capacitance. Adjustments are clearly labeled on the MMLZ interface.

• Installation and Removal
  The power supply for the PA6i must of OFF. Remove the two black thumbscrews and any cables connected. The interface can then be removed by pulling straight back and out. To replace the interface, re-insert it into its "dock" checking that the edges of the interface circuit board are positioned in the nylon side channel guides provided. If the interface is positioned correctly, it will be re-inserted with a minimum of force.
  CAUTION: If the interface does not "seat" easily, remove it and check that it is in fact in the side channel guides. Re-insert into the guides and install. Replace the thumbscrews, then turn the PA6i power supply on. NEVER FORCE THE INTERFACE. If it does not seem to seat correctly when installed with appropriate care, consult your dealer or Museatex.
  Note: Please ensure that your turntable is properly grounded using the chassis/turntable grounding terminal provided below the plug in module.

A Few Last Words from Edmund Meitner and the Technical Staff at Museatex...

We believe that you possess one of the finest preamplifiers presently available, irrespective of price. To obtain the optimum performance from the unit, we recommend that you give consideration to the following:

• We recommend that you do not switch off the power supply at any time after the unit is installed. The only exception is when you are plugging in new equipment, changing phono modules, etc. The current consumed by the unit is negligible and leaving the power on ensures that the unit is at optimum performance temperature at all times.
• In the event of a power outage, the PA6i will turn off. When the power is restored, it will "wake up" in mute, with no input selected. This ensures that no problems arise from power on.
• In the event of a "brownout", or low power condition, the PA6i will go into protection. The indicator lights will flash and there will be no output. If this occurs, turn off the power supply until normal power is restored. Turning on the PA6i will then act as a reset.
• Periodically examine and clean all contacts with pure isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth. Once every month or two is recommended for best performance.
• Auxiliary equipment used must be of the highest quality to benefit fully from the PA6i. We would obviously recommend that you use the PA6i with the Meitner amplifiers, speaker cables and with our own CD player, turntable and tuner, which will be available soon.
• Please feel free to contact us if you wish to discuss this or any related aspect of installation or performance.

For more information please contact John Wright at (403) 968-1400 or email john@museatex.com

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