MARGULES SF 220 Stereo Tube Preamplifier User Guide

SF 220 Stereo Tube Preamplifier
User Guide

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside; it is recommended that only qualified personnel service this component.

1. OWNER’S MANUAL: Before powering up the equipment, read all safety and operating instructions and follow them as instructed. Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.

2. ATTACHMENTS: Use only those attachments recommended by the unit manufacturer, as others may cause hazards.

3. ACCESSORIES: Do not place the unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing injury to a person or damage to the unit. Mount the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions with the suggested mounting accessory.

4. WATER AND MOISTURE: Do not use the unit near water (for example, near a swimming pool, bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub) or in a damp environment (like a basement or outside in the rain).

5. WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING: Mount the unit to a wall or ceiling only in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.

6. OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY: Do not push objects of any kind into the unit through openings as they could touch dangerous voltage points and short-out parts, possibly resulting in a fire or electric shock. Avoid spilling liquid of any kind on the unit. If water or any metal object (such as a paper clip, coin, or staple) accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately and contact Margules Audio for further instructions.

7. HEAT: Position the unit away from heat sourc- es such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other units (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

8. VENTILATION: Slots and openings in the cabinet create ventilation to protect the component from overheating. Allow at least 6 inches (16cm) of clearance above the unit and an opening behind the unit for airflow. Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, built-in bookcase, or rack without adequate ventilation.

9. GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: As a safety feature, the unit may be equipped with a polarized alternating current line plug in which one blade is wider than the other. This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. If you cannot insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still will not fit, contact a licensed electrician to update your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

10. POWER SOURCES: Operate the unit only from the power source indicated on the marking label. If you are unsure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your unit dealer or local power company.

11. POWER CORD PROTECTION: Arrange power supply cords so that they do not suffer from foot traffic or pinching by items placed on or against them. Pay close attention to cords where plug enter the AC outlet and where they exit from the unit.

12. LIGHTNING: For added protection during a lightning storm or when the component is idle for long periods of time, unplug the unit from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will help protect the unit from lightning and power line surge damage.

13. POWER LINES: Do not locate an outside antenna system in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits. When install- ing an outside antenna system, take extreme care to avoid touching the power lines or circuits; contact with them could be fatal.

14. OVERLOADING: Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this increases the risk of fire or electric shock

15. REPLACEMENT PARTS: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or those having the same characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

16. SAFETY CHECK: Upon completion of any service or repairs to the unit, ask the service techni- cian to perform safety checks to ensure the unit is in proper operating condition.

17. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Before connecting a new product such as the U280-SC to your audio or home theater system, turn off all other equipment (preferably unplugging them from the AC power source). Many audio components feature automatic turn-on circuits that may activate during an installa- tion, potentially causing damage to electronic compo- nents and/or speakers. This type of damage is not covered by product warranties, and Margules Audio specifically disclaims responsibility for any such damage.
    • Power Cord: The removable power cord provided with your player was specifically designed for use with this product, but other AC cords may be used. Consult your dealer for advice on AC power cords and high quality wire in your system.
    • AC Fuse: The fuse is located inside the chassis and is not user serviceable. If the unit does not power up, contact an authorized service representative.
    • Wiring: Cables running inside walls should have the appropriate markings to indicate compliance and listing by the UL, CSA or other standards required by the UL, CSA, NEC or your local building code. Questions about cables inside of walls should be referred to a qualified custom installer, a licensed electrician, or low-voltage contractor.

18. RECORDING COPYRIGHT: Recording of copyrighted material for other than personal use is illegal without permission of the copyright holder..

19. NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system install- er’s attention to article 820-40 of the NEC, ANSI/NFPA 70, which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

20. FCC INFORMATION FOR USER:
    • CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Margules Audio could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
    • These limits are designed to provide reason- able protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the follow- ing measures:
    • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
    • Increase the separation between the equip- ment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from where the receiver is connected.

21. OUTDOOR ANTENNA INSTALLATION/SAFE ANTENNA AND CABLE CONNECTION:
    • If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the equipment, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded in order to provide protec- tion against built-up static charges and voltage surges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 (in Canada, Part 1 of the Canadian Electrical Code) provides information regarding proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of anten- na discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes and requirements for the grounding electrode.
    • Outside antenna system should be located well away from power lines, electric light or power circuits and where it will never come into contact with these power sources if it should happen to fall. When install- ing an outside antenna, extreme care should be taken to avoid touching power lines, circuits or other power sources as this could be fatal. Because of the hazards involved, antenna installation should be left to a professional.

INTRODUCTION:

The SF-220 Preamplifier has a circuit that integrates the output stage with the input stage to obtain an unusually high-frequency response and transient velocity. This technology resolves the signal with great instrumental detail full of tonal richness and achieves an optimal output impedance. Capable of efficiently driving any solid-state or tube amplifier without audible interactions or loss of audio quality.
Our SF-220 features a beautiful wood-carved remote control. The use of premium components complements the advanced design of the SF220. Gold-tipped electromagnetic relays control all operations on this preamplifier, plus it features a motorized potentiometer to maintain the integrity of the analog signal. Among its Premium components, the gold PCB plate stands out, which guarantees maximum conductivity and audiophile-grade elements that help give the characteristic sound.
The power supply in this equipment is of the SHUNT type. As it does not have a control loop circuit, it does not induce harmonics, which is why it helps maintain the audio signal’s integrity. Bypass technology provides a dramatic improvement in Q damping, the critical factor in voltage regulation for those stages. Good regulation reduces the loss of signal integrity that occurs when the signal itself changes the operating point. Damping is critical to overall performance, including smoother transient response and extensive staging.
Our new SHUNT power supply is virtually indestructible due to specially designed dimming technology protecting equipment from major bulb failure. The active damping of the filament minimizes the microphonic effect produced by the bulbs.
ANA® (Neuro-Acoustic Alignment).
The development of ANA® (Neuro-Acoustic Alignment) technology is a Margules innovation based on how the human brain perceives sound, prioritizing the harmonic structure over the fundamental tone. This technology is defined based on how humans perceive and process sound.
This technological advance has its origin in the theory of captivating sound (beautiful sound). Our brain decodes information from sound waves through our ears. When sounds are close, they keep us attentive due to the relationship between their perception, the distance in which we perceive them, and their intelligibility. Distant sounds, even when intelligible, do not attract our attention and are easily ignored.
We created our ANA® technology to achieve a more realistic sound with adequate frequency response, low distortion, and high-precision harmonic reproduction, optimizing the relationship between source and listener to the maximum to enjoy music in ways never available before.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

FRONT PANEL: CONTROLS

CONTROLS:
ON / OFF Power Switch: Push the button to turn the SF 220 on and off. This button is also available on the remote control.
Input Selector Switch: Push button to select the input source between the 4 line inputs and the phono input, push once to advance between the inputs. This button is also available on the remote control.
Input Source Monitor: It displays the selected input source by means of a blue led.
Remote Control IR Receiver: This optical receiver receives the signal from the remote control, do not obstruct, because if it is blocked, the equipment will not receive the signal from the remote control.
Volume Control Knob: With this knob, turning it to the right will increase the audio output level. Turn it to the left to decrease the output level. Volume knob operation is available on the remote control.

REAR PANEL: CONECTIVITY:

CONECTIVITY

1. Pre-Amplifier Output (OUT 1 Y 2): The pre-amplification stage processes and controls two sets of unbalanced RCA outputs.
   The OUT 2 output can be used to connect a subwoofer, a second amplifier or a second zone.
   NOTE: Since the preamplifier is operated by tubes or valves, avoid connecting equipment with a low impedance load, less than 100 KΩ.

2. Line Level Inputs (CD, 1-3): RCA unbalanced inputs for line-level devices such as CD, Tuner, Tape, Pre-amplified Turntables, or an external Phonostage.

3. Line Level Signal Input (DIRECT INPUT): The volume control does not control this input. This input can receive the audio signal from another area or equipment with a surround processor and integrate a high-performance audio system with an audio/video one.

4. Line Level Signal Output (DIRECT OUTPUT): This output is controlled by the preamp stage input selector, and bypasses the volume control. This output connectors can connect a surround processor equipment and/or integrate a high-performance audio system with an audio/video zone or component.

5. RS232 port: RS232 port for integration with automation systems or to connect web server module (Sold separately) for equipment management and control. The integration codes are as follows:
   Selector: !1ENT01 !1ENT02 !1ENT03 !1ENT04
   Direct input: !1ENT05
   Mute: !1ENT06
   Volume Control:
   UP !1VOL99
   Down ! 1VOL55
   Power OFF !1PWR0
   Power ON !1PWR1
   Toggle !1POW2

6. Electric Power Input/Outputs
   (127VAC 15 AMP MAX): The input port feeds an electric current to power the equipment. The output is to connect a Magenta QR-1 or QR-2 power conditioners or other equipment that needs to be turned on simultaneously as the SF 220. This electrical output is controlled by turning on the equipment and has a maximum capacity of 15AMP/1800 W.

OPERATION:

When your SF 220 is connected for the first time, it is necessary to initialize the system, this is done by pressing the input selector button.
Check that the volume is at the minimum level to avoid a sudden bump of sound that could damage your speakers.
As long as the SF 220 is connected to the electrical supply network, the valves´or vacuum tube´s filaments will always be working, so the ignition will be immediate. The life expectancy of the valves or vacuum tubes does not decrease due to this fact, instead it increases since the electronic cloud of the cathode is already formed when the high voltage is applied (when it is turned on).
Turn on the equipment using the power switch on the remote control or the front of the equipment. If the power supply is interrupted, allow the bulbs’ filaments to heat up for a few seconds.
Select the input source by pressing the selector switch on the front panel or the remote control unit. This will turn on the blue light on the front panel indicating the selected source.
The blue light below the vacuum tubes indicates that the unit is active. Now the high voltage the preamplifier is operational. General Comments:
The unit is always warm, so it should be placed in a ventilated area, with at least one inch of air on the top and sides of the equipment, to allow airflow and avoid overheating.
Always place your unit on a firm platform to avoid external vibrations, or that can impront an unwanted tonal character.
You can alter the tonal characteristics by placing the unit on different types of stands such as rubber feet, spikes, etc.
To minimize unwanted noise or interference in the system:

1. Avoid excessive length in the interconnection cables.
2. Avoid having the cables near the alternating current line.
3. Avoid ground feedback loops between components.
4. Interconnect cables must be shielded and in good condition.

Burn-In Process:
About 150 hours of music playback are required. Having the unit on without music does not work for proper burn-in.
Vacuum Tube durability:
We recommend changing both vacuum tubes every three years for optimal performance, although they may last a more extended period.
Type of compatible tubes or valves:
The unit has 12AU7 tubes or the ECC83 equivalency, do not use any other type of tube.
IMPORTANT: Never remove the tubes from the circuit while the equipment is connected to the power outlet.
The unit has an AC outlet for associated equipment interrupted with a capacity of 15 amps, so you will be able to control the onand off of the equipment connected to the SF 220.
It is usual for the input indicator to be lit while the unit is connected to the power supply.
If a sudden power loss causing two or more selection indicators to light, unplug the unit from the power outlet and redo the initialization procedure (p. 15).
The unit’s power cord can be exchanged for higher quality to improve the tonal characteristics.

INSTALL NOTES:

Designed and Made by Margules
Morelia 38-4 Col. Roma
México, DF. C.P. 06700
Tel.: (55) 5514.7448
www.margules.com

References

• Margules | Tangible Musical Experience

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