QUAD Artera Pre HiFi Analogue Preamplifier User Manual

QUAD Artera Pre HiFi Analogue Preamplifier

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD-DO NOT OPEN

This lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
Warning: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or back) as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
This exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding plug. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart or rack is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip- over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Mains Supply: The mains operating voltage of all QUAD Artera series units is shown on the rear panel. If this voltage does not match the mains voltage in your area, consult your QUAD dealer about converting the unit.
The mains supply fuse on the rear panel is accessible when the IEC mains plug has been removed. In the rare event that it has broken, check for any obvious cause before replacing the fuse with one of the correct rating and type.

The fuse values are:
Artera Pre
220~240V (UK，China, etc.) T500mAL 250V Slow Blow
100~120V (USA, Japan, etc.) T1AL 250V Slow Blow

WARNING: Only use attachments/accessories specified or provided by the manufacturer (such as the exclusive supply adapter ).
WARNING: The mains plug/appliance coupler/direct plug-in adapter is used as disconnection device; the disconnection device shall remain readily operable.
CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so.
Do not install this equipment in a confined or built-in space such as a bookcase or similar unit, and keep well ventilated in open space. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, table-cloths, curtains etc.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and ensure that objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on the apparatus. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

This equipment is a Class II or double insulated electrical appliance. It has been designed in such a way that it does not require a safety connection to electrical earth.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for investing in QUAD hi-fi equipment. QUAD Artera Pre is an innovative pre-amplifier with superior sound quality that matches other Artera products and is characterized by the purity of its analogue electronics. Artera Pre is compatible with many music sources thanks to its versatility with both balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs. We are certain Artera Pre will bring you many hours of listening pleasure.

Upacking the equipment

The carton contains:

• The Artera Pre
• The Artera Pre user manual
• One glass top plate
• One IEC mains cable with a plug suitable for your area One remote handset

Please note: The remote control requires 2 x AAA type battery. Due to international shipping and courier regulations with Lithium Ion batteries, the remote controller battery is not included in this package.
Consult the dealer from whom you purchased the equipment if any item is not present. Carefully unpack the unit and accessories. Take care not to damage the surface finish when removing the protective polythene sleeve. Retain the user manual and information concerning the date and place of purchase of your equipment for future reference. If you transfer the unit to a third party please pass on this instruction manual along with the equipment.

Placement
The unit must be mounted on a solid, level and stable surface. The QUAD Artera Pre should be mounted on a shelf with sufficient ventilation above and to the sides and rear.
Before you connect the QUAD Artera Pre to the AC mains check that the voltage corresponds to the rating on the rear panel of the product. If in doubt, consult your dealer. If you move to an area which has a different mains voltage, seek advice from a QUAD appointed dealer or competent technician.

Remote Controller Preparation

• Unpack the handset
• Invert the handset
• Remove the battery cover
• Insert 2xAAA type new batteries (not supplied) Close the battery cover

Caution
To prevent any burning, fire, or any possible harm to the environment or human health from the depleted batteries, please correctly dispose of the waste batteries in light of the recycling rules in your area. Don’t dismantle, crush or puncture the batteries. Never short-circuit the batteries, throw the batteries into the water or fire or even try to repair them.

REMOTE HANDSET

1. Standby
   Press to enable / disable standby mode

2. Display
   Press to turn the display on/off

3. Info
   Press and hold to adjust the display brightness level

4. Volume+
   Press to increase volume

5. ⏯  Press to confirm the menu settings

6. ⏭ Press to switch channels/menu settings

7. Volume– Press to decrease volume

8. xlr
   Press to select XLR input channel

9. Pre
   Press to select Artera Pre control mode

10. Phono
    Press to select PHONO input channel

11. Aux1/2/3
    Press to select Analogue input channel

12. ⏪Press to switch channels/menu settings

13. Prog
    Press and hold to enter menu settings

14. Mute
    Press to enter/exit mute mode

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

CONNECTIONS

Open the carton box, take out the glass top and the Artera Pre separately. Place the Artera Pre onto a sturdy shelf or table. Put the glass top on the lid of Artera Pre after making all connections.
Before making any connections to your high fidelity equipment make sure that all units in the system are switched off and unplugged at the mains.

AC Mains connections
Before connecting your QUAD equipment to the AC mains supply, check and make sure the voltage marked on the rear panel matches the voltage of your supply.

Analogue signal input

The balanced input
The balanced connections can provide greater dynamic capability by improving the S/N ratio. Please connect the balanced output of your source to Artera Pre’s balanced input. Each L/R channel needs a separate balanced cable.

The single-ended inputs
Use a screened RCA cable of high quality to connect the output of the source unit and the matching input on the Artera Pre. The interconnecting cable should be of low-noise construction and fully screened to minimize hum and noise transmission.
Artera Pre includes four inputs: AUX1，AUX2，AUX3 and PHONO. The PHONO input is only for connection to a turntable fitted with an MM or MC cartridge.

Analogue signal output

The XLR balanced output
If you are connecting QUAD Artera Pre to a QUAD Artera Stereo or other power amplifier with balanced inputs we strongly advocate the use of the balanced XLR connections.
A major advantage of balanced interconnection is the suppression of ground loop problems and reduction of electromagnetic interference.
Balanced line connections use 3 conductors, one for the ground and two for the voltage difference between the signal and the ground at the source unit. The signal is thus ‘cleaner’ and free from earth-induced currents and other LF artifacts and offers improved S/N ratio.

The PRE single-ended output
The single-ended analogue signal output of QUAD Artera Pre is for connecting to a unit with single-ended inputs such as a power amplifier.

The AUX output (fixed level – line output)
The AUX direct output is used for connecting to a unit with single-ended inputs that requires no preprocessing or volume control of the signal, for example an integrated amplifier, audio processor, AV controller or an audio recording device.

The headphone output
The front panel of Artera Pre has a 6.3mm headphone output jack for connecting headphones. When you plug in headphones the output of Artera Pre OUT/XLR OUT will be muted except for the output of AUX OUT. The indicated headphone range of volume adjustment is 0-100.
Note: using headphones at a high volume for long periods can cause permanent damage to your hearing.

Trigger connections
This apparatus provides two standard 12v trigger output ports, used for connecting other units with TRIGGER INPUTS. This enables a remotely triggered system.
If you have a Quad Artera system, we advise connecting the Trigger IN and OUT. This will enable all Artera units to be brought in and out of standby at the same time.
To connect the Triggers, you will need a cable terminated with 3.5mm jack plugs. One end plugs into the TRIG IN of the slave unit and the other to the TRIG OUT of the master control unit. In the diagram below we show how you can use the Artera Pre TRIG OUT to switch the Artera Stereo Power Amplifier using its TRIG IN.

The GND terminal
The GND terminal should be used where you are connecting a turntable that is double-insulated and has a separate ground wire connected to its tonearm. Please note that this terminal should only be used to reduce ‘hum’ in a system – it is NOT a safe ground plane.
If you are in any doubt, please consult your dealer for advice.

System connection

SYSTEM OPERATIONS

Switching on
Before connecting the AC mains, please ensure that the power switches of all units are switched off. Then check that all leads are correctly installed. Next, power on the Artera Pre first followed by the power amplifier. The Artera Pre will enter Standby mode – the indicator at the bottom of the front panel will glow Red.
Now press the Standby button on the Artera Pre or on the remote handset, the Display of Artera Pre lights up and the indicator at the bottom goes off.
If the trigger system is connected, the connected slave unit will also go from Standby to “Active”.

Selecting an input
There are five source inputs provided, labeled AUX1, AUX2, AUX3, PHONO and XLR. Briefly touch the SOURCE button on the front panel or press the corresponding key on the remote handset to select the desired input.

Volume adjustment

To alter the volume level from the handset:
Press the Volume+/- keys to alter the listening level as required.
To alter the volume level from the front panel:
Increase volume by pressing the upper part of screen.
Decrease volume by pressing the lower part of screen.
The volume level is variable between 0 and 100.

Note:
By default the volume level setting is limited to 80 max (see Volume Limit).
When first switched on: The system sets the default volume level to 20 – a safe low level.
When next switched on: When coming out of standby the Artera Pre will be set to the previous used volume setting, except if louder than 50, in which case the volume will default to 50. The volume control of the main outputs (RCA & XLR) and the headphones output are independent and the previous setting for each are remembered (if less than 50).

Mute
Press the MUTE key on the handset to mute the sound output. The word “Mute” appears briefly on screen and then the display screen restores. In this mode, if you press the info key on the handset, “Mute” will be displayed, indicating that the unit is muted.

When the output is muted:

• Pressing the Mute key on the handset cancels mute.
• Changing the Volume level cancels mute.
• Bringing the unit into Standby and then out of it will cancel mute.

Altering the display brightness
Briefly press the Display key on the handset, the word “Display Off” appears on screen and the display will revert to off.
Briefly press the Display key on the handset again, the word “Display On” appears on screen and the display will revert to on. There are 8 levels of brightness available. Press and hold the Display key on the handset: the word “Brightness Level 8” appears briefly on screen, which is the default setting. Briefly press the Display key on the handset again to select from the 8 levels of brightness shown in sequence on the screen with each key press.

MENU OPTIONS
Press and hold the Prog key on the handset to enter the menu settings. The menu is operated using the central keys on the remote control; Left , Right, Up, Down and Enter. Move along the menu options using the Left Right keys. To access a setting press Enter then use Left Right keys to change the setting and confirm the selection by pressing Enter.

EQ
For tone adjustment, when EQ is set to On, Bass and Tilt will be enabled. The EQ setting is Off by default. This setting only takes effect on AUX1, AUX2, AUX3 (AvDir(AUX3)=Off), Phono and XLR (XLR Direct=Off). These settings do not affect AUX OUT. Note: independent EQ (Bass and Tilt) and Gain settings can be assigned to each input.

When the display is in Info mode it will indicate if EQ is ON for the active source, as shown below.

Bass
When EQ is On the bass response can be adjusted. There are three bass settings: Flat, Boost and Cut. Flat is the default setting. Note: EQ is not applied to AUX3 when AvDir(AUX3) = On and to XLR when XLR Direct = On.

Tilt
Tilt adjusts the whole frequency response in a natural way. There are seven types of Tilt that can be set in dB (Bass,Treble): [(+3,-3)] , [(+2,-2)] , [(+1,-1)] , [(0,0)] , [(-1,+1)] , [(-2,+2)] , [(-3,+3)]. The default setting is [(0,0)].
Note: EQ is not applied to AUX3 when AvDir(AUX3) = On and to XLR when XLR Direct = On.

Gain
Individual Gain settings for each input can be adjusted by +/-8dB in order to change the input sensitivity. 0dB is set as default. This setting can be used to adjust the gain of AUX1, AUX2, AUX3 (AvDir(AUX3)=Off), Phono and XLR.

Balance
The Left and Right channel balance can be adjusted up to 6dB in 0.5dB steps, from +3dB / -3 dB to -3dB / +3dB

Volume Limit
To limit the maximum output level of your amplifier and to protect your loudspeakers, you can set a maximum volume limit. The limit can be set between 0 – 100 , the default value is 80.

XLR Direct
In XLR Direct mode the signal path is fully balanced and the input is connected directly to the 4 channel volume control and then straight to the XLR output. This mode bypasses all other signal processing and EQ features will not be available.

AvDir (AUX3)
AV Bypass mode for AUX3 , the gain of the AUX3 audio path is set to fixed level output (0dB). This is for use with sources with build in volume control such as AV processors.

Phono
The Artera PRE has a built-in low noise precision RIAA amplifier for use with turntables fitted with either MM or MC cartridges.
Select MM or MC to match your cartridge type; MM is the default setting. To avoid hum, the GND cable of your turntable tonearm should be connected to Artera Pre’s GND terminal.

Default Channel
Artera Pre can default to your choice of input when switched on. Alternatively it can be set to “Recall Last Input”. The unit is set to “Recall Last Input” by default.

Auto Standby
Artera Pre features three modes of Standby, all of which can be set through the menu settings.

• Auto Standby Never: even if there is no signal input, the unit will not enter Standby automatically.
• Auto Standby 20 Minutes: if there is no signal input for 20 minutes, the device will enter Standby automatically. Auto Standby 1 Hour: if there is no signal input for 1 hour, the device will enter Standby automatically.

Brightness
The brightness of the display can be adjusted and has 8 levels. This feature can also be accessed directly using the display key on the remote control – press and hold to access brightness levels, further presses will change the level.

Factory Reset
To restore the Artera Pre to its factory default settings, select Reset then Yes to confirm.

Firmware
The last menu option show the current firmware version of the Artera Pre.

WARRANTY COVERAGE

Your loudspeakers have been constructed to the highest standards. From top grade furniture construction and finish to carefully designed and selected acoustic components, QUAD speakers are built to provide a lifetime of sonic pleasure. We hope you will derive many years of good service from our products.
QUAD warrants its products, subject to the following terms and conditions below, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.

Online Registration

Scan the QR code using a smart-phone device, for product warranty registration online.
The three (3) year extended warranty is applicable to items purchased from Jan 1st 2021, onwards. Items purchased prior to this date are not eligible for this extended warranty service but are subject to statutory warranty claims and all applicable consumer rights.
To qualify for the extended 3 year warranty, you must register your product within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of purchase. Visit https://www .quad-hifi.co.uk/warranty-registration to complete your online registration. Items not registered online will have a Limited Warranty for one (1) year, or for the period of your country’s statutory warranty, whichever is longer.
Warranty can only be offered to products registered with proof of purchase with date, model and details of the authorized dealer clearly stated on the receipt/invoice. Please keep the original receipt/invoice in case it is required for a warranty claim.

This Limited Warranty is non-transferable and is offered exclusively to the original owner.

This Limited Warranty is valid only in the original country of purchase.

Repairs or replacements are provided under this warranty are the exclusive remedy of the consumer. QUAD shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages for breach of any expenses or implied warranty with any product. Except to the extent prohibited by law, this warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties whatsoever, both expressed and implied, including but not limited to the warrant of merchantability and fitness for practical purpose.
This warranty provides benefits that are additional to and do not affect your statutory consumer rights.
This Limited Warranty offer is subject to correct information being submitted in your application. Incorrect dates or mismatched purchase receipt dates that are outside of the warranty terms will immediately invalidate any warranty claim.
*Please check with your dealer local distributor for further information.

Exclusions
The following items are excluded from the QUAD warranty:
Normal wear and tear and cosmetic damage (including but not limited to any wear from reasonable use, environmental deterioration or neglect)
Products on which the serial number has been removed, altered or otherwise made illegible.
Products not purchased from an authorized QUAD dealer.
Products that were not new at the time of original purchase.
Products sold ‘as is’, ‘as seen’ or ‘with faults’.

Product not purchased from an Authorised Dealer/Distributor within the region of the claim (ie parallel imports or grey market products)
Accidental damage or faults caused by commercial use, acts of God, incorrect installation, incorrect connection, incorrect packaging, misuse or careless operation or handling which is not in accordance with the user instructions.
Equipment that has been operated in conjunction with unsuitable, inappropriate or faulty apparatus.
Repairs, alterations or modifications carried out by parties other than QUAD or its authorized service partners.
Damage in transit that cannot be attributable to the fault of QUAD, the Authorised distributor or dealer (ie. claims otherwise covered by transit insurance.)
Faults relating to abnormal or inappropriate power supply voltage or power surges.
Faults relating to extremities in temperature, exposure to heat, water or other liquids, insects, excessive moisture, sand, chemicals, battery leakage or any other contaminants.
Any force majeure events, including but not limited to any acts of God, fire, lightning, typhoon, storm, earthquake, hurricane, natural disaster, tsunami, flood, war, riot, public disturbance.
Any other causes beyond the reasonable control of either QUAD and its Authorised Distributor.
Please note items purchased before 1st Jan 2021 are not eligible for the extended warranty claim.

How to Claim

To obtain warranty service please contact the authorized dealer from which you purchased this product and present the limited warranty certificate offered upon registration of your product’s extended warranty offer.
Do not dispatch goods without the prior agreement of the dealer distributor or authorized service centre.
If asked to return products for inspection and or repair, please pack carefully preferably in the original carton or packaging affording an equal degree of protection and returned via insured, trackable courier service.
The authorized dealer or distributor will offer full return details and instructions. However, please note if unsuitable packaging is used the warranty may be deemed void due to improper action in return.
QUAD or the authorized distributor, dealer or service centre may make a charge for the supply of new packaging for the return of the repaired item. Please note, insurance is recommended as goods are returned at the owner’s risk. Authorised distributors or service centres can not be held liable for loss or damage in transit. insurance and freight charges on the return journey will be paid for by QUAD, authorized dealer, distributor or service centre if corrective work proves to be necessary.
In the event of ‘no-fault found’ or ‘no repair necessary’, the return shipping charge will be the responsibility of the owner.

Repairs

All repairs will be carried out by the appointed distributor (or locally appointed service centre). Repairs handled or processed without authorization or approval of the appointed representative will be excluded from this limited warranty. Please note, QUAD is not able to supply parts or replacement items to any other entity than the official distributor or authorized service centre.
Other than the warranty and services set out in this warranty, to the fullest extent permitted by law, QUAD shall not be liable to you and/or any third party or entity whatsoever for:

• Any loss, damages and/or malfunction caused to any product(s) which is/are connected to any of the products covered by this warranty.
• Any damages, loss and liability, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential special, punitive or otherwise, howsoever caused by, arising out of or otherwise, in relation to the installation, delivery, use, service, repair, replacement and/or maintenance of the product;
• Any damages, loss and liability under this warranty in respect of any act, omission, or negligence of any of their technicians, employees, agents, representatives or independent contractors relating to the actual or purported performance of any of the obligations under this warranty.

Service Centre Address
For technical support, servicing or product queries and information please contact either your local retailer or the office below.
IAG Service Dept.
13/14 Glebe Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 7DL

UK
Tel: +44(0)1480 452561
Email: service@quad-hifi.co.uk
For information on other authorized service centres worldwide contact QUAD International, UK.
A world wide distributors list is available on the QUAD website: www.quad- hifi.co.uk

SPECIFICATIONS

(All measurements made with 230V AC supply and all voltages are rms values)

Correct Disposal of this product. This marking indicates that this product should not be disposed with other household wastes throughout the EU. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the product was purchased. They can take this product for environmental safe recycling.

IAG House, 13/14 Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 7DL, UK
Tel: +44(0)1480 452561 Email: service@quad-hifi.co.uk http://www.quad-hifi.co.uk
IAG reserves the right to alter the design and specifications without notice. All rights reserved © IAG Group Ltd. QUAD is a member of the International Audio Group.

References

• Warranty Registration - QUAD

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