clearaudio GmbH Electronic Azimuth Optimizer User Manual

clearaudio GmbH Electronic Azimuth Optimizer

Dear Clearaudio customer

You have purchased a truly high-end-product made by Clearaudio electronic – Germany. These operating instructions provide valuable advice for the correct use of the azimuth optimizer. Thank you for choosing a Clearaudio product. We wish you a lot of pleasure with your azimuth optimizer.

Your Clearaudio electronic GmbH

Product Information

Azimuth Optimizer

The azimuth optimizer is a high-end product made by Clearaudio electronic GmbH in Germany. It is a measuring device for cartridge adjustment with an integrated phono preamplifier to amplify the signal of the phono cartridge. The device is designed for use in heated rooms and should only be set up on leveled surfaces. The intended use of the azimuth optimizer is in accordance with the information provided in the user manual only. The power supply may only be operated with maximum permissible connection values according to the technical data.

Phonostages provide a very high level of amplification, to address the fact that the electrical signal generated by a phono cartridge is extremely low. As a result, phonostages are extremely sensitive, which leads to the potential problem that high-frequency interference may also be amplified to a point at which it becomes noticeable. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely protect the sensitive phonostage circuitry from this interference without degrading its high fidelity performance.

Usage Instructions

Before using the device for the first time, check for visible damage. Do not connect the device to the mains if it is damaged. If it has been dropped or gotten wet, contact your dealer to have the device inspected. Never expose the device to rain or moisture and never touch the power cord with wet hands. For your own safety, regular visual inspections of any defective insulation on the connection cable are also recommended. A damaged cable should be replaced immediately by a specialist. Never pull on the power cable to unplug the device, but directly on the plug. The inside of the device is maintenance- free, never open the housing or try to repair the device yourself, as this may lead to loss of warranty. If you do not operate the device for a longer period of time, disconnect the power supply from the mains.

The device should only be set up on leveled surfaces and in a location without direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations, or high humidity. Avoid placing electronic devices near heaters, heat lamps, or other devices that produce heat. Never block the ventilation slots or cover the device with a cloth or similar. No objects with an open flame may be placed on the device (burning candles or similar). Remember that the azimuth optimizer is a measuring device for cartridge adjustment with an integrated phono preamplifier to amplify the signal of the phono cartridge. Use it according to the instructions provided in the user manual only.

Safety instructions

General information

• Check the device for visible damage before using it for the first time.
• If the device is damaged, it should not be connected to the mains.
• Also, never connect the device if it has been dropped or gotten wet, contact your dealer to have the device inspected.
• Never expose the device to rain or moisture.
• Never touch the power cord of the device with wet hands.
• For your own safety, regular visual inspections of any defective insulation on the connection cable are also recommended. A damaged cable should be replaced immediately by a specialist!
• Never pull on the power cable to unplug the device, but directly on the plug!
• The inside of the device is maintenance-free, never open the housing or try to repair the device yourself. This can also lead to loss of warranty.
• If you do not operate the device for a longer period of time, we recommend disconnecting the power supply from the mains.
• Not suitable for children! Scope of delivery may contain small parts that can be swallowed.

Intended use

• The azimuth optimizer is a measuring device for cartridge adjustment with an integrated phono preamplifier to amplify the signal of the phono cartridge.
• The intended use of the azimuth optimizer in accordance with the information provided in the user manual only.
• The power supply may only be operated with maximum permissible connection values according to the technical data. Any other use or modification of this product is not intended.

Location of installation

• The device should only be set up on leveled surfaces.
• Avoid location with direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Likewise, avoid placing electronic devices near heaters, heat lamps, or other devices that produce heat.
• The device is designed for operation in heated rooms.
• Never block the ventilation slots or cover the device with a cloth or similar.
• No objects with an open flame may be placed on the device (burning candles or similar).
• Phonostages provide a very high level of amplification, to address the fact that the electrical signal generated by a phono cartridge is extremely low. As a result, phonostages are extremely sensitive, which leads to the potential problem that high-frequency interference may also be amplified to a point at which it becomes noticeable. Unfortunately it is not possible to completely protect the sensitive phonostage circuitry from this interference without degrading its high fidelity performance.
• Therefore care must be taken to position the phonostage away from sources of high frequency interferences such as mobile phones, modems and powerline communication systems (PLC) in which data is sent over the mains power network.

Overload

• The product is designed to comply with all necessary safety regulations, however you should not leave the device unattended under extreme loads.

Maintenance

• Only use a soft cloth with a smooth surface for cleaning. Never use agressive cleaning detergent.

Health information

• Permanently high volume can lead to various types of hearing damage. Use high volume responsibly!

Service

• During the gurantee period, the azimuth optimizer may only be repaired by the manufacturer, otherweise the warranty will become void.
• All Clearaudio products should only be serviced by specialist retailer.
• If despite the high production standard, a repair is necessary, the azimuth optimizer must be sent to Clearaudio through your dealer.

Transport

• Always us the original packaging when transporting the Clearaudio azimuth optimizer.
• Be sure to pack the device exactly as it was shipped.
• Safe transport is only guaranteed in the original packaging.
• When packing, proceed in reverse as described for assembly.

Disposal

• Do not dispose this product together with other waste.
• WEEE Reg. No.: DE26004446

CE Marking

• This electronic product corresponds to the applicable guidelines for obtaining the CE mark.

List of components

The Clearaudio azimuth optimizer has left our factory in safe packing that has been specially designed for this product. We recommend you store this original packing and to use this packing in case of any transportation. Please check if the parts listed below have been enclosed:

1.| azimuth optimizer unit| 4.| Clearaudio azimuth optimizer test record
---|---|---|---
2.| Power supply| 5.| User manual
3.| Power supply adaptors (1x US, 1x UK, 1 Europe)| 6.| Warranty & Registration Card

Functional description

The Azimuth (the vertical position of the cartridge‘s diamond) is the main influence on channel balance, the frequency response and the cross talk between both channels of your cartridge. Optical control of the azimuth adjustment is not sufficient nor precise enough to ensure accurate adjustment of the cartridge’s azimuth. The exact azimuth can only be determined when using an adequate measuring instrument like Clearaudio`s azimuth optimizer. The azimuth optimizer measures the cross-talk from the left to the right channel and vice versa. The ideal cartridge position is when the azimuth has been adjusted accurately so that both measurement results are identical.

Additionally, you can measure the output voltage of your cartridge by using the operation mode « Level » To use this operation mode it is necessary to set the input sensitivity to the MM-mode! Further more there is a High-End phono- pre-amplifier built in as well, so that you are able to check the sonical result of the correct adjustment in your music reproduction system. An integrated head-phone amplifier makes mobile use of the azimuth optimizer possible! All headphones with an impedance between 100 ohms and 600 ohms can be used.

The Clearaudio azimuth optimizer test record (Art. No.: LPT Azimuth 080108) is necessary to perform the measurements and is included with your Optimizer. For measurement, the following tracks of the azimuth optimizer test record are required:

• Track 1 = Signal left channel 1kHz 0dB = 10cm/s (Peak)
• Track 2 = Signal right channel 1kHz 0dB = 10cm/s (Peak)
• Track 19 = Signal left channel 1kHz 0dB = 10cm/s (Peak)
• Track 20 = Signal right channel 1kHz 0dB = 10cm/s (Peak)

Connections at the back panel:

• INPUT LEFT; INPUT RIGHT
  • Connect with the tonearm of the record player
• OUTPUT LEFT; OUTPUT RIGHT
  • Connect with the preamplifier
• GROUND
  • Connect the grounding cable of the tonearm
• POWER SUPPLY
  • Connect the power supply (24V type:FW75550/24)

Operating elements

Button MM/MC

• Switches the input sensitivity / amplification.
• Position MM = 40dB,
• Position MC = 60dB

Input impedance/Capacity:

• MM = 47kOhm/220pF
• MC = 400Ohm/220pF,
  • (the input impedance is adjusted automatically).

Button L/R

• Switches to the signal-carrying channel of the test-record

Button Crosstalk

• Activates the operation mode „Crosstalk“

Button „Level“

• Pushing the button ‘Level’ will in combination with the test-record show the output voltage of your cartridge in the display in mV.
• Pushing both buttons ‘Level’ and ‘Crosstalk’ simultaneously, the main operation mode switches between “Phono” and “Measurement”.
• In the measurement-operation mode the LED “Azimuth” glows blue

Measurement operation

Important note

Be sure that the volume control of your amplifier(s) is (are) set to zero- level while doing any connections to the azimuth optimizer unit. While using the azimuth optimizer in a system as a phono-stage, never switch between MM/MC – mode, damage to your loudspeakers could occur!

1. Attach the adequate primary adaptor onto the power supply
2. Connect the power supply to the appropriate jack on the back-panel of the azimuth optimizer
3. Connect the power supply to the mains socket, the azimuth optimizer automatically sets into operation mode MM and Phono. Now connect the tonearm cable with the azimuth optimizer and for playback with the music reproduction system.
4. Choose the relevant operation mode according to your cartridge type: MM or MC. You can now start with the measurement once all connections have been done correctly.
5. Place the Clearaudio azimuth optimizer test record’ (scope of delivery) onto the turntable platter with side 1 facing up.

Track 1-20 of the test record can be used to adjust and verify the azimuth of the cartridge:

• Track 1 = Signal left channel 1kHz 0dB = 8cm/s (peak)
• Track 2 = Signal right channel 1kHz 0dB = 8cm/s (peak)

1. Start your measurement with the left channel (Track 1). Therefore choose the operation mode “L” by pushing the button “L/R”.
   • Calibrate the value shown in the display to 0dB by using the control unit in the front panel.
   • When you now push and hold the „Crosstalk“- button the LED ‘CT’ will glow and the channel mode switches to ‘R’ – channel. The display will now show the value of the cross talk in dB.
   • Keep this value in mind and repeat the measurement in the same way with the right channel (Track
2. Now compare both measurement values with each other. When both values are equal the azimuth adjustment is accurate. If the values differ from each other you need to re-adjust the azimuth of your cartridge according to the table below and repeat the measurement until both values are equal.

Before measuring the cross-talk it is important to adjust the signal-carrying channel to 0dB!

Follow these advises to adjust the azimuth:

measurement| Left channel (display)| Right channel (display)| Direction of cartridge- rotation
---|---|---|---
L – R (Track 1)| 0| -30dB| Azimuth is O.K.
R – L (Track 2)| -30dB| 0
L – R| 0| -35dB| Rotate cartridge clockwise
R – L| -25dB| 0
L – R| 0| -25dB| Rotate cartridge counter clockwise
R – L| -35dB| 0

Note: The measurement values in the table are only used as examples and can be different depending on the type of cartridge.

Troubleshooting

• If you have a problem with your azimuth optimizer , first check the possible causes to rule out incorrect operation.
• If the error persists, please contact your dealer!

Never try to open the device and/or repair it yourself, this will void the warranty!

No sound or low volume?

| Did you choose the right input?| Check the connections of your hifi

components.

Is the volume set too low?| Check the volume setting of your device.
The connection cables are not properly connected.| Check the tonearm and cartridge connections due the their respective user manual.
Devices with a headphone output  only: Are the headphones still plugged in when you are trying to play music through the speakers?| Disconnect the headphones.

Hum or noise

| The ground cable is not connected or is faulty.| Connect the grounding cable from the turntable/tonearm to the respective grounding connection  on the  back  of  the device. If there are several ground connections, interrupt them one after the other and check the sound quality again.
The device should not be operated in the vicinity of high-frequency devices such as mobile phones or modems or on power supply systems used for data traffic (PLC).| Make sure there is a minimum distance of 30cm between the power supply units of any type and the MC preamplifier or phono preamplifier. Powerlan adapters should not be operated on the same socket as the phono preamplifier.

Technical data

Operating Voltage:| 24V DC stabilised with power supply Input: 100-240V~ / 47-63Hz
---|---
In- and Outputs:| RCA-sockets, unsymmetrically
Phono-unit: Amplification: Channel separation: Distortion factor:

Input impedance/Capacity:

Output impedance: Frequency response: RIAA:

| ****

MM = 40dB, MC = 60dB

80dB

< 0,01% / 1kHz

MM = 47kOhms / 220pF MC = 400Ohms / 220pF

• 100Ohms
• 20Hz – 70kHz /-3dB
• RIAA +/- 0,5dB deviation

Headphone output: Amplification: Headphone impedance: Connection:|

• 10dB
• 100 – 600 Ohm
• 6,3 mm-bushing

Measurement unit: Indication range:

Noise filter:

| ****

-50 till +6dB, accuracy +/-0.2dB

Gauge-measurement up to max. 19,99mV from 200Hz / transconductance 12dB per octave (valid only for right channel when unit is in measurement use

Dimensions: H x W x D| 47 x 102 x 190mm
Weight:| azimuth optimizer: 750g Power supply: 150g

Provided that the warranty card is correctly completed and returned to Clearaudio, or your product is registered online at https://clearaudio.de/en/service/registration.php, within 14 days of purchase.

Warranty

The full, extended warranty period for the azimuth optimizer is 3 years. To receive this full Clearaudio warranty, you must either complete and return the relevant section of the warranty registration card to Clearaudio, or register your product online at https://clearaudio.de/en/service/registration.php, within 14 days of purchase. Otherwise only the legal warranty of 1 years can be considered. The full 2 year warranty can only be honoured, if the product is returned in its original packing.

For warranty information, contact your local Clearaudio distributor.

RETAIN YOUR PURCHASE RECEIPT

Your purchase receipt is your permanent record of a valuable purchase. It should be kept in a safe place to be referred to as necessary for insurance purposes or when corresponding with Clearaudio.

IMPORTANT

• When seeking warranty service, it is the responsibility of the consumer to establish proof and date of purchase.
• Your purchase receipt or invoice is adequate for such proof.

FOR U.K. ONLY

• This undertaking is in addition to a consumer‘s statutory rights and does not affect those rights in any way.

Contact

clearaudio electronic GmbH

• Spardorfer Straße 150 91054 Erlangen Germany
• Phone /Tel.: +49 9131 40300 100
• Fax: +49 9131 40300 119
• www.clearaudio.de
• www.analogshop.de
• info@clearaudio.de

Handmade in Germany

Clearaudio Electronic accepts no liability for any misprints. Technical specifications are subject to change or improvement without prior notice. Product availability is as long as stock lasts. Copies and reprints of this document, including extracts, require written consent from Clearaudio Electronic GmbH, Germany.

© clearaudio electronic GmbH
Made in GermanY

References

• clearaudio analogshop
• clearaudio electronic GmbH | High End - made in Germany
• clearaudio electronic GmbH - 403 Forbidden

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