MUSICAL FIDELITY NU-VISTA 800.2 Integrated Amplifier User Guide

MUSICAL FIDELITY NU-VISTA 800.2 Integrated Amplifier

Product Information

The Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800.2 integrated amplifier is a high-quality audio device designed to provide exceptional sound reproduction. It features a tried and tested ultra-low distortion power amplifier circuitry that can effortlessly drive even the most demanding speakers. The amplifier is equipped with low noise and distortion Nu-Vista preamplifier that utilizes valve circuits, which have been redesigned to meet the latest standards and expectations. With its sleek design and full-size unit, the Nu-Vista 800.2 offers both aesthetic appeal and outstanding audio performance. It is also compatible with other products in the Nu-Vista series, allowing for the creation of a top-notch high-fidelity system.

Product Usage Instructions

Cleaning

1. Before cleaning, ensure that the power is switched off at the main switch and unplug the unit from the wall socket.
2. Use a soft duster or soft brush to regularly remove dust from the cabinet and remote control unit.
3. Avoid using cleaning or polishing agents, as they may damage the surface finish of the amplifier.

Installation

1. Place the Nu-Vista 800.2 on a stable and horizontal surface that is free from vibrations and potential knocks.

Power Connections

1. The amplifier comes with a standard IEC mains cable that needs to be plugged into the IEC socket located at the back of the unit.
2. When the mains supply is available, the orange STDBY LED will light up.

Audio Connections

1. For RCA inputs, connect all RCA single-ended sources to the relevant analog inputs on the amplifier (refer to page 7 for more information).
2. Use high-quality fully connected coaxial phono cables for all RCA signal connections, ensuring both the signal and ground are properly connected.
3. Position the input leads away from mains and speaker leads, and try to keep them well shielded to minimize interference.
4. If you have any questions or need further assistance with the audio system, please consult your dealer for help and advice.

Instructions for use

• Thank you for purchasing the Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800.2 integrated amplifier.
• The Nu-Vista 800.2 uses our tried and tested ultra-low distortion power amplifier circuitry, which has enough current reserve to drive even the most demanding speakers with ease. The low noise and distortion, high-quality Nu-Vista preamplifier uses valve* circuits used in our original Nu-Vista products, redesigned, to fulfil our latest practices and expectations. This completes the integrated amplifier giving a perfect sound from a great looking full size unit.
• The Nu-Vista 800.2 will aesthetically match with present and future Nu-Vista series products. Such a combination will yield one of the best high-fidelity systems available at any price.
• Used properly and carefully, it should give many years of outstanding musical reproduction.
• Dust regularly with a soft duster or soft brush, but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents – they may harm the surface finish.
• If there are any questions about the audio system, please consult the dealer, who is there to help and advise.

CUTAWAY VIEWS

Showing Cylindrical Electrodes and Tripod-Like Supports

valve” mentioned hereafter refers to the ‘electron valve’ kind, also known as electron “tube” in other parts of the world.

IMPORTANT! (U.K. only)

• This unit is supplied in the U.K. with mains lead fitted with a molded 10 amp plug. If, for any reason, it is necessary to remove the plug, please remove the fuse holder and dispose of the plug safely, out of reach of children.
• It must not be plugged into a main outlet.
• The wires in the mains lead supplied with this appliance are colored in accordance with the following code:
• Green and yellow ………………………. Earth
• Blue ………………………………………. Neutral
• Brown ………………………………………… Live
• WARNING – This appliance MUST be earthed
• As the colors of the wires of the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in the plug, proceed as follows:
• The wire which is colored green-and-yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or colored green or green-and-yellow, or by the earth symbol:
• The wire which is colored brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or colored red.
• The wire which is colored blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or colored black.
• If connecting to a BS1363 plug, a 13 amp fuse must be used.

WARNING:

• ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY MUSICAL FIDELITY WHO IS THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.

Installation, Precautions & User Information

• This new Nu-Vista 800.2 is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance, but as with all electronic devices it is necessary to observe a few precautions:
• Heed all warnings shown on the back of the product.
• Only connect the Nu-Vista 800.2 to a mains outlet having the same voltage as marked at the back of the unit.
• Always ensure that when disconnecting and reconnecting your audio equipment the mains supply is switched off.
• Position the mains lead and signal interconnects where they are not likely to be walked on or trapped by items placed on them.
• Do not use near water, or place water-filled containers on the Nu-Vista 800.2, for example, a flower vase or potted plants. If water does spill inside, immediately pull out the mains plug from the wall socket and inform your dealer, who should then check the unit before further use. Entry of liquid into the Nu-Vista 800.2 is dangerous, and may cause electric shock or fire hazard.
• Do not place the unit near direct heat sources such as radiators, direct sunlight or other equipment.
• Do not remove any covers or try to gain access to the inside. There are no internal adjustments or fuses you can replace yourself. Refer all service work to an authorised Musical Fidelity agent.
• Note: Unauthorised opening of the equipment will invalidate any warranty claim.
• Dust regularly with a soft cloth or soft brush but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents – they may harm the surface finish.
• The electronics in modern hi-fi equipment is complex and may, therefore, be adversely affected or damaged by lightning. For protection of the audio system during electrical storms, remove the mains plugs.
• If after-sales service is required, to help the dealer identify the Nu-Vista 800.2 please quote the serial number located on the rear panel of the unit.

Introduction

• Congratulations on the purchase of the new Nu-Vista 800.2 integrated amplifier. Great attention has been paid to internal layout, isolating each circuit section to prevent possible interaction. The unit features a finely tuned and tweaked Nu-Vista valve preamplifier, for smooth sound coupled with low noise and virtually no distortion.
• The power amplifier consists of two top quality power amplifiers for the absolute best in separation and imaging. Generously rated, they are enough to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers with ease. Low distortion and very quiet they will deliver all music types exactly as the artist originally intended.
• The resultant performance achieved by this unit is among the best in the world. It has excellent signal to noise ratio, low distortion, wide bandwidth and dynamic range, with extraordinary resolution and fine detail.

Cleaning

• Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket. Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist cloth. Using solvents, white spirit or thinners is not advised, as they could damage the surface finish.

Installation

• Position the Nu-Vista 800.2 on a stable, horizontal surface where there is no risk of it being knocked, or subjected to vibration such as from loudspeakers.

Important note:

• During normal operation, the unit dissipates an appreciable quantity of power at all times, and it is important that it is well ventilated. The top and bottom are perforated to allow the smooth flow of heat through the unit. However, the unit must not be enclosed in a cabinet or placed where the ventilation holes are impeded as this could result in excessive heat build-up.
• The Nu-Vista 800.2 must be protected from humidity – if the unit is moved from a cold place to a warm room, leave the unit for an hour or so to allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate.

Power Connections

• The Nu-Vista 800.2 is supplied with a standard IEC mains cable which plugs into the IEC socket at the back of the unit (see page 7). When plugged in and mains supply is present the orange STDBY LED will light.

Audio Connections

• RCA Inputs: Connect all RCA single-ended sources to relevant analogue inputs (see page 7 for more information). Use good quality fully connected (signal and ground) coaxial phono cables for all RCA signal connections. Take care with positioning all input leads, try to ensure that they are well shielded and kept as far away from mains and speaker leads as possible.
• XLR Balanced inputs: Connect source balanced outputs to Nu-Vista 800.2 balanced inputs using good quality XLR balanced leads. Recommended lead wiring is shown on P.7. Note some products simply connect “cold” input pin 3 to ground. This does no harm to unit, but may result in an audible reduction in signal level from this input and a slightly worse signal to noise ratio.
• Speaker Outputs: Connect loudspeakers to the terminals on the back panel marked as LEFT and RIGHT SPEAKER outputs. See “WIRING” P.11 for more details.
• LINE output sockets allow loop through of analogue signals for example, to pass on to a recorder or monitor. It is also the ideal output to connect headphone amps into (headphone amplifier will require its own volume control to allow listening level adjustment). This output is the currently selected source but level is not changed by the front panel volume control.
• PRE-OUT output sockets allow analogue signals controlled by the volume, to pass on to, for example, an external power amplifier. This is useful for bi-amping or active “subwoofer” connection where volume out needs to be controlled by the Nu-Vista 800.2 front panel volume knob.

FACILITIES & CONNECTIONS

1. SOURCE selector
2. DISPLAY
3. VOLUME control
4. ON/STANDBY Button
5. IR RECEIVER window
6. DISPLAY AND LIGHTING MODE buttons
7. LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS right
8. HT/AUX function selector for AUX1/HT input
9. LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS left
10. XLR BALANCED inputs left and right
11. CD, AUX1/HT, AUX2, TUNER line input RCA sockets
12. LINE OUT (fixed) output RCA sockets
13. PRE OUT (volume controlled) output RCA sockets
14. IEC MAINS INPUT

XLR Balanced input and output lead connections:

(for reference, no XLR signal leads were supplied)

Pin functions:

• Ground (cable shield)
  • Normal polarity (“hot” or “+”)
• Inverted polarity (“cold” or “-“)

REMOTE CONTROL

• The universal remote control shown below enables functions from this and related units to be operated from a convenient distance.
• Equivalent buttons on the remote control have the same functions as those on the front panel of the unit. Other functions are only available by remote control.
• As the handset uses an invisible infrared light beam, the front edge must be pointed directly towards the receiver window at the front of the player, without visual obstruction between them.
• If the range of the remote control greatly decreases, replace the batteries with new ones. Do not mix old and new batteries – two are required, size AAA, LR03, or SUM-4.
• Please dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulations.

OPERATION

Starting

• Once all connections are made, switch on the unit, using the POWER button front of the unit or the remote control. The display will light up and base LEDs (under front panel) will show RED. This means the speaker outputs are muted, and will remain in this state for about 12 seconds, so no sound will be heard from the speakers. Once the delay is up, the base LEDs go blue, indicating unit is ready for use, and any source material selected and playing will be heard through the speakers.
• For the first 15 mins or so, the Nu-Vista valves are still warming up, and the valve illumination will be orange in colour. After approx. 20 mins the valves will have reached full thermal equilibrium and are at their best performance, which is indicated by the illumination turning blue.

Volume

• The volume should be adjusted for normal listening levels. This is done by turning the volume up/down the knob on the front panel.
• Adjusting the volume can also be achieved by pressing the volume up/down buttons on the remote control handset

Mute (Remote Control only)

• The sound from the speakers may be muted by use of the MUTE button on the remote
• Press once, and LEDs under the unit and illumination around the valves will light RED indicating the muted state. No sound will be heard from the speakers.
• To return to listening; simply press the MUTE button again so the LEDs are no longer red.
• CD
• To use the CD input, connect CD player outputs to the CD input RCA sockets
• Select CD input by rotating the source select control so CD is displayed.
• Pressing the corresponding button on the remote handset has the same effect

AUXILIARY 1/HT

• To use the AUX1/HT input as standard input, move the AUX/HT switch on the back panel to the AUX position. Connect source outputs to the AUX1 input RCA sockets.

• Select AUX1/HT input by rotating the source select control so AUXILIARY 1 is displayed.
  Pressing the corresponding button on the remote handset has the same effect

• To use the AUX1/HT input as a Home Theatre input, move the AUX/HT switch to the HT position. This input is now unaffected by the volume control, allowing volume control on an external Home Theatre processor to be used directly.

• Connect home theatre or other source outputs to the AUX1/HT input RCA sockets.

• Select AUX 1/HT input by rotating the source select control so HOME THEATRE is displayed.

• IMPORTANT: Take great care when using the input in HT mode. Ensure that the volume control is turned right down on the HT processor when first setting up. The HT mode is designed for sources that require their own volume control to be used.

• Connecting sources in HT mode with no volume control could result in damage to hearing and/or speakers due to uncontrolled loud sounds.

AUX 2

• To use the AUX 2 input, connect source outputs to the AUX 2 input RCA sockets.
• Select AUX 2 input by rotating the source select control so AUXILLIARY 2 is displayed.
• Pressing the corresponding button on the remote handset has the same effect.

TUNER

• To use the tuner input, connect tuner outputs to the TUNER input RCA sockets.
• Select TUNER input by rotating the source and select control so TUNER is displayed.
• Pressing the corresponding button on the remote handset has the same effect

BALANCED

• To use the BALANCED input, connect source-balanced outputs to the BALANCED input sockets.
• Select BALANCED input by rotating the source select control so BALANCED is displayed.
• Pressing the corresponding button on the remote handset has the same effect

ILLUMINATIONS

• When used in darker environments, for example listening or home theatre rooms. It is possible to switch off selected features to minimize distraction.
• The illumination features (excluding the power/standby LEDs) can be switched on or off by pressing the LIGHTING MODE button on the front panel. There is also a corresponding button on the remote control. To cover all options, all 8 permutations are available for use, tabulated below.

• If the screensaver is on, it will turn off the display a few seconds after the last button press.
• To select the desired step, simply press the LIGHTING MODE button on the front panel or remote until the required step is reached. After step 8, the unit reverts back to step 1.

DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS AND THEMES

• Press the DISPLAY button to enter the brightness and theme selection menu.
• After pressing the DISPLAY button once, the brightness and theme selection menu starts flashing up, and you can then:
• change the brightness with the ON/STANDBY and LIGHTING MODE buttons.
• change the theme between dark and light, VU meters ON/OFF by pressing the DISPLAY button again.
• The brightness and theme selection menu will exit after a few seconds of inactivity.

WIRING

Speaker lead bi-wiring

Speaker bi-amping (requires additional power amplifier)

PROBLEMS

Basic problem-solving with an amplifier is similar to troubleshooting other electrical or electronic equipment. Always check the most obvious possible causes first, such as the following examples:

Wrong connections between input sources and the unit

Speakers      not      connected,     or incorrectly wired

| Press the MUTE button on the remote control to cancel.

Check audio input lead connections. Check speaker cables.

Sound cut| Loose connection

Output overload or short circuit

| Check speaker and input connections.

Switch unit off. Check speaker connections for shorting strands or wires. When all has been double-checked reduce volume and switch unit back on.

N.B. Take great care when bi-wiring or bi- amping that speaker bass and treble linking straps are removed; see speaker manual for more information.

Sound is not precise, lacking in bass and stereo image.| Speakers are connected out of phase, i.e., connections to one speaker

(+ and –) are reversed.

| Ensure speakers are connected with same polarity at amplifier and speaker ends.
Hum.| Audio   connector    plug    not    fully pushed in

Cable Fault Unsuitable cable

(e.g. cable grounds not connected)

| Insert plug securely.

Check cable is connected at both ends.

N.B. Some esoteric cables have internal wiring intentionally disconnected/modified. For best results on all inputs analogue AND digital, please use good quality screened coax; signal and screens both separately connected at both ends.

No audio output, or too low level output.| Incorrect or missing connections| Check connections and make sure they are secure.
Remote control does not work.| Amplifier’s POWER off.

One or more batteries fitted the wrong way round.

Batteries are flat.

Remote control is not pointed directly towards the front panel of the amplifier.

Interference from another source.

| Switch on.

Insert batteries correctly. Change batteries for a new set.

Ensure there is no obstruction between the remote control and amplifier front.

Lighting such as fluorescent, incandescent, or even sunlight contains large amounts of infra- red radiation. Ensure such sources are not shining directly on the infra-red window as this could swamp the signal from the remote control.

Also check the system and any other nearby remotes for stuck buttons.

Remote control range has greatly reduced| Batteries are running out| Change batteries for a new set.

If none of these actions affect a cure, please contact the dealer or an authorized Musical Fidelity service agent. Remember; never open the case of the Nu-Vista 800.2, as this will invalidate the guarantee.

Output

• * Power 330 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms Voltage 52 Volts RMS, 20Hz to 20 kHz; onset of clipping 147 Volts peak to peak Current 120 Amps peak to peak Damping factor 200 Output devices 5 pairs per channel

Line input

• * THD+N < 0.005 % typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz Signal / noise ratio > 107dB ‘A’-weighted Input impedance 40 k Ohms Frequency response + 0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 30 kHz

Connections

• Line level inputs 4 pairs line level RCA connectors
  • 1 pair line level balanced XLR connectors
• Line level outputs 1 pair line level RCA connectors, constant level LINE outputs 1 pair line level RCA connectors, PREAMP outputs for e.g. biamping
  • Speaker outputs 2 pairs of 4mm banana plug/binding posts

Power requirement

• Mains voltages 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set) 100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
  • Consumption <0.5W in standby mode (orange LED lit)
• 130W on and idle (blue LED lit)
  • 900 Watts maximum

Weight

• Unit only, unboxed 41 kg in shipping carton 49 kg

Maximum Dimensions

• Wide 483 mm Height on standard flat feet 187 mm
  • on pointed feet 212 mm Deep (front to back) including terminals 510 mm

Standard accessories

• IEC type mains lead 10-Amp type Remote control Nu-Vista 800.2 remote
  • Batteries LR03 or AAA, manganese alkaline type 2 off
• Felt pads 4 off
  • Spike Foot 4 off
• Spike Foot Cups 4 off
  • Remote Feet 4 off
• Musical Fidelity reserves the right to make improvements that may result in specification or feature changes without notice.

MANUAL HISTORY DISPOSAL INFORMATION

DISPOSAL

The crossed out wheeled bin label that appears on the back panel of the product indicates that the product must not be disposed of as normal household waste. To prevent possible harm to the environment please separate the product from other waste to ensure that it can be recycled in an environmentally safe manner. Please contact local government office or retailer for available collection facilities.

References

• File:XLR pinouts.svg - Wikipedia

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