Vista 1 User Manual

Model 1  
Experimenter’s SE Audio Amplifier  
User’s Manual  
500-0001MR4  
Rev. 4  
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS  
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY ALL THE FOLLOWING  
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS THAT ARE APPLICABLE  
TO YOUR EQUIPMENT  
SAFETY  
1. Read the User’s Manual and refer to it frequently during your experimenting.  
2. Retain the User’s Manual for future reference.  
3. All warnings should be strictly adhered to.  
4. Follow instructions to the last detail.  
5. This product should be operated using only the type of power source indicated in this  
manual.  
6. Always use an electrical outlet that is grounded. If you do not know whether the outlet is  
grounded, consult your electrician or local power company.  
7. For continued protection against fire hazard, replace fuses with the same type and rating of  
the fuses specified. When changing fuses, completely remove power from the circuit.  
8. Power supply cords and all connecting cables or wires should be routed so that they are  
not likely to be walked on or pinched. Pay particular attention to cords and cables at plugs,  
receptacles and terminal blocks. Always use wires with adequate ratings and safety  
certifications (CE, UL, etc.)  
9. During operation the tubes get very hot. Do not touch the tubes since this may result in a  
severe burn. Allow several minutes after removing power for tubes to cool down before  
touching them.  
10.Turn off the unit as soon as you stop actively using it. Unplug the power supply from the  
wall during a lightning storm or when the product is to be left unattended and unused for  
longer periods of time.  
11. Do not use this product near water or in wet areas. Damp basements should be avoided.  
12.The product should be placed away from heat sources such as radiators, heaters, stoves  
or other appliances that produce heat. Also avoid putting the unit in the direct rays of the  
Sun.  
13.Proper ventilation is crucial for safe and reliable operation. Never place anything on top of  
your amplifier that could obstruct airflow and cause the parts to overheat and damage the  
amplifier. Do not place your amplifier in a rack or bookcase unless proper ventilation is  
provided.  
14.Care should be taken to prevent objects from falling and liquids from spilling into the unit.  
Do not subject the unit to excessive smoke, dust, vibration or shock.  
15.During experimenting, make sure that all jumpers are properly seated in the correct  
position, that there are no foreign objects or solder bridges.  
16.Always wear protective glasses and exercise caution when powering unit after any change  
is made. If possible, gradually rise input voltage and look for any abnormalities – smell or  
smoke, tubes overheating (excessive glow), etc.  
3
17.Unplug this product from the wall outlet before making any changes. Wait until tubes have  
cooled down.  
18.When using replacement parts, be sure to use parts with sufficient voltage and power  
rating and adequate current carrying capability.  
19.Should it become necessary to replace your tubes, remove the AC power plug from the  
wall and allow thirty minutes for the high voltage capacitors to discharge.  
20.If you have any questions regarding safe and reliable operation of your amplifier, please  
4
GETTING STARTED  
The Model 1 amplifier kit was designed to provide:  
1. a universal tube amplifier suitable for everyday listening to the music from your PC or  
portable music source, or as a guitar amplifier easy to overdrive;  
2. a headphone amplifier;  
3. an amplifier for familiarizing with the sound of Single Ended (SE) configuration;  
4. a platform for experimenting with different variations of an SE topology: pentode, triode or  
ultralinear operation, open loop or negative feedback, parallel tubes, etc.;  
5. a significant value based on a high performance to price ratio.  
The Model 1 is built on a two sided printed circuit board (PCB) and uses PCL82 (16A8) tubes  
which are specifically designed for audio applications. If you bought assembled kit rest assured  
that all amplifiers go through rigorous testing and extended burn-in before being shipped, so you  
are guaranteed to receive high quality product.  
There are two versions of the Model 1 amplifier kit:  
1. BASIC: this amplifier will output 2-2.5W per channel in pentode mode (depending on the  
output transformer selected) and comes with single stereo input and one pair of tubes. It is  
best suited as a headphone amplifier or PC amplifier. An upgrade kit is available for  
conversion to the FULL-PACK version.  
2. FULL PACK: this version has maximum output power of 4-5W (depending on the output  
transformer), has two stereo inputs and two pairs of tubes (the two tubes per channel are  
connected in parallel). It is best suited for listening in small rooms and as an instrument  
amplifier.  
Due to the relatively low power, the Model 1 works best with efficient speakers (SPL above  
90dBm). As every other SE amplifier, the Model 1 has a low damping factor – it will perform best  
with single-driver Hi-Fi speakers or, alternatively, two-way speakers with simple crossovers.  
The standard unit is delivered as an unassembled kit or tested and burned-in basic assembly.  
Vacuum tubes are delivered separately in original boxes, for maximum protection. The tubes need  
to be inserted and firmly seated in their sockets before the power is delivered to the unit.  
The optimum sound reproduction will occur after 50-100 hours of operation. In normal use, upon  
power-up, the unit needs to warm up for about 30 minutes for maximum performance.  
The Model 1 kit does not include output transformers or power supply, unless it is specifically  
listed that it does. Output transformers and power supply are separately sold.  
5
ASSEMBLING THE KIT  
If you purchased an unassembled kit, you will have all the parts, including tubes and printed circuit  
board. Parts are in marked bags, with reference numbers and value written on a bag. Reference  
numbers are the ones printed on the PCB, so locating parts positions should be very easy. PCB  
layout printout is also part of this document and you can use it to locate parts. Output transformers  
are purchased separately, and not included in the kit.  
First step is to review all the materials received, compare to the part list and prepare all tools and  
a well lit work area. Tools that you need are very basic – soldering iron, tweezers or flat pliers, and  
cutters. You will also need solder wire and a digital multimeter. If you have an oscilloscope, that  
will help in final testing and experiments, but it is not necessary.  
- Start assembly with filament configuration jumpers, configuring heaters for your specific  
application.  
- Follow with resistors, keeping in mind that resistors should be slightly elevated off the PCB  
(1/32” is sufficient). Main reason is that power resistors get warm and this will help air circulation  
and prevent overheating. Also, some resistors have circuit connections underneath and there is a  
possibility of malfunction if the resistor body touches exposed trace. This is not very likely, since  
the PCB connections are protected by a solder mask and resistors have durable coating.  
However, this could be a matter of safety and, also, troubleshooting of such problems is really  
difficult, so it is better to spend some extra time up front to come up with great assembly.  
- After resistors, install 2x2 headers for mode selection (Pentode, Triode, Ultralinear, FBK, etc.).  
- Next step is assembly of all capacitors. Make sure to follow polarity directions for electrolytic  
capacitors. All electrolytics have markings designating leads to be connected to the negative  
voltage. Model 1 printed circuit board has a plus sign for the positive terminal of an electrolytic  
capacitor. Positive terminal on the PCB also has a square pad around the hole, for easier  
identification on the bottom of the board.  
- After capacitors are installed you can proceed with connectors and, finally, with tube sockets and  
volume control potentiometers.  
Once everything is installed, take a short break and then come back and carefully inspect your  
work. Check component locations and proper orientation of electrolytic capacitors. Inspect all  
solder joints and make sure there are no solder bridges or splashes on the board. All joints should  
look clean and shiny. If you are not sure that a solder joint look right, touch it with a hot soldering  
iron again, until it looks right. Cold solder joints may create problems few hours (days, months)  
down the road and are extremely difficult to troubleshoot.  
Then, plug in the tubes, connect the output transformers and speakers (or dummy loads) and  
proceed with slowly powering up the unit.  
Bring the power for the filaments (Vf) first and make sure that all the tubes have about 16V on  
their heater pins (depending on your supply, it may take up to a minute for this voltage to  
stabilize). You should be able to see nice yellow/orange glow from the heaters.  
Tubes that you received are already burned-in, so you can continue by bringing anode voltage  
(Va) and measuring the most important in-circuit voltages (refer to the schematics section for test  
points and voltage levels). If you followed all the instructions, everything should go smoothly and  
now you can connect some music source to the inputs and start enjoying fruits of your hard work.  
But, for now, keep reading the instructions…..  
6
CONNECTIONS  
NOTE: Before you turn the amplifier on, make sure the speaker connections are properly  
hooked up, or that headphone selector switch is in the headphone position. Never run the  
amplifier without speakers or headphones, since this may damage transformers. When  
turning the unit on, make sure the volume control is at its lowest setting.  
ELECTRICAL SCHEMATICS:  
The complete electrical schematics with component values is given to assist you in your  
experiments. Please note that the schematics is considered a copyrighted work and a trade  
secret. However, as a purchaser of our product you are granted a license for unlimited  
modifications. The only thing we ask for is that this schematics is not reprinted for public use or  
commercially used without getting appropriate license from ENG Vista, Inc.  
7
R171  
*22k/0.5W*  
202-0002  
All measurements at Va=250V  
Va  
J41  
R161  
22k/0.5W  
202-0002  
CONN PCB 3  
1
2
C121  
OPT PRIM RIGHT  
1n/500V  
3
100-0004  
160-0003  
J51  
CONN PCB 2  
R81  
220k/0.5W  
202-0001  
R71  
*220k/0.5W*  
202-0001  
T
P
UL  
T
P
UL  
C11a  
100n/250V  
100-0006  
1
2
R231  
1k  
200-0003  
R241  
1k  
200-0003  
OPT SEC RIGHT  
J131  
J141  
J101  
J111  
161-0001  
161-0001  
161-0001  
160-0004  
161-0001  
R11  
C41  
10u/350V  
100-0001  
C11  
J11  
RCA-RED  
160-0001  
V1B  
PCL82  
990-0001  
V3B  
*PCL82*  
990-0001  
R201  
*1k*  
200-0003  
95-110V  
J61  
6
6
100n/250V  
100-0006  
R131  
100R  
200-0005  
R121  
1k  
200-0003  
V3A  
*PCL82*  
990-0001  
1k  
CONN PCB 2  
R211  
*100R*  
200-0005  
C131  
10u/350V  
100-0001  
9
200-0001  
C21a  
1
2
R281  
SPEAKER RIGHT  
R21  
*1k*  
*100n/250V*  
R61  
*1k*  
C51  
7
3
7
3
100-0006  
C21  
J21  
*RCA-RED*  
160-0001  
1
160-0004  
47R/1W  
204-0001  
*100n/250V*  
100-0006  
100n/250V  
100-0006  
200-0001  
V1A  
PCL82  
990-0001  
R141  
1k  
200-0003  
R391  
*1k*  
200-0003  
9
J8  
PHONEJACK STEREO SW  
200-0003  
3
5
4
2
1
8
2
4
5
2
4
5
R51  
R282  
J121  
161-0001  
Vf1b  
Vf1a  
Vf3b  
Vf3a  
J151  
161-0001  
1
R251  
27R/2W  
R261  
27R/2W  
R271  
27R/2W  
P11  
50k, audio  
2209-0002  
PHONES  
1k  
J171  
161-0001  
206-0002 206-0002 206-0002  
47R/1W  
204-0001  
160-0005  
16-19V  
200-0003  
1
3
2
4
R151  
470k  
200-0007  
1.20-1.45V  
8
R41  
N/U  
C141  
470p  
100-0007  
C61  
C91  
**220u/35V**  
510R/2W 100-0002 C101  
C111  
R91  
*2k2*  
R101  
2k2  
200-0004  
220u/35V  
100-0002  
R191  
R221  
*510R/2W*  
206-0001  
**220u/35V**  
100-0002  
C81  
10u/350V  
200-0004  
206-0001  
*10u/350V*  
100-0001  
100-0001  
R252  
27R/2W  
R262  
27R/2W  
R272  
27R/2W  
R111  
100R  
206-0002 206-0002 206-0002  
200-0005  
R181  
1k  
FBK  
200-0006  
C71  
1
2
4
SW1  
3
1
3
4
6
2
5
J161  
161-0001  
1n/50V  
100-0003  
R172  
*22k/0.5W*  
SW DPDT  
180-0001  
202-0002  
R162  
Va  
J42  
CONN PCB 3  
22k/0.5W  
202-0002  
1
2
3
C122  
1n/500V  
100-0004  
OPT PRIM LEFT  
160-0003  
J52  
R72  
*220k/0.5W*  
202-0001  
R82  
220k/0.5W  
202-0001  
CONN PCB 2  
P
UL  
T
P
UL  
T
C12a  
100n/250V  
100-0006  
1
2
R232  
1k  
200-0003  
R242  
1k  
200-0003  
OPT SEC LEFT  
J112  
J132  
161-0001  
J142  
161-0001  
J102  
161-0001  
160-0004  
161-0001  
R12  
1k  
C42  
10u/350V  
100-0001  
C12  
J12  
V4B  
*PCL82*  
990-0001  
V2B  
PCL82  
990-0001  
RCA-WHITE  
160-0002  
R202  
*1k*  
200-0003  
J62  
CONN PCB 2  
6
6
100n/250V  
100-0006  
V4A  
*PCL82*  
990-0001  
200-0001  
R212  
*100R*  
200-0005  
R122  
1k  
200-0003  
R132  
100R  
200-0005  
C132  
10u/350V  
100-0001  
9
C22a  
1
2
SPEAKER LEFT  
R22  
*1k*  
*100n/250V*  
100-0006  
R62  
*1k*  
C52  
7
3
7
3
C22  
J22  
1
160-0004  
*RCA-WHITE*  
160-0002  
*100n/250V*  
100-0006  
V2A  
PCL82  
990-0001  
100n/250V  
100-0006  
200-0001  
R142  
1k  
200-0003  
R392  
*1k*  
200-0003  
9
200-0003  
8
2
4
5
2
4
5
R52  
J122  
161-0001  
Vf2b  
Vf2a  
Vf4b  
Vf4a  
J152  
161-0001  
P12  
50k, audio  
209-0002  
1
1k  
J172  
161-0001  
200-0003  
1
3
2
4
R152  
470k  
200-0007  
8
R42  
N/U  
F10  
C142  
C62  
C92  
**220u/35V**  
510R/2W 100-0002 C102  
C112  
**220u/35V**  
100-0002  
J80  
Va  
Vf  
CONN PCB 2  
1
2
470p  
100-0007  
R92  
*2k2*  
R102  
2k2  
220u/35V  
100-0002  
R192  
R222  
*510R/2W*  
206-0001  
C82  
500mA  
170-0001  
200-0004  
10u/350V  
100-0001  
206-0001  
*10u/350V*  
100-0001  
PLATE  
200-0004  
160-0004  
F20  
R112  
100R  
200-0005  
J90  
CONN PCB 2  
3A  
170-0002  
1
2
FILAMENT  
R182  
1k  
160-0004  
FBK  
200-0006  
1
3
2
4
C72  
J162  
161-0001  
R310  
*0R*  
N/A  
R320  
*0R*  
N/A  
R300  
*0R*  
N/A  
R290  
0R  
N/A  
1n/50V  
100-0003  
NOTES:  
1. Parts with values between asterisks (*1k*, etc.) are used in the Full-Pack assembl;y;  
2. C91,C92,C111 and C112 are not used.  
Vf1b  
Vf1a  
Vf2a  
Vf2b  
Vf3a  
Vf3b  
Vf4b  
Vf4a  
Vf  
R330  
*0R*  
N/A  
R340  
*0R*  
N/A  
R350  
*0R*  
N/A  
R360  
*0R*  
N/A  
R380  
0R  
N/A  
R370  
0R  
N/A  
8
BOARD LAYOUT AND DIMENSIONS:  
The following Figure shows the component layout and dimensions of the board (in mils –  
1mil=0.001inch), mounting holes and locations of tubes, potentiometers, switch and headphone  
connector, as well as locations of input jacks. This should help builder with designing a fitting  
enclosure. Please always verify dimensions by measuring the actual printed circuit board.  
9
10  
CONFIGURATION JUMPERS – MODE OF OPERATION:  
The Model 1 has four groups of jumpers intended for setting a mode of operation – Pentode mode  
(P), Ultralinear mode (UL) and Triode mode (T). Ultralinear mode can only be used with output  
transformer that have additional terminal for UL operation.  
Shorting blocks are inserted vertically so that the desired mode of operation is selected. The pair  
of pins on the far right side is not used.  
NOTE: At any time one of the P, UL or T connections must be used.  
CONFIGURATION JUMPERS – GRID BYPASS CAPACITOR:  
Jumper J121 (122, 151 and 152) can be used to bypass G2 on the pentode section. The bypass  
is preferred by some designers, it will result in slightly different sound and we decided to have it  
included as an option.  
In order to engage the bypass, the shorting block should be inserted horizontally shorting two  
lower pins. The upper pair of pins is not connected anywhere and can be used to hold shorting  
block if the bypass is not desired.  
NOTE: The grid bypass should only be used with Pentode mode of operation.  
Using it in any other mode will cause damage to the amplifier and/or output  
transformer!  
11  
CONFIGURATION JUMPERS – NEGATIVE FEEDBACK SELECTION:  
The Model 1 has optional negative feedback connection provided by jumper J161 (J162) – FBK.  
By moving the shorting block horizontally across the two lower pins, the negative feedback will be  
engaged. The upper two pins are shorting block holders when feedback is not engaged. By using  
negative feedback you will reduce the amplifier’s gain, increase bandwidth and reduce distortion.  
All the good stuff, but harmonic content will change, and many people do not have much respect  
for that kind of sound. Again, option is available, and you need to find an answer for yourself. The  
amount of feedback applied can be modified by changing value of R181 and R182. You will notice  
variations in the sound, but be careful, poorly compensated feedback will cause the amplifier to  
oscillate.  
CONFIGURATION JUMPERS – TRIODE PARALLEL CONNECTION  
Jumpers J171, J172 are used in the Full pack configuration to parallel cathodes of the input  
triodes when the bypass capacitors (C61, C62) are used. If you do not need an extra gain this  
capacitor provides, you can safely take it out, and then disengage J171/172 too see if you may  
prefer the new sound.  
HEATER CONFIGURATION JUMPERS:  
Ten zero ohm resistors R290-R380 can be used for different heater configurations. The most  
commonly used configurations are:  
-
Two tubes, Basic configuration (V1 and V2), heaters in series (Vf=32V, If=0.3A): use R290,  
R370 and R380  
-
Four tubes – Full pack (V1-V4), V1 and V2 heaters in series, V3 and V4 heaters in series,  
the two groups of heaters connected in parallel (Vf=32V, If=0.6A): use R290, R370 and  
R380 (V1 and V2) and R310, R340 and R360 for V3 and V4 heaters.  
ECL82 heaters (6.3V) – connect all heaters in parallel, using R290 to R360.  
-
12  
CONNECTING POWER:  
As any other vacuum tube amplifier, Model 1 needs two voltages for proper operation: (1) Plate,  
or Anode voltage, Va and (2) Heater, or filament voltage Vf. Plate voltage should be brought to the  
terminal block J80 and filament voltage to J90. Picture below shows the layout detail with J80 and  
J90.  
Plate voltage (Va) should have nominal value of 250V (acceptable range is 200-270V). The power  
source should be able to provide 80-100mA for basic configuration and 160-200mA for the full  
pack. Sound is significantly affected by the power supply quality, so make sure to have sufficient  
filtering.  
PCL82 tubes are designed for series connection of their filaments, so they require current source  
(as opposed to some other tubes that require voltage source for filament supply). Heater  
specification for this tube is 0.3Amp and 16V. Rugged construction of the tube’s heater allows that  
it is powered from the voltage source as well, but you can expect high current surge and bright  
yellow heater in the first few seconds of operation. In theory, this reduces life of the heater, but  
these tubes are very rugged and will have long life even in this less than perfect situation. Basic  
version of the Model 1 amplifier has the two heaters connected in series, so the filament supply  
needs to be able to provide 32V at 0.3A. Resistors R290-380 are placeholders for jumpers which  
allow for different heater configurations. ECL82 tubes (which are PCL82 equivalents with 6V  
heaters) can also be used, by configuring all heaters in parallel (R290 to R360 installed, R370,  
380 left out). For more details refer to the description of the heater configuration jumpers, above.  
Filament voltage can be DC or AC, so there are no polarity markings on J90. If the DC is used, left  
pin is the system ground (see the Figure above), so the negative polarity of the filament voltage  
can be connected to that pin, although doing opposite will not affect operation, as long as filament  
supply is independent of plate supply.  
13  
CONNECTING OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS:  
For basic model, the output transformers should be designed to provide 5kprimary resistance.  
For the full pack, the primary resistance should have 2.5krating. Rating of the secondary  
winding should correspond to the impedance of your speakers (4, 8 or 16, typically). There are  
many transformers in the market that have multiple taps to accommodate various combinations.  
Power rating should be minimum 3W for basic and 6W for full-pack configuration.  
Model 1 features two pairs of terminals for connecting output transformers. The terminals are J41  
and J51 for the right channel transformer and J42, J52 for the left channel. The terminal blocks for  
the right channel connections are shown below.  
.
Output transformer’s primary winding is connected to the two end terminals of J41. Right side  
terminal of the J41, as shown on the picture above, is connected to +Va, and the left end is  
connected to the plate of the pentode part of PCL82. Middle terminal is used for the ultralinear  
connection if the transformer has the UL tap.  
Left channel transformer is connected the same way using J42.  
Transformer’s secondary winding is connected to J51 (J52 for the left channel). Terminal with  
minus sign is connected to the system ground.  
It is important that both, left and right output transformers are connected identically, which will  
ensure that both channels operate in phase and provide adequate stereo picture.  
If the negative feedback is to be used, it is also important that the primary and secondary are  
connected in phase, so please carefully check transformer documentation. An oscilloscope is  
valuable tool if you use old, second hand transformers which may not have adequate markings.  
CONNECTING SPEAKERS:  
Speakers’ impedance should match rated secondary impedance of the output transformer.  
Speakers are connected to terminals J61 (right speaker) and J62 (left speaker).  
14  
Again, for best stereo image, they should be connected in phase. The second harmonic  
distortion is common with single ended amplifiers (it gives them specific, rich sound), and air  
transports sound with some degree of the second harmonic distortion too. It is possible to notice  
change in sound and reduction in distortion just by swapping plus and minus terminals, and we  
encourage you to experiment and find what sounds best for you. If you are swapping terminals,  
make sure to do it on both speakers at the same time, to preserve stereo image.  
CONNECTING HEADPHONES:  
Headphone output is not a typical feature of a tube amplifier. There are technical and commercial  
reasons (it increases manufacturer’s cost). We wanted to make sure that Model 1 can be used as  
a headphone amplifier too, so the output is there. We were able to take advantage of the  
amplifier’s relatively low output power and came up with a clever way to have the amplifier work at  
normal power levels with headphones (Watts instead of milli Watts) and even to push the amplifier  
to clipping, if needed.  
Connecting headphones is fairly straightforward: use standard 3.5mm headphone connector J8  
and flip the switch SW1. SW1 will engage dummy load across the output transformers and bring  
signal to the headphones. We believe that this is the best way to preserve the original sound of  
the amplifier when headphones are used. With headphones (which are typically very low power  
devices) the amplifier will operate properly loaded up to maximum output, and you can even enjoy  
the specific sound of tubes’ soft clipping, if you desire (this may be very interesting if you intend to  
use the Model 1 as a guitar amplifier and not disturb anybody).  
Dynamic headphones come in several nominal impedances – 16 to 600 and you may notice  
that the maximum sound level is too high or too low. You can adapt the Model 1 amplifier to your  
headphones by changing resistors R281 and R282. The resistors are in series with the  
headphones, and by increasing their value you will increase attenuation.  
VOLUME CONTROL AND AUDIO INPUTS:  
Less expensive stereo potentiometers have poor symmetry between the two parts and we did not  
want to burden the product with expensive ones, so we went with separate volume controls for the  
left and right channel.  
One pair of analog inputs is installed as a standard feature and there is a place for another pair of  
inputs, if you need to connect more than one source. The input selector is not required, since the  
source that is not used will not affect the active one. If you have both sources working at the same  
time, you will hear a strange mix of the two inputs.  
The gain of the amplifier will change, depending on whether or not you decide to use the negative  
feedback . Gain is significantly higher without feedback, so you will not need to turn the volume  
knob that far to get to clipping. With the feedback engaged (you can do it by moving jumpers on  
J161, J162 one position down) the gain will drop significantly, and the volume knob will have to  
travel further for the same output power.  
15  
UPSIDE - DOWN ASSEMBLY  
The Model 1 printed circuit board (PCB) was designed with top to bottom symmetry. This  
symmetry enables building a tube amplifier with “tube audio look”, where tubes are mounted on  
top of the chassis. All parts, except tube sockets, can be mounted on the bottom of the board and  
soldered on the top side (top side is the one with component references in white silkscreen). That  
way, the PCB can be mounted close to the top of the chassis and tube sockets can be flush with  
the top, or even slightly higher, depending on your preferences. There are few things to keep in  
mind though:  
- Top of the PCB should be at least ¼” below the chassis, to prevent metal chassis from shorting  
PCB circuits.  
- PCB has a 1/8” hole underneath the sockets. Make sure to provide support to the PCB using the  
holes (in addition to the five mounting holes), to prevent board flexing and possible damage to the  
PCB when tubes are inserted or removed.  
- You may find it convenient to use chassis mounted sockets, in which case there is no stress on  
the PCB during tubes insertion/removal. From the chassis mounted socket you can “drop” wires to  
the PCB. Be sure to use short insulated wires.  
- If you mount headphones connector to the bottom of the board, left and right channel will swap.  
To bring everything back in order, you will need to swap inputs. Then your speakers will have left  
and right channel swapped. To rectify that, you will need to connect left speaker to the right  
channel and vice versa. Or, you can simply use a chassis mounted headphone jack and connect  
wires to the PCB in the right order.  
- When the headphones/speakers selector switch is moved to the bottom, it will reverse the  
function – headphones position will turn the speakers on and vice versa. We do not think this is a  
major issue but you should be aware.  
- If you move volume control potentiometers to the bottom of the PCB, the minimum volume  
position will become maximum. It may be cool, but it could also be annoying. The only solution to  
the problem is to use chassis mounted potentiometers and bring wires to the PCB.  
- If you use chassis mounted parts (input jacks, headphone connector, switch and volume control,  
make sure to use short coaxial cables to minimize noise pickup and stray capacitances that may  
cause amplifier to oscillate.  
16  
FINAL WORDS  
Once again, thank you for your purchase. We hope that the Model 1 will give you hours and hours  
of fun and have you experience a multitude of different qualities of the “tube sound”. Once you  
have exhausted all of the options, we hope that you will “retire” the amplifier from your bench into  
a nice chassis and have it rest on your work desk or in the bedroom accompanied by a PC or an  
MP3 player of some kind. Once all experiments are finished, make sure to permanently short  
selected jumpers (one way is to bend the pins and solder them together) in order to prevent  
deterioration of contacts over time. Robust design should provide you with years of pleasant  
sounds, with only maintenance being change of tubes, once the original ones are too weak to  
rumble. Our design is really gentle with the tubes, so they should last much longer than tubes in  
some other designs that try to pull the last milliWatt out of them.  
Finally, we want to remind you once again to take extreme caution while working with high  
voltages. If you are not thoroughly familiar with the safety procedures, feel free to enlist help of a  
relative or friend. There are many very knowledgeable people in this field and they all share  
passion for spreading the art and science of high quality sound reproduction.  
Copyright, ENG Vista, Inc. 2007  
17  
PARTS LIST  
Parts with asterisks in the VALUE column are used in the Full-Pack assembly.  
Reference  
Item Qty  
EPN  
Value  
R41, R42  
1
2
2
N/U  
R11, R12, R51, R52, R121, R122,  
R141, R142, R181, R182, R231, R232,  
R241, R242  
14  
200-0003  
1k  
R21, R22, R61, R62, R201, R202,  
R391, R392  
R71, R72  
R81, R82  
R91, R92  
R101, R102  
R111, R112, R131, R132  
R151, R152  
R161, R162  
R171, R172  
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
2
2
2
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
200-0003  
202-0001  
202-0001  
200-0004  
200-0004  
200-0005  
200-0007  
202-0002  
202-0002  
206-0001  
200-0005  
206-0001  
*1k*  
*220k/0.5W*  
220k/0.5W  
*2k2*  
2k2  
100R  
8
9
470k  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
22k/0.5W  
*22k/0.5W*  
510R/2W  
*100R*  
R191, R192  
R211, R212  
R221, R222  
*510R/2W*  
R251, R252, R261, R262, R271, R272  
R281, R282  
R290, R370, R380  
15  
16  
17  
6
2
3
206-0002  
204-0002  
N/A  
27R/2W  
39R/1W  
0R  
R300, R310, R320, R330, R340, R350,  
R360  
F10  
F20  
18  
19  
20  
7
1
1
N/A  
170-0001  
170-0002  
*0R*  
500mA  
3A  
J101, J102, J111, J112, J121, J122,  
J161, J162  
21  
22  
23  
8
8
6
161-0001  
161-0001  
161-0002  
JUMPER 2X2  
J131, J132, J141, J142, J151, J152,  
J171, J172  
*JUMPER 2X2*  
@J101, J102, J121, J122, J161, J162  
SHORTING BLOCK, 0.1"  
@J131, J132, J151, J152, J171, J172  
J41, J42  
J51, J52, J61, J62, J80, J90  
C11, C11a, C12, C12a, C51, C52  
C21, C21a, C22, C22a  
C41, C42, C81, C82, C131, C132  
C61, C62  
C71, C72  
C101, C102  
C91, C92, C111, C112  
C121, C122  
C141, C142  
J8  
J11  
J12  
J21  
J22  
P11, P12  
SW1  
@V1, V2  
@V3, V4  
V1, V2  
V3, V4  
PCB  
User Manual  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
41  
42  
43  
44  
45  
46  
47  
48  
6
2
6
6
4
6
2
2
2
4
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
161-0002  
160-0003  
160-0004  
100-0006  
100-0006  
100-0001  
100-0002  
100-0003  
100-0001  
100-0002  
100-0004  
100-0007  
160-0005  
160-0001  
160-0002  
160-0001  
160-0002  
209-0002  
180-0001  
990-0002  
990-0002  
990-0001  
990-0001  
500-0001  
500-0001  
*SHORTING BLOCK, 0.1"*  
CONN PCB 3  
CONN PCB 2  
100n/250V  
*100n/250V*  
10u/350V  
220u/35V  
1n/50V  
*10u/350V*  
**220u/35V** - NOT USED  
1n/500V  
470p/50V  
PHONEJACK STEREO SW  
RCA-RED  
RCA-WHITE  
*RCA-RED*  
*RCA-WHITE*  
50k, audio  
SW DPDT  
9-PIN MINI SOCKET  
*9-PIN MINI SOCKET*  
PCL82  
*PCL82*  
PCB  
User Manual  
18  

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