Primare I21 Integrated Amplifier

PREFACE

Copyright and acknowledgements Copyright 2004 Primare Systems AB. All rights reserved. Primare Systems AB Renvgen 1 SE-Vxj Sweden Issue: I21 The information in this guide is believed to be correct as of the date of publication. However, our policy is one of continuous development and so the information is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a commitment on the part of Primare Systems AB. Primare is a trademark of Primare Systems AB. All rights reserved. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in accordance with our instructions may cause interference to radio communications or radio and television reception. It has been type-tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart J, Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing device. These limits are intended to provide reasonable protection against such interference in home installations. EEC: This product has been designed and type-tested to comply with the limits set out in EN55013 and EN55020. This guide was produced by Condesign Ljungby AB. www.condesign.se 200429

I21 AMPLIFIER USER GUIDE

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION Welcome to the I21 Integrated Amplifier.. 1 High-performance power amplifier.. 1 Flexible inputs... 1 Fixed and variable outputs... 1 Superb technical design.. 1 Intuitive user interface.. 1 Using the I21 with other Primare products.. 2 Technical specification.. 2 HOW TO GET STARTED Power connection... 3 Safety instruction... 3 Switching on and off... 3 To switch on.. 3 To switch on from standby or to standby. 3 Back panel connections.. 4 Outputs... 4 Loudspeaker outputs.. 4 Preamplifier outputs.. 4 Inputs.... 4 Source inputs... 4 Front panel controls.. 5
OPERATING THE I21 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER Selecting a source... 7 To select a source.. 7 Changing the volume... 7 To change the volume.. 7 To dim the front panel display.. 8 To restore the normal display... 8

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Primare I21 Integrated Amplifier! This chapter introduces you to its key features, and explains how you can take advantage of its superb sound as the key component in your hi-fi system.
Welcome to the I21 Integrated Amplifier
The I21 is an integrated preamplifier and power amplifier with extraordinary performance for its price.
High-performance power amplifier
I21 to a tape recorder. The PRE OUT sockets are controlled by the volume control, and can be used to connect the I20 to another output stage.

Superb technical design

The I21 incorporates a power amplifier providing 75 Watts per channel of superb quality sound.

Flexible inputs

The I21 preamplifier stage provides four inputs, labelled CD, TUNER, LINE 1, and LINE 2, to cater for a flexible range of sources.
Fixed and variable outputs
The I21 incorporates a classic circuit design based on J-FET input devices and bipolar output devices, typical of far more expensive equipment, giving high performance and excellent reliability.

Intuitive user interface

The currently selected source is provided on two pairs of line-level outputs, for connecting the I21 to other equipment. The TAPE OUT sockets are independent of the position of the volume control, and allow you to connect the

In keeping with the philosophy of the Primare range of systems, the I21 can be controlled through a very simple and intuitive set of front panel controls. Alternatively all the functions of the I21 can be controlled by the C22 Remote Control supplied with the I21, along with the other Primare components in your system.
Using the I21 with other Primare products
Although the I21 is flexible enough to work with virtually any other equipment you have in your system, it is ideal for use with the other products in the Primare range. A particular benefit of using the I21 with other Primare sources is that you can control your entire system with a single remote control, to give you a fully integrated system with the simplest possible user interface.

Technical specification

Output power per channel Speaker terminals Output impedance DC offset Line inputs Tape outputs Frequency response THD Signal-to-noise, line Peak current Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight 2 x 75W into 8, 2 x 125W into 16 <0.08 <5mV (servo controlled) 330mV 300mV <10Hz 100kHz, -3dB 0.05% (1kHz, 10V into 8) -100dB (A-weighted) 25A 430 x 385 x 100mm 13,5kg
Power consumption, standby <12W

HOW TO GET STARTED

This chapter provides a quick overview of how to connect the I21 integrated amplifier to other components in your system.

Power connection

Warning: Before connecting power check that the required supply voltage, indicated on the back panel, corresponds to your local AC supply. If a different voltage is stated on the type plate do not connect the I21 to the mains power, and seek advice from your dealer. Connect the mains power using the enclosed mains cable. NOTE: Always disconnect the I21 and all other units in the system from the mains power before connecting or disconnecting any of the cables. Never short circuit speaker terminals. This might seriously damage the unit.

Switching on and off

To switch on
Use the main switch under the left-hand edge of the housing (1).

Safety instructions

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on the I21. If you want to build in the I21 you need to be sure to allow space of at least 20 cm behind, 10 cm on both sides and 30 cm above the top panel of the unit. This is to prevent fire or damage caused by overheating. Also make sure that the main switch is accessable.

During normal operation you can leave the I21 switched on and in standby mode.
To switch on from standby or to standby
Pressing on the front panel or on the remote control, will change the standby mode.

Back panel connections

A. Right loudspeaker outputs B. Audio inputs C. Tape outputs
D. Preamplifier outputs E. Right loudspeaker outputs F. Mains power input

Outputs

Loudspeaker outputs

Inputs

Source inputs
Connect the left and right loudspeakers to the corresponding terminals. The terminals can accept speaker cables terminated with 4mm banana plugs, spade terminals, or bare wires. To connect bare wires unscrew the terminal, pass the bare wire through the hole in the terminal bolt, and clamp the wire in place by screwing the terminal back down.

Preamplifier outputs

Connect each source to the appropriate source input, connecting the right channel to the red socket and the left channel to the white socket. To connect an analogue turntable with a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge you will need an additional phono preamplifier such as the Primare R20. The output of the turntable is connected to the R20, and the output of the R20 should be connected to a spare input on the I21, such as LINE1.
The PRE OUT sockets provide a line-level output from the I21 preamplifier stage which can be connected to another preamplifier. The level of this output is controlled by the VOLUME control on the I21. The TAPE OUT sockets provide a fixed level copy of the currently selected source, suitable for connecting to a tape recorder.

Front panel controls

All the functions of the I21 Integrated Amplifier can be accessed using the five front panel push buttons and the volume control. Information about all operations is displayed on the front panel display
A. The display keeps you informed about the volume setting and currently selected inputs. B. The VOLUME control changes the volume
C. The INPUT SELECTOR buttons select one of the four source inputs. D. The STANDBY button switches the I21 to standby, or switches it on from standby.
OPERATING THE I21 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
This chapter explains how to operate the I21 Integrated Amplifier, using either the front panel controls or the remote control.

Selecting a source

The I21 Integrated Amplifier provides a choice of four line inputs, labelled: CD, TUNER, LINE 1, and LINE 2.

To select a source

Changing the volume
The I21 allows you to vary the volume from 0 (silence) to 79 (maximum volume).

To change the volume

Press the button on the front panel or the remote control corresponding to the source you want to select. The currently selected source is indicated on the front panel display:
Rotate the VOLUME control on the front panel, or press the or + buttons on the remote control. The current volume setting is shown on the front panel.
Alternatively, press the or buttons on the remote control to step between sources.

Changing the balance

You can change the balance of the sound between the left and right channels to shift the position of the stereo image.

To change the balance

To dim the front panel display
Press the DIM button on the remote control. The display will dim to show just the currently selected source.
Press the BAL/ST button on the remote control. The front panel display shows the current balance setting, where -6 corresponds to the leftmost position, 0 corresponds to centre, and 6 corresponds to the rightmost position.
To restore the normal display
Press the DIM button again.
Press the or + buttons on the remote control to adjust the balance. Press the BAL/ST button again to revert to the normal volume display. Alternatively the normal display will revert automatically after four seconds.

Primare I21 Integrated Amplifier This integrated amplifier is based on the famous and highly renowned A20, I20 design. The I21 is an integrated preamplifier and power amplifier with extraordinary performance for its price. High-performance power amplifier The I21 incorporates a classic circuit design based on J-FET input devices and bipolar output devices, typical of far more expensive equipment, giving high performance and excellent reliability. The amplifier is capable of delivering 75 watts into an 8 ohms load and incorporates full speaker protection against faulty input signals. Two individual DC-servos together with DCblocking and protection circuit provide this state-of-the-art protection. To increase dynamic range, the I21 amplifier design incorporates an improved buffer stage by the use of the OPA2134 from Burr-Brown and capacitors from Vishay. Careful design for operational stability As with all Primare units, the I21 is housed in an alloy heavy gauge steel chassis, which provides strength, rigidity, and screening, while being effective at damping vibrations from external sources. Display and audio circuits are isolated The front panel design isolates the display circuitry from the audio circuitry to avoid interference Dual-Mono Design The amplifier incorporates a massive 800VA toroidal transformer with separate windings for left and right power amp channels, effectively providing each channel with its own mono amplifier. Clean power supply for the best possible performance Each part of an electronic design has specific power requirements. Primares forensic approach to ensuring that clean power is supplied throughout the design is a key part of its design philosophy and has significant sonic benefits. The sheer physical size of the I21s toroidal transformer makes it an inherently good mains filter and its low output impedance promotes good voltage stabilisation. Power to the driver stage and preamp stage is individually regulated in seven steps, as is the digital supply to the front panel. Shortest signal paths Short signal paths are secured by the use of SMD technology wherever possible. This is one of the I21s key design features as is a digital volume control to ensure excellent channel balance and a flat frequency response at any volume level. more
Flexible inputs The I21 preamplifier stage provides four inputs, labelled CD, TUNER, LINE 1, and LINE 2, to cater for a flexible range of sources. Fixed and variable outputs The currently selected source is provided on two pairs of line-level outputs, for connecting the I21 to other equipment. The TAPE OUT sockets are independent of the position of the volume control, and allow you to connect the I21 to a tape recorder. The PRE OUT sockets are controlled by the volume control, and can be used to connect the I20 to another output stage. The amplifier incorporates massive high quality gold-plated speaker terminals suitable for most audiophile speaker cables. Intuitive user interface In keeping with the philosophy of the Primare range of systems, the I21 can be controlled through a very simple and intuitive set of front panel controls. Alternatively all the functions of the I21 can be controlled by the C22 Remote Control supplied with the I21, along with the other Primare components in your system. Specifications Output power per channel 2 x 75W into 8 , 2 x 125W into 4 Speaker terminals Output impedance <0.08 DC offset <5mV (servo controlled) Line inputs 330mV Tape outputs 300mV Frequency response <10Hz 100kHz, -3dB THD 0.05% (1kHz, 10V into 8 ) Signal-to-noise, line -100dB (A-weighted) Power consumption, standby <12W Peak current 25A Dimensions (WxDxH) 430 x 385 x 100mm Weight 13.5kg ends