Audio Research VSi55 Owner's Manual - Model Vsi55
Preface
Please take time to carefully read and understand the
following instructions before you install or attempt to oper-
ate this equipment. Becoming familiar with the product
and its correct operating procedures will help assure you of
maximum musical enjoyment and reliable operation. The
effort you invest now will be well rewarded in the years
ahead
Packaging
Save all the packaging in a dry place. Your Audio
Research amplifier is a precision electronic instrument and
should be properly cartoned any time shipment is made.
Because of its weight, it is highly probable that the unit will
be damaged during shipment if repackaged in cartoning
other than that designed for the unit.
You may not have occasion to return the unit to the factory
for service, but if that should prove necessary, or other
occasion to ship it occurs, the original packaging may save
your investment from unnecessary damage, delay and
expense.
Unpacking
The VSi55 is packed in a heavy-duty carton with special
foam inserts for maximum protection. Because of the
weight of the unit and because it is a precision electronic
instrument, it is necessary to take reasonable care during
unpacking and preparation for use.
Open the carton with a small knife to carefully slit the
taped edges of the top flaps. Fold the flaps to the sides and
remove the tubes packed in foam blocks. Roll the unit in
the carton upside down on a soft surface and lift the carton
off and turn the unit right side up, then remove the foam
inserts. Carefully remove the plastic wrap. Keep all foam
inserts and store the carton system for future use.
Accessories
1 – Plastic screwdriver for bias adjustments
User replaceable spare fuses include:
1 – 5 Amp MDQ slo-blo with 120V units or 100V units
1 – T4A 250V slo-blo with 220V/240V units
Warnings
1. Do not touch hot tubes. Keep away from children.
2. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your
VSi55 to rain or moisture.
3. This unit contains voltages which can cause serious
injury or death. Do not operate with covers removed.
Refer servicing to your authorized Audio Research dealer
or other qualified personnel.
4. The 14-gauge, 3-conductor detachable power cord on
your VSi55 is equipped with a standard 3-prong ground-
ing plug. If used normally, it will provide a safe earth
ground connection of the chassis. Refer to the section on
“AC Power Connections” for detailed information.
5. For continued protection against fire hazard,
replace fuses only with the same type and rating of fuses
as specified.
Preparation for Use
Your VSi55 amplifier is shipped with the vacuum tubes
packed in foam blocks. These must be unpacked and
installed before you attempt to operate the amplifier. In-
cluded are two matched pair of 6550EH output tubes, and
three 6N1P dual triodes used in the input stage. Proceed
according to the following instructions.
1. Carefully remove each vacuum tube from its
protective foam and match its location “V” number (writ-
ten on the base of the tube) to the “V” number printed
next to each socket. Firmly seat each tube in its match-
ing socket, taking care to “key” the tube pins to the sock-
et holes. Retain the foam blocks with other packing ma-
terials for possible future use.
2. If you are using the optional tube cover, be sure the
VSi55 is first turned off and then remove the top plate
with the phillips screwdriver provided with the tube
cover. Install the tube cover in place of the top plate,
using the original top plate screws.
Description of Controls
VOLUME CONTROL [VOL]: Pressing the down [
] or
up [
] button decreases or increases the volume level.
Note that the VSi55 has 70 individual steps across the
volume control adjustment range and 20 numbered volume
LEDs. The corresponding LED position that is illuminated
for a given volume control setting serves as a general level
indicator and will remain lit for several individual adjust-
ment steps before an adjacent LED illuminates.
INPUT SELECTOR SWITCH: Allows selection of any of five
single-ended input sources [labeled, CD, TUN (tuner), VID
(video), SE1 and SE2]. Pressing the Input selector switch
steps through each input as indicated by LED illumination.
POWER ON / OFF SWITCH: Supplies power from AC
wall outlet to VSi55 when in “on” position (indicated by
LED illumination).
Note: If you turn off the VSi55 wait at least two minutes
before turning it on again. This brief cool down period
will reduce stress on the output tubes and potential
damage to them.
Model VSi55
1
VSi55 Manual / 3-03 /