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3 Connecting inputs & outputs
Many problems associated with electronic
equipment involves connecting leads, which are
usually either ‘BAD CONNECTION’ or a
‘WRONG CONNECTION’. So it’s worth making
sure that you have good connections and that
your leads are the right way round.
Outputs
For normal use you should connect suitable
interconnects to the “VALVE OUTPUT” Left and
Right sockets on the rear, this will give the best
sound quality as this uses our specially designed
valve circuit.
The four sockets marked “OUTPUT” in the white
line box, are both transistor RCA and transistor
“balanced” output.
Interconnect and mains Cables
In our experience Icon valve equipment is very
tolerant of cables; therefore the benefits of some
very ‘exotic’ cables may be less apparent. But this
is also personal taste.
As all interconnect cables have losses, therefore
keeping the cables under 2-3 meters will be
advantageous. However the CDX1 is designed to
work with cables up to 10m with minimal loss.
4 Getting the best performance from your CD Player
Do not leave the CDX1 switched on all the time. This is not necessary
Do not use valves other than listed as there could be danger of shock or damage
DO NOT LEAVE PERMANENTLY SWITCHED ON!
Whilst it is common for solid state equipment to
left on 24/7 without switching off, there is no
advantage in doing this with the CDX1. It only
takes a few minutes for the CDX1 to fully warm
up. Long periods on “idle” will consume valve life.
We would always advise that any item of home
electronics is switched off when unattended.
‘Burning in’
Although the CD Player should sound good within
about 5 mins it can take up to an 30 mins to
sound at its best and will take several months of
regular use before it is fully ‘run in’.
Upgrading and Changing Valves!
6SN7 Valves are very rugged and sound better
than the more modern miniature types, and have
a reputation for a very long life. The valves
supplied with selected models are the result of
careful comparison with other makes. But beware
of paying a premium for “New Old Stock” valves
where you may be paying for rarity value and not
performance. Icon Audio keeps a range of
standard and various upgrade valves in stock.
Cabinet Care
To remove dust, brush with a soft paintbrush.
Other marks can usually be removed with a damp
cloth. Never use anything wet on the amplifier,
and always clean with the power disconnected.
5 Trouble Shooting
CD Player Dead
Check the fuse in the UK supplied IEC plug. You could
also try another IEC cable. Also check the 1A fuse in the
small drawer under the IEC socket (see P 4). Spares are
available free of charge from Icon Audio.
The fuse in the wall plug should be a 3 or 5 amp fuse.
If either there is no sound or the CDX1 is dead you
should refer to your dealer or Icon audio for assistance.
If the TRANSISTOR (AUDIO OUT) output is working
then there is a fault with the valve analogue section.
No sound
Have you selected the right input on your amplifier?
Is the display indicating disc playing?
Distorted sound.
Could be you’re your amplifier, try another music source
to your amplifier to prove this. Check all wiring, and try
swapping things around to eliminate or prove which
component is causing the problem the problem.
Hum Problems
If you experience hum, try disconnecting all inputs, if
hum persists this is probably an amplifier fault.
If not, identify which input is causing hum. Connect one
input at a time. A common cause is a ‘hum loop’ caused
by having too many earths, and may be identified by
unplugging each input source from the mains. One
remedy for this is to use an interconnect which only has
the screen connected at one end. Other causes of low-
level hum can be from adjacent equipment, so
experiment with moving equipment around to see if
this makes the hum better or worse.
Strange noises coming from speakers
Turn volume to minimum on unused input, if the
noise disappears, the fault is with the source or the
connection. If noise persists, the problem is with
amplifier.
If a whole output valve glows red (other than the
heater), often accompanied by a hum through the
speakers, switch off immediately, and refer to Icon
Audio or a service engineer, as this could be valve
failure.
Service: Should you suspect a problem, you could
return the unit to your dealer or Icon Audio for a
periodic service or return the valves for testing free of
charge. You should carefully remove the valves
numbering them with a marker from left to right as
you do so in order that that may be replaced in the
same position. They should be well packed in
cardboard & foam or similar, and returned to Icon
Audio for testing. (Valves are very rugged if packed
properly).
Mains Supply
This amplifier is hard wired to work on 230/240v ac.
Some models may be re-configured for 110/120v ac
by a qualified engineer. Contact for more information.
