Issue : 2
Date : 04/17/00
Rogue Sixty Six
Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
Owners Manual
Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase decision! We at Rogue Audio truly
believe that our amplifiers and preamplifiers provide the “smartest” value in
high-end audio. If you have never owned a vacuum tube preamplifier you
will be thrilled by the silky-smooth sound and incredible detail that only a
tube preamp can provide. We at Rogue Audio are extremely proud of our
products and want you to enjoy them to their fullest potential. So please,
take the time to read through this short manual so that you can be confident
that you have set up your new preamp properly.
SETTING UP YOUR PREAMPLIFIER
tools required: phillips head screwdriver and a clean glove
WARNING - This preamplifier uses and generates
voltages that could cause injury or death. Never
open the amplifier while it is plugged in, and always
wait at least one hour after turning the unit off to
unplug and open the unit. Lethal voltages can
remain in the electronics after the unit is unplugged
1) Opening the box - Carefully remove the preamplifier and power
supply from the box. It is important that you retain the packing
material and box in the event that the amplifier ever needs
servicing. The packing material and box have been carefully
designed to protect your valuable equipment during shipping so
you don’t want to throw them away!
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2) Connecting the power supply - Carefully plug the black six pin
connector coming from the power supply into the rear of the
preamplifier. See Figure 1. Connect the IEC end of the
detachable power cord to the power supply, and plug the
opposite end into the wall outlet.
Power
Supply
Output Jacks
Phono
Input Jacks
Ground
Figure 1
3) Placement of the preamplifier - The preamplifier is the “brains“
of your system and will have the greatest number of
interconnects. Therefore, the preamplifier should be located
such that it is accessible for cabling between itself and all other
relevant pieces of equipment. NEVER place another piece of
equipment on top of the preamplifier and be sure to leave
adequate space (three inches or more) on the top, sides and
rear for air flow. The external power supply should be
placed as far away as possible from any other components or
cables.
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4) Connections to other components - Connections are shown in
Figure 1. The input connections for source material (phonograph,
CD player, tuner, tape recorder) are made via RCA auxiliary
jacks are also available for line level sources (approximately 1
volt). A five way lug is also provided for grounding the
turntable to the preamplifier. The outputs to the power amplifier
and tape recorder are arranged to the right of the input jacks. The
tape output (as shipped) is passive, however it can be configured
as an active outputs for powering a subwoofer or second
amplifier. To do so, remove the cover and find the two small
black slide switches on the rear (RCA jack) circuit board. Refer
to figures 2 and 3 for approximate locations of these switches.
The two positions are labeled “A” for active and “P” for passive
modes. Simple slide the two switches to the “A” position and the
tape output will become active.
WARNING : If unit has been powered up, you must
turn off the switch and wait at least one hour before
disconnecting the electrical cord. After doing so, the
unit may be unplugged and the top cover removed.
This time is required for dangerous voltages to
dissipate to ground.
5) Polarity - The Rogue sixty-six preamplifier is an inverting
amplifier (positive signal in gives negative signal out) so, for
best sound, care should be taken to ensure correct polarity at the
speaker terminals. If your power amplifier is also inverting, then
connect the positive (+) outputs of your power amplifier to the
positive(+) terminals of the loudspeakers and the negative (-)
outputs to the (-) negative loudspeaker terminals. If your power
amplifier is non-inverting, then connect the positive outputs (+)
of your power amplifier to the negative (-) loudspeaker
terminals, and the negative outputs (-) to the positive (+)
loudspeaker terminals. If you are unsure as to the polarity of
your power amplifier, check the owners manual or contact the
manufacturer. If all else fails, try both connections and listen to
which sounds better (do this using several different recordings as
not all recordings are made with correct phase).
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OPERATING YOUR PREAMPLIFIER
1) Delays- Note that the Rogue Sixty-six is equipped with a slow
turn-on feature that protects other equipment from dangerous
transients at turn-on as well as significantly prolonging tube life.
This feature is provided via several timing circuits that allow the
tube filaments to reach operating temperature before turning on
the high voltage supply. The outputs are muted during this
sequence and then opened after turn-on transients have been safely
dissipated to ground.
2) Powering up the system - First turn on the preamplifier by
pushing in the “power” button. The red LED will light after
several seconds. After approximately 10 seconds, the high
voltage supply will turn on. After an additional ten seconds, the
outputs will disconnect from ground and the preamp is ready.
After turning on the preamplifier, turn on the power amplifier
and source material and you are ready for listening.
Note : This unit will not play for approximately 20
seconds after power on while tubes warm up.
3) Switches and Controls - The Rogue Sixty-six is equipped with
volume, balance, source, power, mute, (and record on phono version
only).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Volume - gain adjustment from 0- 23 dB
Balance - full left and right channel attenuation
Source - selects source material (CD, phono, tape, tuner, aux1, aux2)
Power - on/off operation
Mute - leaves preamplifier on while muting output
Record - must be pressed in while taping, isolates tape player when not
taping .
4) Remote Volume Control - The Sixty-Six LSR (line stage remote)
is equipped with an analog remote volume control feature. The
volume may be adjusted manually using the knob on the front
panel, or by using the remote control provided.
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5) Leaving the System Running - Unlike many solid state
amplifiers, the Sixty-Six preamplifier should not be left turned
on when not in use. To prolong tube life, turn off the unit when
not being used.
MAINTENANCE
The Rogue Sixty Six has been designed to provide many years of
enjoyable and reliable service. The greatest care has been taken to
select vacuum tubes that provide superior sound and ensure long life.
In addition, this unit utilizes a slow turn on feature which helps
prevent cathode stripping during power up. This feature will greatly
increase usable tube life.
Replace Tubes by :
1) Removing the top cover by unscrewing 10 screws.
2) Using a glove or cloth, carefully remove the tubes from their
sockets.
WARNING : If unit has been powered up, you must
turn off the switch and wait at least one hour before
disconnecting the electrical cord. After doing so, the
unit may be unplugged and the top cover removed.
This time is required for dangerous voltages to
dissipate to ground.
3) Obtain and insert a new set of tubes. It is recommended that a
new set of tubes be obtained from Rogue. If tubes are obtained
from another source, follow the diagram in figure 2 or 3 for tube
type.
4) Insert new tubes in sockets using a glove or cloth. See figure 2 or
3 for locations.
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12AU7
Tubes (2)
Active/Passive
Switch
Figure 2 Sixty-Six LSR
6DJ8
Active/Passive
Switch
Tubes (4)
Phono
Stage
12AU7
Tubes (2)
Line Stage
Figure 3 Sixty-Six Phono
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IF THERES A PROBLEM
Below is a checklist of problems that may be encountered.
1) Check that power connections are secure, both main power cord
and 6 pin connections from power supply to preamplifier.
2) Check that all input and output signal connections are secure.
3) Ensure that all tubes are properly seated in sockets.
4) If these do not clear up the problem, please call Rogue Audio
Technical Support at 570-992-9901.
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SPECIFICATIONS
frequency response 10Hz - 100kHz + 1dB
THD
< 0.1%
gain - line stage
gain - phono stage
rated output
23 dB
40 dB
1.5 V RMS
50V RMS
maximum output
RIAA accuracy
dimensions
+ 0.25dB
14” W x 5 ½” H x 10 ¾” D
115/230V - 50/60Hz
power requirements
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Limited Warranty
Warranty Period
This product has been manufactured under the highest standards of quality and
workmanship. Rogue Audio Inc. (hereinafter “Rogue Audio”) warrants this product
against defects in material or workmanship as follows:
With the exception of vacuum tubes, Rogue Audio warrants to the consumer all
parts of this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of
three years from the date of retail purchase. Rogue Audio warrants the vacuum
tubes for a period of six months from the date of retail purchase. Any defective parts
will be replaced free of charge, excluding shipping and handling.
Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or recited invoice which indicates
that the product is within the warranty period must be presented to obtain warranty
service. Rogue Audio suggests that the purchaser retain the dealers bill of sale as
evidence of the date of retail purchase.
What’s Not Covered This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or any
damage that results from product misuse, product abuse, installation error,
connection to an improper voltage supply, accident, improper maintenance,
alterations, modifications not authorized in writing by Rogue Audio, lightening,
power surges, or acts of God. Use of any other than Rogue Audio factory parts may
void this warranty. This warranty does not cover the cost of parts and labor which
would be otherwise provided without charge under this warranty, obtained from any
source other than Rogue Audio.
This warranty applies only to consumer use of this product and does not cover any
product that is used in any trade or business, or in an industrial or commercial
application.
This warranty is valid only in the United States.
YOUR RIGHTS
ROGUE AUDIO LIMITS ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES UNDER STATE LAWS TO A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED THE
WARRANTY PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON
HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, AND SOME STATES DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR
EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES
YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE OTHER
RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
To Obtain Service
To obtain service, you must contact Rogue Audio and obtain a return authorization
number, The product must be delivered to Rogue Audio in its original packaging
prepaid at the following address:
Rogue Audio Inc.
3 Marian Lane
Brodheadsville, PA 18322
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THE ROGUE AUDIO MISSION .........
At Rogue Audio we design and manufacture vacuum tube amplifiers.
There is fierce competition in this market and we will only survive by
delivering a superior product and superior service - we have the
engineering and managerial talent to do so. Our core competencies are
electrical, mechanical and production engineering, along with an
overarching passion for excellence. These skills will be used to create
products that offer outstanding value in the high-end marketplace.
Rogue Audio amplifiers will always be engineered to provide the four
key elements of audio value:
•
•
•
•
superior sonics
high quality and reliability
an outstanding appearance
an affordable price
Our philosophy is simple - We will never design any amplifier that we
would not purchase for ourselves.
Rogue Audio Inc.
3 Marian Lane
Brodheadsville, PA 18322
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