icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
WELCOME
Dear Music Lover,
Congratulations on your pur-
chase of our state-of-the-art
icOn Smart TVC Preamplifier!
We are pleased that you
choose a Triple M Audio UK
product, as by doing so you
have acquired a preamplifier
with an outstanding sonic per-
formance which will provide
enjoyment for many years to
come.
icOn has been designed by us to provide the highest sound quality possible and
provide an enjoyable user experience free from the hassles normally associated
with manually controllable passive preamplifiers.
After a significant amount of research and study we have determined that for
the highest performance only the best quality TVC (Transformer Volume Control)
should be used. To achieve this the icOn uses bespoke transformers that are ex-
ceptional in their performance and accuracy of build, thus ensuring faithful repro-
duction of the music. However, to overcome the shortcomings of the outdated
Yaxley rotary switches we have combined the 100 years old, well proven TVC
technology with today’s smart microprocessors and hermetically sealed minia-
ture reed relays. In addition Triple M icOn includes intuitive software for control-
ling inputs, volume and balance via Apple IR Remote, front-panel rotary en-
coder and the colour TFT display.
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icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
Unlike other passive preamplifiers, it uses a sophisticated digital interface to
enable the listener to select the music of their choice from the convenience of
the arm-chair and adjust the volume for maximum enjoyment.
This manual provides a technical reference for hardware, setup, interconnec-
tivity, warranty, and safety. Triple M UK is committed to ongoing improvement
and software development for icOn and we will contact you when a new firm-
ware update will be available.
Again, thank you for choosing the Triple M icOn smart TVC preamplifier.
2
QUICK START
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UNPACKING
•Carefully unpack your icOn
•Keep the packing for future transportation
•Please treat the acrylic faceplate surface with care
•Position the icOn on a stable base. "
CABLING
•Disconnect all appliances of your system from the mains
•Connect the icOn with your amplifier
•Connect the icon with your source components
•Connect all appliances of your system with the mains
•While changing cables the icOn must remain disconnected from the mains. !
PROGRAMMING
•Default values for all functions are programmed
•Selected input: 1st
•Volume: -20 dB
•Balance: 0 dB
•No additional programming is required for the start-up. !
SWITCH-ON
•Switch-on the icOn
•Select a moderate volume level
•Switch-on your source components and your amplifier
•Double check the cabling before switch-on "
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
4
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS
•The key to icOn is its flexibility in being customisable to YOUR requirements
•There are two basic configurations for icOn - the Quartet has 4 unbalanced
inputs with the Octet having 2 balanced and 6 unbalanced inputs
•icOn is 100% passive and sonically transparent which connects the artiste
to the listener without addition or subtraction of anything
•The sound level can be adjusted remotely with a total of 45 steps, 41 of
which are 1dB, meaning that the changes in level are seamless, with the
channel balance adjusted in 1dB steps should this be necessary
•Unlike resistive loaded preamps, icOn overcomes any impedance mis-
matching between source and power amplifier, which is a key factor in pre-
serving the sound quality
•icOn can be configured for automatic level matching of inputs to protect the
owner’s ears and equipment when switching between sources with varying
output levels.
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icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
•Level switching is carried out using high quality in-
dustrial grade and hermetically sealed reed relays
which eliminates the possibility of contact er-
rors#from conventional open rotary switches used
on many other passive
•The channel balance of icOn is exemplary at
0.05dB - virtually undetectable by the human ear.
The balance function provide 5 dB difference/
channel in 1 dB steps.
•icOn can be connected to equipment without any
sensitivity issues to cable lengths and capaci-
tance, thus improving its interconnect flexibility
•Uniquely icOn comes with a tape loop as stan-
dard, enabling recording, playback and monitor-
ing from an analogue recording device as a R2R
•Has a sleep mode and mute function, which pre-
serves any settings made prior to this being acti-
vated, and negating the needs to reset the levels
every time
•Advanced menu system to adjust the input sensi-
tivity for the automatic input level matching and
other parameters to fully customise icOn for the
most pleasant music enjoyment
•The Menu mode enables the configuration and
setup of the icOn preamplifier to be achieved
through a set of menus.
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icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
•All functions such as volume, balance, mute,
source selection, and tape loop are controlled
remotely with an Apple Remote, which en-
ables the listener to make adjustments from
the seating position, and not where the equip-
ment is located. Except the balance, every
function is reachable through the button of the
faceplate with click and push combinations.
The code table is displayed at the start or
wake up.
•The firmware is upgradable through a standard
USB port which means that the listener can
add new features as and when they become
available
•A 25mm thick anti resonant acrylic base (op-
tional) is used to isolate icOn from vibrations,
and is unique by having a 16 million colour
LED strip#which shows volume, input switch-
ing etc
•A 12V trigger output (optional) is provided
which can be used to activate other equip-
ment that can use this facility
•An integral TFT display provides important in-
formation on the status of icOn, so its easy to
see whats is happening and view any changes
•icOn comes with a 2 (Quartet) or 5 years ( Oc-
tet) return to base warranty
Please save all packaging. Your icOn preamplifier is a precision
electronic instrument and should be returned in its case and prop-
erly cartoned any time shipment is made. Should you need to
ship your icOn it should be placed in the aluminium storage case
and outer cardboard sleeve which is designed to save your invest-
ment from unnecessary damage.
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
1. icOn preamplifier
2. Apple Remote control
3. 5V/1A power adaptor
4. 2 pairs of shorting RCA plugs for not in use input connectors
5. #Aluminium Storage Case
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PACKAGING
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
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icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
TFT DISPLAY
The display shows the volume in dB. Max. volume is +1 dB, minimum level
is -48 dB, when muted -99dB. The Octet model indicates the activated in-
put with number and name, the Quartet with green icons. The Tape Moni-
tor input is active when highlighted with green colour. A night mode with re-
duced brightness is reachable through the button on the faceplate.
Quartet
Octet
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1 Volume Up
2 Volume Down
3 Input/Balance
4 Mute
5 Tape Monitor / AVC mode
6 Menu
1
2
3 3
4
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icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
Volume: turn the Volume up with the button on top (1) and turn down with the
button on bottom (2).
Changing the Balance: With the Menu button select the Balance function. Ad-
just the Balance (+/-3dB) with the left and right (3) buttons. After that you
should press again the Menu to go back to the normal listening mode,
where you can change the Inputs with right and left (3) buttons.
Changing the Inputs: When the text on the top of the screen says Listening
the Inputs can be changed with the left and right buttons (3) If the text on the
top of the screen is says Balance, press the Menu button to change to Listening
mode and to be able to choose between Inputs with the left and the right but-
tons. If your icOn is configured with automatic level matching the dB values on
the display and the attenuation changes automatically with the input changes
and tape monitor mode to preserve the original loudness without any disturbing
jump.
Tape Monitor: The button 5 (in the center of the black circle) switches between
the Tape Input and normal Inputs. Please note that the Inputs can’t be changed
if the Tape Monitor mode is selected. If AVC mode is selected in the Menu you
can change between TVC and AVC with button 5. If icOn is muted than this but-
ton will take icOn into sleep mode.
MUTE: Press the PLAY/PAUSE (4) button on the remote to mute the music.
Press again to listen to the music again.
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USING THE APPLE REMOTE
Button functions
In order to reach certain functions you will need to combine short (•)
and long (-) pushes. Here you can find the combinations:
% •% next input
% • •% previous input
% • • • tape monitor on/off
%–% mute / un-mute
% • –% sleep
% •% wake up
% • • – night mode
The volume will be increased by turning the knob clockwise and de-
crease by turning anti clockwise. The speed of the volume’s changing
is constant with turning the knob.
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124
Turn right: ! !Volume Up
Turn left: % % Volume Down
Mute / Un-mute: !long push
USING THE KNOB
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
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FACEPLATE
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Handle the faceplate with care, it’s easy to scratch it with sharp objects.
Clean it only with soft cloth and window cleaner if it’s necessary. Glowing
time after a remote or knob operation: 6 sec. The colour of LED light
changes with the selected volume: blue - low volume or mute, violet - me-
dium volume, red- high volume, turquoise - balance adjustment, white flash
- tape monitor, green flash - input change
TFT display
Acrylic base with LED feedback light
(optional)
Rotary encoder knob
with push button
IR sensor
O
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
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124
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
Input GND switch
To reduce ground loops and hum. Suggested: HARD, when the in-
put and output grounds are directly connected. Lift: not connected
- output ground is floating. Soft: output ground connected through
a 22 Ohm resistor to input ground. The input grounds are con-
nected to the chassis all the time.
Power switch
You can leave icOn switched on using the sleep mode for deactiva-
tion
USB
For firmware upgrade only
12V DC trigger output (optional)
It is active when icOn is switched on and is not in sleep mode.
Max. load current: 100 mA - please don’t feed other equipment
from it! You can use mono or stere 3.5 mm jack plug.
Connection:Tip: +12V, sleeve GND, ring is not connected.
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MENU MODE
124
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
The Menu mode enables the configuration and setup of the icOn pre-
amplifier to be achieved through a set of menus. Entry to the Menu
mode is obtained by pushing the faceplate button for 3 seconds
whilst switching the icOn on. After the greeting page the Menu page
will appear.
There are three main Menu groups which are accessed in turn, and
allow the user to have the possibility of customise the icOn so suit
the partnering equipment being used.
The 1st Menu group enables the individual inputs to be to the out-
put of the partnering equipment connected to it.
•%For QUARTET there are 5 Menu pages each for the 4 inputs plus
monitor input
•%For OCTET there are 9 pages for the 8 inputs plus the monitor input
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124
The 2nd Menu group enables the user to choose the
•%volume control step size
•%volume at switch on
•%maximum volume
•%starting volume after sleep
The 3rd Menu group enables the hardware configuration to be
customised.
How to customise the icOn
The name of the Menu item will be displayed on each screen, and
the field labeled “Value” will need to be edited as appropriate.
•%In the value field the stored value will be displayed, which can
then be changed accordingly.
•%To change this value, this is achieved by turning the faceplate con-
trol knob by turning this clockwise or anti-clockwise.
•% To store the chosen value and advance to the next menu item the
control knob should be pushed once.
•%If the value is not required to change, push the control knob once.
1. Input Level Matching
•%Check the maximum output levels for each of the source compo-
nents -%these values are often found in the specification section of
User’s Manuals.
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
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124
•% The phono input on icOn is a LINE input which needs an appro-
priate RIAA preamplifier connecting to this.
•% It is necessary to calculate the correct value from the output
level of the cartridge used and the amplification factor of the
phono amplifier
•% Phono output = cartridge output (V) x phono voltage gain
•% Convert the dB value to voltage gain here:
http://www.muzique.com/schem/gain.htm or use the following ta-
ble
•% Choose the closest value from these Input Level Matching val-
ues (V): 0.5 ; 0.56 ; 0.63 ; 71; 0.79 ; 0.89 ; 1.0 ; 1.12 ; 1.26 ; 1.41 ;
1.59 ; 1,78 ; 2.00
2. Volume related parameter customisation
•% It is possible to alter the step size when changing the volume
•% The steps are 1 or 2 dB – 1dB steps gives smoother control, 2
dB offers quicker volume setting.
•% Maximum volume: if a high sensitivity power amplifier is used
setting this to -10 dB and this will help protect the loudspeakers
from damage. The normal max. volume is +1 dB.
•% Starting volume at power on: -30dB or -20dB
•% Starting volume after sleep: -30 dB or the last value before
sleep
Gain in dB
Voltage gain
Gain in dB
Voltage gain
40
100
60
1000
45
178
65
1778
50
316
70
3162
55
562
75
5624
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
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3. Hardware related customisation
Tape monitor on the remote (central button):
•if the tape monitor function is not required the central button can
be disabled to prevent the misuse of the button while changing
volume and inputs.
AVC mode instead of TVC:
•this is a new feature in development for the reconfiguration of
how the volume is adjusted. If the icOn doesn’t have this feature
please leave this menu disabled.
12V trigger output:
•if the icOn has the optional 12V trigger this can be enabled /dis-
abled as required.
Optional Colour Feedback Light:
•if the icOn has the optional LED light this can be enabled/
disabled here.
Startup PIN code
•it is possible to activate the PIN function to prevent the unauthor-
ised use of the icOn.
•The PIN code is two 2 digit numbers.
•You have received your unique PIN codes with your icOn.
•To use this function it must be enabled it first in the menu. At the
power on or after sleep startup it will ask for the PIN code.
•The PIN code is set by turning the control knob.
•First it is necessary to adjust the first two digits until the desired
number is reached after which the control knob is pushed once.
•Turning the Control knob again enables the second two digit num-
ber to be chosen, after which the control knob is pushed again.
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
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• If a wrong PIN message is received, switch off and start again.
•%If the PIN mode is activated, its only possible to enter into the
menu functions if the PIN code is known.
Reset to Default Setup
•%In order to reset the changes to default, go to Menu and
choose YES at the Reset all? Are you sure? questions.
•%If NO is chosen the reset to default doesn’t take place. icOn
will finish the menu mode and restart in normal listening mode.
• After a firmware upgrade it is necessary to execute this Re-
set to Default Menu function before music listening.
The default parameters are the following:
% • All input sensitivities are equal (you can see 1V)
% • Step size: 1dB
% • Max. volume: +1dB
% • Starting volume: -20dB
% • Starting volume after sleep: stored
% • Tape monitor on the remote: enabled
% • AVC mode instead TVC: disabled
% • 12V trigger output: enabled
% • optional colour feedback light: enabled
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
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REMARKS
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A unique, new volume control was
developed around icOn’s TVC to
ensure the comfortable remote op-
erations, balance, automatic input
level matching and coming new
smart functions with firmware up-
grades. It is a passive solution
based on a microprocessor con-
trolled, hermetically sealed minia-
ture reed relays in a very short signal path, selected for perfect function and sonic
“invisible” qualities. This technology can sometimes - depending on audio sources
and the material played - make a very small clicking noise when used. This is not a
sign that anything is wrong and is normal.
The input to the icOn TVC must
be COMPLETELY free of DC off-
set; the presence of DC current
degrades the performance of the
icOn TVC, both with respect to
level handling and frequency re-
sponse. In addition when changing the inputs or volume a “clicking” sound will ap-
pear at the output.
Transformers don’t “like” floating”, open primary winding. Their cables act as an an-
tenna and collect noises from the environment. The result is crosstalk from other in-
puts, hum, noise. Don’t let unused icOn’s inputs unconnected! If you have less
source equipment then inputs of icOn plug the shorting RCA plug accessories to
them. This will prevent any disturbing noise from the unused inputs.
icOn Smart TVC preamplifier
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