The AXA25 is an integrated amplifier designed to enhance your audio experience by providing a central hub for your sound system. It serves as the core component for connecting various audio sources and driving loudspeakers, delivering clear and balanced sound. The amplifier is designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring intuitive controls on its front panel and straightforward rear panel connections, making it accessible for both new and experienced audio enthusiasts.
Function Description:
The primary function of the AXA25 is to amplify audio signals from various sources and output them to loudspeakers. It acts as a bridge between your audio playback devices (such as CD players, streaming devices, or turntables with a phono stage) and your speakers, ensuring that the audio signal is strong enough to drive the speakers effectively. The amplifier is equipped with multiple audio inputs, allowing you to connect several devices simultaneously and switch between them as needed. It also includes a 'Rec Out' output, which provides a fixed-level audio signal for recording purposes, enabling you to connect a CD recorder or tape deck to capture your audio.
Usage Features:
The AXA25 offers a range of features designed to provide a flexible and enjoyable listening experience:
- Power Control: The unit features a single power button on the front panel that toggles between Standby mode (indicated by a dim LED) and On mode (indicated by a bright LED). Standby mode is an energy-efficient state with very low power consumption.
- Auto Power Down (APD): For energy conservation, the AXA25 comes with an Auto Power Down feature enabled by default. If the unit detects 20 minutes of inactivity, it will automatically switch to Standby mode. This feature can be enabled or disabled by pressing and holding the Power button until the LED flashes a specific sequence (5 flashes for APD disabled, 10 flashes for APD enabled). This ensures that the amplifier doesn't consume unnecessary power when not in use.
- Tone Controls: The front panel includes dedicated Bass and Treble controls. These allow for subtle adjustments to the tonal balance of the sound, enabling you to fine-tune the audio output to your personal preference or to compensate for variations in musical recordings or room acoustics. When these controls are in their central (12 O'clock) position, they have no effect on the sound. It's important to note that these tone controls only affect the sound delivered through your loudspeakers and do not alter the signal sent through the 'Rec Out' connections.
- Volume Control: A prominent volume control knob on the front panel allows you to easily increase or decrease the overall audio output level. This control provides precise adjustment of the listening volume. Similar to the tone controls, the volume control does not affect the fixed level of the 'Rec Out' output.
- Balance Control: The Balance control enables you to adjust the relative output levels between the left and right audio channels. This is useful for correcting imbalances in sound stage or for personal preference. In its central (12 O'clock) position, the output from each channel is equal. Like the tone and volume controls, the balance control only affects the sound through your loudspeakers and not the 'Rec Out' signal.
- Source Selection: The AXA25 features a Source Selector Switch (A1, A2, A3, A4/AUX) on the front panel. This switch allows you to easily select the desired input source component you wish to listen to. The selected signal is also routed to the 'Rec Out' sockets for recording. It is recommended not to change the input source while recording to avoid interruptions.
- Auxiliary Input (Front Panel): For convenient connection of portable audio devices, the AXA25 includes a 3.5mm stereo Aux input on the front panel. When a device is plugged into this input, it is automatically selected as the audio source. While other inputs (apart from A4) can still be selected, the A4/AUX option on the front panel specifically selects this input when a stereo-jack is present. Plugging a source into the front panel Aux input overrides the A4 input; simply removing the jack will automatically re-enable the A4 input.
- Multiple Audio Inputs (Rear Panel): The rear panel provides four 'line level' audio inputs (A1-A4) using RCA Phono sockets. These inputs are suitable for connecting a variety of source equipment such as CD players, tuners, or streaming devices (e.g., Chromecast Audio, which may require an RCA Phono to jack cable).
- Recording Output (Rec Out): A dedicated 'Rec Out' connection on the rear panel allows you to connect a recording device, such as a CD recorder or tape deck. This output provides a constant, high-level audio signal that is unaffected by the amplifier's volume, balance, or tone controls, ensuring a consistent recording level.
- USB Power Output: The AXA25 includes a USB 5V 500mA port on the rear panel. This port is designed solely for charging devices, such as smartphones, or providing power to small streaming devices that require 5V DC. It is important to note that this is not an audio input and will not allow you to play audio directly from a USB device.
- Loudspeaker Terminals: The amplifier is equipped with robust loudspeaker terminals for connecting your speakers. These terminals are designed to accommodate both bare wire connections and banana plugs. For optimal sound quality and secure connections, it is recommended to use banana plugs, ensuring the terminals are completely tightened before insertion. The terminals are color-coded (red for positive, black for negative) to help maintain correct polarity, which is crucial for good sound reproduction.
Maintenance Features:
Maintaining the AXA25 involves ensuring proper connections and placement to optimize performance and longevity:
- Secure Connections: Throughout the manual, emphasis is placed on ensuring all cable connections are secure. Loose connections can lead to poor sound quality, unwanted noise, or interference. This applies to AC power cords, audio input cables, and especially loudspeaker connections.
- Speaker Terminal Care: When connecting loudspeakers, users are advised to ensure that no stray strands of wire are accidentally connecting speaker outputs, as this can cause damage to the unit. If using bare wire, twisting the wires tightly and tightening the terminals adequately is crucial for a good electrical connection. If using banana plugs, ensuring the terminals are fully tightened before inserting the plugs is recommended.
- Interference Avoidance: To prevent unwanted background noise and interference, it is recommended to move the unit away from other electrical equipment that might cause electromagnetic interference.
- USB Port Usage: A specific maintenance note advises against using the USB power port for charging a device and simultaneously using that device as an audio source. This can create a ground loop, leading to interference during playback.
- Power Cord Usage: Users are instructed to only use the power lead supplied with the unit, ensuring compatibility and safety.
- Speaker Impedance: The AXA25 is rated for use with 8 Ohm speakers. Using speakers with lower impedance (e.g., 4 or 6 Ohm) is not recommended as it could lead to the amplifier overheating and potentially damaging the unit over time.
- Troubleshooting Guidance: The manual provides a dedicated troubleshooting section to help users diagnose and resolve common issues such as no power, no sound, distorted sound, or humming. This self-help guide encourages users to check basic connections and settings before seeking further assistance.
The AXA25 is designed to be a reliable and straightforward component in any home audio setup, offering essential amplification and connectivity features with a focus on user convenience and sound quality.
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