METIS
Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
Owner’s Manual
Rogue Audio, Inc.
3 Marian Lane
Brodheadsville, PA 18322
Issue date: 02/19/05
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase decision! We at Rogue Audio truly believe that
our 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 preamplifier can provide. And with
the Metis preamplifier, you can be sure that you are getting the very best in tube
amplification. 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
preamplifier properly.
UNPACKING THE METIS PREPREAMPLIFIER
Tools required: none
WARNING - This prepreamplifier uses voltages that could cause
injury or death. Never open the preamplifier 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.
The METIS preamplifier has been painstakingly inspected for cosmetic flaws
during and after assembly. In order not to damage the cosmetic appearance of
your preamplifier it is important that you follow the unpacking instructions
carefully.
1. Remove the small corrugated box containing the tubes, tube cage, and power
cord.
2. Carefully lift the preamplifier out of the box, and remove the foam pads and
plastic bag.
3. Insert the tubes into their sockets. See figure 1. Place the tube cage over the
tubes and into the corresponding holes of the cover, if so desired.
4. Save the packing materials. The packing materials and box have been
carefully designed to protect your valuable equipment during shipping so you
don’t want to throw them away.
6SN7
Tubes
Power
Switch
Tube
Cage
Headphone
Jack
Selector
Switch
Balance
Volume
Figure 1 Metis Preamp
INSTALLING THE METIS INTO YOUR SYSTEM
Connecting Metis to other components:
Connections are made on the rear panel of the preamplifier and are shown in
Figure 2. The input connections for source material are made via RCA jacks.
There are three line level inputs including CD and two auxiliary inputs. There is
also one input for a phonograph. A five-way lug is provided for grounding the
turntable to the preamplifier.
The outputs are arranged to the right of the input jacks. The variable output is
controlled by the volume control and should be connected to the power amplifier.
The fixed output is not controlled by the volume control and is used for tape
recording.
Be sure to use high quality interconnect cables as they do make a difference
Input
Phono
Ground
Outputs
Power In
Figure 2 Metis Rear Panel
Connecting METIS to headphones:
The headpone jack is located on the front faceplate of the preamplifier, as shown
in figure 1. The Metis headphone jack provides for a _” or 6mm headphone
connector. If you have headphones with a different size connector, you can use a
suitable adapter. It is normal for a small amount of sound to come out of the
loudspeakers when the headphones are plugged in. This can be eliminated by
turning off the power amplifier.
Connecting Metis to the power outlet:
Connect the IEC end of the detachable power cord provided to the preamplifier,
and plug the opposite end into corresponding outlet. It is recommended that both
the Metis and your power amplifier are plugged into the same wall outlet if
possible (perhaps using a power outlet strip). This is to avoid creating a ground
loop.
Connecting Metis to a turnatable:
The phono section provided in the Metis is suitable for a wide variety of
cartridges. Best results will be obtained with moving magnet (mm) and high
output moving coil (mc) cartridges.The cartridge loading is is preset at 47K ohms
with 150 pF of capacitance.
Preamplifier Location:
The Metis is an open tube design and depends on natural convection flow patterns
for proper cooling. To ensure proper cooling, the unit should be located in a
position so that the airflow is not impeded. In addition, the unit should have a
minimum of 2 inches of free space above it.
OPERATION OF THE PREAMPLIFIER
Powering up the System:
1) After all proper connections have been made, you are now ready to turn the
Metis preamplifier on. The power on/off switch is on the front of the amp.
After approximately ten 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 the tube warm up.
Switches and Controls:
The Metis is equipped with the following controls:
•
•
•
•
Volume – gain adjustment from 0-12 dB.
Balance – full left and right channel attenuation.
Source – selects source material (Phono, CD, Aux 1, or Aux 2)
Power – on/off operation
NOTE – Unlike many solid state preamplifiers, the Metis should be turned
off when not in use. To prolong tube life, turn off the unit when not in use.
Remote Volume Control:
The Metis is equipped with an optional analog remote volume control. The
volume may be adjusted manually using the knob on the front panel, or by using
the optional remote control.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Speaker hum
– If hum can be heard from more than a few inches from the loudspeaker, there is
probably a ground loop. Be sure to have the amp and preamp plugged into the
same outlet if possible. If this fails to cure the hum, call customer service at
Rogue Audio for further advice.
Unit does not turn on
– Check that the power cord connection is secure.
Unit does not play
– Ensure that the interconnects are connected to the proper input or output
– Ensure that the interconnects are connected securely
One channel does not play
– Ensure that the balance pot is centered.
– Ensure that tubes are seated correctly and securely.
For further problems, please call Rogue Audio Technical Support at 570-992-
9901.
SPECIFICATIONS
frequency response
THD
10Hz – 50 kHz ± 1dB
< 0.1% typ, < 1% at rated power
12 dB
Gain Stage
Phono Gain
35 dB
Phono Loading
Rated Output
Maximum Output
dimensions
47K Ohms, 150pF capacitance
1 Volt RMS
10 Volt
18” W x 12.5” D x 4.5” H
16 pounds (6.5 Kg)
22 lbs (9 Kg)
weight
shipping weight
power requirements
115/230V - 50/60Hz
OWNER AND WARRANTY REGISTRATION FORM
Included with this manual is an Owner and Warranty Registration Form. Please
take a minute to fill out this card and return it to Rogue Audio. This card must be
returned within 30 days of purchase to validate the warranty.
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 original purchaser of this product 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 dealer’s 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 applies only to the original purchaser of this product when purchased from an
Authorized Rogue Audio dealer.
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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