Aesthetix Audio Janus Owners Manual

							
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Janus 
PREAMPLIFIER 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OWNERS MANUAL 
 
 
Aesthetix Audio Corporation 
5220 Gabbert Rd., Suite A ♦ Moorpark, CA. 93021 
Phone: (805) 529-9901  
						

							
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INTRODUCTION 
 
 
     Thank you for purchasing the Janus preamplifier.  The Janus is a groundbreaking audio 
component which combines sonic quality, innovative features and build quality with lineage 
directly traceable to the reference Callisto line stage and Io phono sta\
ge.  Janus contains solid 
state circuitry but all of its amplification is achieved using vacuum tubes.  The output stage is a 
vacuum tube based differential driver.  There is no global feedback used in th\
e Janus 
whatsoever. 
 
Janus’ advanced microprocessor-based control circuitry is completely inactive when not in use 
i.e. when not receiving a command from the user, resulting in no ill effects on sound quality.  
The unit contains innovative features, such as a switched resistor volum\
e control, theater bypass 
mode, phase inversion and others. 
 
The massive power supply consists of a high voltage transformer, heater transformer, and high 
voltage choke.  All of the magnetic components are shielded by a stainless steel transformer 
cover, which also performs double duty as a structural truss.  The high voltage power supply is 
regulated with a discrete transistor-based regulator.  The low voltage s\
olid state power supplies 
are discretely regulated. 
 
Only the highest quality components are used in the Janus, including Roederstein resistors, 
RelCap film capacitors, Mercury Magnetics transformers and Nichicon audio grade electrolytic 
capacitors. 
 
We hope you enjoy many years of music using the Janus preamplifier. 
 
 
PLACEMENT 
 
 
Janus should be located away from possible sources of hum such as power cords, power 
transformers and the like. 
 
Ventilation is critical for reliability.  It should not be located on to\
p of any heat source such as a 
power amplifier.  If it is positioned within an enclosed space then fans may be warranted.  All air 
vents must remain unobstructed.  A minimum of 3 inches of space above the unit is required.
 
  
						

							
 3
CONNECTIONS 
 
Important:  Ensure the rear panel power switch is in the off position whenever cha\
nging 
connections.  Also ensure that the power amplifier is off. 
 
1)  Connect one or more source components to the Janus inputs.  Both balanced and single-
ended connections are provided for each input.  A tape deck may be connected to the tape 
input / output connectors.  The tape output is unbuffered. 
2)  A turntable may be connected to the phono inputs.  Never connect a high level source \
component, such as a CD player or tuner, to the phono inputs.  Damage may result. 
3)  Using either the single-ended (RCA) or bala nced (XLR) outputs, connect the Janus to your 
power amplifier.  Use of balanced connections will yield 6dB more gain. 
4)  Connect the supplied IEC power cord to the back of the Janus and to an u\
nswitched,  grounded AC outlet.  Line conditioners may be used with the unit if desired.  Ensure the 
maximum power of the conditioner is not being exceeded. 
 
Note:  The line level input circuitry of the Janus accepts a maximum input voltage of 3.5v rms 
single-ended or 7v rms balanced.  This is well above the industry standard 2v rms single-ended 
or 4v rms balanced.  However, there are a few source components that exceed this limit.  If the 
offending source component has a volume or gain control, all that is necessary is to reduce the 
gain or volume of the source component.  In other cases, it will be necessary to have the source 
component modified to be within industry standa rd specifications.  A clear indication that this 
limit is being exceeded is a raspy distortion or compression of musical peaks. 
 
OPERATION 
 
STANDBY 
 
AC power is applied to the unit by pressing on th e left side of the power switch, when viewed 
from the front of the unit.  When Janus has power applied for the first time, it will first display 
the installed software version on the LED display for two seconds, then \
automatically enter the 
standby mode.  While in standby, power is applied to all circuits except the vacuum tube heaters.  
The high voltage supply is reduced to a level that is safe for the vacuu\
m tubes.  All solid state 
circuitry in the Janus remains powered.  Anytime Janus is in standby, the standby light will be 
illuminated.   
 
Pressing the standby button will take Janus out  of standby.  The standby light will blink for 30 
seconds, during which time the heater supplies will be energized and the high voltage supply will\
 
rise to operational levels.  After the warm-up period, the standby light will extinguish and the 
input will be displayed, and the mute light will be illuminated indicating the Janus is muted. 
 
Place Janus in standby when not in use.  
						

							
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INPUT SELECTION 
 
Press any of the five input selection buttons to select the desired input.  Tape input selection will 
monitor the output from a cassette deck.  Press PHONO to select the high gain phono 
preamplifier. 
 
VOLUME 
 
Volume is controlled by pressing the left side of the display glass for down, the right side for up.  
Each step is 1dB. 
 
BALANCE 
 
Balance is adjusted only by the remote control, by the left and right arrow buttons.  It is not 
adjustable from the front panel.  When the unit is adjusted to be out of balance, two volume 
numbers will display.  The left indicates the left channel volume number, the right indicates the 
right channel volume number.  When both channels are set to the same number, the display will 
change to only show one number.  The balance will shift up to 9 steps in either direction and the 
10
th step will be off, indicated by 00. 
 
MUTE 
 
Pressing the mute button will alternately mute or unmute the unit.  When the mute light is 
illuminated, the Janus is muted.  When muted, the volume is internally set to zero and the output 
is shorted to ground. 
 
BYPASS 
 
Bypass is used to set the unit to unity gain (meaning it does not provide any gain or loss).  This is 
used when a home theater processor is connected to the Janus, and system control is delegated 
entirely to the processor.  Extreme caution is necessary, as setting the Janus to unity gain will, in 
most system, allow the full input level to reach the power amplifier.  This can damage speakers. 
 
One or more inputs may be configured for bypass.   Once configured for bypass, that input will 
automatically go into bypass mode every time it is selected.  Once in bypass mode, there is no 
volume display or function and mute is non-functional. 
 
Follow these steps to configure an input for bypass: 
 
1)  Select desired input. 
2)  On the front panel only (not remote control), depress the bypass button and hold it in the  depressed position.  The bypass LED will light. 
3)  While holding the bypass button, press the input button again.  Both the b\
ypass and selected input LEDs will blink rapidly, indicating the unit recognized the desire\
d bypass 
configuration.   
 
The unit will enter bypass mode as indicated by the bypass LED and lack of volume display.  
Selecting another input that has not been configured for bypass will exi\
t the bypass mode.   
						

							
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Selecting an input that is configured for bypass will cause the bypass L\
ED to blink for a short 
time before going to the desired input, indicating that the unit is about t\
o enter the bypass mode.  
This is to allow the user time to reduce the level of the surround processor or select another input \
if there is any doubt about the safety of entering bypass mode.  Pressing any button on the Janus 
while the bypass LED is blinking will cause the unit to revert back to t\
he last selected input. 
 
To remove the bypass configuration for a selected input, follow the same procedure as above. 
 
The tape input may also be configured for bypass.  The procedure is the same as above, except 
holding the tape input button instead of the currently selected input.  Tape must be pre-selected.  
A special feature of using the tape input as the bypass input is that high quality analog sources 
can be kept in their purest form for two channel listening through the Janus, or routed through 
the surround processor when desired, by selecting tape.  The tape output\
 of the Janus, in that 
case, should be routed to an input of the surround processor. 
 
Bypass configurations are stored in memory and are retained even if power is removed.  For this 
reason, it is recommended to remove all bypass configurations if the unit is ever transferred from 
one system to another, to prevent possible system damage. 
 
PHASE 
 
The phase button is used to change the absolute phase of the output.  When the phase LED is 
illuminated, the output is 180 degrees out of phase relative to the input.  When the LED is off, 
the output is 0 degrees.  The correct setting is that which yields the b\
est focus of image and 
tightest bass.  It will vary from recording to recording, as absolute phase is rarely maintained 
throughout the recording and mastering process. 
 
DISPLAY 
 
In normal operation, the level setting is displayed and various indicator light\
s will be 
illuminated. When the display button is pressed, all lights will extinguish.  Pressing \
any button 
will turn on the display and indicator lights for 5 seconds, and then ex\
tinguish.  The only 
exception is standby, which will always have the standby light illuminated. 
 
Pressing the display button while the display is off, or during the 5 se\
cond timeout period, will 
turn on the display and normal operation will return. 
 
Note:   The LED for the display button is intentionally inactive. 
 
GAIN ADJUSTMENT 
 
Pressing the gain button will show the gain for the phono section.  Pres\
s the right side of the 
display glass to increase the gain, and the left side of the glass to de\
crease the gain.  The gain 
displayed is in dB and is the gain attained when the unit is new with fa\
ctory supplied tubes.  A 
unit with aged tubes, or non-factory tubes (shame on you!), may not achieve these gain values. 
  
						

							
 6
It is possible for the phono section to overload the line section.  Dist\
ortion on peaks is the most 
obvious indication, but sometimes it can be a less obvious compression of dynamics and an 
upper midrange hardness.  Simply lowering the gain of the phono section will eliminate this 
problem.  The selected gain is stored in non-volatile memory and will therefore not be lost even 
if the power is disconnected. 
 
The mute button is active while in the gain adjustment mode. 
 
The below chart shows the recommended gain settings by cartridge output level.  These 
recommendations will produce the best signal-to-noise ratio and lowest distortion.  It is advised 
to try one setting above and below the recommended value to determine the best setting for your 
system. 
 
Cartridge output level (millivolts)  Recommended Gain Setting
Less than .2      75dB 
.2 - .5       62dB 
.6 - 1       56dB 
1.1 - 2       50dB 
2.1 - 5       44dB 
5.1 - 7       38dB 
 
LOADING ADJUSTMENT 
 
Pressing the load button will show the loading for the phono section.  P\
ress the right side of the 
display glass to decrease the loading (increased ohms), and the left side of the glass to increase it 
(decreased ohms).  The loading displayed is in ohms, and an H on the display indicates kilo 
ohms. 
 
The correct loading will be achieved when music has the right balance of dynamics, high 
frequency extension and lack of glare or bri ghtness.  Generally speaking, less loading (higher 
ohms) results in more high frequencies and more dynamics but can be too bright with some 
cartridges.  More loading (lower ohms) can reduce brightness but if overdone can result in 
reduced dynamics and a dull, lifeless quality.  Consult your dealer for loading recommendations 
on the cartridge(s) you are using.  The selected load setting is store\
d in non-volatile memory and 
will therefore not be lost even if the power is disconnected. 
 
The mute button is active while in the loading adjustment mode. 
 
DEMAGNETIZER 
 
Important note:  Do not use the demagnetizer with a moving magnet (MM) cartridge. Damage 
to the cartridge will occur.  
 
Pressing the demag button will activate the cartridge demagnetizer for phono section.  The 
demag light will illuminate, the output will be muted and the demagnetizing signal will be 
applied to the cartridge.  When the demagnetizing cycle is complete, the demag light will 
extinguish and normal operation will return.  No buttons are active while demagnetizing.  
						

							
 7
 
Moving Coil cartridges should be demagnetized weekly or anytime a muddiness or lack of 
clarity becomes apparent. 
 
When not in use, the demagnetizer is fully deactivated.  No power is applied to its circuits and\
 
the output is disconnected from the cartridges by a relay. 
 
 
Advanced display functionality 
 
This unit contains the ability to sense the ambient light level in the room and adjust the display 
and LEDs accordingly.  While the factory settings will work for most situations, there may be 
times when adjustment to the settings is useful.  There are three main sections to the advanced 
display functionality: 
 
Adjustment of display brightness 
Adjustment of LED brightness 
Restoration of the factory default settings 
 
 
Adjustment of display brightness: 
 
To access this section, first press and hold the “display” button,\
 then concurrently press “1” 
button.  This can only be done from the front panel.  It is recommended that once this section is 
entered, that all adjustments be made with the remote at some distance from the unit, so as not to 
obstruct light from reaching the sensor.  LED #2 will light, and the display will show two \
numbers in the range 00-15, one on the left display and one on the right di\
splay.  The left number 
indicates the light level that the sensor is reporting, 0 is darkest and\
 15 is brightest.  The 
rightmost number indicates the display brightness setting for that light level, 0 is darkest and 15 
is brightest.  LED#2 will be lit, which indicates that pressing the “\
up” or “down” buttons will 
adjust the display brightness for the current light level.  Pressing but\
ton #1 will turn on LED#1, 
which indicates that pressing the “up” or “down”  buttons will change to a different light level 
setting, for which the display brightness could th en be changed by pressing button #2.  Changes 
to the display brightness will only be visible for the current light level. 
 
To exit this section, press the “display” button. 
 
Adjustment of LED brightness: 
 
This section works identically to the above “Adjustment of display brightness” except that 
adjustment is made to the LED brightness instead of the display. 
 
To access this section, first press and hold the “display” button,\
 then concurrently press “2” 
button. This can only be done from the front panel.  It is recommended that once this section is 
entered, that all adjustments be made with the remote at some distance from the unit, so as not to 
obstruct light from reaching the sensor.  LED #2 will light, and the display will show two \
numbers in the range 00-15, one on the left display and one on the right di\
splay.  The left number  
						

							
 8
indicates the light level that the sensor is reporting, 0 is darkest and\
 15 is brightest.  The 
rightmost number indicates the LED brightness setting for that light level, 0 is dark\
est and 15 is 
brightest.  LED#2 will be lit, which indicates that pressing the “up”\
 or “down” buttons will 
adjust the LED brightness for the current light level.   
Pressing button #1 will turn on LED#1, which indicates that pressing the “up” or “down” buttons 
will change to a different light level setting, for which the LED bright\
ness could then be changed 
by pressing button #2.  Changes to the LED brightness will only be visible for the current light 
level. 
 
To exit this section, press the “display” button. 
 
Special note: 
 
Setting all brightness levels to the same value, for all light levels, will result in no change of 
display or LED brightness with changes in ambient light level in the room. 
 
Restoration of the factory default settings: 
 
To restore the factory settings for all display settings, first press an\
d hold the “display” button, 
then concurrently press “3” button. This can only be done from the front panel.  LEDs 1-5 will 
light, indicating that the unit has restored the factory settings. 
 
 
 
 
Maintenance 
 
Do not, under any condition, remove the top cover while the AC power cord is connected to the 
unit.  As the power supply remains charged even with power removed, wait at least 20 minutes 
after removing the AC power cord before attempting any maintenance. 
 
Under normal conditions, internal access is not required.  In the event of a noisy\
 tube or other 
maintenance, the top cover may be removed.  There are no screws, it is securely held in place by 
an interlocking material.  To remove the top cover, grasp it at the rear left edge and pull up 
firmly.  The interlocking material will gradually disengage as the top cover is “peeled” up. \
 
To reinstall the top cover, align the front edge with the back of the fa\
ceplate and gradually press 
down, starting at the front and moving toward the back. 
  
						

							
 9
 
Specifications 
      
Fuses:  
 
External fuse (in IEC power connector)    2 amp slow blow (117v) 
1 amp slow blow (230v) 
Spare fuse included in IEC power connector. 
 
Tubes: 
 Phono Section 
V1 & V2    E83CCS or 12AX7LP 
V3   E83CCS or 12AX7WB 
V4   6922 (6DJ8) 
 
Line Section 
V1   E83CCS or 12AX7WB 
V2   6922 (6DJ8) 
 
Power Consumption: 
 
Standby: 20 watts 
Active:   120  watts 
 
Dimensions: 
 
18 Width x 17 5/8 Depth x 4 3/8 Height 
 
Shipping Weight:  
 
40 lbs (18.2 Kg) 
  
						

							
Rev 1.06  4-8-18 
 
90 DAY LIMITED WARRANTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS 
(3 Year optional extended service contract) 
 
1.  Aesthetix warrants the product designated herein to be free of manufacturing defects in material and 
workmanship, subject to the conditions herein set forth, for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase by the 
original purchaser. If the purchaser registers the unit with Aesthetix by mailing in the warranty card, together with a 
copy of the bill of sale, within 14 days of the date of purchase, said purchaser will be registered for an extended 
service contract. The extended service contract extends the 90 days to a period of 3 years from the date of purchase 
by the original purchaser or no later than 4 years from the date of shipment  to the authorized Aesthetix dealer, 
whichever comes first.  The warranty  period for factory tubes does not get extended and therefore remains at 90 
days. 
 
2. CONDITIONS 
  This warranty is subject to the following conditions  and limitations.  The warranty is void and inapplicable 
if the product has been used or handled  other than in accordance with the instructions in the owners manual, abused 
or misused, damaged by accident or ne glect or in being transported, or the defect is due to the product being 
repaired or tampered with or modified by anyone other  than Aesthetix. The product must be packed and returned to 
Aesthetix by the customer at his or  her sole expense.  A returned product must be accompanied by a written 
description of the defect a nd a photocopy of the original purchase receipt.   This receipt must clearly list model and 
serial number, the date of purchase,  the name and addre ss of the purchaser and authorized dealer and the purchase 
price.  Aesthetix reserves the right to modify the design of any product without obligation to purchasers of 
previously manufactured products and to change the prices or specifications of any product without notice or 
obligation to any person. 
 
3. REMEDY 
  In the event the above product fails to meet the wa rranty, and the above conditions have been met, the 
purchasers sole remedy under the limited warranty shall be  to return the product to Aesthetix where the defect will 
be rectified without charge for parts or labor. 
 
4.  LIMITED TO ORIGINAL PURCHASER 
  This warranty is for the sole benefit of the original purchaser of the covered product and shall not be 
transferred to a subsequent purchaser of the product. 
 
5.  DURATION OF WARRANTY 
  This warranty expires 90 days after the date of or iginal purchase.  If Aesthetix receives the warranty 
registration card, this period is extended to the third anniversary of the date of purchase or no later that the fourth 
anniversary of the shipment to the authorized Aesthetix  dealer, whichever comes first.  The warranty period for 
factory tubes does not get extended and therefore remains at 90 days. 
 
6.   MISCELLANEOUS 
  ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO TH E ABOVE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED TO 
THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.  THE WA RRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY  INCIDENTAL 
OR CONSEQUENTIAL COSTS OR DAMAGES TO THE PURC HASER.  Some states do not allow limitations on 
how long an implied warranty lasts or an exclusion or limita tion  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 
also have other rights which vary from state to state. 
 
7.    WARRANTY  OUTSIDE THE USA 
  Aesthetix has formal distri bution in many of the countries of the  free world, in each country the Aesthetix 
importer has contractually accepted the responsibility for  product warranty.  Warranty should normally be obtained 
from the importing dealer or distributor from whom you obtain your product.