PHO-8 - Audio Amplifier VINCENT - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL PHO-8 VINCENT

Instructions for use

english

we thank you for the confidence you prove in purchasing our product. It will match your high demands towards sound and manufacturing quality. Though it is understandable that you want to plug and play this product instantaneously, we encourage you to read this manual carefully before installation.

It will help you in handling and operating this machine in your system and obtaining the best possible performance, even if it was installed by your dealer.

Please follow the security precautions, though some of those things may seem obvious.

In the appendix to this manual you will find a glossary explaining some established technical terms.

If there are open questions your audio specialist dealer will help you. He also represents your contact person in case of needed warranty service or repairs after the warranty period and is interested to hear from your experiences with Vincent products.

We wish you plenty of joy with your / our product,

your Vincent-Team

Cher client,

Safety guidelines 16
Other instructions 17
Included in delivery 18
Description of the appliance 18
Installation 21
Tips 24
Search for errors 25
Technical specifications 26
Glossary 27

english

Eingangsimpedanz (MC):

Verzerrung:

1x Cinch stereo, 1x 5pol DIN (DC IN PHO-8)

1x Cinch stereo, 1x 5pol DIN (DC OUT PHO-8ps)

115× 60× 137mm (2x)

1,5 kg (PHO-8ps), 1,2 kg (PHO-8)

schwarz/silber

LEXIKON/WISSSENSWERTES

This appliance was produced under strict quality controls. It complies with all established international safety standards. Nonetheless, the following instructions should be fully read and observed in order to prevent any hazard:

Do not open the appliance! Risk of electric shock! There are no parts in the appliance that require maintenance by the user.

Maintenance/Modifications

All equipment that is connected to the domestic mains voltage can be dangerous to the user if not handled properly. Leave maintenance work to qualified professionals. The product is only permitted for connection to AC 230Volt/50Hz, for earthed sockets and use in enclosed areas. Altering the product or manipulating its serial number voids the warranty. After a fault, leave the appliance's fuse to be replaced only by a professional with one of the same kind.

Power Cable Connection

Always pull the plug and never the power cable if you want to disconnect the appliance from the mains power. Make sure when setting up the appliance that the power cable is not squashed, severely bent or damaged by sharp edges. Do not touch the power lead with wet or damp hands. Use the power cable supplied or another one from Vincent.

Switching Off

Switch the appliance off every time before you connect or remove other components or loudspeakers, disconnect or connect it to the mains power, leave it unused for a longer period or want to clean its outside. On all amplifiers and receivers, wait approx. 1 minute after this before disconnecting or reconnecting the cable.

Moisture/Heat/Vibration

Contact of electrically operated equipment with liquids, moisture, rain or water vapour is dangerous for such equipment and the user and must be avoi

ded without fail. Take care that no liquids or objects get inside the appliance (ventilation slots etc.). It must be disconnected from the mains power immediately and examined by a professional if this happens. Never expose the appliance to high temperatures (direct sunshine) or strong vibration.

Heat Build-up

Make sure that a gap of 5cm remains around the appliance and that the surrounding air can circulate (do not install in enclosed cupboards). Vents must not be covered up.

Volume

The maximum tolerable volume is always reached well below the maximum possible setting on the amplifier. Be careful with the volume setting, therefore, in order to prevent damage to hearing. So that you do not expose yourself to high volumes unintentionally, always set to a low level before changing the input channel.

Cleaning

Pull out the power plug before cleaning the outside of the product. Whenever possible, use a soft, lint-free cloth that has been dampened. Do not use abrasives, solvents, thinners, flammable chemicals, polishes and other cleaning products that leave marks.

OTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Setting up the appliance

How the system is set up has an effect on the sound quality. Therefore only place it on a suitable, stable surface. To make the most of your system's sound quality, we recommend placing the equipment on Vincent racks and not putting them on top of each other.

Old electronic equipment

This appliance is subject to the conditions set out in the European Directive 2002/96/EC. This is identified by the symbol of a crossed out waste bin on the appliance.

What this means for you as a consumer:

All old electrical and electronic equipment that is no longer used must be disposed of separately from domestic waste using places provided by the authorities. By doing so you can prevent damage to the environment and help to encourage manufacturers to produce more durable or reusable products. For further information about disposing your old appliance, please consult your local authority, waste disposal agency or the shop where you bought the product.

CE sign

This appliance complies with the current EU directives about attaining the CE mark and thus meets the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment (EMC regulations, safety regulations and regulations for low voltage equipment).

Declarations

This document was written by Andreas Boer. It is a product of Sintron Vertriebs GmbH, 76473 Iffezheim and may not be copied or distributed partly or in full without express, written consent.

Vincent is a registered trademark of Sintron Vertriebs GmbH, 76473 Ilfezheim.

Vincent works continually to improve and develop its products. Therefore, the appearance and technical design of the appliance are subject to changes, as long as they are in the interest of progress.

The content of these instructions is for information purposes only. It can be changed at any time without prior notice and does not constitute any obligation on the part of the trademark's owner. The latter assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or inaccuracies, which may be included in these operating instructions.

Storage of the packaging

We strongly recommend that you keep the original packaging in case you need to transport the equipment again at a later date. Transport damages are mainly caused by improper packaging of the HiFi-devices. Because the original packaging fits the equipment accurately it will reduce the risk of damage if transport is necessary.

Explanation of the symbols

The lightning bolt tells you that dangerous voltages are present in the appliance, which can cause an electric shock.

This symbol brings your attention to particularly important information regarding operation and maintenance.

This symbol identifies useful information and advice about how to handle the appliance.

INCLUDED IN DELIVERY

Please check the contents of the packaging, which in addition to the appliance should contain the following accessories:

• 1 power supply "PHO-8ps"
• 1 cable with 5pin DIN plugs
  1 power cable
• this manual

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLIANCE

Your PHO-8 meets the high demands towards analogue audio playback. It performs the correction of the RIAA distortion with highest precision and thus allows you to connect a record player to an amplifier without special Phono input. By applying

an external power supply interferences are minimized. The design of the appliances' housing has been created to fit the Vincent premiumLine. Highest quality of workmanship and an outstanding price performance ratio are self-evident.

FRONT VIEW

1. POWER LED of the PHO-8ps

This LED is lit as long as the power supply PHO-8ps is connected to a vivid power grid (mains socket) and the device is switched on (5).

2. POWER LED of the PHO-8

This LED is lit as long as the PHO-8 is connected to the power supply PHO-8ps that is switched on and ready for use.

3. MC/MM: pickup type switch

At this switch the type of record player pickup system has to be selected to adapt the phono pre-amplifier PHO-8 to that system. See section "Setting the type of pickup system".

REAR VIEW

4. AC/FUSE: power connector and fuse holder

To establish the power supply, connect the plugs of the power cable to the device and to a wall power outlet. The small plastic housing beneath the mains socket holds the fuse. Refer to the Safety Guidelines.

5. POWER: mains switch

This is the main power switch for turning on and off the PHO-8. Always switch on the PHO-8 before you switch on the amplifier/pre-amplifier!

6. DC OUT: Power supply output to PHO 8

Make a connection to the power supply input (10) of the PHO-8 using the supplied 5pin DIN cable.

7. MC/MM IN: signal input from the record player

The audio output (or as well an attached audio cable) of the record player must be connected to these input sockets.

8. GND: Ground clamp for the record player

In addition to the stereo signal connection cable most record players are equipped with a grounding cable that can be recognized by the cable lug at the end of the cable. This lug has to be fitted to the clamp "GND".

9. OUT: signal output to the amplifier

A pair of RCA input sockets of your system's audio amplifier must be connected with these output sockets.

10. DC IN: power supply input of the PHO-8

Make a connection to the power supply output (6) of the PHO-8ps using the supplied 5pin DIN cable.

INSTALLATION

Set up the cable links in a sequence as follows. Connect the power cable between device and power supply only after all other connections have been made.

DURING INSTALLATION PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:

Protective caps

Prior to the first installation the protective plastic caps must be removed from all the connections used at the rear of the unit.

RCA connections

Mechanically identical RCA plugs are available for analogue and digital outputs. Make sure that you do not get these connections confused during

installation!

Make sure that you do not mix up the analogue connectors for right and left. The RCA plugs for these are mostly colour coded as follows: red for the right channel, black or white for the left channel.

Cable connections

Make sure that all plugs fit tightly. Inadequate connections can cause noise interference, failures and malfunctions.

To make the most of the components' sound potential, only high quality loudspeakers and connecting cables, for example Vincent cables, should be used. Your local stockist will be glad to advise you about this.

Placement

The phono preamplifier processes very sensitive electric signals. That is why you should place both appliances at maximum distance to potential sources of disturbance like mains cables, mobile phones, switching power supplies, transformers, computers and main amplifiers.

Power Supply

Use the supplied PHO-8ps exclusively. In case of a failure please contact your HiFi specialist.

Connect the audio cable of the record player to the RCA sockets "MC/MM IN" (7) of the PHO-8. Establish a tight connection of the grounding cable at the clamp "GND" (8). Some record players are not equipped with a separate grounding cable.

CONNECTION OF THE AMPLIFIER

Connect the output sockets "OUT" (9) of the PHO-8 to a standard line level input of your integrated amplifier or preamplifier. These inputs are in most cases named "CD", "TUNER", "AUX", "S1" or "LINE1". Do never connect an amplifier input that is named "PHONO"!

CONNECTION OF THE POWER SUPPLY

The purpose of the PHO-8ps is to convert the mains alternating power to a low DC voltage that is more appropriate to supply the phono preamplifier PHO-8. So in the first place both devices must be interconnected using the supplied 5pin DIN cable (6)(10). Check whether the wall mains socket provides the appropriate mains power, which is the case if it is supplied with 230V AC 50Hz . After all other cable connections have been made push the plug of the supplied power cable firmly into the power socket (4) on the back of the appliance. Plug the other end of the power cable into a mains socket.

Always switch on the PHO-8 before you switch on the amplifier/preamplifier!

SETTING THE TYPE OF THE PICKUP SYSTEM

Depending on the construction principle of the record player pickup system the PHO-8 must be adjusted to the correct operating mode using the switch "MC/MM" (3). The two pickup types that are used in most cases are named "MM" (moving magnet) and "MC" (moving coil). All information you need should be written in the pickup system data sheet or the record player user manual. In case of doubt ask your local HiFi specialist.

If your record player is equipped with an MC system that is no "high output MC system", the mode switch "MC/MM" (3) must be set to "MC". Any additional adaption to the pickup system is not possible.

High output MC systems are MC systems with a nominal output voltage of more than 1.5mV

If your record player is equipped with an MM system or a "high output MC system", the mode switch "MC/MM" (3) must be set to "MM". Any additional adaption to the pickup system is not possible.

If your record player is equipped with a crystal pickup system or if it contains a phono preamplifier then the record player must be connected to the amplifier's line level input directly and an external phono preamplifier is not necessary.

Your local HiFi specialist will assist you if there is any help needed. He will set up your record player if you let him.

TIPS

Burn in/ Warm up

Your audio components need a certain time period until they reach maximum performance. The duration of this "warm up" time is very different for the various elements of your audio system. Higher and homogeneous sound quality is achieved while keeping the device switched on.

Your audio specialist dealer has enough experience to give you more information.

Net frequency noise

Some audio source devices may in combination with the amplifier cause a humming noise at power line frequency audible from your speakers. Usually, its volume varies with the volume setting of the amplifier. This is no sign of a defect or fault of your audio products but has to be eliminated. Generally, every wall-powered device connected to the ground wire of the power plug can cause this problem when connected to the amplifier.

Experience shows that this problem is mainly caused by antenna-connected components (as TV-sets or Tuners), personal computers, electrostatic loudspeakers, subwoofer, record players or headpho

ne amplifiers that are connected to the audio inputs of the amplifier. Another possible reason for humming noise is electromagnetic interference of other components' power supplies with pick-up systems of record players (change the place of the record player for a test).

In most electric devices the ground potentials of all signals are connected to each other at one central point, where they have one common connection. If the device uses the protective conductor of the wall outlet, the corresponding wire of the line cord is connected intractably to the metal housing of the device. This is mostly the point where the central grounding point is attached to. By doing this the housing is able to shield all signals from external radiated noise. Some main amplifiers are equipped with a "Ground Lift" switch. If it is activated, ground potential of the chassis and the protective ground wire are being separated from the central signal ground point. The protective ground wire keeps its function. Sometimes this helps prevent noise caused by errors in grounding.

If the problem occurs and cannot be solved by yourself your audio specialist dealer will help you.

SEARCH FOR ERRORS

Symptom	Possible cause	Countermeasure
Unit does not work after pressing the “POWER” button	Mains cable is not connected to a suitable mains wall outlet. Mains cable has not been firmly inserted into wall power socket and the power supply mains socket. Mains cable is defective. The interconnection cable between PHO-8ps and PHO-8 has not been installed correctly or it is defective. Unit fuse or one of the appliances is defective.	Connect to a functioning socket using a suitable mains voltage. Check the power cable. If necessary, exchange it with a suitable mains cable and push its plug firmly into wall socket and the device’s power socket. Check this cable connection. Contact your dealer.
No sound on both channels although the unit is ready for use (the LED (2) is lit).	The record player is giving no signal. The output of the PHO-8 is not connected or is wrongly connected to the selected input channel terminal of the amplifier. Wrong input channel has been selected at the amplifier. Volume setting is too low at the amplifier. The amplifier is muted (MUTE function).	Check the record player (in combination with a different Phono amplifier and stereo amplifier, if possible). Correct the connection of the PHO-8 to the amplifier. Select the input that your PHO-8 is connected to. Cautiously increase the volume setting. Deactivate mute function.
Poor sound quality	The cable connections are not tight, the connectors are dirty or a cable is defective. The type of pickup system has not been set correctly at the PHO-8 switch “MC/MM” (3). The PHO-8 has been connected to a phono input of the amplifier.	Check the cables and cable connections. Correct this setting. Use this Phono preamplifier only at line level inputs.
Humming low frequency noise is audible, even as no audio source is playing back	See section “Net frequency noise” in the chapter “Tips”.	See section “Net frequency noise” in the chapter “Tips”.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

RIAA tolerance/deviation:

Output Impedance:

Input Impedance (MM):

Input Impedance (MC):

Input Impedance (MM):

Input Impedance (MC):

Distortion:

Signal-Noise-Ratio:

Power Supply:

Inputs:

Outputs:

Dimensions (W× H× D)

Weight:

Colour front plate:

10 Hz - 20 kHz (max. 0.5dB)

250Ω

58mV

6.8 mV

47 kΩ

100Ω

< 0.05%

MM >83dB

MC >70dB

230-250V,50Hz

1x RCA stereo, 1x 5pin DIN (DC IN PHO-8)

1x RCA stereo, 1x 5pin DIN (DC OUT PHO-8ps)

115 × 60 × 137 ~mm (2x)

1.5 kg (PHO-8ps), 1.2 kg (PHO-8)

black / silver

GLOSSARY

dB Level

This is a way of describing any physical quantity; it is a common measurement for signal voltages and the volume. It is given in decibels (dB). Alternating signal voltages below 1V (RMS) are described as "line level" voltages, which are suitable as music signals for amplifier inputs. Inputs on amplifiers (mostly represented by RCA sockets), which are designed for signals on the CD player, tape recorder, DVD player etc. are also referred to as "line level inputs". Those signal inputs must not be confused with inputs that accept preamplified signals.

Input Sensitivity

Term for the smallest average (RMS) input voltage which causes the maximum output power at the maximum volume setting on the amplifier. Examples: 100mV to 500mV (Millivolts) on line level inputs, 2mV to 5mV on the phono MM input or 0.1mV to 0.5mV on the phono MC input.

RCA

RCA is the American name for a type of coaxial connectors and sockets, originally the abbreviation for "Radio Corporation of America", the name of a United States company. Both the plug and cable consist of a rod-shaped inner lead and a cylindrical-shaped outer lead. This enables a mono audio signal or a video signal to be transmitted. Compared to the XLR plug connector, this type of connection is also called "unbalanced signal connection".

CONSIGNES DE SECURITE

Please keep the receipt, store it together with this manual. The receipt is your proof for the beginning of the warranty period. Note the serial number in the following box, you can read it from the rear side of the device.

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