PHO-701 - Audio Amplifier VINCENT - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL PHO-701 VINCENT

Instructions for use

english

Vincent PHO-701 Vincent PHO-701ps

PHO-701

MM/MC-Phonovorverstärker MM/MC Phono Preamplifier Préamplificateur phono MM/MC

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 20
Other instructions 21
Included in delivery 22
Description of the appliance 22
Installation 26
Tips 32
Search for errors 33
Technical specifications ....34
Glossary 35

english

Vincent 1 PHO-701

Vincent ② PHO-701

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 5 cm 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 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 Iffezheim.

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-701ps"
- 1 cable with DC plugs
- 1 power cable
- USB cable
- this manual

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLIANCE

Your PHO-701 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 app-

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

FRONT VIEW

Vincent PHO-701 Vincent PHO-701

1. POWER LED of the PHO-701ps

This LED is lit as long as the power supply PHO-701ps is connected to a vivid power grid (mains socket) and the device is switched on (3).

2. Display window for the tube

REAR VIEW

POWER AC 220 -240V-50Hz L N VINCENT MODEL: PHO-701 POWER SUPPLY SER NO. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN DC OUT FUSE FUSE T1AL 250V 5 4

7 6 S1/USB LAMP OFF 1 2 3 INPUT GND OUTPUT MC MM CE DC IN Vincent Model : PHO-701 PHONO AMPLIFIER

3. POWER: mains switch

This is the main power switch for turning on and off the PHO-701. Always switch on the PHO-701 before you switch on the amplifier/preamplifier!

4. DC OUT: Power supply output to PHO 701

Make a connection to the power supply input (10) of the PHO-701 using the supplied DIN cable.

5. 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.

6. LAMP: Dimmer for the tube illumination

The setting of this switch affects the brightness of the illumination of the tube display window (2).

7. USB-Connection

Connect the PHO-701 with your computer by USB cable to digitize your vinyl collection. (More information on page 27)

REAR VIEW

POWER AC 220-240V-50Hz L N FUSE FUSE T1AL 250V Vincent Model: PHO-701 POWER SUPPLY SER NO. CAUTION REDA OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN DC OUT GND 9 8 51/USB LAMP OFF 1 2 3 INPUT MC MM OUTPUT DC IN Vincent Model : PHO-701 PHONO AMPLIFIER 13 10 112

8. 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.

9. 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".

10. DC IN: power supply input of the PHO-701

Make a connection to the power supply output (4) of the PHO-701ps using the supplied DIN cable.

11. 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-701 to that system. See section "Setting the type of pickup system".

12. IN: signal input (MC/MM) 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

13. Fine adjustment mechanism (Bottom)

for MM/MC cartridges (more information on page 29)

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.

- wrong - - correct -

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-701ps 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" (11) of the PHO-701. Establish a tight connection of the grounding cable at the clamp "GND" (8). Some record players are not equipped with a separate grounding cable.

graph LR
    A["PHO-701"] --> B["RCA-connection"]
    B --> C["Radio"]

CONNECTION OF THE AMPLIFIER

Connect the output sockets "OUT" (8) of the PHO-701 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"!

graph LR
    A["PHO-701 Device"] --> B["RCA connection"]
    B --> C["LINE IN"]
    C --> D["integrated amplifier, preamplifier or receiver"]

CONNECTION TO THE COMPUTER (DIGITIZATION FUNCTION)

Connect the USB socket of the PHO-701 (7) by using the USB cable with the USB socket of your computer. PHO-701 will be recognized by the name "USB-Audio".

NOTE: A software to digitize your vinyl collection is not provided. You can download freeware software called Audacity. Manual how to use Audacity is provided by the developer website.

graph TD
    A["PHO-701 Device"] -->|USB-Connection| B["USB/USB Port"]
    A -->|USB-Connection| C["Laptop"]
    B --> D["PC"]
    B --> E["OUTPUT"]

CONNECTION OF THE POWER SUPPLY

The purpose of the PHO-701ps is to convert the mains alternating power to a low DC voltage that is more appropriate to supply the phono preamplifier PHO-701. So in the first place both devices must be interconnected using the supplied DIN cable (4)(9). Check whether the wall mains socket provides the appropriate mains power, which is the case if it is supplied with 230 V AC 50 Hz. After all other cable connections have been made push the plug of the supplied power cable firmly into the power socket (5) on the back of the appliance. Plug the other end of the power cable into a mains socket.

Always switch on the PHO-701 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-701 must be adjusted to the correct operating mode using the switch "MC/MM" (10). 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" (10) 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 1.5 mV.

If your record player is equipped with an MM system or a "high output MC system", the mode switch "MC/MM" (10) 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.

CONFIGURATION

Configuration for use with MM- and MC-pickup-systems

There are two different kinds of pickup systems on the market, the so called MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) systems. Having a MM system, a magnet attached to the pickup system moves inside a MM system, a magnet attached to the pickup system moves inside a coil and a voltage proportional to the vibration amplitude is induced. On the other hand, when you have a MC system the coil is wrapped around the needle and the magnets are arranged around the coil. As the coils used in MM systems have to be rather small to save weight, a higher output voltage is needed. While MM systems usually deploy a voltage of several mVolts, most MC systems only use 100 V. Now adays you often find mixed types as well, they are called high-output MC systems and have a voltage of up to 2.5 mV.

Due to the better sampling resolution today most high quality turnta bles make use of the MC system. However, there are still some very sophisticated MM systems available.

The PHO-701 was designed to handle both systems without any loss in quality. To handle the differences between them (MC: higher amplification, adjusted by resistors MM: adjusted by capacitors) there are four adjustment units on the bottom of the appliance (two for each channel – on the left: left channel, on the right: right channel):

ON 1 2 3 4 5 6 L ON 2 1 $ 4 3 7

CONFIGURATION

The following steps don't have to be repeated until you change your pickup system.

Keep in mind to set both channels to the same value!

Now you can conduct your fine tuning. Most manufacturers of pickupsystems don't give any recommendations regarding the ideal settings, they suggest that you adjust the system to your personal taste (e.g. while listening to your favorite record).

Adjustments for MM systems

Input impedance: 47 kohms

Input capacitance: 15 pF

By using switches 1 and 2 (adjustment units (7)) you can connect additional matching capacitances. For an overview over possible settings and values, please refer to the following chart.

Table of values (capacitance)

Switch “ON” Capacitance
none 15 pF
1 115 pF
2 235 pF
1+2 350 pF

CONFIGURATION

Adjustments for MC systems

Input impedance: 1000 ohms

Input capacitance: 15 pF

The permanent input resistor cannot be deactivated. The input impedance can be adjusted by using switches 3 to 6 (adjustment units (7)). All matching resistors are connected in parallel, therefore allowing impedance values between 99 ohms (all resistors used) and 1000 ohms (no additional resistors used).

This is how you can find the best settings:

First listen to your favorite record using the highest impedance, then the lowest, and finally select a resistor with a value of about 600 ohms. Now try different adjustments until you get the results you want. All values can be found in the table below.

Keep in mind to set both channels to the same value!

Table of values (impedance)

Position „ON“ Impedanz Position „ON“ Impedanz
keiner 1000 Ohm
6 783 Ohm 3 130 Ohm
5 600 Ohm 3+6 126 Ohm
5+6 514 Ohm 3+5 120 Ohm
4 405 Ohm 3+5+6 116 Ohm
4+6 364 Ohm 3+4 109 Ohm
4+5 319 Ohm 3+4+5 102 Ohm
4+5+6 293 Ohm 3+4+5+6 99 Ohm

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, subwoofers, record players or headphone 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-701ps and PHO-701 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 (1) is lit).	The record player is giving no signal.The output of the PHO-701 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-701 to the amplifier.Select the input that your PHO-701 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-701 switch "MC/MM"(11).The PHO-701 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:	10 Hz - 20 kHz (max. 0.5dB)
Output Impedance:	250 Ω
Input Sensitivity (MM):	58 mV
Input Sensitivity (MC):	6.8 mV
Input Impedance (MM):	47 kΩ
Input Impedance (MC):	100 Ω
Distortion:	< 0.05%
Signal-Noise-Ratio:	MM > 81 dB
	MC > 69 dB
Power Supply:	230 – 250 V, 50Hz
Inputs:	1x RCA stereo, 1x DIN (DC IN PHO-701)
Outputs:	1x RCA stereo, 1x DIN (DC OUT PHO-701ps), 1x USB
Dimensions (W x H x D):	130 x 82 x 225 mm (2x)
Weight:	1.5 kg (PHO-701ps), 1.2 kg (PHO-701)
Colour front plate:	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: 100 mV to 500 mV (Millivolts) on line level inputs, 2 mV to 5 mV on the phono MM input or 0.1 mV to 0.5 mV 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

Vincent 1 PHO-701

Vincent PHO-701 ②

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.