PA15.3 - Hi-Fi Music Hall - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Phono Preamplifier
Brand	Music Hall
Model	PA15.3
Gain Options	40 dB / 43 dB / 60 dB / 63 dB
Input Impedance Options	10 Ω / 100 Ω / 1 kΩ / 47 kΩ
Input Capacitance Options	100 pF / 200 pF / 320 pF / 420 pF
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	< 0.001% at 5 mV (40 dB gain), < 0.005% at 1 mV (60 dB gain)
Noise Floor	92 dBV (A-weighted), 87 dBV (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
Max Output Voltage	10 Vrms (THD < 1%)
RIAA Equalization Curve Accuracy	± 0.5 dB / 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Crosstalk	> 98 dB at 5 mV, 10 kHz, 40 dB gain
Subsonic Filter	On/Off switch
MM/MC Switch	Yes (rear panel, per channel)
Dimensions (H x W x D)	57 mm x 100 mm x 170 mm (2.24" x 3.94" x 6.69")
Weight (without power supply)	550 g (1.21 lbs)
Power Supply	Outboard 18 V / 500 mA DC
Power Consumption	30 mA DC
Operating Temperature	5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)
Recommended Use	High-fidelity turntable systems with MM or MC cartridges
Cleaning	Soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquids.
Safety	Keep away from moisture, heat, and foreign objects. Unplug during storms or long disuse.
Spare Parts and Repairability	Contact authorized Music Hall service center. Use original packaging for returns.
Warranty (USA only)	1 year from date of purchase, against defects in materials or workmanship.
Country of Origin	Slovakia

Frequently Asked Questions - PA15.3 Music Hall

How do I connect my turntable to the Music Hall PA15.3?

Connect the tonearm signal lead to the phono input on the rear panel, matching left (black/white) and right (red) channels. Attach the ground wire to the ground terminal. Then connect the line output to an AUX or CD input on your amplifier. Do not connect to a phono input on the amplifier.

What is the MM/MC switch for?

The MM/MC switch sets the correct loading and gain for your cartridge type. Set to MM (40 dB) for moving magnet cartridges and MC (60 dB) for moving coil cartridges. Always disconnect the unit from power before changing settings. Both channels must be set equally.

Why do I hear a loud hum or buzz?

Loud hum is usually caused by a missing ground connection or a ground loop. Ensure the ground wire from your tonearm is securely attached to the ground terminal. Also, keep the preamplifier away from speakers and other power sources. If the problem persists, check for interference from nearby electronics.

What should I do if there is no sound from one or both channels?

First, check all connections: power supply, interconnects, and cartridge wiring. Verify that the amplifier is on and the correct input is selected. Ensure the MM/MC switch is set appropriately. If using a moving coil cartridge, confirm the gain is set to the MC position. Also, test with another source to isolate the issue.

How do I clean the Music Hall PA15.3?

Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the exterior. Do not use any liquids, sprays, or abrasive cleaners. Avoid getting moisture inside the unit. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water and wring it out completely first.

What type of power supply does the PA15.3 use?

It uses an outboard power supply with an output of 18 VDC / 500 mA. Only use the supplied adapter or an exact replacement. Connect the low-voltage plug to the 18VDC socket on the rear panel before plugging into the mains.

Can I use the PA15.3 with any turntable?

Yes, the PA15.3 is compatible with most turntables that have a standard phono output and a ground wire. It supports both MM (moving magnet) and MC (moving coil) cartridges. Simply set the rear switches accordingly.

What is the warranty coverage for the PA15.3?

In the USA, Music Hall provides a one-year warranty from the date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, accidents, or unauthorized repairs. Keep your original sales receipt as proof of purchase.

Where can I get service or repairs?

Contact your authorized Music Hall dealer or a Music Hall service center. Do not return the unit without authorization. Always use the original packaging to prevent shipping damage. Repairs under warranty require the unit to be properly packed.

Why is the sound distorted?

Distortion can result from incorrect MM/MC switch settings, a dirty or damaged stylus, or a broken cantilever. First, check the switch positions. Then inspect the cartridge and clean the stylus with a stylus brush. If the issue persists, the cartridge may need replacement.

USER MANUAL PA15.3 Music Hall

You have selected an exceptional phono preamplifier. Each component used in the construction of the pa15.3 was selected to provide you with superior performance and the highest level of sound reproduction available today. We know of no phono preamplifier that costs as much to produce yet sells for so little. The precise and elegant design of this phono preamplifier makes it easy to install and operate. Please take a few moments to read over the operating instructions to ensure that you get the best performance from your preamplifier and years of trouble-free service.

SAFETY GUIDELINES

This product is designed and manufactured to strict quality and safety standards. However, you should be aware of the following installation and operation precautions:

1. Take heed of warnings and instructions

Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the preamplifier.

Keep this manual so you can refer to these safety instructions.

2. Water and Moisture

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the phono preamplifier to moisture or water. If the phono preamplifier is exposed to moisture, immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall. Take the preamplifier to an authorized Music Hall service center for inspection. Do not touch the phono preamplifier, power cord, or plug with wet hands.

3. Object or liquid entry

Do not allow foreign objects or liquids into the unit. If this happens, immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall and take the unit to an authorized music hall service center for inspection.

4. Heat

Keep the phono preamplifier away from naked flames, radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other heat-producing appliances (including amplifiers).

5. Climate

The phono preamplifier has been designed for use in moderate climates. Do not attempt to use below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).

6. Racks and Stands

Place the phono preamplifier on a fixed, level surface strong enough to support its weight. Do not place it on a moveable cart that could tip over. We recommend only using stands approved for use with audio equipment.

7. Cleaning

A soft towel can be used.

8. Power Sources

Connect the phono preamplifier only to a power supply of the type and voltage described in the operating instructions or specified on the rear panel of the unit.

9. Power-cord protection

Connect the phono preamplifier to the power outlet only with the supplied power supply. Do not modify the supplied power supply in any way. Do not attempt to defeat grounding and/or polarization provisions.

Do not use extension cords.

Do not route the power cord where it will be crushed, pinched, bent at severe angles, exposed to heat, or damaged in any way.

10. Non-use periods

If the preamplifier is to be left unused for a long period of time, the power supply should be unplugged from the wall outlet.

11. Damage Requiring Service

Stop using the phono preamplifier immediately and have it inspected by an authorized Music Hall service center whenever:

1. The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
2. The phono preamplifier has been exposed to rain.
3. The phono preamplifier does not operate properly.
4. The phono preamplifier has been dropped or damaged.
5. Smoke or any unusual smell is detected from the phono preamplifier.

GETTING STARTED

Thank you for purchasing the Music Hall pa15.3phono preamplifier. This manual provides valuable information that will help you get optimum performance from your system. Please contact your authorized Music Hall dealer for any additional clarifications you may require. Save the shipping carton and all enclosed packing material for future use. Shipping or moving the pa1.3 in anything other than the original packing material may result in severe damage that is not covered by the warranty. Be sure to keep the original sales receipt; it is your best record of the date of purchase, which you will need in the event warranty service is required.

SET-UP

The pa15.3 must be used in either MM (moving magnet) or MC (moving coil) mode according to the construction principle of the phono cartridge to be used. To find out which type your cartridge is please consult the literature accompanying your cartridge. If in doubt please consult your dealer. A switch on the back of the pa15.3 sets the correct loading and level of amplification for the cartridge. Before setting MM/MC the unit must be disconnected from the power supply and amplifier. Each channel (left, right) has own settings, set both channels equally.

Connecting the Turntable

Connect the tonearm signal lead to the phono input, take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red the left channel black or white. The ground wire of the tonearm lead should be connected to the ground terminal.

phono input L ○ R 10 R 100 R +220 pF +100 pF +3 dB mc (60 dB) mm (40 dB) 10 R 100 R +220 pF +100 pF +3 dB mc (60 dB) mm (40 dB) subsonic off on line output L ○ R power ≈18V music hall® model: pa15.3 CE RoHS COMPANY made in Slovakia

Connection to the Amplifier

Connect the line output of the pa15.3 to a line input (i.e. AUX, CD etc) on your amplifier. Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. Make all connections while the phono amplifier is disconnected from the power supply.

*Do not connect the pa15.3 to a phono input.*

Mains Connection

The pa15.3 is supplied with a power supply suitable for your country's mains supply. Check the label before connecting to ensure compliance with the mains rating in your house. Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to 18VDC socket on the pa15.3 before connecting to the mains. Plug-in and enjoy.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

THD, <0.001% at 5mV at 40dB gain, <0.005% at 1mV at 60dB gain

Gain, 40dB / 43dB / 60dB / 63dB

Input impedance, 10ohm / 100 ohm / 1kohm / 47kohm

Input capacitance, 100pF / 200 pF / 320pF / 420pF

Noise floor, 92dBV (A weighted), 87dBV (20Hz-20kHz)

Max. output voltage, 10Vrms (THD <1%)

RIAA-equalisation curve accuracy Max. 0.5dB/20Hz - 20KHz

Outboard power supply 18V/500m DC, suitable for your's country mains supply

Crosstalk, >98dB at 5mV, 10kHz, 40dB gain

Power consumption 30mA DC

Dimensions (H x W x D) 57 x 100 x 170

Weight without power supply 550g

music hall reserves the right to make technical modifications.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Music Hall phono preamplifiers are manufactured to the highest standards and undergo strict quality controls before leaving the factory. If, for some reason your phono preamplifier is not working properly, please take a few moments to review this list of potential causes.

NO SIGNAL IN ONE OR BOTH CHANNELS:

● The phono preamplifier is not connected to the mains power supply.
• No mains at the socket.
- No connection between the phono preamplifier and amplifier.
- Correct input not selected at amplifier.
● Poor contact or broken connection between the amplifier or turnable.
- Amplifier not switched on.
- Amplifier or speakers defective or muted.
- Cartridge not wired into the head shell.
● Loudspeakers not connected.

LOUD HUM ON PHONO INPUT:

• No earth connection from cartridge, tonearm, or audio cable to amplifier.
• Ground loop.
• Phono preamplifier too close to one or both speakers.

DISTORTED SOUND FROM ONE OR BOTH CHANNELS:

● Switches on pa15.3 incorrectly set.
- Dust on the stylus.
- Needle or cantilever damaged.

SERVICE

Should you encounter a problem that you cannot solve, please contact your Music Hall dealer. Never return a phono preamplifier without authorization and without safely disconnecting it and correctly packing it in the original packaging. Repairs will only be made under warranty if the unit is returned correctly packaged in its original box.

WARRANTY (USA only)

This entitles you to have the Music Hall pa15.3 repaired free of charge, at our discretion, for one year after the date of purchase, at any authorized Music Hall service center, provided the unit was purchased from an authorized dealer. Your original sales receipt is proof of purchase date. Music Hall takes no responsibility for defects arising from accident, misuse, abuse, wear and tear, neglect or unauthorized repair and/or adjustment. Music Hall cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss that occurs during transit. The warranty does not cover transportation costs.

CLAIMS UNDER WARRANTY

The pa15.3 should be packed in the original packing and returned to the dealer from whom it was purchased, or, upon authorization, to a Music Hall service center. It should be sent by a reputable carrier, carriage prepaid. Do not send the phono preamplifier via USPS (United States Postal Service). Since no responsibility will be accepted for a unit in transit to the dealer, customer, or authorized service agent, customers are advised to insure against loss, damage, or theft.

CE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Music Hall

108 Station Road

Great Neck, NY 11023

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

http://www.musichallaudio.com