clearaudio Balance Reference Phono Power Supply User Manual

balance reference phono
Loving music

User manual

User manual

Dear Clearaudio customer,
Thank you for choosing the balance reference phono phono stage, a high quality audio component made in Germany by Clearaudio.
Featuring completely independent phono inputs for connecting moving coil and moving magnet phono cartridges. It provides total freedom in selecting balanced (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) inputs and outputs with the total flexibility of adjusting the input impedance for most cartridges.
The sophisticated volume and input circuitry are accessible with the supplied remote control. The  high-performance design provides 2 headphone connections. A dual-mono  ower supply, housed in its own dedicated aluminium chassis, assures the highest sound quality.
We wish you much musical enjoyment with your new balance reference phono phono stage.
Clearaudio electronic GmbH

Safety instructions

1. General information
   Check the device for visible damage before using it for the first time.
   If the device is damaged, it should not be connected to the mains.
   Also, never connect the device if it has been dropped or gotten wet, contact your dealer to have the device inspected.
   Never expose the device to rain or moisture.
   Never touch the power cord of the device with wet hands.
   For your own safety, regular visual inspections of any defective insulation on the connection cable are also recommended. A damaged cable should be replaced immediately by a specialist! Never pull on the power cable to unplug the device, but directly on the plug! The inside of the device is maintenance- free, never open the housing or try to repair the device yourself. This can also lead to loss of warranty.
   If you do not operate the device for a longer period of time, we recommend disconnecting the power supply from the mains.
   Not suitable for children! Scope of delivery may contain small parts that can be swallowed.

2. Intended use
   The balance reference phono is a phono preamplifier to amplify the signal of the phono cartridge.
   The intended use of the balance reference phono in accordance with the information provided in the user manual only.
   The power supply may only be operated with maximum permissible connection values according to the technical data. Any other use or modification of this product is not intended.

3. Location of installation
   The device should only be set up on leveled surfaces.
   Avoid location with direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Likewise, avoid placing electronic devices near heaters, heat lamps, or other devices that produce heat. The device is designed for operation in heated rooms.
   Never block the ventilation slots or cover the device with a cloth or similar.
   No objects with an open flame may be placed on the device (burning candles or similar).
   Phonostages provide a very high level of amplification, to address the fact that the electrical signal generated by a phono cartridge is extremely low. As a result, phonostages are extremely sensitive, which leads to the potential problem that high-frequency interference may also be amplified to a point at which it becomes noticeable. Unfortunately it is not possible to completely protect the sensitive phonostage circuitry from this interference without degrading its high fidelity performance.
   Therefore care must be taken to position the phonostage away from sources of high frequency interferences such as mobile phones, modems and powerline communication systems (PLC) in which data is sent over the mains power network.

4. Overload
   The product is designed to comply with all necessary safety regulations, however you should not leave the device unattended under extreme loads.

5. Maintenance
   Only use a soft cloth with a smooth surface for cleaning. Never use agressive cleaning detergent.

6. Health information
   Permanently high volume can lead to various types of hearing damage. Use high volume responsibly!

7. Service
   During the gurantee period, the balance reference phono may only be repaired by the manufacturer, otherweise the warranty will become void. All Clearaudio products should only be serviced by specialist retailer.
   If despite the high production standard, a repair is necessary, the balance reference phono must be sent to Clearaudio through your dealer.

8. Transport
   Always us the original packaging when transporting the Clearaudio balance reference phono. Be sure to pack the device exactly as it was shipped. Safe transport is only guaranteed in the original packaging.
   When packing, proceed in reverse as described for assembly.

9. Disposal
   Do not dispose this product together with other waste.
   WEEE Reg. No.: DE26004446

10.   CE Marking
    This electronic product corresponds to the applicable guidelines for obtaining the CE mark.

 List of components

The Clearaudio balance reference phono is delivered in a customized packing to ensure its safe transport.
Please retain the original packaging for any future potential transportation and shipping.
After opening the box, take out the enclosed items and put them beside ready to hand.
Make sure that there is no external damage, especially no transport damage.
Please see the list below to check the contents of your Clearaudio balance reference phono.

1.| balance reference phono phono stage with
D-Sub power cord| 4.| Remote control (incl. 1 CR2032 batterie)
---|---|---|---
2.| balance reference phono power supply| 5.| User manual
(not shown)
3.| Power cord
(not shown)| 6.| Certificate, Warranty card and return
delivery note
(not shown)

Set-up adjustments

The balance reference phono phono preamplifier achieves the best possible measurement values  for channel separation. This is achieved through the strictly channel-separated structure of the two amplifier stages.
Please note that the settings for each tonearm (Input A / Input B) are made independently.

Details of the adjustment and control options on the underside (Example on Input A) (Pic.2)

1. Input selector (selction between balanced / unbalanced mode)
   • Balanced / symmetrical operation (XLR): Switch is not pressed,    (use balanced XLR connectors for the input!).
   • Unbalanced / unsymmetrical operation (RCA): Switch is pressed,   (use unbalanced phono plugs for input!).

2. Gain (Selection of MM/MC cartridge mode)
   Activates the respective controls for fine adjustment under point 3
   • MM operation: “gain” switch not pressed (impedance = 47 kOhm/ choice).
   • MC operation: “gain”  switch  pressed  (impedance, setting is made via DIP switch, see point 3).

3.1 Load capacity setting for MM operation
In the basic position (both DIP switches not activated) there is a capacitance of 47pF.
If several controllers are activated at the same time, the capacity is connected in parallel.
3.2 Load resistance setting for MC operation
The choice of resistance should be based on the technical data of the respective pickup.
If several controllers are activated at the same time, the resistors are connected in parallel.
To activate the required load capacitance / load resistance, the sliders must be pushed to the middle of the text, see red arrow in picture 3.
Setting example:
MM operation: Activated load capacitance 250pF
MC operation: Activated load resistance 500 ohms
MM operation: Activated load capacitance 250pF
MC operation: Activated load resistance 500 ohms

4 Subsonic filter
The subsonic filter suppresses possible noise caused by turntable and/or tonearm resonances.
• Subsonic filter is on: „subsonic off/on“ switch is pressed.
• Subsonic filter is off: „subsonic off/on“ switch is not pressed.
5 Selection Mono / Stereo
• Mono mode: Button is pressed
• Stereo mode: Button is not pressed.
6 Brightness
With the help of a small screwdriver, you can adjust the brightness of the 3 LEDs on the front of the power supply.

Explanation of the connections on the rear of the power supply (Pic. 4)
7 Power connector
On and off switch with mains socket.
8 D Sub connectors
Connection with amplifier unit.
Now connect the balance reference phono with the 15-pin D-Sub plug and the power supply.
Please note:
To protect your loudspeakers from any damage, please make sure that your power amplifier(s) are always switched off when you are connecting the interconnects to or from the balance reference phono phono stage.
Before adjusting any settings, be sure to switch off the power of the balance reference  phono using the switch on the rear panel of the power supply.

Installation and operation

Please switch off all components of your system and connect the balance reference phono to your receiver/amplifier/active speakers and your tonearm(s).

Explanation of the connections on the back of the phono stage (Pic. 5)

1. Balanced XLR input (each Input A/B)
   Selection must be set manually via „input selector“ on the bottom.

2. Unbalanced input RCA (each Input A/B)
   Selection must be set manually via „input selector“ on the bottom.

3. Ground connection (each Input A/B)

4. Balanced output XLR
   Both outputs are active and usable at the same time.

5. Unbalanced output RCA
   Both outputs are active and usable at the same time.

Now you can turn on the balance reference phono at the back of the power supply.
The lights of the „Input A / Input B“ buttons turn on, as do the 3 LEDs on the front of the power supply. The device is now in standby mode.
Please note:
Do not cover the top of the device during operation to ensure sufficient air supply for cooling!

 Operation controls

1. Select Input A / Input B
   Allows you to easily switch between the connected tonearms with their respective settings.
   If the device is in standby mode, this is also deactivated by selecting the respective input.
   When you press the button, it starts flashing, signaling that the phono stage is starting up.
   With music output, the button of the respective input lights up continuously.

2. Headphone output (separate for input A / input B)
   Plugging in headphones will deactivate the rear panel outputs

3. Volume control / standby / mute function:
   • The volume control allows you to adjust the gain simply by turning the wheel.
   • To activate the „mute function“ briefly press the button in the middle of the wheel.
   The button of the respective input flashes.
   • Press the button again to deactivate the „mute function“. The button of the input is now continuously lit again.
   • To put the device into standby mode, press and hold the button for about 2-3 seconds.
   The buttons for both inputs flash twice and then light up continuously again.
   To play music again, select the respective input via „Input A / Input B“.To switch off the device completely when not in use for a long period of time and to  avoid unnecessary standby consumption, we recommend to switch off the main switch on the back.

4. Receiver remote control

 Remote control

5.1 Remote control functions

1. Standby:
   Puts the device into standby mode. The buttons for both inputs flash twice and then light up continuously again. To play music again, select the respective input via „Input A / Input B“.

2. Select Input A / Input B:
   Allows you to easily switch between the connected tonearms with their respective settings.
   If the device is in standby mode, this is also deactivated by selecting the respective input. When you press the button, the Input buttons of the phono stage starts flashing, signaling that the phono stage is starting up. With music output, the button of the respective input lights up continuously.

3. Volume controls:
   Allows gain adjustment.

4. Mute function:
   To activate the „mute function“, the buttons of the respective input flashes on the phono stage.
   Press the button again to deactivate the „mute function“. The button of the input is now continuously lit again.

5.2 Changing the battery
Remove the cover on the back of the remote control. This is secured with inside magnets and we recommend a small screwdriver to pry open the cover.
Using a screwdriver, the 4 screws on the circuit board must now be removed.
Now turn the upper part, including the circuit board, and remove the circuit board to gain access to the battery compartment. When replacing the battery, make sure you insert it correctly. Now you can put the remote control back together.

Troubleshooting

If you have a problem with your balance reference phono, first check the possible causes to rule out incorrect operation.
If the error persists, please contact your dealer!
Never try to open the device and/or repair it yourself, this will void the warranty!

No sound or
low volume?| Did you choose the right input?| Check the connections of your hifi components.
Have you selected the correct operating mode?| Check the settings on the underside of the phono stage.
Is the device in „mute” mode or is the volume set too low?| Check the volume setting of your device.
The connection cables are not properly connected.| Check the tonearm and cartridge
connections due the their respective user manual.
Devices with a headphone output only: Are the headphones still plugged in when you are trying to play music through the speakers?| Disconnect the headphones.
Hum or
noise| The ground cable is not connected or is faulty.| Connect the grounding cable from the
tumtable/tonearm to the respective
grounding connection on the back of the device. If there are several ground connections, interrupt them one after the other and check the sound quality again.
The device should not be operated in the vicinity of high-frequency devices such as mobile phones or modems or on power supply systems used for data traffic (PLC).| Make sure there is a minimum distance of 30cm between the power supply units of any type and the MC preamplifier or phono preamplifier. Powerlan adapters should not be operated on the same socket as the phono preamplifier.
One channel quieter or
louder| The channels of an input are set differently.| Check the settings on the underside of the phono stage. These must be carried out identically for an input.
Remote control
does not work| The sensor of the phono stage is covered.| Do not place any other objects in front of the phono stage, as these could interfere with reception.
You are out of range of the receiver.| Get closer to the device.
The battery of the remote control is
exhausted.| Replace the battery as described in this user manual.

Technical details

Mode:| MM / MC switchable (at bottom) //
Subsonic filter switchable @20Hz (•180 / Oct) (at bottom) // Stereo / Mono switchable
---|---
Amplification:| + 46dB (MM mode) + 66dB (MC mode)
Input load:| SOW / SOpF (MM mode and MC mode)
-1-150pF, -F270pF, +400pF (MM mode)
10kO, St% 10000, 5000, 1000, 504 (MC mode)
RIAA accuracy:| 1 0.1d8 @ 20Hz – 100kHz
THD:| < 0.001% (IEC A)
Signal to noise ratios| – 89d8 © SmV / MM mode (IEC A) – 79dB © SO0uV / MC mode(IEC A)
Headroom:| ), +2106 P 1kHz
Max. output voltages| > 12V
RIAA:| 7514/3140/3180is, 2 passive filter
Channel seperatlon:| > 95dB © )kHz (IEC A)
Output impedance:| I5052 (balanced/CIA) 750 (unbalanced RCA)
Inputs:| unbalanced (RCA) balanced (XLR)
Outputs:| unbalanced (RCA)
balanced (XLR)
headphone output (2X Iatic 6.3mm)
Power consumption:| Max. consumption: 12 watts
Standby mode: < 0.5 watts
Off mode: 0.0 watts
(by switching off at the rear of the machine)
Power supply:| 2x & 113V DC
(external power supply 2x +1.21V DC), 1.4m cable length
Total weight preamplifier:| Approx. 2.9kg
Total weight power supply:| Approx. 2.2kg
Dimensions preamplifier (W/D/H):| Approx. 240 x 145 x 78mm (158mm deepth with RCA)
Dimensions preamplifier (W/D/H):| Approx. 9.45 x 5.71 x3.07 inches (6.22 inches deepth with RCA)
Dimensions power supply (W/D/H):| Approx. 240 x 145 x 78mm
Dimensions power supply (w/ D/ H):| Approx. 9.45 X5.71 x 3.07 Inches
Manufacturers warranty:| 3 years*

• Provided that the warranty card is correctly completed and returned to Clearaudio, or your product is registered  online at
  https://clearaudio.de/en/service/registration.php, within 14 days of purchase.

Handmade in Germany
Clearaudio Electronic accepts no liability for any misprints.
Technical specifications are subject to change or improvement without prior notice.
Product availability is as long as stock lasts.
Copies and reprints of this document, including extracts, require written consent from Clearaudio Electronic GmbH, Germany.

clearaudio electronic GmbH
Spardorfer Straße 150
91054 Erlangen
Germany
Phone /Tel.: +49 9131 40300 100
Fax:  +49 9131 40300 119
www.clearaudio.de
www.analogshop.de
info@clearaudio.de

2022
© clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-10
Made in Germany

Documents / Resources

| clearaudio Balance Reference Phono Power Supply [pdf] User Manual
Balance Reference Phono Power Supply, Reference Phono Power Supply, Phono Power Supply, Power Supply
---|---

References

• clearaudio analogshop
• clearaudio electronic GmbH | High End - made in Germany

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