SPL Phonos RIAA Phono Preamplifier User Manual
- October 30, 2023
- spl
Table of Contents
SPL Phonos RIAA Phono Preamplifier
Product Information
The Phonos is a preamplifier designed for record players that use either moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) cartridges. It has an equalization curve according to RIAA and is suitable for all vinyl records since 1954. The Phonos has up to 71.5 dB gain for MC cartridges and 50 dB gain for MM cartridges, making it one of the most powerful phono preamplifiers. It also features VOLTAiR technology, which is the SPL 120V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. This makes the Phonos an outstanding device in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and maximum headroom, delivering an exceptional sound experience with invincible serenity, transparency, and realness.
Product Usage Instructions
- Read the Quickstart guide that comes with the Phonos thoroughly and follow the instructions and security advice.
- You can also download the Quickstart guide from the manufacturer’s website.
- Make sure that the phonos is connected to a record player that uses either MM or MC cartridges.
- Use the impedance selector switch to select the appropriate impedance based on the type of cartridge used.
- Use the capacity selector switch to select the appropriate capacity based on the type of cartridge used.
- Make sure that the power supply is connected to a power source that matches the voltage specifications indicated on the unit.
- Use the standby switch to turn on the Phonos.
- Use the gain switch to select the appropriate gain based on the type of cartridge used.
- Use the subsonic filter switch to enable or disable the subsonic filter.
- Connect the audio output of the Phonos to an amplifier or other audio device using the audio output jack.
- Connect the record player to the Phonos using the record player input jack.
- Connect the ground wire of the record player to the ground terminal on the Phonos.
- Use the power LED to check if the unit is turned on.
Welcome and thank you for choosing the Phonos
Phonos is a preamplifier for record players using either moving magnet (MM) or
moving coil (MC) cartridges. The equalization curve is according to RIAA and
suitable for all vinyl records since 1954.
With up to 71.5 dB gain for MC cartridges and 50 dB gain for MM cartridges
Phonos belongs to the most powerful phono preamplifiers.
Voltaire technology is what we also call the SPL 120V Rail Technology within
the Professional Fidelity series. This makes the Phonos an outstanding device
in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and maximum headroom
delivering an exceptional sound experience with invincible serenity,
transparency and realness.
Getting Started
Read thoroughly and follow the instructions as well as the security advices of the Quickstart which is enclosed in the scope of delivery! You can also download the Quickstart here.
- By pressing the -Button you get to the table of contents.
- By pressing the -Button you get to the front view of the unit.
- By pressing the -Button you get to the rear view of the unit.
- By pressing the -Button you get to the previous content
Front View
Rear View
VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology
VOLTAiR is the synonym for our 120V Rail Technology within the Professional
Fidelity series. The audio signals are processed with an unequalled +/-60V DC,
which corresponds to twice that of discrete operational amplifiers and four
times that of semiconductor operational amplifiers.
VOLTAiR Technology reaches outstanding technical and sonic performances.
Technically especially in terms of dynamic range and headroom and sonically
especially in reproducing the finest details and delivering a totally relaxed-
sounding audio experience. Music sounds absolutely natural.
Comparisons
- These diagrams show how our VOLTAiR Technology compares to other circuits.
- The direct relation between the operating level and the maximum level is fundamental for the classification: the higher the operating level, the higher the maximum level a circuit can handle. And since virtually all essential acoustic and musical parameters depend on this relation, a higher operating voltage also has a positive impact on the dynamic range, distortion limit, and signal-to-noise ratio.
- Do bear in mind that dB scales do not represent linear but rather exponential increases. A 3 dB increase corresponds to doubling the acoustic power, +6 dB corresponds to twice the sound pressure level, and +10 dB corresponds to twice the perceived loudness.
- When it comes to volume, the VOLTAiR Technology exhibits a performance, in regard to the maximum level and dynamic range, that is twice that of common components and circuits given that its values are approximately 10 dB higher.
- THD measurements show a difference of more than 3 dB compared to the OPA134 at 36V — in terms of sound pressure level, which corresponds to an improvement of more than 50%. The operating level most commonly used for audio equipment is +/- 15 volts.
Cartriges
Phonos is a preamplifier for record players using either moving magnet (MM) or
moving coil (MC) cartridges.
Choose the right setting regarding your cartridge with the Cartridge Switch
(3).
Capacity (MM)
- Choose the right setting regarding the capacity of your MM cartridge with the CAPACITANCE switch (4).
- If you do not know the right setting for your record player, start with capacity = OFF. If you increase the value you will receive a higher tone.
Impedance (MC)
- Choose the impedance for your MC cartridge with the IMPEDANCE switch (5).
- If you do not know the right setting for your record player, start with an impedance of 100 ohms. If you increase the value you will receive a higher tone
Subsonic filter
Thanks to the Subsonic filter you can eliminate the rumble. The Subsonic filter starts at 15 Hz with an edge steepness of -3 dB per octave.
- Activate the Subsonic filter with the SUBSONIC switch (6).
Output level
With the GAIN switch (2) you calibrate the amplification of the Phonos. If the Cartridge switch is set to MM it is amplified by 46 dB. If it is set to MC it is amplified by 67 dB.
- Set the GAIN switch to -10 to attenuate the amplification by 10 dB (amplification MM = 36 dB, MC = 56 dB).
- Set the GAIN switch to +4 to increase the amplification by 4 dB (amplification MM = 50 dB, MC = 71.5 dB).
Specifications
Inputs and Outputs
- RCA, unbalanced, gold-plated
- Input impedance (MM): 47 kohms
- Input impedance (MC): switchable
- Output impedance: < 5 ohms
- Crosstalk: -80 dB (at 1 kHz)
Filter
- RIAA equalizer (after Douglas Self)
Moving Magnet (MM) Preamplifier
- Amplification: 46 dB (Norm), 36 dB (-10 dB), 50 dB (+4 dB)
- Switchable capacitance: Off, 150 pF, 220 pF and 330 pF
- Noise (A-weighted): -85.3 dB
Moving Coil (MC) Preamplifier
- Amplification: 67 dB (Norm), 56 dB (-10 dB), 71.5 dB (+4 dB)
- Switchable impedances: 100 / 220 / 470 ohms; 2.2 / 4.7 / 10 kohms
- Noise (A-weighted): -61.7 dB
Internal Operating Voltage
- Analog: +/- 60 V
Power Supply
- Mains voltage (switchable): 230 V AC / 50Hz or 115 V AC / 60Hz
- Power consumption: max. 30 VA
- Fuses: 230 V: T 500mA; 115 V: T 1A
- Standby power consumption: 0.7 W
Dimensions (incl. feet)
- (WxHxD) 10.94 x 2.24 x 13.19 in (278 x 57x 335 mm)
Weight
- 7.05 lbs (3.2 kg), unit only
- 9.48 lbs (4.3 kg), shipping
Important Notes
Version 1.0 – 04 /2016
Developer: Bastian Neu
This manual includes a description of the product but no guarantee as for
specific characteristics or successful results. Unless stated otherwise,
everything herein corresponds to the technical status at the time of delivery
of the product by SPL Electronics GmbH. The design and circuitry are under
continuous development and improvement. Technical specifications are subject
to change.
© 2016 SPL Electronics GmbH. This document is the property of SPL and may not
be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or fully, without prior
authorization by SPL. Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to
improve its products and reserves the right to modify the product described in
this manual at any time without prior notice. SPL and the SPL Logo are
registered trademarks of SPL Electronics GmbH. All company names and product
names in this manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Declaration of CE Conformity
The construction of this unit is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community.