AUDIOKULTURA ISKRA1 User manual

AUDIOKULTURA ISKRA1
(highly accurate)
MM/MC PHONO STA E
OWNER'S MANUAL
VERY IMPORTANT:
Turn on ISKRA1 FIRST,
before any other components like power amps,
or else you may get some very loud pops through your system.
Turn ISKRA1 off AFTER
turning off power amps, for the same reason.
Mute your amplifier before you change the gain
Iskra1 manual, site no.1/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])

INTRO
Dear user / music lover,
thank you for buying Iskra1 preamplifier.
I assure you that the device you are holding in your hands was produced by
hand, and the guy who made it drank some coffee at that time, listened to
some good records (using the IS RA phono stage, ) and was in no hurry.
There was no need to hurry.
I hope that thanks to this device you will discover your vinyl again!
Before you get it, read the instructions carefully - only the correct configuration
will provide you with perfect and balanced sound, which is one of the
advantages of this phono stage.
Should any part of this document or the operation of the Iskra1
not be clear for you, please contact us! We will help you in configuration.
PRECAUTIONS:
–the device should stand on a flat surface,
–do not put anything on the device,
–do not place any liquids in the vicinity of the device, spillage may cause
a short circuit and damage the device,
–try to use the shortest cables, both input and output,
the highest possible quality
WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THE BOX
IS RA1 phono stage,
external, automatic power supply 110V-240V (US, B & EU, other plugs on request)
earth-wire,
user's manual
CONFIGURATION, PART1
DIPSWITCH 8. LOADIN & CAPACITORS
First of all, you need to know what are the parameters of the cartridge you are
using. You can check it on the producer's website, you can ask the dealer who
sold you the cartridge, you can ask us. Two parametres are important here:
capacity (recommended load capacitance), given in pF and the load of the
cartridge (recommended load resistance), given in Ohm or kOhm.
You should also know the capacity of the cable that connects the turntable to
the Iskra1. At this point, let's assume that is 60pF.
Iskra1 manual, site no.2/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])

...CONTINUED: CONFI URATION, PART1. DIPSWITCH-8. LOADIN & CAPACITORS
Let's assume now that you have a Moving magnet (MM) type cartridge and
that is an Ortofon 2M Black. The parameters for this cartridge are: 47kOhm
load and 150pF to 300pF.
Turn around Iskra1: you will see two eight-position switches, two four-position
switches and two two-position switches. One for each channel.
In the picture above we have the following settings: 47kOhm 100pF GainStage1:30dB GainStage2: 20dB
Let's get back to our settings. We have to set 47kohm load and at 150pF to
300pF.
Let's concentrate on the eight-position switch. The first four section are used to
set the load and give successively:
1. 100 Ohm 2.1kOhm 3. 47kOhm 4. 75kOhm
They are turned off in the bottom position. Only one of them can be turned on.
To get the value 47kOhm set sw.3 in the top position (ON)
Another four switches (marked from 5 to 8) are used to set the capacity.
Here are their values:
5. 47pF 6. 100pF 7.100pF 8. 220pF
Capacitances can be added up: by setting sw5(47pF) and sw6(100pF) in the
upper position we get the value 147pF.
In the Iskra1 it is possible to completely disconnect the input capacity: all four
switches (sw5,sw6,sw7,sw8) set in the lower position (OFF).
Then the only capacity will be the capacity of the cable connecting the carrtridge to
the Iskra1.
Iskra1 manual, site no.3/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])

...CONTINUED: CONFI URATION, PART1. DIPSWITCH-8. LOADIN & CAPACITORS
We're going back to setting the Ortofone Black. As you remember,
manufacturer recommends values between 150pF and 300pF.
Our cable is 60pF so we need to set up In Iskra1:
from 90pF (150pF-60pF=90pF) to 240pF (300pF-60pF=240pF)
The nearest value is 100pF. Set sw.6 to ON. (sw5, sw7, sw8 OFF)
Other possible settings for Ortofon Black(a cable with a capacity of 60pF):
47pF + 100pF (sw.5 ON, sw6 ON, sw7.OFF, sw8 OFF)
100pF + 100pF (sw.5 OFF, sw6 ON, sw7.ON, sw8 OFF)
100pF + 220pF (sw.5 OFF, sw6 ON, sw7.OFF, sw8 ON)
47pF + 100pF + 100pF (sw.5 ON, sw6 ON, sw7.ON, sw8 OFF)
A table of possible capacitance settings (not included the cable):
47pF 100pF 100pF 220pF
value sw5. sw.6 sw.7 sw.8
OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
47pF ON OFF OFF OFF
100pF OFF ON OFF OFF
147pF ON ON OFF OFF
200pF OFF ON ON OFF
220pF OFF OFF OFF ON
247pF ON ON ON OFF
267pF ON OFF OFF ON
320pF ON OFF ON ON
367pF ON OFF ON ON
420pF OFF ON ON ON
467pF ON ON ON ON
CONFIGURATION, PART 2
HOW TO SET UP AIN STA E?
Audiokultura Iskra1 is a phono stage with a passive RIAA filter placed between
two ultrafast, laser-trimmed amplifiers. Each amplifier has an indepandently
adjustable gain. The first amplifier before the RIAA filter, named GainStage1,
has two gain levels: 30dB and 40dB
For MM and MC High Out cartidges GAINSTAGE1 must be 1-ON 2-OFF
For MC Low Out cartridges GAINSTAGE1 must be 1-OFF 2-ON
The second amplifier, located behind the RIAA filter, called GainStage2, has the
ability to work with four levels of gain: 15dB, 20dB, 25dB and 30dB
Iskra1 manual, site no.4/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])

...CONTINUED: CONFI URATION, PART 2. HOW TO SET UP AIN STA E?
GainStage2 should be set up in that manner so the music being played is not
distorted or corrupted. By default, a 20dB or 25dB setting is recommended for
MM/MC High Output type cartridges.
For very loud cartridge (such as Ortofon Concorde Club, Scratch, Digital,
Q.Bert) that generates above 8mV/1kHz it should be 15dB
For MC Low Output type cartridges, the default setting is 25dB or 30dB.
A good way to set GainStage2 it to choose the loudest vinyl you have, select
the loudest song and play it starting from 15dB.
Is the sound ok? Increase to 20dB. Is the sound ok? Increase to 25dB...
And so on.
CONNECTING
(finally! The above was boring)
Step1: Turn off the amplifier and the turntable,
Step2: Connect the turntable ground to IS RA1 ground, or directly to your
preamplifier, integrated amplifier or headphone amplifier,
Step3: Connect IS RA1 RCA inputs to your turntable using quality cables
Remember: the best cable is a short cable!
Step4: Connect IS RA1 RCA outputs to your preamplifier, integrated amplifier
or headphone amplifier – REMEMBER, IT MUST BE A LINE LEVEL INPUT
Step5: Connect the supplied wallwart to the IS RA1 with the attached cord.
At this stage, a few words about the power supply.
The standard power supply which you will find in the box with Iskra1 is
an switching power supply with a voltage of 12V and a current of 2A.
If you feel that it is weak/bad/not cool and not suitable for your audio-system,
you can use an external 12V battery or other external power supply
(it can be AKPS – a power supply dedicated to Iskra2 phono stage,
see details on our website)
Just remember about the polarity of the power plug.
Plus (+) is "in the middle" or "on the pin".
Iskra1 manual, site no.5/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])

Application for Council Directives 72/23/EEC
Conformity declared for EN60065, EN50082-1
DISPOSAL
The crossed out wheeled bin label that appears
on the back panel of the product indicates that the product
must not be disposed of as normal household waste. To
prevent possible harm to the environment please separate
the product from other waste to ensure that it can be
recycled in an environmentally safe manner. Please contact
local government office or retailer for available collection
facilities.
FACHGERECHTE ENTSORGUNG:
Das auf der Geräterückseite angebrachte Label
deutet darauf hin, dass das Produkt nicht mit
konventionellem Hauskehricht entsorgt werden darf. Um
Schäden und Verschmutzungen an Umwelt und Mensch zu
vermeiden, muss das Produkt fachgerecht entsorgt und von
anderem Abfall getrennt werden. Wenden Sie sich bei
Fragen hierzu an Ihren Fachhändler oder an eine öffentliche
Informationsstelle.
Iskra1 manual, site no.6/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])

DISPOSITION
La poubelle sur roulettes barrées X, qui apparaît
en logo sur le panneau arrière du produit, indique que celuici
ne doit pas être traité comme un déchet domestique
commun. Afin de protéger l'environnement, ce produit
électronique devra être géré séparément et donc recyclé
selon les nouvelles normes Européennes Rohs concernant les
déchets d'appareils électroniques. Prière de contacter les
services concernés gouvernementaux ou votre point de
vente pour l'élimination et l'enlèvement de déchets
électroniques équipés de composants électroniques.
DISPOSAL
La etiqueta cruzada hacia fuera del
compartimiento que aparece en el panel trasero del
producto indica que el producto no se debe reciclarse como
basura normal de la casa. Para prevenir daños posible al
ambiente separe por favor el producto de otras basura para
asegurarse de que puede ser reciclada de una manera
ambientalmente segura. Entre en contacto por favor a su
oficina gubernamental local o a su minorista para las
instalaciones disponibles de la colección.
RIFIUTI
L'etichetta del cassonetto barrato riportato sul
retro dell'apparecchio indica che il prodotto non deve essere
smaltito tramite la procedura normale di smaltimento dei
rifiuti domestici. Per evitare eventuali danni all'ambiente,
separare questo prodotto da altri rifiuti domestici in modo
che possa venire riciclato in base alle procedure di rispetto
ambientale. Per maggiori dettagli sulle aree di raccolta
disponibili, contattate l'ufficio govenativo locale od il
rivenditore del prodotto.
Iskra1 manual, site no.7/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])

AFVAL
Het label op de achterzijde van dit apparaat, een
afvalbak op wielen met een kruis doorgehaald, geeft aan dat
dit apparaat niet samen met gewoon huishoudafval mag
worden weggegooid. Om mogelijke schade aan onze
leefomgeving te voorkomen dient dit apparaat, gescheiden
van gewoon huishoudelijk afval, te worden afgevoerd zodat
het op een milieuvriendelijke manier kan worden gerecycled.
Neem voor beschikbare inzamelplaatsen contact op met uw
gemeentelijke reinigingsdienst of met uw elektronica
leverancier.
HÄVITTÄMINEN
Yliruksattua jäteastiaa kuvaava tarra tuotteen
takalevyssä kertoo, että tuotetta ei saa käsitellä normaalina
talousjätteenä. Ympäristön suojelemiseksi on tuote pidettävä
erillään muusta jätteestä ja se on kierrätettävä ekologisesti
kestävällä tavalla. Ota yhteyttä laitteen myyjään tai
Pirkanmaan Ympäristökeskukseen lähimmän
kierrätyskeskuksen löytämiseksi.
AFS AFNING
Logoet med en skraldespand med kryds over på
bagsiden af apparatet indikerer at dette produkt ikke må
kasseres som normal husholdningsaffald. For at forebygge
mulig skade på miljøet, bedes De separere dette produkt fra
andet affald, og sikre at det bliver genbrugt på en miljørigtig
måde. ontakt venligst de lokale myndigheder eller din
forhandler for oplysning om nærmeste tilgængelige
opsamlingssted for elektronikaffald.
Iskra1 manual, site no.8/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])

ΔΙΑΔΙΚΑΣΙΑ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΨΗΣ
ΤΟ ΣΗΜΑ ΜΕ ΤΟΝ ΔΙΑΓΕΓΡΑΜΜΕΝΟ
ΤΡΟΧΗΛΑΤΟ ΚΑΔΟ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΜΑΤΩΝ ΣΤΗΝ ΠΙΣΩ
ΟΨΗ ΤΟΥ ΜΗΧΑΝΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ ΤΟ ΠΡΟΙΟΝ
ΑΥΤΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΔΙΑΧΕΙΡΙΣΘΕΙ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΝΗΘΙΣΜΕΝΟ
ΟΙΚΙΑΚΟ ΑΠΟΒΛΗΤΟ. ΠΡΟΣ ΑΠΟΦΥΓΗ ΕΝΔΕΧΟΜΕΝΗΣ
ΕΠΙΒΑΡΥΝΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΟΣ, ΞΕΧΩΡΙΣΤΕ ΤΟ
ΠΡΟΙΟΝ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΑΛΛΑ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΜΑΤΑ ΩΣΤΕ ΝΑ
ΕΞΑΣΦΑΛΙΣΘΕΙ Η ΑΝΑΚΥΚΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΜΕ ΤΟΝ
ΠΡΕΠΟΝΤΑ ΤΡΟΠΟ. ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΟΥΜΕ ΝΑ
ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΗΣΕΤΕ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΤΟΠΙΚΗ ΥΠΗΡΕΣΙΑ
ΑΝΑΚΥΚΛΩΣΗΣ Η ΜΕ ΤΟ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΗΜΑ ΑΓΟΡΑΣ ΓΙΑ
ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΛΕΠΤΟΜΕΡΕΙΕΣ.
Iskra1 manual, site no.9/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions ([email protected])