AVID HIFI BORON User manual

BORON
MOVING COIL CARTRIDGE

THANK YOU for purchasing the AVID BORON cartridge. We trust you will experience many hours of musical
enjoyment. Before attempting to use your cartridge, please read these instructions in full.
This low output moving coil cartridge must be matched with a suitable phonostage. All AVID phonostages are
suitable, but to fully realise its potential we highly recommend our Pulsare II model. Phonostages are also available
from other manufacturers. Refer to the specifications at the end of this manual to confirm compatibility.
The BORON is a very delicate device and great care must be used during its installation and in use.
Take care when removing from packaging, do not to drop it or touch the stylus tip.
Ensure the stylus guard is in place during the installation process and whenever the cartridge is not in use.
INSTALLATION AND PRECAUTIONS
Attaching Cartridge to the Headshell
Install the cartridge into your tonearm’s headshell using the two M2.5 bolts provided. The cartridge body has
threaded fixing holes so there is no need to use nuts. Do not use excessive force when attaching the cartridge to
the headshell as this risks damage to the cartridge threads. Do not use different size bolts or any other fixing
method such as adhesive.
Connections
Connect the lead wires to the cartridge terminals
using the colour-code in the illustration.
It is imperative that all connections are clean and
secure to achieve optimal performance.
Do not attempt to solder the connections.

Tracking weight
The first stage of setting up your cartridge is to adjust the tracking weight to the suggested a value of 2.0g.
We recommend using electronic stylus scales and must be set with the stylus guard removed.
Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) and Overhang
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, adjust the tonearm VTA. Typically, this means when the stylus is on the
record the tonearm will be level. Now you should set the Overhang so that the cartridge traces the record groove
correctly. We recommend the use of an AVID alignment gauge or the tonearm’s supplied alignment gauge.
Tracking weight and Bias Compensation (anti-skate)
You should now check the tracking weight as this may have changed. Adjust the Bias Compensation in line with
the tonearm’s recommendations. Altering the tracking weight within the specifications may affect sound quality
and some experimentation would be worthwhile.
STYLUS GUARD
The stylus guard protects the fragile cantilever. Care must be taken when removing and replacing the guard.
The guard slides on two slots machined into the body of the cartridge and is removed by gently pulling the tab on
the front. Always replace the guard if the cartridge is to be left unused for any length of time.
STYLUS CLEANING
Ensuring your records are clean is the best way to keep your stylus clean and prolong the life of your records and
stylus. If your stylus becomes contaminated with dust, use a soft brush to gently clean the tip, only using a
back-to-front movement, NOT side-to-side. We do not recommend the use of commercial cleaning vibrators.

SPECIFICATIONS—AVID BORON
Type Moving Coil Compliance 8.5x10-6cm/dyne
Output Voltage 0.32mv Internal Resistance 4.8Ω
Frequency Response 10 Hz-45 kHz Load Impedance >100Ω
Channel Separaon 28dB @ 1kHz Canlever Material Boron
Channel Balance 0.2dB @ 1kHz Stylus Prole Micro-ridge solid diamond
Tracking Force 2.0g Contact Radius 3µm x 70 µm
Trackability >70µm @2.0g Net Weight 9.1g
Bicton Industrial Park,, Kimbolton, Huntingdon,
Cambridgeshire. PE28 0LW ENGLAND
Tel: [phone] —Website: www.avidhifi.com - Email: [email protected]
Company Registered No: 5435528 —VAT Registration No: GB 694 9858 48 —Directors: C. Mas & S.J. Mas
V200819
STYLUS REPLACEMENT AND WARRANTY
In the case of a worn stylus, AVID HIFI Ltd will provide a replacement cartridge at a special discount. The same
special discount applies to all non-warranty claims. The cartridge is warranted for a period of two years from the
date of purchase against electrical and mechanical defects, provided the instructions have been adhered to and
the online warrant registration has been completed.
To activate your warranty, please register online at: www.avidhifi.com
This warranty does not cover stylus wear or damage to the stylus assembly from mishandling or abuse.
In these situations, first contact your retailer and if a return is required, it should be in the original packaging.