Glensound Dante ATHENS 2 Installation guide

ATHENS 2
Twin RIAA Turntable Preamplifier with
Network Audio Outputs
PRODUCT DETAILS
6 BROOKS PLACE, MAIDSTONE, KENT, ME14 1HE. ENGLAND. TEL: [phone]
Visit our Website at www.glensound.com FAX: [phone]

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Glensound Electronics Ltd
Thank you for choosing a new Glensound product.
All rights reserved.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice, if
in doubt please contact us for the latest product information.
If you need any help with the product then we can be contacted at:
Glensound Electronics Ltd
1 –6 Brooks Place
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 1HE
United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
EMAIL ADDRESSES
General enquires: [e-mail]
Technical enquires: [e-mail]
Sales enquires: [e-mail]

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PRODUCT WARRANTY:
All equipment is fully tested before dispatch and carefully designed to
provide you with trouble free use for many years.
We have a policy of supporting products for as long as possible and
guarantee to be able to support your product for a minimum of 10 years.
For a period of one year after the goods have been despatched the
Company will guarantee the goods against any defect developing after
proper use providing such defects arise solely from faulty materials or
workmanship and that the Customer shall return the goods to the
Company’s works or their local dealer.
All non-wear parts are guaranteed for 2 years after despatch and any
defect developing after proper use from faulty materials or workmanship
will be repaired under this warranty providing the Customer returns the
goods to the Company's works or their local dealer.

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EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY FOR:
ATHENS 2
Twin RIAA Preamp with Dante/ AES67 outputs
This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of
the manufacturer.
This equipment is manufactured by Glensound Electronics Ltd of Brooks
Place Maidstone Kent ME14 1HE is marked and conforms to the
following Union harmonisation legislation:
Low Voltage Directive: EN60065 and EN62368-1:2014
Emissions: BS EN55032:2015
Immunity: BS EN55035:2017
Signed for and on behalf of Glensound Electronics Ltd.
Gavin Davis, Managing Director
Maidstone, Kent, England
Date: 15/01/2019

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RoHS DIRECTIVE
RoHS 2 Directive 2011/65/EU restricts the use of the hazardous
substances listed below in electrical and electronic equipment.
This product conforms to the above directive and for these purposes, the
maximum concentration values of the restricted substances by weight in
homogenous materials are:
Lead
0.1%
Mercury
0.1%
Hexavalent Chromium
0.1%
Polybrominated Biphenyls
0.1%
Polybrominated Diphenyl
Ethers
0.1%
Cadmium
0.01%

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WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS 2006 (WEEE)
Glensound Electronics Ltd is registered for business to business sales of
WEEE in the UK our registration number is:
WEE/JJ0074UR

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GLENSOUND ATHENS 2
Handbook Contents
Issue 1
Description Page No.
Contents
PRODUCT WARRANTY: ....................................................................................................................................3
OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................................................8
ATHENS 2 PANEL LAYOUT ..............................................................................................................................9
Front Panel .......................................................................................................................................................9
Front Panel Features.......................................................................................................................................9
Rear Panel......................................................................................................................................................11
Rear Panel Features .....................................................................................................................................11
CARTRIDGE SETUP ..........................................................................................................................................13
Available Controls..........................................................................................................................................13
First Remove The Anti-Tamper Screen......................................................................................................13
Gain Settings..................................................................................................................................................14
Input Impedance Settings.............................................................................................................................15
Input Capacitance Settings...........................................................................................................................16
NETWORK dBFs LEVELS.................................................................................................................................17
CONNECTING THE ATHENS 2 TO A DANTE® NETWORK .......................................................................18
Getting Dante Controller...............................................................................................................................18
Connecting Athens 2 To The Network........................................................................................................18
Audio Over IP Network..................................................................................................................................18
Running Dante Controller.............................................................................................................................19
Dante Controller TIP......................................................................................................................................19
Device Not Showing Up In Dante Controller..............................................................................................20
AES67 MODE......................................................................................................................................................21
UPDATING FIRMWARE ...................................................................................................................................23
UPDATING THE BROOKLYN CHIPSET.........................................................................................................28
SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................................................................................29
RIAA EQUALISATION ..................................................................................................................................29
SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................................................................................30

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OVERVIEW
Athens 2 is twin RIAA phono preamplifier with Dante® and AES67 network audio
outputs.
It is a mains powered device with two high quality stereo turntable preamplifiers
inputs. Each preamplifier has its own set of preset controls to allow accurate
matching of the Athens 2 input circuitary to the turntable’s cartridge. Input gain, input
impedance and input capacitance can all be set for each of the two stereo inputs.
The Athens 2 is suitable for use with both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges.
To provide the best possible equalisation of the RIAA curve the preamps feature
high quality high tolerance analogue circuitary followed by a high quality analogue to
digital converter and DSP. The combination of the analogue circuitary and DSP
provides a very good quality RIAA equalisation resulting in a very flat output.
For reliability, redundant network audio outputs are provided on two copper Neutrik
Ethercon Ethernet ports and also on two SFP slots for fibre Ethernet connectivity.
The name Athens 2 was chosen for our RIAA preamp as Dante Alighieri cites the
city of Athens as a place of good governance and mentions its contrtibution and
commitment to civil law. It is of course very important that a good RIAA preamplifier
provides perfect governance of the audio and follows the RIAA equalisation law
perfectly.

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ATHENS 2 PANEL LAYOUT
Front Panel
Front Panel Features
1. Input 1 Left Channel Controls
These 12 preset dip switches provide controls to adjust the input gain, the
input impedance and the input capacitance for the left channel input of input 1.
Please see the cartridge setup section of this handbook for detailed
information.
2. Input 1 Right Channel Controls
These 12 preset dip switches provide controls to adjust the input gain, the
input impedance and the input capacitance for the right channel input of input
1.
Please see the cartridge setup section of this handbook for detailed
information.
3. Input 1 PPM
This 4 LED per channel PPM provides indication of the output level of input 1
of the Athens 2 preamplifier. The marked scale is in dBu and digital network
output levels are set such that 0dBu = -18dBFs.
If the gain is set correctly during normal use you would expect the +6 LED to
illuminate occasionally
Input 1 Left Channel
Controls
Input 1 PPM
Anti-Tamper Screw
Input 2 Right Channel
Controls
Input 2 Left Channel
Controls
Input 2 PPM
Input 1 Right Channel
Controls

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4. Input 2 Left Channel Controls
These 12 preset dip switches provide controls to adjust the input gain, the
input impedance and the input capacitance for the left channel input of input 2.
Please see the cartridge setup section of this handbook for detailed
information.
5. Input 2 Right Channel Controls
These 12 preset dip switches provide controls to adjust the input gain, the
input impedance and the input capacitance for the right channel input of input
2.
Please see the cartridge setup section of this handbook for detailed
information.
6. Anti-Tamper Screw
The clear plastic anti-tamper shield is fitted to prevent un-authorised changes
of the Athens 2 input parameters. To gain access to the dip switches then the
Anti-Tamper screw must first be removed to allow removal of the anti-tamper
shield.
7. Input 2 PPM
This 4 LED per channel PPM provides indication of the output level of input 1
of the Athens 2 preamplifier.
The marked scale is in dBu and is digitally referenced such that on the
network outputs 0dBu = -18dBFs.
If the gain is set correctly during normal use you would expect the +6 LED to
illuminate occasionally.
If however you are using the -24dBFs output circuits then the front panel PPM
will read 6dB too high and the -6dB LED should become your lineup position.

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Rear Panel
Rear Panel Features
8. Identify Button
This is used in combination with the reset button during software
updates…..see updating firmware for further details.
9. Reset Button
This is used in combination with the Identify button during software
updates…..see updating firmware for further details.
10.Copper Ethernet Ports
These 2 copper RJ45 Ethernet ports can accept standard RJ45 cables or
Neutrik Ethercons. Only one port is required to be connected to your network
to correctly pass Dante®/ AES67 network audio, however both the primary
and secondary ports can be used if a redundant network topology is in use.
Both ports are gigabit Ethernet and the LEDs flash to indicate data is being
correctly communicated with a switch.
Identify Button
SFP Ethernet
Slots
Input 1
Connectors
USB
Reset
Button
Copper Ethernet
Ports
Input 2
Connectors
Mains Input

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11.Input 2 Connectors
These 3 connectors are the audio input circuits from the turntable. Two of the
connectors are the left/ right audio circuits and these are standard RCA
(sometimes called phono) connectors.
The third connector is a 4mm screw terminal used for an audio ground circuit.
If the attached turntable has an equivalent ground/ earth connector then the
two should be connected.
12.IEC Mains
The standard IEC mains plug accepts external AC voltages of 100 -240 VAC
+/- 10%.
There is an internal fuse and maximum current consumption is 10 Watts.
13.USB Connector
This Mini USB connector is used for attaching the Athens 2 to a PC for
updating its firmware. …..see updating firmware for further details.
14.SFP Ethernet Slots
These 2 SFP Ethernet slots can accept most standard SFP (GBIC) modules.
Only one port is required to be connected to your network to correctly pass
Dante®/ AES67 network audio, however both the primary and secondary
ports can be used if a redundant network topology is in use.
Both ports are gigabit Ethernet and the LEDs flash to indicate data is being
correctly communicated with a switch.
15.Input 1 Connectors
These 3 connectors are the audio input circuits from the turntable. Two of the
connectors are the left/ right audio circuits and these are standard RCA
(sometimes called phono) connectors.
The third connector is a 4mm screw terminal used for an audio ground circuit.
If the attached turntable has an equivalent ground/ earth connector then the
two should be connected.

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CARTRIDGE SETUP
For best results it is important to carefully setup the front panel dip switch (input
channel controls) for both channels of both inputs.
Most cartridge manufacturers supply information such as the recommended load
impedance and the recommended load capacitance. The Athens 2’s input should be
set to match these recommended figures.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Input 1’s left and right channels should be setup identically and
input 2’s left and right channels should also be setup identically.
Available Controls
Each input has 3 sets of controls.
1) G…Gain….this adjust the gain of the preamplifier
2) Z…Impedance….this sets the input impedance
3) C…Capacitance….this sets the input capacitance
First Remove The Anti-Tamper Screen
Before adjusting the setup dip switches the Anti-Tamper screen must be removed by
unscrewing the Anti-Tamper screw (this has a standard pozi drive head).
Anti-Tamper Screw

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Gain Settings
NOTE: Please set input impedance and input capacitance prior to setting the gain.
NOTE: Only 1 gain dip switch should be on at any time for gain settings.
The quick and simple way of setting the gain is to connect your turntable and play a
record then adjust the gain dip switches such that the PPM only ever occasionally
peaks at +6.
Cartridge manufacturers usually provide output level information by describing the
output voltage (i.e. 3.5mV (@1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)).
The table below shows average gain settings in dB required on the Athens 2 for
cartridge output level in mV. This table should be used as guidance only.
Cartridge Output level @ 5 cm/sec
Gain Setting Of Athens 2
< 1 mV
60 dB
1 to 2 mV
55 dB
2 to 3 mV
50 dB
3 to 4.5 mV
45 dB
> 3.5mV
40 dB
The picture below shows the position of the gain dip switches (marked as ‘G’ on the
panels) required to achieve specific gain levels.
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
Gain = 40dB
Gain = 45dB
Gain = 50dB
Gain = 60dB
Gain = 55dB

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Input Impedance Settings
Most cartridge manufacturers provide the recommended load impedance for their
cartridges. The Athens 2’s inputs should be set to match this recommended figure as
closely as possible.
4 dip switches adjust the input impedance and more than one dip switch can be
turned on at the same time.
The 4 dip switches that adjust the input impedance are marked on the panel as ‘Z’.
The picture below shows the required position of the Z dip switches for specific input
impedances.
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
Impedance = 47 KOhms
Impedance = 1000 Ohms
Impedance = 470 Ohms
Impedance = 220 Ohms
Impedance = 100 Ohms
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
Impedance = 320 Ohms
Impedance = 180 Ohms
Impedance = 90 Ohms
Impedance = 130 Ohms
Impedance = 76 Ohms
Impedance = 56 Ohms
Impedance = 150 Ohms
Impedance = 80 Ohms
Impedance = 60 Ohms
Impedance = 68 Ohms
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
LEFT CHANNEL Z DIP SWITCHES RIGHT CHANNEL Z DIP SWITCHES

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Input Capacitance Settings
If you’re using a Moving Magnet cartridge then the manufacturer will provide the
recommended load capacitance. The Athens 2’s inputs should be set to match this
recommended figure as closely as possible.
If you’re using a Moving Coil cartridge then the input capacitance should be set to
minimum (15 pF (all capacitance dipswitches off))
4 dip switches adjust the input capacitance and more than one dip switch can be
turned on at the same time.
The 4 dip switches that adjust the input capacitance are marked on the panel as ‘C’.
The picture below shows the required position of the C dip switches for specific input
capacitances.
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
Capacitance = 15 pF
Capacitance = 22,015 pF
Capacitance = 285 pF
Capacitance = 235 pF
Capacitance = 115 pF
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
Capacitance = 22,285 pF
Capacitance = 22,235 pF
Capacitance = 22,115 pF
Capacitance = 22,505 pF
Capacitance = 22,385 pF
Capacitance = 22,605 pF
Capacitance = 505 pF
Capacitance = 385 pF
Capacitance = 605 pF
Capacitance = 335 pF
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
5 6 7 8
LEFT CHANNEL C DIP SWITCHES RIGHT CHANNEL C DIP SWITCHES

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NETWORK dBFs LEVELS
The Athens 2 provides 2 separate stereo network audio outputs for each of the 2
input preamplifiers.
One of these stereo outputs references 0dBu = - 18dBFs
The other of these stereo outputs references 0dBu = -24dBFs
Please note the front panel PPM is set for 0dBu = -18dBFs and if you are working in
an environment utilising 0dBu = -24dBFs then the PPM will read too high and the
-6dB LED will actually represent 0dB.

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CONNECTING THE ATHENS 2 TO A DANTE® NETWORK
The Athens 2 is a network audio devices utilizing the reliable and versatile Dante®
audio over IP protocol. Dante® is a proprietary system (although very widely used)
the originators of which are Audinate.
The information below is only meant as a very basic guide. Full details of the power
of Dante network audio and instructions for using it can be found at
www.audinate.com
Getting Dante Controller
If you are connecting the Athens 2 to a new Dante network the first thing you will
need to do is to get the free Dante controller software from Audinate.
This can be downloaded by visiting Audinate’s web site at www.audinate.com
Connecting Athens 2 To The Network
Athens 2s can be connected to the network that you are going to use for your audio
distribution simply by plugging in either, and, or any of the network connections on
the rear. Once connected to the network it will be possible to see the Athens 2 from
within the Dante controller and route its’ audio circuits.
Audio Over IP Network
We strongly recommend that you consider your network topology carefully and
would not recommend sharing broadcast audio and general data on the same
network.
For more details of audio over IP network structure please visit www.audinate.com

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Running Dante Controller
At the time of writing this manual the Dante Controller looks as per the screenshot
below:
The Athens 2 will have been named at the factory during test to allow them to be
identified by the Dante controller.
The format used for the factory name is:
‘Athens2-snXXX’
The ‘–snXXX’ refers to the serial number of the Athens 2 unit which can be found
printed on the rear of the unit.
Note if you upload a new DNT file or clear the devices config then the name will
change to Athens 2XX-xxXxXx whereby the ‘X’s refer to the devices MAC address.
Dante Controller TIP
If you have never run Dante controller before then make sure that on the bottom left
of the Dante controllers’ screen ‘P’ or ‘S’ is next to a green square as this indicates
that it is connected to a network. By clicking ‘P’ or ‘S’ a pop up box opens to allow
you to set what network interface the controller is using.

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Device Not Showing Up In Dante Controller
If your Dante®device does not show up in Dante®Controller then the most likely
issue is that the device’s IP Address is not appropriate for your network.
A) It maybe that the device is set to obtain an IP address automatically using
DHCP (this is the default configuration) and your network is setup for fixed IP
addresses only and does not have a DHCP server.
B) It maybe that the device has had a fixed IP address assigned but that this
address is not suitable for your network.
The solution to both scenarios is basically the same.
1) You must connect your Dante®device directly to the Ethernet port of your
computer using an Ethernet cable.
2) Make sure that your computer is set to ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’
3) After a few minutes the Dante®device should now appear in Dante®
Controller.
4) Double click the device name to open up device view.
5) Open up the ‘Network Config’ tab
6) Either turn on ‘Obtain an IP Address Automatically’ or correctly configure the
‘Manually configure an IP Address’ options for your network.
7) Click on ‘Apply’ to confirm the new settings, then disconnect the computer and
reconnect the Dante®device to your network.