lab12 melto2 User manual
LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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Table of Contents
It is yours………………………………………………………………………………
Unpacking and warnings………………………………………………………
Installation & placement………….…………………………………………..
Front panel………………………………….…………………………………………
Rear panel connections………………………………………………………..
Remote Control…………………………………………………….……………….
Main Connections……………………………………………………………….…
For the safety of your equipment………………………………………...
Menu structure……………………………………………………………………..
Available Settings and actions……………………………………………..
1. Input Selection…………………………………….………………….
2. Cartridge Type………………………………………….…………….
3. Gain………………………………………………………………….…...
4. Equalizer Curve……………………………………………..…….….
5. Capacitance………………………………………………………….…
6. Impedance……………………………………………………..........
7. Output Mode……………………………………………………….….
Specifications………………………………………………………….…….…..….
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LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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IT IS YOURS!
Thank you for purchasing Lab12 melto2. Before setting up your new melto2, we encourage you to read this
manual thoroughly and get familiar with its features.
Keep in mind that melto2 is totally handcrafted with perfectly matched parts of the finest selections.
Melto2 is a truly audiophile phono preamplifier with plenty of choices and settings that give you the opportunity
to receive the absolutely best from your turntable/cartridge system. We have chosen a full tube design with no
solid state parts in the signal way and we have managed to precisely handle this very sensitive cartridge signal
to offer a truly musical result. Melto2 is designed to perfectly match with any of the Lab12 amplifiers or
preamplifiers.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this
manual is available on our official website at http://www.lab12.gr
LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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Unpacking
Melto2 should be removed from its box with care. Remove all the foam protective pieces of the box before you
unpack melto2. Unpack melto2 with your hands on both sides of the device. Unpack the Remote Control and
insert the batteries in correct position.
Warnings
No user serviceable parts are included inside. Do not unscrew the cover; high voltages remain after
disconnecting from mains. In case your device requires any kind of service or upgrade, please ship or take your
equipment directly to Lab12 or to one of our authorized dealers or other qualified personnel.
Always use same type of fuse for replacement.
Installation & Placement
Melto2 should be placed on a solid flat surface. You should avoid placing it near a heat source as this could
compromise the performance and reliability. You should never place another component directly on top of this
device. Make sure that your melto2 has an adequate flow of air around it. Melto2 could be warm in some points;
this is normal and within parts’specifications. Take care of the front panel’s glass blasting anodized finishing
using a soft dry cloth. No need to use any sprays or polishes. Never use cleaners containing abrasives, as this
will damage the surface.
LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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Front Panel
Melto2
front pane
l
On the front panel you will see the OLED display, the Navigation rotary knob and the Operation rotary knob.
The left rotary/push knob (A) is there for navigation into device's menu structure.
The OLED display (B) is located in the middle of front panel. There, you can see all the interface menu details.
With the right rotary knob (C) you can manually mute the output of melto2, to easily change a vinyl record or
clean your cartridge needle without having to turn off the phono preamplifier or change your volume setting.
Rear Panel Connections
Melto2 rear
panel
On the rear panel you will find three inputs, two outputs, the main power input and the main power switch.
From left to right you will find three (one for each input) grounding points (A) to connect the ground cable of your
turntable or tonearm. Right after, there are three stereo RCA sockets inputs (B, C, D). Just after, you will find two
pair of RCA and XLR outputs, for left channel (E) and for right channel (F).
On the right side of the rear panel, the main power inlet and the power switch (G) are located. In same position,
Mains safety fuse is located, right bellow mains in socket.
LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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Remote Control
The remote control that comes with the device allows the melto2’s usage from a distance, since all menu
functions can be set in real-time from the listening position. This is a particularly useful feature, that leads to a
quite straightforward cartridge matching procedure. You can change and set all possible combination of settings
while you are listening to music, without need to volume down.
Amplifier Volume setting
Amplifier Input Selection
Melto2 menu navigation
Melto2 menu selection
At the top section of the remote control you can find 4 buttons for the main functions of your Lab12 Integrated
Amplifier/Preamplifier. You can set the volume level from the top pair of buttons and input selection from the
second pair of buttons right below.
At the lower section there are 3 buttons, 2 for navigation and 1 menu selection button of melto2’s functions.
Use the Left - Right arrow (< >)to navigate through menu structure and menu selection button to select the
desirable choice.
LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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Main connections
Melto2 offers three inputs (1, 2 or 3) for connection of an equal number of cartridge/tonearm combinations.
Multiple turntables are supported as well as multiple tonearms on the same turntable. Only low capacitance
shielded cables are recommended.
Using either the single-ended (RCA) or (XLR) outputs, connect melto2 to a line level input of your integrated
amplifier or preamplifier.
Connect the turntable and/or tonearm ground wire to either of the three available ground terminals on the rear
panel of melto2.
Connect a high-grade power cable to the IEC input and to your power socket. Make sure that your power socket
provides a good ground before connecting the power cable.
Melto2 is calibrated and tested connected with a Lab12 Knack mk2 power cable. We strongly suggest to use this
cable.
Notes:
➢Each one of the three inputs can be individually adjusted for the cartridge type, gain, input load and input
capacitance, the type of the de-emphasis applied as well as for stereo or mono mode. Please find further
information in ‘’menu structure’’ chapter.
➢Is absolutely safe to experiment with any settings for your cartridge. There is no way that you can
electrically damage your cartridge after a wrong setting. However, we suggest to begin your configuration
with values near the cartridge manufacturer recommended.
For the safety of your equipment
Make sure that all your equipment is turned off before any
connection.
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Menu structure
All available settings are accessible through the device's OLED display. You can switch among 7 different menu
screens using the "Navigation" rotary/push knob on the left of the face plate or the remote control. Rotate the
knob to navigate through the menu and push it to perform any extra action. See below a brief description of the
available menu items.
Menu item
Brief Description
1
Input Selection
It allows you to choose between any of the three melto2’s available
inputs (1, 2 or 3).
2
Cartridge Type
It allows you to choose between MM (Moving Magnet) or MC
(Moving Coil) Cartridge Type.
3
Gain
For the MC Cartridge Type, it allows you to choose between Low or
Hi Gain.
For the MM Cartridge Type, the setting is locked to higher value.
4
Equalizer Curve
It allows you to choose between RIAA, DECCA or COLUMBIA de-
emphasis curves.
5
Capacitance
For the MM Cartridge Type, it allows you to choose between Lo,
100pF, 200pF or 300pF input capacitance.
For the MC Cartridge Type, the setting is locked to the lower value.
6
Impedance
It allows you to choose between a range of 11 different input
impedance values for the MM Cartridge Type or the MC Gain Hi or
the MC Gain Lo.
7
Output Mode
It allows you to choose between Stereo or Mono Output Mode.
LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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Available Settings and actions (1 –7)
1. Input Selection
You can choose the desirable input between 3 available stereo inputs for the connection of different
tonearm/cartridge combinations. Each one of the three inputs can be individually adjusted. Settings are stored even
if you power off your device for a long period, on the main processor eeprom. Choose the desirable input turning
the rotary knob or push the remote buttons. Input will be engaged 1 second after your selection.
2. Cartridge Type
You can choose between Moving Coil Phono Cartridges (MC) or Moving Magnet Phono Cartridges (MM).
You can choose MM setting for some MC (or other type) high output cartridges as well. The available values for
the other settings (input impedance/capacitance) are different regarding the cartridge type setting.
When MC setting is selected, Lundahl Step Up transformers take care of the low level MC signal before the tube
and equaliser stages. When MM setting is selected, Lundahl transformers are totally bypassed.
Push the rotary knob while you are in the ‘’Cartridge type’ and choose between two selections turning the rotary
knob or push the remote control buttons.
3. Gain
For MC cartridges there are 2 levels of gain available, Hi (64 dB) and Low (58 dB). The available values for the other
settings (input impedance/capacitance) are different regarding the Gain setting. As a general rule for cartridges
with output up to 0.5mV you can choose Hi Gain and for cartridges from 0.5mV to 3.5mV you can choose Low Gain
setting. Experimentation is recommended until you find a setting that suits your cartridge level and personal
preference.
For MM cartridges, the Gain is locked in the higher setting (38dB).
LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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4. Equalizer Curve
You can choose between 3 available de-emphasis curves: RIAA, Decca and Columbia to adjust the frequency
response of melto2 output.
Each record provides the emphasis curve that has been used while it was being produced, but you can try
alternative curves in any record without problem.
In a simple description:
Decca offers higher gain on high frequencies and lower in low frequencies compared with RIAA.
Columbia offers lower gain on high frequencies and higher in low frequencies compared with RIAA.
Input Impedance and Capacitance also affect the balance of the frequency response.
5. Capacitance
For the MM cartridges, you can choose the desirable Input Capacitance. Try values near cartridge manufacturer’s
recommended value to ‘’flatten’’ the response and avoid resonant peaks in higher frequencies. However, the
capacitance values are affected from the cartridge’s design philosophy, as well as from the connecting cables, so
there is no absolutely correct setting. Therefore, experimentation is recommended until you find a setting that
suits your set-up and personal preference.
For the MC Cartridges, the setting is locked to the lower value.
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6.Impedance
You can choose the desirable Input Impedance for the MM or MC cartridges. Try values near cartridge
manufacturer’s recommended value to ‘’flatten’’ the response. However, the impedance values are affected from
the cartridge’s design philosophy, as well as from the gain setting, so there is no absolutely correct setting, and
experimentation is recommended until you find a setting that suits your set-up and personal preference. As a
general rule the higher value that you load your cartridge, gives you higher response on high frequencies.
7. Output Mode
On this menu you can change from Stereo to Mono Mode to take full advantage of any monophonic record and/or
cartridge. On Mono setting, melto2 outputs are ‘’common’’ and exactly same.
User Notes
The melto2 adjustable phono stage is perfectly designed to minimize hum and let the lowest possible noise with
maximum signal headroom. You can use any type of turntable or cartridge with this phono stage. Melto2 allows
the user to optimize the phono stage to the many different cartridges available. It is important to always ground
your tonearm on the grounding sockets of melto2.
LAB12 melto2 - Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier
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Specifications
• Power: 230VAC 50Hz (115VAC 60Hz)
• Power consumption: 100 VA max
• Gain MM: 38dB
• Gain MC: 64dB
• Input impedance: adjustable (50 ohm –47Kohm)
• Input capacitance: adjustable (0-300pF)
• Available curve: RIAA, DECCA, Columbia
• Tube complement: 2x E88CC dual triode, 2x 6n2p-EV dual triode
• Inputs: 3x line stereo (RCA connectors)
• Outputs: 2x line stereo (1x RCA connectors, 1x XLR connectors)
• Available Colours: Matt Black, Frozen Silver
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 43x11x29 cm
• Weight: 8 Kg
Warranty
This device has 5 years warranty from the day of purchase for all parts.
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