Musical Fidelity MM/MC PHONO STAGE M1 VINL User manual

Instructions for use
Thank you for purchasing the Musical Fidelity M1 ViNL
The M1 ViNL consists of a top quality phono stage with precise RIAA or RIAA/IEC frequency response. It
features switchable loading options for all cartridge types and high quality buffered single ended and balanced
outputs.
This combination yields one of the best high-fidelity systems available at any price.
It is designed particularly to be partnered with Musical Fidelity M1/M3/M6 series products or to add top quality
phono playback to any system
The M1 ViNL should give many years of outstanding musical reproduction. Dust regularly with a soft duster or
soft brush, but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents - they may harm the surface finish.
If there are any questions about the audio system, please consult the dealer who is there to help and advise.

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 2 of 12
Section Page
Safety Information – Mains plug (UK only), modification warning 3
General advice – Installation precautions 4
Disposal information – EU disposal information 5
Installation – Introduction, cleaning, installation, power connections, audio
connections
6
Facilities and connections – Illustrations - main unit front & rear panels 7
– Switch on and introduction 8
– Cartridge characteristics
Operation
– Choosing cartridge type, RIAA and RIAA/IEC, MM Loading
resistor selection, MM loading capacitor selection, MC loading
resistor selection, trigger input and output.
9
Problems? – Basic fault finding 10
Specifications 11
Manual history 12
CONTENTS

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 3 of 12
IMPORTANT! (U.K. only)
This unit is supplied in the U.K. with mains lead fitted with a moulded 13 amp plug. If, for any reason, it is
necessary to remove the plug, please remove the fuse holder and dispose of the plug safely, out of reach of
children.
It must not be plugged into a mains outlet.
The wires in the mains lead supplied with this appliance are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green and yellow .............................Earth
Blue................................................ Neutral
Brown ..................................................Live
WARNING – This appliance MUST be earthed
As the colours of the wires of the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings
identifying the terminals in the plug, proceed as follows:
• The wire which is coloured green-and-yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked
with the letter E or coloured green or green-and-yellow, or by the earth symbol:
• The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or
coloured red.
• The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or
coloured black.
• If connecting to a BS1363 plug, a 13 amp fuse must be used.
WARNING:
ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT NOT EXPRESSLY
APPROVED BY MUSICAL FIDELITY WHO IS THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE
FOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER'S
AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.
SAFETY INFORMATIONSAFETY INFORMATION

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 4 of 12
Installation, Precautions & User Information
This new M1 VINL is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance, but as with all electronic devices it
is necessary to observe a few precautions:
• Heed all warnings shown on the back of the product.
• The M1 ViNL has a built-in universal power supply that can be connected to mains of between 80 to 253V
AC r.m.s. 50-60Hz without modification.
• Always ensure that when disconnecting and reconnecting your audio equipment the mains supply is
switched off.
• Position the mains lead and signal interconnects where they are not likely to be walked on or trapped by
items placed on them.
• Do not use near water, or place water-filled containers on the M1 VINL, for example, a flower vase or potted
plants. If water does spill inside, immediately pull out the mains plug from the wall socket and inform
the dealer, who should then check the unit before further use. Entry of liquid into the M1VINL is
dangerous, and may cause electric shock or fire hazard.
• Do not place the unit near direct heat sources such as radiators, direct sunlight or other equipment.
• Do not remove any covers or try to gain access to the inside. There are no user adjustments or fuses to
change without qualification. Refer all service work to an authorised Musical Fidelity agent.
* Note: Unauthorised opening of the equipment will invalidate any warranty claim.
• Dust regularly with a soft cloth or soft brush but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents - they
may harm the surface finish.
The electronics in modern hi-fi equipment is complex and may, therefore, be adversely affected or damaged by
lightning. For protection of the audio system during electrical storms, remove the mains plugs.
If after-sales service is required, to help the dealer identify the M1 VINL please quote the serial number located
on the rear panel of the unit.
GENERAL ADVICE

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 5 of 12
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.
DISPOSITION
La poubelle sur roulettes barrées X, qui apparaît en logo sur le panneau arrière du produit, indique que celui-ci 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.
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.
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.
AFSKAFNING
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. Kontakt venligst de lokale myndigheder eller din forhandler for
oplysning om nærmeste tilgængelige opsamlingssted for elektronikaffald.
 
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         .
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ITEM DISPOSAL INFORMATION

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 6 of 12
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of the new M1 ViNL player. This unit will give top quality performance when
used as a top quality record player delivering the best performance possible from vinyl recordings.
Cleaning
Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket.
Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist cloth. Using solvents, white spirit or thinners is not
advised, as they could damage the surface finish.
Installation
Position the M1 ViNL on a stable, horizontal surface where there is no risk of it being knocked, or subjected to
vibration such as from loudspeakers.
Important note:
The M1 VINL must be protected from humidity – if the unit is moved from a cold place to a warm
room, leave the unit for an hour or so to allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate.
Please note: Musical Fidelity currently do not make any interconnecting cables, nor do we endorse any
particular manufacturer’s cables. If required, please refer to the Musical Fidelity dealer who can advise on
suitable quality cables for any particular setup.
Power Connections
The M1 ViNL is supplied with a standard IEC mains cable which plugs into the IEC socket at the back of the
unit. The unit features a universal power supply that can work anywhere in the world without reconfiguring.
Audio Connections
MM inputs: Connect left and right outputs from turntable/moving magnet cartridge to left and right MM input on
M1 ViNL. Use good quality fully shielded and connected (signal and ground) cables for optimum signal transfer
and minimum hum.
MC inputs: Connect left and right outputs from turntable/moving coil cartridge to left and right MC input on M1
ViNL. Use good quality fully shielded and connected (signal and ground) cables for optimum signal transfer and
minimum hum. If connecting a high output MC cartridge to the MC input results in a excessively high sound
output, it is perfectly in order to move it to the MM input and re-select input and loading options accordingly.
Make sure that the cartridge/turntable outputs are connected to the correct INPUTs for MM or MC. High
output MC cartridges are catered for in both MM and MC input options.
RCA Outputs: Connect left and right outputs to left and right line input on pre- or integrated amplifier. Use
good quality fully shielded and connected (signal and ground) coaxial cables for optimum signal transfer.
XLR (balanced) outputs: Connect left and right XLR outputs to left and right XLR line input on pre- or
integrated amplifier. Use good quality fully shielded and connected (signal and ground) XLR cables for optimum
signal transfer.
Trigger Connections
Trigger input: Connect system triggering device output to this socket. Use good quality 3.5mm mono jack
cable. Unit accepts 4.5V-15V DC triggering, either polarity.
Trigger output: Connect further devices in the system to be triggered into this socket. Use good quality 3.5mm
mono jack cable. Unit passes on +12V DC at up to 60mA, for further devices.
Earth Connection
The green earthing post should only be connected when excessive hum is experienced. Connect
the turntable earthing lead to this post if hum is noticed. If hum worsens when this post thus
connected, then disconnect immediately and investigate the cause elsewhere.
Note: some systems may have more than one direct earth point(s) already involved. This could cause
hum problems that may only become apparent on connecting in this unit. Thus the M1 ViNL may not be
the root cause of hum detected in a system.
There is no harm done if no connection is made to this terminal, as it is not always needed anyway, for
example, some turntables have their own earthing arrangement.
INSTALLATION

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 7 of 12
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 DISPLAY LCD backlit black and white
2 POWER ON/STANDBY button
3 MM moving magnet selector button
4 MM-R MM load resistor selector button
5 MM-C MM load capacitor selector button
6 MC moving coil selector button
7 MC-R MC load resistor selector button
8 RIAA/IEC response selector button
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
9 EARTH 4mm banana post
10 MOVING MAGNET input left and right RCA
11 MOVING COIL input left and right RCA
12 XLR BALANCED OUTPUT right
13 SINGLE ENDED OUTPUT left and right RCA
14 XLR BALANCED OUTPUT left
15 TRIGGER IN 3.5mm jack input
16 TRIGGER OUT 3.5mm jack output
17 MAINS INPUT IEC socket
FACILITIES & CONNECTIONS

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 8 of 12
Switch on and introduction.
Make sure the unit is fully connected up and plugged into the mains.
Check that the cartridge/turntable outputs are connected to the correct inputs (MM or MC) for the cartridge
being used.
The orange POWER/STBY LED will be lit indicating the presence of mains supply. Press the POWER/STBY
button on front panel.
The POWER/STBY LED will go out, and the display should light up and briefly show the product name.
Then the display reverts to the current phono option settings for the unit.
Please note: A great deal of effort has gone into making sure that the unit exhibits no loud noises through the
system during switching options or on/off. However, once installed into a hifi system, it is still a very high gain
(amplification) amplifier at the beginning of a high amplification chain. Therefore, cranking the main amplifier
volume to maximum and listening for clicks/thumps is neither recommended nor sensible. With this in mind, it is
strongly recommended that the option buttons are only pressed when the volume is turned down (or muted), to
avoid any accidental loud transients getting though to the speakers. Once options are set, the volume should
then be turned back to normal listening level.
Cartridge characteristics
For setting the various loading characteristics, the cartridge manufacturer’s data sheets or setup information
should be consulted.
In a lot of cases the settings are not critical, and may even be changed to suit personal preference, if any
audible differences are apparent.
No damage will normally occur to an “incorrectly” loaded cartridge; at very worse a slightly impaired or non-
optimal frequency response and/or increased distortion may result.
M1 ViNL
Cartridge - MM
RIAA 47K 50pF
OPERATION

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 9 of 12
Choosing cartridge type
Select the cartridge being used by pressing the MM or MC button. The display shows current selection and the
correct input sockets are automatically switched in.
RIAA and RIAA/IEC
This setting is common to both MM and MC cartridge types.
The -IEC option alters the normal RIAA frequency response by rolling off (reducing) the output at very low
frequencies i.e. around 20Hz and below. See chart on P.11 for more information.
This can help to prevent distortion and/or overload of subsequent amplifier/speaker systems by low frequency
artefacts such as record warp, surface noise or rumble.
Press the RIAA/IEC button to select IEC response. The display will indicate “IEC” to show that the IEC roll-off is
implemented. Press RIAA/IEC button again to display “RIAA” and the output response is now without roll-off.
MM loading resistor selection
The load resistor for MM cartridge is selected by pressing MM-R button. There are two options available, 47K
(47,000 ohms, or 47K) or 68K.
Press the MM-R button to select 68K. Press MM-R button again to revert to 47K. Choose the option
recommended by the cartridge manufacturer. If no recommendation is apparent, start by using the 47K option.
MM loading capacitor selection
The load capacitor for MM cartridge is selected by pressing MM-C button. There are 8 options available, 50pF
(pico-farads), 100pF, 150pF, 200pF, 250pF, 300pF, 350pF, 400pF.
Use the MM-C button to cycle through the options, until the closest one to the cartridge manufacturer’s
recommendation is displayed. If no recommendation is apparent, start by using the 50pF option.
MC loading resistor selection
The load resistor for MC cartridge is selected by pressing MC-R button. There are 10 options available, 10R
(also written as 10or 10 ohms), 18R, 25R, 50R, 100R, 200R, 400R, 800R, 1600R, or 47K (also written as
47,000 or ohms).
Use the MC-R button to cycle through the options, until the closest one to the cartridge manufacturer’s
recommendation is displayed. If no recommendation is apparent, start by using the 1600R option.
There is a 47K setting in MC which is recommended for the higher output type MC cartridges giving out approx
1mV or more. If, however, connecting a high output MC cartridge to the MC input results in a excessively high
sound output, it is perfectly in order to move it to the MM input and select input and loading options accordingly.
Note: The MC input capacitor is fixed and cannot be changed. This capacitor does not affect loading at
such low impedances.
Trigger input and output
The unit can be triggered to switch on or off remotely by applying a ±4.5 to ±15V DC signal to the 3.5mm (”)
TRIGGER INPUT from an external triggering device. Any further devices to be triggered on/off may be
connected to the TRIGGER OUTPUT jack as it replicates the TRIGGER INPUT signal. This will form a chain of
devices that will switch on and off together. N.B. the on/off triggering action works from ANY device in the
chain, whether at the beginning, middle or end of the chain.
Cartridge - MC
RIAA 100R 470pF
Cartridge - MM
RIAA 47K 400pF
Cartridge - MM
RIAA 68K 50pF
Cartridge - MM
IEC 47K 50pF
OPERATION

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 10 of 12
Basic problem-solving with an amplifier is similar to troubleshooting other electrical or electronic equipment.
Always check the most obvious possible causes first, such as the following examples:
Problem Probable Cause Remedy
No power Mains power supply is not fully inserted
into mains socket
Mains power supply lead is not fully
inserted into rear socket
Plug in securely
No sound Wrong connections between input
sources and the unit
Cartridge incorrectly wired
Check audio input and output lead
connections
Check cartridge wiring
Sound too quiet/loud Cartridge/turntable outputs in wrong input Use MM input for MM cartridges;
MC input for MC cartridges.
Sound is not precise, lacking in
bass and stereo image
Cartridge incorrectly wired
Input connector plugs not fully pushed in
Output connector plugs not fully pushed in
Double-check cartridge wiring using
cartridge and turntable
manuals/wiring diagrams.
Check plugs are inserted fully and
securely
Hum Turntable not earthed or needs earthing
Turntable already earthed and earthing
further creates hum loop in system
Earth loops already in system
Audio connector plug not fully pushed in
Cable fault
Unsuitable Cable
(e.g. cable grounds not connected)
Check turntable earthing lead is
connected to earthing post on M1
ViNL.
Disconnect earthing lead from
earthing post.
Investigate for earth loops
elsewhere in system.
Insert plug securely
Check cable is connected at both
ends.
N.B. some esoteric cables have
internal wiring intentionally
disconnected/modified. For best
results on all inputs AND outputs,
please use good quality screened
coax; fully connected signal-to
signal, screen-to-screen.
Plop or click heard in speakers
when switching on or off or
changing options
High gain of M1 ViNL, amplifying normal
circuit transients.
Not a fault. It is recommended that
the volume level on amplifier is
turned down if switching the M1
ViNL on or off; or pressing option
switches whilst connected.
Distorted sound Cartridge and/or tone arm not aligned
properly
Cartridge fault or worn needle
Dirt on record
Carefully follow turntable
instructions to correctly re-align
tone arm and cartridge.
Replace needle or cartridge.
Clean dust and dirt from record
Distorted and loud sound Line outputs of M1 ViNL plugged into
PHONO amplifier inputs of following
amplifier
Use LINE level inputs only, e.g. an
AUX input, for the outputs of the M1
ViNL.
If none of these actions affect a cure, please contact the dealer, or an authorised Musical Fidelity service agent.
Remember; never open the case of the M1 ViNL, as this will invalidate the guarantee.
PROBLEMS?

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 11 of 12
SPECIFICATIONS
MM input
Frequency response RIAA or RIAA/IEC (selectable) ±0.2dB
Input sensitivity 3mV in for 300mV out (at 1 kHz)
Input impedance 47Kor 68Kselectable
Input capacitance 50-400pF selectable
THD at 1 kHz <0.01%
Overload margin 31dB
Signal to noise ratio >90dB “A”-wtd.
MC input
Frequency response RIAA or RIAA/IEC (selectable) ±0.2dB
Input sensitivity 500µV in for 300mV out (at 1 kHz)
Input impedance 10to 47Kselectable
Input capacitance 470pF fixed
THD at 1 kHz <0.01%
Overload margin 31dB
Signal to noise ratio >88dB “A”-wtd.
Phono MM and MC
frequency response
-25.00
-20.00
-15.00
-10.00
-5.00
0.00
5.00
10.00
15.00
20.00
25.00
20 44 100 240 480 800 1300 2400 4000 6800 12000 20000
Frequency,
Hz
dB rel . 1kHz
RIAA
RIAA/IEC
Line level outputs
1 pair RCA (phono) left and right 300mV nom 10V max
1 pair XLR (balanced) left and right 600mV nom 20V max
Trigger control
Input 3.5mm (”) mono jack ±4.5 to ±15V DC
Output 3.5mm (”) mono jack +12V DC
Power requirement
Mains voltages 80-250V AC 50/60Hz universal power supply
Consumption 10 Watts maximum
<0.5W in standby (orange LED on)
Weight
Unit only, unboxed 3.5 kg (7¾ lbs)
In shipping carton 4.0 kg (8lbs) including accessories
Dimensions
220 mm (8”) Wide
100 mm (4”) High, including feet
300 mm (12”) Deep (front to back) including terminals
Standard accessories
IEC moulded mains lead 10-Amp type
Musical Fidelity reserves the right to make improvements which may result in
specification or feature changes without notice. E&OE.

M1 ViNL manual issue 2.doc2 Page 12 of 12
MANUAL HISTORY
RELEASE DATE CHANGES
Issue 1 14th April 2011 1st issue
Issue 2 12th January 2012 P.7 indicator 14 corrected.