Musical Surroundings PHONOMENA II User manual

MUSICAL SURROUNDINGS PRESENTS:
THE PHONOMENA II
PHONOGRAPH PREAMPLIFIER
OWNER’S MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0) INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………….…..3
2.0) INTERNAL CONFIGURATION SETTINGS………………………………...4
2.1) BASIC GAIN SETTINGS………………………………………………….4
2.2) GAIN SETTINGS CHART………………………………………………...4
2.3) BASIC INPUT LOADING…………………………………………………5
2.4) INPUT LOADING SETTINGS CHART…………………………………..5
3.0) POWER SUPPLY……………………………………………….……………..6
4.0) INPUTS AND OUTPUTS………………..……………………………………6
5.0) UNIT PLACEMENT……………………………….………………………….6
6.0) USING YOUR PHONOMENA II…….……………………………………….6
7.0) WARRANTY INFORMATION……………………….………………………7

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1.0) INTRODUCTION
The Phonomena II is a complete phonograph preamplifier with RIAA
equalization that amplifies the output signal of a phonograph cartridge, either
moving-coil or moving-magnet, up to a nominal “line level”. The Phonomena
II may be used with a receiver or an integrated amplifier. If you use separate
components, a line level control unit (preamplifier) is required before the
power amp, since there is no independent volume control for the Phonomena
II unit. The Phonomena II’s power supply connects to the wall with the
supplied wall-mount transformer.
Installation and set-up of the Phonomena II is quite simple. It involves:
a.) Setting the two internal configuration settings (one for each channel)
for Gain and Input Loading (see section 2).
b.) Connecting to a power source (with the supplied wall-mount
transformer).
c.) Connecting the Audio Inputs and Outputs (see section 4)
d.) Placing the unit (see section 5).

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2.0) INTERNAL CONFIGURATION SETTINGS
2.1) BASIC GAIN SETTINGS
GAIN SWITCHES
To Set the Gain, there are two sets of four dip switches, located on the
Phonomena II’s back panel (one set each for the left and right channels).
Refer to your phonograph cartridge’s instruction manual for the suggested
Gain setting. Factory Settings are always 40dB for Gain. Lower Gains (40 and
44dB) are effective for moving-magnet cartridges or very high output
moving-coil cartridges (>2.0mV). Medium Gain settings (46 and 50dB) are
ideal for medium-output moving-coils (.9-1.5mV). High Gain settings work
well with low-output moving-coil cartridges. To change settings, use a non-
metallic object to push the switches UP for the ON position.
Always let the unit settle for 60 seconds after any configuration changes are
made before listening. Slowly raise the volume after making any change.
This will ensure that the unit is stable and will not damage your system if the
configuration is not set correctly.

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2.3) BASIC INPUT LOADING SETTINGS
INPUT LOADING SWITCH
To set the Input Loading, there are two eight-position switches, one for each
channel, located on the rear panel. Refer to your cartridge owner’s manual to
determine proper Input Loading settings. The factory setting for Input
Loading is 50,000 Ohms.
Switch #1 controls capacitive loading, which is often used with moving-
magnet cartridges and has little effect on moving-coil cartridges. When using
a moving-coil cartridge, try both capacitive loading positions to determine
the effect. CAPACITIVE LOADING (SWITCH #1): OFF=200pF; ON=300pF.
Switches #2-8 control resistive loading, which is primarily used with lower-
output moving-coil cartridges. Most moving-magnet along with medium and
high-output moving-coil cartridges use approximately 50,000 Ohms. Low-
output moving-coil cartridges typically use 2000 Ohms or less. Check the
chart below and select the closest Input Loading value to the cartridge
manufacturer’s recommended value. Typically, a lower resistive setting
provides increased focus and tighter bass, while a higher setting provides
more openness. Use a non-metallic object to select the proper settings,
flipping the switch UP to activate the ON setting.

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3.0) POWER SUPPLY
The Phonomena II connects to a wall outlet or power strip with the supplied
wall-mount transformer. The unit will not operate without the wall-mount
transformer.
4.0) INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Please make sure that the volume control on your receiver, integrated amp,
or pre-amp is turned completely down before plugging in the audio
connections. Connect the phonograph cables of your turntable to the inputs
of the Phonomena II, noting proper left and right connections. Attach the
turntable’s ground lead to the ground lug on the rear panel of the unit.
Using a high-quality interconnect cable, connect the outputs from the
Phonomena II to the line-level input of your receiver, integrated amplifier or
pre-amp, again noting proper left and right channels. DO NOT PLUG THE
PHONOMENA II OUTPUT INTO A “PHONO” INPUT. Use the standard LINE IN
jacks, as phono jacks often include special circuitry that is not needed when
using a phonograph preamplifier.
5.0) UNIT PLACEMENT
The Phonomena II may be placed under your turntable if space allows, on a
separate shelf in your audio rack, or on top of another source or line-level
component. Please make sure that ventilation to the unit is not restricted,
and that the unit is away from magnetic fields or noise from other
components’ motors, transformers or displays.
6.0) USING YOUR PHONOMENA II
If you have followed the above instructions, you are ready to play music.
Simply cue down your cartridge on a favorite record, select the correct input
on your receiver, integrated amp or pre-amp, slowly bring up the volume
level, and sit back and enjoy the music.

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7.0) WARRANTY INFORMATION
Return the enclosed warranty card to us within 30 days with a copy of your
sales receipt and the Phonomena II will be fully warranted against failure for
three years after purchase. The warranty covers parts and labor only;
damage due to improper use, modifications or acts of nature are not
covered. We do not assume any liability for any damage to any other
component in the system due to a failure in the Phonomena II. If you believe
your unit is malfunctioning, please contact the dealer where you purchased
the unit or contact:
Musical Surroundings
Telephone: [phone] (x-101)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
If the unit is not behaving as expected, and needs to be returned for repair,
contact Musical Surroundings at the above number and you will be issued
you a Return Authorization (RA) number. You must then send the unit
(packed in its original box) back to Musical Surroundings.