Musical Surroundings SuperNova 2 User manual

Musical Surroundings Presents:
The SuperNova 2
preamplifier
owner’s manual
SuperNova Preamplifier
Source Selector
Attenuator
Musical Surroundings
Status
left
right
PHONO 2
AUX
PHONO 1
0dB
-.5
-1
-1.7
-2.3
-3 -5 -7.5

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
2
Musical Surroundings Presents:
The SuperNova 2 preamplifier
table of contents
Introduction
the SuperNova 2 3
Standard configuration 3
Power Amp-Direct configuration 3
overview of the setup process 3
front panel 4
rear panel 5
CONFIGURATION OPTIONS:
1) standard configuration 6
1.1) output connection 6
1.2) input setup 7
1.2.1) setting the input loading 7
1.2.2) setting the gain 8
1.3) battery power supply 9
2) power amp-direct configuration 11
2.1) output connection 11
2.2) input setup 12
2.2.1) setting the input loading 13
2.2.2) setting the gain 14
2.3) battery power supply 15
mike yee’s notes 15
warranty information 16

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
3
Introducing: the SuperNova 2
The SuperNova 2 is an extremely versatile preamplifier that delivers an accurate,
rich, precise representation of recorded sound, allowing users to hear music as it was
meant to be heard. The SuperNova 2 accepts two phono cartridges and, if used in
Power Amp-Direct setup, an additional line-level input. The unit also has independent
Input Loading and Gain settings and comes with a Battery Power Supply that allows
the unit to run powered by four fully-rechargeable battery packs, which frees the
system from noise and distortion from AC power and improves the sound accuracy
even further.
.
First, determine whether you should connect the unit in the Standard configuration
(line-level output) or the Power Amp-Direct configuration (variable output).
Standard configuration (fixed output)
?For reasons of convenience, many users will want to connect their SuperNova 2
so that it will deliver a line-level signal. We call this the Standard configuration.
?In this setup the SuperNova 2 might be one of several sources to be connected to
a line-level destination which controls volume and features.
?If the user requires a wider dynamic range of attenuation (i.e., for quieter
listening), the Standard configuration is recommended.
Power Amp-Direct configuration (variable output)
?Users who listen primarily to LPs (and one other line-level source), and don’t
mind having a system devoted to that, will prefer connecting the SuperNova 2
directly to a power amp. We call this the Power Amp-Direct configuration.
?This setup eliminates the line-stage from the signal path for cleaner sound.
?Since most power amps do not offer independent volume control, the Attenuator
knob on the front panel serves as a volume control when in Power Amp-Direct.
?The SuperNova 2 accepts two phono inputs and one line-level input.
Overview of the setup process:
?Determine output preference and connect SuperNova 2 output jacks to their
destination.
?Connect input cables (from turntables or line-level source) to the appropriate
input jacks on the rear panel of the SuperNova 2. Secure any ground wire(s) to
the grounding lug.
?Set Input Loading and Gain for each source.
?Connect the SuperNova 2 by ribbon cable to the Battery Power Supply, which
connects to wall power via the supplied power cord.
?After powering up, fine-tune Input Loading, Gain and Attenuation (if needed).
Refer to either Part 1 (Standard configuaration) or Part 2 (Power Amp-Direct
configuration) for more detailed setup instructions.

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
4
Front Panel
The front panel of the SuperNova 2 provides user controls for source input and,
when in the Power-Amp-Direct configuration, Attenuation.
?The Source Select knob allows switching between three input sources, two Phono
inputs for cartridges and one line-level input. The line-level input is used in Power
Amp-Direct configuration.
?The 11-step (mute to 0 dB) passive Attenuator provides volume control while in
Power Amp-Direct.
?The two (left and right channel) LEDs indicate operating mode (wall power or
battery power).
Front Panel Diagram
output attenuation knob
attenuation ranges from MUTE to zero dB
source select knob
(PHONO 1, PHONO 2, AUXILIARY)
status
indicators.
Musical Surroundings
Status
OutputAttenuator SourceSelect
Left
Right
SuperNova Preamplifier
mute
-17-11 -7.5 -5 -3 -2.3-1.7 -1 -.5
0db
PHONO 1 PHONO 2 AUX

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
5
Rear Panel
The SuperNova 2’s rear panel features left and right inputs (for three sources), left
and right outputs (for two configurations), left and right Input Loading and Gain
switch banks, Auxiliary Attenuation switch banks, -20db switch bank, ground lug and
power module.
?Input jacks are accepted from two cartridges and one auxiliary line-level source.
?There are two sets of output jacks (variable and fixed).
?Input Loading (8-switch banks) and Gain (4-switch banks) are user-adjustable for
each cartridge.
?Auxiliary Attenuation (2-switch banks) is user-adjustable.
?The –20dB switch (for high-output cartridges) is user-adjustable.
?Power Module connects a ribbon cable to the SuperNova Power Supply.
?A general guide to Input Loading and Gain settings is provided on the rear panel
(see pages 8 and 9 for Input Loading and Gain settings charts).
Rear Panel Diagram
PHONO 1 SETTINGS:
Example A: low-output moving-coil cartridge
GAIN: 60 db (all switches on).
LOADING: 475 ohms (switch 5 on; all others on).
PHONO 2 SETTINGS:
GAIN: 50 db (switch 2 on; all others off)
LOADING: 1K ohms (switch 6 on; all others off).
Example B: medium-output moving-coil cartridge
power module
PHONO 1 PHONO 2 AUXILIARY
INPUT
LOADING
INPUT
LOADING
GAIN
SWITCHES GAIN
SWITCHES
ATTENUATION FIXED OUTPUT VARIABLEOUTPUT
-20db 0db GROUND
FIXED OUTPUT VARIABLEOUTPUT
LEFT
RIGHT
ATTENUATION
GAIN
SWITCHES
INPUT
LOADING INPUT LOADING
LEFT
RIGHT
PHONO
INPUTLOADING
SWITCHES
sw1off: 200 pF
on: 300 pF
sw2on: 59 Ohms
sw3on: 121 Ohms
sw4on: 243 Ohms
sw5on: 475 Ohms
sw6on:1,000 Ohms
sw7on:2,000 Ohms
sw8on:50,000 Ohms
ALL OFF: 10,000 Ohms
POWER
1
2
0db
-20db
MUSICAL SURROUNDINGS - MADE IN U.S.A.
1 2 3 4
O
N
1234
O
N
1 2 3 7 8
O
N
1 2 3 7 8
5
O
N
1 2 3 4
O
N
1234
O
N
1234 6785
O
N
1 2 3 4 6 7 85
O
N
1 2 3 4
O
N
1 2 3 4
O
N
AUXILIARY
ATTENUATION:
sw1:-19dB
sw2:-10dB
sw3:-6dB
sw4:-0dB
ON = UP
OFF = DOWN
PHONO
GAIN SWITCHES:
ALL ON: 60 dB
sw1on: 56 dB
sw2on: 50 dB
sw3on: 46 dB
sw4on: 44 dB
ALL OFF: 40 dB
DO NOT LEAVE THE SUPERNOVA CONNECTED TO THE
POWER SUPPLY IF THE POWER SUPPLY IS UNPLUGGED
FROM THE WALL. THIS WILL DAMAGE THE BATTERIES.
46
64 5
GAIN
SWITCHES
-20 dB switches
ground lug
right channel
inputs
gain
switches
left channel
input loading
switches
left channel inputs
right channel
input loading
switches
gain and loading
settings
left channel
auxiliary
attenuation
right channel
auxiliary
attenuation
left channel
output jacks
(standard)
left channel
output jacks
(power amp-direct)
right channel
output jacks
(power amp-direct)
right channel
output jacks
(standard)

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
6
1. Standard configuration
1.1 Output Connection (Standard configuration)
In this configuration, the user has chosen to connect the SuperNova 2 to a line-level
destination.
?With power off to all equipment, connect cables from SuperNova 2’s output jacks
(fixed output) to the line-in input jacks of the line-level destination.
Standard Configuration Diagram
The third input, AUXILIARY, is for use only in Power Amp-Direct configuration, and is
inactive in Standard configuration.
SPEAKER
POWER
AMPLIFIER
PHONO1 PHONO 2
SPEAKER
LINE-STAGE
AMPLIFIER
TUNER
Musical Surroundings
Status
Output Attenuator SourceSelect
Left
Right
SuperNova Preamplifier
mute
-17-11-7.5-5 -3 -2.3 -1.7-1 -.5
0db
PHONO1 PHONO2 AUX
LINE-LEVEL SOURCE
SuperNova 2

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
7
1.2 Input Connections (Standard configuration)
Input connections are accepted from two phono sources and one line-level source.
?Connect cables from turntable(s) to Phono 1, Phono 2 or both.
?Connect ground wire(s) to ground lug.
?You are now ready to set the Input Loading and Gain to fit your specific
cartridge(s)
Inputs Diagram
1.2.1 Setting the Input Loading (Standard Configuration)
The Input Loading switch packs are located on the back panel. Use a non-metallic
tool to set the switches (up=on; down=off).
?Switch 1 controls Capacitive Loading, which is generally used with moving-
magnet cartridges and has little effect on moving-coil cartridges. Adjust switch 1
as follows: sw1off = 200pF; sw1on = 300pF.
?Switches 2-8 control Resistive Loading, which is primarily used with lower-output
moving-coil cartridges.
?Consult the chart below to find the setting that corresponds most closely to the
cartridge manufacturer’s recommendations found in the Owner’s Manual or at the
manufacturer’s website.
?Moving-magnet and high-output moving-coil cartridges use around 50,000 ohms.
?Low-output moving-coil cartridges typically use 1,000 ohms or less.
?Typically, a low-output moving-coil cartridge should be loaded to ten times its
output impedance. Thus cartridges with an internal impedance of less than ten
INPUT
LOADING
INPUT
LOADING
GAIN
SWITCHES GAIN SWITCHES
ATTENUATION
ATTENUATION
GAIN
SWITCHES
INPUT
LOADING INPUT LOADING
LEFT
RIGHT
1 2 3 4
O
N
1 2 3 4
O
N
1 2 3 7 8
O
N
123
6
7 8
5
O
N
1 2 3 4
O
N
1 2 3 4
O
N
1234 6785
O
N
1 2 3 4 6 7 85
O
N
1 2 3 4
O
N
1234
O
N
AUXILIARY
ATTENUATION:
sw1:-19dB
sw2:-10dB
sw3:-6dB
sw4:-0dB
46
64 5
INPUT LOADING
SWITCHES
GAIN
SWITCHES
INPUT
JACKS
INPUT LOADING
SWITCHES
INPUT
JACKS
AUXILIARY
ATTENUATION
SWITCHES
GAIN
SWITCHES
AUXILIARY
ATTENUATION
SWITCHES

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
8
ohms will be more sensitive to loading settings below 300 ohms, which are
provided in the SuperNova 2.
?The factory setting for is 200pf/50,000 ohms.
?After setting the switches a user may fine-tune the switch settings by ear to
personal taste.
?Typically, a lower setting provides increased focus and tighter bass, while a
higher setting provides more openness.
Input Loading Settings Chart
LOADING switch # LOADING switch #
(ohms) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (ohms) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
31 on on on on on off off 96 off on off on off off off
32 on on on on off off off 101 off on off off on on off
33 on on on off on off off 107 off on off off on off off
34 on on on off off off off 113 off on off off off on off
35 on on off on on on off 120 off on off off off off off
36 on on off on off on off 129 off off on on on on off
38 on on off off on on off 137 off off on on on off off
40 on on off off off off off 148 off off on on off on off
41 on off on on on on off 160 off off on on off off off
43 on off on on off off off 176 off off on off on on off
45 on off on off on off off 193 off off on off on off off
48 on off on off off off off 214 off off on off off on off
50 on off off on on off off 240 off off on off off off off
53 on off off on off off off 279 off off off on on on off
56 on off off off on off off 322 off off off on on off on
60 on off off off off off off 384 off off off on off on on
64 off on on on on off off 480 off off off on off off off
68 off on on on off off off 658 off off off off on on on
74 off on on off on off off 1000 off off off off on off off
80 off on on off off off off 2000 off off off off off on off
87 off on off on on off off 50,000 off off off off off off on
91 off on off on off on off 100,000 off off off off off off off
1.2.2 Setting the Gain (Standard configuration)
The Gain switches are located on the back panel. Use a non-metallic tool to adjust
the settings (up=on, down=off).
?The chart below provides a general guide to choosing Gain settings appropriate to
your cartridge.
?There are 16 total possible Gain combinations.
?After adjusting the gain to match factory recommendations, settings may be
further fine-tuned to personal taste or system characteristics.
?Generally, lower Gain settings (40dB) are intended for moving-magnet cartridges
or high-output moving-coil cartridges.

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
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?Higher gain settings are intended for use with low-output moving-coil cartridges
(0.5mV or so).
?To reduce Gain to below 40dB (e.g., with a high-output cartridge) use the -20dB
Gain Switches located on the Rear Panel.
Note: Always let the unit settle for 60 seconds after any configuration changes are
made before listening. Slowly raise the volume control to insure that the unit is
stable and will not damage your system if the configuration is not set correctly.
Gain Settings Chart
GAIN switch #
(dB) 1 2 3 4
40 off off off off
43.5 off off off on
46 off off on off
48 off off on on
50 off on off off
51.5 off on off on
52.7 off on on off
53.8 off on on on
55.6 on off off off
56.3 on off off on
56.9 on off on off
57.5 on off on on
58.4 on on off off
58.9 on on off on
59.4 on on on off
59.9 on on on on
1.3 Battery Power Supply (Standard configuration)
The SuperNova 2 Battery Power Supply connects to the wall via the supplied power
cord, and to the SuperNova 2 chassis via the supplied ribbon cable. The ribbon cable
clips into the power module at the base of the rear panel. Use care not to bend or
crinkle the ribbon cable.
?The connection of the Battery Supply Unit is the same in either Standard or
Power Amp-Direct configuration.
?Switch the Battery Power Supply to battery mode (green) by pressing the switch
on the unit’s front panel.
?When you have finished listening, switch the unit back into charging mode (red).
If you forget to do this, the unit will initiate the charging cycle itself, although we
recommend that you not let this happen frequently. This will maximize the life of
your battery packs.
?The unit is guaranteed to operate for at least three hours in battery mode.

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
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The LED on the front panel indicates the status of the unit:
1) GREEN = battery mode: unit is operating on battery power.
2) RED = charged mode: batteries are fully charged; unit is operating on wall power.
3) BLINKING RED = charging mode; unit is operating on wall power.
Battery Power Supply Front Panel Diagram
Battery Power Supply Rear Panel Diagram
WARNING: DO NOT leave the SuperNova 2 connected to the power supply if the
power supply is unplugged from the wall. This will damage the batteries.
SuperNova Power Supply
Musical Surroundings
mode
Green or red LED
indicating status mode switch
supernova voltage
DO NOT LEAVE THE SUPERNOVA CONNECTED TO THE
POWER SUPPLY IF THE POWER SUPPLY IS UNPLUGGED
FROM THE WALL. THIS WILL DAMAGE THE BATTERIES.
120VAC - 60 HZ
220VAC - 50 HZ 60W
mains
made in U.S.A.
outlet to
wall power
voltage
type
output to SuperNova
Important warning
to preserve batteries