Musical Surroundings SuperNova 2 User manual

Musical Surroundings Presents:
The SuperNova 2
preamplifier
owner’s manual

SuperNova 2 owner’s manual
2
Musical Surroundings Presents:
The SuperNova 2
preamplifier
table of contents
Introduction
the SuperNova 2 1
Standard configuration 1
Power Amp-Direct configuration
overview of the setup process 1
front panel diagram 2
rear panel diagram 3
CONFIGURATION OPTIONS:
1) standard configuration
1.1) output connection 4
1.2) input setup 5
1.2.1) setting the input loading 6
1.2.2) setting the gain
1.3) battery power supply
2) power amp-direct configuration
2.1) output connection 8
2.2) input setup 9
2.2.1) setting the input loading 10
2.2.2) setting the gain 11
2.3) battery power supply
mike yee’s notes
warranty information 14

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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.
.
The first decision to make is whether to connect the unit in the Standard
configuration (fixed or 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 to a line-level destination.
•We call this the Standard configuartion.
•In this setup the SuperNova 2 might be one of several sources to be connected to
a standard 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)
•Many users who listen primarily to just two source types (i.e., LPs and CDs), 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 11-step
Attenuator knob on the front panel serves as a volume control when in Power
Amp-Direct.
•Two phono inputs and one line-level input are allowed.
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).

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Refer to either Part 1 (Standard configuaration) or Part 2 (Power Amp-Direct
configuration) for more detailed setup instructions.
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

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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)

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.
The LED on the front panel indicates the status of the unit:

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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.

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2) Power Amp-Direct Configuration
(Variable Output)
2.1) Output Connection (Power Amp-Direct
configuration)
In this configuration, the user has chosen to connect the SuperNova 2 directly to a
power amplifier.
•Connect the SuperNova 2’s variable output jacks to the power amp.
•Since a power amp generally does not feature independent volume control, the
Attenuator Knob on the SuperNova 2’s front panel serves as the master volume
control when in the Power Amp-Direct configuration.
•The range of Attenuation is set by the Auxiliary Attenuation switches on the rear
panel.
Power Amp-Direct Configuration (variable output)

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2.2) Input Connections (Power Amp-Direct
configuration)
The SuperNova 2 accepts two phono inputs (Phono 1, Phono 2) and an Auxiliary line-
level input. In the Power Amp-Direct configuration all three are active.
•Connect cables from turntable(s) to Phono 1, Phono 2 or both.
•Connect ground wire(s) to ground lug.
•If the user wishes to have convenient access to a CD player, tuner or other line-
level source, connect line-out cables from the source to the Auxiliary inputs.
•The Auxiliary Attenuation switches on the rear panel allow the user to balance
Auxiliary Gain levels to the Phono Inputs.
Inputs (diagram)
2.2.1) Setting the Input Loading
(Power Amp-Direct 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.

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•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
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

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2.1.2) Setting the Gain
(Power Amp-Direct configuration)
The Gain switches are located on the rear 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.
•Gain setting selection will be based on your system characteristics to optimize the
range of the 11-step Attenuator on the front panel. We recommend the following
process:
•Mute the Attenuator and play a favorite LP. Play the loudest section of a familiar
piece.
•Slowly turn the Attenuator to the right until the system is at full volume.
•Use a non-metallic tool to adjust the Gain switches on the rear panel so that the
“full-volume” Attenuator setting (0dB) is slightly louder than you would ever want
to hear it.
•You have now set the proper Gain level for one Phono input. Repeat for the other
Phono input if you will be using a second turntable or cartridge.
•If you are using a line-level source through the Auxiliary input, you may adjust
the Auxiliary Attenuation to balance it to the Phono inputs for smooth switching.
•Do so by playing a familiar CD or line-level signal (again, loudest section). Turn
the Attenuator to the “full-volume” (0dB) position. Adjust the Auxiliary
Attenuation switches so that the volume is slightly louder than you would ever
want to hear it.
Gain Settings
(chart)
GAIN switch # GAIN switch #
(dB) 1 2 3 4 (dB) 1 2 3 4
40 off off off off 55.6 on off off off
43.5 off off off on 56.3 on off off on
46 off off on off 56.9 on off on off
48 off off on on 57.5 on off on on
50 off on off off 58.4 on on off off
51.5 off on off on 58.9 on on off on
52.7 off on on off 59.4 on on on off
53.7 off on on on 59.9 on on on on
•To reduce Gain to below 40dB (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; this insures that the unit is
stable and will not damage your system if the configuration is not set correctly.

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2.3) Battery Power Supply (Power Amp-Direct
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.
The left and right channel LEDs on the front panel indicate 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)
NOTE: Do not leave the SuperNova 2 connected to the Battery Power Supply
if the BPS is unplugged from the wall. This will damage the batteries.
Mike Yee’s notes (on the SuperNova)
The SuperNova switching between the inputs does not actually switch the inputs and
loading, but rather by three independent front ends that are switched by means of

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switching the current source to one of the front ends. The outputs of the front ends
are summed into the back-end circuitry. In this way no switching occurs in the signal
path when not using the switched attenuator.
The SuperNova is fully dual mono and is powered from a remote dual mono power
supply. The remote power supply supports NiMH rechargeable batteries but is
designed to work perfectly without the batteries. The batteries will allow the
SuperNova to run completely isolated from the wall power for a period of three
hours. There are four independent charging circuits for the four battery packs. The
SuperNova has an 11-position switched attenuator output that allows "direct output"
to a power amplifier.
HOW THE LIMITED ATTENUATOR WORKS:
Gain in a typical system: Gain with an attenuated SuperNova:
MC Phono Stage 60dB MC Phono Stage 40dB
Line Amp 18dB Power Amp 30dB
Power Amp 30dB Total Gain 70dB
Total Gain = 108dB Required Attenuation -5dB
Required Attenuation -30dB
Most Audio systems have far too much gain. The excess needs to be reduced by
setting an attenuator by a typical -30dB. By reducing unneeded gain, the system
does not need to work as hard, thereby achieving a more natural sound. The extra
25dB gain equates to about 20 times more work. Imagine working 20 times harder
than you need to?
The limited attenuator has a major advantage over a passive attenuator. A passive
attenuator typically has significant output impedance creating sensitivity to the
particular type of output cable. The limited attenuator has much lower output
impedance.
Warranty Information
Fill out the enclosed warranty card and return it to us within 30 days with a copy of
your sales receipt. The unit is fully warranted against failure for three years after
purchase. The warranty covers parts and labor. Damage due to improper use,
modifications or acts of nature are not covered by this warranty. We will not assume
any liability for any damage to any other component in the system due to a failure in
the SuperNova 2.
If you believe your SuperNova 2 is malfunctioning, please contact the dealer where
you purchased the unit, or contact Musical Surroundings at:
telephone: [phone] ext 101
fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
If the unit must be returned for repair, contact Musical Surroundings at the phone
number above. A Return Authorization must be issued prior to you returning your
SuperNova 2 for service.

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For more information on the SuperNova 2 see the Musical Surroundings website at
musicalsurroundings.com or Mike Yee’s website at MichaelYeeAudio.com.