Octave Phono EQ.2 User manual

Phono EQ.2
Owner’s Manual
English

FOREWORD
Congratulations and thank you for choosing the OCTAVE phono
preamplifier
Phono EQ.2
Alongside the drive and pickup cartridge, the phono preamplifier plays
a crucial role in the playback quality of analog records. This is why
OCTAVE offers a perfectly coordinated phono input, including for
retrofitting, with sophisticated equalization (RIAA curve) and compre-
hensive adaptation options to fit the pickup cartridge system for nearly
all its preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers.
Unfortunately, in this day and age integrated amplifiers and preampli-
fiers of other makes no longer feature a phono input, or they are
rarely able to meet the requirements for high-quality analog playback
with their integrated solutions. OCTAVE has designed the Pho-
no EQ.2 for all the music enthusiasts who want to optimally integrate
their record player into their existing reproducing chain. An external
phono preamplifier in a magnetically shielded housing, developed
with the same uncompromising demand for fidelity which also charac-
terizes the phono modules.
It is irrelevant whether the pickup arm is equipped with an MM (mov-
ing magnet) or MC (moving coil) system. Thanks to practical imped-
ance and gain adjustment, the inputs can be adjusted optimally to the
sensitive pickup cartridge voltages. The equipment also features a
premium subsonic filter that effectively protects the woofer diaphragm
from undesired, low-frequency signal components. The external, low
stray field wall adapter power supply effectively suppresses 50 Hz
power oscillations and keeps them as far away from the sensitive
signals as possible. OCTAVE uses only high-quality gold-plated
connections and carefully selected components from choice manufac-
turers.
Take care of it, and your preamplifier will provide you with many years
of listening pleasure.
We hope you will enjoy many hours of wonderful music with your
OCTAVE preamplifier.
Andreas Hofmann

CONTENT
1
1. OCTAVE TECHNOLOGY 2
OCTAVE amps in contrast to other equipment 21.1.
Description Phono EQ.2 21.2.
RIAA equalization 31.3.
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 4
Before you begin 42.1.
2.1.1. In case of emergency: disconnect the plug from the mains supply 4
2.1.2. Service and maintenance 4
2.1.3. Before connecting 4
Placement 42.2.
Warranty 52.3.
3. DEVICE OVERVIEW 5
Phono EQ.2 front panel 53.1.
Phono EQ.2 rear panel 63.2.
Bottom of Phono EQ.2 73.3.
4. CONNECTION 8
5. OPERATION 8
Setting the input impedance for MC pickup cartridge systems 85.1.
Setting the gain for MC pickup cartridge systems 95.2.
6. TROUBLESHOOTING 10
Troubleshooting 106.1.
7. TECHNICAL DATA 11
Phono moving magnet 117.1.
Phono moving coil 117.2.
General data 127.3.
Dimensions 127.4.
Diagrams 137.5.
7.5.1. Phono MC frequency response, RIAA 13
7.5.2. Hum and noise level 13

OCTAVE TECHNOLOGY
2
1. OCTAVE TECHNOLOGY
OCTAVE amps in contrast to other equipment1.1.
Hand built OCTAVE amplifiers are hand built and individually tested. They
are designed and developed by Andreas Hofmann.
Made in Germany OCTAVE amplifiers are 100% built in Germany. Our employees
are highly qualified and committed. We collaborate closely with
local specialist subcontracting companies. The hardware com-
ponents are all manufactured on modern CNC machines.
Description Phono EQ.21.2.
The Phono EQ.2 is an external phono preamplifier for MM and MC pickup cartridge
systems. Separate, switchable RCA sockets are available to connect the two systems.
Gain and input impedance can be adapted to the MC system via the switch on the
bottom of the equipment. An external wall adapter serves as the power supply.

OCTAVE TECHNOLOGY
3
RIAA equalization1.3.
A record player is an electro-mechanical device. Music signals are “pressed” into the
grooves in the record, and these are physically tracked and read by the pickup car-
tridge. In order to get the entire 20 Hz to 20 KHz frequency range into the grooves, the
frequency response has to be shaped by lowering the level of the low-frequency infor-
mation and raising the level of the high-frequency information. This predefined equali-
zation curve is known as RIAA equalization.
A phono preamplifier must be able to reproduce the RIAA equalization precisely to
avoid coloring the sound. Equalization accuracy must be within 0.5 dB over the entire
frequency range, with channel matching of at least 0.1 dB.
The Phono EQ.2’s input amplifier raises the different signals of the pickup cartridge to
a constant, high level, which the RIAA amplifier can optimally process.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Before you begin2.1.
2.1.1. In case of emergency: disconnect the plug from the mains supply
Never use an amplifier that is damaged or faulty. Make sure it has been labeled as
defective and that it cannot be used until it has been repaired by a qualified service
engineer.
2.1.2. Service and maintenance
For reasons of safety, please ensure that servicing, repairs and other modifications to
OCTAVE equipment are carried out only by a qualified technician. Defective fuses
should also only be replaced by a qualified technician. Always replace fuses with ones
of the same type and rating. If your amplifier requires servicing, please ship or take
your equipment directly to OCTAVE or to one of our authorized service centers.
2.1.3. Before connecting
Make sure that the voltage of your wall adapter power supply matches your local sup-
ply voltage.
Placement2.2.
The equipment is designed strictly for use in a dry domestic environment. Do not
use it in open air or in damp environments!
Never place plants or liquid-filled containers on the equipment. Take care that
objects do not fall or liquids are not spilled into the enclosure. Should this happen,
disconnect the mains plug immediately and have your amplifier checked by a
qualified service technician.
Condensation may form if the amplifier is taken from a cold environment into a
warm one. In this case, wait until the amplifier has reached room temperature and
is dry before switching it on.
Avoid installing the amplifier close to sources of heat, such as heaters, or any-
where that it may be in direct sunlight.
Do not operate the equipment near flammable materials, gases, or vapors. Avoid
areas where there may be heavy accumulations of dust or where the amplifier
may be subject to mechanical vibration.
Place your equipment on a stable, even surface.

DEVICE OVERVIEW
5
Warranty2.3.
OCTAVE can only guarantee the safety, reliability and performance of this unit if modi-
fications and repairs are carried out by specialized personnel and if the amplifier is
operated in accordance with the instructions contained in this manual.
3. DEVICE OVERVIEW
Phono EQ.2 front panel3.1.
Legend
(1) Light-emitting diode
(LED)
The LED lights up when a power supply
is connected.

DEVICE OVERVIEW
6
Phono EQ.2 rear panel3.2.
Legend
(1) MC input
(L = left; R = right)
RCA input for MC pickup cartridge systems
(2) MM input
(L = left; R = right)
RCA input for MM pickup cartridge systems
(3) GND Ground connection
(4) Output
(L = left; R = right)
RCA output
(5) 24V DC Connection for the external power supply
(6) MC/MM toggle switch To switch between MC input and MM input

DEVICE OVERVIEW
7
Bottom of Phono EQ.23.3.
Legend
(1) IMPEDANCE MC Adjustment of the MC pickup
cartridge system input impedance
(2) GAIN MC Adjustment of the gain for MC pickup cartridge sys-
tems. Gain adjustment allows for adjustment of the
MC input to low and high output systems.

CONNECTION
8
4. CONNECTION
►Please observe the safety instructions and positioning information (see chapter 2,
page 4).
1. Before connecting the preamplifier, switch off all other equipment that you intend
to connect to it.
2. Move the MM/MC toggle switch to the setting for the desired pickup cartridge
system (see section 3.2, item (6)).
3. Depending on the pickup cartridge system, connect the MM/MC pickup cartridge
system to the MM or MC inputs on the Phono EQ.2 (see section 3.2, items (1)
and (2)).
4. If you have connected an MC pickup cartridge system, set the input impedance
and the gain (see section 5.1, page 8, and section 5.2, page 9).
5. Connect the ground cable to the ground connection on the pickup cartridge sys-
tem (see section 3.2, item (3)).
6. Connect the Phono EQ.2 outputs (see section 3.2, item (4)) to the inputs on the
preamplifier/integrated amplifier.
7. Plug in the Phono EQ.2 wall adapter power supply (see section 3.2, item (5).
8. Switch the equipment on in the order “from the source to the loudspeakers”.
5. OPERATION
Setting the input impedance for MC pickup cartridge5.1.
systems
The input impedance value is important for balanced pickup cartridge sound.
1. Please see the technical data or the pickup cartridge system’s owner’s manual for
the recommended impedance.
2. Set the recommended input impedance according to the following table. If the
recommended input impedance is not listed in the table, use the closest value. If
two values are possible, you can select the optimal input impedance using a lis-
tening test.
Switch no.
1 2 3 4
1000 ohms ●●●●
500 ohms ○●●●
340 ohms ●○●●
250 ohms ○○●●
200 ohms ●●○●

OPERATION
9
170 ohms ○●○●
146 ohms ●○○●
125 ohms ○○○●
100 ohms ●●●○
97 ohms ○●●○
75 ohms ●●○○
66 ohms ●○○○
62 ohms ○○○○
●= OFF / ○ = ON
On delivery, the impedance is set to 100 ohms: This setting is optimal for most low-
output MC pickup cartridge systems.
Setting the gain for MC pickup cartridge systems5.2.
Gain adjustment allows for adjustment of the MC input to different low and high output
systems.
1. Please see the technical data or the pickup cartridge system’s owner’s manual for
the gain.
2. Set the gain according to the following table. If the recommended gain is not
listed in the table, use the closest value. If two values are possible, you can select
the optimal gain using a listening test.
Switch no.
1 2 3 4
58 dB Gain low ●●●●
62 dB ... ●○●○
68 dB ... ○●○●
72 dB Gain high ○○○○
●= OFF / ○ = ON

TROUBLESHOOTING
10
6. TROUBLESHOOTING
Troubleshooting6.1.
Hum and crackling
Hum in an audio system is often caused by several system components being ground-
ed individually. It is particularly common with tuners, VCRs, or satellite receivers, where
the grounded aerial cables cause a ground loop via the aerial input. Power amplifiers
are normally also grounded. Removing the ground wire on your safety plugs is not a
solution. You can isolate the aerial earth connection with a special signal isolator. This
device has no adverse effect on the sound or picture quality of tuners or TVs.
Solution The Phono EQ.2ground connection may remain unused to interrupt a
ground loop with the grounded source device.
Clicks and pops
Older refrigerators and 12 V halogen lamps can generate strong radio interference, and
when they are switched on and off, audible clicks and pops in the system’s loudspeak-
ers may occur.
Solution The only solution is to use a single-power socket board for your entire
system and to use a different power outlet in your listening room.
Channels are not balanced
Check that the RCA plugs are plugged in properly. Bend the outer ground contacts
inward if necessary. Sometimes the internal pin in an RCA plug may not be a tight
enough fit, in which case you should either replace the cable or the socket.
Damaged cables and poorly fitting RCI plugs can create resistance in the signal path,
enough to reduce the output level of one channel.
Solution Try new cables or clean plugs and sockets with isopropyl alcohol. You
could also try cleaning or contact fluid.
No sound
MM/MC setting and cable connection incorrect.
Solution Check the position of the MM/MC toggle switch and the RCA cable.

TECHNICAL DATA
11
7. TECHNICAL DATA
Phono moving magnet7.1.
Phono MM
Frequency response +/- 0.25 dB RIAA / 25 Hz – 20 kHz
Input sensitivity
4 mV
Gain 50 dB
Input capacity 220 pF
Input impedance 47 kohms
Output impedance 100 ohms
Signal-to-noise ratio -90 dB/2.5 V output level
Maximum input level 19 mV at 1 kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.008% at 5.4 V RMS
Phono moving coil7.2.
Phono MC
Frequency response +/- 0.1 dB RIAA / 25 Hz – 20 kHz
Input sensitivity 100 µV – 1 mV
Gain 58 dB, 62 dB, 68 dB, 72 dB (adjustable)
Input impedance 62 ohms – 1 kohm
Output impedance 100 ohms
Signal-to-noise ratio (input short-
circuited at gain of 72 dB)
-74 dB/2.5 V output level
Signal-to-noise ratio (input short-
circuited at gain of 52 dB)
-86 dB/2.5 V output level
Maximum input level 2.3 mV at 1 kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.008% at 5.4 V RMS

TECHNICAL DATA
12
General data7.3.
General data
Power consumption < 2 W
Weight of preamplifier 0.8 kg
Weight of power supply 0.1 kg
Dimensions of power amplifier Width x height x depth = 100 x 55 x 167 mm
Dimensions of power supply Width x height x depth = 50 x 55 x 40 mm
Supplied accessories External power supply
Dimensions7.4.
Unit dimensions (in mm)

TECHNICAL DATA
13
Diagrams7.5.
7.5.1. Phono MC frequency response, RIAA
Frequency response with subsonic filter
7.5.2. Hum and noise level
Hum and noise level with MC, gain = 58 dB

We reserve the right to alter and
improve the specifications in
pursuit of better. OCTAVE is a
registered trademark of Andreas
Hofmann Octave Audio
. This
manual is the copyright of
Andreas Hofmann.
Reproduction in whole or part is
prohibited.
EN2015.02
OCTAVE AUDIO
Germany
www.octave.de

Phono EQ.2
Bedienungsanleitung
Owner‘s Manual
Deutsch / English
ANDREAS HOFMANN
OCTAVE AUDIO
INDUSTRIESTR. 13
76307 KARLSBAD
GERMANY
TEL +49 72 48 / 32 78
FAX +49 72 48 / 32 79
HOFMANN @ OCTAVE.DE
WWW.OCTAVE.DE