Oracle PH200 Mk III User manual

The Fine ArT oF PlAying Music
Oracle Audio Technologies
PH200 Mk III
Phono Preamplifier
Owner’s Manual

Oracle Audio Technologies
PH200 Mk III phono preamplifier
2
Foreword
We would first like to thank you, and this from the whole team at Oracle Audio, for purchasing our PH200 Mk III
phono preamplifier. We really appreciate your trust in our products.
This is your PH200 Mk III Owner’s Manual. The following pages will describe the key features, connectivity and
safe operation of your new phono preamplifier. Although some operations are self-explanatory, we strongly
suggest you read this booklet to better understand the importance of the different key adjustments.
For your records
PH200 Mk III serial number:
Dealer’s Name:
Dealer’s Address:
Dealer’s phone:
Purchase date:
We suggest you keep your sales slip together with this owner’s guide as it stands as your proof of purchase
which is essential for the validation of your warranty.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword / For your Records ............................................................................................2
Table of contents ...............................................................................................................2
Features ......................................................................................................................3 & 4
User selectable ground reference, Connection procedure …….…….……………………..5
AC Power input …………………………….…………………………………………………….6
Operating Instruction .........................................................................................................6
Specifications ....................................................................................................................6
Warranty, Warranty registration .........................................................................................7

Oracle Audio Technologies
PH200 Mk III phono preamplifier
3
Features
Inputs / Outputs
There is one “INPUT” and one “OUTPUT” and both come in standard RCA format.
RIAA Equalization
The RIAA circuit is designed by following the true RIAA standard.
The accuracy of the RIAA standard curve is +/- 0.1dB.
Important information
It is imperative to always turn off the PH200 Mk III before making changes to the loading settings and it
should even be unplugged from the wall outlet. Turning off the amplifier or setting it on a different input
than the one where the phono amplifier is connected is also a good precaution to take.
Switch-selectable gain setting
The PH200 Mk III phono phono amplifier has 3 gain settings plus one optional setting. The gain must be
adapted to match your cartridge’s output with the input of your phono amplifier to provide an optimal
volume level but also to prevent any overloading which would cause distortion. Those settings are done
by selecting the proper switch position as indicated in the diagram on page 4 of this user manual. The
different gain levels are 42dB, 52dB or 62dB. We added a header that allows you to use a 2 Ohm resistor
to reach a 73dB gain. This can be useful when using a very low output MC cartridge ( between 0,35 and
0,5 mv ) if the preamplifier or the line stage has insufficient gain.
Switch-selectable load settings
There are 5 different standard load impedance settings. This load is adjusted by selecting the proper
switch position as indicated in the diagram on page 4. We added a header that allows you to use a
specific value resistor that would be required for your phono cartridge exact loading. You can replace the
1,5k Ohms resistor with the specific resistor value recommended by the phono cartridge manufacturer.
Capacitive charge
The 47k Ohms setting is coupled with a fixed capacitive charge of 150pF. It is possible to add a capacitor
to the existing one to reach the exact value required by the phono cable you are using. When using an
additional capacitor the switch # 6 must be set at “ON”.
The capacitive charge has no impact on moving coil cartridges.

Oracle Audio Technologies
PH200 Mk III phono preamplifier
4
Gain and Impedance settings
Moving Magnet:The gain setting rocker switch # 3 is set at “ON” to set the gain at 42dB for both for both
Right and Left channels. The impedance setting toggle switch # 6 is set at 47k Ohms for
both Right and Left channels. All other switches must be set in the “OFF” position.
Capacitive option: For fine tuning the capacitive charges it is possible to add a capacitor in addition to the
existing 150pf capacitor already in the circuit. When # 6 is in “ON” position the value of
the additional capacitor will be added to the 150pf. So if you add 150pf at C7 for the Left
channel and C12 for the Right channel the net result will be 300pf capacitance.
Important note: The 2 middle holes of each of the black headers are not connected. Only the holes at
both ends must be used ( see the 1.5k Ohms resistor in the picture ).
Moving coil: The 4 position gain setting rocker switch # 1 is set at “ON” to set the gain at 62dB or switch
# 2 is set at “ON” to set the gain at 52dB for both the Right and Left channels. For low
output MC between 0,35 mV to 0.5 mV we suggest using #4 position for a 73dB gain. For
MC with an output between 0,5mv to 1,5 mV we suggest to use the 62dB gain at #1. For
MC with an output between 1,5mv to 3,0 mV we suggest to use the 52dB gain at #2
position
.
Important note 1 : Note only one of the rocker switches should be at the ON position at the time. You can
experiment between different gain settings to get a better feel of the comfortable gain
range for the phono cartridge you are using.
Important note 2 :The PH 200 Mk III phono amplifier is not designed to operate with phono cartridges under
0,35mV. For MC’s with output higher than 3.0mV use the 41.5dB gain of position R7.

Oracle Audio Technologies
PH200 Mk III phono preamplifier
5
User-selectable ground reference
The PH200 Mk III features two different user-selectable
ground paths to quickly help resolve ground loop issues where a loud
humming sound can be heard in the speakers. The PH200 can either
have a ground that is referenced to the building’s electrical ground
through the third pin of the power connector or it can reference the
ground to its chassis for a “floating ground” configuration.
- Use the “ON” position on the ground switch when connecting
the PH200 Mk III to an amplifier or preamplifier that has a
power cord with three pins (with the ground reference set with
the building’s ground reference).
- Use the “OFF” position when connection the PH200 Mk III to
an amplifier or preamplifier that has a two-pin power cord (with
the ground reference set as floating).
CONNECTION PROCEDURE
Ground
This knurled connection post is to be linked with your turntable’s grounding post. Assuring a good ground is
fundamental.
Phono Input
Connect to those RCA connectors the RIGHT / LEFT RCA cable coming from your turntable.
Note : The RCA interconnect cable required for this connection is not included.
Phono Output
Connect to those RCA connectors the RIGHT / LEFT RCA cable to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Important note: The PH200 Mk III must always be connected to an auxiliary input on your amplifier or pre-
amplifier and never should it be connected into a phono input !

Oracle Audio Technologies
PH200 Mk III phono preamplifier
6
AC Power input
Connect the cylindrical DIN plug to the rear of the
PH200 Mk III, the electrical cord to the power
adaptor and the electrical wall outlet.
Operating Instructions
Operating your sound system should always be
done by following an orderly ritual both when turning it
ON or OFF. One should always begin by powering up
his source components, followed by the powering up of
the preamplifier / amplifier section after a moment.
Following this procedure will prevent hearing a loud
thumping sound generated by source components as
they charge up their electronics. Powering down your
sound system should always be done by beginning with
powering down the amplifier, preamplifier to then finish
with the source components.
Your PH200 Mk III is sensitive to the magnetic field
generated by amplifier transformers and power cords in proximity. Position it as far as possible to amplifiers and
away from power cords. This will prevent this unwanted energy to pollute the signal with noise which thus would
lessen the performance of the PH200 Mk III and your musical experience.
Specifications
Frequency response : 20Hz - 20KHz @ +/- 1db
Total Harmonic Distortion : <0,05% @ 20Hz – 20kHz
Moving Coil input load impedance : 100, 200, 511, 1k, 1.5k and 47k Ohms
Moving Magnet input load impedance : 47k Ohms
MM capacitive load : 150 pico farad
Input sensitivity : 0,35 mV
Gain options : 42db, 52db, 62db, 73dB
Gain selection for MM cartridge : Must be set at 42 dB & 47k Ohms
Accuracy of the RIAA standard curve : +/- 0.1db
Signal to noise ratio : > -80db
Dimensions : 9.5" X 12.25" X 2.25"

Oracle Audio Technologies
PH200 Mk III phono preamplifier
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Warranty
Your new PH200 Mk III carries a transferable, 3 years parts and labor limited warranty against operation
defects under “normal use”or manufacturing defects. Oracle Audio Technologies will repair the defective item
within this warranty period. The original bill of sale from an authorized dealer or distributor is required for any
warranty repair. If the original bill of sales cannot be shown as a legitimate proof of purchase date then the serial
number will be used to determine the ship date from the factory and the warranty coverage will be 2 years and
6 months from the shipping date from the factory.
Explanation of the term “normal use”:
- Using the PH200 Mk III for the application it was designed which is as a phono amplifier.
- The unit has been connected rigorously according the information supplied in the owner’s manual.
Maintenance and service:
Any repair and / or modification done to the PH200 Mk III must be carried by an Oracle Audio authorized service
center or directly at the Oracle Audio factory. For more information please contact your dealer, distributor or
contact us directly at Oracle Audio. Any repair and / or modification done to your PH200 Mk III without prior
authorisation from Oracle Audio will void the warranty.
We are confident that your new Oracle Audio product will give you
many years of enjoyment and satisfaction
You are now ready for the real and only purpose of all this...
to sit down, relax, and enjoy the Fine Art of Playing Music
Oracle Audio Technologies Inc
6136 Bertrand Fabi street, Suite 101 / Unit B
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1N 2P3
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
www.oracle-audio.com
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD
PH200-MkIII serial number :
Dealer’s name:
Dealer’s address:
Dealer’s phone number:
Your name:
Your address:
Telephone: E-mail:
Date of purchase: