Whest Audio 60 Series User manual

Contents
Introduction
Safety
Cleaning
Connections
Cartridge gain and loading
Technical specification
Fig.1 60 Series rear panel
Fig.2 Basic audio connection
Fig 3 Gain and load selector
Warranty

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a 60 Series phono stage.
As you know, this unit is designed to retrieve the maximum amount of information from
your vinyl LPs. It does this by using proprietary low noise audio circuitry as well as a
newly developed filter which together with the RIAA filter enables the all 60 Series phono
stages to playback up to 60Khz.
Brief history
The RIAA curve was designed many years ago to enable the use of vinyl as a playback
medium. Back then the humble stylus and audio electronics could really only playback a
very limited bandwidth. A system bandwidth of 12Khz was quite rare. Nowadays most
systems have a bandwidth of 100Khz; the modern day cartridge can playback frequencies
beyond 60Khz – so why continue to use a phonostage with a filter curve designed
for systems designed in the 1950s?

Forward thinking
Because of our close links with the music recording industry we were able to measure
several Neumann cutter heads prior to cutting a master onto acetate. What we found was
that the cutter head would cut high frequency all the way to 50Khz!
With these results and the research acquired from the DAP programme back in 2004 we
then designed a hf filter that would complement the RIAA filter we had designed for the
then flagship MC REF. This filter configuration is still present in all whest audio phono
stages although further developed as our R&D into vinyl playback has developed. Because
of the extended hf response of the 60 Series units are able to resolve large amounts of
information which are now able to be heard when it was once thought there was nothing
there!
The extended hf enables you to hear further into the soundstage by bringing to life the
lowest frequencies of a kick drum and positioning all instruments to form a three
dimensional soundstage.

It is because of the extended hf response and the 60 series’ relationship with the upcoming
MCR F10 that the 60 Series excels where others just plainly fail.
The 60 Series also incorporates our proven power supply configuration which enables the
phonostage to occupy the same case as the transformer without the need of a separate
box. This means the critical electronics can now utilise the ultra stable, low noise and high
speed power source in an instant – no delay lines! This translates into a lower noise floor,
far better micro detail resolution, far better image stability and soundstaging which will
bring you closer to the recording.

Safety
Place your unit on a firm level surface where it is not exposed to dripping or splashing of
any liquid. Position it away from radiators and other heat sources and leave a space of at
least 5cms around the unit for ventilation.
Please note that there are no user serviceable parts inside.
In the unlikely event that this unit needs to be serviced please return it to an authorised
Whest Audio service agent.
There is a risk of electrical shock if this unit is opened!
Please do not attempt to open this unit for servicing or modification unless authorised as
it WILL invalidate your warranty.

Cleaning
When cleaning the unit please do not use any liquids as it may enter the unit causing it to
malfunction. We recommend applying a very small amount of engineering oil such as
WD40® to a lint free cloth to clean the unit.
Engineering oil is a tried and tested method of cleaning aluminium panels. You only need
to do this a few times a year.

Connections
Please read the safety section before connecting your unit.
Before connecting to the mains, check that the mains supply voltage corresponds to the
voltage printed next to the power inlet. If the mains voltage is different, please consult
your authorised Whest Audio dealer.
All 60 Series units come supplied with an Audiophile grade interconnect as well as a
computer grade interconnect for transferring your LPs to your computer.
Please feel free to use your preferred interconnect or ask your dealer for advice.
1. When connecting your phono stage please make sure that your systems’ source
selector is switched to an input OTHER THAN the input to which the phono stage is
to be connected.

2. Please make sure that the phono stage unit connected to a switched wall
socket or similar switched socket using an appropriate power lead and is in
the OFF position.
3. First disconnect the turntable from the amplifier/preamplifier or other phonostage.
4. Connect the turntable leads to the 60 Series observing the colour codes for channel
ID.
5. Connect the ‘grounding’ lead from the turntable arm lead to the grounding post on the
60 Series
6. Connect the output of the 60 Series to the amplifier/preamplifier aux/line input.
7. Once you are happy that all inputs and outputs have been connected properly, switch
the power on- on the wall socket and then switch the phono stage on via the rear panel
on/off switch located next to the power inlet.

8. If all is OK, just switch on. 2 small RED LEDs will glow on the front panel of the phono
stage – this indicates that both channels are OK.
10. Select the correct source input on the amplifier/preamplifier.
11. You are now ready to enjoy your vinyl collection
It may take several hours before the 60 Series settles down to work efficiently, but
generally 6-12 hours is sufficient time for the sensitive components to find their ‘steady
state’ working temperature.
The 60 Series has been designed to be simple to integrate into any audio or computer
based system.
Please familiarise yourself with the rear panel layout Fig. 1 as it will make connecting,
unplugging and cleaning easier. For basic connectivity follow Fig. 2.

Connecting to a computer soundcard for transferring to hard-drive
Your phono stage comes supplied with a special interconnect to connect to your computer
soundcard analog input or media recorder.
The 60 Series can be connected to your computer sound card analogue audio input or
media recorder while the unit and computer are in the ‘on’ position.
To get the best possible quality from your transfers please do read the instructions of the
recorder/ software fully before attempting to transfer your vinyl.

Cartridge gain and loading (Fig. 3)
Your 60 Series comes preset for a moving coil cartridge requiring a gain setting of 65dB
and a load setting of 100ohms. This will be fine for the majority of moving coil cartridges.
If however your cartridge requires a different setting you can either ask your dealer to set
it for you OR you can easily do it yourself in just a few minutes:
i) SWITCH THE UNIT OFF AND UNPLUG THE UNIT FROM THE MAINS POWER!!
DISCONNECT ALL AUDIO LEADS. The 60 Series comes supplied with a small
hex/allen key. This key is used to remove the 2 screws holding down the load/ gain
access panel underneath the unit.
(Fig. 4). Turn the phono stage up-side-down very carefully.
ii) you will notice a 4 x 6 position switches near the gold RCA socket end. These
switches control the gain and loading characteristics. There are 2 x 6 way
switches per channel. As mentioned previously the unit is supplied set up for
MC 65/100ohms (65dB gain and 100ohm load). Note MC gain starts at
50dB.

iii) look at the switch and you will see an ‘on’ position
 to set the phono stage for moving magnet with a load value of 47K ohms:
- set all the switch positions to the ‘off’ position
- slide GAIN switch no. 1 indicating 43dB and LOAD switch no. 6 indicating 47kohms
(MM)
 to set the 60 Series for moving coil with a output value of 0.24mV
- set all the switch positions to the ‘off’ position
- slide GAIN switch no. 5 indicating 65dB and LOAD switch no. 2 indicating 100ohms
(MC)
iv) once your gain and load characteristics are set, just place the panel back on then
replace the 2 screws. (Fig. 4) That’s it!

If your cartridge requires a different loading value, please ask your Whest Audio dealer or
contact Whest Audio Ltd on [e-mail] or tel: [phone].
Whilst changing the load and gain settings, the lid and/or front panel may end up covered
with fingerprints – please read the section on cleaning to bring the 60 Series up to its
former glory!

Technical specification
Model No.: 60 Series dual mono phonostage
RIAA curve accuracy: 16Hz – 20Khz +/- 0.14dB
Frequency response: 5Hz – 72Khz +/- 1.0dB
Working band: 15Hz – 60Khz
MM Gain: 43dB 47Kohm
MC Gain 50dB and 72dB to suit all 0.15 – 5mV cartridges
Cartridge Loading 30ohm - 47Kohm in 6 steps
THD+N: 0.005%
Connections: Unbalanced RCA, Impedance Balanced on 3-XLR
Connectors: Gold Audiophile RCA,
Unpacked weight: 7Kgs
Packed weight: 8Kgs
Dimensions: 1 x 480mm x 300mm x 83mm
Operating voltage: 230VAC 50Hz or 115VAC 60Hz (see dealer)

Supplied in package:
1 x 60 Series dual mono phonostage
1 x Audiophile RCA interconnect
1 x Audiophile 3.5mm plug to 2 x RCA computer/ audio cable
1 x QR code card. Linked to the our website

Warranty
All Whest Audio products are covered by a limited warranty against defects in design,
materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase
to the original purchaser only. This warranty is available upon proper registration of
ownership within thirty (30) days of first purchase.
Proper registration is made by filling out and returning the attached warranty registration
card along with a copy of the original sales receipt as proof of the original date of purchase.
If during the warranty period this product fails to operate under normal use and service
due to defects in design, materials or workmanship, Whest Audio will, at their option,
either repair or replace the product in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated
herein.
Whest Audio reserves the right to charge a handling fee if a returned product is found to
be not under warranty, according to the conditions below.

Warranty Conditions
1. This limited warranty is valid only if proper registration of this product is made in the
way described above.
2. If Whest Audio repairs or replaces the product, the repair for the defect concerned, or
the replaced product shall be warranted for the remaining time of the original warranty or
for ninety (90) days from the date of repair, whichever is longer.
3. This warranty does not cover any failure of the product due to normal wear and tear,
or due to misuse, including but not limited to use in other than the normal and customary
manner, in accordance with the Whest Audio instruction for use and maintenance of the
product. Nor does this warranty cover any failure of the product due to accident,
modification or adjustment (see gain and load adjustment) , acts of God or damage
resulting from liquid.
4. This warranty does not cover product failures caused by modification or repair of the
product performed by a non-Whest Audio authorised person.

5. In no event will Whest Audio Limited be liable for incidental or consequential damages
of any nature whatsoever arising from purchase, use or inability to use this product.
6. There are no express warranties, whether written or oral, other than this printed limited
warranty. All implied warranties, including without limitation the implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are limited to the duration of this limited
warranty.
The warranty does not affect the consumer’s statutory rights under applicable legislation
in force.
Please complete the Warranty Registration Card and send it or email it together with a
copy of the original sales receipt to:

WARRANTY REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT
Whest Audio Q West Suite 2.07 1100 Great West Road London TW8 0GP
For your records:
Model 60Se Pro/ 60S Pro DUAL MONO PHONOSTAGE……………………………………
Serial No. …………………………………………………………………………………………………...………
Purchase Date ………………………………………………………………………………………………...…...
Supplier ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..