OPERATION OF THE SFP-1 PHONO STAGE
Before plugging in the SFP-1, check to see that the unit is configured for the correct AC line voltage for country of use. The operating AC line voltage is indicated on the side of the shipping box. If the SFP-1 Phono Stage is set incorrectly for the country in which it is to be operat- ed, contact the dealer or distributor in your area. If the unit is config- ured properly continue with operation.
Connect the detachable power cord to the SFP-1 chassis (see Figure 1) and plug your SFP-1 into the AC power source.
If the Moving Coil Mode is chosen for use, the SFP-1 Phono Stage inverts the signal’s output polarity, putting the signal out of phase. To correct this and bring the signal back to absolute phase, switch the “+” and “–” leads at your cartridge pins. This is important for correct operation of the phono playback system. Typically, the red and green leads are reversed (right channel) and the blue and white (left channel) are also reversed.
Connect the turntable’s left and right RCA outputs to the corresponding left and right RCA Inputs (G) on the SFP-1 using a suitable length of interconnect. Also connect the ground lead from the turntable to the Ground Post (H) on the SFP-1 (see Figure 4).
Using your favorite interconnect, connect the left and right channel RCA (Single-Ended) Outputs (F) of the SFP-1to the corresponding left and right channel line level audio inputs of the system’s preamplifier, control amplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver (see Figure 4). We recommend no more than 3’ (1m) of interconnect for best results.
The SFP-1 Phono Stage is now ready for operation. Power the unit by placing the Power Switch (E) in the ON position (ensure the Mute/Operate Switch (A) is in the Operate position). As soon as the SFP-1 is plugged in and turned ON, the front panel Power Indicator LED (D) will flash on and off for approximately 45 seconds. During this time, the signal outputs are muted while the tubes are warming up and stabilizing. As soon as the Power Indicator LED (D) stops flashing and lights green, the SFP-1 is ready for use. Cue the LP you wish to play, and enjoy your new SFP-1.
Figure 4 - Connections to the RCA Outputs and Inputs of the SFP-1 Phono Stage.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If at any time the SFP-1 Phono Stage fails to work properly, consult this checklist:
1.Check that the AC Detachable Power Cord is plugged into the SFP-1 Detachable Power Cord Socket (F) and is connected to a l i v e source of AC power. For instance, if using a power bar, check that the bar is turned on.
2.Ensure that the turntable is properly connected to the SFP-1 Inputs
(G) and that the SFP-1 Outputs (F) are properly connected to the line level inputs of the system’s preamplifier, control amplifier, integrat- ed amplifier or receiver. A secure contact must be made.
3.DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD from the SFP-1; check that:
•A “fast-blo” fuse, with a rating of 1.5 Amp/250 V (.075 Amp/
250V for European and Asian versions), is installed in the AC power socket (E).
•The AC power fuse is intact and has not blown. If the fuse has blown the thin metal conductor will have melted and the glass may appear “smoked”. If the fuse has blown, replace with a fuse of the same rating (1.5 Amp/250V fast-blo for 100 to 120 volt countries and 0.75 Amps/250V fast-blo for 200 to 240 volt countries).
N O T E : Under no circumstances should you replace the AC power fuse with one of a higher current rating! Doing so may cause further damage to the SFP-1 and will also void the warranty. In addition, your continued protection from risk of fire or shock would be seriously compromised.
4.DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD, remove cover and ensure
the tubes are plugged firmly into their sockets as described in “I N S E R-
TION OF THE TUBES” .
5.Be sure the rest of the system is functioning properly (i.e. turntable, power amplifiers, cables and connections, etc.).
6. Review Operation section of this manual. Check that the front panel Power Indicator LED (D) is lighted (glowing light green). If all of the above troubleshooting steps have been followed and the light is not lighted (dark green), contact your dealer or distributor for assistance.
CARTRIDGE LOADING OPTIONS - RESISTANCE
In either “MM” or “MC” cartridge operating modes, the input load resistance that the cartridge sees is factory set at 49K9 (or 49.9K) ohms. This may be easily altered by your dealer (or a competent technician) by soldering a new resistance value to the solder terminals labeled “R- Load” (one per channel). For your convenience, your SFP-1 comes packed with 4 different commonly used resistor values (1K, 100R,
30R and 10R) to allow you to adjust the nominal 49K9 load to the fol- lowing values: a) 980 ohms (using the 1K resistors); b) 100 ohms (using the 100R resistors); c) 30 ohms (using the 30R resistors); and d) 10 ohms (using the 10R resistors). See Figure 3 for load resistor location.
CARTRIDGE LOADING OPTIONS - CAPACITANCE | |
With some phono cartridges (both moving magnet and moving coil), | |
the addition of some capacitance loading to the cartridge may prove | |
beneficial in “taming” any high frequency resonance or response | |
peaks inherent in the design of the cartridge. Typical capacitance val- | |
ues for moving magnet cartridges are in the range of 100 to 250pf. | |
We suggest that you discuss the possible loading requirements of your | |
cartridge with your dealer, or with the cartridge manufacturer. The | |
additional capacitance may be soldered to the “C-Load” solder termi- | |
nals (of both channels). Loading capacitors can be obtained from | |
The Parts Connection, a division of Sonic Frontiers. See Figure 3 for | |
load capacitor location. | 5 |
