Manley Labs MM/MC GRAMOPHONE CARTRIDGE PREAMPLIFIER guide

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INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS

a)Avoid locating the preamp where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, excessive humidity, dust or moisture. Extreme environments may temporarily or permanently degrade preamp performance.

b)Keep the preamp housing away from sources of strong magnetic field radiation, such as large video display CRTs, large power lines or power/audio transformers in nearby equipment. Extra measures have been taken to shield the magnetically sensitive bits inside the preamp housing. Nevertheless these measures can be overwhelmed by strong outside influences. Keep in mind that the tiniest disturbance along with the desired signals will be amplified many hundreds or thousands of times.

c)Locate the preamp away from heat-radiating sources, such as other large amps, political demagogues or space-heating equipment.

d)Make sure the preamp and power supply is off before making any system connections. Do not remove or insert the large 16-pin circular power supply connector when the power supply mains switch is in the on () position. Do not hot plug the system.

e)Dissipate any static electric charge build-up on your body by touching the enclosure before making or changing any system connections. The preamp electronics are fairly robust as far as immunity to damage from static charge is concerned, but total immunity cannot be had without unacceptable compromise of audio performance.

f)Be careful to feed only low-level phono cartridge signals to the preamp input connectors. Sustained line-level signals above 15 volts peak may cause damage to sensitive MC input stages even when the preamp is in the standby mode or when the power is off.

AC VOLTAGE SELECTION

The STEELHEAD system may be set to operate on either 117 or 234 volts A.C. by means of a rotary switch located on the power supply P.C. board. The power supply's mains-voltage selector switch is normally preset to the mains voltage at the customer's location prior to shipment. If, however, the preamp provenance is unknown then the mains-voltage selector switch should be checked and reset to the correct voltage if necessary. The mains fuses must also be checked for proper ratings and changed if necessary. Failure to correctly set the mains selector switch or use properly rated fuses can cause extensive damage to the system which is of course not covered by the warranty.

The mains fuse may be checked by first disconnecting the IEC mains cord from the power supply’s power inlet plug. Then gently press the small leaf spring on the side of the rectangular gray fuse retainer cap. The fuse and cap should spring outward toward your fingers. Inspect the fuse for the proper rating; change if necessary. Refer to the fuse-rating chart in the specifications section of this manual.

To inspect or adjust the mains-voltage selector switch it will be necessary to remove the top cover of the power supply enclosure. For this you will need a #1 Philips screwdriver, and a 3/16 inch flat blade driver to change the selector switch setting.

Before opening make sure that the power supply is unplugged from mains power and the STEELHEAD preamp. Once inside you will see tall cylindrical high voltage energy-storage capacitors, which can be a shock nuisance even when the supply is not energized. Therefore, if the supply has been recently power cycled, let the supply capacitors discharge for 15 minutes prior to opening. Then remove 8 Philips 4x40 retaining screws from the cover, followed by the cover. Locate the voltage selector switch near the mains power entry / fuse / power switch module. The switch face is the black round object, about 1/2 inch in diameter, with white voltage numbers “110” and “220” on the rotor and a white triangular selection indicator on the stator. Notice that the “110” and “220” markings on the switch should not be interpreted as being the precise voltage needed to operate the preamp system. Using the 3/ 16 inch screwdriver rotate the switch, if necessary, so that the mains voltage you intend to feed the power supply lines up under the selection indicator. Be sure to replace all screws when reassembling.

MM/MC GRAMOPHONE CARTRIDGE PREAMPLIFIER specifications

The Manley Labs MM/MC Gramophone Cartridge Preamplifier stands as a remarkable piece of audio equipment, designed to elevate the listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. Renowned for their expertise in high-fidelity audio, Manley Labs has crafted this preamplifier to deliver exceptional sound quality and versatile performance for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges.

One of the standout features of the MM/MC Gramophone Cartridge Preamplifier is its high-quality analog signal processing. The preamp employs vacuum tube technology, incorporating premium 12AX7 and 12AT7 tubes to provide a warm, rich sound that many listeners treasure. The implementation of soft and natural tube warmth contributes to an organic sound, preserving the authenticity of vinyl recordings while enhancing detail and nuance.

This preamplifier offers adjustable gain settings, allowing users to optimize performance according to their specific cartridge choice, be it MM or MC. With the capability to accommodate various cartridge output levels, the Manley Labs preamp ensures maximum adaptability. Users can switch between settings easily, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of turntables and cartridges.

Additionally, the MM/MC Gramophone Cartridge Preamplifier features high-quality components throughout its design. Its circuit topology is engineered to minimize noise and distortion, ensuring a clean signal path. The unit is also equipped with a low-frequency filter, which can be utilized to eliminate unwanted subsonic frequencies that could muddy the audio experience.

Another notable aspect of this preamp is its robust build quality. Encased in a sleek metal chassis, it combines aesthetics with durability, ensuring longevity while adding a stylish touch to any audio setup. The carefully designed layout not only contributes to the preamp’s performance but also showcases Manley Labs’ commitment to craftsmanship.

In conclusion, the Manley Labs MM/MC Gramophone Cartridge Preamplifier is a premium choice for vinyl lovers seeking a high-performance preamp that combines vintage warmth with modern adaptability. Its advanced features, high-quality components, and user-friendly design make it an essential addition for anyone looking to enhance their vinyl listening experience profoundly. With this preamplifier, Manley Labs continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in high-fidelity audio.