Audio M9 Phono User Manual

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M9 Phono

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PRE AMPLIFIER

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OWNER’S INFORMATION

1) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

2) CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
DISPOSAL
POWER REQUIREMENTS

3) INTRODUCTION

4) OVERVIEW

5) UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION

6) CONNECTION

14) OPERATION

15) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

16) WARRANTY INFORMATION

17) CONTACT INFORMATION

CONTENTS

OTHER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: -

Never touch the power cord with wet hands.

Always remove the power cord by grasping the plug, not the cable.

Never expose the unit to excessive heat or magnetism.

Never let an inexperienced person repair or reassemble the unit.

Never put anything, especially metal objects, inside the unit.

Never place excessive weight on the unit.

Do not store or operate this unit in areas of high humidity or in close
proximity to water / moisture.

Do not expose or immerse the unit in liquid of any kind.

This product generates high levels of heat. Adequate ventilation must
be provided. Do not restrict airflow through any ventilation slots or
place the unit on any surface that may restrict airflow.

Valve equipment operates at extremely high temperatures;

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS.!

RISK OF SHOCK OR ELECTROCUTION! INTERNAL OPERATING
VOLTAGES ARE LETHAL!

Do not remove top cover, unless specifically instructed to do so in the user
manual.

This unit contains fuses and other safety components in accordance with
BS60065 requirements.
In the event of failure, replacement fuse or safety component must be of
the same part type and value.

This product must be earthed – ensure that the mains supply cable earth /
ground is correctly connected.

SUCH REPLACEMENT MUST ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY A
QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

Do not attempt to replace any fuses without first disconnecting the unit
from the mains electricity supply.

! IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION !

POWER REQUIREMENTS

Power requirements for electrical equipment vary depending on your geographical
location. Please ensure that your unit meets the power requirements in your area.
The power requirement for your unit is marked on the serial number plate, located on
the rear panel.

If you are in doubt, please contact your dealer before plugging the unit into the mains
supply.

CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

DISPOSAL

This product must not be disposed of as normal household waste. To
prevent possible harm to the environment please separate the product
from other waste to ensure that it can be recycled in an environmentally
safe manner. Please contact your retailer or the appropriate local
government office for collection facilities.

We declare under our sole responsibility that this product is in conformity
with the following standards or standardized documents:

BS EN 60065 in accordance with the regulations 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC
(from 1 January 1997)

CE 94

Peter Qvortrup,
Director
Audio Note (UK) Limited
25 Montefiore Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1RD
United Kingdom

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Thank you for purchasing this Audio Note (UK) product. With the correct care it
should give you many years of pleasure and enjoyment.

Please take the time to read all of the information in this manual before connecting
your new component to an electrical supply or your system, to ensure both your
safety and satisfaction.

Please note that due to our desire to continually improve products, specifications are
subject to change without notice. Therefore it is important to refer to the manual that
is supplied with your product for the most accurate information; manuals downloaded
from our website or obtained from other sources may no longer fully apply to your
product.

If you have any questions regarding the information contained within this document
or your new component, please feel free to contact us: -

Audio Note (UK) Limited

25 Montefiore Road

Hove

East Sussex

BN3 1RD

United Kingdom

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note (UK) M9 Phono Pre Amplifier. It
is without doubt or question, the finest Phonostage equipped preamplifier we have
ever produced, and the Line Stage is only surpassed in performance by our own M10
Line. As one would expect, no expense has been spared in the construction of the
circuit or the components used, and is a full Audio Note (UK) Level 5 product.

It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the
purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude
that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original
performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum.
In response to this, the M9 Phono preamplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback
circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure
Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces
unnecessary crossover distortion.

In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of
minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing
vanishingly small harmonic or low intermodulation distortion measurements. These
non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and
adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these
factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases
‘perfect measured response’.

As a result, the M9 Phono was designed for maximum linearity and minimum
transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental ‘corrective’ measures, such
as inherently error-prone feedback loops.

The phonostage installed in the M9 Phono is without equal or parallel, and uses the
finest possible components to produce a sound quality that is truly outstanding.

Unlike the majority of preamplifiers available today, the M9 Phono preamplifier is
equipped with a ‘Stereo / Mono’ switch, to maximize the performance and enjoyment
of the large quantity of high quality mono recordings that are still available.

The M9 Phono features a pair of correctly engineered balanced / XLR inputs for
sources with suitable balanced outputs. Each input is connected directly to an in­house custom designed and produced, silver wired input transformer, which offers
the finest possible input for your XLR Line level source outputs.

Each stage of the preamplifier is powered by an independent power supply, housed
in a separate chassis chassis. As one would expect, the output transformers for the
M9 Phono are some of the finest possible examples we can produce. Each
transformer is fully silver wound, and feature our own 55% nickel iron C-Cores.

M9 PHONO PRE AMPLIFIER

Please take care when unpacking your M9 Phono preamplifier. Choose a clean, clear
location to unpack your units. Be aware that the preamplifier and its power supplies
are extremely heavy; before attempting to unpack or lift the units, check the weight
and if necessary use more than one person so that they can be moved safely and
easily.

We recommend that you retain and carefully store all of the original packing
materials, in case transportation / shipping is required at a later date.

Select a suitable location for the units. This should be a dry, dust free and level area,
preferably shielded from direct sunlight and free from vibration. Also ensure that the
location is stable and capable of carrying the weight of the units.

A suitable mains power outlet must be close to the location; power cords must not be
pulled or stretched tightly in an attempt to reach a wall socket. If the power cords will
not easily reach the socket, choose a closer location!

Please ensure that adequate ventilation for the units is provided, and that airflow
through any ventilation slots in the casework is not restricted. We recommend a
distance of at least 20cm free space is maintained above each unit. Please also
remember that valve equipment operates at extremely high temperatures, so a
position that is inaccessible to children or animals is essential.

UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION

Phono Inputs The M9 Phono is equipped with an extremely high quality, valve,

Moving Magnet (MM) phonostage. Connect the cables from your
tonearm to the ‘Phono’ socket inputs. If your Turn Table is equipped
with a separate earth wire, connect this to the dedicated grounding /
earth post, located next to the ‘Phono’ input sockets.

If you wish to use a low output Moving Coil (MC) cartridge, Audio Note

(UK) manufactures a series of Step Up Transformers for this purpose.
For further information, please contact your Audio Note (UK) Dealer,
or alternatively please contact us direct.

RCA Inputs Three RCA / Single Ended line inputs are available for connection,

labeled ‘SE1 ‘SE2’, and ‘SE3’; any standard ‘line level’ source can be
connected to these inputs.
All sockets are colour coded; RED is for RIGHT channel connection,
WHITE is for LEFT channel connection.

XLR Input In addition to the five RCA inputs, an XLR / Balanced input is

provided, for the connection of sources with the appropriate XLR /
Balanced outputs. Each socket is connected to a pair of extremely
high quality Audio Note (UK) Balanced input transformers, which offer
the best possible connection for correctly designed Balanced
equipment.

The sockets are marked ‘R’ for the right input and ‘L’ for the left input,

and the ‘BAL’ position on the input selector activates them.

CONNECTION OVERVIEW

R

L

R

L

BAL / XLR INPUT LEFT AND RIGHT

EARTH
CONNECTION

RCA INPUT 3 LEFT AND RIGHT

PHONO INPUT 1 LEFT AND RIGHT
RCA INPUT 1 LEFT AND RIGHT

RCA INPUT 2 LEFT AND RIGHT

Umbilicals Two dedicated cables are supplied for connection of the M9 Phono

main unit to the power supply unit. One cable is used for the Line
stage and one is used for the Phono stage.

The cables are fitted with Military specification circular connectors, and

can only be installed in one direction; the male connector attaches to
the PSU ‘power supply out’ sockets, the female connector attaches to
the M9 Phono main unit ‘power supply input’ sockets.

The connectors are a ‘push and twist’ bayonet design, and once the

connector and socket have been aligned, twist the external ring on the
connector to secure it to the socket.

Both cables are identical in construction, but it is important to make

sure the correct output from the PSU is connected to the correct,
corresponding input on the main unit.

If you are in any way uncertain regarding these connections, please

consult your official Audio Note (UK) agent.

Ground Post Each of the chassis is fitted with a separate Earth connection / ground

post. The post located on the main preamplifier unit is for connection
to source components that also use a separate ground terminal. The
ground post located on the power supply can be used in situations
where the following amplifiers require a separate ground connection to
maintain quiet, hum free operation. Please consult your official Audio
Note (UK) agent for further information on how best to use these in
your system.

CONNECTION OVERVIEW continued…

CONNECTION OVERVIEW continued…

M9 PHONO UMBILICAL CABLE CONNECTION

R

L

R

L

LINE

LINE

PHONO

PHONO

Mains The M9 Phono preamplifier power supply is equipped with an IEC 320

mains inlet socket. Use the supplied mains cable to connect the unit to
the local mains supply. The mains fuses are located in the circular
receptacles beneath the mains inlet.

CONNECTION OVERVIEW continued…

MAINS INPUT

R

L

R

L

LINE

LINE

PHONO

PHONO

Outputs The M9 Phono preamplifier provides two Single Ended / RCA outputs,

consisting of two pairs of colour coded RCA / Single Ended sockets.

RED is for RIGHT channel connection, WHITE is for LEFT channel

connection.

There is also a pair of balanced outputs, consisting of a pair of ‘male’

XLR sockets (see ‘Balanced’ section, below).

CONNECTION OVERVIEW continued…

XLR / BALANCED OUTPUTS,

RIGHT AND LEFT

RCA / SINGLE ENDED

OUTPUTS, LEFT AND RIGHT

BALANCED /

SINGLE ENDED

SWITCH

R

L

R

L

XLR MALE

OUTPUT

1 2 3

RCA
OUTPUT
SOCKET

BALANCED /

SINGLE ENDED

SWITCH

RCA The two pairs of RCA / Single Ended outputs are provided for

connection to power amplifiers. They are identical, making them
suitable for bi-amping.

Balanced The M9 Phono preamplifier is equipped with custom designed and

manufactured output transformers, which feature an improved output
and grounding scheme to provide the best possible connection to the
power amplifier.

RCA SOCKET,
CENTRE = POSITIVE /

RCA SOCKET,
SHELL = NEGATIVE /

CONNECTION OVERVIEW continued…

The pin configuration for all Audio Note (UK)
XLR / BALANCED connections is as follows: -

PIN 1 Ground / Shield
PIN 2 Positive / Send
PIN 3 Negative / Return

The balanced and single ended outputs cannot be used

simultaneously; select the appropriate output using the toggle switch.

When using an amplifier with a true balanced input, the
‘BALANCED / SINGLE ENDED’ switch may be set in either position.

When set to the ‘BALANCED’ position, the centre tap of the output
transformer secondary is connected to the preamplifier’s ground.
When set in the ‘SINGLE ENDED’ position, the secondary ‘floats’ in
relation to the preamplifier ground. This provides the option of either a
low or high common mode impedance to ground at the preamplifier
output. Experiment with both positions to achieve the lowest
background hum from the system.

Special Note – Make sure that all connections are tight and clean. For

best results use good quality audio interconnects. Although it is
perfectly acceptable to use cables manufactured by other companies,
for best results and performance, we recommend our own Audio Note

(UK) range of interconnects and loudspeaker cables. For further
information, please consult your nearest Audio Note (UK) dealer, or
alternatively please feel free to contact us directly.

The following page provides a description of the various cable and

connection options when connecting the XLR / Balanced outputs to
various power amplifier inputs.

CONNECTION OVERVIEW continued…

CABLE CONFIGURATION OPTIONS

When connecting the XLR / BALANCED outputs to an amplifier with an

RCA / Single Ended input, the switch must be set to the

‘SINGLE ENDED’ position.

CONVENTIONAL: SCREEN CONNECTED AT BOTH ENDS

XLR FEMALE

XLR MALE

3 1 1

2

2 3 SCREEN

PREAMP OUTPUT

POWER AMP INPUT

SCREEN CONNECTED AT PREAMP END ONLY, TO

ELIMINATE GROUND LOOPS

3 2 1 2 1 3 SCREEN

XLR FEMALE

XLR MALE

PREAMP OUTPUT

POWER AMP INPUT

CABLE CONFIGURATION FOR XLR BALANCED PREAMP

OUTPUT TO RCA UNBALANCED AMPLIFIER INPUT

2

1

3

SCREEN

XLR FEMALE

RCA MALE

PREAMP OUTPUT

POWER AMP INPUT

CONNECTION OVERVIEW continued…

OPERATION

Once all the connections are completed and checked, ensure that the volume
controls are at the minimum setting (rotated all the way left).

Ensure that all source components connected to the M9 Phono preamplifier
are switched ON. Source components should always be the FIRST components to
be switched on and the LAST components to be switched off.

Ensure that all power amplifiers connected to the M9 Phono preamplifier are
switched OFF. Any power amplifiers in use should be the LAST components to be

switched on, and the FIRST components to be switched off.

The above procedure minimizes the possibility of loud noises produced by
components at switch on being passed to the loudspeakers and possibly causing
damage.

Turn on the M9 Phono preamplifier by using the rocker switch located on the rear
panel of the power supply unit above the mains inlet IEC socket.

The M9 Phono preamplifier requires approximately 45 seconds to initialize before it is
ready for operation.

Input Selector Turn the selector to the source you wish to listen to.

Volume Control This control adjusts the listening level, or loudness. Set as

desired!

Stereo / Mono A Stereo / Mono selector is provided so that mono recordings

can be correctly replayed through the M9 Phono.

Bedding in The new preamplifier requires around 200 hours of initial use

(called “bedding in”) before the circuitry becomes stable and
optimum performance is realized.

As the preamplifier “beds in” the sound will become

increasingly smoother, detailed and more open.

Once the amplifier has “bedded in” a warm up time of

approximately 20 to 30 minutes is required each time the
amplifier is switched on before optimum sonic performance is
reached.

Cleaning No special maintenance is required for the preamplifier. Use a

soft, clean lint free cloth to remove any surface marks from the
casework. For finger marks / grease, use a soft, clean lint free
cloth, lightly moistened with a solution of warm water and mild
detergent. Do not use any alcohol or solvent based cleaning
products, as they may damage the finish of the amplifier.

ENSURE THAT THE PREAMPLIFIER IS SWITCHED OFF

AND DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAINS ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY CLEANING.

Valve Life The valves supplied with your M9 Phono preamplifier should

provide approximately 3 years of operation. They are specially
selected by us, and should only be replaced with valves of the
same type and specification. Please consult your Audio Note
(UK) dealer should your valves need replacing. Alternatively,
feel free to contact us directly.

OPERATION continued…

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

INPUT IMPEDANCE

100k Ohms Line Level

47K Ohms Phono

INPUT SENSITIVITY

126mV for 1V Output, Lone Level

GAIN at 1KHz

18dB Line Level

63dB Phono

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

<10 Ohms

OUTPUT NOISE (RMS)

<0.08mV unweighted, Line Level

<15mV unweighted, Phono

VALVE COMPLIMENT

1 x 6463
1 x 6189
1 x EF80
1 x E80CC
2 x 6X5
2 x OB2
2 x ECL82

FUSE RATINGS

1A anti-surge (110 / 120V supply)
500mA anti-surge (220 / 240V supply)

MAX. POWER CONSUMPTION

81 Watts

TOTAL WEIGHT

30 KG (two units)

TOTAL SHIPPING WEIGHT

(ORIGINAL PACKAGING)

40 KG (two cartons)

UNIT DIMENSIONS

140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d)

140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d)

PACKAGING DIMENSIONS

235mm (h) x 540mm (w) x 510mm (d)

NOTE

Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing

research and development program,

specifications are subject to change

without notice.

Audio Note (UK) warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for two years from the original date of purchase from an appointed
Audio Note (UK) dealer, and agrees to cover the cost of parts and associated labour

required to correct such defects, subject to terms & conditions.

This Warranty is offered to the first purchaser only.

Any valves supplied with the unit are warranted for three months from the original
date of purchase.

If the product fails in normal domestic use and during the Warranty period due to the
above described faults or defects, Audio Note (UK) will, at its discretion, repair or
replace the item free of charge within a reasonable time once it has been returned to
Audio Note (UK) or an appointed Audio Note (UK) dealer or service engineer.

Audio Note (UK) is not liable for any shipping charges incurred whilst transporting the
product to or from Audio Note (UK) or an appointed Audio Note (UK) dealer or
service engineer, should the item require service or repair during or after the
Warranty period.

If the product must be shipped, please use the original packaging materials and
include a copy of the original sales receipt along with a note explaining, in as much
detail as possible, the problems you are experiencing with the unit.

Only use a reputable Courier Service or Shipping Agent, and ensure that your
product is insured during transit.

Any servicing, repairs or modifications not authorized by Audio Note (UK), or
carried out by persons other than appointed Audio Note (UK) service
engineers will invalidate any warranty.

This Warranty does NOT cover: -

Damage sustained whilst in the possession of a shipping agent, retailer or consumer
and not caused as a direct result of defects in materials or workmanship.

Damage caused by normal wear and tear.

Damage or defects caused by abnormal or unreasonable use.

Damage caused by accident, acts of nature, misuse or neglect.

Damage caused by a failure to follow the operating and installation instructions
supplied with the product.

Damage caused by improper or careless cleaning.

Audio Note (UK) reserves the right to refuse warranty for any component of which
the serial number has been removed, defaced or tampered with.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Audio Note (UK) Limited

25 Montefiore Road

Hove

East Sussex

BN3 1RD

United Kingdom

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

CONTACT INFORMATION

If in the future your Audio Note (UK) product

requires servicing, or if you require technical support

or have any questions regarding this or any of our

other products, please contact your local Audio Note

(UK) dealer.

Alternatively, please feel free to contact us directly: -!