Jeff Rowland Consummate Phono Owners manual

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CONSUMMATE PHONO STAGE

OWNER’S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction…..Pg. 1

Features…….Pg. 2

Unpacking Instructions……Pg. 3

Installation…….Pg. 4

Operating Instructions…….Pg. 5-9

Adjustable Gain………Pg. 10

Technical Specifications…….Pg. 11

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Jeff Rowland Design Group Consummate
Phono Stage.

Please take a few moments to read this owner’s manual. (Contrary to popular belief,
there is actually quite a bit of useful information in an owner’s manual!) The Consum
Phono Stage offers a high degree of flexibility, such that maximum performance with
wide range of phono cartridges can be obtained.

The Consummate Phono Stage is the first phono preamplifier from Jeff Rowland Desi
Group to offer fully balanced (differential mode) operation directly from all types of
moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. There are many sonic and performance
advantages with differential operation, especially at the extremely low signal levels
generated by phono transducers. With the Consummate Phono Stage, these delicate
signals are no longer compromised by externally-produced electromagnetic fields or
noisy system grounds. Fully differential operation is maintained throughout all signal
amplification stages. All RIAA equalization is also accomplished differentially.
Collectively, these features result in very low noise, distortion and equalization errors.

Regardless of which input (differential or single-ended) you choose, differential

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amplification and equalization are maintained throughout. And even if you are using t
single-ended inputs, we advise that you use the differential outputs of your Phono Sta
for better sonic performance.

Features

• Two phono input configurations: one standard, single-ended (RCA- type connector)
one fully balanced (XLR-type connector)

• Balanced (differential) outputs, with both RCA and XLR-type connectors provided

• User-adjustable, variable cartridge loading via external "calibrated indicator dial" or
internal discrete resistor plug-in sockets

• User-adjustable output impedance

• Ten discrete, low impedance power supply regulators provide extremely high noise
rejection and isolation

• Discrete, FET, high-current amplifier stages

• All critical circuitry is encapsulated in a thermally-conductive epoxy to ensure excell
thermal stability, mechanical integrity and to facilitate ease of service

• Mil-spec circuit board material, with oxygen-free copper traces and high-temperatur
mask provides superior electrical characteristics.

Unpacking Instructions

In the shipping box you will find:

• DC power supply cable

• Two XLR-type male connectors

• 10-100 ohm loading resistor pack

• warranty card

DESIGN GROUP [or its authorized distributor if outside the U.S.A.] within 14 da
of purchase. Not only will your Phono Stage be registered, but you will, in the
future, be informed of new products and services.)

We strongly suggest that you save all packing materials

The Consummate Phono Stage can be lifted out of its box while still wrapped in the
plastic bag and foam pieces, which can then be removed.

(This form must be completed and returned to JEFF ROWLAND

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Installation

The Consummate Phono Stage is designed to be used only with the Power Supply of
Consummate Preamplifier. The Consummate Power Supply provides the correct DC
voltages and voltage regulation necessary for proper operation. The use of other pow
supplies or sources may cause serious damage to your Phono Stage and will also voi
its warranty.

The supplied DC power supply cable attaches to the rear of your Consummate Powe
Supply. Please make sure that the AC cord to the Power Supply is disconnected from
wall socket before you attach this Phono Stage DC power supply cable. Double chec
make sure that the Power Supply AC switch on its back panel is in the "off" position
before re-connecting the AC cord to the Power Supply. Otherwise, damage to your
Phono Stage can occur.

Locate the Phono Stage as close as possible to its final installation point. Allow acces
the back panel for making connections. You can stack the components of the
Consummate system; the suggested arrangement is to have the Consummate Power
Supply on the bottom, the Preamplifier in the middle and the Phono Stage on top. Yo
can also position the Phono Stage close to your turntable. Due to extensive local pow
supply regulation within the Phono Stage, as well as its high-current, impedance­matched, differential mode output capability, it can be located up to 20 meters away f
the Preamplifier and Power Supply with no performance degradation. If you have a
situation like this and need a custom length DC power supply cable, please contact y
Jeff Rowland Design Group dealer.

Operating Instructions

Single-Ended Input Connections:

The Consummate Phono Stage can be operated in a conventional, single- ended inp
mode. Located on the rear panel are 3 input jacks per channel in the
Note also that a small toggle switch marked
and XLR input jacks. For single- ended operation, simply plug your turntable
interconnects into the
your turntable is equipped with a separate ground wire, connect it under the
thumbscrew.

Balanced Input Connections:

The Consummate Phono Stage can also be operated in a balanced (differential mod
input configuration. Two different input connector options are provided: XLR inputs in
which each channel connector carries the normal and inverting (positive and negative
input signals; or separate RCA connectors by which the normal and inverting signals

Normal

Input Select

RCA jacks and set the

Phono Input

is located between the RC

Input Select

switches to

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Ground