VACUUM TUBE PHONO AMPLIFIER
EQ-500
Owner`s Manual
Contents
Precautions ············································································································· 1
Features of This Unit ································································································ 2
Names and Functions ······························································································ 4
Connections ············································································································ 8
Block Diagram ······································································································· 10
Specifications ········································································································ 11
Before Asking for Repair Services ·········································································· 12
VACUUM TUBE PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500
Precautions
Installation place
Install this unit in a location where good ventilation and heat
radiation are assured.
Especially, the installation of this unit where the direct sunlight
is present, where the temperature rises excessively high such
as close to a heater, or where it is humid or dusty may cause
a malfunction even if heat is efficiently released. Therefore, do
not install this unit in such places.
Note:
For heat dispersal, do not install this equipment in a confined
space such as a book case or similar unit.
* Note
*
*
*
Wall
Cautions in connecting cartridges
Connect an analog player or a tone arm with the ground ter-
minal of this unit.
If the grounding terminal is inadequately connected, noises
including hum may be generated, resulting in an adverse S/N
ratio.
The pin plugs to be inserted in the input terminals of this unit
shall be pushed in firmly. If the grounding of the terminal is
inadequately connected, noises including hum may be gener-
ated, resulting in an adverse effect on the S/N ratio.
The sound is not generated shortly after
the power supply is turned on
This amplifier is equipped with a time muting circuit in order to
separate the output circuit. Therefore, no sound is generated
shortly after the power supply is turned on.
If the volume control is set to a high sound level before the
time muting circuit is canceled, a large sound will suddenly be
generated. Please be advised that the volume control shall be
set to a low level at first and adjusted after the sound comes
out of the speakers.
Repair and adjustment
When repairs and adjustments are needed, please consult
with the dealer you bought the unit from.
Cleaning
For cleaning, use a piece of soft cloth to wipe the unit such as
cleaning cloth. When the dirt is hard to remove, use a small
amount of neutral detergent to wipe, and then wipe the unit
with dry cloth. Do not use a solvent like benzine or thinner
because such a substance can often damage the exterior.
Precautions in connecting with other
components
When connecting this unit to input/output devices, be sure to
turn off the power switch of this unit and all other connected
units.
The pin-plugs to be inserted in the input and output terminals
of this unit shall be pushed in firmly. If the grounding termi-
nal is inadequately connected, noises including hum may be
generated, resulting in an adverse effect on the S/N ratio.
1
Features of This Unit
Outline
This unit is a non-feedback CR type phono equalizer ampli-
fier that is configured with the vacuum-tube-equipped SRPP
(Shunt Regulated Push-Pull) circuit.
Non-feedback CR type equalizer circuit
Various high sound quality parts that have been carefully se-
lected are used in this non-feedback CR type equalizer circuit.
Input stage SRPP circuit
The SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push-Pull) circuit that features a
low impedance output, prolonged life of vacuum tubes, and
many other advantages, is used in the phono equalizer sec-
tion.
Specially selected MC transformer
Four pieces of step-up transformers in which a super permal-
loy core is independently used are mounted. Independence
among MC-HIGH, MC-LOW, left and right respectively has
achieved richly expressive sound that can be produced only
by boosting with a transformer.
Articulation function
Magnetization of the cartridge or MC transformer that may
cause the deterioration of sound quality can be eliminated
with the use of reproduced sound signals. This function can
exploit the full potential of cartridges and achieve the sound
quality with a sense of openness.
Vriable cartridge load impedance
The load resistance variable function from 30 kΩ through
100kΩ supports a wide variety of cartridges.
Setting of cartridge load capacity
The load capacity setting function with 6 positions supports
a wide variety of cartridges. Change in high-pass characteris-
tics allows sound to be adjusted to your favorite tone quality.
Switchover of gains
The gain selection switch with 3 positions (36 dB/38 dB/
40 dB) is equipped.
Output transformer
The output transformer with a super permalloy core is
equipped to achieve richly and deeply expressive sound. The
balanced output is also supported.
Analog meter
Analog meters with a sensitivity selection switch are intro-
duced to make various cartridge outputs available. The me-
ter-off function is also equipped. (When OFF is selected, the
meter needles do not move.)
2
VACUUM TUBE PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500
Thin body design
This unit can be installed in a limited space.
Low cut switch
A low-cut filter is provided to restrain woofer fluctuation gen-
erated due to warped analog records.
High cut switch
A high-cut filter is provided to eliminate scratch noises and it
makes music easier to be listened to.
Stereo/Monaural
The monaural switch which is useful for playing monaural re-
cords is provided.
LUXMAN’s original OFC wires
Our original OFC wires are used in the internal wiring to
achieve smooth signal transmissions thanks to the spiral
wrap shielding on each core and the non-plating process on
the core wire.
AC inlet
This inlet enables the connection with an external power ca-
ble.
Selector relays
The selector relays of the high sound quality which are
mounted in the important points of LUXMAN amplifiers also
are mounted.
High-inertia power supply
The high-inertia power supply circuit that is a combination
of a large-capacity OI-core-type power transformer and a
large-capacity capacitor block is introduced.
Power supply unit
Full wave rectification by a rectifier tube EZ81 (duo diode) and
a choke coil are used.
Input/output terminals
18 mm pitch RCA input terminals and Neutrik made XLR ter-
minals allow even a high-performance line cable with large
plug to be connected.
3
Names and Functions
61 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
2
4 5 9
3
Front panel
1. Operation switch (OPERATION)
This switch turns on and off the power. When connecting
the input/output terminals, be sure to turn off this switch.
: Off
: On
2. Operation indicator (OPERATION)
Blinks during warm-up when the operation switch is turned
on and lights up when the operation state is activated af-
terward.
When the indicator is blinking, the output muting circuit is
activated to mute sound. Please be advised that the vol-
ume control of the input device such as a control amplifier
shall be set to a low level at first and adjusted according to
your taste after sound comes out of the speakers.
3. Meters
Indicate the levels of outputs with illumination.
4. Meter switch (METER)
Turns on and off the meter illumination and meter display.
• ON
Turns on the meter illumination and meter display.
• OFF
Turns off the meter illumination and meter display.
5. Meter sensitivity selection switch
Selects the sensitivity of the meter display. Set this switch to
the low position under normal conditions. When the meter
needle swings in a narrow range, set the switch to the high
position. When the meter switch is set to OFF, the sensitivity
cannot be changed.
• LOW
Use this position under normal conditions.
• HIGH
When the meter needle swings in a narrow range, set the
switch to this position.
6. Output mode selection switch
(OUTPUT)
Switches the output between unbalanced output and bal-
anced output.
• UNBAL
Sound comes out from LINE-1 and LINE-2.
• BAL
Sound comes out from BAL-LINE.
7. Balanced phase inversion switch
(PHASE)
Inverts the phase when the output mode selection switch
(OUTPUT) is set to the balanced output. The phase shall be
corresponding to the phase of the device to be connected.
• NORMAL ① GROUND
② COLD (–)
③ HOT (+)
4
VACUUM TUBE PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500
• INVERT ① GROUND
② HOT (+)
③ COLD (–)
8. Articulator switch (ARTICULATOR)
This function performs demagnetization by using sound sig-
nals.
When a record is played with the articulator set to ON, the
cartridge and step-up transformer are demagnetized, and
thus the expression of fresh sound is brought back.
When the articulator is set to ON, no sound is generated
or the sound becomes remarkably small during playback.
This is the sign that the cartridge is being demagnetized.
If the articulator is set to OFF at this point, the sound sud-
denly becomes loud. Therefore, do not turn up the sound
volume of the control amplifier or the like. It is recommend-
ed to activate the articulator for approximately 30 seconds
before the end of a track of the record.
• OFF
Deactivates the articulator. Select this position under nor-
mal conditions.
• ON
Activates the articulator.
9. Articulator indicator
Turns on when the articulator is activated.
12. High cut switch (HIGH CUT)
Toggles the high-frequency cutoff function on and off.
• OFF
Provides the normal state.
• ON
Cuts high frequencies of 8 kHz or more. (–6 dB/oct)
13. Gain selection switch (GAIN)
Selects the gain among 36 dB, 38 dB, and 40 dB. The gain
is selectable according to the output voltage of the car-
tridge.
14. Input impedance control (IMPEDANCE)
Controls the input impedance according to your cartridge.
The variable range is from 30 kΩ through 100 kΩ.
15. Input capacitor selection switch
(CAPACITIY)
Selects the input capacitor according to your cartridge. Se-
lectable capacitors are the following: 0 pF/50 pF/100 pF/
150 pF/200 pF/300 pF
16. Cartridge selection switch
(CARTRIDGE)
Selects the input impedance. The selectable positions are
MM, MC low and MC high. Select a position in accordance
with the input impedance specified in the operating instruc-
tions of the cartridge.
10. Mode switch (MODE)
• STEREO
Is used for stereo playback. Select this position under nor-
mal conditions.
• MONO
Is used for monaural playback.
11. Low cut switch (LOW CUT)
Toggles the low-frequency cutoff function on and off. The
speaker (woofer) fluctuation is restrained. When a warped
record is played.
• OFF
Provides the normal state.
• ON
Cuts low frequencies of 20 Hz or less. (–6 dB/oct)
Cartridge
selection
Impedance 30 kΩ - 100 kΩ 40Ω 2.5Ω
MM MC high MC low
17. Input selection switch (INPUT)
Selects an input terminal on the rear panel.
• 1: Input terminal 1 (INPUT-1) is selected.
• 2: Input terminal 2 (INPUT-2) is selected.
• 3: Input terminal 3 (INPUT-3) is selected.
5
52
1
3 4
Names and Functions
Rear panel
1. Signal ground terminals
(SIGNAL GROUND)
Are ground terminals for devices to be connected to this
unit. These terminals are used to reduce noises when other
devices are connected, and are connected to an analog
player or a tone arm. These terminals are not designed for
safety. There are 3 lines of independent ground terminals
to allow for connecting 3 pieces of analog players or tone
arms.
2. Input terminals (INPUTS)
Are used as an input terminal to connect a pin-plug cable
from an analog player or a tone arm. There are 3 lines of
input terminals to connecte 3 pieces of analog players or
tone arms. The input selection switch can select an input
among 1, 2, and 3.
3. Unbalanced output terminals/
(OUTPUTS) (LINE-1, LINE-2)
RCA terminals to provide unbalanced audio signals of this
unit. Connect these terminals to unbalanced inputs of an in-
put device such as a control amplifier with pin-plug cables.
Audio output signals are selected with the output mode se-
lection switch.
LINE-1 and LINE-2 provide the same sound quality.
When the output mode selection switch is set to BAL, no
audio signal is outputted.
4. Balanced output terminals (OUTPUTS)
(BAL. LINE)
XLR output terminals to provide balanced audio signals
from this unit Connect these terminals to balanced inputs
of an input device such as a control amplifier with balanced
cables. Audio output signals are selected with the output
mode selection switch.
When the output mode selection switch is set to UNBAL,
no audio signal is outputted.
5. AC inlet (AC IN)
Connects the accessory power cable.
The power shall be supplied from a household wall socket.
6
VACUUM TUBE PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500
7
Connections
SPEAKER SYSTEM 1
SPEAKER SYSTEM 2
CONTROL AMP
ANALOG PLAYER ANALOG PLAYER ANALOG PLAYER
L R L R L R
POWER AMP
L R
L RL R
L R
INTEGRATED AMP
L R
8
VACUUM TUBE PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500
Before Connecting
Before connecting other devices, connect the jack side of the
accessory power cable to the AC inlet of this unit.
Before connection is made, turn off the main power switch
of this unit and the power of all other connected devices to
prevent accidents due to noises generated unexpectedly.
How to connect power supply
Use the accessory power cable and insert the AC plug in an
outlet on the wall in the room where the unit will be installed.
How to connect output devices
1. Surely connect the output terminals of this unit to the line
input terminals of a control amplifier or an integrated am-
plifier using RCA pin-plug cables between the R-channel
and L-channel. If the grounding side of the pin-plug cables
is inadequately connected, noises including hum may be
generated, resulting in an adverse effect on the S/N ratio.
Therefore, insert the cables all the way.
Cartridge connection
1. Insert the pin-plugs of an RCA pin-plug cables from an
analog player or a tone arm with a cartridge mounted into
the input terminals of this unit. At this moment, be sure
to make a connection without a mistake between the
R-channel and L-channel. If the grounding side of the pin-
plug cables is inadequately connected, noises including
hum may be generated, resulting in an adverse effect on
the S/N ratio.
2. Grounding between analog players or tone arms and this
unit is needed. Be sure to connect the ground wires that
come from tone arms in parallel with pin-plug cables to the
ground terminals of this unit.
If the ground wires are inadequately connected, noises
including hum may be generated, resulting in an adverse
effect on the S/N ratio.
3. To listen to music with the analog player connected to the
input terminal 1, 2, or 3 and cartridge, select the connect-
ed input terminal with the input selection switch.
2. Do not connect the output terminals of this unit to the
phono (PHONO) input terminal of a control amplifier or in-
tegrated amplifier. Failure to observe this may not only dis-
tort the phono amplifier signals of the integrated amplifier
or a control amplifier but also damage the amplifiers. Be
sure to connect the terminal to the line input terminal. Do
not insert the supplied short pin into the output terminal.
If the pin is inserted into the output terminal, no sound will
be generated.
3. Sound volume adjustment shall be performed by the con-
nected control amplifier or integrated amplifier because
this unit has no sound volume adjustment function. Sound
volume shall be set to the minimum when this unit is being
connected. If sound volume is set to a high level at pow-
er-on, sudden loud sound may be generated, which may
cause hearing loss or damage to the speakers.
Please be advised that the sound volume shall be set to a
low level at first and adjusted according to your taste after
the sound comes out of the speakers.
Do not connect the output of an analog player with phono
equalizer embedded to this unit. Failure to observe this
may not only distort the amplifier signals but also cause
a malfunction.
Connect the output of an analog player with phono equal-
izer embedded to the line input of an integrated amplifier
or a control amplifier.
9
Block Diagram
B1
T
L ch
LINE OUT 1
LINE OUT 2
21
BALANCE OU
1.GND
2.COLD(-)
3.HOT(+)
3
LINE OUT 1
LINE OUT 2
213BALANCE OUT 1.GND
2.COLD(-)
3.HOT(+)
PHASE
ECC83
LINE
MUTE
ECC82 ECC82
BAL
BAL
BAL
BAL
MUTE
METER
LOW CUT
MONO
MODE
GAIN
ECC83
C-R TYPE EQ
STEREO
HIGH CUT
ECC83
B2
LINE
MUTE
ECC82
ECC82
BAL
BAL
METER
LOW CUT
MONO
STEREO
ECC83
C-R TYPE EQ
PHASE
BAL
BAL
MUTE
GAIN
HIGH CUT
B1 B2
HEAT
ACC
CHOKE
10
ECC83
ECC83
CAP
IMPEDANCE
ARTICULATOR
MC HIGH TRANS
CARTRIDGE
MC-HIGH
MC-LOW
MC
MM
MC LOW TRANS
ECC83
MC HIGH TRANS
CARTRIDGE
MC
MM
ECC83
CAP
IMPEDANCE
ARTICULATOR
MC LOW TRANS
MC-HIGH
MC-LOW
EZ81
POWER TRANS
RECTIFIER RECTIFIER
AC IN
R ch
NO-1
INPUT
NO-2
NO-3
NO-1
INPUT
NO-2
NO-3
VACUUM TUBE PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500
Specifications
Input sensitivity
When the gain is set to 36 dB
Input impedance MM : 30 kΩ - 100 kΩ (variable)
Gain
When the gain is set to 36 dB
RIAA deviation MM : 20 - 20kHz ±0.3dB
Maximum allowable input voltage
1kHz
Output impedance LINE OUT : 850Ω
S/N ratio
When the gain is set to 36 dB
Total harmonic distortion
1 kHz, 1 V output
When the gain is set to 36 dB
Channel separation (10kHz) 65dB
Accessories • Power cable
Circuit SRPP, Final stage cathode follower, Non-feedback CR type
Vacuum tube used ECC83 x 4 pieces, ECC82 x 2 pieces, and EZ81 x 1 piece
Power consumption 47 W
Power supply 230 V ~ (50 Hz)
Max. external dimensions 440 (W) x 92 (H) x 397 (D) mm
Weight 12.5 kg (main unit only)
MM : 4mV/250mV, LINE output 1kHz, Load 50kΩ
MC-HIGH : 0.44mV/250mV, LINE output 1kHz, Load 50kΩ
MC-LOW : 0.18mV/250mV, LINE output 1kHz, Load 50kΩ
MM : 4mV/250mV, BAL output 1kHz, Load 100kΩ
MC-HIGH : 0.44mV/250mV, BAL output 1kHz, Load 100kΩ
MC-LOW : 0.18mV/250mV, BAL output 1kHz, Load 100kΩ
MC-HIGH : 40Ω
MC-LOW : 2.5Ω
MM : 36dB (1kHz)
MC-HIGH : 55dB (1kHz)
MC-LOW : 63dB (1kHz)
MC-HIGH : 20 - 20kHz ±0.3dB
MC-LOW : 20 - 20kHz ±0.3dB
MM : 300mV
MC-HIGH : 34mV
MC-LOW : 13mV
BAL OUT : 850Ω
MM : 76dB (IHF-A)
MC-HIGH : 75dB (IHF-A)
MC-LOW : 74dB (IHF-A)
0.07%
• Safety cautions
• Owner’s manual
(front side knob of 5mm and rear side terminal of 12mm included in
depth)
* Specifications and the appearance are subject to change without notice.
11
Before Asking for Repair Services
While the unit is used, an unusual phenomenon may be confused as a malfunction for a certain reason. Prior to asking our official sole
distributor of your country for repair services, please check the table below and read the operating instructions for the subsidiary devic-
es. If the cause of the malfunction cannot be identified, please contact your dealer. When we have once accepted your request for
repair services, inspection fees and traveling expenses may be claimed even though the unit is found to be normal.
Problem Cause Solution
No power is supplied even
though the power switch is
pressed ON.
No sound is generated.
(small sound)
• The power plug is disconnected from the
wall outlet, or it is not completely inserted.
• The power plug is disconnected from the
AC inlet, or it is not inserted completely.
• Connection is not securely performed. • Make cable connections securely.
• The connected input terminal does not
match the number selected with the input
selection switch.
• The selected item of the input selection
switch of the control amplifier is not appropriate.
• The volume control of the input device such
as a control amplifier is set to the minimum.
• The used cartridge type does not match
with the selected item of the cartridge selection switch.
• The articulator switch is set to ON. • Turn down the sound volume, set the artic-
• Insert the power plug in the wall outlet completely.
• Securely insert the power plug in the AC inlet completely.
• Match the input terminal with the number of
the input selection switch.
• Select the correct input with the input selection switch of the control amplifier.
• Adjust the volume control of the input device such as a control amplifier.
• Select the correct item of the cartridge selection switch according to the used cartridge.
ulator switch to OFF, and adjust the sound
volume according to the appropriate input
impedance after sound comes out.
Hum noises (boon or zzz noise)
are generated.
12
• The connected output terminal does not
match the selected item of the output mode
selection switch.
• The short pin is inserted into an unbalanced
output terminal.
• The setting of the input impedance control
does not match the cartridge in use.
• The grounding side of the connection cable
has no contact with the terminal.
• The grounding of the shell or tone arm is
inadequately connected.
• Induction noise is picked up from a power
transformer of another device.
• The connecting cables are too close to the
power cable.
• Match the output terminal with the item of
the output mode selection switch.
• Pull out the short pin from the unbalanced
output terminal.
• Adjust the input impedance according to
the cartridge in use.
• Make cable connections securely.
• Be sure to connect the ground wire of the
shell or tone arm to the ground terminal.
• Install it distant from other devices.
• Keep the connecting cables away from the
power cable.
VACUUM TUBE PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500
MEMO
13
LUXMAN CORPORATION, JAPAN
AG00987E41A
Printed in China
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