Musical Surroundings Phonomena Owners manual

Thank you for purchasing the Phonomena. We are certain that it will bring
you years of listening pleasure. The technology for this product was nearly
a decade in the making. The Phonomena was carefully designed and
manufactured to realize our philosophy, which is to present all the musical
definition possible. The result is accurate sound reproduction that conveys
the spirit of the musical performance.

The Staff at Musical Surroundings

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section subject page

1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 Internal Configuration Settings 3

2.1 Basic Gain Settings 3

2.2 Fine Gain Settings 4

2.3 Basic Input Loading 5

2.4 Fine Input Loading 6

3.0 Power Supply Installation 6

4.0 Audio Inputs and Outputs 7

5.0 Audio Chassis Placement 7

6.0 Using Your Phonomena 7

7.0 Warranty Information 8

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Phonomena is a complete phono preamplifier with RIAA equalization
that amplifies the output signal of a phono cartridge, either moving coil or
moving magnet, up to a nominal "line level". The Phonomena may be used
with a receiver or integrated amplifier. If you use “separate” components, a
line level control unit (preamp or line level unit) is required before the
power amp since there is no volume control on the Phonomena. The
Phonomena’s power supply is internal to the audio chassis and uses either a
wall mount transformer or a Phonomena Battery Supply (optional) for its
power source.

The installation of the Phonomena is quite simple and involves:

a. The setting of the two internal configuration settings for both gain
and input loading (section 2)

b. The connection of the power source (section 3)

c. Connection of the audio inputs and outputs (section 4)

d. Placement of the unit (section 5)

2.0 INTERNAL CONFIGURATION SETTINGS

Factory settings are 40 dB, 50k Ω
Note: Always let the unit settle for 60 seconds after any configuration

changes are made before listening. Slowly raise the volume control after
making any changes as you begin to listen. This insures the unit is stable
and will not damage your system if the configuration is not set correctly.

2.1 BASIC GAIN SETTINGS

To set the gain, there are two dip switches located on the Phonomena circuit
board (SW1, SW3), one for each channel. The switches are red, have 4
positions and are located toward the middle of the circuit board. Basic gain
setting instructions are printed on the left side of the circuit board. Refer to
your cartridge’s instruction sheet to determine gain settings. Use a pencil,
toothpick or non-metallic screwdriver to change switch settings.
Lower gains (40 and 44 dB) are intended for moving magnet cartridges or
very high output moving coil cartridges (2.0 milliVolts or higher). These

would include the Benz MC20E2, Silver, Glider High Output and H2O.

Medium gain settings (46 and 50 dB) are ideal for medium output moving
coils (.9 – 1.5mV) such as the Benz Glider or MO.9 and the Transfiguration
Esprit.

High gain settings (56 and 60 dB) are intended for use with low output
moving coil cartridges (0.2 - .6 milliVolts) such as the Benz MC Gold,
LO.4, Reference, Ruby2, Ruby H, Transfiguration Spirit and Temper
Supreme, Koetsu, and Graham Nightingale.

SWITCH NUMBER

GAIN (dB) 1 2 3 4 4

40 OFF OFF OFF OFF
44 OFF OFF OFF ON
46 OFF OFF ON OFF
50 OFF ON OFF OFF
56 ON OFF OFF OFF
60 ON ON ON ON

The choice of the 2 gain settings per each low, medium and high range
allows you to optimize signal to noise, volume control range and volume
matching to other line level inputs.

2.2 FINE GAIN SETTINGS

Fine gain settings provide very small gain increments. Typically this may
not be necessary but desirable in certain installations.

SWITCH NUMBER

GAIN (dB) 1 2 3 4 4

48 OFF OFF ON ON

51.5 OFF ON OFF ON

52.7 OFF ON ON OFF

53.7 OFF ON ON ON

57.5 ON OFF ON ON

58.4 ON OFF OFF ON

59.4 ON ON ON OFF

2.3 BASIC INPUT LOADING

To set the input loading, there are two 8 position dip switches (SW2, SW4),
one for each channel. The switches are red, have 8 positions and are located
toward the rear of the circuit board, close to the input/output connectors.