PHONO MODULE
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for choosing the OCTAVE
PHONO MODULE
You are about to enjoy the benefits of one of the world's most innovative and reliable
phono preamplifiers. Take care of it, and your preamplifier will provide you with many
years of listening pleasure.
You often hear people claim that there has been no real progress in tube amplifier
design for years. The operating principles of tubes have been documented extensively
and are well known to amplifier designers. Of course, the same can be said for
transistor amplifiers.
Nevertheless, there is still room for further development with both of these
technologies. This is both necessary and desirable. With tube amplifiers in particular,
a general reluctance to depart from the classic circuit designs has not done the
technology any favours. Today's loudspeakers and source equipment provide better
performance than ever before, but also present greater demands on amplifiers.
Modern sound reproduction equipment delivers a level of performance at a price that
simply would not have been possible 20 or even 10 years ago.
These advances have been achieved through the application of cutting edge
technology as it becomes available and more affordable.
Integrating these technologies into amplifier design demands a detailed knowledge of
the inner workings of amplifiers and an appreciation of the sonic benefits of each
modification.
We have specialized in tube amplification for the past 25 years, during which time we
have developed a number of innovative technologies that have earned us a reputation
as one of the leaders in the field.
We hope you will enjoy many hours of wonderful music with your OCTAVE preamplifier.
Andreas Hofmann
3
4
CONTENTS
Page
Introduction
1. OCTAVE technology ................................................................... 6
1.1. Differences to other tube amps .................................................... 6
1.2. Phono Module Description ........................................................... 7
2. Safety instructions ........................................................................ 8
2.1. Before you begin .......................................................................... 8
2.2. Placement ..................................................................................... 9
2.3. Warranty ....................................................................................... 9
3. Setting up ..................................................................................... 10
3.1. Connecting the amplifier ............................................................... 10
3.2. Running in .................................................................................... 10
4. Main Unit
4.1. Frontal view .................................................................................. 11
4.2. Top view ....................................................................................... 12
4.3. Back view ..................................................................................... 13
4.4. Assembly of the Modules ............................................................. 13
4.5. Power Supply ............................................................................... 14
4.6. Tube layout, Replacing tubes ....................................................... 15
4.7 Subsonic Filter .............................................................................. 16
4.8. Remote Control (optional) ............................................................ 17
4.9. Technical data, Main Unit ............................................................ 18
5. Available Inputs
5.1 IN 1: MM RCA .............................................................................. 20
5.2. IN 2: MC RCA ............................................................................... 22
5.3. IN 3: MC XLR ............................................................................... 24
5.4. IN 4: Line In .................................................................................. 26
5.5. IN 5: MC Step Up Transformer Fixed Impedance ........................ 28
5.6. IN 6: MC Step Up Transformer Switchable Impedance ............... 30
6. Available Outputs
6.1 OUT 1: RCA standard .................................................................. 32
6.2. OUT 2: RCA Direct Drive ............................................................. 34
6.3. OUT 3: XLR Direct Drive .............................................................. 36
7. Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 38
8. General data and dimensions ...................................................... 39
5
1. OCTAVE TECHNOLOGY
1.1. Characteristics of the OCTAVE tube technology
Sound
Amplifier
Design
Control +
Monitoring
1. The design goal of OCTAVE amplifiers is honest, natural sound repro-
duction. The sound characteristics of an amplifier are derived from the
sum of all its parts. Tubes themselves do not guarantee high quality
sound.
2. The limitations of classic tube designs are evident as soon as you connect the amplifiers. These designs often only perform to their full potential when they are used with special cables and amps. OCTAVE amplification and power supply technology has largely overcome these
common problems. Thanks to the innovative OCTAVE output stage design, they will maintain their optimum sound quality with virtually any
amplifier, irrespective of the cables.
3. OCTAVE employs the latest electronic circuit designs to create the best
possible operating conditions for the tubes, and thus for the amplifier itself.
OCTAVE T ub e Technology
Hand built
Made in
Germany
Power-
Management
Power supply
and
other functions
Amplifier +
Sound Quality
OCTAVE amplifiers are equipped with a proprietary control and monitoring system we call Power Management. This is an "electronic brain"
within the amp that regulates and controls all of the amplifier's functions. It includes the Soft Start Electronics that gently ramp up the
heating and supply voltages to reduce wear and tear on the components. In the event of a problem, the Power Management's protection
system will disconnect the unit from the power supply. Power Management helps us achieve a completely consistent sound while at the
same time ensuring the total reliability of our products.
4. OCTAVE amplifiers, designed and developed by Andreas Hofmann,
are hand built and individually tested. The company has its own inhouse winding department, in which all custom transformers are specially wound for each amplifier.
5. OCTAVE amplifiers are 100% built in Germany. Our employees are
highly qualified and committed. We collaborate closely with local specialist subcontracting companies. The hardware components are all
manufactured on modern CNC machines.
6
1. OCTAVE- TECHNOLOGY
1.2. Description Phono Module
The concept behind the new Octave Phono Module was to develop a high-end phono preamplifier
that would perform without restrictions in respect to the pickup technology or the output connectivity
while offering an unmatched level of versatility. To allow for optimized use with both MM and MC
cartridges while offering the utmost system matching flexibility, the Phono Module was developed
on a universal platform, with both the output section as well as the input section configurable in a
modular technology.
With this modular concept, the Phono Module enables a wide range of system configurations.
There are three independent input sections, and in the input section three different output boards
can be utilized. The input boards range from MM RCA (single-ended) to MC XLR (balanced), plus
one input board for line level units, including one RCA and one XLR input.
The output boards range from line-level (the standard module for driving a preamp or preamp section of an integrated amp) to regulated high-level Direct Drive modules with RCA or XLR output (for
driving a power amplifier directly).
To provide the output modules with the greatest possible flexibility, there is always a pair of fixed
RCA outputs. These RCA outputs can be used in the traditional manner for monitoring the signal or
as a source for recording equipment.
The Octave Phono Module is a four stage system comprising the Input Module, the RIAA Equalization, the Subsonic Filter and the Output Module. The Subsonic Filter can be bypassed. The power
supply is external, and mounted in a magnetically-shielded housing.
Developing a phono stage presents a great challenge to achieve low distortion, low noise and a low
input sensitivity in the circuit topology. The overall gain of a phono stage is very high, thus the demands on the circuit are complex in every aspect of the analogue technology.
The Octave Phono Module combines both tube and solid state devices. Incorporating solid state
circuitry is the best choice for the MC input section. Using tubes alone would result in unacceptably
high levels of noise. The output of a low-output MC cartridge is definitely too low for an all tube
input stage. Utilizing modern technology Octave developed a tube RIAA equalization stage operating in the optimum signal range of the tubes by using professional Integrated Circuits in the MC
Input Stage.
Optimizing the three-tube stage in respect to the feedback, the dynamic behaviour of this stage is
exceptional. The distortion is very low, while the spectral purity is close to the finest professional
units. To realize these characteristics, a power supply with battery-power quality is necessary. In
addition to its stability, the most positive attribute of battery power is an absence of hum and noise.
A drawback, of course, is that the there must be a loading system, and that the voltage decreases
during discharge. Therefore additional electronic systems are required to achieve these benefits
without any drawbacks.
A particularly unique option of the Octave Phono Module is the Line Input module. Adding this
module provides the unit with line level functionality allowing the connection of a high level source
via either single-ended (RCA) or balanced (XLR) inputs. In combination with the Regulated Output
module and the Remote Control Option the Octave Phono Module comprises all that is necessary
for a minimalist high-end audio system combining analogue and digital sources.
7
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2.1. Before you begin
In case of emergency: disconnect the plug from the mains supply
Never use an amplifier that is damaged or faulty. Make sure that it cannot be used until it has been
repaired by a qualified service technician.
Make sure that there is easy access to the IEC socket and power cord.
Do not open the case
There are dangerously high voltages and hot tubes inside this equipment. To avoid a burn or the
risk of electric shock, never allow anyone except qualified personnel to open the case or remove
the grille.
Servicing and maintenance
For reasons of safety, please ensure that servicing, repairs and other modifications to OCTAVE
equipment are carried out only by a qualified technician. Fuses should also only be changed by a
qualified technician. Always replace fuses with ones of the same type and rating. If your amplifier
requires servicing, please ship or take your equipment directly to OCTAVE or to one of our authorized service centers.
Explanation of the warning symbols:
Before connecting
Make sure that the voltage of your amplifier matches your household mains voltage.
Grounding
The Phono Module is a protection class 2 device (without a ground connection).
The Power Supply is a protection class 1 device (with a ground connection).
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to important operating and maintenance instructions.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages' within the product's enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
8
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2.2. Placement
1. Location
OCTAVE equipment is designed strictly for use in a dry domestic environment. Do not use it in the
open air or in damp environments!
Never place plants or liquid filled containers on your OCTAVE equipment. Take care that objects
do not fall or liquids are not spilled into the enclosure. Should this happen, remove the mains plug
immediately and have your amplifier checked by a qualified service technician.
Condensation may form if the amplifier is taken from a cold environment into a warm one. If you do
this, wait until the amplifier has reached room temperature and is dry before switching it on.
Avoid installing the unit close to sources of heat such as radiators or anywhere that it may be in
direct sunlight.
Do not operate the unit near flammable materials, gases or vapours. Avoid areas where there may
be heavy accumulations of dust or where the unit may be subject to mechanical vibration.
Place your OCTAVE amplifier on a stable, even surface.
2. Cover
Never operate the amplifier without the cover.
3. Ventilation
Make sure that your amplifier has a good flow of air around it. If you intend to install your equipment
in a cupboard or a shelf unit, ensure that there is at least a ten centimeter (four inch) gap between
the ventilation slots and the walls all around the amplifier. Do not rest the equipment on a soft surface such as carpet or foam sheeting.
2.3. Warranty
OCTAVE can only guarantee the safety, reliability and performance of this unit if modifications and
repairs are carried out by specialized personnel and if the amplifier is operated in accordance with
the instructions contained in this manual.
9
3. SETTING UP
3.1. Connecting the amplifier
1. In your own interest, please observe the safety precautions and positioning advice
(Chapter 2).
2. Before connecting your OCTAVE amplifier up, switch off all the other equipment that you intend to connect to it. This will avoid a source of possible problems when you plug these components in.
3. Connect the inputs from the power amplifier resp. of the preamplifier / integrated amplifier to
the appropriate outputs of the Phono Module.
4. Check that the amplifier is switched off before connecting the power cable to the wall socket.
5. Check that the volume control is not set at maximum before playing music.
6. Switch on the mains power with the on/off power switch of the power supply.
(see chapter 4.5. External Power Supply
The preamplifier needs approx. 2 - 4 minutes warm up time. During the
warm up period, the output is shorted to ground to avoid disturbances.
7. Switch on the other components in any sequence.
3.2. Running in
All OCTAVE equipment is subject to a 48-hour continous run-in period at the factory to break in
the unit. The tubes are individually selected for use in each particular model.
The sound quality of tube equipment improves throughout the initial running-in period of up
to three months.
During this time, daily use is beneficial but not a requirement. Continuous operation does very little
to help reduce the break-in period and is therefore not recommended.
10
4. MAIN UNIT
4.1. Front View
Level regulator, volume control
With the volume control, you can regulate the level of the variable output (see chapter 6).
LED status display
Operate: indicates that the unit is switched on.
Warm Up: (yellow LED) indicates that the unit is in the warm up phase. During this
phase, the outputs are shorted to ground.
Muting: (red LED) switching between the Inputs IN1 – 2 – 3 causes the Automuting
Electronic to mute the Output for 30 sec. This function eliminates switching
disturbances and is indicated by the Muting LED (selector
IR-Sensor
For perfect operation of the remote control, the infrared receiver should not be covered.
LED Display
The LEDs indicate the selected Input : INPUT 1, 2 or 3. If any slot is not equipped with an
Input Module, the corresponding LED will not illuminate. The Automuting function is still
active even if there is no Module in a slot.
Selector
Selector for the Input Modules.
).
11
4.2. Top View
4. MAIN UNIT
Sliding switch for the Subsonic Filter
In delivery state where the Filter is on (see Chapter. 4.6.).
Flat Wire Connector
Additional connections for the Line Input Module IN 4 (see Chapter. 5.4). You can connect
one or two IN 4 Modules (maximum 2 pc)
Screw terminal 1 - 4
For the connection of the Modules.
There are three Slots available for the Input Modules (INPUT position 1, 2 und 3), and one
Slot available for the Output Modules (Slot 4). The Output Module can only be mounted in
Slot 4, while any of the Input Modules may be installed in any of the 3 available Input Slots
except IN 4 which is provided for Slot 2 and 3.
12
4. MAIN UNIT
4.3. Rear View
PSU Booster (Power Supply Unit Booster)
Connector for the optional external power supply enhancement module.
Power Supply Connector
Connector for the external power supply.
4.4. Installing the Modules
Placement of the Modules:
IN 1
IN 2
IN 3
IN 4
IN 5
IN 6
Connecting the Modules
1) Unscrew the six TORX screws from t he top cover plate and remove the plate.
2) Unscrew the four screws from the cover plate of the empty Slot.
3) Loosen the set screws of the corresponding Screw Terminal
4) Insert the Module into the Screw Terminal.
5) First, screw in the four screws of the rear cover plate .
6) Tighten the screws of the Screw Terminal. Take care not to tighten the set screws too tightly!
7) Mount the top cover plate.
Slot 1, 2 or 3 OUT 1
Slot 1, 2 or 3 OUT 2
Slot 1, 2 or 3 OUT 3
Slot 2, 3 only (due to the number
of the connectors
Slot 1, 2 or 3
Slot 1, 2 or 3
Please ensure that the unit is switched off and disconnected from the mains.
)
Slot 4 only
Slot 4 only
Slot 4 only
.
13
Loading...