PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter, NuWave, Phono Converter, ia50 Owner's Reference Manual
Owner’s Reference
®
Instructions for use
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
NuWave
® Phono Converter™
Introduction i
Introduction
®
Important Safety
Instructions
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
Heed all warnings
Follow all instructions
WARNING. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not place ammable material on top of or beneath the component.
All PS Audio components require adequate ventilation at all times during operation. Rack
mounting is acceptable where appropriate.
Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord unless absolutely necessary
to reduce hum from ground loops of connected equipment. This may cause RFI (radio frequency
interference) to be induced into your playback setup. All PS products ship with a grounding type
plug. If the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Read these instructions
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug this apparatus during
lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
When making connections to this or any other component, make sure all components are off. Turn
off all systems’ power before connecting the PS Audio component to any other component. Make
sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality.
There are no user serviceable fuses inside this product.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY PS AUDIO PRODUCT. REFER ALL
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio if you have any questions not
addressed in this reference manual.
PS Audio
Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents.
®
is a registered trademark of PS Audio Inc., and is restricted for use by PS Audio,
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction ii
Specications
®
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
Unit Weight 14 lbs [6.4 kg]
Unit Dimensions 14” x 8.3” x 2.4” [ 36cm x 21cm x 6.1cm]
Shipping Weight 20 lbs [9.1 kg]
Shipping Dimensions
Input Power Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption 15W
Phono Audio Input
Connector RCA (X2)
Cartridge type Moving Coil or Moving Magnet
Cartridge Output (5cm/s) 0.2mV to 220mV
Cartridge load impedance 60Ω(80nF), 100Ω(47nF), 160Ω(33nF), 600Ω(8.0nF), 1.0KΩ(4.7nF), 1.6KΩ(3.3nF),
Analog Audio Input
Connector RCA (X2)
Input level 3.15 V
Input impedance 47KΩ
Analog Audio Output
Connector RCA/XLR Unbalanced /Balanced (X2)
Output level, nominal
(@ rated cartridge input)
Output level, maximum 3.15 V
Output Impedance 100Ω/200Ω
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz ± 0.25 dB (RIAA)
THD (5.0)
(Balanced, +6dBV, 1KHz)
Signal to Noise Ratio
(MM-5.0mV)
Signal to Noise Ratio
(MC-0.6mV)
Equivalent input noise
(maximum gain phono)
Signal to Noise Ratio
(Aux analog input)
(Balanced output, referenced to +6dBV nominal output level A-weighted)
(Balanced output, referenced to +6dBV nominal output level A-weighted)
(Balanced output, referenced to +6dBV nominal output level A-weighted)
22.5”x13”x6”[57cmx33cmx15cm]
50KΩ(100pF), 100KΩ(47pF)
(+10dBV) maximum
RM S
1.0 V
(0dBV)/2.0 V
RM S
(+10dBV)/6.3 V
RM S
0.03%
87dB
72dB
<200nV
107dB
RM S
RM S
(+6dBV)
(+16dBV)
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Page D
Specications
Unit Weight
14 lbs [6.4 kg]
Unit Dimensions
14” x 8.3” x 2.4” [ 36cm x 21cm x 6.1cm]
Shipping Weight
20 lbs [9.1 kg]
Shipping Dimensions
22.5”x13”x6”[57cmx33cmx15cm]
Input Power
Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption
15W
Phono Audio Input
Connector
RCA (X2)
Cartridge type
Moving Coil or Moving Magnet
Cartridge Output (5cm/s)
0.2mV to 220mV
Cartridge load impedance
60Ω(80nF), 100Ω(47nF), 160Ω(33nF), 600Ω(8.0nF), 1.0KΩ(4.7nF), 1.6KΩ(3.3nF),
50KΩ(100pF), 100KΩ(47pF)
Analog Audio Input
Connector
RCA (X2)
Input level
3.15 V
RM S
(+10dBV) maximum
Input impedance
47KΩ
Analog Audio Output
Connector
RCA/XLR Unbalanced /Balanced (X2)
Output level, nominal
(@ rated cartridge input)
1.0 V
RM S
(0dBV)/2.0 V
RM S
(+6dBV)
Output level, maximum
3.15 V
RM S
(+10dBV)/6.3 V
RM S
(+16dBV)
Output Impedance
100Ω/200Ω
Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz ± 0.25 dB (RIAA)
THD (5.0)
(Balanced, +6dBV, 1KHz)
0.03%
Signal to Noise Ratio
(MM-5.0mV)
87dB
(Balanced output, referenced to +6dBV nominal output level)
Signal to Noise Ratio
(MC-0.6mV)
72dB
(Balanced output, referenced to +6dBV nominal output level)
Equivalent input noise
(maximum gain)
<200nV
®
A/D Converter
Format PCM or DSD
Sample rate (PCM) 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Word length (PCM) 16b, 18b, 20b, 24b
Data rate (DSD) Standard (2.8MHz) or Double (5.6MHz)
S/PDIF Digital Output
Connector RCA (Coax)
Impedance 75Ω
Format PCM or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM)
I2S Digital Output
Connector HDMI
Format PCM or DSD
USB Digital Output
Connector USB “B” Type
Format PCM or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM)
Transfer mode Asynchronous
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Page D
Introduction
Thank you
Analog inputs
Output digital or
analog
DSD and PCM
Theory of
operation
®
Thank you for your purchase of the PS Audio® NuWave® Phono Converter (NPC).
The NPC is a no-compromise approach to vinyl and analog reproduction in a high end audio
system. Recordists and archivists will also enjoy the performance quality of the NPC.
The NPC accepts inputs from any analog source such as a turntable, tuner, tape recorder, iPod,
recording console, DVD audio outs or even the audio outputs of a VCR (does anyone own a VCR
anymore?).
Once connected you can play vinyl discs, or any analog source, either directly into your preamplier,
through the NPC’s analog outputs, or DAC, mixing console, DSP, or digital pro music gear through
the NPC’s multiple asynchronous digital outputs. You can also connect the NPC to your computer
and RIP (record) content in single or double DSD as well as 44.1kHz/16 up to 192kHz/24 PCM
through its asynchronous USB output.
The NPC produces both DSD and PCM from its digital outputs and high resolution fully balanced
analog from its audio outputs. Use the NPC as the vinyl heart of your purely analog setup or digital
setup.
The NPC combines a state-of-the-art Analog to Digital Converter along with an analog phono
preamplier. The two systems built into the NPC can be run independently of each other or in
combination.
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
Always
converting to
DSD
Pure analog path
Built to the
highest standards
The Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is based on the Burr Brown PCM4222 Delta Sigma Analog
to Digital Converter.
This architecture runs as a core DSD converter, sampling at a constant rate of 352,800Hz
(5.6MHz), for any analog input signal. The ADC’s digital output can be either DSD (Direct Stream
Digital) or PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) chosen through the front panel UI. Because the ADC is
fundamentally a multi-bit DSD based ADC, conversion to PCM is handled post digital. This means
that the NPC is always running at the highest speed and greatest bit depth, regardless of what the
user selects on the front panel as the output.
The analog phono preamplier is a passive EQ 3-stage architecture based on a THAT 1532
programmable input stage The 1532 is a major breakthrough in performance with 60dB of
programmable gain and noise specied at an incredibly low 1.9nV/√Hz and wide bandwidth to
well over 1mHz. Cartridges can range from several hundred millivolts to just 0.3mv with little
increase in noise. Following the passive RIAA EQ stage is a fully discrete, balanced, analog all
FET output stage.
The PS NuWave Phono Converters should provide years of trouble free performance for your
connected equipment with the peace of mind it will always sound its best.
The NPC is proudly designed and Built in Boulder Colorado by hand.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction v
Getting Started
®
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
Location
Keep the
protective cover
Power Cables
Conditioners
Once your NPC is unpacked, you’ll need to nd a convenient place to set it. We recommend
shelf mounting as close to the analog source (such as a turntable or recording console) if at all
possible. Long interconnects between turntables can be problematic with hum. The NPC has
a considerable amount of gain in its analog phono stage, so keeping the input cables short is
helpful.
If you are in the process of evaluating the NPC, please keep the protective plastic cover on
the mirror nish top during the entire evaluation process. Any damage to the top cover will be
charged to you if you decide to return the product for credit to PS Audio or your dealer.
Once you have chosen the location for the NPC you can use the supplied AC power cord
to connect it to the supported equipment or you can use an aftermarket power cord. We
recommend you use a heavy gauge shielded power cable to connect the NuWave Phono
Converter to the AC wall receptacle or Power Plant.
We strongly recommend the use of a PS Audio PerfectWave
aftermarket power cable for best results as it is always preferable to feed your equipment with
the best power cables possible. Choosing any PerfectWave Power cable will make a signicant
performance improvement over the stock power cable.
The NPC should be fed from a Power Plant® to improve its eectiveness. Use of other power
conditioners with the NPC is ne as long as you make sure the unit is performing a benecial
result. We do not recommend assuming a passive power conditioner is going to make the NPC
sound its best. Our experience is such that most passive conditioners rob the unit of its rich
qualities to the sound, so as the Grail Knight in Indiana Jones says “Choose wisely. While a
Power Plant will bring you rich sounds, some conditioners will rob it of its very life”.
®
Power AC cable or any good
Country specic
AC voltages
Connect two at a
time
The NPC, as with all PS Audio products, is country specic to its incoming AC voltage. This
means the units can only be operated at its preset voltages, such as 230 for most of Europe and
Asia, 100 volts for Japan and 120 for the US and other similar countries.
Immediate damage can occur if you try and power the NPC on a voltage it was not designed to
operate on.
You can connect a turntable as well as an auxiliary analog input to the NPC at the same time if
you wish. Once connected, it is an easy matter to select which of the two inputs you wish to use
from the NPC’s front panel.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Getting Started 1
Owner’s Guide
®
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
Power down rst
Plug in the
NuWave Phono
Use the best
power cable you
can nd
The blue PS logo
light
Our attorney (overly cautious by nature) would recommend that you power down your preamplier,
DAC or even your entire system before connecting the NPC to be super safe. If, however, you are
like us, you’ll want to simply make sure the preamplier or DAC is properly muted, as connecting
up a new piece of gear can make some ugly noises if you’re not careful. Show respect.
Plug the NuWave Phono Converter into an AC receptacle with the proper voltage for the unit,
preferably using a Power Plant, Dectet or appropriate power conditioner or, at least, a dedicated
AC line fed from a PS Audio Power Port AC receptacle. A dedicated line means there is nothing
else plugged into the wiring feeding the AC receptacle and that wiring returns directly to the AC
breaker box.
While the NPC can be connected to a two-prong ungrounded outlet, it is recommended that you
use a 3-prong (in the US) grounded outlet. Most countries use grounded AC outlets as a matter
of course. Yours is most likely a grounded outlet already.
Use the best shielded AC power cable you can to connect a NuWave Phono Converter to its AC
source. The better the power cable the less chance for a loss of all the rich musicality the NPC
provides.
Once power is applied to the unit it will be necessary for you to reach around to the back of the
unit and turn on the AC power switch. This is the master AC power switch and can be used at
any time to power on and o the unit. When powering on or o the unit, please make sure your
preamplier or DAC is muted so you don’t get a power down “pop”.
When rst powered up the NPC will display a ashing PS logo light on the front panel. This is
the Blue PS Audio logo. The logo is not a standby power button, as it is on some PS products,
but rather a power indicator on the front panel. Once the logo light stops ashing the front panel
display will illuminate.
The display turns
o automatically
Break in or burn in
time
Getting inside
The display is designed to turn o, automatically, after approximately 24 seconds. To turn the
display back on, simply press any of the 4 front panel buttons.
We recommend leaving the NPC powered on at all times.
The unit will require a break in period to sound its best. We typically recommend leaving it powered
up for at least several weeks to reach its maximum sound quality. This practice of burn in may
seem overly “tweaky” to some but there is no doubt one will hear a change in the overall character
of the sound quality over time.
There are no user serviceable parts inside including a fuse. The top panel is held on with a
magnetic passive fastening system and can be simply popped o. Underneath is a subplate that
must be removed to access the insides if you insist on looking there. Show respect.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Guide 2
Owner’s Guide
®
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
Connect the inputs
Connecting the
Phono Input
Connect the inputs of the NPC to the proper source equipment. The phono inputs are specic to
a turntable while the auxiliary inputs can be just about any analog source.
The phono inputs must be connected only to a turntable setup. Connecting a standard analog
source into these inputs is going to sound pretty strange as there is what is known as an RIAA EQ
curve built into this phono stage. The RIAA EQ curve is useful only for vinyl record reproduction
and will make your records sound right, your at analog sources sound weird.
Provided your turntable is a normal, highend unamplied table, plug its RCA outputs
directly into the NPC’s inputs labeled Phono.
Make sure left and right are actually correct,
their sections are marked Left and Right.
Attach the
ground wire
Set the cartridge
loading
Most turntables have a ground wire, in addition
to the RCA output cables. This ground wire
is important because it will help lower the
chances for hum. Connect the turntable
ground wire to the rear panel ground binding
post located in the top right hand corner of
the rear of the NPC.
Once connected it probably makes sense to
set the cartridge loading switches at this time
since you may forget to do this and have to
pull the unit out again. The system is easy to select. With all the switches down, the cartridge
loading is quite high at 100K Ohms. To set the load, simply push the appropriate switches to the
up position. The switches must be moved in pairs (one for the left and one for the right channel).
For Moving Magnet cartridges, the typical load will be 47K. Move switches 1 and 2 up, keeping
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
Owner’s Guide 3
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Guide
®
Owner’s Reference NuWave Phono Converter
the other switches (3-10) in the down position. For a moving coil cartridge, the typical load would
be 100 Ohms. Move switches 9 and 10 to the up position keeping all the other switches (8-1) in
the down position. You can also see some other groupings on the back panel. For example, 60
Ohms can be achieved by placing switches 7,8,9,10 in the up position while all others are down.
600 Ohms can be achieved with switches 3,4,5,6 in the up position while all others down.
Other analog
sources
Analog outputs
Digital Outputs
Firmware Upgrades
If you are only using the NPC for phono, you can skip this next bit and go directly to connecting its
outputs up. If you are also - or only - connecting a at analog source to the NPC, such as a tape
deck, tuner, iPod, VCR analog outputs, etc., then this next part is for you.
If you are planning on using the NPC for analog sources other than a turntable, you will connect
the source to the left and right inputs labeled Line In. Line In is a single ended RCA input that
can accept the output from just about any analog source such as a tuner or tape deck. The input
impedance is a fairly easy load of 47k Ohm which should accommodate a tube, solid state or
transformer coupled output with ease. Again, make sure these inputs are connected to the correct
channels for proper left and right reproduction. Maximum input voltage is 3v
extends to 80kHz.
It is ne to have both the Phono Inputs as well as the analog inputs connected at the same time.
Selection of the two inputs is chosen from the front panel display.
There are two analog outputs on the NPC: balanced XLR analog output and unbalanced, RCA
analog output. You may connect either or both of these outputs to any preamplier or analog
mixing console you wish. They may be used separately or at the same time if needed. Only the
phono input will come through the analog outputs.
There are 4 digital connectors on the rear panel of the NPC. From left to right as you face the rear
of the unit those connectors are labeled: Firmware, S/PDIF, I2S, USB.
The rmware connector is used only for rmware updates SHOULD there be any released from us.
To use this input you will insert a USB memory stick containing the rmware update, power cycle
the unit and it will take care of the rest. With the NPC rear panel power switch in the o position,
insert the USB rmware memory upgrade if you are ever instructed to do so (normally you will not
need to do this). Once inserted, turn the rear panel power switch to the ON position and refer to
the front panel display. Do not remove power until the front panel blue logo light stops ashing
or the unit reboots. The new rmware will be installed. Once installed, turn the rear panel power
switch to the OFF position, remove the USB memory stick, and return power to the unit.
and the bandwidth
rms
S/PDIF Output
S/PDIF is a digital output that can be used to feed a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter), digital
mixing console or computer sound card. This output uses the S/PDIF (Sony Phillips Digital
Interface) standard and will send either PCM and DSD to any compatible receiver. PCM can be
sent from 44.1kHz/16 bit through 192kHz/24 bit and all standard variations between these two
extremes. DSD is sent using the DoP protocol (DSD over PCM) and produces single or double
DSD rate. The DoP protocol maintains the original DSD data without corruption to the original
source. To do this, it breaks up the DSD stream into smaller individual packets that resemble
PCM. Your DSD capable DAC will recombine these packets back together to give you perfect
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 service@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
©2013 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Guide 4
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