Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE, Owner'S Manual

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5
Preface
Please take the time to carefully read this instruction
manual prior to installation or use of your Reference
Phono 2 SE phono preamplifier. Because it is a
highly advanced electronic instrument, there are
several facts and procedures you should know
before you place it in operation.
Just as you would not purchase and attempt to
operate an expensive camera, computer system or
high-performance automobile without first learning
something about performance parameters and
correct operating procedures, so too your phono
preamplifier requires some familiarization before
you make it part of your music reproduction system.
Your reward, in terms of maximum performance
and a long service life, will be well worth the effort.
Warnings
1. To prevent fire, or shock hazard, do not expose
your Reference Phono 2 SE to rain or moisture.
2. This unit contains voltages which can cause
serious injury or death. Do not operate with cover
removed. Refer servicing to your authorized
Audio Research dealer or other qualified
personnel.
3. The power cord on your Reference Phono 2 SE is
equipped with a standard three-prong grounding
plug. For absolute protection,
do not defeat the
ground power plug. This provides power line
grounding of the Reference Phono 2 SE chassis to
provide absolute protection from electrical shock.
4. For continued protection against fire hazard,
replace the fuse only with the same type and
rating as specified at the fuse holder.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THIS
EQUIPMENT BEFORE INSTALLING THE
VACUUM TUBES IN THEIR PROPER
SOCKETS.
Packaging
Save all packaging in a dry place away from fire
hazard. Your Reference Phono 2 SE phono
preamplifier is a precision electronic instrument and
should be properly cartooned any time shipment is
made. You may not have occasion to return your
unit to the factory for service, but if that should
prove necessary, or other occasion requiring
shipment occurs, the original packaging will protect
your Reference Phono 2 SE from unnecessary
damage or delay.
Note that your Reference Phono 2 SE has been
shipped with the vacuum tubes installed in a
protective foam blocks under the top cover. With
the Reference Phono 2 SE unplugged, use a phillips-
head screwdriver to loosen the fastening screws,
remove the top cover and set aside. Install the
numbered tubes in their respective sockets, refasten
the top cover and store the foam blocks with your
carton.
Front Panel Controls
POWER ON/OFF: The unit is off when the front panel
display (including the pilot light when in display
‘Off’mode) is completely unlit. Unit defaults to ‘Off’
whenever it is unplugged and then plugged in.
When first plugged in and the power switch is
pressed, MUTE ON will flash on the display for 40
seconds during the auto muting warm-up cycle.
When the MUTE ON indicator stops flashing the unit
initially defaults to INPUT 1 and is ready to operate.
MUTE: After completion of the 40-second warm-up
cycle, pressing mute button once will unmute unit
and display will read MUTE OFF. Press mute button
again to mute unit (display will read MUTE ON.)
INPUT: Selects INPUT 1 or INPUT 2, indicated on
display. When switching inputs, individually
selected GAIN, LOAD and RIAA/alternate Decca or
Columbia EQ settings are retained for each input
position.
GAIN: Selects between LOW (51dB BAL, 45dB SE)
and HIGH (74dB BAL, 68dB SE) gain settings. When
switching from LOW to HIGH gain position, unit
automatically defaults to MUTE ON status each time
as a precaution and reminder to lower the volume
level of your preamplifier, to prevent possible
system overload and damage to loudspeakers. The
23dB gain difference between the LOW and HIGH
gain positions is substantial.
LOAD: Pressing the LOAD button allows the user to
step through six pre-set cartridge resistance loading
options(47K, 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 ohms) as
well as a custom value resistive loading option.
Contact your Audio Research dealer or Audio
Research Customer Service(763-577-9700) for
assistance with custom loading setup procedure.