M E R L I N
Multi-format Amplifier
- 5 -
Rear panel functions and connections
INPUT switch
The RCA input sockets can be configured according to desired use. Select the required input type
AUX (line level) or PHONO (suitable for all MM cartridges) using the white INPUT switch on the rear
panel (see P.3). The input type thus selected is now available on the front panel input select
choices.
RCA input sockets
Connect Phono or line level source to these sockets.
“AUX” connect any standard hi-fi line level device to the RCA input sockets. Use good quality
shielded RCA leads for optimum performance.
“PHONO” connect turntable with moving magnet cartridge to the RCA input sockets. Use high
quality fully shielded leads for optimum performance.
EARTH Terminal (green post)
This is for use with turntable. If excessive hum occurs, try connecting turntable earth lead or
terminal to this point. The MERLIN earth terminal will take 4mm banana plug, or it unscrews to allow
bare wire to be inserted, and held in place by tightening back up.
Note: some turntables may have their own earth arrangement, and may therefore work best
without connection to this terminal.
JACK/OPT input
The JACK/OPT input accepts analogue or digital input and auto-configures itself in two ways:
Insert a stereo jack lead from low level output (e.g. portable device headphone output). This will
allow audio from the portable device to be amplified and heard through the speakers.
3.5mm jack-type optical lead from any S/PDIF PCM source such as CD player, digital tuner, TV or
set top box* etc.
USB input
Plugs into USB 2 port on computer using USB “A” to “micro B” lead. Unit is automatically detected
as “MERLIN” on any computer running Windows, Linux or MAC OSX.
No further drivers are required
.
Simply set up computer mixer and/or applications to use the MERLIN as appropriate.
LINE/PRE output jack socket
The OUPUT jack socket gives both analogue and digital (S/PDIF optical) outputs.
Insert a stereo jack lead to obtain analogue audio output to pass on to analogue recording
equipment, power amplifiers, etc. Note the analogue output is available either fixed or variable,
see LINE/PRE output switch below.
3.5mm jack-type optical lead to any S/PDIF PCM optical input such as digital recording device,
DAC, etc. Note the optical output is fixed regardless of below switch setting.
LINE/PRE output switch
The LINE/PRE switch selects analogue LINE OUT jack socket behaviour.
LINE – output jack socket gives fixed output of source currently selected
PRE- output jack socket gives volume control variable output of source currently selected
Note this switch has no effect on the OPTICAL signal from the same socket. The optical output is
always fixed.
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
Connect speaker leads to these terminals. Terminals accept 4mm banana plugs, bare wires or
spade terminals. Be sure to connect speakers at other end first. Make sure connections are secure
and no short-circuits can occur.
*TV, home theatre and DVD playback devices may output digital multichannel information. To ensure compatibility with this
device, please ensure any such source equipment connected digitally has its digital output set to 16 bit S/PDIF PCM or
similar. Please consult the source equipment manual(s) for further details on how to do this.
