8
Rear Panel Controls
Phono Cartridge Switch
The Cartridge switch on the rear panel selects both gain and load impedance. It should be set
to match your turntable’s cartridge type. If you are unsure which setting is appropriate for your
equipment you can search online for the cartridge specifications or you can contact the
cartridge manufacturer. You may also try all three settings on the Zphono•USB and use the
setting which sounds the best.
.
The
MM-
47k
Ω
setting is for moving magnet cartridges. It
provides a 47k ohm load and the appropriate gain for all MM
cartridges.
The
MC-100
Ω
setting is for most moving coil cartridges. It
provides the higher gain required for even very low output MC
cartridges with a 100 ohm load that is ideal for nearly all MC
cartridges.
The
MC-
47k
Ω
setting provides the appropriate gain for MC
cartridges with an alternative 47k ohm load. You can try both
the 100
Ω
and 47k
Ω
settings to see which sounds best in your system
.
The MC 47k
Ω
setting is also recommended for MI (moving iron) cartridges, such as
Grados.
Note: In some cases a very high output MC cartridge will sound better with the MM setting.
Still not sure which setting to use?
The majority of turntables use MM type cartridges. Start
with this setting first. Try playing a record, if you cannot achieve high enough volume then you
are probably using an MC type cartridge. Try both of the MC settings to see which sounds better.
RIAA Switch
RIAA equalization (EQ)
is a standardized specification for the correct playback of LP records
established by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the 1950s. Phono
preamplifiers since the mid-1950s include the RIAA EQ. The Zphono•USB is unique in that it
allows you to turn off the RIAA EQ and use the digital RIAA EQ in your recording software.
More advanced users might wish to take advantage of this feature. Unless you know how to
use the RIAA in your recording software please leave the Zphono•USB RIAA switch in the ON
position. If you were to listen to a recording with no RIAA eq you would hear very thin bass and
exaggerated treble.
Note:
The RIAA switch affects only the USB output. RIAA EQ is always
on
for the Line Output
jacks and always
off
for the Line Input jacks.
You can learn more about this subject at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIAA_equalization .
AC Polarity Switch
The Zphono•USB AC Polarity switch reverses (inverts) the “hot” and “neutral” conductors of the
incoming AC (mains) power. In most cases, the AC Polarity switch should be set to Normal. In
some systems the only way to eliminate persistent hum is to set the AC Polarity switch to
Reverse, to invert the phase of the Zphono•USB’s hot and neutral AC conductors. The
Zphono•USB Polarity switch does not affect the 3
rd
pin ground connection.
Note:
Turn off the Zphono•USB and unplug its AC cord before moving the AC Polarity switch.
