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The following is a working example of the popular Thorens TD295 MK iV turntable equipped with an
Ortofon Super OM 40 (Moving Magnet) cartridge being set up to play using the Audiant VP3 Vinyl
Preamplifier. This example can be used as a guide to help you set up your system.
Thorens TD 295 MK IV Specifications
Tonearm and lead capacitance 160pF
Ortofon Super OM 40 Moving Magnet Cartridge Specifications
Recommended load resistance 47K ohms
Recommended load capacitance 200pF – 400pF
Rated output voltage (required to adjust the gain dip switch setting) 4.0mV
Configuring your Audiant VP3 to suit the above
Output of the turntable connected to the MM input of the Audiant VP3
MM dip switch Loading
Dip switches 1 & 2 select Resistance values
If dip switches 1 & 2 are both down, by default the resistance will be 47K ohms which is the correct as
per the Ortofon OM 40 specifications above.
MM dip switch Capacitance
Dip switches 3 - 7 select capacitance values
By selecting dip switch 5 upwards this provides 100pF + turntable capacitance of 160pF = total
capacitance of 260pF which falls within the recommended range of 200pf - 400pF
MM dip switch Gain calculation
Dip switches 1 -3 are used to set the gain value.
The Ortofon Super OM 40 has a rated output voltage of 4.0mV.
Set the gain dip switches to be or - 50% of the output voltage value of the cartridge.
Therefore 4.0mV + or - 50% is 2.0mV to 6.0mV.
Using this information you select dip switches 1 and 2 to on which will provide a corresponding value of
4.7mV sensitivity which equates to 44dB of gain.
Note: Selecting dip switches 1, 2 and 3 would also be acceptable, it would be more susceptible to
clipping but give you the advantage of increased dynamic range.
Correct dip switch selection for the example above
MM loading dip switch switch 5 up and all others down
Gain dip switches 1, 2 up, alternately 1, 2 and 3 up
MM Gain dip switch 4
Used to set either the Normal RIAA equalisation curve (down) or the IEC RIAA equalisation curve (up)
6 Loading Switches
The loading switches provide customisation of each input to correspond with the cartridge manufactur-
ers recommended loading figure. Four seperate loading switches are required to allow for maximum
isolation between the inputs and channels. Each loading switch should be set for the corresponding
input with the left and right channels to be a mirror of each other. For more information on these
switches please refer to the Customisation section [page 11].
Note: Always ensure that the system is powered down or in standby before making any adjustments to
the load switches.
7 Phono Inputs
The Audiant VP3 Vinyl preamplifier has two separate input sections specifically designed to cater for
moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. Each set of phono inputs accept standard
unbalanced (RCA) analogue outputs from the corresponding cartridge type. The output of a mono
cartridge should be connected to the right channel of the corresponding input of the Audiant VP3 Vinyl
Preamplifier.
Note: High output MC cartridges can be connected to the MM input if the MC input results in
excessively high sound output.
8 Balanced Outputs
The balanced (XLR) outputs provide a balanced audio signal for connection directly to a preamplifier or
integrated amplifier.
The pin assignments of the balanced XLR output connectors are:
Pin 1: Shield
Pin 2: +ve signal (hot)
Pin 3: -ve signal (cold)
Please refer to the owner’s manual of your amplifier to verify that the pin assignments of the input
connectors correspond as above. If this is not the case, wire the cables so that the appropriate Audiant
VP3 Vinyl Preamplifier output pin connects to the equivalent preamplifier input pin.
Note: The balanced outputs employ entirely separate buffer stages to the unbalanced outputs, allowing
both outputs to be used simultaneously without degrading the performance of each other.
9 Unbalanced Outputs
The unbalanced (RCA) outputs provide a single-ended audio signal for connection directly to a
preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Note: The unbalanced outputs employ entirely separate buffer stages to the balanced outputs, allowing
both outputs to be used simultaneously without degrading the performance of each other.
10 Gain/RIAA Adjustment Switches
The gain/RIAA adjustment switches provide further customisation to each input to allow greater
flexibility in matching the output of the Audiant VP3 Vinyl Preamplifier to your system. For more
information on these switches please refer to the Customisation section [page 11].
11 Phono Earth Terminal
The phono earth terminal connects to the earth lead from the tonearm cable of your turntable, if
required. If your turntable does not have a separate earth lead it may be advisable to run a wire from a
grounded screw on the turntable to this terminal. Turntables are very sensitive to hum and grounding
the table or cartridge to the Audiant VP3 Vinyl Preamplifier can help reduce hum.
Important:
Before making any connections, switch off the mains power to all components in your system.
1 Power On/Off
The Power switch turns power to the unit on and off.
2 Mains Power Socket
The Mains Power Socket is used with the removable mains power cord to supply your Audiant VP3 Vinyl
Preamplifier with power.
Before connecting your Audiant VP3 Vinyl Preamplifier to the mains power, please check the voltage
label on the rear panel to ensure that your preamplifier conforms to the power supply in your area.
Never attempt to connect the unit to an incorrect voltage – severe damage may result.
Note: The unit must always be earthed when connected to mains power. Use the earthed, moulded
mains lead supplied. Never use an unearthed mains plug, socket or adaptor with this unit. The mains
lead supplied may be fitted with a fused plug, depending on local regulations. If this is the case, always
replace this fuse with another of the same type and rating.
3 Mains Fuse
The mains fuse is user serviceable, and should always be replaced with the same type and rating (see
Technical Specifications section [page 16]).
Ensure your Audiant VP3 Vinyl Preamplifier is disconnected from the mains power before attempting to
change the fuse.
Note: Fuses do not usually blow without a reason. Any doubts about fuse failure should be conveyed
directly to your Perreaux dealer.
4 Trigger Input
The trigger input allows the Audiant VP3 Vinyl Preamplifier to be brought in and out of standby by a
remotely connected device; for example, another audio component or a home automation system. The
trigger input uses a mono 3.5mm (⅛”) plug and accepts voltages of 0V DC up to 12V DC. A trigger
voltage between 3V and 12V DC will bring the amplifier out of standby and it will enter standby when the
trigger voltage is 0V DC.
The trigger input plug must meet the specifications shown below:
Sleeve:
GND
Tip:
Signal
5 RS232 Port
The RS232 port allows external serial control of the Audiant VP3 Vinyl Preamplifier for custom install
use. A full command set is available on the Perreaux website. This port can also be used by authorised
Perreaux service personnel for software updates.
Configuration Example
