Chapter 3
–
Groove Sleuth
MICRO preamplifier
The signal from a phonograph pickup is too small to apply
to the line input of most sound-cards or audio interfaces.
What is required is a dedicated phono preamplifier to
bring the small signal from the cartridge up to a healthy
level for input to the computer sound-card.
The
Groove Sleuth MICRO
preamplifier is suitable for
high-output moving-coil and moving-magnet cartridges.
It is also suitable for Phaedrus Audio
PHLUX (PHLUX II)
active phono cartridges. See Chapter 5 for more
information about
PHLUX
active cartridges.)
For support for low-output moving-coil cartridges, use
the Phӕdrus Audio
TRANSFORMER
, see Chapter 6 and
Appendix 4
The Groove Sleuth MICRO presents the cartridge with the
correct impedance at the “TURNTABLE”
RCA phonos and
amplifies the signal. The output is presented on the
3.5mm stereo mini-jack on the rear of the Groove Sleuth
MICRO unit.
All Groove Sleuth preamplifiers feature the
iLOOP
- a
wide-bandwidth, low-noise, buffered signal loop-
through.
The amplification in the
Groove Sleuth MICRO
is
accomplished with wideband, low-noise, class-A, discrete
circuitry and circuit noise, distortion and frequency-
response are exemplary. This level of performance is
required to complement dual and quad-rate, high-
resolution needle-drop recordings and for needle-drops
of quadraphonic CD-4 (
Quadradisc
) carrier recordings
which may be decoded in
Stereo Lab.
Power supply
The
Groove Sleuth MICRO
unit is supplied with a
universal, external mains power-supply with detachable
mains-plug heads and connects to the
Groove Sleuth
MICRO
via a high-quality screw-lock connector.
The
Groove Sleuth MICRO
preamplifier incorporates the
very low-noise, internal battery supply. This means the
preamplifier can be charged from a conventional,
international-style
power supply but be
switched to battery
supply during needle-
drops to ensure the
very best
possible
noise
and
aliasing
performance.
This
delivers
first-rate
quality at a very
reasonable price.
The selection of the battery supply may be accomplished
using the front panel CHARGE/PLAY switch.
Alternatively, for the “ultimate” isolation from the mains
electricity, the PSU may simply be unplugged, in which
case the battery supply automatically engages (but this is
NOT shown on the front panel indicator lights which will
extinguish to keep battery life to a maximum). A remote-
controlled mains socket makes for a slick solution.
The
Groove Sleuth MICRO
has well over 100 hours’
operational charge, but we recommend battery play be
limited to approximately 12 hours. A full charge cycle is
about 4 hours (from fully discharged cell). The unit may
be kept in charge mode when listening with only a minute
loss of quality.
Power consumption is very low (less than 0.2W), so
leaving the unit powered is not profligate and is
compatible with European Eco-Consumption directives
