Page 1
icon Audio
Owners Manual For PS 3 MK II Phono Pre Amplifier
PS3 MK II fitted with upgrade TJ Full Music6SN7 JJ E88CC and Jensen copper in oil capacitors
A “High-end” All Valve Phono Pre-Amp
Thank you for purchasing the PS3 MKII one of
the finest phono pre amplifiers that money can
buy.
The PS3 is unique having features not found on
any other unit:
1. Large separate power supply for the highest
possible quality of power.
2. Valve rectifier for extra warmth.
3. Two large chokes for the ultra smooth DC.
4. Sophisticated all valve voltage regulation
using EL84 and ECC83.
5. Voltage reference by gas regulator valve.
6. Double Cascode circuit for low noise and best
performance.
7. 6SN7 output valve, the best sounding audio
valve.
8. Top quality audio transformers for MC use
This is not an easy way to make a phono
preamplifier but if you possess a high end pickup
cartridge, tone arm and turntable the phono stage is
the final link in you gathering a precious signal off a
vinyl disc and processing in the most accurate
possible way minimising any loss of definition. And
importantly, presenting it in a way which is musical
rather than clinical or mechanical.
Our amplifiers have a reputation for excellent
performance and reliability endorsed by award
winning reviews in the Hi Fi press.
It is well know that for many reasons, valves can
sound much better than transistors, this is especially
so with vinyl reproduction. Chiefly because:
The massive headroom of valves does not
emphasise irritating clicks noise and distortion on
highly modulated or scratched & worn LPs therefore
minimising noise.
The 40db RIAA difference between 20hz and
20kHz is easier for valves than transistors to cope
with in the first stages of amplification.
The “warm” sound of valves is particularly suited to
the reproduction of music from vinyl.
Our “passive” design uses no “feedback”
Our simple design uses “audiophile” components.
We use “hard wired” “point to point” wiring with no
printed circuit board.
There are several “valve phono pre-amps” that are
only part valve or only use valves as an output
stage; these will not have the colour and vibrancy of
an “all valve” design.
The simplicity of the design means that we were
able to avoid the use of printed circuit boards, which
are not ideal for valve amplifiers despite their
common use.
Although good frequency response, low noise and
distortion are important in any hi fi unit, there are
several other criteria that are often forgotten.
Transistors have a poor overload capability, and the
resulting distortion is very unpleasant. The PS3 has
a massive overload capability and even then would
go into ‘soft clipping’, which is much more benign
and easier on the ear.
The simplicity of the circuit means that there are
much fewer components for the signal to pass
through, fewer connections and switches, again
adding to the purity of sound.
This simplicity also means that we can use higher
quality oversized components, such as 2w resistors.
The use of popular valves, which are still in
production, means that obtaining replacements is
easy and inexpensive when necessary. This also
means you will be able to able to change valves
yourself and experiment with the different tonal
balance of different types.
IMPORTANT!
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL HEALTH &
SAFETY INFORMATION FOR
YOU AND YOUR AMPLIFIER.
PLEASE READ & KEEP SAFE
AND REFER TO IF NECESSARY
