Contents Introduction... 2 Front Panel Functions... 3 Rear Panel Functions... 3 Precautions... 5 Placement & Ventilation... 5 Installation & Operation... 5 Care & Maintenance... 7 Troubleshooting... 8 Specifications... 9 Index... 10 All operational, technical and descriptive material in this publication is subject to change at any time without notice. For further product information or queries, please contact your Plinius dealer. Plinius products are designed and manufactured by Plinius Audio Limited, New Zealand.
Introduction Congratulations on your decision to become the proud owner of this Plinius P100 Phono Preamplifier. This manual has been prepared to help you understand the operation of your phono preamplifier, and to provide information about its design and the variety of ways it may be used. We have designed and manufactured this phono preamplifier to reproduce your favourite music faithfully and accurately. With a little care and a full understanding of the operating recommendations in this manual, your Plinius P100 Phono Preamplifier will provide years of high-quality, trouble-free performance. Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly before using your P100. SERIAL NUMBER FINAL TEST CERTIFIED BY 2 PLINIUS P100
Front Panel Functions 1. DISPLAY LED A LED on the front panel illuminates when the P100 is powered. 1 Rear Panel Functions This panel incorporates terminals for connecting the input signal from your turntable, outputs to the preamplifier or integrated amplifier, the loading and gain switches and the mains supply. Please remember that your Plinius P100 phono preamplifier is a high quality electronic instrument, capable of exceptional performance. Be sure you understand your system s requirements fully before making connections. 1. EARTH POST This is a chassis connected, gold plated, earth post for use with most vinyl turntables. 2. INPUT TERMINALS The input terminals of your P100 connect, via RCA cables, to your turntable. PLINIUS P100 3
3. OUTPUT TERMINALS Your P100 has RCA and XLR output connectors. RCA or XLR cables can be used to connect to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier. The XLR pin configuration used in all Plinius product is: PIN 1 to GND PIN 2 to +Signal PIN 3 to -Signal NOTE: Because of the way XLR and balanced outputs are configured, it is not possible to use both XLR and RCA at the same time. 4. MAINS SWITCH The switch located at the top right of the panel turns the Mains/Line Power to the P100 ON or OFF. 5. LOAD AND GAIN SWITCHES Two groups of 8-way mini-switches adjust Load and Gain on either channel; when viewed from the rear, the LEFT group of switches apply to the RIGHT channel and the RIGHT group apply to the LEFT channel. The P100 Input Capacitance and Load Resistance can be adjusted to suit your phono cartridge using the first 7 of the 8-way mini-switches. The first switch is used to set the Input Capacitance to 100pF or 570pF. Switches 2 through 7 are used to set the Load Resistance to 47kΩ, 1kΩ, 470Ω, 220Ω, 100Ω, 47Ω or 22Ω. The Gain can be set to suit your phono cartridge using the last 8-way mini-switch. The gain settings are 50dB or 60dB. 4 PLINIUS P100
Precautions PLEASE TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATING YOUR P100. DO NOT place objects filled with liquids, e.g. vases, on your phono preamplifier, or in any position where liquids or foreign material may enter it. DO NOT place sources of naked flame, e.g. candles, on your phono preamplifier, or leave flammable material on it whilst running, as this could pose a serious fire risk. DO NOT connect any input of your phono preamplifier to its own inputs or outputs, or any voltage source or appliance, other than suitable phono turntables. DO NOT connect any output of your phono preamplifier to earth, ground, its own inputs or outputs, or any voltage source or appliance, other than suitable audio preamplifiers. WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. This preamplifier operates at hazardous voltage levels. We recommend any work requiring removal of the lid be referred to a suitably qualified and experienced service technician. Placement & Ventilation The following are placement and ventilation guidelines. The ideal location is upon a rigid stand. The phono preamplifier should be kept well ventilated and away from direct sources of heat, such as sunlight. When stacking separate audio components, ensure a minimum of 400mm clearance above the top unit is maintained for suitable airflow. NOTE: This unit has been designed for use in moderate climates only, not for tropical conditions. Installation & Operation PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE PRECAUTIONS WITHIN THIS MANUAL FOR PLACEMENT & OPERATION OF THIS PRODUCT. CONNECTIONS Connections to your P100 should be made in the same order as they are listed below. DO NOT attempt to connect your P100 until you have read and fully understood these instructions. Should you require further assistance, please contact your Plinius dealer. PLINIUS P100 5
TERMINATION QUALITY Quality of the connections must be examined to ensure that high-performance, troublefree operation is enjoyed. DO NOT POWER UP YOUR P100 UNTIL YOU HAVE CONNECTED YOUR INPUT/ OUTPUTS CORRECTLY FOR YOUR SYSTEM. TURNTABLE INPUTS Connect your turntable to the input of the P100 phono preamplifier using suitable RCA interconnect cables. Make sure you connect the red coded cable to the red RIGHT input, and the white cable to the white LEFT input. Also make sure the RCA connectors are a snug fit and are inserted all the way in. If your turntable has an earth cable, this can be connected to the EARTH post adjacent to the P100 input terminals. OUTPUT TERMINALS Connect your preamplifier or integrated amplifier to the output of the P100 using suitable RCA or XLR interconnect cables. If using RCA cables, make sure you connect the red coded cable to the red RIGHT input, and the white cable to the white LEFT input. Also make sure the RCA connectors are a snug fit and are inserted all the way in. If using XLR cables, make sure you connect the RIGHT XLR input and LEFT XLR inputs to the right and left inputs of your preamplifier or integrated amplifier respectively. Also make sure the XLR connectors click into place. NOTE: DO NOT connect XLR and RCA at the same time, use only one or the other. DO NOT connect the output of the P100 to a preamplifier phono input. Connect only to line level inputs such as CD, Tuner, Aux, etc. CONNECTING THE MAINS SUPPLY Firstly, check that the mains supply voltage printed on the rear of this preamplifier is similar to the mains supply voltage in your area. If in doubt, please consult your Plinius dealer. Mains supply power connection is via the plug-in lead supplied with your P100. Where possible, check the wall outlet is switched OFF, then connect the local mains plug end of the lead to the wall outlet. Check the P100 is switched OFF, and connect the IEC end of the cable to the IEC socket at the back of the P100. With the cord fully connected, switch the wall outlet ON. Now that your P100 is configured correctly, switch the power switch on the rear panel to ON. The display LED will illuminate. You can now enjoy your new Plinius P100 Phono Preamplifier. NOTE: This unit must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. The wall outlet socket or mains switch must be accessible at all times in case of emergency. 6 PLINIUS P100
Care & Maintenance With simple care and maintenance your Plinius product can be kept looking and operating like new for many years to come. MAINTAINING THE CONNECTORS The surface of RCA connectors may tarnish when exposed to the environment. Poor connector condition may degrade audio performance. 'RCA caps', 'RCA shorting caps' and connector cleaning products can be used to reduce environmental degradation. NOTE: DO NOT use RCA shorting caps on output connectors. Use RCA shorting caps on unused input connectors only. Non-shorting RCA caps can be used on any unused input or output connectors. MAINTAINING THE SWITCHES Switches should be maintained by using each various switch setting periodically. Even if a switch or a switch setting is not used, it is a good idea to toggle small switches and turn rotary switches though the full range of the switch several times in succession to keep the contacts active. Performing this simple action will promote longevity of the switch contacts. SURFACE CLEANING From time to time you may wish to clean the surface of your Plinius equipment to remove dust, or any material build up from the atmosphere or on commonly used controls. Your Plinius product is made up of parts that have a hard anodised or a powder coat finish and will clean easily without being damaged. Cleaning should be carried out using a soft cleaning cloth, dry or with either a small amount of water or a very mild surface cleaner, while observing the following guidelines: As a safety precaution, always switch the equipment off prior to cleaning Always use a cloth that is soft and clean Never use abrasives or polishing compounds anywhere on the unit Never apply liquid directly to the surface of the unit Use the cloth dry or with mild surface cleaners of either liquid or foaming type Apply only small amounts of cleaner to the cloth DO NOT rub the surface but wipe clean only. Excessive rubbing may dull powder coat or wear the screen printed text. PLINIUS P100 7
Troubleshooting NO SOUND FROM THE UNIT If the unit is not reproducing audio take the following steps: Check your turntable is correctly connected to the P100. Refer to the Installation & Operation section. Check your turntable is rotating and the tonearm is lowered fully onto the record. Check your preamplifier or integrated amplifier is set to select the correct source input. Adjust the source selector for the P100 as the source component. Check the volume. Turn the unit volume up to a point just below the normal listening level. DO NOT turn the volume up to maximum in case the sound begins to come through the speakers. PHASE (OR POLARITY) It is important to achieve good stereo imaging in your listening room. If you experience poor stereo image and/or a lack of bass, check that the loudspeaker wiring has been connected correctly. If in doubt, consult your Plinius dealer for advice. Naturally it is also important to make sure all the leads carrying signals for the RIGHT channel loudspeaker are connected to the RIGHT input to the amplifier from your preamplifier or integrated amplifier and P100. Signals for the LEFT channel should be wired in a similar fashion. POWER FAILURE The unit may have suffered mains fuse failure. In the unusual event that the P100 mains / line fuse blows, you must first establish the cause of this failure, such as a power surge, before replacing the fuse with one of the same rating and type. Should the P100 continue to suffer mains fuse failure, there may be a major problem and you should contact your Plinius dealer. The mains / line fuse is fitted within the mains connector on the rear of the P100. Following removal of the IEC plug, a small drawer may be removed by levering it out with a flat blade screwdriver. The fuse fitted should be rated as specified on the rear panel. IMPORTANT: DO NOT FIT A FUSE WITH A HIGHER RATING. 8 PLINIUS P100
Specifications DISTORTION <0.05% THD at VOUT = 1V with BW = 100Hz 22kHz, Gain = 50dB and Load = 22Ω HUM & NOISE <-75dBV, A-Weighted with Gain = 50dB and Load = 22Ω INPUT RCA Unbalanced OUTPUTS RCA Unbalanced XLR Balanced ADJUSTABLE GAIN 50dB, 60dB ADJUSTABLE LOAD 47kΩ, 1kΩ, 470Ω, 220Ω, 100Ω, 47Ω, 22Ω PRODUCT FEATURES Available in black or silver DIMENSIONS Height: 72mm (3") Width: 225mm (8.85") Depth: 350mm (13.75") Weight: 3kg (6.6lbs) POWER CONSUMPTION 10W ADJUSTABLE INPUT CAPACITANCE 100pF, 570pF PLINIUS P100 9
Index Display LED...3 Front Panel Layout...3 Fuse Protection...8 Input Terminals...3 Mains/Line Fuse...8 Mains Supply Connection...9 Mains Switch...7 Operating Temperature...3 Phase...8 Placement...5 Rear Panel Layout...3 Safety Precautions...5, 6 Serial Number...2 Terminations...6 Troubleshooting...8 Ventilation...5 10 PLINIUS P100
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