AUDIOKULTURA ISKRA1 - User Manual

AUDIOKULTURA ISKRA1
(highly accurate)
MM/MC PHONO STAGE
OWNER'S MANUAL
VERY IMPORTANT:
Turn on ISKRA1 FIRST,
before any other components like power amps,
or else you may get some very loud pops through your system.
Turn ISKRA1 off AFTER
turning off power amps, for the same reason.
Mute your amplifier before you change the gain
Iskra1 manual, site no.1/9 Feel free to contact us if you have any questions (info@audiokultura.com)

Summary

VERY IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Correct Power On Sequence

Turn on ISKRA1 first before power amps to avoid loud pops.

Correct Power Off Sequence

Turn off ISKRA1 after power amps to prevent system pops.

Gain Adjustment Precaution

Mute your amplifier before changing the gain setting to prevent audio distortion.

Introduction and Initial Setup

General Precautions

Follow guidelines for device placement, avoiding liquids, and using quality cables for optimal performance and safety.

Box Contents

List of included items: Iskra1 phono stage, power supply, earth-wire, and user's manual.

Configuration Part 1: Loading & Capacitors

Understanding Cartridge Parameters

Key parameters for cartridge setup are recommended load capacitance (pF) and load resistance (Ohm/kOhm).

Setting Load Resistance

Use the first four switches (1-4) on the eight-position switch to set load resistance (e.g., 47kOhm).

Setting Input Capacitance

Use switches 5-8 to set input capacitance, values can be added up for desired pF.

Ortofon Black Capacitance Example

Setting capacitance for Ortofon Black cartridge, considering cable capacity, to achieve 150-300pF range.

Capacitance Setting Table

Reference table showing possible capacitance settings (excluding cable) achievable with the DIP switches.

Configuration Part 2: Gain Stage Setup

GainStage1 Settings

Configure GainStage1 for MM/MC High Out (1-ON, 2-OFF) or MC Low Out (1-OFF, 2-ON) cartridges.

GainStage2 Adjustment

Adjust GainStage2 for optimal sound by increasing gain until distortion or corruption occurs.

Connecting the Iskra1

Turn off System

Ensure amplifier and turntable are off before making connections.

Ground Connection

Connect turntable ground to ISKRA1 ground or preamplifier ground.

RCA Input;Output Connections

Connect turntable to ISKRA1 inputs and ISKRA1 outputs to a line-level input on your amplifier.

Power Supply Connection

Connect the supplied wallwart to the ISKRA1 unit.

Power Supply Options

Information on using the standard switching power supply or alternative 12V power sources.

Disposal and Recycling Information

Product Disposal

Do not dispose of the product as normal household waste; ensure it is recycled.

Environmental Protection

Separate electronic waste for environmentally safe recycling according to regulations.

Recycling Contacts

Contact local authorities or retailers for available collection facilities.

AUDIOKULTURA ISKRA1 Specifications