ifi iPhono - User Manual

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iFiiPhonoUser4StepGuide
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Step1:ConnectMM/MCInput.
Refertothecartridgemanualforthespecifiedoutputvoltage.
Eg: TheoutputvoltageoftheMCcartridgeDenonDL‐103Ris0.25mV;
TheoutputvoltageofatheMMcartridgeShureM97xEis4mV.
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e.g.ShureM97xE(4mV)shouldbeconnectedtotheMMinputoftheiPhono;
DenonDL‐103R(0.25mV)shouldbeconnectedtotheMCinputoftheiPhono.
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Note:MMandMCinputsshouldNOTbeconnectedsimultaneously.
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Tip: For rare High Output MC cartridges like the Ortofon MC‐3 Turbo ， its output is 3.3mV ， so it
should be connected to the MM input of the iPhono.The actual output voltage determinate which
inputshouldbeused.
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Tip:Remembertoconnectthegroundwirefromtheturntable/armtotheiPhono.
Usethesmallextensionleadincludedforeaseofconnection.Sofullvinylsystemis
nowfullygroundedtogether.
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Step2:SetGain.
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Allphonopre‐amplifiershavegainadjustment.Differentcartridgesrequire differentlevels
ofgain.
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MM cartridges require lower gain and MC cartridge require higher gain.Normally gain is
expressedindecibel(dB),40dBmeans100timesgain.
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CartridgesOutput GainRequired
>3mV 40dB
1mV‐3mV 46dB
0.3‐1mV 60dB
<0.3mV 66dB
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From the above table, Shure M97xEshould use 40dB gain, and Denon DL‐103R should use
66dBgain.
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Cartridgeoutput iPhonoinputconnection
1mV MC
>1mV MM

ifi iPhono Specifications

General

Type	Phono Preamplifier
Outputs	RCA
Input Impedance	MM: 47kΩ
Output Impedance	100Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	> 80dB (MC)
Power Supply	DC 15V
Inputs	RCA
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (±0.5dB)

Summary

Step 1: Connect MM;MC Input

High Output MC Cartridge Connection

Connect high output MC cartridges (e.g., 3.3mV) to the MM input of the iPhono for proper operation.

Ground Wire Connection

Connect the turntable/arm ground wire to the iPhono using the provided lead for a fully grounded system.

Step 2: Set Gain

Gain Adjustment for MM vs MC Cartridges

MM cartridges need lower gain, while MC cartridges require higher gain, typically measured in dB.

Gain Setting Examples

Shure M97xE (4mV) requires 40dB gain; Denon DL-103R (0.25mV) requires 66dB gain.

Micro Switch Settings for Gain

Detailed instructions on setting micro switches for 40dB and 46dB gain levels based on cartridge output.

Micro Switch Settings for Higher Gains

Detailed instructions on setting micro switches for 60dB and 66dB gain levels based on cartridge output.

Step 3: Set Load

Understanding Load Requirements

MM cartridges need capacitive load (pF), MC cartridges need resistive load (Ω/Ohm).

Determining Load Value by Listening

For cartridges without stated values, find the correct load by listening for the most natural sound.

Adjusting Load for Sound Brightness

Increase load for dull sound, decrease for bright sound to optimize playback.

Micro Switch Settings for Load

Detailed instructions on setting micro switches for various MC (Ω) and MM (pF) load values.

Step 4: Set EQ curve

RIAA;eRIAA;IEC EQ Curve Settings

Guide to setting RIAA, eRIAA, and IEC EQ curves using micro switches for optimal playback.

EQ Curve Micro Switch Configuration

Specific micro switch positions for eRIAA (right) and IEC (left) settings for EQ curve selection.

DECCA;RIAA;COLUMBIA EQ Curve Selection

Instructions for selecting DECCA, RIAA, or COLUMBIA EQ curves based on record release date and label.

Record Label to EQ Curve Mapping

Mapping pre-1980 record labels (Columbia, Epic, EMI, Decca) to specific iPhono EQ curve settings.