Whest PS.30RDT - User Manual

The Whest Audio whestTHREE Signature phonostage is a high-fidelity audio component designed to extract maximum information from vinyl LPs. It utilizes proprietary low-noise audio circuitry and a newly developed filter that, in conjunction with the RIAA filter, enables playback up to 56kHz. This extended high-frequency (HF) response is a key feature, allowing users to hear deeper into the soundstage, bringing to life the lowest frequencies of instruments like a kick drum and positioning all instruments to form a three-dimensional soundstage. This capability is highlighted as a significant advantage where other phonostages may "plainly fail."

Function Description:

The whestTHREE Signature is an electrically dual mono phono stage that connects a turntable to an amplifier or preamplifier, amplifying the delicate phono signal and applying the RIAA equalization curve. It is designed for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, offering adjustable gain and loading settings to match a wide range of cartridges for optimal performance. The unit also supports transferring vinyl collections to a computer hard drive via a dedicated interconnect.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Model No.: whestTHREE Signature electrically dual mono phono stage
• RIAA curve accuracy: 17Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.15dB
• Amplifier Frequency response: 5Hz – 68kHz +/- 1.5dB
• Working band: 12Hz – 56kHz
• MM Gain: 42dB & 46dB
• MC Gain High and low: 50dB – 72dB in 6 steps
• Cartridge Loading: 100ohm – 47k ohms in 8 steps
• THD+N: 0.004%
• Connections: Unbalanced RCA inputs, Unbalanced RCA plus True balanced XLR outputs
• Connectors: Gold Audiophile
• Unpacked weight: 3.5 Kgs
• Packed weight: 4.0 Kgs
• Dimensions (Head Unit): 240mm x 215mm x 50mm
• Dimensions (HVDM Supply): 140mm x 140mm x 50mm
• Operating voltage: 230VAC 50Hz or 115VAC 60Hz (dealer specific)

Usage Features:

• Connectivity: The whestTHREE features both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs. Users must choose to use either balanced or unbalanced outputs, not both simultaneously. The balanced outputs are configured to AES standards (Pin2 HOT, Pin3 COLD, Pin1 Chassis).
• Power Supply: The unit is powered by an external High Voltage Dual Mono (HVDM) supply unit. It is crucial to ensure the HVDM supply is connected to a switched wall socket in the OFF position before connecting other components. The HVDM supply requires a 2 AT fuse for Europe (230VAC) and a 3.15 AT fuse for USA/Parts of Asia (115VAC).
• Setup Process:
  1. Ensure the system's source selector is switched to an input other than where the whestTHREE will be connected.
  2. Confirm the HVDM supply is in the OFF position.
  3. Disconnect the turntable from any existing amplifier/preamplifier/phonostage.
  4. Connect turntable leads to the whestTHREE, observing channel ID color codes (L-Left/white, R-Right/red).
  5. Connect the turntable arm's grounding lead to the grounding post on the whestTHREE.
  6. Connect the whestTHREE's output to the amplifier/preamplifier's aux/line input.
  7. Attach the two HVDM multi-pin cables to the whestTHREE chassis sockets, ensuring CH1 connects to CH1/L.Power and CH2 connects to R. The connectors will 'click' into place.
  8. Connect the 3-pin mains cable to the HVDM supply, ensuring the supply switch is OFF.
  9. Switch on the HVDM supply. Two small red LEDs on the front panel of the whestTHREE will illuminate, indicating operational status.
  10. Select the correct source input on the amplifier/preamplifier.
• Warm-up Time: The unit may take several hours to settle and work efficiently, with 4-6 hours typically sufficient for sensitive components to reach their 'steady state' working temperature.
• Cartridge Gain and Loading:
  • Caution: This operation must only be performed when the unit is disconnected from both the HVDM power supply and the audio system.
  • The whestTHREE comes preset for a low output moving coil cartridge (65dB gain, 100ohms load).
  • To adjust, use the supplied 2.5mm Allen key to remove the small rectangular panel underneath the unit, revealing four banks of switches (two per channel).
  • The first bank of 8 switches controls cartridge load, and the second bank of 8 controls gain.
  • Users should match the gain and load to their cartridge's requirements.
  • Important: Only one switch per bank should be in the 'ON' position; all others must be 'OFF'.
  • MM Setup Example: All switches 'OFF', then slide switch no. 8 (LOAD) to 'ON' for 47K ohms, and switch no. 1 (GAIN) to 'ON' for 42dB (MM). Gain switch no. 2 may be needed for lower output MMs.
  • MC Setup Example (0.25mV output): All switches 'OFF', then slide switch no. 1 (LOAD) to 'ON' for 100ohm, and switch no. 6 (GAIN) to 'ON' for 65dB (MC).
  • After adjustment, replace the panel and screws, place the unit back on the shelf, and power it up, ensuring the amplifier volume is at its minimum 'low' position.
• Computer Transfer: A special interconnect is provided for connecting the whestTHREE to a computer soundcard's analog input, enabling the transfer of vinyl LPs to a hard drive. Users are advised to read their software instructions for best transfer quality.

Maintenance Features:

• Cleaning: Do not use liquids for cleaning to prevent malfunction. A small amount of engineering oil (e.g., WD40®) applied to a lint-free cloth can be used to wipe the unit in the direction of the grain on the front panel and lid. This is recommended a few times a year.
• No User Serviceable Parts: The unit contains no user-serviceable parts. Opening the unit will invalidate the warranty and carries a real risk of electrical shock. In case of servicing needs, the unit should be returned to an authorized Whest Audio service agent.

Warranty:

• All Whest Audio products come with a one (1) year limited warranty against defects in design, materials, and workmanship from the original purchase date.
• This warranty is valid only upon proper registration within thirty (30) days of first purchase. An extended warranty may be provided by the Whest Audio dealer.
• Registration requires filling out and returning the warranty registration card with a copy of the original sales receipt.
• Whest Audio will, at its option, repair or replace products failing under normal use due to defects during the warranty period.
• The warranty does not cover failures due to normal wear and tear, misuse, accident, modification, adjustment, acts of God, liquid damage, or repairs performed by non-authorized personnel.
• Whest Audio reserves the right to charge a handling fee for returned products not under warranty.