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O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
P/PH-100 Phono Preamplifier
Congratulations on your purchase of this precision component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. We designed your Parasound P/PH-100 to boost the output of a moving magnet or moving coil
magnetic phonograph cartridge in order to drive line level inputs. Please take time to review this manual to
take complete advantage of your new P/PH-100’s capabilities.
Product Overview
With the market dominance of compact discs, most manufacturers now design their preamplifiers and
receivers without the extra preamplifier gain stage and RIAA equalization phono cartridges require. People
who still enjoy listening to their record collections have had to settle for using the often outdated phono
preamp stage in their bulky older equipment. The P/HP-100 is compact and up-to-date, using modern state
of the art parts and circuitry to provide precise equalization and gain for use with any “line drive”
preamplifier, receiver or surround processor.
Unpacking the P/PH-100
You should find the following items within the packing carton:
〈 The P/PH-100
〈 An 18AWG audiophile-grade AC cord
〈 This manual
Save your carton and packing inserts for safe transport in case you move or the unit ever requires repair.
Before shipping the unit, be sure to pack it into an additional outer carton for protection. We recommend
using only the included audiophile-grade AC cord.
Placement of your P/PH-100
Your P/PH-100 may be located with your other audio/video components, or even out of sight since it has no
controls. However, take care to locate your P/PH-100 away from AC power cords which might induce hum
and noise. Similarly, it is best to keep it removed from power amplfiers whose transformers might radiate a
powerful hum field. The P/PH-100 generates virtually no heat and does not require ventilation.
P/PH-100 Phono Preamplifier
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Making Connections to your P/PH-100
Input Connections
Connect your turntable’s left and right channel plugs to the left and right input jacks on your P/PH-100.
Connect your turntable’s separate ground wire to the GND (ground) terminal on your P/PH-100.
Output Connections
Make sure your system power is turned off before connecting to your preamp. As a further precaution,
turn its volume control to its minimum position.
Connect the left and right output jacks on your P/PH-100 to the desired line (or “high level") input on
your preamplifier or receiver. Line level inputs are typically called CD, Tuner, Aux, Tape Play.
If your preamp or receiver has a tape monitor input, you can also use this, provided it is not already
connected to your tape deck.
After making connections, make sure the plugs are inserted securely and the GND terminal is tight to
prevent cables or ground wire from becoming loose and disconnected. Note: in rare instances,
connecting the ground wire may increase rather than decrease hum.
AC Connections
Connect the supplied AC cord from the AC inlet of the P/PH-100 to a nearby AC wall outlet or other
AC outlet. Your P/PH-100 is intended to be left on at all times and its power consumption is
insignificant. You don’t need to worry about switching it on and off with the rest of your system.
Drawing # 1: Rear Panel Connections
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
120 Vac/60 Hz 5 W
GND
P/PH-100 Phono Preamplifier
Parasound Products, Inc.
San Francisco, CA USA
Input Output
R
L
IEC Receptacle
and Fuse Holder
Do Not Exceed
Ori
g
inal Fuse Value
Fuse
Holder
Output Connectors
Ground Connector
Input Connectors
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Setting Gain Levels for Your P/PH-100
The gain of your P/PH-100 is normally set for use with a moving magnet or high output moving coil
cartridge. These types of cartridges typically have an output level ranging from 1 to 5 millivolts You
can adjust the gain of your P/PH-100 to adequately amplify the very small signal level from moving coil
cartridges that range from 0.15 to 2.5 millivolts. This gain adjustment is accomplished by moving an
internal jumper for each channel. To set the gain for a low output (moving coil) cartridge, insert the
jumper into the 2 and 3 position. To set the gain for a high output (moving magnet) cartridge, insert the
jumper into the 1 and 2 position. Refer to the specifications for your phono cartridge for optimum gain
setting of your P/PH-100.
Rewiring Your P/PH-100 For 220 - 240 Vac Operation
Your P/PH-100 may be rewired for operation abroad. This involves changing wires on the primary side
of the power transformer. Please refer this voltage conversion to a qualified electronics technician to
avoid possible injury or damage to your P/PH-100.
For 100-120 Vac operation, the white wire is connected to one side of the AC line and the brown wire is
connected to the other; there is no connection to the red wire which is insulated for safety. For
220-240 Vac operation, the white wire is connected to one side of the AC line and the red wire is
connected to the other; there is no connection to the brown wire which is insulated for safety.
N/C
N/C
100-120 V Operation
Red
Brown
White
220-240 V Operation
Red
Brown
White
Transformer
Primary Wires
123321
High Gain
(Moving Coil Setting) R. Channel L. Channel
123321
Normal Gain
(Moving Magnet Setting) R. Channel L. Channel
Drawing # 2: Setting Gain with Internal Jumpers
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Parasound Limited Warranty (USA only)
Parasound Products, Inc. warrants products purchased from authorized Parasound Dealers and Custom
Installers to the original owner for two years from the date of purchase. In the event of a defect in
materials or workmanship, the product will be repaired promptly without charge. At Parasound’s option,
product may be replaced with new product of equal or superior value to the defective product according
to the condition that it was received by Parasound.
The warranty excludes parts subject to normal wear such as fuses, laser pickups, or cosmetic parts.
The warranty also excludes damage resulting from abuse, shipping damages, failure to use products
within specifications or instructions.
The warranty is void in the event of unauthorized repair or modification, removal or defacing of the
serial number.
Dealer stock will be warranted to a maximum of 2 years from date of purchase.
In no case will Parasound accept warranty claims for any purchaser’s unit after 38 months from date of
original dealer’s purchase from Parasound.
For Returns: Call, write, or fax Parasound’s Technical Services Department. If it is decided that the
unit should be returned for inspection at Parasound, it must be packed in its original carton as well as an
additional outer carton. A Return Authorization (RA) number will be issued which must appear on the
outer carton. A note stating the nature of the defect should accompany the unit. Units that arrive with
evidence of mispacking (internal rattling, damaged carton) will be refused by Parasound.
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
415-397-7100 / FAX 415-397-0144
P/PH-100 Specifications
Input Sensitivity: 2 mV
Input Impedance: 47 k ohms
Input Overload: 220 mV, 1 kHz
RIAA Accuracy: 0.25 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
SIgnal to Noise Ratio: 72 dB, ref. 5 mV input
Circuit Power Requirement: 120 V/60 Hz, 5W
Dimensions: 9 1/2" W x 1 3/4" H (2" with feet) x 7" D
Net Weight: 2 1/2 lb.
Specifications subject to change or improvement without notice
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