Phono Module Description - Octave PHONO MODULE Owner's Manual

1. OCTAVE- TECHNOLOGY
1.2. Description Phono Module
The concept behind the new Octave Phono Module was to develop a high-end phono preamplifier
that would perform without restrictions in respect to the pickup technology or the output connectivity
while offering an unmatched level of versatility. To allow for optimized use with both MM and MC
cartridges while offering the utmost system matching flexibility, the Phono Module was developed on
a universal platform, with both the output section as well as the input section configurable in a mod-
ular technology.
With this modular concept, the Phono Module enables a wide range of system configurations. There
are three independent input sections, and in the input section three different output boards can be
utilized. The input boards range from MM RCA (single-ended) to MC XLR (balanced), plus one input
board for line level units, including one RCA and one XLR input.
The output boards range from line-level (the standard module for driving a preamp or preamp section
of an integrated amp) to regulated high-level Direct Drive modules with RCA or XLR output (for driv-
ing a power amplifier directly).
To provide the output modules with the greatest possible flexibility, there is always a pair of fixed
RCA outputs. These RCA outputs can be used in the traditional manner for monitoring the signal or
as a source for recording equipment.
The Octave Phono Module is a four stage system comprising the Input Module, the RIAA Equaliza-
tion, the Subsonic Filter and the Output Module. The Subsonic Filter can be bypassed. The power
supply is external, and mounted in a magnetically-shielded housing.
Developing a phono stage presents a great challenge to achieve low distortion, low noise and a low
input sensitivity in the circuit topology. The overall gain of a phono stage is very high, thus the de-
mands on the circuit are complex in every aspect of the analogue technology.
The Octave Phono Module combines both tube and solid state devices. Incorporating solid state
circuitry is the best choice for the MC input section. Using tubes alone would result in unacceptably
high levels of noise. The output of a low-output MC cartridge is definitely too low for an all tube input
stage. Utilizing modern technology Octave developed a tube RIAA equalization stage operating in
the optimum signal range of the tubes by using professional Integrated Circuits in the MC Input Stage.
Optimizing the three-tube stage in respect to the feedback, the dynamic behaviour of this stage is
exceptional. The distortion is very low, while the spectral purity is close to the finest professional
units. To realize these characteristics, a power supply with battery-power quality is necessary. In
addition to its stability, the most positive attribute of battery power is an absence of hum and noise.
A drawback, of course, is that the there must be a loading system, and that the voltage decreases
during discharge. Therefore additional electronic systems are required to achieve these benefits
without any drawbacks.
A particularly unique option of the Octave Phono Module is the Line Input module. Adding this module
provides the unit with line level functionality allowing the connection of a high level source via either
single-ended (RCA) or balanced (XLR) inputs. In combination with the Regulated Output module and
the Remote Control Option the Octave Phono Module comprises all that is necessary for a minimalist
high-end audio system combining analogue and digital sources.
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