Owners Manual

Stellar Phono Preamplifier
Operation Guide
®
Moving Magnet A moving magnet cartridge is the preferred path for getting started in analog since they
are not as picky with set up, cost less, are more durable, and are not as discriminating
when it comes to the quality of the recording or pressing.
The default settings for moving magnet are low gain and 47K ohms loading. To adjust
these settings, you will need to use the remote.
Setting the Correct Gain
We recommend the following gain settings for each range of output voltages:
4mV - 10mV: MM, Low Gain
2.5mV - 4mV: MM, Medium Gain
1mV - 2.5mV: MM, High Gain
Resistive and Capacitive Loading
The resistive loading for moving magnet inputs is fixed at 47K ohms and cannot be
adjusted. However, this is the preferred loading for most moving magnet cartridges.
When it comes to capacitive loading, moving magnet cartridges can be fairly picky.
Typically, moving magnet inputs are loaded at around 100 picofarads, similar to the
Stellar Phono.
The capacitance of the RCA cables running from your turntable to the phono preamplifier
is important, since it will affect sound and add to the fixed input capacitance of the
phonostage. The correct amount of capacitance in a cable may range depending on
the cartridge. Most users of moving magnet cartridges will be very happy with cables
of average capacitance and the 100pF loading, but you may try different cables if you
wish to change the capacitive loading of the Stellar Phono. It’s always best to talk to the
manufacturer of your cartridge to see what they recommend.
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