F2.0 The VAC Phi 2.
CAUTION THE PREAMPLIFIER AND POWER SUPPLY CONTAIN NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS. DO NOT REMOVE THE BOTTOM PLATES OR CHASSIS COVERS. LETHAL VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE CHASSIS. DO NOT OPERATE THE UNITS IF THEY ARE WET. VACUUM TUBES BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE SERIOUS BURNS. NEVER TOUCH A TUBE WHEN THE UNIT IS ON. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES FOR THE TUBES TO COOL DOWN AFTER THE UNIT IS SWITCHED OFF. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE TUBE COVERS BE LEFT IN PLACE AT ALL TIMES.
INTRODUCTION The Phi Preamplifier is the world's finest audio preamplifier and an absolutely unique component. Its unusual topology, premium parts, and flexibility make it a pleasure to hear and operate. The line stage is, in effect, a small Class A1 power amplifier, capable of driving loads as low as a few hundred ohms. This is a stark contrast to normal preamplifiers, which claim a low output impedance but completely collapse when asked to deliver current.
UNPACKING & ASSEMBLY The Phi 2.0 is shipped with the vacuum tubes and glass covers installed. Should the need ever arise, the following directions illustrate how to install the glass; follow these steps in reverse order to remove the glass. Remove the four screws that secure the aluminum top frame to the chassis pillars using the tool provided. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Wear the supplied cotton gloves to minimize the chance of fingerprinting the nickel plated chassis. Wipe any oils off immediately.
The front glass has the etched VAC logo. Install this between the front pillars. Take great care not to scratch this glass. The front glass fits into a small channel in the front plate. Tighten the white nylon setscrews that secure the rear glass and side glasses. Turn clockwise to tighten. There are four setscrews for each glass plate. Do not tighten the setscrews for the front glass yet. Install the aluminum blocks at the top of the side glasses.
Tighten the four white nylon setscrews that secure the front glass using the tool provided. Turn clockwise to tighten. Do not over tighten. Install the vacuum tubes. Set the beveled glass top into the aluminum top frame, oriented so that the two holes are on the left and right side. The glass may be removed from the Phi 2.0 (such as for replacement or for shipment) by following these steps in reverse order.
INSTALLATION 1) Provide adequate ventilation. 2) Do not operate on carpet or any other surface that might block air flow. 3) The chassis will become warm in normal use. 4) Do not allow the chassis to touch any metal parts, such as the frame of an equipment rack. This might create a parallel ground path that could degrade the sound of your system. 5) Input connection is via single ended RCA jacks or XLR jacks (which can be from balanced or unbalanced sources).
INPUTS (back panel) Five pairs of RCA jacks accommodate unbalanced line level sources. These are labeled "IN1" through "IN5". "IN6" can accept a balanced signal on XLR connectors or an unbalanced line level source via RCA jacks. Set the “IN 6 MODE” switch accordingly. Note: not all sources with XLR connectors are balanced. Many are unbalanced, with pin 2 or pin 3 tied to ground. The Phi Preamplifier accepts such sources. The “CINEMA” inputs accept an unbalanced line level source via RCA jacks.
OPERATION Turn the "Volume" control fully counterclockwise. Mute is automatically engaged when switching on the unit. Allow the preamplifier to warm up for a minute before you un-mute the unit; failure to wait can cause a transient to be sent through your power amplifier that might cause damage to your loudspeakers. As with all high fidelity products, the sound characteristic of the VAC changes somewhat as it warms up. Best sound will be achieved after about 15 minutes of operation.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS Although most of the front panel controls (Volume, Power, Mute) are self explanatory, VAC has outfitted this unit with several advanced features which bear further description: Mute: Toggles between the "Mute" and "Operate" condition. When muted, the indicator light is illuminated. Power: Turns the unit off and on. Phono: Selects between the MM and MC inputs.
being set by the player or the decoder. Note: The Tape Monitor takes the same setting as the source input. For example, if the SELECTOR is on input #1 and #1 is set up in a SET mode, when you engage the TAPE monitor it will also be in the SET mode, and the VOLUME control will not change the sound level. Conversely, if input #2 is in the VAR mode, then the TAPE monitor will also be in the VAR mode, and the volume control will function.
REMOTE CONTROL The remote control allows for wireless adjustment of POWER, SELECTOR, TAPE MONITOR, CINEMA, MUTE, and VOLUME. The remote wand is powered by two "AAA" batteries. These should be of the alkaline type. You will need to install them in the wand before using the remote. Since batteries can leak, they should be removed from the wand if it is not going to be used for an extended period of time. To install or change batteries, first loosen the screw on the back of the remote.
REPLACEMENT OF LOW LEVEL TUBES Tubes V1L and V1R are 12AX7/ECC83; you may wish to use low noise tested tubes. Tubes V2L, V2R, V3L, and V3R are12AX7/ECC83. Tubes V4L and V4R are type 8416, no substitute types are acceptable. We strongly recommend that you use only tubes specifically selected and tested by VAC for this application. Before replacing tubes, all power must be turned off.
TIPS & ADVICE SECTION A Word About Tubes in General It is true that each brand of tube sounds different in a particular high resolution circuit. This is because no two manufacturers make a tube type in quite the same way, and the central tendencies of the performance parameters will differ slightly with each maker. To emphasize the point, examine the plate structure of any two 6SN7 from different manufacturers will probably find that they may not even the same shape and size.
WARRANTY Your equipment is warranted for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. In addition, if the registration form is received by VAC along with a copy of your sales receipt from an authorized VAC dealer within this thirty days, a service contract will be extended to cover your equipment for three (3) years (tubes excepted). This warranty applies only to units sold in the United States of America through authorized VAC dealers. It covers factory service and standard return shipping.
