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OPERATING THE STANDARD MK II PREAMPLIFIER
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:
Phono Section MM (option): When fitted, input “L6" will be connected to a discrete, pure
tube phono preamplifier, providing 40 dB of gain, suitable for use with MM (moving
magnet) and many high-output MC (moving coil) cartridges. Your VAC dealer can
recommend the proper phono cartridge(s).
Phono Section MC (option): As above, this will be fitted to “L6", and provides
approximately 60 dB of gain. It should not be used with high output pickups, which may
generate excessive distortion. Your VAC dealers can recommend the proper phono
cartridge(s). A switch on the back panel selects between MC (60 dB) and MM (40 dB) mode.
Monitor: The small knob found at the lower left-hand corner of the faceplate switches
between “Source”, “Tape”, and “Cinema” (home theater pass-through mode). In the “Source”
position, input selection is determined by the Source Selector Switch. In the “Tape” position,
the Source Selector is overridden, and the Tape inputs are activated. [Important: The
Standard Preamplifier is outfitted with a full “tape loop”, including a line level tape input and
a fixed level recording output. In addition to driving the recording inputs of a tape deck, this
output can supply signal to any typical line level input, enabling it to control a second zone
in multi room installations.]
The “Cinema” position provides access to one of the Standard Mk II Preamplifier’s most
unusual feature. When set in the “Source” position, input choice is governed by the Input
Selector switch. This is the normal setting, and enables the unit to be used as a typical
preamplifier. Rotating the control clockwise to the “Cinema” position bypasses all
preamplifier controls (including volume) and passes the output from your surround sound
processor (i.e., the front left- and right-channel outputs of a multichannel processor) directly
to your power amplifier. In this case, the users’ analog stereo sources would be connected,
as usual, to the line, phono and tape inputs. A/V inputs (DVD, Laserdisc, DSS, etc.) would
be connected to the home theater processor, and the processor’s main outputs would be
connected to the pair of rear panel RCA jacks labeled “Home Theater Direct”. When the
control is set to the “Cinema” position, the Standard functions as a pass-through ONLY, and
is controlled by the external processor, preamplifier, or other component connected to the
“Home Theater Direct” inputs.
Mute: This knob is spring loaded; moving the control clockwise will toggle between the
“Mute” and “Operate” condition. When muted, a red glow will be observed in the LED. On
occasion the preamplifier may seem not to have responded to a turn of the “Mute” knob; this
is due to “contact bounce” in the switch. Simply turn the knob again until the desired
