20/20 -a phono preamplification instrument by Sutherland Engineering OWNER’S MANUAL
A note from designer RON SUTHERLAND: I like design challenges. That is how all new products begin. This time the challenge was to offer an AC line powered phono preamp that would fit comfortably in with the Sutherland series of battery powered phono preamps. An extremely low noise floor and precise resolution was a must. Not only was this an opportunity to creatively address AC power line isolation but to also take dual mono to a new level.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY Another path to the same destination. It is a pleasure to announce a new phono preamplifier from Sutherland Engineering. It is derived from the best elements of the PH3D and the Hubble. The signal path is almost the same as the Hubble; the construction is as simple as the PH3D. It has an elegant esthetic of performance, value, craftsmanship and minimalism. That heritage, however, does not keep the 20/20 design from taking on its own unique character. First.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY POWER SUPPLIES I don’t know of any audiophile who likes power supplies that even remotely resemble ‘walwarts’. The 20/20 uses not one, but two of the wallwarts more sophisticated relatives – politely called a regulated tabletop power supply. To understand this choice, let’s look at AC to DC power supply elements required for no-compromise high-end performance: 1. Rectify the AC to DC 2. Filter that DC 3.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY DC CONNECTOR LOCATION Don’t be looking for power connections on the back panel. Instead, you will find them located at the front and under the cover. That is one of those form follows function decisions. The front of the circuit board IS where the power enters the circuit, there fore that is where the connector went. On your car, the gas cap is very near the gas tank. It is not located at the opposite end of the car.
OPERATION Initial Set Up Release the top cover by removing the four knurled screws on the sides of the chassis. At the left rear of each circuit board, you will find jumpers which are clearly labeled for changing cartridge loading and gain settings. The 20/20 is shipped with a cartridge loading of 100 Ohms and a gain of 60 dB. If you wish to change those values, simply move the jumper to the correct location for each channel. Make sure that you match the loading and gain setting for each channel.
20/20 specifications Gain settings 40 dB 46 dB 52 dB 58 dB 64 dB Size 17” wide 2 ¼ “ high 12” deep Cartridge Loading 100 ohms 200 ohms 475 ohms 1k ohms 47k ohms -external power supply (each) 5” deep 1 ½” high 2” wide Weight 11 lbs. net 19 lbs. shipping Power Requirements Power: 20 watts (10 watts per channel) Operating Voltage: 100 to 240 volts (universal, no adjustments) 20/20 www.sutherlandengineering.
