Lampizator Vinyl Phono MM2 & MM1

Important Warning

WARNING: As all Lampizator products come with a 7-day testing period (please confirm with your dealer first), it is not allowed to open the product during this time. The screws are protected with a seal. You must decide if you like the sound and wish to keep it. After the 7-day period expires, your MM2 is a keeper, and you may open the unit. This does not invalidate the warranty; however, any modifications, no matter how small, invalidate the 5-year warranty. Changes, upgrades, and modifications must be pre-authorized in writing, even tube changes. Products returned during the test period with the seal broken will not be refunded and will be sent back.

Quick Start Guide

1. Plug in the unit.
2. Wait 30 seconds for the tubes to warm up.
3. Enjoy.

Short Description

The Vinyl Phono MM2 was built on the basis of Lampizator's 20 years of experience with tube technology. The success of LampizatOr DACs was largely due to their approach to the analog stage with tubes, supported by tube power supplies. Consequently, creating a tube Phono stage was a natural progression. The result is a world-class, fabulous-sounding reference performance.

Key characteristics include:

• Elegant, timeless chassis and front panel – a classic Lampizator no-nonsense design.
• Update path for owners – offering new features and specifications.
• Trade-in path for larger models, even after the warranty period.
• 5-year warranty.

Highlights

• Fully tubed, 50dB Moving Magnet (MM) Phono Stage.
• Zero feedback, zero silicon in the signal path design.
• Phenomenally transparent and dynamic sound.
• True analog sound from Lampizator, the tube expert.
• All-tube design for maximal purity.
• Muting function.
• 4-layer, fully shielded PCB.

Basic Specifications

Parameters

• Shelf Footprint: 43x33 cm (Width x Depth).
• Total Height Clearance: 13 cm.
• Weight (Net / Shipping Gross): 9 kg / 12 kg.
• Power Supply: Fully linear, 100 Watt.

Optional Models

• MC only input, full tube PSU, Single ended outputs, one arm.
• MM only input, full solid state PSU, Single ended outputs, one arm.
• MM only input, full tube PSU, Single ended outputs, one arm.

From the Designer

The Lampizator Vinyl Phono is the result of extensive research into creating a no-compromise phono stage worthy of Lampizator's reputation in DACs. Key design criteria included:

• No silicon MM input (no MC input in this particular model).
• Tube stages for input and output.
• No negative feedback.
• Premium parts.
• Amber housing, similar to the Amber3 DAC.
• Finish variants with different color front panels.
• Concealed tubes.
• Tube rolling is possible.

Regarding the absence of an MC input: users can utilize their own step-up transformer (SUT) to create a high-quality MC system.

Quick Guide to a Smooth Start

Voltage Selection

All Vinyl Phono MM2 units are shipped with the MAINS voltage set for the country of destination. If you purchased the MM2 second-hand and are in a different voltage zone, the product can be converted by switching a dedicated switch at the back.

Power Cable and AC Filtering

While not strictly necessary, it is advisable to use a quality power cable, not a standard computer cable. Using some form of AC filter can also bring noticeable improvements; generally, under-filtering is preferred over over-filtering. Due to the variety of AC plugs worldwide, no AC cable is supplied with the unit.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Lampizator Vinyl Phono MM2. This product was developed with extensive research to deliver world-class musical performance, rivaling the most expensive phono stages available. It is also designed for a very long product life. By adhering to the basic precautions listed, the product should last a lifetime and hopefully remain unsurpassed by competing products. The Vinyl Phono MM2 is designed to be future-proof. Should Lampizator launch a major upgrade to the electronic or mechanical parts, owners can obtain it at a reasonable cost. Similarly, any features initially forgotten can be added later at a reasonable cost. It is highly unlikely that future music reproduction technology from vinyl will surpass this level of performance, as it is believed to have reached human ear and record groove limits.

Cartridge Types

This product is designed for high-end applications, compatible with MM cartridges and offering the possibility to integrate with an input stage transformer (SUT) for MC connection. It targets cartridges and systems where top-notch performance, substantial dynamics, transparency, soundstage, and tonality are expected. At the time of writing, no cartridge type is known to be incompatible with this product.

Audio Volume Level and Preamplifier

Tube technology allows for practically unlimited volume levels at the output, up to 10 times higher than a normal audio source. The internally set standard is: a 1 kHz test tone at -20 dB produces an output of a 300 mV AC sine wave under a 47K load, equivalent to approximately 3V pp for 0dB signal. This is adjustable in the range of 0-6V by changing a single resistor. Lampizator generally prefers the sound of sources with high output levels, and most amplifiers handle this without issue.

The Vinyl Phono MM2 is a pre-preamplifier and should be used with an integrated amplifier or an active Line Stage Preamplifier. It is not recommended to use it with op-amp-based preamps, as their feedback loops can diminish the musical joy delivered by the tubed Vinyl Phono MM2. Equipment directly following the MM2 (preamp, integrated amp) should have an input impedance of 47kOhms or higher; 20K is considered a healthy minimum. While 10K load will still sound great, dynamics may start to fade. Properly designed amplifiers and preamplifiers typically maintain a load value above 40k.

The Heat Issue

Concerns about heat inside the Vinyl Phono MM2 are unfounded. The preamp operates well below its maximum allowed temperature. Tubes are designed to be hot; this is their nature, essential for optimal sound. Other components are rated up to 105°C, and the internal air temperature is expected to reach no more than 40°C. It is advised not to add external heat sources (e.g., placing it on a hot Class A amplifier) and to ensure adequate space around the unit for free air circulation and cooling. Do not cover the unit with blankets or mats.

Optimal Placement

Apart from heat considerations, the Vinyl Phono MM2 has no special placement requirements. Keep RCA cables from the turntable and to the amplifier no longer than 1.5 meters (5 feet). Turntable-to-phono cables MUST be shielded; phono-to-amplifier cables may be unshielded (many excellent IC cables are unshielded, like Kimber, XLO, or Nordost). As tubes are microphonic, they are sensitive to vibrations. Therefore, do not place the Vinyl Phono MM2 on top of speakers or subwoofers. Choose a location with minimal vibration, preferably at least one foot behind the plane of the speakers.

Power On-Off Cycle

Tube lifetime is significantly influenced by the on-off cycle, similar to a car engine in cold climates. The difference in thermal expansion between glass and metal can cause seals to leak oxygen into the tube, eventually degrading it. Therefore, it is better to keep the Vinyl Phono MM2 powered on rather than switching it on and off unnecessarily. The Lampizator Vinyl Phono MM2 features a slow start mechanism that gradually increases high voltage supply (10 volts per second) and limits heater current for approximately 5 seconds from a cold start. The PSU reaches 250V DC after 10 seconds, helping to extend tube life. The unit also has voltage down features (bleeders) that reduce power voltage drop upon switch-off at a similar rate.

Tubes are operated around 25% of their full nominal power, greatly increasing their life expectancy. Combined factors suggest tube life should range from 10 to 40 years, assuming the player is switched off only once daily for the night. Special heater circuits slow down inrush current by a factor of 10, protecting heaters from developing spots that cause metal erosion and tube failure. This circuit extends tube life at least double the datasheet specifications. Lampizator expects all tubes except the rectifier to last a lifetime.

Cabling and Cable Handling

• AC cables can be plugged and unplugged during operation; this is safe for the Vinyl Phono MM2.
• Signal cables can be plugged/unplugged with the amplifier volume turned fully down.

Use a decent AC cable; spending around 100-200 Euros is suggested for a good quality cable. Free "computer grade" AC cables are not sufficient for serious audio use.

Use a decent interconnect cable. Best results are often obtained with silver cables. Trust your ears over cable specifications. Lampizator offers various audio cables.

Tube Rolling and Replacement

The Vinyl Phono MM2 is supplied with the best available tubes that can be sourced consistently. It is advised not to change them without reason. If you feel compelled to try other tubes, Lampizator requires written pre-authorization to avoid voiding the warranty.

Practical tips for tube rolling (general notes):

1. Tube Compatibility: Tubes can have different bases but be parameter-compatible and swappable with adaptors (e.g., ECC40 and 6SN7GT, ECC88 and 6DJ8, 6H8C and 6N1P).
2. Same Base, Different Pinouts: Tubes with the same base (e.g., noval) might have different pinouts, requiring an adaptor. Same base and pinout does not guarantee interchangeability (e.g., CC81 and CC82 have the same base/pinout but different parameters; Octal 6SN7 and VT99 have similar parameters but different pinouts).
3. Different Heaters: Some tubes have the same base/pinout/parameters but different heater voltages (e.g., ECC82 and 12BH7). These may be usable with a switch or careful timing depending on the product's heater arrangement. Some completely different tubes can be perfectly interchangeable (e.g., E182CC with 5687).

Lampizator supplies tubes purchased new from reliable sources, tested and matched.

For best tubes, visit: www.best300b.com

Default Tubes:

• ECC803
• 6N2P

Identical Equivalents:

• ECC83, 12AX7

Acceptable (Lower amplification/volume):

• ECC81, 12AT7
• ECC88, E88cc, 6922

Ageing Problems

The Vinyl Phono MM2 is designed to age very slowly. The PCB, transformer, output capacitors, cables, and sockets should last a lifetime. The 10 electrolyte capacitors are premium brands and expected to last approximately 25-30 years. Tubes are recommended to be changed every 10 to 20 years. Barring extreme events, no failures or ageing problems are expected before 20-30 years.

Fuse Change

The Vinyl Phono MM2 features a non-repairable 20 mm glass fuse circuit breaker located inside the IEC-AC socket at the back. A spare fuse is provided in a small removable drawer. The fuses are 1.6A (or 2A for USA/Japan/Taiwan), slow-blow type, and overrated by a factor of 3. Therefore, a fuse will only blow for a specific reason, indicating an internal failure. If a fuse blows, the unit should be sent for service, not have the fuse replaced. The spare fuse will also blow. Replacing fuses with a larger size than 2A or installing "audiophile silver bolts" instead of fuses is strictly prohibited. Fuses are primarily for safety.

Experimentation with audiophile-grade fuses is permitted, but not with bypass devices.

Troubleshooting: No Sound

Quick Check List:

• Is the voltage switch at the back set correctly for your country?
• Is the AC power switch at the back set to ON, and is the red lamp illuminated?
• Are the analog RCA cables connected to the OUTPUT sockets, and NOT the phono arm input sockets?
• Is the amplifier powered on, connected, un-muted, and are speakers connected?
• Do you see a tube glow inside the chassis? (There are 4 tubes in total).

Muting Function: Muting is activated by pressing the front button (e.g., for headshell change or needle cleaning). To play music, switch the button to the OUT position.

Burn-In Period

The Vinyl Phono MM2 undergoes approximately 48 hours of testing at the factory but is not fully "burned-in." Customers report that after 3 days of continuous power (playing or not), the MM2 opens up significantly. Further improvements are observed up to 7 days as the sound stabilizes. An additional day of burn-in is needed after the MM2:

• Travels (vibrations).
• Is disconnected for over a month.
• Is subjected to cold temperatures (e.g., in a car trunk overnight).

Once fully burned-in and settled, the sound quality is stable. Daily warm-up is required after powering on. The MM2 starts playing after 10 seconds. Tubes reach full technical parameters and stabilize after 90 seconds, but optimal sound quality takes longer. The entire system reaches its operating sound quality plateau after approximately 20 minutes and is ready for serious listening.

Listening to the Music: Practical Tips

Use a good shelf for the Vinyl Phono MM2. Do not place it on speakers, subwoofers, transports, or amplifiers, as tubes are sensitive to vibrations.

Regarding specialized placement devices:

• Granite or marble can be detrimental due to ringing.
• Cones are considered ineffective and unsuitable for discerning users.
• Ceramic ball bearing feet are excellent.
• Thick, good quality wood is also recommended.
• Other solutions can be tried based on personal preference.

The stereo soundstage created by the Vinyl Phono MM2 aims to recreate a live musical experience, with sound perceived all around the listener, detached from the speakers. The goal is a highly three-dimensional imaging, with the soundstage extending as close to the listener as possible.

Speaker Placement (LampizatOr Nirvana Room Rules):

1. Speakers and listener's head should form an equilateral triangle (3 x 60 degrees), with the distance between speakers equal to the head-to-speaker distance.
2. The listener's head must be exactly in the middle of the speaker base, and the speaker base must be symmetrical relative to the side walls. Measure distances to side walls with 1 cm accuracy.
3. The distance of speakers to side walls and speakers to rear wall should not be equal. A ratio of 1.4 times smaller or larger is recommended, but not equal. Measure from the magnet of the bass driver.
4. The distance from the rear of the speaker to the rear wall of the room should be no less than 0.5 meters (2 feet).
5. Ideally, the tweeter should be at ear height or up to 10 cm higher, but never lower. Speakers with tweeters below 90 cm sound incorrect. Elevate speakers using stands, bases, or blocks, or lower the listening seat.
6. The chair or sofa back support should not be higher than the person's shoulders, meaning it should not extend above the ears.
7. Feet are sensitive to vibration, which the brain integrates with hearing. It is advised to have a carpet-free area directly under the listener's feet. Listening with feet on a hard floor enhances music perception. A rug or carpet between the listener and speakers is acceptable, but not under the feet.
8. Placing something soft on the wall behind the speakers is advisable.
9. The "toe-in" angle of the speakers is critical. A rule of thumb is to toe them in halfway between pointing straight ahead and aiming directly at the listener's ears, or slightly more straight. Excessive toe-in can degrade the soundstage.

Enjoy your music like never before!