The MOON 110LP v2, which was created using award-winning technologies also found in our more exotic phono preamplifiers, marks yet further advancement in both sound quality and price.

All of the MOON sound qualities—fast, tight, prolonged bass response, a naturally open midrange, and airy extended high frequencies—are now more affordable than ever. An upgraded power supply and an improved circuit layout are combined to achieve this. An increased input overload margin for trouble-free use is another advantage. You may quickly and easily set up each of these four parameters for the unit: gain, curve, resistance, and capacitance. Therefore, swapping out your cartridge won’t make the MOON 110LP v2 obsolete. Filtering with inductive DC for a substantially lower noise floor. It is designed to operate at full power at all times for best results

Thank you for selecting the MOON 110LP v2 Phono Preamplifier as a part of your music system. This component has been designed to offer state-of-the-art high-end performance in an elegant package, while retaining all the sonic hallmarks on which Simaudio has made its reputation. We have spared no effort to ensure that it is amongst the finest phono preamplifiers available in its class. We have been building high performance audio equipment since 1980, and the know-how gained through our cumulative experience is an important reason why MOON audio components are so musically satisfying. The performance of your MOON 110LP v2 will continue to improve during the first 300 hours of listening.

This is the result of a “break-in” period required for the numerous high quality electronic parts used throughout this phono preamplifier. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this manual is available on our official website at http://www.simaudio.com

Design Features

Your MOON 110LP v2 Phono Preamplifier incorporates many significant design features to achieve its “world class” level of performance. This is an abbreviated list of the most important features: End-user adjustable impedance loading (47kΩ, 475Ω, 100Ω, 10Ω); End-user adjustable capacitance loading (0pF, 100pF, 330pF, 430pF); End-user adjustable gain settings for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges (40dB, 50dB, 54dB, 60dB, 66dB); End user selectable curve (IEC/RIAA); Four layer PCB tracings using pure copper for low impedance characteristics; Inductive DC Filtering for a significantly lower noise floor; Compact, rigid all-aluminum chassis with gold-plated RCA connectors; Designed to be powered up at all times for optimal performance.

Unpacking

The MOON 110LP v2 should be removed from its box with care. The following accessories are included inside the box with your unit:

External AC power supply
AC mains
Stick for under-panel dipswitches settings
Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)

Once the unit is unpacked, inspect it thoroughly and report any damage to your dealer immediately. We suggest that you keep all of the original packaging, storing it in a safe, dry place in case you’re required to transport this product. The customized packaging is specially designed to protect the unit from any potential damage during transit. Please write the serial number of your unit in the space provided below for future reference.

Installation & Placement

The unit should be placed on a solid level surface. You should avoid placing it near a heat source as this could compromise this component’s performance and reliability. You should never place another component directly on top of this phono preamplifier. The MOON 110LP v2 is more sensitive than most other types of audio components to EMI (electro-magnetic interference) from power supplies and motors. Consequently, it should be placed at a minimum distance of 18 inches from power supplies, AC line filters, etc.

Rear Panel Connections

Connect the turntable output cables to the left and right input connectors of the MOON 110LP v2.
Connect the turntable ground cable to the post labeled GND on the MOON 110LP v2.
Connect the left and right output connectors of the MOON 110LP v2 to the preamplifier/integrated amplifier of the audio system using RCA terminated cables.
Connect the power supply cable to the input labeled 24VDC INPUT.

POWERING UP THE UNIT FOR THE FIRST TIME

Since the MOON 110LP v2 is not equipped with an on/off power switch, when connecting/ disconnecting the AC power cord you are actually turning the unit on/off. Prior to making the power connection for the first time, make sure that every cable is properly connected to avoid any problems. Once the unit is connected to an AC source, the blue LED on the unit’s front panel will illuminate.

ON AND OFF SEQUENCE

To avoid any annoying noises (i.e., “thumps” and “pops”) emanate from your speakers, you should I) Always power up your MOON 110LP v2 before powering up your preamplifier and/or integrated amplifier and ii) always power down your MOON 110LP v2 after powering down your preamplifier and/or integrated amplifier.

Input Settings for cartridge adjustments

Always power off the unit (by unplugging the power supply) before making any change of input settings via the bottom accessible dipswitches. Multiple combinations of settings can be applied to optimize the input for the cartridge. Ideally have the recommended settings from the cartridge manufacturer on hand as a starting point before any experimentation. And then you may experiment around the recommended values for best sound. To adjust each of the four parameters (Gain, Curve, Resistance and Capacitance), look at the position of dipswitches drawn on the silkscreen representations below the unit, and look for the desired value of each parameter. Then using the provided red stick as a tool, move the dipswitch in the position that corresponds to the desired value.

Basic rule of thumb for typical MM cartridges (default factory setting):

Gain: 40dB
Curve: RIAA
Resistance: 47kΩ
Capacitance: 100pF
Basic rule of thumb for MC cartridges:
Gain: 60dB
Curve: RIAA
Resistance: 475Ω
Capacitance: 0pF

Please note that these abovementioned settings are starting points, but in no way assure that these are the best settings for any turntable/ cartridge setup.

FAQs

A phono preamplifier is what?

A turntable for a phonograph has an electronic circuit that amplifies and equalizes the analogue output of the cartridge. In order to restore the original signal, RIAA equalization is needed because the output is amplified to a volume that is comparable to that of other audio sources like CDs and tapes.

Do I need a phono preamp?

When it comes to starting your vinyl setup, a phono preamp, also referred to as a phono stage, is an absolute necessity. They offer standard equalization, correcting sonic imbalances left over due to manufacturing requirements, and boost the weak signal from your deck’s cartridge to a level that allows you to.

A phono preamplifier is what?

Do I need a phono preamp?

Is an amp with a phono preamp required?

The short answer is no, technically speaking. The extremely low level of your cartridge is amplified to normal line level by a small amplifier inside the phono input of a receiver (the same electrical level as a CD Player or other component).

Why is a preamp necessary?

A preamp’s job is to boost weak signals to line level, which is the “normal” working level of your recording equipment. Since microphone signals are typically much lower than the nominal operating level, a lot of gain is needed, typically between 30 and 60 dB, perhaps even more.

All preamplifiers phono?

Most more recent amplifiers and receivers lack an integrated phono preamp. In some receivers, the phono input is simply designated that way for convenience and lacks a phono preamp; this has been observed in the past.

The sameness of all phono preamps

The two main categories of phono stages are those made to function with moving coil cartridges (MC) and those made to work with moving magnet cartridges (MM) (MC). Only a few preamps can operate with both cartridges, and those usually have a switch to change the phono stage depending on the cartridge type.

How do I pick the right turntable preamp?

First, select your phono preamplifier based on the cartridge. It is true that the phono preamplifier should be selected based on the phono cartridge used on your vinyl turntable. You must select an MM phono preamp compatible with your particular moving magnet cartridge, for instance, if you have one.

How can I tell whether my turntable need a preamp?

Your turntable has a built-in preamp if it has a USB output. You will want a set of connections (often RCA cables) to connect your audio system to an external preamp if you do.