Marcusperth Posted June 23, 2021 Share Posted June 23, 2021 I am looking for advice on dip-switch settings for Project S2 tube box dip switches to make compatible with my Apheta 2 MC cartridge. Don’t have much understanding of the specifications, etc so as much information as possible would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 11 hours ago, Marcusperth said: I am looking for advice on dip-switch settings for Project S2 tube box dip switches to make compatible with my Apheta 2 MC cartridge. Don’t have much understanding of the specifications, etc so as much information as possible would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! I looked but couldn't find any mention on-line of the dipswitch options. Can you scan in that section of the User Manual ... then we might be able to advise? Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 https://www.project-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Manual_Tube-Box-S2.pdf Use these settings for your MC cartridge (in bold below) as a start. input capacitance 587pF(1-ON, 2-ON, 3-ON) input impedance100ohms(4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-ON, 8-OFF) Settings Use the dip switches at the bottom of the unit to set input capacitance and input impedance. Please set both channels equally.To find out which type your cartridge is please consult the literature accompanying your cartridge. The literature for cartridges should also specify the correct input impedance(low-output MC cartridges) and the correct input capacitance (high-output MC and MM cartridges), into which the cartridge is designed to work. If in doubt please consult your dealer .To alter settings the unit must be disconnected from the power supply and the amplifier. Setting for MM and high output MC cartridges 47pF is basic is the lowest fixed setting. DIP switches 1, 2 and 3 add more capacitance input capacitance 147pF(1-OFF, 2-OFF, 3-ON) input capacitance 267pF(1-OFF, 2-ON, 3-OFF) input capacitance 367pF(1-ON, 2-OFF, 3-ON) input capacitance 487pF(1-ON, 2-ON, 3-OFF) input capacitance 587pF(1-ON, 2-ON, 3-ON) DIP switches 4-8 are OFF, it represent value 47kohms. Setting for MC cartridges Input capacitance is irrelevant for low-output MC cartridges input impedance10ohms(4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-ON) input impedance100ohms(4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-ON, 8-OFF) input impedance470ohms(4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-ON, 7-OFF, 8-OFF) input impedance1kohms(4-OFF, 5-ON, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-OFF)input impedance2kohms(4-ON, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-OFF) Examples of typical settings Ortofon 2M Red(MM) input capacitance 147pF, input impedance 47kohms3-ONrest-OFF Ortofon X5-MC(High-Output MC) input capacitance 367pF, input impedance 47kohms1,3-ONrest-OFF Ortofon Rondo Red(Low-Output MC) input impedance 10ohms, Input capacitance is irrelevant for low-output MC cartridges8-ONrest-OFF Technical Specifications Tracking Pressure 1.9 - 2.0 g Input Load Impedance 100 Ω Output Impedance 10 Ω Nominal Output Voltage 350 μV Channel Balance ≥ 20 μV Separation ≥ -29 dB Mass 6 g For full technical specifications, download Apheta 3 Instruction Leaflet below. Load settings for adjustable MC stages Impedance 100 Ω Capacitance 1000 pF Gain Setting High ('On' position for Rega phono stages) https://www.rega.co.uk/download/ca-apheta-3-web-instructions.pdf Cheers, Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 29 minutes ago, Pegasus said: https://www.project-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Manual_Tube-Box-S2.pdf Use these settings for your MC cartridge (in bold below) as a start. input capacitance 587pF(1-ON, 2-ON, 3-ON) input impedance100ohms(4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-ON, 8-OFF) Settings Use the dip switches at the bottom of the unit to set input capacitance and input impedance. Please set both channels equally.To find out which type your cartridge is please consult the literature accompanying your cartridge. The literature for cartridges should also specify the correct input impedance(low-output MC cartridges) and the correct input capacitance (high-output MC and MM cartridges), into which the cartridge is designed to work. If in doubt please consult your dealer .To alter settings the unit must be disconnected from the power supply and the amplifier. Setting for MM and high output MC cartridges 47pF is basic is the lowest fixed setting. DIP switches 1, 2 and 3 add more capacitance input capacitance 147pF(1-OFF, 2-OFF, 3-ON) input capacitance 267pF(1-OFF, 2-ON, 3-OFF) input capacitance 367pF(1-ON, 2-OFF, 3-ON) input capacitance 487pF(1-ON, 2-ON, 3-OFF) input capacitance 587pF(1-ON, 2-ON, 3-ON) DIP switches 4-8 are OFF, it represent value 47kohms. Setting for MC cartridges Input capacitance is irrelevant for low-output MC cartridges input impedance10ohms(4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-ON) input impedance100ohms(4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-ON, 8-OFF) input impedance470ohms(4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-ON, 7-OFF, 8-OFF) input impedance1kohms(4-OFF, 5-ON, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-OFF)input impedance2kohms(4-ON, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-OFF) Examples of typical settings Ortofon 2M Red(MM) input capacitance 147pF, input impedance 47kohms3-ONrest-OFF Ortofon X5-MC(High-Output MC) input capacitance 367pF, input impedance 47kohms1,3-ONrest-OFF Ortofon Rondo Red(Low-Output MC) input impedance 10ohms, Input capacitance is irrelevant for low-output MC cartridges8-ONrest-OFF Technical Specifications Tracking Pressure 1.9 - 2.0 g Input Load Impedance 100 Ω Output Impedance 10 Ω Nominal Output Voltage 350 μV Channel Balance ≥ 20 μV Separation ≥ -29 dB Mass 6 g For full technical specifications, download Apheta 3 Instruction Leaflet below. Load settings for adjustable MC stages Impedance 100 Ω Capacitance 1000 pF Gain Setting High ('On' position for Rega phono stages) https://www.rega.co.uk/download/ca-apheta-3-web-instructions.pdf Cheers, Andrew Brilliant, Andrew! OK, @Marcusperth, from the info that Andrew has provided (although that cart info seems to be for the Apheta 3 - not 2?) and what I've been able to find for the Apheta 2: a. the cart output will require you to select 60 or 63dB gain b. and you will need to play with the dip-switch settings for load resistance. the nominal loading specified is 100 ohms. however, I suspect the coil impedance is 10 ohms - which IME means that 100 ohms will probably not sound as good as 470 ohms or 1000 ohms. Remember to turn off the unit, when you adjust dip-switch settings! Capacitance loading is not relevant for LOMC carts - so I would suggest you set it to the lowest value (dip-switches 1, 2 & 3 OFF). Good luck - please don't forget to report back which loading you found to sound the best. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydrology Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 12 hours ago, Marcusperth said: I am looking for advice on dip-switch settings for Project S2 tube box dip switches to make compatible with my Apheta 2 MC cartridge. Don’t have much understanding of the specifications, etc so as much information as possible would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Just curious if you bought this new from a dealer? Reason I ask is if so, the dealer SHOULD have been helping you with this. Great cart BTW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 Rega Apheta 2 Loading https://www.audioaficionado.org/archive/index.php/t-35798.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 56 minutes ago, Pegasus said: Rega Apheta 2 Loading Sure, Andrew - but the only thing I got out of that is .... "the Apheta sounds good at 100 ohms"! None of them tried to listen to higher loadings (probably because their phono stages didn't allow this!). As the OP's Project Tube Box S2 allows 470 and 1K - as well as the standard 100 ohms - he will be able to find out for himself. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcusperth Posted June 24, 2021 Author Share Posted June 24, 2021 All - many thanks for all input. i have bought this installed on a RP8, new in box but second hand. Trying to understand so I can better play. I note Pegasus’s recommended settings. This closely agrees with current settings I am running for Hana SL cartridge on current Thorens td160-2. (6 on vs 7On recommended for Apheta 2) I have hesitated to play for this cartridge due to lack of understanding. Don’t get TT till the weekend so will set and report. By changing the input impedence, what am I actually doing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Jones Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 Rega also recommended 1000pf for the Apheta 2. My advice is ditch the Apheta 2 and get another cartridge. The input impedance (R) is basically tuning an LCR filter. If the R is too low high frequencies (HF) will be rolled off and if R is too large HF will have a huge peak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ppaul Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 Also Rega recommend 69db gain for best results, @63db, it will lack definition Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcusperth Posted June 27, 2021 Author Share Posted June 27, 2021 Well - thanks all. When the guy came to drop off the TT, wasn’t close to as advertised so didn’t finalise deal. Will have to wait. Very tempted by the P8 with Apheta 3. Not sure if budget will stretch. Alternates are clearaudio concept with satisfy black or on outside one of the acoustic solid - anyone with experience with these. I like having speed control. Rural WA 50hz always 50hzz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibbo9000 Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 (edited) Planar 8 today in the classifieds! No cart - but Hana ML is a nice match IMHO. Edited June 27, 2021 by gibbo9000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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