Current-Mode Design for automatic gain and cartridge loading
The Lino C 2.0 uses current-mode (transimpedance) circuit technology. A current-mode MC preamplifier amplifies the current rather than the voltage from the cartridge. Consequently, gain and cartridge loading are automatic. This also improves the cartridge's mechanical damping and tracking. With the Lino C's balanced current-mode inputs, ultra-low-noise, hum-free operation is assured.
Mechanical
Beautiful brushed-aluminum chassis. Connectors are the best available, professional quality Neutrik gold contact XLR. Special non-marring isolation feet are directly coupled to the Lino C's rigid and massive internal chassis conferring immunity to external mechanical vibrations.
Rechargeable Battery Power Supply
Rechargeable battery power is a key feature for substantially enhancing the performance of a phono preamplifier. The low-impedance (an effective sink for noise), internally located AGM battery is capable of supplying 50 amperes of current, outperforming all other types of batteries (and supercapacitors) used in audio applications.
Locating the battery inside the preamplifier chassis insures that the battery is in the same electrical environment as the sensitive circuitry, eliminating potential sources of noise pickup. The battery is conditioned and kept float-charged by a proprietary circuit, rather than use an "off the shelf" microprocessor based conditioning and monitoring circuit, which would introduce unwanted noise.
The external charging supply is automatically disconnected when an input signal is detected. Of course, the Lino C may be operated while the battery is charging, or even (if necessary, while waiting for a replacement) with the battery disconnected, by removing an internal fuse. Battery life is 3 to 5 years (or more), and is designed to be easily user-replaceable. We use a readily available type, commonly used for photovoltaic energy storage / alarm systems.
External settings
Gain-structure and mode settings are located on the bottom of the chassis. The set-it-and-forget-it gain-structure setting allows matching the overall output level of the Lino C to your other components. Mode setting allows configuring the balanced outputs for standard phono output or optional "flat" output (gain with no RIAA EQ) allowing optimal use in combination with digital audio and DSP-based RIAA, if desired.
The Lino C's superior technical design features:
Ultra low impedance AGM rechargeable battery used as charge storage reservoir and power supply filter; proprietary, exclusive analog charging and maintenance circuitry specially designed by Channel D and proven, refined and used in our phono stage designs for over 9 years
Balanced* design for lowest noise and improved signal linearity
True single ended outputs obtained by differential summing and balanced signal input for lowest possible noise (high common mode rejection) on single ended connections
Ultra precision (0.1% tolerance) metal film low noise resistors used throughout
German-made ultra-low-dissipation-factor evaporated metal film polypropylene capacitors used in RIAA network, same as in our other phono preamplifiers
Hand selected and matched components insure RIAA accuracy better than +/- 0.1 dB
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