AUDIO CRAFT PE-500

Commentary

This phono equalizer amplifier is a condensation of analog disk playback technology.

The PE 500 was available in two variations, one for MM input only and the other for both MM and MC.

In order to realize a simple and highly stable NF type equalizer amplifier, we have adopted a high-integrated IC using a wide-band, high-slew rate dual FET input differential amplifier circuit. This realizes high speed and faithful RIAA compensation characteristics.
We also thoroughly examined the circuit examined the circuit configuration, examined the connection method between elements, and reviewed the power supply method and earth construction to achieve high S/N.
The gain of the equalizer is set to 42 dB in consideration of the balance with digital devices.

Non-magnetic aluminum material is used for the main chassis such as the front panel to eliminate magnetic distortion.
In addition, high-quality glass epoxy is used for the circuit board, and by using carefully selected high-grade sound quality components, we have achieved a flatter weekly light number characteristic.
In addition, RCA connectors machined out of brass are used for the input and output terminals. Gold plating improves reliability and insulating terminal plates prevent distortion and transmission loss.

A high-efficiency, high-energy power transformer has been developed and installed in the power supply section.
The transformer is separated from the main chassis and housed in a copper-plated electromagnetic shield case to eliminate the effect of magnetic flux leakage to the amplifier.
In addition, strict power polarity control is implemented, and the AC cable is also made of high-purity copper wire, so that the characteristics of the phono equalizer amplifier are brought out.

A subsonic filter with steep slope characteristics is built in to limit the ultra-low frequency components outside the audible band.

The input is switched on the output side instead of the input side whose signal level is low, thus reducing transmission loss.

The PE 500 mm / MC is equipped with a step-up transformer for the MC cartridge using carefully selected core materials and advanced winding technology.
Since this step-up transformer uses independent windings exclusively for low impedance (2 ~ 10 Ω) and high impedance (10 ~ 40 Ω), it can be connected to either cartridge. However, in order to avoid deterioration of sound quality, it is equipped with two input lines without a changeover switch.
In addition, in order to suppress crosstalk, the transformer is independent on the left and right sides and is embedded in a copper-plated shield case to eliminate electromagnetic induction from the outside.

Model Rating

Type	Phono equalizer amplifier
Input sensitivity	2.5mV/47k Ω (1 khz)
RIAA deviation	20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB or less
Gain	42 dB (1 kHz, MM) 59 dB (1 kHz, MC High/40 Ω) 66 dB (1 kHz, MC Low/4 Ω)
Signal-to-noise ratio	MM:100dB MC:90dB
Output impedance	100 Ω (Normal)
Power supply voltage	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
External dimensions	Width 220x Height 80x Depth 260 mm
Weight	MM/MC : About 2.8 kg MM : About 2.5 kg