Thank you for adding a Sutherland Phono Preamp to your system. The Sutherland phono preamps are the best we have ever heard, plus their build quality is second to none!

To get the best performance out of your new phono preamp, you’ll need to make a couple of adjustments inside the preamp. Don’t worry, this is really simple. There are different types of phono cartridges that require custom settings to get the best performance. All of these adjustments can be made by removing the power cord from your Sutherland, turning the four large round knobs or screws on the side until they come out, removing the cover, and moving some jumpers around.

It is probably best to make the adjustments before you connect it up for the first time. The first step is to find the owner's manual for your cartridge and go to the specifications page. You will also need to know your type of phono cartridge: moving magnet, high output moving coil, moving coil, or moving iron. There are two parts to the adjustments inside your Sutherland, gain, and loading.

Moving Magnet

Gain: Your gain will probably be between 3mV and 6mV. If it is greater than 5, set the gain at 40dB. For 3-5, set it at 45dB and if it's less than 3, set it at 50dB. When you listen to your turntable, if the output seems low, simply move the gain to the next level up and if it's too loud, move it down one.

Loading: You will want to set the loading at 47K

High Output Moving Coil

Gain: The gain for most high output moving coils is between 1.5mV and 3mV. Most high output moving coils should be set at the 50dB gain level. Although, if this does not produce enough volume in your system, you can bump it up to 55dB.

Loading: You’ll want to look at the spec sheet for your particular cartridge. Most high output moving coils will specify either 1000 ohms (1K on the Sutherland) or 47K

Moving Coil

Gain: Almost all low output moving coils have an output of less than 1mV. Set your Sutherland to 60dB of gain.

Loading: The recommended loading should be on your specification sheet. It will usually vary between 100 ohms and 1000 ohms (1K on the Sutherland). Most will be 100 ohms.

Moving Iron

Gain: Moving Irons have a wide range of output levels. Check the output level for yours and match it up to the settings above.

Loading: Usually, a moving iron type cartridge will like to see a 1000 ohm (1K on the Sutherland) or 475 ohms. The spec sheet should tell you where to set it.

We hope this helps you get started faster and experience your vinyl like never before with your new Sutherland Phono Preamp. Bear in mind if you have a brand new phono cartridge, most take at least 50 hours of playing time to fully break-in. Your Sutherland will also sound better after it has been on for at least 24 hours.

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