Huei Phono stage User Manual
01 Getting to know Huei
We’re pleased to introduce Huei, a high-performance Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono stage developed and manufactured by Chord Electronics in Kent, England. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with its operation.Rear
- On/off rocker switch
- 12V DC power input
- Unbalanced RCA right and left output
- Unbalanced RCA right and left input
- Grounding post
- Balanced XLR right and left output
Moving Magnet and Moving Coil selector button- Rumble filter on/off
- Feature viewing glass
- Cartridge gain selector button
- Cartridge impedance selector button
Moving Magnet and Moving Coil selector button02 Power connection
Huei is supplied with a 12V, 2A external power supply (which is the only supply that should be used). A convenient power switch above the 12V DC input, can be used to switch Huei `on’ and `off’. We recommend that this is performed with partnering preamps or amplifiers turned `off’.
WARNING: ONLY OPERATE HUEI WITH THE SUPPLIED POWER SUPPLY. USING A THIRD-PARTY DEVICE WILL INVALIDATE YOUR WARRANTY.
03 Setting LED brightness
It’s possible to adjust the brightness of the control spheres between two modes: `high’ and `low’. To cycle between the modes, simply press both the `MM/MC’ and the `RUMBLE’ buttons simultaneously.
04 Connecting turntables to Huei
Huei has one stereo pair of RCAs for connection to turntables. These inputs are labelled as `IN R’ (right channel) and `IN L’ (left channel) and are color-coded to facilitate connections to turntables.
05 Connecting Huei to amplifiers
Huei has two outputs: RCA and XLR. We recommended using one output at a time. As the circuitry within Huei is fully balanced, XLR may be preferable.To connect Huei to the amplifier/preamp, ensure that all devices are turned `off’ before securely attaching interconnects to Huei and the partnering amplifier, paying attention to the L (left) and R (right) channel markers.
Once Huei is connected, do not switch your preamp/amplifier `on’ until the volume is at its lowest setting. Next, turn Huei `on’ and select the appropriate settings for your cartridge as explained below. With the settings correct, select the lowest gain setting on Huei (white), before turning connected equipment `on’. Next, select the appropriate input on your preamplifier, begin playing the source and gradually increase the gain/volume to a comfortable level.
Please note that if Huei is switched `off’, it will remember previously selected settings. You should only need to complete the set-up of your cartridge during the initial installation (unless you change cartridge).
06 Selecting MM or MC playback
When setting up Huei for playback, it is most important to correctly identify and select the type of cartridge you’ll be using from the cartridge manufacturer’s specifications. Both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) have unique specifications and subsequently, different custom settings are available within Huei’s menu.
To select between Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC), press and hold the `MM/MC’ button until the corresponding color is selected for your input.
07 Selecting the impedance setting for your cartridge
It is only possible to select impedance with a Moving Coil cartridge in MC mode (Moving Magnets always require a set 47k impedance). Therefore, when in Moving Magnet mode, the `IMPEDANCE’ button will not illuminate.
With a Moving Coil cartridge in MC mode, select the correct impedance from information within the manufacturer’s specifications. If you cannot identify the impedance information from your cartridge user manual or relevant website, please consult your supplying dealer or the manufacturer directly.
Once the impedance of the cartridge is known, use the graphical guide below to find a suitable match and select the corresponding color by pressing the `IMPEDANCE’ button repeatedly. The impedance will increase sequentially to Min + 2.2uF before moving back down the range again.
Please note that the impedance of the cartridge may not fit exactly within the ranges specified; select the range that best matches. Selecting an impedance with a 2.2uF load when using a Moving Coil (MC) cartridge dampens the ringing of lower impedance cartridges, reducing distortion. Consult your cartridge manufacturer’s information or a hi-fi dealer for more information.
NOTE: IMPEDANCE CANNOT BE CHANGED WHEN IN MOVING MAGNET MODE. PRESS AND HOLD THE MM/MC BUTTON TO ACTIVATE MOVING COIL MODE. WARNING! PLEASE MUTE OR LOWER THE VOLUME OF YOUR PREAMPLIFIER BEFORE CHANGING IMPEDANCE.
08 Connecting Huei to your preamplifier or amplifier
Huei features variable gain to attenuate the volume for high-output cartridges and records. Use the chart below to adjust the gain to a suitable level for your preamp or amplifier. Do not adjust the gain while a signal is going through the device. If you are unsure of which setting is appropriate, consult with your dealer. Please note that the light range will repeat after it has fully cycled.Moving Coil gain ranges:
Moving Magnet gain ranges:
09 Removing rumble noise
Huei features a Rauch Slope rumble filter that removes mechanical noise from the turntable. It cancels out the opposing noise from each channel whilst keeping the original music signal intact. To engage the filter, press `RUMBLE’ until the sphere shows white. If no color is displayed, the rumble filter is `off’.
10 Eliminating ground/earth hum
Turntables can experience unwanted hum or buzzing related to grounding issues from the cartridge. Huei allows you to ground your turntable using a convenient grounding post, situated above the `IN R’ and `IN L’ RCA posts. You should always use the post to ground your device and eliminate noise.
To ground your cartridge, unscrew the locking earth-pin (we recommend three turns) and locate the earthing wire from your turntable. Place the spade tip in between the metal washers and hex bolt, before screwing back the locking earthdin thumb-tight. While a spade tip is recommended, if you have bare wire, you can wrap this around the post and then secure the locking earth-pin.
11 Care instructions
chordelectronics.co.uk/register-product
12 Important information
Only connect Huei to a device capable of attenuating its output, such as a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Do not connect Huei directly to a power amplifier. Incorrect settings could cause irreparable damage to your equipment and hearing. If in doubt, contact your supplying dealer.
If you require help or advice, we recommend contacting your supplying dealer, who will have the best understanding of your system and will be able to offer bespoke advice. If you require further assistance, please visit the support page of the Chord Electronics website: chordelectronics.co.uk/get-support
PLACEMENT
WARNING: THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE HUEI. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE. DOING SO WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY, COULD DAMAGE YOUR UNIT AND COULD RESULT IN ELECTROCUTION.
13 Specifications
References
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