DUO -a phono-preamplification instrument by Sutherland Engineering
DUO...the short and long of it The short story is: The DUO is derived from the cost-no-object Phono Blocks and the cost-optimized 20/20. The long story is: No expense was spared in the design and construction of the Phono Blocks. The Phono Blocks are at the pinnacle of phono preamp performance. It just doesn’t get any better. The 20/20 was designed to get the most performance possible at its predetermined price point. To get there, extra was spent to get premium parts and circuitry into the signal path.
The Powers That Be: The 20/20 uses external, bench-top power supplies. They are cost effective, reliable and offer good performance. Each supply’s output is extensively filtered and regulated into one +/- 15 volt source for both of the gain stages. The Phono Blocks have built in AC power supplies. There is an IEC power inlet on each chassis to accommodate the user's personal power cord choice. Two completely separate power sections (each providing isolated +/- 15 volts) are provided for each channel.
DUO Dodges Dielectric Distress Anytime two conductors are at a different voltage potential, there is an electric field generated between them. The dielectric (the insulation between conductors) within that field becomes involved in charge storage. If not carefully considered, that extra charge storage can time smear details of a musical signal. Circuit board material is a dielectric. With normal double-sided construction, there are copper conductors on each side of the board.
PARTS QUALITY FR-4 fiberglass circuit boards, Double-sided with plated thru holes. 1/8” thick for extra rigidity and minimal dielectric influence.
OWNER’S MANUAL INFO Initial Set Up Release the top cover by removing the four knurled screws. Audio boards are located on the right side of the enclosure. On the left side of each circuit board you will find headers for receiving the plug-in configuration shunts. Legends printed on the circuit board clearly indicate position and function.
SIZE: 17” x 2 ½” x 12” each DUO 23” x 18” x 9” each DUO, packed in shipping box WEIGHT: 11 pounds each DUO 19 pounds each DUO, packed in shipping box
DUO www.sutherlandengineering.
