LOCi

Analog Legacy Phonograph Playback System

truth in engineering

Overview

Professional Phonographic Preamplifier with RIAA + Archival Compensation & Corrective EQ

True differentially balanced phonographic preamplifier topology
User-definable (universal) compensation and loading parameters
Sets new precedent in phonographic sonic invisibility
Ultra-premium transformerless design path throughout
Gold relays, connectors & switches. Hand machined aluminum cosmetics
Extremely low noise (-125 dBu flat). Pure class-a discrete j-FET filters
Effortless, lifelike musical performance at all dynamic levels
Constructed for life, cosmetically appealing
Lundahl MC transformer option included at no additional charge
Lovingly hand-crafted in Northern California

$14,500 Custom Order (allow 8-12 weeks)

Specifications

PHONOGRAPHIC PREAMPLIFIER & GENERAL:
Input Amplifier Signal Path	All Discrete J-FET True Differential Gain Amplifier (IMA-01)
EQ Amplifier Signal Path	All Discrete 50V J-FET Servo (FSA-03)
Frequency Response, +/- 0.5 dB	10 Hz to 100 kHz, comps & filters out, + 45 dB gain
Common Mode Rejection Ratio	-75 dBu typical, 10 Hz - 50 kHz, 1.0V P/P CM
Maximum Input / Maximum Output	+23 dBu flat / + 26 dBu RIAA in
Maximum System Gain	60 dB Nominal. Higher upon request.
Phono Input Impedance	User selectable. Factory Stock: 47.5k ohms & 270 pF
Output Impedance	49.9 ohms
Broadband Noise (no weighting filters)	Better than -125 dBu EIN, flat. -98 dBu EIN, RIAA in
Three-pin XLR Polarity	Pin 2 = positive polarity, Pin 1 = ground
PHONOGRAPHIC COMPENSATION & CORRECTIVE FILTERS:
Maximum Filter Boost & Cut	+/- 10 dB (21 step detented)
Notch Filter "Q" (Quality Factor)	Q = 1.0
Low Frequency Compensation (Hz)	200, 250, 300, 400, 500/RIAA, 700/USER
High Frequency Compensation (dB @ 10 kHz)	-5.0, -7.0, -9.5, -11.5, -13.7/RIAA, -16.0/USER
Low Filter Fixed Frequencies (Hz)	20, 35, 60, 100, 180, 260
High Filter Fixed Frequencies (kHz)	1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 8.0, 12.0
Peak/Shelf Selection on all Filters?	Yes (4)
Bypass Selection on all Bands?	Yes (8)
Balanced Phono Input (MC and MM)
Phono Preamp Direct Output (fixed level)
Phono Preamp Direct Output (variable level)
Unbalanced EQ Out (fixed level)
Balanced EQ Out (variable level)
ELECTRO-MECHANICAL:
Power Consumption	60 Watts, nominal
Power Requirements	100VAC to 240VAC, 50/60Hz, user selectable
Fuses (external, 2 required)	2 ea. 1.0A with 100-120VAC mains (5x20mm) 2 ea. 500 mA with 200-240VAC mains (5x20mm)
Internal Power	+/-50VDC +/-25VDC +5VDC
Dimensions	19.0” W x 15.0" D x 3.5" H (2u rack mount)
Net Weight	approximately 26 pounds

Reviews & Awards

The LOC (Library of Congress) phonographic playback system was developed over years of extensive listening tests on every circuit element. Millennia maintains a world-class mastering / listening room, designed by top acoustical consultants Studio 440. With both analog and digital auditioning paths, every Millennia circuit is scrutinized for musical realism and dynamic uniformity. Only those circuit designs meeting our obsessive commitment to sonic purity are released to production. The LOC was designed under contract for the U.S. Library of Congress, who use multiple LOC units for national archiving.

LOC’s front-end phono stage is based on the HV-3 double-balanced preamplifier used for recording nearly half of all Hollywood feature films scores (Titanic, Star Wars 1-3, Tarzan, Schindler’s List, Forrest Gump, Contact, AI, Armageddon, etc..). Leading acoustic music recording companies, such as Telarc, Sony Classical, Harmonia Mundi, DMP, Nimbus, Five-Four, Chesky, BMG, Koch, Klavier, and scores of others rely on HV-3 preamplifiers. The major symphony orchestras and operas of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, Cleveland, Seattle, Dallas, Israel, Prague, Baltimore, New York, and National (DC) employ HV-3 preamps, as do scores of others. Top live performers like Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen use hundreds of HV-3 preamp channels in concert, as do the Academy Awards and other top global broadcasts.

LOC’s compensation and filter circuits are based upon Millennia’s industry acclaimed NSEQ-2 mastering equalizer. The NSEQ-2 has been chosen by a broad cross section of today’s top mastering engineers. The NSEQ-2 and LOC employ a unique, non-textbook “single amplifier” design to achieve all signal-path functions, including input buffer, EQ amplifier, and output driver. This single amplifier is optimized via a pure Class-A, all discrete J-FET topology. Employing what top audio engineers call “the most transparent analog equalizer” available today (NSEQ), the LOC delivers what may be the most perfect phono path available at any price.

Modern professional audio products are major investments which must be carefully designed for longevity and non-obsolescence. With mastering-grade sonics and specifications, military design and build quality, and a pedigree in the highest tradition of audio excellence, the LOC is destined to remain contemporary well into our new millennium. Hence, Millennia Media