Novo , how to
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Headphone Audio
Forum Name: Graham Slee Headphone Amps
Forum Description: Questions, answers and product information zone for Graham Slee Headphone Amplifiers
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5688
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 4:00am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Novo , how to
Posted By: pockets
Subject: Novo , how to
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2024 at 3:39pm
|
Hi , has anyone the instructions or guide me through connecting my 2nd hand Novo amp up to my T/T phono. Initially I thought that you just connected the RCAs to input on amp but was very low volume , so it appears to need to go via preamp to get suitable volume is this correct? I presumed it had its own amp to drive the headphones . Thanks for reply in advance and sorry for rookie question. |
Replies:
Posted By: Mikeh
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2024 at 4:28pm
Hi Michael, assuming your T/T doesn't have a built in phono preamp, the signal from the cartridge is minute and needs to be amplified before the headphone amp. It would be just the same if you wanted to use a power amplifier for speakers that does not have a built in phono stage. The sequence should be T/T => Phono Stage => Novo Headphone Amp. ------------- Mike Technics sl1210g with Victor U-2 or Technics EPC-205C mk4 Accession MM, Majestic + Proprius, Solo ULDE Innuos Zen mini mk3 streamer Harbeth P3ESR XD paired with 2x REL t5x |
pockets wrote:Posted By: pockets
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2024 at 6:22pm
|
I was under the illusion initially that it had its own amp to drive the H/P's hence being callled a headphone amp my mistake , soon after rectified the leads and now works as it should , just wanted to clarify , thanks. But still would like some photos of the instructions that come with if anyone has access to some . |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2024 at 8:31pm
|
Yeah, a phono output is not at line-level so needs pre-amplification before going into the headphone amplifier. Headphone and speaker amplifiers both need a line-level input. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2024 at 9:07pm
I may still have the DAK Novo instructions and will share a photo or scan. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: pockets
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2024 at 11:05pm
|
Thanks Jon , appreciated. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2024 at 5:41pm
|
I found the Novo kit manual but it is well a written constructors guide rather than an operating manual. I can confirm the Novo input sockets are linked so each channel's input connects to the output. To hear your records I suggest this: Record player ------------> Phono preamp ----------> Novo in Novo out --------> Amplifier etc. You can leave the Novo permanently connected even if is switched off. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 01 Jun 2024 at 10:41am
|
That's right. My connection diagram in words on the previous page was my starting point with the DIY Genera as the phono preamp. It may be helpful to borrow a Communicator or other Graham Slee phono preamp for this. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Dmarien
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2024 at 2:26pm
| Good morning, new member. My question is how to connect the novo headphone amp to my current set-up if I already have a GS2SE in place. In other words, my TT is connected to the GS2SE and the GSES2 is connected to my Aux input...not sure how to connect a novo headphone amp (if I follow through with the purchase)...in other words, what will the Input be and presumably the Output could be CD or Tuner? Maybe dumb question |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2024 at 3:07pm
|
Hi Dave, welcome to the Forum. The Novo was/is intended to be part of a minimalist vinyl replay system for just headphones, TT >> Phono pre-amp >> Novo >> Headphones. The addition of the output RCAs also allows the phono amp to be routed to the aux in of a pre amp or integrated Amp. Alternatively, if your main amp has pre in and pre out the Novo can be connected to these, enabling headphone use with all inputs, providing the speaker output can be muted/turned off. Hope this helps. Ian ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: Dmarien
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2024 at 4:04pm
| Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the speedy reply. Yes, that helps answer my question. Unfortunately my amp does not have a pre-out, so the novo (or any other headphone amp for that matter) won't work with my current set-up. Thanks for the insight. |
Posted By: discrete badger
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2024 at 8:22pm
|
Not so fast!  Alternatively you could just get a pair of RCA phono splitters, readily available from the usual suspects. Each of 2 cables has 3 plugs, joined together. For each channel, one male into the back of the phono amp, one male into the back of the speaker amp, and one male into the back of the Novo. Purists will frown at this, but then they always do and actually it'll work great. |
Posted By: Dmarien
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2024 at 9:20pm
| No, no tape out connections, but interesting idea re: the splitter route. Thanks for the idea |
Posted By: lfc jon
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2024 at 9:08pm
|
Doesn't your amp have any tape sockets at all? I had the same problem as you and Graham Slee sorted my problem out for me. I have my Solo connected to the Tape REC sockets. Oh forgot Welcome Dave. ------------- Reflex M, Solo (both with PSU-1) CuSat50, Lautus, Spatia & Spatia links cables. Ortofon Bronze. |