Audio Technica AT-440-MLA Owners Manual

AT440MLa

Dual Magnet Stereo Phono Cartridge

This AT440MLa cartridge is equipped with Audio-Technica's patented Dual Magnet cartridge design and delivers “PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL TO THE CUTTER HEAD” performance. Additional features include a Paratoroidal generator coil circuit, a Micro-Linear stylus, plus other advanced designs for top performance.

Please read instructions thoroughly before using the cartridge.

The AT440MLa uses PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process) in the construction of its coil and lead wires. Its advanced MicroLine and distortion than elliptical or conventional linear contact styli.

PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS

Remove the stylus assembly for safekeeping. With the clear stylus guard down to protect the stylus, remove the stylus assembly by rotating it down and away from the cartridge body (Figure 1). Place the stylus assembly safely out of harm's way. Mount the cartridge body to the tone arm head shell. Use the mounting hardware supplied either with the cartridge or with the turntable, and tighten until just snug. Replace the stylus assembly briefly to check for mechanical interference with mounting hardware. Hook the back of the stylus assembly to the bottom of the cartridge, then rotate up. The stylus assembly should click into place.Then remove the stylus assembly for safekeeping.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

Four terminals at the rear of the cartridge are color-coded to match standard wiring in stereo tone arms (Figure 2). Connect with slip-on lugs provided on head shell wiring. NEVER SOLDER TO CARTRIDGE TERMINALS! Heat applied to the terminals will damage the internal cartridge wiring.

For monaural operation, the Left and Right signal terminals should be connected to the monaural signal lead, and the Left and Right ground terminals should be connected to the ground lead.

CONNECTION TO SYSTEM

Run two shielded audio cables from the cartridge/tone arm connections on the turntable to the magnetic phono inputs on the amplifier or receiver. Observe Left and Right channel markings. A separate ground wire usually comes attached to the turntable, and should be connected to the ground screw found on the back panel of most electronics.

FINAL ADJUSTMENT

Reinstall stylus assembly. Following the procedure given in the turntable/tone arm instructions, carefully set tracking force to approximately the middle of the range shown for your model in the specifications table. A tracking force outside the given range can result in increased distortion and excessive record and stylus wear. Other tone arm adjustments provided such as stylus overhang and anti-skating, should be set according to manufacturer's instructions to obtain the best performance. For safety, keep the stylus guard down whenever the turntable is not in use.

OPERATING SUGGESTIONS

The low tracking force and high compliance of Audio-Technica cartridges provide the highest level of performance available, but also make them susceptible to damage if handled improperly. Most stylus damage is caused by rough treatment while the tone arm is being operated by hand. A finger should always be placed under the tone arm finger lift, never over it. A damped cueing device which lowers the tone arm gently to the record is found on many record players and should be used regularly for greatest protection of the stylus and records. Distorted or unbalanced sound from

™

stylus produces better high frequency response with less wear

Figure 1

White (L +)

Red (R +)

Blue (L -)

Green (R -)

Figure 2

the two phono channels often can be traced to wires interchanged or touching at the cartridge terminals. A reduction in output or muffled sound may result if the stylus assembly is not fully seated. Hum from the phonograph input usually can be traced to a bad audio cable or absence of the separate ground wire from turntable to amplifier.

REPLACEMENT STYLI

Audio-Technica grain-oriented diamond styli are carefully selected and polished for minimum wear to themselves and to your records. However, after an extended period of play, even the finest diamond stylus becomes worn. For this reason, it is best to have the stylus inspected annually, or whenever it appears that wear or damage may be a problem. The dealer from whom you purchased this cartridge can supply genuine Audio-Technica replacement styli. Only genuine styli with the registered circle monogram will provide the same level of performance.

AT440MLa SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency response (Hz) : 20-20,000

Output voltage (mV, 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.) : 4.0

Channel separation (dB, 1 kHz ) : 27

Channel balance (dB, 1 kHz) : 0.8

Tracking force (g) : 1.0-1.8 (1.4 optimal)

Coil impedance (kΩ, 1 kHz) : 3.2

Coil inductance (mH, 1 kHz) : 490

Load impedance (kΩ) : 47

Dynamic compliance (x10-6cm/dyne) : 10

Static compliance (x10-6cm/dyne) : 40

Stylus : 0.12 mil Nude

Vertical tracking angle : 20°

Dimensions (mm) : L17.3 x W 16.0 x

Weight (g) : 6.5

Replacement stylus : ATN440MLa

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

One-Year Limited Warranty

Audio-Technica brand products purchased in the U.S.A. are warranted for one year from date of purchase by Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. (A.T.U.S.) to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. In event of such defect, product will be repaired promptly without charge or, at our option, replaced with a new product of equal or superior value if delivered to A.T.U.S., or an Authorized Service Center, prepaid, together with the sales slip or other proof of purchase date. defects due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, or failure to use product in accordance with instructions. This warranty is void in the event of unauthorized repair or modification.

For return approval and shipping information, contact the Service Department Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224.

Except to the extent precluded by applicable state law,

consequential, incidental, or special damages; any warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose expires when this warranty expires.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer for warranty details.

Prior approval from A.T.U.S. is required for return. This warranty excludes

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.

1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224 330/686-2600

www.audio-technica.com

square Micro-Linear stylus

H 28.0

A.T.U.S. will have no liability for any