Thank you for purchasing this Audio-Technica product.
Before using the product, read through this user manual to ensure that you will use the product correctly. Please keep this manual for future
reference.
This product can be used only in the countries where the product is sold. Make sure that the operating voltage and the plug of AC adapter of the
product are correct for the country you live in.
Package contents
Make sure that you have all the included items listed below before using this product.
If some items are missing or damaged, contact your local Audio-Technica dealer.
• Turntable body• Turntable mat• Platter
• Drive belt• Counterweight• Headshell (AT-HS4) with VM stereo
cartridge*
• Dust cover
• Dust cover hinges
• AC adapter (Approx. 1.5 m (4.9'))
The AC adapter's plug can be removed.
After purchase, we suggest that you save all packaging materials for possible future storage, moving, or shipping.
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Safety precautions
Notes on use
Important information
Warning:
• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this apparatus to rain
or moisture.
Caution:
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• To avoid electric shock, do not open the cabinet.
• Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
• Do not expose this apparatus to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire
or the like.
• Do not subject this apparatus to strong impact.
• This apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet so
that you can easily grasp AC adapter at any time.
• In case of emergency, disconnect the AC adapter quickly.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this
apparatus.
• To prevent fire, do not place any open flame sources (such as lighted
candles) on this apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a bookcase
or similar unit.
• Install this apparatus only in the place where ventilation is good.
• The rating label is put on the bottom of this apparatus.
Turntable body
• Do not place and use the product in locations that are considerably
hot or humid, dirty, or subject to extreme vibrations.
• The product should be positioned on a flat, level surface.
Cartridge
• Attach the protector to protect the stylus when the product is not in
use.
• Do not touch the stylus of the cartridge with your finger.
• Do not allow the cartridge's stylus to bump against the platter or the
edge of the record.
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Part names and functions
Overall diagram
1
2
3
4
5
6
88
9111214141310
7
Platter
1
Drive belt
2
Installation is required for operation.
Motor pulley
3
Spindle
4
Turntable mat
5
Control knob
6
Use to start and stop, as well as select the platter's speed.
Tonearm
7
For details, refer to “Tonearm” on p. 4.
Feet
8
Adjust the level of the product.
Ground (earth) terminal
9
Connect the amplifier's ground (earth) terminal to this terminal
using the RCA audio cable's ground conductor.
Stereo output terminals
10
Connect the RCA audio cable. Connect it to either the amplifier's
PHONO input jack or its line input jack. The red terminal is the
right channel and the white terminal is the left channel.
Output selector switch
11
If connecting to an amplifier's PHONO input jack, set this switch to
the PHONO position. If connecting to the AUX jack of an amplifier,
set this switch to the LINE position.
Power input jack
12
Connect the AC adapter.
Power switch
13
Switch ON/OFF.
Dust cover hinge holder
14
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Part names and functions
Tonearm
Counterweight
1
Balances the tonearm and adjusts to provide the proper tracking
force.
Tracking force gauge ring
2
Use to adjust and set the tracking force.
Tonearm lift
3
Moves the tonearm vertically to and from the face of the record.
Tonearm rest with clamp
4
Use the clamp to secure the tonearm so that it does not move.
Anti-skate control dial
5
While the record is playing, a force acts on the stylus tip to pull it
inward. This force can be counteracted by setting the same values
for anti-skate and the tracking force.
Tonearm lift control lever
6
Operates the tonearm lift.
Tonearm
7
Locking ring
8
Rotate the ring to the left (counterclockwise) to secure the
headshell. To remove the headshell, rotate the ring to the right.
Headshell and cartridge
9
The cartridge* is attached to the headshell (AT-HS4).
* AT-LPW40WN: AT-VM95E / AT-LPW30TK: AT-VM95C
1
2
5
3
6
4
7
8
9
4
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Preparation for use
Placing the platter
This product requires some assembly before using it for the first time.
Do not connect the AC adapter until assembly is complete.
1. Set the platter on the spindle.
• To avoid damaging the spindle when seating the platter, align the position
of the spindle and the platter's hole, and then slowly seat the platter.
• Make certain that the platter is fully seated on the spindle.
Platter
Spindle
2. Install the belt to the platter drive ring under the platter making
sure the belt is flat when seated, and then attach the belt to the
motor pulley.
•
Make sure that the belt does not get twisted.
Leveling the turntable
1. After positioning the product where you want to use it, adjust the
feet so that the product is level.
• Use a level (sold separately) as needed to ensure that the product is level.
Assembling the tonearm
1. Remove the cable tie used to secure the tonearm at the time of
delivery.
• Use the clamp to temporarily secure the tonearm to the tonearm rest.
2. Insert the headshell into the tonearm.
• Hold the right and left edges of the headshell so that you do not damage
the stylus or cut the cartridge’s wires.
Motor pulley
Belt
UntwistedTwisted
Setting up the turntable
• Position the product on a level surface.
• To avoid the effects of vibrations and acoustic pressure, do not
mount the product next to such items as speakers.
• The product may pick up radio static if placed next to a radio.
Therefore, try to keep the product away from radios.
• If the product is near equipment (cell phone, etc.) that emits strong
radio waves, noise may occur.
3. With the headshell inserted, turn the locking ring
counterclockwise (to the left).
Locking ring
4. With the tracking force gauge ring facing forward, attach the
counterweight to the back of the tonearm, and slowly turn it
counterclockwise (to the left until it clicks on).
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Preparation for use
Tonearm balance and tracking force
In order for the cartridge to reproduce audio correctly from the record’s
grooves, the tonearm’s balance and tracking force must be adjusted
to fit the specifications of the cartridge. If the tonearm’s balance and
tracking force are not properly adjusted, the record or the cartridge’s
stylus may become damaged.
• Do not drag the cartridge’s stylus across the record or turntable mat
when adjusting the tonearm’s balance or tracking force. Doing so
may damage the stylus.
Setting tonearm balance
1. Remove the cartridge’s protector.
2. Unlock the tonearm and lift the tonearm lift control lever.
• The tonearm is tilted because the balance has yet to be adjusted.
Setting tracking force
1. While supporting the counterweight so that it does not move,
turn the tracking force gauge ring so that its “0” position lines up
with the centerline on the back of the tonearm.
• The tracking force is not adjusted simply by turning the tracking force
gauge ring.
0
2.5
0.5
2. Turn the counterweight and the tracking force gauge ring
together counterclockwise from the 0 position (to the left) until
the centerline value matches the recommended tracking force
value for the cartridge you are using.
• Refer to the cartridge maker’s specifications for the recommended tracking
force value.
• The tracking force value for the cartridge provided with this product is 2.0 g.
Tracking force
gauge ring
Centerline
3. Place the tonearm over the platter. Hold the headshell and lower
the tonearm lift control lever completely.
• Protect the stylus from touching platter.
4. While still lightly holding the headshell, turn the counterweight to
adjust the tonearm’s balance.
• Adjust the balance so that the tonearm is level when you release the
headshell.
TonearmCounterweight
Adjust so that tonearm is level
2
1.5
2.5
Setting the anti-skate adjustment
While the record is playing, a force acts on the stylus tip to pull it
inward. This force can be counteracted by setting the same values for
anti-skate and the tracking force.
1. Adjust the anti-skate control dial to have the same value as the
tracking force value.
• The tracking force value for the cartridge provided with this product is 2.0 g.
5. Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest.
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Preparation for use
Installing/removing the dust cover
When attaching the dust cover, insert the hinges of the dust cover
into the two dust cover hinge holders on the back of the body. When
removing the dust cover, slowly pull the dust cover out from the dust
cover hinge holders.
Setting output selector switch
This product has a built-in phono equalizer function. You can use the
product, even if you do not have a phono amplifier or connectable
equipment with a built-in phono amplifier, by connecting an active
speaker, etc.
Use the output selector switch to set the output, as shown below.
Connectable
equipment being
used
Device with phono
input
Device without
phono input
PC sound cardLINESound card's line input
* An audio adapter (sold separately) may be required to connect the
RCA audio cable to the PC sound card's line input jack.
Position of
output selector
switch
PHONOPhono input jack and
LINEAUX or line input jack of
Where to connect the
RCA audio cable
ground (earth) terminal of
connectable equipment
connectable equipment
jack*
• The RCA audio cable's red jack is for the right (R) channel, and the
white jack is for the left (L) channel.
With PHONO input*
Connectable
equipment
(amplifier, etc.)
With PHONO input*
Without PHONO input
To outlet
To outlet
Without PHONO input
Connecting to connectable equipment (active
speakers, amplifiers, etc.)
Align the settings for the output selector switch and connect the RCA
audio cable to an input jack that is compatible with the connectable
equipment you are using (amplifier, receiver, active speakers, sound
card, etc.).
* Depending on the equipment you are connecting, a ground (earth)
terminal may exist near the phono input jack. If this is the case,
connect to it using the ground line from the RCA audio cable. This
will help prevent a low humming noise that might otherwise be heard
during playback.
Connecting the AC adapter
1. Connect the AC adapter's cord to the power input jack.
2. Plug the AC adapter into an outlet.
• Make sure that the power switch is in the “OFF” position and the control
knob is in the "STOP" position. If the power switch is in the “ON” position
with the AC adapter connected to the outlet, a standby current is always
running through the product even it is not being used.
• If you play a record immediately after plugging the AC adapter into an
outlet, the sound that is played may be garbled. Wait a short time (about
30 seconds) after plugging the AC adapter into the outlet before playing a
record.
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Playing a record
Before playing a record
1. Remove the cartridge’s protector.
• If the tonearm is fixed to the tonearm rest, remove the clamp.
Protector
2. Place the record on the turntable mat so that the center hole
aligns with the spindle.
• If playing a 45 RPM record, attach the 45 RPM adapter (see the diagram to
the right below).
At 33-1/3 RPMAt 45 RPM
Record
Turntable mat
45-RPM
adapter
5. Lower the tonearm by moving the tonearm lift control lever to the
DOWN position. The tonearm descends slowly onto the record
and play begins.
• Alternatively, you can skip steps 2 to 4, and use your fingers to lift the
headshell, move the tonearm over the desired location on the record, and
then place the headshell down to begin playing the record.
• Do not subject the product to strong impact during playback.
Pausing the record
1. After lowering the volume of the amplifier, speakers, etc.,
sufficiently, lift the tonearm with the tonearm lift control lever.
Stopping the record
1. Lower the volume of the amplifier, speakers, etc., sufficiently.
2. Lift the tonearm lift control lever, return the tonearm to the
tonearm rest, and fix it with the clamp.
3. Turn the control knob to the "STOP" position.
• The platter slows down and rotation stops.
Playing a record
Lower the volume of the amplifier, speakers, etc., sufficiently.
1. Turn the power switch on.
2. Use the control knob to select the speed.
• Select “33” for a 33-⁄ RPM record, or “45” for a 45 RPM record.
• The platter begins spinning.
3. Raise the tonearm by lifting the tonearm lift control lever to the
UP position.
4. Position the tonearm over the desired location (groove) on the
record.
4. Remove the record after the platter has come to a complete stop.
• If the turntable mat gets dirty, it can easily scratch the record, so remove
the turntable mat periodically and wipe off any dust.
• To prevent the record from becoming scratched or warped, remove it
after use.
• Do not use a platter other than the one provided.
• This product is not intended for DJs. Do not touch the record or the
turntable mat while the record is playing.
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Care
Replacing the stylus
Turntable body
• When the turntable body is dirty or dusty, first disconnect the AC
adapter's cord from the power input jack, and then wipe off the dirt
and dust with a soft, dry cloth.
• Do not use benzenes, thinners, etc.
• When storing the product for a long time, disconnect the AC
adapter's cord from the power input jack and the power cable plug
from the outlet then wrap the equipment in plastic; do not allow it to
become damp.
Stylus tip
• If dirt and grime are stuck to the stylus tip, clean it with a
commercially sold brush.
• We recommend using a stylus cleaner (sold separately) if the stylus
tip is considerably dirty. Clean the stylus tip by moving the brush
from the rear to the front of the stylus tip.
Removing the stylus
• In addition to the deterioration of sound quality, records may also be
damaged as the cartridge’s stylus tip wears down.
• As a rule of thumb, replace the stylus after 300 hours of use.
• Be sure to disconnect the product’s power cable plug from the outlet.
1. Release the headshell from the tonearm.
• Fix the tonearm with the clamp and then remove the headshell gently.
2. After lowering the cartridge's protector, remove the stylus by
pulling in the direction of the arrow.
Pull
Installing a new replacement stylus
1. Mount the new replacement stylus to the cartridge.
Align the position of the inner
protrusion.
2. Mount the headshell onto the tonearm.
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Replacing a cartridge
Replacing the belt
Refer to the user manual for the cartridge that you will be using if you
are replacing the cartridge included with this product with another,
commercially available cartridge. After you replace the old cartridge
with a new one, you must readjust the overhang and the tonearm’s
balance and tracking force.
1. Release the headshell from the tonearm.
• Use the clamp to secure the tonearm and then remove the headshell
gently.
2. Remove the stylus from the cartridge.
• Refer to “Removing the stylus” on p. 9.
3. Remove the lead tips.
• Be careful not to damage the lead tips.
4. Using a commercially sold, non-metallic slotted screwdriver,
remove the installation screws, and then remove the cartridge
from the headshell.
5. Refer to the user manual for the new cartridge for mounting
instructions and connecting to the lead tips.
Installation screws
Plastic washers
• The belt is a consumable part. Replace the belt if the speed of
playback slows down or irregular rotation occurs. As a rule of thumb,
we suggest replacing the belt once a year.
• Before replacing the belt, be sure to disconnect the product’s power
cable plug from the outlet.
1. Remove the old belt.
2. Attach the new belt to the platter first, and then attach it to the
motor pulley.
• When attaching the belt to the motor pulley, make sure that the belt does
not get twisted.
6. Using a commercially sold, non-metallic slotted screwdriver,
tighten the screws in both places, and then adjust the overhang.
• Refer to "Adjusting the overhang" on p. 11.
• After the adjustments are complete, tighten the screws securely.
7. Attach the headshell to the tone arm.
8. Adjust the tonearm's height.
• Refer to “Adjusting the tonearm's height” while doing the adjustments.
9. Adjust the tonearm balance and tracking force.
• Refer to “Tonearm balance and tracking force” from p. 6.
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Adjusting the overhang
When the turntable is moved
The position of the cartridge must be accurately determined (adjusting the
overhang) when mounting a cartridge or headshell other than the one provided.
1. Mount the cartridge so it is parallel to the headshell.
Match up the positions of the cartridge and headshell to the figure
•
below and mount the cartridge so it is parallel to the headshell.
Overhang adjustment guide
This illustration represents the actual size.
Place the headshell on the figure below, and then adjust the stylus tip
of the new cartridge along the lines for the "Stylus tip" of the cartridge.
Underside of headshell
Stylus tip
50 mm
Using the product's original packing materials, wrap the turntable in
the reverse order from when you unwrapped it. If you do not have the
packaging materials, take the following measures:
• After disconnecting the power cable plug from the outlet, remove the
turntable mat and platter, and then wrap them so that they do not get
damaged.
• Fix the tonearm with the clamp.
• Remove the counterweight.
• Remove the headshell from the tonearm with the protector attached
to the cartridge, and then wrap the entire headshell assembly so that
it does not get damaged.
• Wrap the turntable body with paper or a soft cloth so that it does not
get damaged.
2. Mount the cartridge so it is perpendicular to the top of the
headshell.
Front of headshell
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Troubleshooting
ProblemSolution
The platter does not spin.• Is the AC adapter connected to the outlet? Connect AC adapter to the outlet.
• Has the AC adapter's plug come off? Check whether or not the plug is properly attached to the AC adapter.
• Has the belt slipped from the platter? Correctly place the belt on the platter.
• Is the belt placed on the motor pulley? Check that the belt is placed on the motor pulley correctly.
• Has the belt been damaged? Replace it with a new belt.
The platter spins, but there is
no sound or the volume is not
loud enough.
The stylus skips.• Is the tracking force set too light? Adjust the tracking force.
There is howling.• Is the product picking up excessive vibrations from the floor, surfaces of the walls, or nearby speakers?
There is noise when the record
is playing.
The sound when the record is
playing is either too fast or too
slow.
Playing speed slows down or
there is irregular rotation.
Humming is heard during
playback.
• Are the function settings and input for connected equipment (amplifier, etc.) selected correctly? Check
whether the settings for the connected equipment are correct.
• Is the stylus damaged? Check the stylus and replace it, if necessary.
• Is the stylus placed correctly on the body of the cartridge? Check the cartridge and adjust it, if necessary.
• Are the setting positions for the output selector switch correct? Check that the output settings are correct,
noting the following common problems and their causes:
- If there is no sound, or if the volume is not loud enough, the product is set to the “PHONO” position
and connected to the amplifier’s AUX/LINE input.
- If the volume is too loud or is distorted, the product is set to the “LINE” position and connected to the
amplifier's PHONO input.
• Is the tracking force set too heavy? Adjust the tracking force.
• Is the anti-skate set improperly? Verify anti-skate is set for same value as cartridge tracking force.
• Is the record warped? Check the record.
• Is the record scratched? Check the record.
• Is the stylus dirty? Excess build up around the stylus tip will effect tracking.
Decrease the vibrations or mount the product on a surface that is not subject to the effects of vibrations.
• Is the product mounted on an unstable surface? Check whether the surface on which the product is
mounted is suitable.
• Is there dust on the cartridge’s stylus tip? If dust is stuck to the stylus tip, clean it with a commercially
sold brush.
• Are the speed settings for the product correct? Use the control knob to select the correct speed for the
type of record being played.
• Is the belt stretched out? Replace it with a new belt.
• Is the ground line connected correctly? Make sure the ground line is properly connected.
• Is the headshell attached to the tonearm firmly? Make sure the locking ring is tight.
Dimensions
340
420
116.9
(Unit: mm)
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Specifications
Turntable specifications
Type
MotorAT-LPW40WN: DC servo with Active
Drive methodBelt drive
Speeds33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
Turntable platterAluminum Die Casting
Wow and flutter < 0.15 % WRMS (33 RPM) at 3 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio> 60 dB
Output levels
“PHONO”
“LINE”
Phono Pre-amp gain
Tonearm specifications
TypeAT-LPW40WN: Static balanced
Effective length223.6 mm
Overhang18.6 mm
Maximum tracking error angle Less than 2.0°
Stylus pressure adjustment
range
Applicable cartridge weight
range (including headshell)
Belt-drive manual turntable
Speed Stabilization
AT-LPW30TK: DC servo
4.0 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
200 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec