AVID Acutus Reference SP, Acutus SP User Manual

V 2.2E

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

ACUTUS SP

ACUTUS REFERENCE SP

Extended 5-Year Warranty

AVID is pleased to extend the normal warranty duration to 5-Years from the date

of original shipping. This warranty is transferable in the unlikely event that you would

sell this unit onto another party. Register your product at:

www.avidhifi.co.uk/register.htm

Table of Contents

Section Page

Preface 3
Introduction 3
Warnings 3
Packing 3
Parts Checklist 3

Set-up Instructions and User Guidance 4

Power Supply 7
Servicing 8
Cleaning 8
Warranty-Terms and Conditions 8
Specifications 9

WARNING

YOU MUST ALWAYS REMOVE THE PLATTER AND BEARING

AND USE THE TRANSIT PACKAGING WHEN YOU TRANSPORT

YOUR TURNTABLE OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE BEARING

DON’T PUT IT ON THE BACK SEAT OF YOUR CAR—YOU’LL BREAK IT

PREFACE

Please take time to read this Instruction Manual before unpacking your Acutus SP Turntable.
This product is a precision engineered machine and whilst damage is unlikely with careful handling,
the sheer mass of some of the parts could lead to damage of less robust parts within its design.
Some of these parts have been excluded from the warranty.

<TAKE CARE AND READ THIS MANUAL>

INTRODUCTION

Acutus is an Audio Analogue Turntable manufactured to extreme limits of precision, design and
detail. There are many unique and novel features in this product and its design allows you to install
the pick-up arm and cartridge of your choice. With correct ancillary equipment it will take your
listening pleasure to new levels of excellence.

The Acutus has two main components, that being the turntable itself, made up of 6 parts and the
external power supply.

Whilst it shares some features found in other turntables, it has been designed without compromise
not trying to emulate or improve existing designs but redefine the whole thinking behind turntable
design.

We hope that you enjoy this turntable for many years!

WARNINGS

1. To prevent fire or electric shocks do not expose either the power supply or motor assembly to
rain or moisture.

2. The Main Bearing contains a Sapphire Cup Jewel and this can be damaged if proper care is not
taken (see set-up and warranty) and this will affect or stop your turntable working correctly.

3. The Platter surface may be cleaned with mild soapy water without harm but take care not to
scratch its surface.

4. The Power Supply contains voltages, which can cause serious injury or death as there are no
user serviceable parts there is no reason to open it. In situations of failure return to an
approved dealer or service agent.
settings will affect the performance and void the warranty .

5. The Motor is an individually hand crafted component and
opened or adjusted. If you experience what you think to be a problem consult an approved
dealer, service agent or AVID direct.

PACKAGING

Save all the packing in a dry place away from fire hazard. The Acutus Turntable is a precision
instrument and the packaging has been especially designed so that all component parts are safe
during transportation.
You should not have occasion to return your unit to us, but if you need to, the unit must be
shipped in its original packaging to keep it from damage. In the event of the packing being lost or
damaged further packing can be provided at cost.
Do not transport the turntable assembled. This may cause damage and void the warranty.

PARTS CHECKLIST

The packing has been designed to eliminate parts being missed, however if something is found to
be amiss please contact your dealer.

Instruction Manual 1 Drive Belt 2 Motor Restraining Band 1
Platter 1 Main Bearing 1 Suspension Lateral O-ring 3
Sub-Chassis 1 Motor Assembly 1 Wrench Key Size 3mm A/F 1
Clamp 1 Power Supply 1 Belt Pin 1
Main Chassis 1 Power Cord 1
4mm Tungsten Carbide Ball 1

There are calibrated components inside and altering their

must under no circumstances be

SET UP INSTRUCTIONS

THE SUPPLIED PACKAGING IS VITAL FOR PROTECTION AND SHIPPING.

IT SHOULD BE RETAINED AND REPLACEMENT PACKAGING IS COSTLY.

PACKAGING IS LAYERED, ALL PARTS HAVING THEIR PLACE.

LAYER 1: Power supply case (excluded with Reference)
Power cord and accessory pack.
Remove the PSU and lift out layer 1 using the hand holes at the side.
Arms can be mounted during transportation and the suspension may be
factory adjusted. Further adjustment may be required on installation.

(Arm shown for illustration purpose only)

LAYER 2: Subchassis
Lift out by using the hand holes at the side.

and optional arm/cartridge if fitted.

LAYER 3: Main Chassis, Clamp, Bearing and Motor.
Remove Main Chassis including the white foam packaging.
Be careful when removing motor, clamp and bearing packaging not to drop
anything onto the platter below.
Remove foam and protective cover bags.

LAYER 4: Platter.
Remove from packaging.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS HEAVY.

All our turntables offer the opportunity to set up the arm/cartridge off the
suspension. This gives more stability and accuracy. Place the subchassis on a
suitable surface and install the pick up arm and cartridge.
CLEAN THE TOP OF THE SPINDLE WITH CLEAN TISSUE PAPER.

Place the bearing ball into the top of the spindle.

DO NOT USE GLUE OR LUBRICATION AS THIS WILL DAMAGE THE BEARING

This part of the bearing must always be kept clean and free of oil.
Carefully lower the main bearing onto the spindle t aking special care not to
drop or bang the sapphire onto the bearing ball.
The bearing will lower quickly due to the air pressure release hole.

lowly lower the platter onto the main bearing.

S
USE EXTREME CARE Not to drop or impact onto

the bearing as this could
damage the sapphire bearing.
To remove the platter hold at e

dges and gently rock while lifting to release

from main bearing taking care not to lift the bearing itself.

fter fitting the record and clamp (see clamping on next page) use

A
alignment tools to correctly set up your pick-up arm and cartridge.
Once done it can be carefully disassembled for fitting onto the main chassi

s

and suspension.

eally the main chassis will be placed onto a level surface.

Id
The feet can be adjusted for fine levelling, however if this is

too excessive
the motor will not be square to the chassis and the drive belt may n ot run
true to the platter.

it the motor into the cut out in the main chassis.

F
There is a lower rubber O-ring on the motor and th

is locates into a groove on
the side of the chassis.
The motor foot can be adjusted to obtain the correct height.

nce in position the motor can be secured with the supplied rubber O-ring. O
Stretch around the motor, fixing each end to the bolt heads on the main
chassis side.

ly fit the subchassis to the main chassis, locating the subchassis legs Careful
into the suspension cups at the spring base.
Take care that the subchassis does not tip off due to the weight of the fitted
arm. You can apply some downwards pressure to the subchassis making
sure the legs are fully inserted.
Take care the bearing ball does not fall out when removing subchassis.

efit the main bearing as previously instructed, taking special care of the

R

apphire bearing.

s

Platter and drive belt fitting.
Place the platter top face dow

latter. Once found, insert the belt fitting pin.

p

n. Locate a small hole on the edge rim of the

Always make sure you have clean hands when handling the drive belts and
before fitting the belt it is a good practice to clean the platter drive hub and
motor drive pulley. Isopropyl alcohol cleaner would be suitable.
Stretch the two belts over the hub onto the fitting pin one at a time making
sure they are not twisted together.

Carefully fit the platter to the bearing, making sure the location of the
fitting pin is between the motor an d the front left suspension housing.

ently lift the platter edge exposing the motor pulley.

G

otate the platter and dress the belts onto the drive pulley.

R
Once done remove the fitting pin. Manually rotate the platter by hand to
align the drive belt correctly.

t the lateral suspension O-rings to each suspension tower.

Fi
Stretch the O-ring so it fits between the platter and the
making sure its correctly fitted into the location groove and n

subchassis post,

ot caught

between the post and platter wall.

Stretch over the two main chassis posts.
Take care when doing this near your cartridge.

ARNINGS AND USING THE CLAMP.

W

e female part of the clamp is made from stainless steel and the male

Th
bearing part is brass. You will need to take

care not to strip or cross thread

the clamp onto the main bearing.

efore fitting the clamp

B

ALWAYS WIND THE MIDDLE COG UP to the top

cog. If this is not done you will eventually strip the brass t hread.

Holding the underside of the platter with fingers and thumb on record,
place the clamp onto the spindle. This gives you control of the platter
whilst not leaving unsightly fin g erprints on the platter wall.
Using the top cog, screw the record down tightly. Then using the middle
cog screw down until the record is flat and in full contact with the platter
To release the clamp, hold the platter in the same way and grab the who

amp, twisting and unscrewing off.

cl

ALWAYS UNWIND THE MIDDLE COG UP for refitting.

en

Th

.

le

SUSPENSION SET UP AND ADJUSTMENT.
The turntable platter should be approximately level; however

CRITICAL

and other factors are more important to obtaining best

THIS IS NOT

performance. Once set up the platter, complete with record and clamp,
should bounce with a smooth piston type movement, the dr

ithout any movement. You can easily see this by looking underneath the

w

ive belt running

platter whilst it’s running. As a starting point, level all the suspension posts
with the main chassis posts. This is done by inserting the supplied Allen
wrench into the hole on the subchassis suspension post. Push down to
engage the wrench and turn clockwise to lower or anticlockwise to raise
the suspension point.
Make further adjustments as necessary to obtain the correct movement.

DRESSING THE ARM LEAD Is just as important as setting the suspension. Incorrectly done or if
the lead is too stiff the s
circle under the arm and
suspension is working co
unattached so long as it
recommended and shou

uspension will be prevented from working. Leads should be looped in a

clamped behind the rear suspension housing. Check movement of

rrectly. Depending on your set up it may be possible to leave the lead
does not affect the suspension. Thick heavy or stiff leads are not
ld not be necessary as the cartridge output signal is so small.

POWER SUPPLY

Standard SP Power Supply Reference SP Power Supply

Depending on your purchase you will either have the Standard or Reference power supply.
These are purpose designed “state-of-the-art” units designed for the powerful motor u

our warranty becomes void should anybody tamper with the internal settings

Y

sed.

Controls are simple and well labeled, however this will also explain how to adjust the platter speed.
FRONT PANEL;

a. ft. It is

When ON a light shows on the front le recommended that when not in use the unit be
switched off, as this will extend the life of th t in

e internal components. There is no sonic benefi

leaving the unit permanently switched on.

b. When the PSU is switch ON the speed is auto

set 45rpm push the right button and anothe nit
is switched off, when re-powered the uni

c. PLAY button in the center also provid

. Speed adjustment. You will need a strobe disc or alternative to correctly adjust platter speed.

d

es the STOP function.

matically set to 33rpm and shows with a light. To

r light will shine. If 45rpm is selected when the u

t automatically switches to 33rpm.

Select which speed you wish to adjust and press and hold both 33rpm and 45rpm buttons
together until the light flashes. The flashing light indicates adjustment mode is selected.
Pressing the 33rpm button slows the platter and 45rpm increases the speed. Once corre

ct

speed is achieved press both buttons again to lock.

e. DO NOT SEE HOW FAST OR SLOW YOU CAN GO AS THIS WILL OVER-LOAD

THE SUPPLY AND IT

WILL POSSIBLY BECOME FAULTY. ABUSE WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM OUR WATTANTY.

EAR PANEL:

R
a. Mains input s

ocket. This is an IEC type socket and you should use the cable provided or a
suitable alternative fused at no more than 5 AMPS. It is worth experimenting with different
cables, which can make or not make a difference depending on where your supply is from and
even the time of day. (Try listening to your

system after 2.00am, you’ll be surprised.)

b. Fuse in IEC socket.

Standard PSU Reference PSU

220~250v T1.0A slow blow

T6.3A slow blow

100~120v T2.0A slow blow T10A slow blow

c. s

PSU output socket. This is a locking DIN type, matching the motor supply lead. Do not alter thi
cable, it will affect the motor performance and void the wa rranty.

The feet on the power supply are not adjustable and not designed to turn.

The standard supply will get warm as the rear panel is used as a heat sink.

it gets extremely hot, switch off and contact your dealer or AVID.

If

VICING

SER

Because of the careful de
The only two things that ill need attention will be:

1. Drive Belt, which we suggest ually.

2. Main ion. Th by AVID after years service.

CLEANING

To faces with a normal duster -

maintain the visual appearance of Acutus, occasionally dust the sur

n

o need for any sprays or polishes.

Fingerprints, greasy marks or similar smudges can be removed with a damp

ater or isopropyl alcohol cleaner.

w
DO NOT
IF DIRTY OR GREASY IT WILL PROBABLY NEED REPLACING.
Never use cleaners containing abrasives, as this will damage the surface.

Warranty Sta

U

K Residents

AVID HIFI Limited products are warranted against de
period of two years from the original date of purchase, o
of shipment to an authorized AVID agent, which ever comes first, extending to five years subject

e product owner having submitted the Registration form (www.avidhifi.co.uk/register.htm).

th
Also the follo

sign of this product general servicing is not required.

w

be replaced ann

Bearing Lubricat is should be done approximately 10

cloth with mild soapy

ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE DRIVE BELT WITH ANYTHING.

tement

fects in materials and workmanship for a

r no later than three years from the date

wing conditions being observed.

to

• The product must have been purchased through an authorized AVID dealer

• This warranty is in favour of t

• Warranties are transferable to subsequent owners provided the new owner completes the

product registration form. W

• During the warranty period, AVID will repair, or replace any

workmanship, without charge for parts or labour.

• Should product need to be returned a written description of the def

the original purchase receipt must accompany it. Receipts must show the model, serial
number, date of purchase, name and address of purchaser and authorized dealer and the
price paid.

• Returne

dealer by the customer at his/her expense. AVID will pay return freight of its choice.

• The warranty is void if the product has been used or handled other than in accordance w

the instruction manual supplied, abused or misused, damage by accident or neglect or in
being transported, or the defect is due to the product being repaired or tampered with by
anyone other than AVID or an dealer with prior authorization.

• The warranty is void if the product seria

illegible.

• The warranty is void if the product has been taken out of the country of purch

• Specific parts excluded from this warranty include: sapphire thrust bearing,

O-rings.
These items have no warranty, however replacements may be issued by AVID at our
discretion.

• quential damages of any kind arising

AVID shall not be held liable for incidental or conse
from the sale or use of its products.

•

The warranty applies to ex-demonstration product, using the date of manufacture as
purchase date.

• roduct is sold under a consumer transaction (as defined by the Sale of Goods

Where the p
Act 1979) the statutory rights of the purchaser are not affected by this warranty.

• ll

Products are sold on the basis of specifications applicable at the time of sale. AVID sha
have no obligation to modify or to update products once sold.

d product must be packed in the original packing and returned to AVID or original

he original purchaser only, except where...

arranty obligation is passed from dealer to manufacturer.

defects in material or

ect and a photocopy of

l number has been removed, altered or made

ase.

drive belts and

ith

Out

side UK

• AVID has formal distribution in many countries throughout the world. In each countr

y the
AVID importer has contractually accepted the responsibility for the product warranty.
Warranty
you obtained your product. In the unlikely ev ent of service required beyond the capab
the importer

should normally be obtained from the importing agent or distributor from whom

ility of

, AVID will, of course, back up the warranty.

• Where product has been either supplied directly or there is no current distributor, AVID
accepts responsibility for the warranty

• Returned product must be packed in the original packing and returned to AVID by the
customer at his/h

er expense. AVID will pay return freight of its choice.

period.

• The warranty is only valid in the country of purchase.

• nty be

Products outside there original destination requires th at units with remaining warra
returned to the country of purchase for the warranty to be valid. Customer is responsible
freight both ways and all associated import and export charges.

for

• Foreign distributors are not required to provide warranty service, repair or change AC mains
voltage on units that they did not originally import and sell.

• Foreign distributors may at their discretion offer service for a fee.

MISCELLANE

OUS. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ABOVE PRODUCT SHALL BE
LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. THE WARRENTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY
INC E

ID NTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL COSTS OR DAMAGES TO THE PURCHASER.

WARRA

NTOR. Inquiries regarding the Limited Warranty may be sent to the following address:

AVI

D HIFI Limited. Bicton Industrial Park, Kimbolton, Huntingdon. PE28 0LW ENGLAND

C FICATIONS

SPE I

Standard Acutus Reference Acutus
DRIVE

SPEEDS
PLATTER MASS
BEA INR G
THR SU T POINT

Inverted stainless

Tungsten carbide/Sapphire

BELT

33 and 45 rpm

10 Kg

steel

SUSPE lateral frequency NSION 3 point, springs in vertical, o-rings in
TON A s to order) E RMS Std. cut for SME (adapter
MOTOR Hand built 24v 140mNm ac synchronous
POWER SUPPLY Separate control unit
VOLTAGE INPUT 100-240vac 50/60Hz 20 watts

max. (depending on region)

100-240vac 50/60Hz 300 w
max. (depe

nding on region)

atts

DIMENSIONS (overall) 460 x 400 x 210mm (WxDxH)
(footprint) 410 x 360mm (WxD)
DxH) (PSU) 250 x 215 x 95mm (WxDxH) 415 x 350 x 140mm (Wx
NET WEIGHT 19.0Kg (42lb) turntable only

3.5Kg (8lb) psu only 20.1Kg (45lb) psu only
PACKAGING 550 x 500 x 550mm (WxDxH) 550 x 500 x 550mm (WxDxH)
710 x 490 x 270mm (WxDxH)
SHIPPING WEIGHT 0.0Kg (66lb) 5.0Kg (122lb) 3 5

AVID reserves the right to improve or change its pr notice at any time. oducts without

EC Declaration of Conformity

We declare that our Acutus, Sequel and Volvere PSU conform to dir al standards ectives and harmonized internation
LVD (73/23/EEC) Low voltage directive EMC (89/36/EEC) Electromagnetic conformity
BS EN 60065: 1994 Safety requirements for mains operat d similar use ed electronic and related apparatus for household an
CENELEC HD21/22 Flexible cables and cords

EN 55020: 1988 Electromagnetic Immunity
EN 55013: 1990 Electromagnetic Emissions

C. Mas

Director

17 July 2002

AVID HIFI Limited