Avid Hifi Acutus Owners manual

V 1.0E

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

ACUTUS

ACUTUS REFERENCE

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 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 1 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 Arm Cable Clip and Bolt 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 belt 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 belt over the hub onto the fitting pin.

Carefully fit the platter to the bearing, making su re the location of the
fitting pin is between the motor and the front left suspension housing.

ently lift the platter edge exposing the motor pulley.

G

otate the platter and dress the belt 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

subchassis post,

not 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 raise or anticlockwise to lower
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 f
suspension is working co
unattached so long as it
recommended and shou

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

attached behind the rear suspension housing. Check movement o

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 Power Supply Reference Power Supply

Depending on your purchase you will either have the Standard or Reference power sup

ply.

These are purpose

operation and there is no need for great explanations as to how this works because it is off limits

in

designed “state-of-the-art” units for the powerful motor used. It is ultra reliable

to anyone except AVID or an authorized agent.
Your warranty becomes void should anyb th the internal settings, which have been
recorded at the factory. Any corrective work is

ody tamper wi

chargeable and quotations are provided on

individual cases. (See Warranty Terms and Conditions section)
Controls are simple and well labeled.
FRONT PANEL;

a. When ON a light shows on the front left. It is

switched off, as this will extend the life of he internal components. There is no sonic benefit in
leavin itched on.

g the unit permanently sw

. When the PSU is switch ON the speed is automatically set to 33rpm and shows with a light. To

b

recommended that when not in use the unit be

t

set 45rpm push the right button and another light will shine. If 45rpm is selected when the unit
is switched off, when re-powered the unit automatically switches to 33rpm.

. PLAY button in the center also provides the STOP function.

c
REAR PANEL:

a. Mains input socket. 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 fro
even the time of day. (Try listening to your system after 2.0

. Fuse in IEC socket.

b

0am, you’ll be surprised.)

m and

Standard PSU Reference PSU

220~25

0v T1.0A slow blow T6.3A slow blow

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

c. e, matching the motor supply lead. Do not alter this

PSU output socket. This is a locking DIN typ
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

SERVICING

Because of the careful design of t eral servicing is
The only that will ne e:

1. Driv we sugges ually.

2. M in Bearing Lubrica ion. This should be done by AVID ter approximately 10 years service.

a t af

CLE

ANING

To maintain the visual appearance of Acutus, occasionally dust the surfaces with a normal duster ­n

o need for any sprays or polishes.
Fingerp oapy
water or iso

O NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE DRIVE BELT WITH ANYTHING.

D
IF

DIRTY OR GREASY IT WILL PROBABLY NEED REPLACING.

N

ever use cleaners containing abrasives, as this will damage the surface.

W

arranty Statement

UK Residents
AVID HIFI Limited products are warranted against defec

period of two years from the original date of purchase, or no later than three years from the date
o

f shipment to an authorized AVID agent, which ever comes first, extending to five years subject to
the product o
A

lso the following conditions being observed.

his product gen not required.

two things ed attention will b

e Belt, which t be replaced ann

rints, greasy marks or similar smudges can be removed with a damp cloth with mild s

propyl alcohol cleaner.

ts in materials and workmanship for a

wner having submitted the Registration form (www.avidhifi.co.uk/register.htm).

• The product must have been

• This warranty is in favour of the original purchaser only, except where...

• Warranties are transferable t

product registration form. Warranty obligation is passed fro

• During the warranty period, AVID will repair, or replac
workmanship, without charge for parts or labour.

• Should product need to be returned a written description of the defect and a photocopy of
the original purchase receipt must accompany it. Receipts must show the model, serial
number, date of
price pa

• Returned product must be packed in the original packing and returned to AVID or original
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 with
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 b
anyone other than AVID or an dealer wi

• The warranty is void if the product serial number has been removed, altered or made
illegible.

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

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

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

• AVID shall not be held liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kin d arising
from the sale or use of its products.
The warranty applies to ex-demonstration product, using the date of manufacture as

•

purchase da

• Where the product is sold under a consumer transaction (as defined by the Sale of Goods
Act 1979) the statutory rights of the purchaser are not affected by this warranty.

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

id.

purchase, name and address of purchaser and authorized dealer and the

te.

purchased through an authorized AVID dealer

o subsequent owners provided the new owner completes the

m dealer to manufacturer.

e any defects in material or

y

th prior authorization.

rchase.

ur

Out

side UK

• formal distribution in many countries throughout the world. In each country the

AVID has
AVID importer has contractually accepted the responsibility for the product warranty.
Warranty sh
you obtained your product. In the unlikely ev ent of service required beyond the capability
the importer, AVID will, of course, bac

• Where product has been either supplied directly or there is no current distributor, AVID
accepts responsib

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

of

k up the warranty.

ility for the warranty period.

• Returned product must be packed in the original packing and returned to AVID by the
customer at his/her expense. AVID will pay return freight of its choice.

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

• ith remaining warranty be

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

• 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.

• Foreig

MIS

CELLANEOUS. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ABOVE PRODUCT SHALL BE

LIMITE Y

D TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. THE WARRENTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO AN

INCIDE

n distributors may at their discretion offer service for a fee.

NTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL COSTS OR DAMAGES TO THE PURCHASER.

WARRA ent to the following address:

NTOR. Inquiries regarding the Limited Warranty may be s
AVID HIFI Limited. Unit 52, 137 North Gate, Alconbury Airfield,
Hun

tingdon. PE28 4WX ENGLAND

SPECI

FICATIONS

Standard Acutus Reference Acutus

DRIVE
SPEEDS
PLA ETT R MASS
BEA NRI G
THRUST POINT

Inverted stainless s

Tungsten carbide/Sapphire

BELT

33 and 45 rpm

10 K

g

teel

SUSPENSION 3 point, springs in vertical, o-rings in lateral frequency
TONEARMS Std. cut for SME (adapters to order)
MOTOR Hand built 24v 140mNm ac synchronous
POWER SUPPLY Separate control unit
VOLTAGE INPUT 100-240vac 50/60Hz 20 watts 100-240vac 50/60Hz 300 watts

max. (depending on region) max. (depending on region)
DIM 460 x 400 x 210mm (WxDxH) ENSIONS (overall)
(footprint) 410 x 360mm (WxD)
(PSU) 250 x 215 x 95mm (WxDxH) 415 x 350 x 140mm (WxDxH)
NET WEIGHT 19.0Kg (42lb) turntable only

3.5Kg 20.1K(8lb) psu only g (45lb) psu only
PACKAGING 50 x 500 x 550mm (WxDxH) 50 x 500 x 550mm (WxDxH) 5 5
0 x 490 x 270mm (WxDxH) 71
SHIPPING WEIGHT 30.0Kg (66lb) (122lb) 55.0Kg

AVID reserves the right to improve or change it ice at any time. s products without not

EC Declaration of Conformity

We declare that our Acutus, Sequel and Volvere PSU confo rds rm da to directives and harmonized international stan
LVD (73/23/EEC) Low voltage directive EMC (89/36/EEC) Electromagnetic conformity
BS EN 60065: 1994 Safety requirements afor mains operated electronic and related pparatus for household and similar use
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