Vestax PDX-A2S User Manual

OWNER'S MANUAL

OWNER'S MANUAL

VESTAX CORPORATION

VESTAX MUSICAL ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

VESTAX(Europe)Ltd.

CONTENTS

FEATURES 3
NOTES 3
A. S. T. S 4

(ANTI SKIPPING TONE-ARM SYSTEM)

EACH PARTS NAME 5
BEFORE USE 5
ASSEMBLY AND SET-UP 6
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION

7
ADJUSTMENT 8
OPERATION 9
SPECIFICATION 10

1

CONGRATULATION

Thank you for purchasing the Vestax PDX-a2S, Professional Direct Drive
Turntable.
Please read this owner's manual carefully before you start to use yours,
so that you will fully understand all of the special features and enjoy the
full use of the product.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol，within an equilateral triangle，is intended
to alert the user to the presence of uninsulateddangerous voltagewithin the product's
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to consitute a risk of electric shock to
persons．

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance（servicing）instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance．

T0 REDUCE THE RISK 0F FIRE 0R ELECTRlC SHOCK，DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE T0 RAIN 0R M0ISTURE．

CAUTION： TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,MATCH BLADE OF

PLUG TO WIDE SLOT，FULLY INSERT

ATTENTION：P0UR EVITER LES CH0CS ELECTRIQUES，

INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA
FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESP0NDANTE DE LA
PRISE ET P0USSER JUSQUAU F0ND

CAUTl0N： TO REDUCE THE RlSK OF ELECTRlC SHOCK

DO NOT REMOVE COVER（ OR BACK）

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVlCING T0 QUALIFIED SERVlCE PERSONNEL

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

2

1. Read instructions-All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.

2. Retain instructions-The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings-All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions-All operating and use instructions
should be followed.

5. Cleaning-Unplug this product from the wall outlet before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Attachments-Do not use attachments not recommended by
the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

7. Water and Moisture-Do not use this product near water-for
example, near a dath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or
laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool,
and the like.

8. Accessories-Do not place this product on an unstable cart,
stand, tripod, or table. The product may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to
the appliance. Use only with a cart,. stand, tripod, bracket,
or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with
product. Any mounting of the appliance should follow the
manufacturer's instructions, and sholud use a mounting
accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

9. Ventilation-Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided
for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, and these
openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings
should never be blocked by placting the product on a bed,
sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should
never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register.
This product should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is
provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been
adhered to.

10. Power sources-This product should be operated only from
the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of power supply to your
home, consult your appliance dealer or local power
company.

11. Grounding or Polarization-This product is equipped with
a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having
one blade wider than the other). This piug will fit into the
power outlet only one way. This is safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If this should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not
defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

IMPORTANT SAFEGURDS

READ BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT

This product was designed and manufactured to meet strict quality
and safety standards. There are, however, some installation and
operation precautions which you should be particularly aware of.

12. Power-Cord Protection-Power supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by intems placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
appliance.

13. Protective Attachment Plug-The appliance is equipped
with an attachment plug having overload protection. This
is a safety feature. See Instruction Manual for
replacement or resetting of protective device. If
replacement of the plug is required, be sure the service
technician has used a replacement plug specified by the
manufacturer that has the same overload protection as the
original plug.

14. Lightning-For added protection for this product during
lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused
for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet.
This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning
and power-line surges.

15. Overloading-Do not overload wall outlets and extension
cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

16. Object and Liquid Entry-Never push objects of any kind
into this product through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could
result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the product.

17. Servicing-Do not attempt to service product yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerrous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to
qualified sersonnel.

18. Damage Requiring Service-Unplug this product from the
wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damage.
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the

product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the product dose not operate normally by following

the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls

that are coverd by the operating instructions as an

improper adjustment of other, controls may result in

damage and will often require extensive work by a

qualified technician to restore the product to its normal

operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or cabinet has been

damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in

perfromance-this indicates need for service.

3

19. Replacement Parts-When replacement parts are required, be
sure the service technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have the same characterristics
as the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions may result in
fire, electric shock or other hazards.

20. Safety Check-Upon completion of any service or repairs to
product, ask the service technician to perfrom sefety checks to
determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

21. Carts and Stands-The appliance should be used only with a
cart stand that is recommended by manufacturer.

22. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with
care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may
cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.

FEATURES

NOTES

●The worlds first vertical type direct drive turntable for
performance DJ's. The basic features copy the best selling
PDT-5000, but each operating functions are aligned
vertically allowing fast DJ performance.

●

TWO START/STOP KEYS
Two start/stop keys are provided, one on each side.
Therefore a start/stop key is close at hand which ever side
of the mixer the PDX-a2S is set.

●FAST STARTS BY HIGH TORQUE
Using high-torque direct motor, the integral motor delivers

1.6kg• cm start torque. The high-torque gives quick starts
that enables the platter to reach 33-1/3 rpm within 0.5
second.

●ANTI SKIPPING TONE-ARM SYSTEM,TRACING
HOLD BALANCE SYSTEM
New designed A.S.T.S(Anti Skipping Tone-arm System)
and TH(Tracing Hold) balance TONE-ARM system
protect skipping performance in hard scratching. And this
TONE-ARM provide adjustment mechanism of tone-arm
height which Vestax Turntable series have generally.

●FLOATING SUSPENSION TONEARM
The tone-arm is mounted on the deck plate using a floating
suspension system with the drive motor. Acoustic feedback
is minimized by this advanced system.

●QUARTZ-PHASE-LOCKED CONTROL
The pitch is variable continuously by up to approximately
±10% and returned automatically to the predetermined
speed (33-1/3 or 45 rpm) by on/off switch even if the pitch
control is employed.

●

NON-CENTER-CLICK PITCH FADER
Pitch fader has no center click, and it allows delicate
adjustment easily. The PDX-a2S features detachable pitch
control fader for ease of replacement when it is worn out.

●MINI LIGHT FOR ILLUMINATING STYLUS
he PDX-a2S provides detachable small stylus illuminator
for illuminating the stylus tip during play for low-light
conditions.

●

OTHER FEATURES
Quick stops are achieved with an electronic braking
system. Remote control jack is provided for controlling
START/STOP by other equipment like a fader start etc.

●Before detaching or attaching the headshell, be sure to turn
the power of the amplifier or mixer off.

●Detaching or attaching of the headshell with the volume
control turned up may cause damage to the speakers.

●Do not turn "ON" the power supply, with the turntable
platter detached.

●When play is finished, be sure to secure the tone-arm with
the arm clamp. After play is finished, if the unit is not to be
used for some time, care should be taken to secure the tone­arm to protect the stylus tip. For the same reason, the stylus
protector should also be attached.

●Wipe the headshell terminals from time to time. Dust and
dirt at the headshell terminals may result in increased
"HUM" noise or intermittent sound. Use a soft dry cloth to
clean the heashell terminals.

●Dust and dirt should be carefully removed from stylus tip
or records. Dust and dirt on the stylus tip or record may
not only result in deterioration of tone quality, but also
cause undue wear of the record and the stylus tip itself.

●Transportation of the unit to distant places for removal and
the like. Pack up the unit in the reverse order to that for
unpacking, using the packing materials furnished when the
unit was purchased. Should there be no such packing
materials, be sure to take the following steps. Remove the
turntable platter together with the turntable mat, and wrap
it up to prevent any damage to them. Return the tone-arm
to the arm rest, and affix it with tape or the like. Remove
the balance weight and the headshell/cartridge from the
tone-arm and then wrap them up to avoid and damage to
them. Wrap up the turntable base with a blanket or soft
paper also to prevent any possible damage to it.

●ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK AND HUM
Acoustic Feedback is usually cause by vibration of speaker,
which affects the sensitive cartridge. If such a phenomenon
occurs, relocate the turntable or speakers as far apart from
each other as possible. Hum is usually cause by nearby
appliances that use transformer or thermostat. Relocating
the unit further away from the noise sources will readily
solve the problem. Hum may also be produced if the
grounding wire extending from the unit is securely
connected to the GND terminal on the amplifier of mixer.

4

A.S.T.S(Anti Skipping Tone-arm System)

2

F

F

1

F

2

F

F

F

1

F

Tracking force

Inside force

Vertical force

NORMAL TYPE TONE-ARM

A. S. T. S

Needle trace

Needle trace

No inside force is generated.

F（Tracking force）generates inside force.

A.S.T.S(Anti Skipping Tone-arm System) has been developed with years of
experience and a number of trials, searching for the innovative tone-arm for
professional DJ's.This system breaks all of the historic common sense,
achieving its non skipping performance in hard scratching. A.S.T.S consists
of two inventions, short/straight arm and TH (Tracing Hold) balance system.

●TH balance system gives horizontal movement in addition to vertical. This movement gives much more stable
balance (vertical direction) to the needle. The combination of short / straight arm and TH balance system
gives the best stability to the needle, which enables anti-skipping in hard scratching.

●The brass arm with aluminum cover is used for A.S.T.S . This combination results in the best pick up
sensitivity as well as the best resistance to howling. This new tone-arm allowed A.S.T.S to increase the
resistance against the howling by over 50% compared to the normal aluminum arm.

5

CHECKLIST OF PARTS

Center Spindle

Turntable

START/STOP Button

Speed Select Button

Quartz Lock ON/OFF Button

Detachable Stylus Illuminator Jack

Pitch Control Fader

Headshell

Tone Arm Arm Rest

Balance Weight

Spare Cartridge Stand

Remote-control Jack

Output Jack

Ground Terminal

Power Switch

Power Cord

EACH PARTS NAME

FRONT

REAR

BEFORE USE

This unit includes the following parts

○1 Turntable Unit
○

2

Turntable Platter

○

3

Slip Mat

○

4

Shell Weight

○

5

Headshell

○

6

Balance Weight

○

7

RCA Cable

○

8

GND Cable

○

9

Detachable Stylus Illuminator

6

Installation of Turntable Platter

Method of Using Slip Mat

Installation of Cartridge

Never connect the AC power plug before assembly has
been completed.

○1By placing the turntable platter on the center spindle, the platter

adjusts to match the spindle by itself.

○

2

Place the slip mat on the platter.

○

3

Extra care should be taken to avoid damaging magnet by
dropping it.

○

1

Place slip mat on the turntable platter, and place the record on
the slip mat. It is possible to stop and return the record by hand
while the turntable revolving.

Red (R+) Right Channel+ Green (R-) Right Channel ­White (L-) Left Channel+ B l u e (L -) L e f t Channel -

○1In accordance with the instructions of the cartridge, install a

cartridge properly.

○

2

Connect the lead wires to the cartridge terminals. The terminals
of most cartridges are color corded. Connect each lead wire to
the terminal of the same color.

○

1

Place the balance weight on the rear shaft of the tone-arm
winding the balance weight clockwise.

NOTE

In case the cartridge weight is less than 8g, it is
necessary to fix the attached shell weight on the
cartridge.

NOTE

NUT

SHELL

SHELL WEIGHT

CARTRIDGE

LEAD WIRE

TERMINAL

STYLUS

SCREWS

ASSEMBLY AND SET-UP

Installation of Balance Weight

Surface of slip mat (printed): Disk side
Inside of slip mat : Slip side

8

7

CONNECTION OF PHONO TERMINAL AND PLUG

INSTALLATION

○1Connect the output to inputs of amplifier or mixer.

PDX-a1S REAR PANEL

RCA CABLE（WHITE/L）

RCA CABLE（RED/R）

PHONO L Channel
PHONO R Channel
GND TERMINAL

AMP/AUDIO MIKIXER



GND CABLE（BLACK）

RCA JACK WHITE（L）
RCA JACK RED（R）
GND TERMINAL

SUB

LRLRLR

LR

GND 1GND 2

MAIN

PROFESSIONAL MIXING CONTROLLER

LINE 2 LINE 1

PHONO 2MASTER OUT 2 PHONO 1

SESSION IN

MASTER OUT 1

AC 12V

POWER

SERIAL NO.

MADE IN JAPAN

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN

WARNING;SHOCK HAZARD-DO NOT OPEN.

AVIS;RISQUE DE CHOC ELELCTRIQUE -NE PAS OUVRIR.

R/Red L/

White

R/Red L/

White

R/Red

L/

White

R/Red

L/

White

DJ MIXER

PMC-07Pro

PDX-a2S

PDX-a2S

50mm

○3Insert the headshell into the front part of the tone-arm. Turn thr

LOCK RING to the directoin of the arrow shown the fig until
fixing the headshell.

○

4

Adjustment of Overhang

As shown in the illustration, overhang indicates the distance
from the stylus to end of headhshell. Please set the distance to
50mm. If the overhang adjustment is not properly made, the
stylus will not be able to trace the record grooves correctly.

Be share not to touch stylus during adjustment
with finger.

NOTE

Be sure to connect firmly the GND terminal to
the amplifier or mixer, or a power source HUM
will result.

NOTE

●Do not place the unit where it is exposed to direct sun light,

high temperature of humidity to prevent possible troubles.

●Place the unit in a stable and horizontal position, where there is

little or no vibration.

●Locate the unit as far away from the speakers as possible and

isolate the unit from sound radiation from them.

●If the unit is placed too close to the radio, interference to

AM/FM reception may result

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION

ILLUSTRATION OF CONNECTION

8

○1Release the tone-arm from the armrest to free.
○

2

Turn the balance weight clockwise or counter clockwise until
the tone arm is balanced horizontally.

○

3

Return the tone-arm to the armrest.

○

1

Hold the balance weight with one hand as shown in the
drawing, and rotate only counter ring to bring the numeral "0"
of the ring into alignment with the center line on the tone-arm
rear shaft.

8

Adjustment of Horizontal Zero Balance

Adjustment of Stylus Pressure

Illustration of Adjustment

The balance weight and cartridge are balanced, 
the tone-arm is held horizontal.



Excessive forward advancement of the balance 
weight causes the cartridge side to be lowered.

Excessive backward re-treatment of the balance 
weight causes the cartridge side to be raised.

Rotate 
this part

Rotate 
this part

Adjustment of Tone-arm Height

Be careful not to touch your finger to the stylus
tip.

NOTE

In case the balance weight moved, do the
adjustment of horizontal zero balance again.

NOTE

○2Turn the balance weight to present the reading on the gauge to

the designed stylus force of your cartridge.As the counter ring
moves in step with the balance weight, proper stylus pressure
can be selected by reading the graduated ring directly.

In case of 16mm cartridge height→Adjustment of tone-arm height do not need.
In case of 25mm cartridge height

→

Adjustment of tone-arm height need to set
9mm(MAX).

○1The height of the tone-arm can be adjusted maximum 9mm by

adjust ring.

The appropriate stylus pressure (generally 3〜
4g) needs to be set in order to generate the best
performance. Please refer to the user's manual
of the stylus.

NOTE

Generally, the highest setting of the tone-arm
provides the best performance with minimum
skipping. However, the original setting can be made
according to user's experiences. Please tighten the
adjustment screw after setting the height.

NOTE

ADJUSTMENT

8

9

○1When the indicator

lamp is lit showing
the operating
condition for the
pre-determined
speed (33-1/3 or 45
rpm).

○2During the operation

of pre-determined
speed, pitch control
fader can not be
functioned. And once
press the quartz
control button, the
indicator lamp is put out, the speed can be adjusted by pitch control fader.

○

3

During the operation of above 2., if you want to change to speed
to the pre-determined one, press the quartz button. The indicator
lamp lights and speed will become pre-determined one even
when the pitch control fader not in the

center.

○4Pitch control is possible up to a maximum of approximately ±

10%. Adjust the Pitch by sliding the Pitch Control Fader.

QUARTZ LOCKED CONTROL AND PITCH ADJUSTMENT

STYLUS ILLUMINATOR

(Detachable Mini Light)

-

100

％

-

10

％

-

50

％

-

5

％

050

％

5

％

10

％

100

％

In case you wish to control the START/STOP with
using external equipment like a Foot-switch etc.,
input jack is provided at the left side of rear panel.

REMOTE CONTROL

○1Place the record on the turntable mat.
○

2

Press the power switch button provided at rear panel to turn
"ON" position.

○

3

Remove the stylus protector if cartridge is detachable one.

○

4

Push the start/stop button, then platter will start to turn.

○

5

Move the tone-arm position over the record. Put it down to the
record, and play will begin.

○

6

Set the turning speed to 33 1/3rpm or 45rpm by pushing the
speed select switch in obedience to the playing record RPM.

Fit the EP ADOPTOR in the center spindle, and start to play after
fitting EP RECORDS in EP ADOPTOR.

This unit features a small light for illuminating the stylus. It is
detachable and you can remove it when not in use.

○

7

Move the tone-arm to the armrest when play is finished.

○

8

Push the start/stop button, and platter will stop.

○

9

Turn off the power.

IN CASE OF PLAYING EP SIZE RECORD

A manual method of operation has been chosen
for the playing of records instead of using "Cue
Levers".The unit has been set to select 33-1/3
rpm automatically when the power button is
pressed to on. Push the 45 rpm speed select
button if you play 45 rpm record.

NOTE

OPERATION

8

10

SPECIFICATION

MOTOR
STARTING UP TIME
STARTING TORQUE
BRAKING SYSTEM
RAMBLE（ S/N RATIO ）
SPEED
PITCH
WOW & FLUTTER

TYPE



EFFECTIVE LENGTH
OFFSET ANGLE
TRACKING ERROR
STYLUS PRESSURE

LIGHT（ OPTIONAL )
SPEED LOCK
REMOTE
DIMENSION
WEIGHT
POWER

TURNTABLE















ARM

DIRECT DRIVE QUARTZ

0.5sec（ 33 1/2 rpm ） 70°

1.6kg cm
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
78dB（ IEC 98 WTD ）
33 1/2 rpm, 45rpm
± 10%（ DETACHABLE 100mm FADER ）

0.03% W.R.M.S.
ANTI SKIPPING TONE-ARM SYSTEM. TRACING

HOLD BALANCE SYSTEM
230mm ± 1mm
22°
+2°32〜 +0°32
ADJUSTMENT RANGE 0〜 7.0g

DETACHABLE MINI LIGHT DC12volt 100mA
QUARTZ LOCK
MOMENTARY START（ MINI JACK ）

（ W ）450mm X（ H ）150mm X（ D ）370mm

9.5kg
AC120V or 230V

Vestax Corporation