Andover SpinDeck - Belt-Drive Turntable Manual

Introduction

Your Spindeck has been painstakingly designed to treat your valuable records with great care while providing exceptional sound quality at a price below most turntables of comparable performance. This was accomplished by eliminating non-essential frills while maintaining precise, accurate tolerances, and quality materials where it counts the most.
Spindeck has been handcrafted in Europe by one of the most respected manufacturers of high-fidelity turntables on the planet. We know you are anxious to get spinning, but please take a few moments to read through this booklet to get the most enjoyment from your Spindeck. If you have any questions not covered here please contact Andover Audio support via email (support@andoveraudio.com) or phone (+1 978.775.3670).

Getting Started
Spindeck comes with a cartridge pre-mounted and all critical adjustments factory set.
To setup Spindeck, you only have to remove the packing materials and install the belt. Then plug it into your system and you're ready to play.

Check for Damage
Your turntable was shipped partially disassembled in order to avoid damage to sensitive parts. Please check to make sure that neither the packaging nor the device was damaged in transit. If you are missing parts, or if the unit is damaged, please do not operate it and contact either your dealer or support@andoveraudio.com.

Product Diagram

Controls, features and connections:

1. Power switch
2. Stepped drive pulley and drive belt
3. Platter with felt mat
4. Tonearm counterweight
5. Tonearm lift lever
6. Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
7. Tonearm tube
8. Headshell with finger lift and pre-mounted Ortofon OM5e cartridge
9. Dustcover Lid
10. Lid hinge
11. Hinge fasteners
12. Signal output cable
13. Power cord (suitable for your country's mains)

Allen key 1.5mm (not shown)
Two-Point Cartridge Alignment Protractor (not shown)
Adapter for 45RPM singles (not shown)

To Set-up your Spindeck Install the Drive Belt

1. Remove the brown paper insert that supported the platter during transport.
2. Install the drive belt around the top section of the pulley, as shown in the following illustration.
3. Put the felt mat on the top of the platter.

Connect Spindeck to your Amplifier
Spindeck has a captive tonearm signal lead (Product Diagram, #12) for connection to the amplifier. Use the Phono input on your amplifier or Spinbase.
The plug with the red band should be attached to the RIGHT channel input jack, and the plug with the white band is the LEFT channel.
The third individual wire is a GROUND wire. Connect this to the ground screw on Spinbase or compatible amplifier. If your amplifier does not have a ground screw, slip it under one of the screws which hold the amplifier chassis together and tighten it securely. Leaving this wire unattached will result in excessive hum.
Note: The phono input you use must be suitable for use with a magnetic cartridge. Line inputs (such as Aux, CD, Tuner, Tape or Video) are not suitable. If your amplifier does not have a suitable Phono input you will need a separate phono preamplifier stage for magnetic cartridges. This will be connected between the Spindeck and a free line level input of the amplifier.

Fit the Lid
Fit the lid (dust cover) carefully over the hinge prongs (Product Diagram, #10). The hinge tension is pre-adjusted, however if the tension changes over time you may adjust the screws until the lid stays open where you want it to without being too stiff to open or close.

Remove the Stylus Protection Cover
Carefully remove the clear plastic stylus protection cover by gently pulling it straight off the front of the stylus. Save it for later use if Spindeck must be moved or shipped. Take care to not pull the stylus out in the process.

Connect it to Power
The turntable is supplied with a power adapter. Plug the power adapter into the DC power jack at the rear of Spindeck first, then plug the adapter into your AC power.

Turn it On
Use the power switch on the left side of the plinth (Product Diagram, #1) to start and stop the motor.

To Change Playing Speed
For 33RPM operation, place the belt on the upper (smaller) section of the motor pulley.
(Product Diagram)
For 45RPM operation, use the lower (larger) section of the pulley. Always switch the motor OFF before changing the belt position.

Cartridge Tracking Force Adjustment
There is no need to make any adjustments to the tonearm when using the supplied Ortofon OM5e cartridge. The counterweight is pre-set perfectly from the factory.
If you switch to another make or model cartridge, or if your counterweight is moved, you will have to reset the tonearm. The counterweight (Product Diagram, #8) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 3 - 7g.
If you change your cartridge, please read Installing a New Cartridge.

Maintenance and Cleaning
Your record player requires little or no regular maintenance. Remove dust with a slightly moistened antistatic cloth. Never use a dry cloth because this will create static electricity which will attract more dust! Antistatic cleaning fluids are available at specialist stores but must be applied sparingly to avoid damage to rubber parts. To avoid damage it is recommended to fit the stylus cover before cleaning or maintenance is carried out. If the player is not used over a long period of time, the drive belt should be removed to prevent unequal stretching.

Useful Tips

Spindeck should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood or multiple layer ply board to avoid structural vibrations disturbing replay. The Andover Spinbase has been specially designed designed to provide a stable, solid support that perfectly compliments Spindeck.
Turntables and vinyl LP's require a gentle touch to maximize performance and longevity. Following these guidelines will result in years of noise-free, reliable performance.

• Do not handle records by the grooved areas. Grasp them by the edges, or by balancing the label on your thumb and steadying it with your forefinger at the edge of the record. Fingerprint oils attract dust which increases wear and adds noise.
• Invest in a good record cleaning brush and use it prior to each play.
• Invest in a quality residue-free record cleaning system. Use it after every few plays or as needed.
• Always place your records back in their protective sleeves immediately after each use. Never leave them laying around unprotected.
• Always store your records vertically, and away from heat and sunlight.
• Whenever possible, use the arm lift (a.k.a. cueing lever) to gently raise and lower the stylus to the record surface.
• Clean the stylus regularly using a soft brush, or by blowing on it. Always brush from back to front. NEVER brush from side to side or front to back or the stylus will be damaged.
• Never play a record with a bent, misaligned, or damaged stylus as this can permanently damage your record.
• Always use the tracking force recommended by the stylus manufacturer. Setting the force too light can be as harmful to your valuable vinyl LP's as setting it too heavy.

Technical Specifications

Spindeck

Ortofon OM5e phono cartridge

In Case of Difficulty

Your Spindeck is manufactured to the highest standards and underwent strict quality inspection before leaving the factory. Despite this, you may encounter difficulty due to improper installation, connection, or shipping damage. The following are a few examples, and their most likely causes.
The platter doesn't turn although the unit is powered on:

• The unit is not properly connected to the main power supply.
• There is no power at the wall outlet.
• Drive belt is not fitted or has slipped off the motor pulley or platter.

No signal through one or both channels

• No signal contact from the cartridge to the internal tonearm wiring. Check that the four small wires attached to the rear of the cartridge are attached and no wires are faulty.
• Faulty contact between the Tonearm and the Phono input on your Spinbase or amplifier. Make certain both plugs are firmly and fully inserted.
• The unit is not connected to a phono input designed for a magnetic cartridge. Line or Aux inputs are not suitable for Spindeck. If you do not have a magnetic phono input on your amplifier a separate phono preamp is required. Contact Andover Audio or your dealer for a suitable preamp.
• Amplifier is not switched on, or an incorrect input selected. If using a vintage amplifier, make sure the "Tape Monitor" switch is not engaged.

Stong hum on phono input

• No ground connection to amplifier.(Note that due to the high gain required of phono circuits, it is normal to have a slightly higher noise level than typical auxiliary line-level sources such as CD players, DACs, or radio tuners.)

Distorted or inconsistent sound from one or both channels

• The tracking force may be insufficient.
• The stylus or cantilever may be damaged.
• There may be too much dust on the stylus.
• The stylus may not be fully seated in the cartridge body.

Customize your Vinyl Experience

Vinyl playback technology offers the ability to customize your experience. Various accessories are available to allow you to tune the sound and operation to your taste. Here are a few examples that may be available on www.andoveraudio.com, or from your dealer:
End of record lift: For the best tracking performance, high quality turntables typically do not have automation. If you would like to add the convenience of automatic arm lift at the end of a side, the Q-Up accessory is available from Andover for use with your Spinbase. It is simple to use and has no negative effect on playback performance. The tonearm does not contact the Q-Up until the arm is in the lead-out groove area.
Platter Mats: Changing the platter mat to a different material or eliminating it altogether can alter the sound in ways you may like. The stock felt mat provides good balanced performance, but some users prefer a leather or cork mat, claiming that they alter the sound in positive ways and reduce static build-up.
Damping weight: The use of a record damping weight can help stabilize the disc and reduce undesired vibrations. The Andover Spinweight is designed to provide proper damping, without being too heavy, so it will not cause excessive bearing wear.
Stylus upgrades: The Ortofon cartridge that comes with your Spindeck may be upgraded by simply replacing the stylus. The Stylus 10, Stylus 20, and Stylus 30 replacement styli provide improved sound and tracking ability. You may want to consider upgrading when it becomes time to change your stylus. Always use a genuine Ortofon replacement stylus to guarantee optimum peformance.

Installing a New Cartridge

Please follow these instructions if you should ever need to change your cartridge.
Please note: adjusting a cartridge and tonearm calls for great care to avoid damaging the cartridge or tonearm bearings. Ask your local dealer for help if you are unsure of any of the necessary steps and precautions which must be taken.
All cartridges with half inch mounting hole spacing can be installed. Either remove the stylus or leave the stylus protection cover on. Fit the cartridge to the tonearm using the screws supplied with your new cartridge. Passing one screw through each slot in the headshell, and attach the nuts only enough to hold the cartridge in place, but loose enough to allow adjustment. Do not tighten the nuts yet. Connect the tonearm wires to the cartridge pins as follows:

The full performance of any turntable can only be achieved if the cartridge is adjusted correctly. Precision tools and patience are required to accomplish this job properly. If you are not comfortable performing this task, your Andover dealer or support@andoveraudio.com are available to help.

Place the hole in the Two Point Cartridge Alignment Protractor over the center spindle. Place the stylus on the + at the center of both marked points. Slide the cartridge fore and aft until the cartridge is parallel to the gridlines on both points. Tighten the cartridge nuts.
Place the stylus pressure gauge onto the platter with the platter mat removed. Carefully loosen the setscrew that is securing the counterweight in position with the hex key provided. Move the counterweight along the support rod, until the stylus pressure is sufficient to raise the pressure gauge to the level position with the stylus sitting on the position marking the desired tracking force. Moving the counterweight away from the cartridge will reduce pressure and towards will increase pressure. Finally secure the counterweight by tightening the set screw.
Please refer to the documentation supplied with your new cartridge for the manufacturer's recommended stylus force.

Repacking diagram

Be sure to repack your Spindeck correctly if returning the unit for any reason. Shipping damage due to incorrect packing is not covered by the warranty.

Service
Should you encounter a problem that you are unable to solve, please contact customer service at support@andoveraudio.com, or the dealer that sold you your Spindeck. If you must return your Spindeck for any reason, it must be safely packed and shipped in its original carton and packing material according to the diagrams on the last page of this user guide. Damage that is the result of improper packaging is not covered by the warranty. Please contact Andover Audio if you need replacement packaging.

Fit the stylus protection cap and the transport lock-tie for the tonearm tube, prior to carefully packaging Spindeck.

Safety instructions

The power cord is used to connect and disconnect the unit from the power supply. Make sure that the plug is easily accessible at all times. Hold the plug when unplugging the power cord. Never handle the power cord while your hands are wet or damp.
Avoid letting liquids enter the device. Never place any item containing liquid, like a flower vase, on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device. Never place any nopen flame sources, like lighted candles, on or near the device. The product shall not be used in damp or wet locations, next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or any other similar conditions.
Keep plastic bags away from children to prevent any risk of suffocation.

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