Audio Technica AT-LP3 Manual

Introduction

Read through this user manual before using the product to ensure its correct use. Also, keep this manual, along with the warranty, for future reference.
This product is only for use in the following countries. Make sure that the operating voltage of the product is correct for the country you live in. Country list: USA, Canada

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.

After purchase, we suggest that you save all packaging materials for possible future storage, moving, or shipping.

Notes on use

Turntable body

• Do not set 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 provided protector to the cartridge when the product is not in use.
• Do not touch the stylus of the cartridge with your finger.
• Do not allow the stylus to bump against the platter, rubber mat, or edge of the record.

Part names and functions

Overall diagram

11. Dust cover
12. Pre-amplifier selector switch If using an amplifier with a 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.
13. MM (VM)/MC cartridge selector switch If using an MM (VM) cartridge, set this switch to the MM position. If using an MC cartridge, set this switch to the MC position.
14. RCA audio cable (with grounding wire) Connect to PHONO input jack (grounding wire to ground terminal, if available) or AUX (LINE) input jack of a receiver, amplifier or other connectable equipment.
15. AC inlet Insert the power cable here.

Part names and functions

Tonearm

1. Counterweight
   Balances the tonearm and adjusts to provide the proper tracking force.
2. Tracking force gauge ring Use to adjust the tracking force.
3. Tonearm lift Moves the tonearm vertically to and from the face of the record.
4. Tonearm rest
5. Anti-skate control dial 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.
6. Tonearm lift control lever Operates the tonearm lift.
7. Tonearm
8. Locking ring Rotate the ring to the left (counterclockwise) to secure the headshell. To remove the headshell, rotate the ring to the right.
9. Headshell and cartridge The cartridge (AT91R) is mounted to the headshell (AT-HS3).

Installing the turntable

• Mount 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.

Placing the platter and the rubber mat

This product requires some assembly before using it for the first time. Do not connect the power cable until assembly is complete.

3. Remove the red ribbon from the belt.
   
4. Set the rubber mat on the platter.
   • After setting the rubber mat, put the 45 RPM adapter into the space made for it on the upper left.
     

Assembling the tonearm

1. Insert the headshell into the locking ring.
   • Hold the right and left edges of the headshell so that you do not damage the stylus or cut the cartridge's wires.
     
2. With the headshell inserted, turn the locking ring counterclockwise (to the left).
   
3. 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).
   

Tonearm balance and tracking force

In order for the cartridge to pick up sound 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 rubber 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. While holding headshell, remove the cable tie used to secure the tonearm at the time of delivery.
3. 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.
     
4. Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest.

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).
2. Turn the counterweight and the tracking force gauge ring together counterclockwise 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.
     

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.
     

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 MM (VM)/MC Cartridge Selector Switch

If using a moving magnet (MM or VM) cartridge, set this switch to the MM position. If using a moving coil (MC) cartridge, set this switch to the MC position.

• This switch is set to the MM position at the time of purchase. This is the correct setting for the AT91R VM stereo cartridge included with the product.

Setting pre-amplifier 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.
Use the pre-amplifier selector switch to set the output, as shown below.

^*1An audio adapter (sold separately) may be required to connect the RCA audio cable to the line input jack of the PC sound card.

Connecting the device

Align the settings for the pre-amplifier 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.).

• The RCA audio cable's red jack is for the right (R) channel, and the white jack is for the left (L) channel.
  

^*1 Depending on the connectable equipment you are using, a ground (earth) terminal may be present near the phono input jack. If this is the case, connect the grounding wire of the RCA audio cable to it. This will help prevent a low humming noise that might otherwise be heard during playback.

Rotating the platter

1. Using your hands, rotate the platter ten times.
   • Raise the tonearm lift control lever to lift the tonearm. Slowly rotate the turntable ten times by hand in the direction of the arrow.
   • You may want to hold the tonearm to prevent it from moving. This step is for Tonearm resetting the auto mechanism, getting rid of any twists in the belt and making sure the belt rides smoothly along the drive rim on the underside of the platter.
     

Connecting the power cable

This product does not have a power switch. A standby current is always running through the product, even when it is not being used; disconnect the power cable plug from the outlet when not using the product for a long period of time.

1. Connect the power cable plug to the outlet.
   • For safety, raise the tonearm by lifting the tonearm lift control lever to the UP position.
   • Connect the power cable plug to the outlet without removing the cartridge's protector. If the platter has rotated, press the STOP button without touching the tonearm, and then wait until the tonearm returns to its original position.
   • If you play a record immediately after inserting the power cable, the sound that is played may be garbled. Wait a short time (about 30 seconds) after plugging the power cable plug into the outlet before playing a record.
     

Playing a record

Before playing a record

1. Remove the cartridge's protector.
   • Pull the protector straight forward to remove it.
   • Applying a downward force may cause the stylus to come off the body. Only low volume is output if the stylus has come off, or is about to come off, so refer to "Replacing the stylus" to reattach the stylus correctly.
     

Automatic operation

Lower the volume of the amplifier, speakers, etc. sufficiently.

1. Select the size with the size selector.
   • Select "12"" for an LP record with a 12" diameter, and "7"" for a 45 RPM record with a 7" diameter.
     
2. Press the speed with the platter speed button.
   • Select "33" for a 33-1/3 RPM record, and "45" for a 45 RPM record.
     
3. Press the START button.
   • Do not bump the product while the record is playing.
   • Do not switch the record size selection while the record is playing. Doing either of these can cause the product to malfunction.
     

Manual operation

Lower the volume of the amplifier, speakers, etc. sufficiently.

1. Raise the tonearm by lifting the tonearm lift control lever to the UP position.
   
2. Position the tonearm over the desired location (groove) on the record.
   
3. 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 1 to 3, and use the finger-lift on the headshell to position the tonearm over the desired location on the record. Carefully lower the tonearm to the record surface.
   • 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.

Playing a record

Stopping the record

Once the record has been played until the end, the tonearm automatically returns to the tonearm rest.
To manually stop the record, do the following.

1. Lower the volume of the amplifier, speakers, etc. sufficiently.
2. Press the STOP button.
   • Once the record stops playing, the tonearm automatically returns to the tonearm rest.
     
3. Remove the record after the platter has come to a complete stop.

• When the tonearm reaches the end (center) of the record, it will automatically lift and return to the tonearm rest. Do not interfere with its motion. Doing so can cause the product to malfunction. If the tonearm does not lift and return to the tonearm rest, press the STOP button to complete this operation.
• If the rubber mat gets dirty, it can easily scratch the record, so remove the rubber mat periodically and wipe off any dust.
• To prevent the record from scratches and warping, remove it after use.
• Do not use a disk stabilizer.
• Do not use a platter other than the one provided.
• This product is not intended for DJs. Do not touch the record or the platter while the record is playing.

Care

Turntable body

• When the turntable body is dirty or dusty, first disconnect the power cable plug, 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 power cable plug from the outlet and 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.
  

Replacing the stylus

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 to 500 hours of use.
• Be sure to disconnect the product's power cable plug from the outlet.

1. Release the headshell from the tonearm.
   • Hold the tonearm tightly and then remove the headshell gently.
2. Remove the protector from the cartridge.
3. Remove the stylus by pulling in the direction of the arrow.
   

Installing a new replacement stylus

1. Mount the new replacement stylus to the cartridge.
   
2. Mount the protector onto the cartridge.
3. Mount the headshell onto the tonearm.

Replacing a cartridge

Replacing a new cartridge

Refer to the user manual for the cartridge that you will be using if you are replacing the cartridge (AT91R) included with this product with another, commercially sold 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.
   • Hold the tonearm tightly and then remove the headshell gently.
2. Remove the stylus from the cartridge.
   • Refer to "Removing the stylus".
3. Remove the lead wires.
   • Be careful not to damage the lead wires.
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.
   
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".
   • After the adjustments are complete, tighten the screws securely.
7. Attach the headshell to the tone arm.
8. Adjust the tonearm balance and tracking force.
   • Refer to "Tonearm balance and tracking force" to perform the readjustments.

Replacing the belt

• 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 rubber mat.
2. Remove the platter, turn the platter over, and then remove the old belt.
   • Place your thumbs in the openings and pull up strongly.
     
3. Place the new belt around the inner circle.
   • Be careful not to twist the belt while doing this.
     
4. Attach the platter.
   • Align one of the openings with the position of the motor pulley (brass-colored).
     
5. Place the belt on the motor pulley (brass-colored).
   • Grasp the belt that was attached in step 3 and, while pulling it, place it on the brass motor pulley.
     
6. Using your hands, rotate the platter ten times.
   • Raise the tonearm lift control lever to lift the tonearm. Slowly rotate the turntable ten times by hand in the direction of the arrow.
     

When the turntable is moved

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 rubber mat and platter, and then wrap them so that they do not get damaged.
• Use a string or something similar to tie the tonearm to the rest so that it does not move.
• 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.

Adjusting the overhang

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.
     
2. Mount the cartridge it is perpendicular to the top of the headshell.
   

Troubleshooting

Dimensions

Specifications

Turntable specifications

Tonearm specifications

Cartridge and headshell specifications

General specifications

Safety precautions

Important information

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

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 the power cord plug at any time. In case of emergency, disconnect the power cord plug of this apparatus quickly.
Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this apparatus.
To prevent fire, do not place any naked 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.
To install this apparatus only in the place where ventilation is good.

For customers in the USA/Canada

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

To prevent electric shock, do not remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Internal adjustments are for qualified professionals only. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
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 constitute a risk of shock to persons.
The exclamation point symbol 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 product.

Important safety instructions

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
    
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.