© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject 1
X
pression III / Ortofon 2M Red · Revision 1.6.08/1.7.08
4
Set-up
Make sure the surface you wish to use the turntable on is level (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable on it.
Fit the drive belt (3) around the hub (4) and the smaller diameter part of the motor pulley (2). Avoid getting
sweat or grease on the belt as these will deteriorate the performance and reduce the belt's lifespan. Use
absorbent kitchen paper to remove any oil or grease from the outer edge of the hub and the belt.
Remove the two red transport screws (1) which secure the motor (22) during transportation. Fit the platter over
the spindle of the hub. Level the plinth using a spirit level and the adjustable feet (23).
Remove the transport lock (18) from the tonearm. Store it together with the two red motor transport screws
(1) in the original packaging so they are available for any future transportation.
Cartridge downforce adjustment
The counterweight (6) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 7 - 12g. An alternative counterweight
for cartridges weighing between 4 - 7g is available as an accessory part. Adjust the downforce prior to
installing the anti-skating weight.
Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (6) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (9), so that the downforce
scale (6a) shows towards the front of the player. Lower the armlift and position the cartridge in the space
between arm rest and platter. Carefully rotate the counterweight (6) until the armtube balances out. The arm
should return to the balanced position if it is moved up or down. This adjustment must be done carefully. Do
not forget to remove the cartridge protection cap if fitted.
Once the arm is correctly balanced return it to the rest. Hold the counterweight (6) without moving it, and gently
revolve the downforce scale ring (6a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating prong (15). Check whether the
arm still balances out.
Rotate the counterweight counter clockwise (seen from the front) to adjust the downforce according to the
cartridge manufacturer's recommendations. One mark on the scale represents 1 mN (= 0,1g / 0,1 Pond) of
downforce.
The recommended downforce for the factory fitted cartridge is
18mN
.
Adjusting the vertical tracking angle (vta)
** Put a record and the record weight on the platter. When the needle is lowered into the record groove and the
tonearm is not resting on the lift arm, the tube of the tonearm should be parallel to the surface of the record.
If it is not loosen both hexagon screws in the tonearm base just enough to allow vertical movement of the
arm pillar without force and slide the arm up or down until it is parallel.
Carefully retighten the hexagon screws without applying excessive force (which would deform the arm pillar) –
finger tight is quite sufficient.
Adjusting the azimuth
** The cartridge needle must be vertical in the record groove in order to trace
the groove wall modulations correctly.
A small screw at the bearing end of the arm allows incorrect azimuth to be
corrected if your needle is not mounted exactly perpendicular to the cartridge
body (which is often the case).
Slacken off the screw just enough to be able to revolve the arm tube without
applying force. Please note: do not remove the screw completely!
Screw
With the aid of a good magnifying glass adjust the needle until it is vertical in the groove (i.e. perpendicular
to the record's surface). Ideally this should correspond to the top surface of the cartridge body being parallel
to the record surface.
When you are satisfied that the needle is vertical retighten the screw carefully.
Under no circumstances should the arm tube be adjusted with the needle still in the record groove!
Irreparable damage may be caused to the cantilever suspension! The arm must be lifted to make
each adjustment and lowered afterwards to check it.