Are you ready to start spinning vinyl on your Audio Technica turntable but not sure where to begin?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up and starting your turntable. Whether you’re a new owner or a longtime user, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your turntable up and running smoothly.
So, grab your favorite record and let’s get started!
How To Start Audio Technica Turntable
Step 1: Unpack and Verify Parts
The first step is to carefully unpack your Audio Technica turntable and verify that all the parts and accessories are present. You should have the die-cast aluminum platter, drive belt, tonearm, headshell/cartridge assembly, dust cover, power adapter cable, and slip mat.
Step 2: Install the Platter and Drive Belt
Place the platter on the turntable’s center spindle, making sure it is fully seated. Rotate the platter by hand until the large rectangular opening is positioned in the upper left corner of the turntable. This will expose the motor pulley. Use the red ribbon to guide the drive belt over the motor pulley, making sure it is properly seated in the pulley’s groove.
Step 3: Install Headshell/Cartridge Assembly
Remove the twist tie and foam wrap used to protect the tonearm during shipment. Secure the arm to its rest with the locking clamp. Attach the headshell/cartridge assembly by inserting it into the socket at the end of the tonearm. While holding the headshell in position, rotate the headshell locking ring counterclockwise (to the left). As the ring rotates, it pulls the headshell into its seated position. Hand tighten the ring until it is snug.
Step 4: Set Record Size and Speed
Select the size with the size selector. Choose “12′′” for an LP record with a 12′′ diameter, and “7′′” for a 45 RPM record with a 7′′ diameter. Select the speed with the platter speed button. Choose “33” for 33-1⁄3 rpm records or “45” for 45 rpm records.
Step 5: Start Playing
With the tonearm lift control lever in the DOWN position, press the START button. The platter should start spinning, and you can gently place your record on it. Enjoy your music!
Connecting The Turntable To Your Sound System
After you have set up your Audio Technica turntable, the next step is to connect it to your sound system. There are several ways to do this, but the most common is to connect the turntable directly to powered speakers.
All Audio Technica turntables have an analog output (RCA connection) which may allow the user to connect directly to powered speakers. If your Audio Technica turntable has an internal RIAA preamp, you may connect the turntable directly to powered speakers. Powered speakers are equipped with an internal power amplifier, their own power connection and, often, a volume control.
To connect your turntable to powered speakers, you will need an analog audio cable with a 3.5 mm plug and RCA end (red and white plugs). Audio Technica turntables come with two adapter cables to make connection to different types of powered speakers easy.
There are three ways to connect your turntable to powered speakers:
Setup #1: RCA input on powered speakers
– Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable into the corresponding RCA inputs on the powered speaker.
Setup #2: 3.5 mm (female) input on powered speakers
– Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to the RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8′′) mini-plug (male) adapter cable, making sure to match red plug to red plug and white to white.
– Then connect the adapter cable’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ Line Level* input.
Setup #3: 3.5 mm (male) input on powered speakers
– Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to an RCA to 3.5 mm (1/8′′) mini-plug (female) adapter cable.*
– Then connect the adapter’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ 3.5 mm input cable.
Once your connections are made from the turntable to the powered speakers, you may connect the AC power cable that came with your powered speakers and follow the manufacturer’s directions for powering on the speakers. You will need to make certain that the preamp selector switch on the rear of your turntable is set to LINE.
With these simple steps, you can now enjoy listening to your vinyl records on your Audio Technica turntable through your sound system!
Troubleshooting Tips For Common Issues.
While using your Audio Technica turntable, you may encounter some common issues that can affect its performance. Here are some troubleshooting tips for the most frequently encountered issues:
1. Tonearm won’t lower properly: This could be due to a mechanical issue with the tonearm lift control lever. Check to see if it is functioning properly and not obstructed. If it is obstructed, try cleaning it with a soft cloth. If it is still not functioning properly, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for further assistance.
2. Skipping record: This could be due to a misaligned or damaged stylus. Check to see if the stylus is properly aligned and not damaged. If it is damaged, replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, make sure that the turntable is on a stable surface and not vibrating excessively.
3. No sound at all: This could be due to a number of factors, including the stylus guard still being in place, the tonearm lift button being pressed in, or amplifier controls being set incorrectly. Check these factors and adjust accordingly.
4. Sound not loud enough: This could be due to the Pre-amp Selector Switch being set to the “PHONO” position (phono-input level) if the turntable is connected to an AUX (high-level) input. Adjust the switch accordingly. Also, check the input gain of the amplified speaker or similar device.
5. Very distorted sound: If the turntable is connected to an amplifier’s PHONO input, check if the pre-amp switch is set to the “LINE” position (AUX high-level output). If it is set to “PHONO,” this can overload the phono input and cause distortion.
6. Irregular rotation: This could be due to an issue with the drive belt or motor pulley. Check to make sure that the drive belt is properly seated in the motor pulley’s groove and that it is smooth and flat all the way around.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can quickly identify and resolve common issues with your Audio Technica turntable and enjoy your music without any interruptions.
