Pro-Ject The Beatles Singles Turntable
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Dear music lover,
Thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems record player.
In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability with this record player you should study these instructions for use carefully.
Turntable Overview
The turntable features a design inspired by The Beatles, adorned with iconic album art. Key components are identified by numbers:
- 1-4: Components near the tonearm base.
- 5: Platter with felt mat.
- 6: Tonearm counterweight.
- 6a: Downforce scale.
- 7: Tonearm lift lever.
- 8: Tonearm rest.
- 9: Tonearm tube.
- 9a: Tonearm base.
- 10: Lid (dust cover).
- 11: Lid hinges.
- 12: Hinge fasteners.
- 13: Power supply socket.
- 14: Phono output socket with earth connection.
- 15: Anti-skating weight adjustment scale.
- 16: Anti-skating weight.
- 17: Anti-skating weight support hoop.
- 18: Removable transport lock.
- 19: On/Off switch, speed selector.
- 20: Detachable headshell with finger lift.
- 21: Single adapter.
Controls, Features, and Connections
- (1) MOTOR BRACKETS WITH TPE PADS
- (2) STEPPED DRIVE PULLEY
- (3) DRIVE BELT *
- (3a) HOOK *
- (4) SUB-PLATTER
- (5) PLATTER WITH FELT MAT *
- (6) TONEARM COUNTERWEIGHT *
- (6a) DOWNFORCE SCALE
- (7) TONEARM LIFT LEVER
- (8) TONEARM REST
- (9) TONEARM TUBE
- (9a) TONEARM BASE
- (10) LID *
- (11) LID HINGES
- (12) HINGE FASTENERS
- (13) POWER SUPPLY SOCKET
- (14) PHONO OUTPUT SOCKET WITH EARTH CONNECTION
- (15) ANTI-SKATING WEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SCALE
- (16) ANTI-SKATING WEIGHT WITH *
- (17) ANTI-SKATING WEIGHT SUPPORT HOOP
- (18) REMOVABLE TRANSPORT LOCK
- (19) ON/OFF SWITCH, SPEED SELECTOR
- (20) DETACHABLE HEADSHELL WITH FINGER LIFT
- (21) SINGLE ADAPTER *
- CONNECTION CABLE (NOT SHOWN) *
- POWER SUPPLY (NOT SHOWN)*
Safety Instructions
⚠️ Warning of a hazard for the user, the unit, or possible misuse.
Important notice: The following instructions for adjusting the cartridge are provided in case the cartridge is replaced by a different model at a later date. During assembly and adjustment of the deck, small parts could be lost if not carefully placed in a suitable receptacle. Before starting to assemble, get familiar with the parts listed above and correspondingly numbered in the technical drawings. Separately packed items are marked with an asterisk *.
The power supply is used to connect and disconnect the unit from the mains. 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 naked 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.
Set-up
The deck is supplied partially disassembled and carefully packaged for safe transport. Carefully remove all parts from the transport packaging.
Make sure the surface you wish to use the turntable on is level (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable on it.
Remove the transport lock (18) ? from the tonearm. Store it in the original packaging so it is available for any future transportation.
Fit the drive belt (3) around the sub-platter (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. Fit the platter (5) and felt mat over the spindle of the sub-platter (4).
Cartridge Adjustment
Downforce Adjustment
The counterweight (6) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 5 - 11g (weight no. 85). 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 stub of the anti-skating adjustment scale (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.
Please note: Adjust the downforce prior to installing the anti-skating weight. The recommended downforce for the Ortofon 2M Red and 2M Mono cartridge is 18mN.
Azimuth Adjustment
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. 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!
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.
Please note: 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.
Anti-skating Force Adjustment
The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce as follows:
Downforce | Groove in the stub (15) |
---|---|
10 - 14mN | 1st from bearing rings |
15 - 19mN | 2nd " " " |
20mN and bigger | 3rd " " " |
Slip the loop of the anti-skating weight's thread over the second groove of the stub to set the correct anti-skating force for the factory-fitted cartridge. Feed the thread through the loop of the wire support (17).
Headshell Installation (Exchange)
Insert the headshell (20) into the front of the tonearm tube. The connector pin must be oriented into the groove in the tonearm tube. Secure the headshell by screwing the locking nut clockwise.
Connections
Connection to the Amplifier
The record player has gold-plated female RCA phono sockets (14) so you can substitute the supplied interconnect cable Pro-Ject Connect it E with higher quality cables such as the Pro-Ject Connect it C/CC/Si interconnect cables for connection to the amplifier if you wish.
Use the Phono input (sometimes labelled gram, disc, or RIAA) on your amplifier. Make sure that the phono input offers correct matching and amplification for the type of cartridge used. Line inputs (such as CD, Tuner, Tape, or Video) are not suitable.
Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left channel black or white. Check the manual supplied with your amplifier for relevant information. The earthing wire of the tonearm lead should be connected to the earth terminal on your amplifier (if provided).
If your amplifier does not have an input suitable for phono cartridges, you will require a separate phono amplifier stage for MM or MC cartridges, which is then connected between the record player and a free line-level input of the amplifier.
For detailed product information regarding Pro-Ject Audio interconnect cables and phono amplifiers, please refer to the Pro-Ject web site www.project-audio.com.
The recommended load impedance for the factory-fitted cartridges is: 47kohms/MM-input.
Mains Power Connection
The turntable is supplied with a universal power supply with 3 exchangeable socket adapters suitable for all countries. Select the correct adapter for your country and insert the adapter to the exchangeable part of the power supply.
Connect the low-voltage plug from the power supply to the socket (13) on the rear of the record player before connecting the power supply to the mains ?.
Operation
Fitting the Lid
Fit the lid (dust cover - 10) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the screws (12) until the lid stays open where you want it to without being too stiff to open or close.
Switching On and Off
Pressing the power switch (19) alternately starts or stops the motor.
Changing Replay Speed
The turntable is equipped with a three-position switch for ON/OFF and electronic speed change. To play records at 33 r.p.m., press this switch (19) to the left. To play records at 45 r.p.m., press this switch (19) to the right side. To be able to play 78 r.p.m., the flat drive belt has to be removed and the round drive belt has to be fitted around the hub (4) and the larger diameter part of the motor pulley (2). To do so, the platter (5) has to be removed. After the round drive belt has been fitted, pressing the ON/OFF switch to the right selects 78 r.p.m.
Useful Tips, Maintenance, and Cleaning
Useful Tips
The record player should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood or multiple-layer ply board to avoid structural vibrations disturbing replay.
Stylus Exchange
A damaged or worn stylus may harm your record collection and should be replaced. Please remove stylus protection before pulling the stylus from the cartridge and replace for a new one.
Stylus type: Ortofon Stylus 2M Red or Blue. If in doubt, consult your local dealer or distributor!
Fitting and Connecting the Cartridge
** All cartridges with half-inch mounting holes can be fitted. Leaving the needle's protection cover on, fit the cartridge to the headshell using the screws supplied with the cartridge by passing one screw through each slot in the headshell (20). Do not tighten the nuts yet.
Connect the tonearm wires to the cartridge pins as follows:
- white: left channel positive (L+)
- red: right channel pos. (R+)
- green: right channel return (R -)
- blue: left channel return (L -)
The full sound quality of the record player can only be achieved if the cartridge is correctly adjusted. Particular tools like the Pro-Ject alignment tool are required to accomplish this job properly.
If you are not well acquainted with the adjustment of cartridges, you are advised to call upon the willing help of your Pro-Ject dealer to accomplish this task for you.
Please note: Adjusting a cartridge and tonearm calls for the greatest care in order to avoid damaging the cartridge or tonearm bearings. Leave this work to your dealer if you are in any way unsure of the necessary steps and precautions to be taken.
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 attracts more dust! Antistatic cleaning fluids are available at specialist stores but must be applied sparingly to avoid damage to rubber parts. It is recommended to fit the needle cover before cleaning or maintenance is carried out to avoid damage.
If the player is not used over a long period of time, the drive belt can be removed to prevent unequal stretching.
⚠️ Always disconnect the record player from the mains power supply as a precaution before maintenance!
Technical Specifications
Pro-Ject The Beatles Singles Turntable
Nominal speeds | 33/45 r.p.m. *** 78 r.p.m. optional |
Speed variance | 33: ±0.60% 45: ±0.50% |
Wow and flutter | 33: ±0.19% 45: ±0.17% |
Signal to noise | -68dB |
Effective tonearm mass | 7.5g |
Effective tonearm length | 8.6" (218.5mm) |
Overhang | 18.5mm |
Power consumption | 4W/0W in Stand-By |
Outboard power supply | 15V / 0 – 0.8mA DC, universal power supply |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 415 x 118 x 320mm, dust cover open 415 x 365 x 405mm |
Weight | 5.6kg |
Dimensions packaging (W x H x D) | 488 x 235 x 393mm |
Weight incl. packaging | 8.0kg |
MM-Cartridge Ortofon 2M Red
Frequency range | 20-22.000Hz |
Channel separation | 22dB /1kHz |
Output voltage | 5.5mV |
Recommended load impedance | 47kohms/ amplifier connection – MM-input |
Compliance/stylus type | 20µm/mN – elliptical |
Recommended tracking force | 18mN |
Weight | 7.2g |
MM-Cartridge Ortofon 2M Mono
Frequency range | 20-22.000Hz |
Channel separation | 23dB /1kHz |
Output voltage | 4mV |
Recommended load impedance | 47kohms/ amplifier connection – MM-input |
Compliance/stylus type | 20µm/mN – nude spherical |
Recommended tracking force | 18mN |
Weight | 7.2g |
Potential Incorrect Use and Fault Conditions
Pro-Ject turntables are manufactured to the highest standards and undergo strict quality controls before leaving the factory. Faults that may possibly occur are not necessarily due to material or production faults but can sometimes be caused by incorrect use or unfortunate circumstances. Therefore, the following list of common fault symptoms is included.
The platter doesn't turn although the unit is switched on:
- The unit is not connected to the mains power supply.
- No mains at the socket.
- Drive belt is not fitted or has slipped off.
No signal through one or other channel or both channels:
- No signal contact from the cartridge to the internal tonearm wiring, or from that to the arm lead, or from that to the phono box, or between that and the amplifier. This could be due to a faulty plug, broken wire or solder joint, or simply a loose plug/socket connection.
- Phono input not selected at amplifier.
- Amplifier not switched on.
- Amplifier or speakers defective or muted.
- No connection to the loudspeakers.
Strong hum on phono input:
- No earth connection from cartridge or arm or arm cable to amplifier, or earth loop.
Distorted or inconsistent sound from one or both channels:
- Record player is connected to the wrong input of amplifier, or MM/MC switch incorrectly set.
- Needle or cantilever damaged.
- Wrong r.p.m., drive belt overstretched or dirty, platter bearing without oil, dirty, or damaged.
Service and Warranty
Service
Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify despite the above information, please contact your dealer for further advice. Only when the problem cannot be resolved there should the unit be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.
Guarantee repairs will only be affected if the unit is returned correctly packaged. For this reason, we recommend keeping the original packaging.
Never return a record player without making sure that it is safely disassembled and correctly packaged in the original packaging according to the diagrams on the last page of this user guide. Please remove these parts and pack them separately: lid (10), counterweight (6), anti-skating weight (16), platter (5), and belt (3). Fit the cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport lock for the tonearm (18) prior to carefully packaging the record player.
Warranty
The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions for use and/or by transportation without the original packaging. Modification or change to any part of the product by unauthorized persons releases the manufacturer from any liability over and above the lawful rights of the customer.
Packaging and Component Overview
An exploded view illustrates the packaging and components of the Pro-Ject The Beatles Singles Turntable. It shows the main turntable unit, counterweight, platter, lid, tonearm transport lock, and power supply, all depicted as separate items within or alongside the shipping box, along with the instruction manual and other accessories.