Pro-Ject A1 Turntable: Instructions for Use

Welcome and Important Information

Dear Music Lover,

Congratulations on choosing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems record player. Your A1 turntable has been handcrafted and rigorously tested to provide years of enjoyable, trouble-free service. Please contact your dealer for any assistance.

Important: Your turntable was shipped partially disassembled to protect sensitive parts. Please check immediately for any transit damage to the packaging or the device. If parts are missing or the unit is damaged, do not operate it and contact your dealer.

Safety Instructions

The power supply connects and disconnects the unit from the mains. Ensure the plug is always easily accessible. Hold the plug when unplugging the power cord. Never handle the power cord with wet hands.

⚠️ Caution: Avoid letting liquids enter the device. Never place items containing liquid (e.g., flower vases) on or near the device. Never spill liquid on the device. Never place naked flame sources (e.g., lighted candles) on or near the device. The product is not intended for use in damp or wet locations, such as next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool, or similar conditions.

Keep plastic bags away from children to prevent any risk of suffocation.

General Information

Controls, Features, and Connections

The Pro-Ject A1 turntable features the following controls and connections:

1. PLATTER
2. CHASSIS
3. FIXED COUNTERWEIGHT
4. TONEARM TUBE
5. HEADSHELL WITH FINGER LIFT AND PRE-MOUNTED ORTOFON CARTRIDGE
6. TONEARM REST / REMOVABLE TRANSPORT TWIST TIE
7. REPLAY SPEED LEVER
8. TONEARM LIFT LEVER
9. START/STOP LEVER
10. PHONO PREAMP ON/OFF SWITCH
11. DUSTCOVER HINGE HOLDERS
12. FELTMAT
13. RCA CABLE WITH EARTHING WIRE
14. POWER SUPPLY SOCKET

In the Packaging

Your Pro-Ject A1 includes the following items:

• a. TURNTABLE
• a.1/a.2 FIXED RCA CABLE (a.1) WITH EARTHING WIRE (a.2)
• b. FELTMAT
• c. DUSTCOVER
• d. SINGLES ADAPTER
• e. POWER SUPPLY
• f. DUSTCOVER HINGES
• g. PLATTER PROTECTION CARDBOARD
• h. TONEARM TWIST TIE
• i. STYLUS PROTECTION COVER
• j. SETUP GUIDE AND TRANSLATION MATRIX

Diagram Description (Components): A top-down view of the Pro-Ject A1 turntable illustrates its parts. Numbered labels point to the Platter (1), Chassis (2), Fixed Counterweight (3), Tonearm Tube (4), Headshell with Finger Lift and Pre-mounted Ortofon Cartridge (5), Tonearm Rest/Removable Transport Twist Tie (6), Replay Speed Lever (7), Tonearm Lift Lever (8), Start/Stop Lever (9), Phono Preamp On/Off Switch (10), and Dustcover Hinge Holders (11). A side view shows the Feltmat (12), RCA Cable with Earthing Wire (13), and Power Supply Socket (14).

Diagram Description (Packaging): An illustration shows the components of the Pro-Ject A1 turntable laid out for packaging: Platter protection, Manual, Single-adapter, Dustcover, Hinges, Tonearm transport lock, and Power supply, all designed to fit within a cardboard box.

Setup

Refer to your Setup Guide (j) for detailed step-by-step instructions for unpacking, setting up, and playing your first record.

1. Unpacking and Setup of the Turntable

Unpack the turntable (a) and place it on a level surface. Remove the platter protection (g) and the tonearm twist tie (h). Install the dustcover hinges (f) into the dustcover (b) and slide it into the turntable hinge holders (11). Connect the power supply (e) first to the turntable's power socket (14) and then to your mains power outlet.

2. Connection to an Amplifier or Phono Preamplifier

The A1 turntable features a built-in phono pre-amplifier (10). Move the platter (1) manually to access the phono pre-amplifier ON/OFF switch (10).

• Phono Preamp ON: An external phono pre-amplifier is not required. Connect the turntable to a standard line-in input (e.g., AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape, Video) on your amplifier.
• Phono Preamp OFF: To use an external phono pre-amplifier or your amplifier's MM phono input (often labelled 'Gram', 'Disc', or 'RIAA'), switch the built-in pre-amplifier to OFF. Connect your turntable to a suitable MM phono pre-amplifier or MM phono input.

Cable Connections: Connect the RCA cable (a.1) correctly: red for the right channel and white for the left channel. Your amplifier typically marks the right channel in red and the left in black or white. Consult your amplifier's manual for specifics. Connect the earthing wire (a.2) from the tonearm lead to the earth terminal on your amplifier or phono pre-amplifier. The earthing wire does not need to be connected if you are using the turntable's built-in phono pre-amplifier.

3. Starting and Stopping Record Playback

Automatic Start:

Place a record on the platter and set the replay speed (7) to match the record's RPM (33 RPM for most LPs, 45 RPM for 7" singles). Use the singles adapter (d) on the platter spindle for 7" singles. Remove the stylus protection cover (i). Move the lift lever (8) to the [up] position. Push the START/STOP lever (9) to START. The platter will begin spinning, and the tonearm will automatically move to the correct start position and lower onto the record. When the record finishes, the tonearm will lift and return to its resting position automatically.

Manual Start:

The start position differs between 33 and 45 RPM records, especially for 7" singles. Double-check your replay speed setting.

⚠️ Note: 45 RPM records in 12" LP format or 10" single format require manual start, as the automatic system is preset for 7" singles. Set the playback speed to 45 RPM and follow the manual start instructions.

To start manually, ensure the lift lever (8) is in the [up] position. Manually place the tonearm over the desired starting point on the record. The platter will start spinning automatically as you move the tonearm. Move the lift lever (8) to the [down] position to lower the tonearm onto the record. When the record finishes, the tonearm will return to its resting position automatically.

Manual start is recommended for advanced users or when playing specific tracks or sections of a record. Exercise care to avoid damaging the stylus.

Stopping Playback:

Push the START/STOP lever (9) to STOP to halt playback at any time. The tonearm will automatically return to its resting position. Move the lift lever (8) back to the [up] position to ensure the tonearm is safely lifted. Playback can also be stopped manually: move the lift lever (8) to the [down] position at the desired point, then manually return the tonearm to its holder.

4. Cartridge Installation, Stylus Exchange

Your A1 turntable comes with a factory-aligned cartridge ready for immediate playback. For advanced users wishing to switch cartridges, install your new cartridge into the headshell using the provided hardware. All cartridges with half-inch mounting holes are compatible.

Cartridge Wiring:

• White: left channel L+
• Red: right channel R+
• Green: right channel R-
• Blue: left channel L-

For correct cartridge alignment, use a cartridge alignment protractor. Consult your dealer if you are unfamiliar with this process.

A damaged or worn stylus can harm your records and should be replaced. Remove the stylus protection before removing the old stylus and replace it with a new one. For the pre-mounted Ortofon OM10 cartridge, the replacement stylus is the Stylus OM10. Consult your local dealer if unsure.

5. Maintenance and Cleaning

Your record player requires minimal regular maintenance. Remove dust using a slightly moistened antistatic cloth. Avoid dry cloths, as they can generate static electricity that attracts more dust. Antistatic cleaning fluids are available from specialist stores but should be applied sparingly to protect rubber parts. It is recommended to fit the needle cover (i) before cleaning or maintenance to prevent damage.

⚠️ Important: Always disconnect the record player from the mains power supply before performing any maintenance.

Technical Specifications

Pro-Ject A1

MM-Cartridge Ortofon OM10

MM Phono Pre-amplifier

Troubleshooting, Warranty, and Service

Potential Incorrect Use and Fault Conditions

Pro-Ject turntables are built to high standards. Faults may arise from incorrect use or circumstances, not necessarily production faults. Common symptoms include:

• Platter does not turn: Unit not connected to mains power, no power at socket, drive belt not fitted or slipped off.
• No signal through one or both channels: Poor signal contact from cartridge to internal wiring, arm lead, phono box, or amplifier connection. Could be a faulty plug, broken wire, solder joint, or loose connection. Phono input not selected on amplifier, amplifier not switched on, defective amplifier/speakers, or no connection to loudspeakers.
• Strong hum on phono input: No earth connection from cartridge, arm, or arm cable to amplifier, or an earth loop.
• Distorted or inconsistent sound: Record player connected to the wrong amplifier input, incorrect MM/MC switch setting, damaged needle or cantilever, wrong RPM, stretched/dirty drive belt, or platter bearing issues (lack of oil, dirt, or damage).

Service

If you cannot resolve a problem, contact your dealer for advice. If the issue persists, send the unit to the responsible distributor in your country. Guarantee repairs require the unit to be returned correctly packaged. Keep the original packaging. Disassemble and package parts separately: lid, counterweight, anti-skating weight, and belt. Fit the cartridge protection cap and tonearm transport lock before packaging.

Warranty

The manufacturer is not responsible for damage caused by failure to adhere to instructions or by transportation without original packaging. Unauthorized modifications void the manufacturer's liability beyond the customer's lawful rights.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a registered trademark of H. Lichtenegger. This guide was produced by Pro-Ject Audio Systems. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.

Information was correct at the time of printing. The manufacturer reserves the right to make technical specification changes without prior notice for ongoing development.