Technics SL-40CBTQ Series Direct Drive Turntable User Manual

Preface

Thank you for purchasing a Technics product. Please read this user manual carefully and keep it for future reference. Always refer to the "Safety Precautions" section (Page 4). Pages indicated with (⇨00) are for reference. Illustrations may differ slightly from the actual product.

Features

• Coreless Direct Drive Motor: Offers high precision, reliability, and stable rotation. It utilizes a coreless direct drive motor combined with high-precision motor control technology to effectively reduce rotational vibration.
• High-Precision Tonearm Bearing: Provides excellent initial sensitivity for accurate tracking of record grooves. The newly designed bearing system offers superior initial response.
• Complete Setup for Enjoyable Vinyl Playback: Features a built-in high-quality phono equalizer for connecting various audio devices. Includes a high-quality MM cartridge for easy setup and comfortable listening. Equipped with a built-in Bluetooth® transmission function to wirelessly connect to Bluetooth® speakers.

Safety Precautions

General Warnings: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or product damage, avoid exposing the unit to rain, moisture, or liquids. Do not place objects filled with liquids on the unit. Do not attempt to disassemble or self-repair. Use only recommended accessories. Keep metal objects away from the unit. Do not place heavy objects on the unit.

AC Power Cord: Ensure the power voltage matches the unit's specifications. Insert the plug fully into the outlet. Do not pull, bend, or place heavy objects on the cord. Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Grasp the plug body when unplugging. Do not use damaged cords or outlets. The power plug is the disconnect device; ensure it can be easily unplugged.

Placement: Install the unit on a stable, level surface, away from speakers. Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, high humidity, or locations prone to condensation. Do not place near radios, as it may cause interference. Do not place the unit in enclosed spaces like bookshelves. Ensure adequate clearance for ventilation. The installation location must be sturdy enough to support the unit's weight. Do not lift or move the unit by the knobs. Keep magnetic cards away from the platter.

Handling/Transfer: Before disposing of or transferring the unit, reset it to factory settings to clear all stored information.

Operation Environment: Designed for temperate and tropical climates. Parts may become hot during operation; unplug the AC power cord and wait before handling.

Included Accessories

To protect the unit during transport, some parts are detached. Please check and confirm all included accessories:

• Turntable Platter
• Turntable Mat
• EP Record Adapter
• Headshell with Cartridge (compatible with audio-technica AT-VM95C)
• Counterweight
• PHONO Cable
• PHONO Ground Cable
• AC Power Cable
• Dust Cover

Parts Identification

Front View: Identifies components such as the START/STOP button, OFF/ON (Power) button, Bluetooth® indicator, Speed Select buttons (33/45), Platter, Platter Mat, Spindle, Tonearm, Tonearm Clip, Anti-skate Control Dial, Headshell, Cartridge, Counterweight, Stylus Gauge, Tonearm Lift Lever, and Dust Cover Hinge.

Rear View: Shows connection terminals including PHONO Ground Terminal, PHONO Output Terminal, LINE Output Terminal, and AC Input Terminal. Also indicates the PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch. The unit's nameplate is located on the bottom.

Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble the turntable:

1. Install Platter: Remove the magnet cover from the platter. Place the platter onto the spindle.
2. Install Platter Mat: Place the platter mat on top of the platter.
3. Install Headshell: Insert the headshell with cartridge into the tonearm. Adjust the headshell to be level and secure it with the lock nut. Protect the stylus tip during this process.
4. Install Counterweight: Attach the counterweight to the rear of the tonearm.

Note: Handle the platter with care as it is heavy. Avoid pinching fingers. Clean with a soft cloth if fingerprints or dust are present.

Connections

Connecting to Integrated Amplifier/Audio System (LINE Output):

1. Turn off all connected equipment and unplug the AC power cord.
2. Connect the PHONO cable to the turntable's LINE output terminals and the amplifier's external input (AUX) terminals. Do not connect the PHONO ground cable when using LINE output.
3. Set the PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch to 'LINE'.
4. Connect the AC power cord.

Connecting to Integrated Amplifier/Audio System (PHONO Output):

1. Turn off all connected equipment and unplug the AC power cord.
2. Connect the PHONO cable to the turntable's PHONO output terminals and the amplifier's PHONO input terminals.
3. Connect the PHONO ground cable to the PHONO EARTH terminal using a Phillips screwdriver.
4. Set the PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch to 'PHONO'.
5. Connect the AC power cord.

Connecting Bluetooth® Devices:

1. Set the PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch to 'LINE /'.
2. Turn on the unit by pressing the [/I] button.
3. Put your Bluetooth® device into pairing mode (refer to its user manual).
4. Press the [●] button on the turntable to initiate pairing. The indicator light [●] will flash. If no devices are paired, it enters pairing mode. If devices are already paired, it attempts to connect to the last connected device. The indicator light turns solid when paired.

Notes: The turntable's Bluetooth® name is "SL-40CBT". Volume is adjusted on the Bluetooth® device. The unit supports up to 8 devices. It does not have a volume knob.

Operation: Playing Records

Preparation: Place a record on the platter (not included). Remove the stylus guard and unclip the tonearm.

Starting Playback:

1. Press the [/I] button to start the turntable. The speed indicator (33 or 45) will light up.
2. Press the [START STOP] button. The platter will rotate.

Playing a Record: Lift the control lever to move the tonearm over the record. Slowly lower the control lever to begin playback.

For EP Records: Press the [45] speed select button and use the EP adapter if needed.

Pausing Playback: Lift the control lever. The stylus will lift off the record.

Resuming Playback: Lower the control lever.

Ending Playback: Lift the control lever, return the tonearm to its rest, and clip it. Press [START STOP] to stop the platter. Press [/I] to turn off the unit. Reinstall the stylus guard.

Auto Power Off: The unit will automatically turn off after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity.

Maintenance

Stylus and Record Care: Regularly clean the stylus tip and record surface. Clean the headshell terminals. Use a record cleaning device for records.

Moving the Unit: For transport, repack the unit using its original packaging. If original packaging is unavailable, carefully pack the platter, mat, headshell, and counterweight separately. Secure the tonearm with the clip. Wrap the unit in protective material like blankets or paper.

Cleaning the Dust Cover and Cabinet: Use a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid touching the main board. Do not use solvents. Do not wipe the dust cover while it is closed to prevent static attraction to the tonearm. Always remove the dust cover during playback.

Replacing the Cartridge

Removing the Cartridge: Install the stylus guard. Loosen the lock nut on the headshell. Loosen the cartridge screws to detach the cartridge from the headshell. Disconnect the wires carefully.

Installing the Cartridge: Temporarily install a new cartridge. Follow the cartridge's instructions for mounting and tightening screws. Ensure the cartridge is level and parallel to the headshell. Adjust the overhang so the stylus tip is 52mm from the headshell mounting point.

Installing the Headshell: Insert the headshell with the new cartridge into the tonearm. Adjust for levelness and secure with the lock nut. Protect the stylus.

Note: Keep track of small parts like screws and nuts. This unit is designed for MM type cartridges.

Bluetooth® Settings

Operation Mode:

• Always: Bluetooth® function is automatically enabled when powered on. Recommended for frequent use.
• Manual: Bluetooth® function is disabled on power on. Recommended when using LINE output for higher audio quality. Can be enabled manually by pressing the [●] button.

Reconnection Setting:

• Automatic: Automatically tries to connect to the last connected Bluetooth® device when the function is active. Recommended for single-device use.
• Manual: Does not automatically connect. Requires manual selection. Recommended for multiple devices. You can connect to the last connected device by pressing the [●] button.

Factory Reset

Initialize Bluetooth® Settings: With the unit on and platter stationary, press and hold the [33] and [45] buttons, then press and hold the [/I] button for at least 10 seconds. The indicator lights [33] and [45] flashing five times indicates completion.

Initialize Bluetooth® Pairing Information: Turn off the unit and unplug the AC power cord. Set the PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch to 'LINE /'. Plug in the AC power cord. Turn on the unit and press the [●] button (indicator [●] flashes). Press and hold [●] for at least 10 seconds. The indicator light [●] flashing five times indicates completion.

Note: After initialization, previously paired devices will not connect automatically. Re-register them.

Troubleshooting

No Power: Check if the AC power cord is securely plugged in.

No Sound / Low Volume / Distorted Sound: Verify correct connections (PHONO to PHONO input, LINE to LINE input). Check the PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch setting. Ensure the PHONO ground cable is connected when using PHONO output.

Left/Right Channels Reversed: Check stereo connection cables. Ensure headshell wires are correctly connected to the cartridge terminals.

Noise / Hum / Clicks: Check for nearby electronic devices or AC power lines that might cause interference. Ensure proper grounding. Verify the PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch is set correctly for your connection type.

Indicator Lights Flashing: If indicator lights [33], [45], or [●] flash rapidly, consult specific troubleshooting steps. This may involve power cycling the unit or contacting service.

Bluetooth® Issues:

• Pairing Failure: Check Bluetooth® device status and compatibility (2.0 or higher). Move devices closer.
• Connection Failure: Re-pair devices. Disconnect from other devices. Try connecting via the [●] button. Power cycle both units.
• No Sound via Bluetooth®: Check device volume. Ensure the Bluetooth® device is not connected to other devices. Allow time for audio output.
• Intermittent Sound: Move Bluetooth® device closer. Remove obstructions. Minimize interference from other 2.4GHz devices.
• Bluetooth® Function Not Active: Check the PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch setting. Try pressing the [●] button.

Indicator Light Status

The indicator light [●] status indicates Bluetooth® connection status:

• Off: Bluetooth® function is off.
• Solid: Connection complete.
• Flashing every 4 seconds: Ready state.
• Flashing every 2 seconds: Pairing mode.
• Flashing every 1 second: Connecting.
• Flashing 3 times: Bluetooth® function invalid (check PHONO/LINE/⊙ switch setting).

Specifications

*1 Measurement environment for communication distance: 25°C / 1.0 m altitude.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

License and Trademark Information

Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Panasonic Holdings Corporation has been granted permission to use these marks. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.

Hazardous Substances Information

A table indicates the presence of hazardous substances (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBBs, PBDEs, DBP, DIBP, BBP, DEHP) in various components, noting compliance with national standards for restricted substances.

Manufacturer and Importer Information

Manufacturer: Panasonic Corporation, Japan.

Website: http://panasonic.cn

Importer: Panasonic Appliances (China) Co., Ltd.

Country of Origin: Malaysia. Some accessories may be manufactured outside of Malaysia.

© Panasonic Corporation 2025. Printed in Malaysia. Issued: July 2025.