Argon Audio TT-4 MK2 Turntable Manual

1. Included Items

Before setting up the TT-4 MK2 Turntable, please check thoroughly and make sure you find the following items that are included in the box:

• Turntable
• Turntable Lid
• 2x Lid Hinges
• Platter
• Drive Belt
• Counterweight
• Headshell with Ortofon 2M Blue Pickup pre-mounted
• Pair of Audio Cables (RCA)
• AC Adapter

2. Components, Features and Connections

Diagram showing the top and rear view of the turntable with numbered components.

1. Counterweight: Used to precisely adjust the stylus pressure on the vinyl record, ensuring the tonearm is properly balanced.

2. Anti-Skating Control: Used to set the anti-skating function of the tonearm.

3. Tonearm Lever: Used to lower or raise the tonearm.

4. Tonearm Lock (armrest): Used to lock the tonearm in place when not in use.

5. Headshell: Holds the stylus ("needle") in place.

6. Platter: Place the slip mat onto the platter before placing the record disc.

7. 33/45 RPM Switch (33/OFF/45): Select 33 or 45 rpm for playing a vinyl record, and switch to “OFF” to stop the platter from spinning.

Diagram showing the rear panel of the turntable with numbered connections.

8. Signal Connectors: Plug in the RCA cable and connect the cable to the audio amplifier/system.

9. Ground Terminal: Connect a ground wire (if used with an external RIAA/Phono Stage).

10. Phono ON/OFF: If used with an external Phono stage/RIAA, set this to off.

11. Power Supply Jack: Plug-in DV12/0.5A switching adapter for power supply.

12. Power Switch: Power switch for the turntable.

3. Turntable Platter and Belt Setup

Image of the turntable spindle area with the drive belt.

1. Install the drive belt over the inner ring under the platter and make sure it won't fall off during the setup.
2. Place the platter through the turntable spindle, then rotate the platter until you see the drive motor pulley through the window at the top left corner.
3. Carefully grab the drive belt and put it around the slot of the motor pulley.
4. Connect the power adapter to the turntable and power on the turntable. Set the speed to either 33 or 45. If the platter does not spin, try the steps listed above again.
5. Place the slip mat on the platter before playing any records.

4. Cartridge Downforce Adjustment

1. Gently push and turn the Counterweight onto the rear of the tonearm (with the scale facing toward the front of the turntable).
2. Remove the cartridge protection cap.
3. Lower the tonearm lift and position the cartridge in the space between the tonearm rest and the platter.
4. Carefully rotate the Counterweight until the tonearm balances out/floats freely. The tonearm should return to the balanced position if it is moved up or down. This adjustment must be done carefully.
5. Once the tonearm is correctly balanced, return it to its rest. Hold the Counterweight without moving it, and gently rotate the downforce Scale ring (the part with numbers on it) to 0. Check whether the arm still balances out.
6. Turn the counterweight counterclockwise (seen from the front) to adjust the tracking force. The Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge supports 1.6 - 2.0g.

NOTE: The recommended tracking force is at 1.8 g.

5. Anti-Skating Adjustment

Adjust the Anti-Skating Control to match the downforce value (1.8g). This initial setting serves as a good starting point for further adjustments.

Determining the appropriate level of anti-skating is relatively simple. As you lower the cartridge into the groove, carefully observe the cartridge and cantilever from the front. They should descend straight down into the groove without being pulled to either side. If you notice any deviation, the anti-skating is likely set incorrectly.

6. Mains Connection

An external power supply (DC12V 0.5A) is supplied with this turntable. Connect the turntable to a mains voltage of 110V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz.

7. Amplifier Connection

External Phono Stage/RIAA

Locate the RCA outputs on the rear panel of the turntable. Connect the RCA cable to this output and your (amplifier's) PHONO INPUT. Red plug into Right channel input, White plug into Left channel input. Remember to connect the ground cable between the turntable and the external phono stage, and make sure (Phono ON/OFF) is turned OFF on the back of the turntable.

Internal Phono Stage

If your amplifier doesn't have a Phono Input, you can turn ON the internal phono stage on the back of the TT-4 MK2. In this case, you will need to use an ANALOGUE INPUT on the amplifier.

NOTE: The TT-4 MK2 features a high-grade phono stage that pairs excellently with the pre-installed Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. In many setups, utilizing the internal phono stage provides optimal performance.

8. Playing a Record

1. Place the record on the turntable. If it is a 45 rpm record, you need to place the single adapter on the record spindle, since most 45 rpm records have a bigger center hole.
2. Switch on the power (on the back of the turntable).
3. Pull up the arm lifter, and then release the arm lock clip.
4. Place the cartridge vertically over the first track of the record.
5. Rotate the RPM knob to the speed you want to play, which will cause the platter to start spinning.
6. Lower the arm lifter. The stylus will touch the record and start playing music.
7. When the record is done, lift the tonearm by pulling up the arm lifter, lead the tonearm back to the armrest, and lock it.
8. To pause the record, lift the tonearm by pulling up the arm lifter, and then turn the speed knob to "OFF".

9. Replacing the Cartridge

NOTE: If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with completing this procedure, we recommend consulting with a professional/your point of purchase to perform the installation.

1. Unscrew the headshell from the tonearm.
2. Unscrew the cartridge from the headshell, and disconnect the 4 wires to take off the cartridge as below:
   • White Wire: Left Channel, Positive Pole
   • Blue Wire: Left Channel, Negative Pole
   • Red Wire: Right Channel, Positive Pole
   • Green Wire: Left Channel, Negative Pole
3. Tightly screw the new cartridge to the headshell, and connect the wires correctly using the information above.
4. Remember to adjust the counterweight stylus pressure and anti-skate value according to the new cartridge specifications.

10. Tips & Tricks

We aim to ensure you experience the full potential of your turntable. Therefore, we've put together an article containing valuable Tips & Tricks to help you achieve optimal performance with your turntable.

Article: Tips & Tricks: TURNTABLES

11. Specifications