andover SPINDECK User manual

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Product Manual
www.andoveraudio.com

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Table of Contents
Introduction / Safety notes...........................................................3
Operating Controls.......................................................... 4
To Set-up your Spindeck MAX........................................................5-6
Useful Tips...........................................................7
Specications / Cartridge Replacement ...........................................................8
In Case of Difculty..........................................................9
Customizing Your Experience.........................................................10
30-Day Guarantee / Warranty / Service.........................................................12

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Thanks for selecting Spindeck MAX!
Your Spindeck MAX has been painstakingly designed to treat your valuable records
with great care and provide exceptional sound quality with the ultimate convenience of
fully automatic operation.
Spindeck has been custom crafted for us in Germany by one of the most respected
manufacturers of high-delity turntables with over 60 years of experience. Unlike many
automatic turntables, the low-mass tonearm of Spindeck MAX provides the vanishingly
low friction provided by precision bearings necessary to allow the phono cartridge to
perform at its best.
We know you are anxious to get spinning, but please take a few moments to read
through this booklet to get the most enjoyment from your Spindeck MAX. If you have
any questions not covered here please contact Andover Audio support via email
([email protected]).
Getting Started
Spindeck comes with a cartridge pre-mounted and all critical adjustments factory set.
No user adjustment is necessary. To setup Spindeck, you only have to remove the
packing materials and install the platter and dust cover. Then plug it into your system
and you’re ready to play.
Check for Damage
Your turntable was shipped partially disassembled with transportation locks in place
to avoid damage to sensitive parts. Please check to make sure that neither the
packaging nor the device was damaged in transit. If you are missing parts, or if the
unit is damaged, please do not operate it and contact either your dealer or support@
andoveraudio.com.
Safety instructions
The power adapter is used to connect and disconnect the unit from the main
power. 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
ower vase, on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device. Never place any
open ame 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.

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Cueing lever
Armrest latch
Speed selector
Function selector
Operating controls
Cueing Lever - Use to gently raise and lower the tonearm manually.
Armrest Latch - Make certain this latch is released before using. Snap the latch closed
whenever the turntable must be moved for any reason. We also recommend keeping
the latch closed whenever the Spinbase MAX is not being used to prevent the arm from
accidentally being knocked off the armrest.
Speed Selector - Simultaneously selects speed and record size for the automatic
mechanism. 33RPM sets the automatic start for 12” LP’s. 45 RPM sets the auto-start for 7”
records. Other sizes may be played by moving the arm into position manually.
Function selector - Flip towards the front for automatic start, and ip to the rear to stop
playback.
Manual Play - Moving the tonearm from the rest position will start the motor. Returning the
arm to the rest will stop the motor.

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To Set-up your Spindeck MAX
1. Remove the two transportation locks
(Fig. 1) by applying lateral pressure.
The locks are located on the oating
subchassis at the front left and at the
rear right.
IMPORTANT: Please retain these
locks and reinstall them whenever
your Spindeck MAX requires
shipment.
2. Place the platter over the center
spindle and press down until the two
wire springs snap into the groove of
the spindle. Place the felt mat on the
platter.
IMPORTANT: If your Spindeck MAX
ever requires shipment, please
remove the platter and place it under
the turntable in the carton. If this is
not done the platter may become
dislodged in shipment and cause
damage to the tonearm, dustcover or
cartridge.
3. Insert the two cover hinges into the
slots at the rear edge of the plinth.
Slide the notches in the cover into the
slots at the top edge of the hinges.
Press the spring wires until they click into the spindle groove.

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Connect Spindeck MAX to your Audio System
Spindeck MAX requires a phono input suitable for use with a magnetic cartridge. Line-
level inputs (such as Aux, CD, Tuner, Tape or Video) are not suitable. If your amplier
does not have a suitable Phono input you will need a separate phono preamplier stage
for magnetic cartridges connected between the Spindeck MAX and a free line level input
of the amplier. Contact your dealer or [e-mail] if you need help
choosing an appropriate preamplier. Andover’s Spinbase products are all equipped with
an appropriate input.
Spindeck has a captive tonearm signal lead for connection to the amplier. The plug with
the red band or with an “R” marking should be attached to the RIGHT channel input jack,
and the plug with the white band or “L” marking is the LEFT channel.
The third individual wire is a GROUND wire. Connect this to the ground screw on
Spinbase or compatible amplier. If your amplier does not have a ground screw, slip
it under one of the screws which hold the amplier chassis together and tighten it
securely. Leaving this wire unattached will result in excessive hum.
Connect it to Power
The turntable is supplied with a power adapter. Plug the power adapter into the DC
power jack at the rear of Spindeck rst, then plug the adapter into your AC power.
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 will attract more dust! Antistatic cleaning uids are available at specialist stores
but must be applied sparingly to avoid damage to rubber parts. To avoid damage it is
recommended to t the stylus cover before cleaning or maintenance is carried out.
If the player is not used over an extended period of time, the drive belt should be
removed to prevent unequal stretching.

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Useful Tips
Spindeck MAX should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood, MDF,
or multiple layer plywood board to avoid structural vibrations disturbing replay. The
Andover Spinbase products have been specially designed to provide a stable, solid
support that perfectly compliments Spindeck MAX.
Turntables and vinyl LP’s require a gentle touch to maximize performance and
longevity. Following these guidelines will result in years of noise-free, reliable
performance.
• Do not handle records by the grooved areas. Grasp them by the edges, or by
balancing the label on your thumb and steadying it with your forenger at the
edge of the record. Fingerprint oils attract dust which increases wear and adds
noise.
• Invest in a good record cleaning brush and use it prior to each play.
• Invest in a quality residue-free record cleaning system. Use it after every few
plays or as needed.
• Always place your records back in their protective sleeves immediately after
each use. Never leave them laying around unprotected.
• Always store your records vertically, and away from heat and sunlight.
• Whenever possible, use the arm lift (a.k.a. cueing lever) to gently raise and
lower the stylus to the record surface.
• Clean the stylus regularly using a soft brush, or by blowing on it. Always brush
from back to front. NEVER brush from side to side or front to back or the stylus
will be damaged.
• Never play a record with a bent, misaligned, or damaged stylus as this can
permanently damage your record.

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Technical Specications
Spindeck MAX
Nominal speeds 33.33/45 r.p.m.
Wow and utter <0.04% RMS
Signal to noise -65dB Weighted
Effective tonearm length 211mm
Overhang 19.5 mm
Signal cable capacitance 160pF
Power consumption 12V DC / 1.5W
Power adapter Suitable for USA/Canada
Dimensions (W x H x D) 420 x 119 x 360 mm (WxHxD)
Ortofon OM10 phono cartridge
Frequency range 20-20,000Hz
Channel separation 22dB/1kHz
Output voltage 4.0mV
Recommended load impedance 47kohms/200-600pF – MM-input
Compliance/stylus type 20µm/mN – Elliptical
Recommended tracking force 1.25 - 1.75g
Weight 5g
Replacement Stylus Stylus 10
Cartridge replacement
Your Spindeck MAX is engineered to be simple, easy to use, and requires no adjustment.
In the unlikely event that phono cartridge replacement becomes necessary, we
recommend replacement with a similar Ortofon OM series cartridge, as tracking force
adjustment is not possible.
If a model from the recommended OM series is unavailable, we suggest a cartridge
with a weight of 5 grams, and a recommended tracking force of between 1.25g and 2g.
Any additional cartridge weight above 5 grams will be added to the tracking force. For
example, if the new cartridge weighs 5.5g, the effective tracking force will increase by
0.5g.
If any changes are made, a stylus force gauge, available from many sources, should be
used to conrm that the actual tracking force is within the range recommended by the
cartridge manufacturer.

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In Case of Difculty
Your Spindeck MAX is manufactured to the highest standards and underwent strict
quality inspection before leaving the factory. Despite this, you may encounter difculty
due to improper installation, connection, or shipping damage. The following are a few
examples, and their most likely causes.
The platter doesn’t turn although the unit is powered on:
• The unit is not properly connected to the main power supply.
• There is no power at the wall outlet.
• Drive belt is not tted or has slipped off the motor pulley or platter.
No signal through one or both channels:
• No signal contact from the cartridge to the internal tonearm wiring. Check
that the four small wires attached to the rear of the cartridge are attached
and no wires are faulty.
• Faulty contact between the Tonearm and the Phono input on your Spinbase
or amplier. Make certain both plugs are rmly and fully inserted.
• The unit is not connected to a phono input designed for a magnetic cartridge.
Line or Aux inputs are not suitable. If you do not have a magnetic phono input
on your amplier a separate phono preamp is required. Contact Andover
Audio, or your dealer, for a suitable preamp.
• Amplier is not switched on, or an incorrect input is selected. If using a
vintage amplier, make sure the “Tape Monitor” switch is not engaged.
Stong hum on phono input:
• No ground connection to amplier. (Note that due to the high gain required
of phono circuits, it is normal to have a higher background noise level than
typical auxiliary line-level sources such as CD players, DACs, or radio tuners.)
Distorted or inconsistent sound from one or both channels:
• The tracking force may be insufcient or excessive.
• The stylus or cantilever may be damaged.
• There may be too much dust on the stylus.
• The stylus may not be fully seated in the cartridge body.

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Customize your Vinyl Experience
Vinyl playback technology offers the ability to customize your experience. Various
accessories are available to allow you to tune the sound and operation to your taste.
Here are a few examples that may be available on www.andoveraudio.com, or from your
dealer:
Platter Mats: Changing the platter mat to a different material can alter the sound in
ways you may like. The stock felt mat provides good balanced performance, but some
users prefer a leather or cork mat, claiming that they alter the sound in positive ways
and reduce static build-up.
Damping weight: The use of a record damping weight can help stabilize the disc and
reduce undesired vibrations. The Andover Spinweight is designed to provide proper
damping, without being too heavy, so it will not cause excessive bearing wear on your
turntable.
Stylus upgrades: The Ortofon cartridge that comes with your Spindeck MAX may be
upgraded by simply replacing the stylus. Step-up stylus modelsi within the Ortofon OM
lineup may provide improved sound and tracking ability. You may want to consider
upgrading when it becomes time to change your stylus. Always use a genuine Ortofon
replacement stylus to guarantee optimum peformance.

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30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee for Orders placed on Andoveraudio.com
We are so convinced that you will love your new Andover product that if you are
dissatised in any way, you may return your unit (purchased through www.andoveraudio.
com) within 30-days from the time you receive your order for a full refund, minus the cost
of any damaged, missing or abused components.
Products purchased through an authorized reseller are governed by the policies of that
reseller.
To initiate a return for a unit purchased on our website, please email us at
[e-mail] with the following information:
1. Your order number and product serial number (if applicable).
2. Your reason for returning the item: For example, repair or refund.
3. You will be issued a Return Authorization and a pre-printed shipping label, which
must be used to ensure accurate transaction tracking.
4. You are responsible for any missing parts or accessories. Damage due to accident
or abuse, or products not returned in their complete original packaging will be
subject to restocking and/or replacement fees. Returned items are the customer’s
responsibility until they reach the return address. A refund will be issued once we
receive and have inspected the returned items (normally within 3 business days).
Refunds do not include any shipping costs.
Two-Year Warranty
Andover Audio warrants Spindeck products against manufacturing defects and
workmanship to the initial purchaser for a period of two (2) years from the date of delivery
to customer. Andover Audio will repair or replace the unit as necessary to restore proper
operation.
This warranty covers both parts and labor for the warranty period. The warranty excludes
physical damage caused by accident or abuse outside of our control. Or if the unit is
damaged due to incorrect return packing. The warranty also excludes normal wear items
such as the stylus and belt. If you think you need warranty service, please contact us to
obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) by e-mailing support@andoveraudio.
com. For more information on returns and exchanges, please visit www. andoveraudio.
com/pages/returns-and-exchanges.
Service
Should you encounter a problem that you are unable to solve, please contact customer
service at [e-mail], or the dealer that sold you your Spindeck.
If you must return your Spindeck for any reason, it must be safely packed and shipped in
its original carton and packing material. Damage that is the result of improper packaging
is not covered by the warranty. Please contact Andover Audio if you need replacement
packaging.
Important: Fit the stylus protection cap and the transport lock-tie for the tonearm tube,
prior to carefully packaging Spindeck.

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Andover is a registered trademark of Andover Audio L.L.C.
ORTOFON is a registered trademark of ORTOFON S/A.
P/N 1822RA
Andover Audio, L.L.C.
15 High Street North Andover, Massachusetts 01845
www.andoveraudio.com | [email protected] | 978.775.3670