Audio-Techica AT-LP140XP User manual

AT-LP140XP
AT-LP140XP
User Manual
Direct-Drive Professional Turntable

1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Audio-Technica product.
Before using the product, read through this user manual to ensure that you will use the product correctly. Please keep this manual for future
reference.
This product can be used only in the countries where the product is sold. Make sure that the operating voltage of the product is correct for the
country you live in.
Package contents
Make sure that you have all the included items listed below before using this product.
If some items are missing or damaged, contact your local Audio-Technica dealer.
• Turntable body • Dust cover • Felt mat
• Platter • Counterweight • Headshell (AT-HS6) with VM stereo
cartridge (AT-XP3)
• 45 RPM adapter • Dust cover hinges • RCA audio cable (approx. 1.4 m (4.6'))
• Power cable
• Quick start guide
• Caution guide
After purchase, we suggest that you save all packaging materials for possible future storage, moving, or shipping.

2
Safety precautions
Although this product was designed to be used safely, failing to use
it correctly may result in an accident. To ensure safety, observe all
warnings and cautions while using the product.
Important information
Warning:
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.
Caution:
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• To avoid electric shock, do not open the cabinet.
• Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
• Do not expose this apparatus to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire
or the like.
• Do not subject this apparatus to strong impact.
• This apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet so
that you can easily grasp the power cord plug at any time.
• In case of emergency, disconnect the power cord plug of this
apparatus quickly.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this
apparatus.
• To prevent fire, do not place any naked flame sources (such as
lighted candles) on this apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a bookcase
or similar unit.
• Install this apparatus only in the place where ventilation is good.
For customers in the USA/Canada
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Caution: To prevent electric shock, do not remove the cover. There are
no user-serviceable parts inside. Internal adjustments are for qualified
professionals only. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of shock to persons.
The exclamation point symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Safety precautions
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A
grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
FCC Notice
Warning:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Caution:
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
IC statement:
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

3
Notes on use
Turntable body
• Do not set and use the product in locations that are considerably hot
or humid, dirty, or subject to extreme vibrations.
• The product should be positioned on a flat, level surface.
Cartridge
• Attach the protector to protect the stylus when the product is not in
use.
• Do not touch the stylus of the cartridge with your finger.
• Do not allow the cartridge’s stylus to bump against the platter or the
edge of the record.

4
Part names and functions
Top view diagram
9Stylus target light
Provides illumination directed at the stylus position for easier
cueing in low light.
10 Quartz button
Turns the pitch function on and off. When the quartz is activated
the platter will hold the RPMs at 0% pitch, regardless of the pitch
slider position and tempo range control settings.
11 Tempo range button
Select +/-8 or 16% tempo range.
+/-24% is selected by pressing both the +/-8% and 16% buttons
simultaneously; both buttons should be illuminated.
12 Pitch selection indicator
Shows blue for standard or locked RPM setting.
13 Pitch adjust slide control
Use in conjunction with pitch button to vary the platter’s rotational
speed. In the center detent position quartz lock is active.
14 Reverse control button
Controls platter’s rotational direction.
15 Tonearm
For details, refer to “Tonearm” on p.6.
16 Headshell receptacle
Storage receptacle for extra headshell (not included).
17 Dust cover hinge holders
Attachment points for dust cover hinges.
145-RPM adapter (shown in receptacle)
Adapts 7" records with large center holes to fixed center spindle.
2Strobe dots (on platter edge)
Operate in conjunction with stroboscopic light located under the
power dial to provide visual indication of accurate platter speeds.
3Spindle
4Platter
Cast aluminum platter mounts directly to center spindle/motor
shaft.
5Felt mat
6Power dial
Controls power to the unit.
7START/STOP button
Engages and disengages the motor/platter.
8Platter speed buttons
Select 33 or 45 RPM platter speed. 78 RPM is selected by pressing
both the 33 and 45 buttons simultaneously; both buttons should
be illuminated.
AT-LP140XP
8
12
17
2
3
1
4
5
6
7
17
15
14
13
9 10 11
16

5
1Dust cover
2Feet
Adjust the level of the product.
3Stereo output terminals
Connect the RCA audio cable. Connect it to either the amplifier’s
PHONO input jack. The red terminal is the right channel and the
white terminal is the left channel.
4Ground (earth) terminal
Connect the amplifier’s ground (earth) terminal to this terminal
using the RCA audio cable’s ground line.
5AC inlet
Use to connect the included power cable.
Part names and functions
Front and rear view diagram
23 4 5 2
1

6
Part names and functions
Tonearm
1Counterweight
Balances the tonearm and adjusts to provide the proper tracking
force.
2Tracking force gauge ring
Use to adjust the tracking force.
3Tonearm lift
Moves the tonearm vertically to and from the face of the record.
4Tonearm rest with clamp
Use the clamp to secure the tonearm so that it does not move.
5Tonearm height adjustment dial
Raises and lowers the tonearm to allow it to remain parallel to the
record surface.
6Tonearm height lock
Locks the tonearm height setting.
Always fully unlock before attempting to make a height
adjustment.
7Anti-skate control dial
While the record is playing, a force acts on the stylus tip to pull it
inward. This force can be counteracted by setting the same values
for anti-skate and the tracking force.
8Tonearm lift control lever
Operates the tonearm lift.
9Locking ring
Rotate the ring to the left (counterclockwise) to secure the
headshell. To remove the headshell, rotate the ring to the right.
10 Headshell
The cartridge (AT-XP3) is attached to the headshell (AT-HS6).
4
7
6
5
9
10
8
1
3
2

7
Preparation for use
Placing the platter
This product requires some assembly before using it for the first time.
Do not connect the power cable until assembly is complete.
1. Set the platter on the spindle.
• To avoid damaging the spindle when seating the platter, align the positions
of the spindle and the platter’s hole, and then slowly seat the platter.
• Make certain that the platter is fully seated on the spindle.
2. Place the felt mat on top of the platter.
Setting up the turntable
• Position the product on a level surface.
• To avoid the effects of vibrations and acoustic pressure, do not
mount the product next to such items as speakers.
• The product may pick up radio static if placed next to a radio.
Therefore, try to keep the product away from radios.
• If the product is near equipment (cell phone, etc.) that emits strong
radio waves, noise may occur.
Leveling the turntable
1. After positioning the product where you want to use it, adjust the
feet so that the product is level.
• Use a level (sold separately) as needed to ensure that the product is level.
Assembling the tonearm
Refer to “Adjusting the tonearm’s height” on p.13 if you need to
check the tonearm level.
1. Remove the cable tie used to secure the tonearm at the time of
delivery.
• Use the clamp to temporarily secure the tonearm to the tonearm rest.
2. Insert the headshell into the tonearm.
• Hold the right and left edges of the headshell so that you do not damage
the stylus or cut the cartridge’s wires.
3. With the headshell inserted, turn the locking ring
counterclockwise (to the left).
4. With the tracking force gauge ring facing forward, attach the
counterweight to the back of the tonearm, and slowly turn it
counterclockwise (to the left).
Spindle
Platter
Locking ring
Felt mat

8
Preparation for use
Tonearm balance and tracking force
In order for the cartridge to pick up sound correctly from the record’s
grooves, the tonearm’s balance and tracking force must be adjusted
to fit the specifications of the cartridge. If the tonearm’s balance and
tracking force are not properly adjusted, the record or the cartridge’s
stylus may become damaged.
• Do not drag the cartridge’s stylus across the record or platter when
adjusting the tonearm’s balance or tracking force. Doing so may
damage the stylus.
Setting tonearm balance
1. Remove the cartridge’s protector.
2. While lightly holding the headshell to prevent the tonearm from
moving, unlatch the clamp.
• The tonearm is tilted because the balance has yet to be adjusted.
3. While still lightly holding the headshell, turn the counterweight to
adjust the tonearm’s balance.
• Adjust the balance so that the tonearm is level when you release the
headshell.
4. Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest and latch the clamp.
Setting tracking force
1. While supporting the counterweight so that it does not move,
turn the tracking force gauge ring so that its “0” position lines up
with the centerline on the back of the tonearm.
• The tracking force is not adjusted simply by turning the tracking force
gauge ring.
2. Turn the counterweight and the tracking force gauge ring
together counterclockwise (to the left) until the centerline value
matches the recommended tracking force value for the cartridge
you are using.
• Refer to the cartridge maker’s specifications for the recommended tracking
force value.
• The standard tracking force value for the cartridge provided with this
product is 3.0 g.
Setting the anti-skate adjustment
While the record is playing, a force acts on the stylus tip to pull it
inward. This force can be counteracted by setting the same values for
anti-skate and the tracking force.
1. Adjust the anti-skate control dial to have the same value as the
tracking force value.
• The standard tracking force value for the cartridge provided with this
product is 3.0 g.
0
3
Clamp
Tracking force
gauge ring
Protector

9
Preparation for use
Installing/removing the dust cover
• The dust cover is designed to protect the product’s sensitive
components when the product is not in use. It should remain off
while records are playing.
• Using the dust cover during play may result in record damage or
sound degradation.
• Always remove and replace the dust cover carefully.
Connecting to connectable equipment (active
speakers, amplifiers, etc.)
Connect the RCA audio cable to an input jack that is compatible with
the connectable equipment you are using (amplifier, receiver, active
speakers, sound card, etc.).
• The RCA audio cable’s red jack is for the right (R) channel, and the
white jack is for the left (L) channel.
* Depending on the equipment you are connecting, a ground (earth)
terminal may exist near the phono input jack. If this is the case,
connect to it using the ground line from the RCA audio cable. This
will help prevent a low humming noise that might otherwise be heard
during playback.
Connecting the power cable
Finally, after all audio connections are made, attach the included
power cable to the product. Then connect the power cable plug to a
convenient AC outlet.
PHONO
L R
With PHONO input*
To outlet
To outlet
Connectable
equipment
(amplifier, etc.)