Audio Technica AT-PL50 Operating instructions

Automatic Stereo
Turntable System
AT-PL50
Installation and Operation

2
Automatic Stereo Turntable System
Installation and Operation
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.
Pour prévenir un choc électrique, ne pas ouvrir
le couvercle. Il n’y aucune pièces de rechanges
à l’intérieur. Tout ajustement interne doit être
fait par une personne qualifié seulement.
Référez tout réparation au personnel qualifié.
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Warning: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Attention: Pour prévenir feu ou choc
électrique, ne pas exposé l’appareil à la pluie
ou à l’humidité.
Thank you for purchasing the AT-PL50. Audio-Technica has
been a leading manufacturer of innovative stereo phonograph
products for more than 40 years. We are pleased to provide this
turntable, with its excellent performance and many convenient
features, for your enjoyment.
The AT-PL50 stereo turntable system features:
• Fully automatic operation
• Two speeds: 331/3rpm and 45 rpm
• Professional aluminum turntable platter
• Integral Audio-Technica Dual Magnet™phono cartridge with
replaceable diamond stylus
• Integral, switchable stereo phono pre-amplifier. Permits use of
turntable with stereo amplifiers having either magnetic-phono
inputs or “AUX” (high-level) inputs; also allows convenient
use of turntable with most powered speakers
• Damped Lift/cueing mechanism with front-panel control
• Handsome removable dust cover
To assure maximum satisfaction from this product, please read
the information and follow the instructions presented in this
manual. Please keep the manual in an accessible location for
future reference.
We suggest that you save all the packaging materials for
possible future storage, moving or shipping.
CAUTION: To avoid stylus damage, make certain the
included stylus guard is in place whenever the turntable
is being installed, moved or cleaned.
Introduction
Stylus assembly
Stylus (“Needle”)
Stylus guard

3
Initial Setup
Setting the Pre-amp Switch
For increased flexibility of use, this turntable has an internal
stereo phono pre-amplifier. The Pre-amp Selector Switch
is located under the turntable platter, in the rear-center
(Fig. 1). If the system amplifier you are using has a PHONO
input, set the Pre-amp Selector Switch to the “OFF”
position. If your amplifier does not have a PHONO input,
set the Pre-amp Selector Switch to the “ON” position and
connect the turntable’s output cables to the AUX or other
high-level input on the amplifier (described later).
Assembling the Turntable
1. Carefully place the turntable platter on the center
spindle, making certain the platter is fully seated on
the spindle.
2. While holding both ends of the red tape ribbon on the
turntable belt, carefully pull the belt over the motor
pulley (Fig. 2a). (If the belt drops off, remove the
turntable platter and put the belt back on it, as
described on page 6.)
3. Once the belt is seated in the pulley’s groove, carefully
remove the ribbon. Make certain the belt is not
twisted.
4. Place the turntable mat on top of the turntable platter
(Fig. 2b).
5. If desired, the hinged dust cover may be removed.
Hold both sides of the dust cover and pull upward
gently and evenly to detach the cover from the
turntable (Fig. 2c). Keep the cover in a safe, clean
place.
“AUX” PHONO
Input
Jacks
Pre-amp
Selector
Switch
Amplifier
White
Red
AC
AC
Figure 1 Inputs and pre-amp selector switch
2b Record mat
2c Dust cover removal
Figure 2 Assembling the turntable
2a Drive belt
Red ribbon Motor spindle
Drive belt

4
Operation
Automatic Operation
1. Remove the stylus guard from the stylus assembly
(Fig. 3).
2. Put a record on the turntable. If needed, use the
45 rpm adapter (Fig. 4).
3. Select the size of record: 12" or 7" (Fig. 5).
4. Select the speed: 331/3rpm or 45 rpm (Fig. 6).
5. Start: Gently push the START button (Fig. 7a). The
turntable will start and the tone arm automatically will
move to the lead-in groove. When the record has fin-
ished playing, the tone arm automatically will return to
the tone arm rest and the turntable will shut off.
6. Stop: To stop playing the record before it reaches the
end, press the STOP button (Fig. 7b). The tone arm will
lift and return to the tone arm rest, and the turntable
will shut off.
7. Pause: To pause the record before it has completed
playing, press the tone arm Lift button (Fig. 7c). Press
the Lift button again to continue playing the record.
Connecting to Stereo System
1. Connect the red RCA-type pin-plug to the right channel
input and the white RCA-type pin-plug to the left
channel input of the amplifier. Fig. 1, page 3.)
2. With the tone arm still fastened to the tone arm rest,
slowly turn the turntable platter clockwise ten times,
to make certain the automatic mechanism is fully
cycled.
3. Remove the vinyl tie that holds the tone arm on its
rest.
4. Connect the power cord plug to an AC outlet.
Connecting to Computers or Audio Devices with 3.5 mm
Input
The AT-PL50 connects without adapters to devices equipped
with RCA connectors. For maximum flexibility, we have
included two adapter cables to fit other popular audio inputs.
The first of these adapter cables–dual RCA to stereo 3.5 mm
mini-plug (male)–is designed to fit most popular computer*
audio inputs. It may also be used to connect the turntable's
RCA output to other equipment, including:
• a stereo/boombox* equipped with a 3.5 mm mini input
• powered speakers* equipped with a 3.5 mm mini input
• a mixer* or PA system* equipped with a 3.5 mm mini jack
The second included adapter cable–dual RCA to stereo 3.5 mm
mini-plug (female)–permits connection of the turntable output to
amplified speakers* or similar devices. The 3.5 mm stereo mini-
jack on the cable adapter accepts stereo mini-plugs.
On both cables, the “tip” carries the signal for the left channel,
the “ring” carries the right signal, and the “sleeve” is
ground/common.
To use either adapter cable, connect the turntable's red and
white RCA-type plugs to the cable adapter's RCA-type jacks.
* When using either cable adapter, always set the AT-PL50
turntable’s Pre-amp Selector Switch to the “ON” position.
(Switch is located under the AT-PL50 turntable platter.)
NOTE: If connection is desired to a mono amplifier/speaker,
make certain to use a stereo-to-mono adapter, available from
your dealer or an electronic parts store. Inserting a mono plug in
the stereo jack will disable one of the stereo channels. Other
adapter cable configurations will be available from dealers and
parts stores for connecting to devices needing different
terminations.
Figure 3
Stylus assembly
Stylus (“Needle”)
Stylus guard
Figure 4 45 rpm adapter

5
Replacing the Stylus
While holding the head of the tone arm, rotate the front of the
stylus assembly in a forward and down motion to remove it
(Fig. 8). (As you remove the old assembly, note its position and
“feel,” to aid in properly installing the new one.)
Install the new stylus assembly as shown in Figures 9a/9b,
being careful not to touch the actual stylus. Make certain that
the projection at the back of the assembly is fully seated in the
cartridge body first (Fig. 9a), and that the assembly “clicks” up
into place, with no gap between its top edge and the front of
the black plastic tone arm head (Fig. 9b). Replace the stylus
after 400 hours of use.
To maintain original performance, insist upon a genuine
Audio-Technica brand replacement stylus. Look for the
Audio-Technica trademark ( ) on the front of the stylus
assembly and on the packaging.
(Out)
Figure 5
Figure 6
(In)
Figure 7
7a 7b 7c
Figure 9 Installing a new stylus
9a
9b
Caution: When the tone arm reaches the end of the
record, it will lift and return to the tone arm rest
automatically. When this happens, do not interfere with
the tone arm’s motion, or damage to the mechanism
may occur.
If the tone arm does not return automatically to the tone
arm rest after the record has finished playing, simply press
the STOP button to complete operation.
Manual Operation
1. Remove the stylus guard from the stylus assembly
(Fig. 3).
2. Put a record on the turntable. If needed, use the 45
rpm adapter (Fig. 4).
3. Select the size of record: 12" or 7" (Fig. 5).
4. Select the speed: 331/3rpm or 45 rpm (Fig. 6).
5. Press the Lift button IN to raise the tone arm (Fig. 7c).
3. Gently move the tone arm so the stylus is over the
point on the record where play is desired to begin.
4. Press the Lift button again to gently lower the tone
arm and play record.
(Out) (In)
Figure 8 Removing the stylus
Engage in
body first
No gap here

6
Troubleshooting
Turntable does not operate
1. Make certain the turntable’s AC cord is plugged into an
AC outlet, and that the AC outlet is “live.”
2. Check the drive belt to make certain it is on correctly.
(See Figure 10.)
A) Remove the record mat from the turntable platter
(Fig. 10a). Place the mat in the cardboard packaging
sleeve for safekeeping. Through an opening in the
turntable platter, visually inspect to see if the drive belt
is around the motor pulley (Fig. 10b).
B) If the drive belt is not around the motor pulley: Lift
and remove the turntable. Place a thumb into each of
the left and right openings on the turntable platter; and,
using the fingers to press down on the turntable hous-
ing’s surface, pull the platter straight up (Fig. 10c).
Avoid pressing on the tone arm.
C) With the turntable platter bottom side up, place the
belt along the outside wall of the turntable platter's
drive rim, making certain that the belt is smooth and
flat all the way around (Fig. 10d).
D) Put the turntable back on the center spindle, make
certain it is fully seated, and align one of its openings
over the motor pulley position.
E) Through the opening, carefully hook the turntable
belt with a finger or with the original red ribbon (never
use a sharp object) and pull the belt over the motor
pulley (Fig. 10e). Make certain the belt is not twisted
between the pulley and the platter’s drive rim.
F) Put the record mat back on the platter.
G) While holding the tone arm in its rest position,
slowly turn the platter by hand clockwise at least 10
rotations to clear the mechanism’s automatic cycle.
Figure 10 Checking the drive belt
10a
10b
10c
10d
Drive belt
10e
Motor pulley

7
Turntable operates, but no sound at all
1. The stylus guard is still in place.
2. The tone arm Lift button is pressed in.
3. Amplifier controls set incorrectly: wrong input select-
ed, tape monitor on, speakers switched off, etc.
4. Check the stylus on phono cartridge for correct place-
ment. Refer to the instructions for replacing the stylus
on page 5.
Turntable operates, but no sound, or sound not loud
enough
1. If the turntable is connected to an AUX (high-level)
input: The Pre-amp Selector Switch may be set to the
“OFF” position (phono-input level).
2. The input gain of the amplified speaker or similar
device may be too low.
3. The stylus assembly may not be fully seated in the
cartridge body. (See Fig. 9 on page 5.)
Sound is very distorted
1. Turntable connected to an amplifier’s PHONO input:
If the pre-amp switch is set to the “ON” position
(AUX high-level output), a phono input will be
overloaded.
Turntable moves slightly up and down
1. Usually this is a normal condition and not a problem.
If this causes the turntable to be unable to trace the
record, please contact your dealer or our service
department. Make very certain the surface upon
which the turntable is resting is not picking up
vibrations from the floor or walls, or from direct
speaker sound.
Specifications
Type Belt drive turntable, fully automatic
Platter Aluminum
Motor DC servo-controlled
Speeds 331/3/ 45 rpm
Wow and flutter 0.25% WRMS
Signal-to-noise ratio 45 dB
Cartridge Integral Dual Magnet™stereo cartridge
with diamond stylus
Output level
Preamp “Off” 2.5 mV nominal at 1 KHz, 5 cm/sec
Preamp “On” 200 mV nominal at 1 KHz, 5 cm/sec
Phono preamp gain 38 dB nominal, RIAA equalized
Power 120V AC, 60 Hz, 3W
Dimensions 14.17" W x 3.82" H x 14.06" D
360 mm W x 97 mm H x 357 mm D
Net weight 5.3 lbs. (2.4 kg)
Furnished accessories Dual RCA (female) to 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini-
plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual
RCA (female) to 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini-plug
(female) stereo adapter cable; 45 rpm
adapter
Replacement stylus ATN3600L
Tips For Better Performance
• When opening or closing the turntable cover, handle
it gently, moving it either at the center or equally
from both sides.
•Do not touch the stylus tip with your fingers; avoid
bumping the stylus on the turntable mat or a record’s
edge.
• Clean the stylus tip frequently, using a soft brush
with a back-to-front motion only.
• If you use a stylus cleaning fluid, use it very
sparingly.
• Wipe the dust cover and turntable housing gently
with a soft cloth. Use only a small amount of mild
detergent solution to clean the turntable and dust
cover.
• Never apply harsh chemicals or solvents to any part
of the turntable system.
• Prior to moving the turntable, always unplug it from
the AC outlet and fasten the tone arm on the tone
arm rest with the vinyl twist-tie.
Troubleshooting, continued

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224 330/686-2600 www.audio-technica.com
P51465-01 ©2006 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in China
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One-Year Limited Warranty
Audio-Technica brand products purchased in the U.S.A. are warranted for one year from date of purchase by Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. ( A.T.U.S.) to be
free of defects in materials and workmanship. In event of such defect, product will be repaired promptly without charge or, at our option, replaced
with a new product of equal or superior value if delivered to A.T.U.S. or an Authorized Service Center, prepaid, together with the sales slip or other
proof of purchase date. Prior approval from A.T.U.S. is required for return. This warranty excludes defects due to normal wear, abuse, shipping
damage, or failure to use product in accordance with instructions. This warranty is void in the event of unauthorized repair or modification, or removal
or defacing of the product labeling.
For return approval and shipping information, contact the Service Dept., Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224.
Except to the extent precluded by applicable state law, A.T.U.S. will have no liability for any consequential, incidental, or special damages; any
warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose expires when this warranty expires.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
Outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer for warranty details.