AVID HIFI ACUTUS User manual

ACUTUS
CLASSIC TURNTABLE
USER MANUAL

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Table of Contents
Extended 5-Year Warranty
AVID is pleased to extend the normal warranty duration to 5-Years from the date of
original factory shipping. This warranty is transferable in the unlikely event that you
would sell this unit onto another party. Register your product at;
www.avidhifi.com/register
WARNING
YOU MUST ALWAYS REMOVE THE PLATTER AND BEARING
AND USE THE TRANSIT PACKAGING WHEN YOU TRANSPORT
YOUR TURNTABLE OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE BEARING
“DON’T PUT IT ON THE BACK SEAT OF YOUR CAR—YOU’LL BREAK IT“
Section Page
Preface 5
Introduction 5
Warning 5
Packaging 5
Parts Checklist 5
Set-up Instructions 6
Power Supply 11
Servicing 12
Cleaning 12
Warranty-Terms and Conditions 13
Specifications 14

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Preface
Please take time to read this Instruction Manual before unpacking your Acutus Classic Turntable.
This product is meticulously engineered and whilst damage is unlikely with careful handling, the sheer mass of some of
the parts could damage the less robust parts within its design. Please keep in mind that certain parts have been
deliberately excluded from the warranty, so it is essential to handle and operate the turntable with care and attention.
Introduction
The Acutus is an audio turntable manufactured to extreme limits of precision, design and detail. There are many unique
and novel features in this product and its design allows you to install the pick-up arm and cartridge of your choice.
With correct ancillary equipment it will take your listening pleasure to new levels of excellence.
The Acutus has two main components, that being the turntable itself, made up of 6 parts and the external power supply.
Whilst it shares some features found in other turntables, it has been designed without compromise not trying to emulate
or improve existing designs but redefine the whole thinking behind turntable design.
We hope that you enjoy this product for many years!
Warnings
1. To prevent fire or electric shocks do not expose either the power supply or motor to rain or moisture
2. The Main Bearing contains a Sapphire Cup Jewel and can be damaged if proper care is not taken, such as moving
the turntable or dropping the platter when fitting and this part is excluded from warranty
3. The threaded spindle is made from brass for sonic reasons and is a much softer than the stainless steel clamp. If
cross threaded whilst fitting, the thread will eventually wear out. Some owners have never had occasion to replace
this part after decades of use and others damage it quickly. For this reason it is excluded from warranty.
4. The platter surface (mat) is a specially designed resin optimised to reduce vibration within the record and is
bonded to the platter. You should not try to remove it, or fit another mat over the top as this will stop the clamp/
bearing for working effectively.
5. The Classic Power Supply contains voltages which can cause serious injury or death. There are no user serviceable
parts inside and absolutely no reason to open it. In situations of failure, either return to your dealer or contact
AVID directly. Altering the calibrated components inside will reduce performance and void the warranty.
6. The motor is an individually handcrafted component and must under no circumstances be opened or adjusted. If
you experience what you believe to be a problem, consult your dealer or AVID directly.
Packaging
The packaging is very expensive to replace, so save all the packing in a dry place away from fire hazard.
The Acutus Turntable is a precision instrument and the packaging has been especially designed so that all component
parts are safe during transportation. If you should need to return your unit for upgrade, service or repair, you will be
required to use its original packaging to keep it from damage. In the event of the packing being lost or damaged further
packing can be provided at cost.
Do not transport the turntable assembled. This will cause damage and void the warranty.
Parts Check List
The packing is designed to eliminate parts being missed, however if something is found amiss please contact your dealer.
Instruction Manual 1Drive Belt 2Motor Restraining Band 1
Platter 1Main Bearing 1Suspension Lateral O-Ring 3
Sub-Chassis 1Motor Assembly 1Wrench Key Size 3mm A/F 1
Clamp 1Belt Pin 14mm Tungsten Carbide Ball 1
Main Chassis 1Power Cord 1
1Classic Power Supply 1Tonearm (if supplied) 1Cartridge (if supplied)

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Set Up Instructions
The supplied packaging is vital for protection and shipping. It should be retained as replacement packaging is expensive.
The packaging is layered with each part having a suitable compartment. Make sure it is fitted correctly to avoid damage.
Unboxing and Set Up videos are available to view on our website or Scan the quick link on the front page.
LAYER 1:
Power Supply Case. (PSU)
Remove the PSU and lift out layer 1 using the hand holes at the side.
The packaging has a cut out to allow some tonearms to be pre-
mounted during transportation. If no tonearm if fitted, the suspension is
factory adjusted for a 800g tonearm. Further adjustment of the
suspension may be required on final installation.
(Arm shown for illustration purpose only)
LAYER 2:
Subchassis and optional arm/cartridge if fitted.
Lift out by using the hand holes at the side.
Power cord and accessory pack.
LAYER 3:
Main Chassis, Clamp, Bearing and Motor.
Remove Main Chassis including the white foam packaging.
Be careful when removing motor, clamp and bearing packaging not to
drop anything onto the platter below.
Remove foam and protective cover bags.
LAYER 4:
Metal Platter.
Remove from packaging.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS IS VERY HEAVY

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All our suspended turntables offer the opportunity to set up the arm/
cartridge off the suspension. This gives more stability and accuracy.
Place the subchassis on a suitable surface and install the pick up arm
and cartridge if not already fitted.
CLEAN THE TOP OF THE SPINDLE WITH CLEAN TISSUE PAPER
Place the clean bearing ball into the top of the spindle.
This part of the bearing must always be kept clean and free of oil.
DO NOT USE GLUE OR ANY LUBRICATION AS THIS WILL DAMAGE
THE BEARING AND THE PLATTER WILL NOT ROTATE CORRECTLY
CAREFULLY LOWER THE MAIN BEARING ONTO THE SPINDLE
Please be extremely cautious while installing the bearing onto the shaft
to avoid dropping or banging it, as this could result in damage to the
sapphire. Please note that any damage caused to the sapphire will not
be covered under the warranty.
NEVER ADD ADDITIONAL BEARING LUBRICATION
Gently and gradually place the platter onto the main bearing, ensuring
that the spindle does not come into contact with or leave any scratches
on the tapered bore in the platter.
USE EXTREME CARE
To detach the platter, grip the edges of the platter and carefully rock it
back and forth while lifting to release it from the main bearing.
It is crucial to avoid lifting the bearing itself while doing this to prevent
any damage.
If you have bought an AVID tonearm and cartridge, we provide an
alignment gauge specifically designed for setting up your equipment
accurately. You should refer to the instructions provided in the tonearm
manual or seek assistance from your dealer.
However, if you are using a different tonearm, you will need to install a
record and clamp and use the alignment gauge provided with the
chosen tonearm. Once done, you can remove the clamp and record and
proceed to cautiously disassemble the platter and bearing for
installation onto the main chassis and suspension.
For optimal performance, it is recommended to position the Main
Chassis on a sturdy and level surface, such as a standard audio
equipment rack or a wall-mounted shelf, especially if you have a
suspended floor that tends to bounce. This will aid in minimizing any
undesired suspension movement.
Although the feet can be adjusted to fine-tune the levelling, extreme
adjustments may result in the motor not being perpendicular to the
chassis, causing the drive belt to run inaccurately on the platter.
Therefore, having a level surface is advantageous.

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Insert the motor into the designated cut-out in the main chassis,
ensuring that the lower rubber O-ring on the motor aligns with the
groove on the side of the chassis.
You can adjust the motor foot to achieve the appropriate height.
After positioning the motor in place, secure it to the main chassis using
the rubber O-Ring provided. Stretch the O-Ring around the motor,
fastening each end to the bolt heads on the side of the main chassis.
Ensure that the motor is level with the supporting surface and that the
securing O-Ring is positioned close to the lower motor ring to avoid any
wobbling or movement.
It's essential that the motor is in direct contact with the same hard
surface as the turntable to ensure proper grounding, which eliminates
any vibration.
Gently install the subchassis onto the main chassis, ensuring that the
subchassis legs are placed into the suspension adjusters positioned in
the middle of each of the springs.
Be cautious to prevent the subchassis from tipping off due to the weight
of the tonearm installed on it. You can apply some downward pressure
to the subchassis while making sure that the legs are entirely inserted.
Take care the bearing ball does not fall out when fitting the subchassis.
Now, as previously directed, reinstall the main bearing, ensuring that
you are extra careful not to harm the sapphire bearing by dropping it
too hard onto the bearing ball.
To install the drive belts, you must first attach them to the platter using
the designated belt fitting pin.
Turn the platter over so that the top side is facing down. Locate a small
hole on the rim of the platter. Once you have identified the hole, insert
the belt fitting pin.

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It is essential to have clean hands when handling the drive belts, and
also recommended that you clean the platter drive hub and motor drive
pulley before installing the belts. Using isopropyl alcohol cleaner is
suitable for this purpose.
Carefully stretch each of the two belts over the hub and onto the fitting
pin one at a time, ensuring that they aren't twisted together.
Gently fit the platter onto the bearing, taking care not to scrape the
spindle onto the platter bore.
Ensure that the fitting pin is positioned over the motor drive pulley, as
this will simplify the process of installing the drive belts.
WATCH OUR BELT FITTING VIDEO:
With a gentle touch, lift the platter edge to expose the motor pulley.
Rotate the platter to engage the belts with the grooves of the drive
pulley. Using your finger, hold the drive belts against the underside rim
of the platter, and then remove the fitting pin. Finally, let go of the drive
belts, and they will be secured in place.
DO NOT SWITCH THE TURNTABLE ON
Now fit the clamp and manually rotate the platter SLOWLY by hand to
align the drive belt correctly, otherwise the lower belt will fall off.
WARNINGS AND USING THE CLAMP.
The female part of the clamp is made from stainless steel and the male
bearing spindle part is brass. You will need to take care not to strip or
cross thread the clamp onto the main bearing.
Before fitting the clamp ALWAYS WIND THE MIDDLE COG UP to the
top cog. If this is not done you will eventually strip the brass thread.
Holding the underside of the platter with your fingers, place the clamp
onto the spindle. This gives you control of the platter whilst not leaving
unsightly fingerprints on the platter wall.
Using the top cog, screw the record down tightly. Then using the middle
cog screw down until the record is flat and in full contact with the
platter. You can control the amount of screw down force used
depending upon the record thickness.
To release the clamp, hold the platter in the same way and UNWIND
THE MIDDLE COG UP, releasing the tension on the record. Then use the
top cog to unscrew the clamp off the spindle.

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Now fit the lateral suspension O-rings to each suspension tower.
Stretch the O-ring so it fits between the platter and the subchassis post,
making sure its correctly fitted into the location groove and not caught
between the post and platter wall.
Stretch over the two main chassis posts.
Take care when doing this near your cartridge.
SUSPENSION SET UP AND ADJUSTMENT.
With the Main Chassis ideally on a level surface, the turntable platter in
turn should be approximately parallel, however THIS IS NOT CRITICAL
and other factors are more important to obtaining best performance.
Once set up, the platter complete with record and clamp should bounce
with a smooth piston type movement, the drive belts running without
any flicking movement. You can easily see this by looking underneath
the platter whilst it’s running.
As a starting point, level all the suspension posts with the main chassis
posts. This is done by inserting the supplied Allen wrench into the hole
on the subchassis suspension post, pushing down to engage the wrench
and turn clockwise to lower or anticlockwise to raise the suspension
point. Some fine tuning is always advisable, but once correctly adjusted,
the springs self-lock in position and should not require readjustment.
DRESSING THE ARM LEAD
Proper cable management is crucial for the suspension to function correctly. If the tonearm lead is too stiff or improperly
dressed, it can hinder the suspension's movement. Therefore, it is crucial to dress the leads in a way that allows the
suspension to work unimpeded.
The main chassis features a cable clamp that should be used to secure the cable and prevent it from being pulled
inadvertently. However, be careful not to over-tighten or crush the cable while clamping it in place.
After ensuring that the suspension is working correctly, you can clamp the cable in place. If possible, it is recommended
to leave the lead unattached, as long as it does not affect the suspension. Avoid using thick, heavy, or stiff leads, as they
can negatively impact the suspension's performance.