J.Sikora Initial User manual

Uncompromising and Extreme Audio Solutions
Initial & Initial MAX Turntable
Manual

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
2 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
Dear Customer
Thank you very much for your trust and for your purchase of a J.Sikora turntable. Please read this manual
carefully before assembly and first use of your table. Please do not disassemble any of the electronic parts
of the product; this will invalidate the warranty. Only the manufacturer, their authorized service agents, or
distributors are authorized to open any electronic parts.
Precautions:
•Do not plug in or turn on the power supply before the entire turntable assembly is fully completed.
•To avoid the risk of electric shock never touch any power cables with wet hands.
•When unplugging the turntable’s power supply, never pull the power cable out by holding the cord.
Always hold the plug rather than the cord.
•When choosing a location for the turntable, choose a place out of direct sunlight. Avoid putting the
turntable next to devices emitting high levels of heat, such as Class A amplifiers, heaters, radiators,
or ovens. Excessive heat can damage or shorten the life of plastic elements, discolor materials, and
in extreme situations, can be a fire hazard.
•Avoid placing the turntable’s power supply next to your phono preamp. Some phono preamps can
generate hum when placed too close to a power supply.
•The shipping box and some elements of the turntable are extremely heavy. Please get assistance
when moving the shipping container(s) and when setting up or moving the turntable.
•We suggest keeping the shipping box and packaging.
About this Manual
This manual contains instructions for setting up and using the J.Sikora Initial and Initial MAX turntables.
Most of the instructions for setting up the two versions of the Initial tables, are the same. Steps that apply
to only one version of the turntable are clearly marked.
You can find additional information, including videos on how to set up the turntable, on the J.Sikora USA
Initial or Initial MAX pages: https://notableaudio.com/initial-turntables/.

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
3 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
I. General Information
1. Initial Turntable Weight and Dimensions ........................................................................6
2. Initial Turntable Box Contents:........................................................................................7
3. Initial MAX Weight and Dimensions................................................................................8
4. Initial MAX Box contents:................................................................................................9
5. Unpacking .......................................................................................................................9
II. Setting Up Your Table
1. Select Primary Arm Tower (Initial and Initial MAX) .......................................................10
1.1. Identify Parts.....................................................................................................................................10
1.2. Remove Tall Arm Tower ..................................................................................................................11
1.3. Install Short Arm Tower ...................................................................................................................11
2. Set the Isolation Base (Initial MAX and Add-On Option for Initial) ................................12
2.1. Place the Isolation Base.....................................................................................................................12
2.2. Add Isolation to the Feet...................................................................................................................13
2.3. Level the Isolation Base....................................................................................................................14
3. Add the Second Arm Tower (Initial MAX Only)..............................................................15
3.1. Attach Second Arm Tower................................................................................................................15
4. Set the Turntable Chassis (Initial MAX Only) .................................................................16
4.1. Place the Turntable Chassis ..............................................................................................................16
4.2. Add Isolation to the Feet...................................................................................................................17
4.3. Level the Turntable Chassis..............................................................................................................17
5. Set the Turntable Chassis (Initial Only)..........................................................................18
5.1. Place the Chassis...............................................................................................................................18
5.2. Add Isolation to the Feet...................................................................................................................19
5.3. Level the Chassis...............................................................................................................................20
6. Oil the Bearing and Spindle (Both Initial and Initial MAX) .............................................21
6.1. Prepare the Oil...................................................................................................................................21
6.2. Oil the Top of the Spindle.................................................................................................................21
6.3. Place the Ball Bearing.......................................................................................................................22
6.4. Oil the Ball Bearing...........................................................................................................................22
6.5. Oil the Spindle...................................................................................................................................22
6.6. Clean Off Excess Oil.........................................................................................................................23
7. Place the Platter (Both Initial and Initial MAX)..............................................................23
7.1. Align the Platter ................................................................................................................................23
7.2. Lower the Platter...............................................................................................................................24

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
4 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
8. Place the Glass Mat (Initial MAX and Add-On Option for Initial) ...................................24
8.1. Place the Aluminum Disc..................................................................................................................24
8.2. Place the Glass Mat...........................................................................................................................25
9. Place the Primary Motor (Initial and Initial MAX)..........................................................26
9.1. Place the Primary Motor ...................................................................................................................26
9.2. Space the Primary Motor...................................................................................................................27
10. Add Secondary Motor (Initial MAX and Initial with Optional Secondary Motor)...........27
10.1. Place the Secondary Motor onto Motor Stand...............................................................................27
10.2. Place the Secondary Motor and Stand...........................................................................................28
10.3. Space the Secondary Motor...........................................................................................................28
11. Mount the Drive Belts (Initial without optional Secondary Motor Only).......................29
11.1. Add First Belt for Motor................................................................................................................29
11.2. Locate Any Twists on Belt............................................................................................................29
11.3. Remove Any Twists on Belt..........................................................................................................30
11.4. Add Second Belt............................................................................................................................30
12. Mount the Drive Belts (Initial MAX and Initial with Optional Secondary Motor)...........31
12.1. Add First Belt for Secondary (Left Motor) ...................................................................................31
12.2. Locate Any Twists on Belt............................................................................................................31
12.3. Remove Any Twists on Belt..........................................................................................................32
12.4. Add Second Belt for Secondary Motor (Left)...............................................................................32
12.5. Add Belts for the Primary Motor (Right)......................................................................................33
13. Mount the Primary Armboard (Initial and Initial MAX) .................................................34
13.1. Familiarize Yourself with the Armboard.......................................................................................34
13.2. Position Primary Armboard...........................................................................................................35
13.3. Bolt Armboard to Riser .................................................................................................................35
14. Mount the Secondary Armboard (Initial MAX only) ......................................................36
14.1. Attach Armboard...........................................................................................................................36
15. Connect the Motors and Power Supply (Initial and Initial MAX) ...................................36
15.1. Connect Motor Cable(s) ................................................................................................................36
15.2. Connect Power Supply Cable........................................................................................................37
16. Mount Your Primary Tonearm (Initial and Initial MAX) .................................................38
16.1. Familiarize Yourself with Tonearm Insert Options.......................................................................38
16.2. Mount J.Sikora and Kuzma™Tonearms ......................................................................................39
16.2.1. Insert Tonearm Base...............................................................................................................39
16.2.2. Insert Tonearm .......................................................................................................................40
16.2.2.1. Using the Arm Pod Set Screw Method............................................................................................40
16.2.2.2. Using the Screw-Down Option Method..........................................................................................41

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
5 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
16.3. Mount a Jelco Tonearm via Large Insert.......................................................................................42
16.4. Mount a Rega and Origin Live Tonearm via Small Insert............................................................43
16.5. Mount other Tonearms ..................................................................................................................44
17. Mount Your Cartridge ...................................................................................................44
18. Set Geometry / Adjust the Arm Placement ...................................................................44
18.1. Set Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA)..............................................................................................44
18.2. Set Proper Geometry .....................................................................................................................45
18.2.1. Rotate Tonearm......................................................................................................................45
18.2.2. Rotate Armboard....................................................................................................................46
18.2.3. Slide Arm Pod........................................................................................................................47
18.2.4. Slide Arm Tower....................................................................................................................48
19. Install Second Tonearm (Initial MAX version Only)........................................................49
20. Tighten Bolts and Screws ..............................................................................................49
21. Mask the Armboard Bolts..............................................................................................49
22. Check Level ...................................................................................................................50
III. Using Your Turntable
1. Powering On / Off .........................................................................................................51
2. Using the Optional Clamp O-Ring..................................................................................51
3. Starting / Stopping the Turntable..................................................................................52
4. Adjusting the Speed ......................................................................................................52
5. Getting Your Turntable Settled......................................................................................52
IV. Maintaining Your Table
1. Cleaning Your Turntable................................................................................................53
2. Replacing the Belts........................................................................................................53
3. Oiling the Bearing..........................................................................................................53
V. Warranty

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
6 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
I. General Information
1. Initial Turntable Weight and Dimensions
Total weight: 28 kg (61.7 lbs.)
Dimensions [W x D x H]: 440 x 330 x 160 mm (17.4” x 13” x 6.3”)
Platter
Motor
Optional
Clamp
Armboard
Belts Turntable ChassisFoot and Disc
Speed
Controller
Optional
Glass Mat
Arm Tower
Tonearm
Not Included

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
7 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
2. Initial Turntable Box Contents:
- 3 x Aluminum Discs for Feet
- 3 x large Ceramic Ball Bearings for Feet
- 2 x small Ceramic Ball Bearings for Main Bearing (1 Ball is an extra)
- 1 x jar of J.Sikora Bearing Oil
- 2 x small Brushes for oil (North American models only)
- 2 x lint-free Rags for removing any excess oil (North American models only)
- 1 x microfiber Cloth for cleaning the table (North American models only)
- 3 Wrenches (North American models only)
- 1 x set of J.Sikora Monogramed Coasters (3) (North American models only)
- 1 x precision Bubble Level (North American models only)
- 1 x pair of white Gloves (North American models only)
- 1 x Motor Alignment Jig
- 1 x Turntable Chassis
- 1 x Motor
- 1 x Tall Arm Tower
- 1 x Short Arm Tower
- 1 x Armboard
- 2 x tonearm Mounting Inserts
- 1 x Bolt for mounting Armboard
- 1 x Masking Plug
- 1 x Platter
- 1 x Motor
- 2 x Belts
- 1 x Speed Controller
- 1 x High Quality (HQ) Power Supply (North American models only)
- 1 x Manual
- 1 x USB Drive with J.Sikora Manuals
- Optional: 1 x Glass Mat, 1 x Clamp, 1 Clamp O-Ring, 1 x Masking Plug

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
8 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
3. Initial MAX Weight and Dimensions
Total weight: 52 kg (114.6 lbs.)
Dimensions [W x D x H]: 620 x 350 x 280 mm (24.4” x 13.8” x 11”)
2nd
Motor
Isolation
Base
Platter
Motor
2nd
Armboard Clamp
Belts Turntable
Chassis
Foot and
Disc
Speed
Controller
Motor
Riser
Glass
Mat
Armboard
Arm Tower
2nd
Arm Tower
Tonearm
Not Included Tonearm
Not Included

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
9 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
4. Initial MAX Box contents:
- 6 x Aluminum Discs for Feet (2 bags of 3)
- 6 x large Ceramic Ball Bearings for Feet
- 2 x small Ceramic Ball Bearings for Main Bearing (1 Ball is an extra)
- 1 x jar of J.Sikora Bearing Oil
- 2 x small Brushes for oil (Norther American models only)
- 2 x lint-free Rags for removing any excess oil (Norther American models only)
- 1 x microfiber Cloth for cleaning the table
- 3 Wrenches (North American models only)
- 1 x set of 3 J.Sikora Monogramed Coasters (Norther American models only)
- 1 x precision Bubble Level (Norther American models only)
- 1 x Motor Alignment Jig
- 1 x pair of white Gloves
- 1 x Turntable Chassis
- 2 x Motors
- 1 x Motor Stand
- 1 x Isolation Plinth
- 1 x Tall Arm Tower
- 1 x Short Arm Tower
- 2 x Armboards
- 2 x Bolts for mounting Armboards
- 2 x Masking Plugs
- 1 x Platter
- 4 x Belts
- 1 x Speed Controller
- 1 x Glass Mat
- 1 x Clamp
- 1 x Clamp O-Ring
- 1 x High Quality (HQ) Power Supply (Norther American models only)
- 1 x Manual
- 1 x USB Drive with J.Sikora Manuals
5. Unpacking
Be careful, the shipping container box(es) are very heavy! We recommend that you have someone assist you
in setting up the turntable.
The main elements of the Initial turntable are supplied in a single box. The Initial MAX comes with a second
box that contains the Isolation Base. All elements of the turntable are packed safely to protect them against
damage in transport. The parts are located in fitted nests in separate layers of foam.
The protective Cloth can leave lint on some surfaces. Use the included lint-free cloth to remove any lint
before assembling your turntable.
Before unpacking be sure that you prepare a space on which to assembly your turntable. We advise that you
take pictures of each layer while you unpack the turntable in case you need to repack the turntable at any
time in the future. Print and store those images with this User Manual so you can safely re-pack the
turntable.

J.Sikora –Initial and Initial MAX Turntable Manual
10 © 2021 Notable Audio Products | www.notableaudio.com
II. Setting Up Your Table
Before assembly, be sure that the rack and shelf are level. Carefully check each direction with a spirit level.
The turntable does have leveling adjustments, but it is always better to make the major leveling adjustments
to the rack and then perform only the fine leveling with the turntable’s feet. It is far easier to adjust your
rack without a heavy turntable on it.
1. Select Primary Arm Tower (Initial and Initial MAX)
Your J.Sikora turntable will support a wide variety of tonearms. The height of available tonearms varies
significantly and J.Sikora allows you to use most arms via interchangable Arm Towers. In this step, you
will learn how and when to change Arm Towers.
1.1. Identify Parts
The turntable ships with both Tall and
a Short Arm Tower. The Tall Arm
Tower is pre-insalled, as that will work
for most tonearms.
However, some larger tonearms will
sit too high above the Platter and
require the substitution of the
included Short Tower.
If it is necessary to change Arm
Towers, it is easiest to do that now,
before assembling the rest of the
turntable.
Your dealer will know which Arm
Tower is correct to use with your
tonearm.
Chassis with Arm Tower
Tall and Short Arm Towers
Pre-Installed
Tall Arm Tower
Pre-Installed
Tall Tower
Short
Tower
Warning! We strongly suggest getting help from a second person to set up your J.Sikora turntable. The
turntable is extremely heavy.