Pro-Ject Audio Systems Essential II/Phono USB User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB / Pro 8.6 / Ortofon OM 5E · Revision 2013.6.15
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3
1
2
22
12
13
14 14
5
6
8
9
10
11
66
0
30 5
7
44
4a
12
14
Controls, features and connections
1 Power switch
2/22 Stepped drive pulley and drive belt *
3 Platter with felt mat *
4/44 Tonearm counterweight * and counterweight support rod
5 Tonearm lift lever
6/66 Tonearm rest and removable transport locks
7/77 Tonearm tube with tonearm bearing housing and red coloured transport lock
8 Anti-skating stub with anti-skating weight adjustment scale
9 Anti-skating weight support hoop
10 Anti-skating weight with wire *
11 Headshell with finger lift and fitted Ortofon OM 5E cartridge
12 Phono output sockets, earth connection and USB-out
13 Power supply socket
14 Hinge with hinge fasteners
Signal output and USB-cable
Power supply (not shown) *
Stylus pressure gauge - white plastic instrument with mN scale (not shown) *
Two hexagonal keys (not shown) *

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB / Pro 8.6 / Ortofon OM 5E · Revision 2013.6.15
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Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB
Dear music lover,
thank you for purchasing a PRO-JECT AUDIO record player.
In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability with this record player you should study these instructions
for use carefully.
!
Warning of a hazard for the user, the unit or possible misuse.
Important notice.
** Your turntable has been delivered with a factory fitted and adjusted cartridge, please ignore the
cartridge set up instructions unless changing the cartridge at a later date.
During assembly and adjustment of the deck small parts could be lost if not carefully placed in a suitable
receptacle. Before starting assembly make yourself acquainted with the parts listed above and correspondingly
numbered in the technical drawings above. Separately packed items are marked with an asterisk *.
Safety instructions
!
AC outlet voltages vary from country to country. Before connecting to the mains, make sure that the
voltage in your area meets the voltage requirements printed on the power supply.
The power supply is used to disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the power supply is easily
accessible at all times. Never handle the device, the power supply while your hands are wet or damp.
Avoid letting liquids enter the device or the power supply. Never place any item containing liquid,
such as a flower vase on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device or the power supply.
Never place any naked flame sources, such as 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.
Set-up
The deck is supplied partially disassembled and carefully packaged for safe transport. Carefully remove all
parts from the transport packaging.
Make sure the surface you wish to use the turntable on is level (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable on it.
Fit the drive belt (22) around the platter (3) and the smaller diameter part of the motor pulley (2). Avoid
getting sweat or grease on the belt as these will deteriorate the performance and reduce the belt's lifespan. Use
absorbent kitchen paper to remove any oil or grease from the outer edge of the platter and the belt.
Fit the felt mat over the spindle of the platter (3). Remove the transport lock (66) from the tonearm tube.
Store the transport lock in the original packaging so they are available for any future transportation.
Cartridge downforce adjustment
The counterweight (6) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 3,5 - 5,5g (weight no. 0
00
). An
alternative counterweight for cartridges weighing between 6 - 9g (weight no. 0
01
) is available as an accessory part.
Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (4) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (7), so that the downforce
scale (4a) shows towards the front of the player. Lower the armlift and position the cartridge in the space
between arm rest and platter. Carefully rotate the counterweight (4) until the armtube balances out. The arm
should return to the balanced position if it is moved up or down. This adjustment must be done carefully. Do
not forget to remove the cartridge protection cap if fitted.
Once the arm is correctly balanced return it to the rest (6). Hold the counterweight (4) without moving it, and
gently revolve the downforce scale ring (4a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating stub (8). Check whether
the arm still balances out.
Rotate the counterweight counter clockwise (seen from the front) to adjust the downforce according to the cartridge
manufacturer's recommendations. One mark on the scale represents 1 mN (= 0,1g / 0,1 Pond) of downforce.
Please note: Adjust the downforce prior to installing the anti-skating weight.
The recommended downforce for the factory fitted cartridge is 17,5mN.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB / Pro 8.6 / Ortofon OM 5E · Revision 2013.6.15
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Anti-skating force adjustment
Hang the loop of the thread of the anti-skating weight in the groove of the anti-skating stub (8) corresponding
to the downforce applied to your cartridge and feed the thread through the loop of the wire support (9).
The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce as follows:
Downforce Groove in the stub (8)
10 - 14mN 1st from bearing rings
15 - 19mN 2nd " " "
20mN and bigger 3rd " " "
8
Fitting the lid
Fit the lid (dust cover ) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the screws (14) until the lid stays open where you
want it to without being too stiff to open or close.
Connection to the amplifier
The record player has gold plated female RCA phono sockets (12) so you can substitute the interconnect cables
supplied with those of your choice for connection to the amplifier if you wish. Your dealer can advise you on
alternative cables.
Use a line input (such as AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape or Video) on your amplifier.
!
Due to the built in phono pre-amplifier, a phono input (sometimes labelled gram, disc or RIAA) is not
suitable.
Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left
channel black or white. Check the manual supplied with your amplifier for relevant information. The earthing
wire of the tonearm lead should be connected to the earth terminal on your amplifier (if provided).
The 3,5 mm connector (supplied) can be used to connect your Pro-Ject record player to any line level/auxiliary
input (Computer, Midi System, Mixer etc.).
Connect the socket end to the phono plugs at the end of the audio trailing lead from your turntable and
insert the 3,5 mm plug into the relevant socket on your audio component.
Connecting to a Computer
Connect the USB-output of the unit to a free USB-socket on your computer and turn it on/make sure it is
powered on.
The “new hardware found assistant“ will automatically detect the unit and announces it as a M
Microphone USB
audio codec
. There is no need to install a driver manually.
After installation, one setting has to be done. For example - Windows 7®operating system:
ÆControl Panel ÆSound ÆRecording ÆM
Microphone USB Audio CODEC
ÆProperties Æ
Advanced: set to 2
2channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)
Please note: Connection should be made to an USB-socket of your computer directly. Connecting to
USB-hubs or switches can cause problems.
Recording Programme
In case you do not have a recording programme installed on your computer, you may download one free from
the Internet. Recording programmes may be found by searching Google.
In the menu of the recording programme, source or input may have to be set to M
Microphone USB audio codec
.
Please be aware that downloads from the Internet are made entirely at your own risk. Under no
circumstances can we carry responsibility or provide support for third-party software products sourced
from the internet or for any damage or problems arising from the use thereof. All downloads should
be checked with an up-to-date anti-virus programme. License fees may be applicable.
Mains power connection
The turntable is supplied with a power supply suitable for your country's mains supply. Check the label before
connecting to ensure compliance with the mains rating in your house.
Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the socket (13) on the rear of the record player
before connecting the power supply to the mains.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB / Pro 8.6 / Ortofon OM 5E · Revision 2013.6.15
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Useful tips
The record player should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood or multiple layer ply board
to avoid structural vibrations disturbing replay.
Switching on and off
Pressing the power switch (1) alternately starts or stops the motor.
Changing replay speed
Put the belt (22) over the larger diameter part of the motor pulley (2). To revert to 33 r.p.m. repeat the
proceedings using the smaller step on the pulley.
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 attract more dust! Antistatic
cleaning fluids are available at specialist stores but must be applied sparingly to avoid damage to rubber
parts. It is recommended to fit the needle cover before cleaning or maintenance is carried out to avoid damage.
If the player is not used over a long period of time the drive belt can be removed to prevent unequal stretching.
!
Always disconnect the record player from the mains power supply as a precaution before maintenance!
Fitting and connecting the cartridge
** All cartridges with half inch mounting holes can be fitted. Leaving the needle's protection cover on, fit the
cartridge to the headshell (11) using the screws supplied with the cartridge by passing one screw through
each slot in the headshell (11). Do not tighten the nuts yet.
Connect the tonearm wires to the cartridge pins as follows:
white left channel positive (L+)
red right channel pos. (R+)
green right channel return (R -)
blue left channel return (L -)
The full sound quality of the record player can only be achieved if the cartridge is correctly adjusted. Particular
tools like the Pro-Ject alignment tool “Align it” are required to accomplish this job properly.
If you are not well acquainted with the adjustment of cartridges you are advised to call upon the willing help of
your Pro-Ject dealer to accomplish this task for you.
Please note: adjusting a cartridge and tonearm calls for the greatest care in order to avoid damaging
the cartridge or tonearm bearings. Leave this work to your dealer if you are in any way unsure of the
necessary steps and precautions to be taken.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB / Pro 8.6 / Ortofon OM 5E · Revision 2013.6.15
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Technical specifications Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB / Pro-Ject 8.6
Nominal speeds 33/45 r.p.m.
Speed variance ±1,5%
Wow and flutter ±0,25%
Signal to noise 65dB
Effective tonearm mass 9,5g
Effective tonearm length 8,6" (218,5mm)
Overhang 18,5mm
Power consumption 5W
Outboard power supply 15V/500mA DC, suitable for your country's mains supply
Dimensions (W x H x D) 415 x 112 x 335mm
Weight 3,9kg
Technical specifications MM-Cartridge Ortofon OM 5E
Frequency range 20-25.000Hz
Channel separation 22dB/1kHz
Output voltage 4mV
Recommended load impedance 47kohms/amplifier connection – MM-input
Compliance/stylus type 20m/mN – elliptical
Recommended tracking force 17,5mN
Weight 5g
Technical specifications moving magnet phono pre-amplifier
Gain 32dB
Output voltage typically 160mV/1kHz at 4mV/1kHz input
Input impedance 47kohms/100pF
Noise floor -88dB
RIAA-equalisation curve accuracy 20Hz-20kHz / max. 0,5dB
USB output: digital serial data protocol USB 1.1
Operating systems: Windows XP®, Windows VISTA®, Windows 7®, Windows 8®,Mac OS

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB / Pro 8.6 / Ortofon OM 5E · Revision 2013.6.15
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Potential incorrect use and fault conditions
Pro-Ject turntables are manufactured to the highest standards and undergo strict quality controls before
leaving the factory. Faults that may possibly occur are not necessarily due to material or production faults but
can sometimes be caused by incorrect use or unfortunate circumstances. Therefore the following list of common
fault symptoms is included.
The platter doesn't turn although the unit is switched on:
The unit is not connected to the mains power supply.
No mains at the socket.
Drive belt is not fitted or has slipped off.
No signal through one or other channel or both channels:
No signal contact from the cartridge to the internal tonearm wiring or from that to the arm lead or
from that to the phono box or between that and the amplifier. This could be due to a faulty plug,
broken wire or solder joint or simply loose plug/socket connection.
Phono input not selected at amplifier.
Amplifier not switched on.
Amplifier or speakers defective or muted.
No connection to the loudspeakers.
Strong hum on phono input:
No earth connection from cartridge or arm or arm cable to amplifier, or earth loop.
Distorted or inconsistent sound from one or both channels:
Record player is connected to wrong input of amplifier, or MM/MC switch incorrectly set.
Needle or cantilever damaged.
Wrong r.p.m., drive belt overstretched or dirty, platter bearing without oil, dirty or damaged.
Service
Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify despite the above information,
please contact your dealer for further advice. Only when the problem cannot be resolved there should the
unit be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.
Guarantee repairs will only be effected if the unit is returned correctly packaged. For this reason we recommend
keeping the original packaging.
Never return a record player without making sure that is it safely disassembled and correctly packaged in the
original packaging according to the diagrams on the last page of this user guide. Please remove these parts
and pack them separately: lid, counterweight (4), anti-skating weight (10) and belt (22).
Fit the cartridge protection cap and the transport lock for the tonearm tube (66), prior to carefully packaging
the record player.
Warranty
The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions
for use. Modification or change to any part of the product by unauthorized persons release the
manufacturer from any liability over and above the lawful rights of the customer.
Copyright, trademarks
PRO-JECT is a Registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Audio Trade GmbH
Copyright ©2013. All rights reserved.
The information was correct at the time of going to
press. The manufacturer reserves the right to make
changes to the technical specification without prior
notice as deemed necessary to uphold the ongoing
process of technical development.
Windows XP®, Windows Vista®and Windows 7®are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
Mac and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Essential II/Phono USB / Pro 8.6 / Ortofon OM 5E · Revision 2013.6.15
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Accessories
Lid
Tonearm
counterweight Power supply
Tomearm
transport look

Turntable innovation for vinyl starters with class-leading sound quality & vinyl recording capability!
A quiet-running synchronous motor with silicone belt is driving a low-resonance platter made from MDF. A new motor control with DC
power supply minimzes unwanted vibration effectively. The main platter bearing consists of stainless steelspindle and bronze bushing with
Teflon bottom to seccure low friction. The main chassis is made from lightweight, but very stiff particle board.
Essential II Phono USB utilises a straight 8,6“ aluminium tonearm design made from a single piece of aluminium with sapphire bearings,
which offers a far better „plug & play“ solution, than it‘s predecessor. Special feet effectively decouples the turntable from the surface.
Because Essential II Phono USB comes with pre-mounted cartridge and built-in phono preamplifier with USB output, connection to both
line-level input of your hifi system and PC/Mac easily can be used simultaneously! Open-Source recording software Audacity® is not
based on a specific platform, is available for free and the perfect solution for recording and processing of your audio data.
Product information
06. 2013
Update: DZ Datum 14.06.2013
Essential II Phono USB
„Best Buy“ turntable plus audio transfer to PC/Mac
x Belt drive with silicone belt
x Low vibration synchronous motor
x Integrated motor control with DC power supply
secures silent running
x Main platter bearing made from stainless steel runs in
bronze bushing with Teflon bottom
x 8,6” aluminium tonearm with sapphire bearings
x Ortofon OM5e cartridge, pre-mounted
x Pre-mounted gold-plated RCA interconnect cable
x Built-in MM phono stage
x Connections: line-level RCA to amp & USB to PC/
Mac (simultaneously)
x Special turntable feet for effective decoupling
x Colour options: Black, Red, White
speed 33, 45 (manual speed change)
principle belt drive
Speed variance 33: 0,14% 45: 0,25%
Wow & flutter 0,12%
platter 300mm MDF with felt mat (0,8kg)
main bearing stainless steel
tonearm 8,6” aluminium
effective arm length 218,5 mm
overhang 22,0mm
effective tonearmmass 8,0gr
counterweight for mass 3 - 5,5g (included)
tracking force range 0 - 25mn (OM5 18mn recommended)
included accessory power supply, dust cover
Power consumption 7 watts
dimensions 420 x 112 x 330mm (WxHxD)
weight 4,1 kg net
PRO-JECT AUDIO SYSTEMS
a division of AUDIO TUNING GmbH
1050 Wien, Margaretenstraße 98,
Essential II Phono USB
black/red/white
Retail price
349,00 €