Pro-Ject Audio Systems Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III / Ortofon 2M Red · Revision 1.6.08/1.7.08
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© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III / Ortofon 2M Red · Revision 1.6.08/1.7.08
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PRO-JECT 1 Xpression III
Controls, features and connections
1 Motor transportation screw (marked red)
2 Stepped drive pulley
3 Drive belt * 3a Hook *
4 Hub
5 Platter *
6 Tonearm counterweight * 6a Downforce scale
7 Tonearm lift lever
8/18 Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
9 Tonearm tube 9a Tonearm base
10 Lid *
11 Lid hinges
12 Hinge fasteners
13 Power supply socket
14 Phono output sockets and earth connection
15 Anti-skating weight adjustment scale
16 Anti-skating weight *
17 Anti-skating weight support hoop
20 Power switch
21 Headshell with finger lift and fitted Ortofon 2M Red
22 Motor
23 Adjustable tip-toe feet with anti-scratch cups *
Connection cable (not shown) *
Power supply (not shown) *
Single adapter (not shown) *
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.
The record player is supplied with a factory fitted and adjusted cartridge.
** The following instructions for adjusting the cartridge are provided in case the cartridge is replaced by a
different model 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 *.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III / Ortofon 2M Red · Revision 1.6.08/1.7.08
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Set-up
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 (3) around the hub (4) 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 hub and the belt.
Remove the two red transport screws (1) which secure the motor (22) during transportation. Fit the platter over
the spindle of the hub. Level the plinth using a spirit level and the adjustable feet (23).
Remove the transport lock (18) from the tonearm. Store it together with the two red motor transport screws
(1) 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 7 - 12g. An alternative counterweight
for cartridges weighing between 4 - 7g is available as an accessory part. Adjust the downforce prior to
installing the anti-skating weight.
Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (6) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (9), so that the downforce
scale (6a) 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 (6) 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. Hold the counterweight (6) without moving it, and gently
revolve the downforce scale ring (6a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating prong (15). 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.
The recommended downforce for the factory fitted cartridge is 18mN.
Adjusting the vertical tracking angle (vta)
** Put a record and the record weight on the platter. When the needle is lowered into the record groove and the
tonearm is not resting on the lift arm, the tube of the tonearm should be parallel to the surface of the record.
If it is not loosen both hexagon screws in the tonearm base just enough to allow vertical movement of the
arm pillar without force and slide the arm up or down until it is parallel.
Carefully retighten the hexagon screws without applying excessive force (which would deform the arm pillar) –
finger tight is quite sufficient.
Adjusting the azimuth
** The cartridge needle must be vertical in the record groove in order to trace
the groove wall modulations correctly.
A small screw at the bearing end of the arm allows incorrect azimuth to be
corrected if your needle is not mounted exactly perpendicular to the cartridge
body (which is often the case).
Slacken off the screw just enough to be able to revolve the arm tube without
applying force. Please note: do not remove the screw completely!
Screw
With the aid of a good magnifying glass adjust the needle until it is vertical in the groove (i.e. perpendicular
to the record's surface). Ideally this should correspond to the top surface of the cartridge body being parallel
to the record surface.
When you are satisfied that the needle is vertical retighten the screw carefully.
Under no circumstances should the arm tube be adjusted with the needle still in the record groove!
Irreparable damage may be caused to the cantilever suspension! The arm must be lifted to make
each adjustment and lowered afterwards to check it.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III / Ortofon 2M Red · Revision 1.6.08/1.7.08
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Anti-skating force adjustment
The anti-skating force must be adjusted according to the mass of the cartridge
as follows:
Downforce Groove in the stub (15)
10 - 14mN 1st from bearing rings
15 - 19mN 2nd " " "
20mN and bigger 3rd " " "
Hang the loop of the thread of the anti-skating weight in the groove of the anti-skating stub (15) corresponding
to the downforce applied to your cartridge and feed the thread through the loop of the wire support (17).
Connection to the amplifier
The record player has gold plated female RCA phono sockets (14) 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 the Phono input (sometimes labelled gram, disc or RIAA) on your amplifier.
Make sure that the phono input offers correct matching and amplification for the type of cartridge used. Line
inputs (such as CD, Tuner, Tape or Video) are 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).
If your amplifier does not have an input suitable for phono cartridges you will require a separate phono
amplifier stage for MM or MC cartridges such as the PRO-JECT PHONO BOX or the PRO-JECT TUBE BOX
which is then connected between the record player and a free line level input of the amplifier.
For detailed product information please refer to the Pro-Ject web site www.project-audio.com.
The recommended load resistance for the factory fitted cartridge is: 47kohms/MM-input
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.
Fitting the lid
Fit the lid (dust cover 10) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the screws (12) until the lid stays open
where you want it to without being too stiff to open or close.
Switching on and off
Pressing the power switch (20) alternately starts or stops the motor.
Changing replay speed
To play records at 45 r.p.m. first remove the platter (5). Using the accessory tool provided (3a), hook the belt
(3) over the larger diameter part of the motor pulley (2). Refit the platter. To revert to 33,33 r.p.m. repeat the
proceedings using the smaller step on the pulley.
When the Pro-Ject Speed Box ore the Speed Box SE are used speed change between 33 and 45 r.p.m.
is electronic. There is no need to move the belt manually. For further information see the last page.
*** In addition, 78 r.p.m. is available after fitting a special pulley, which may be purchased as an
optional extra.
For detailed product information please refer to the Pro-Ject web site www.project-audio.com.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III / Ortofon 2M Red · Revision 1.6.08/1.7.08
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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 using the screws supplied with the cartridge by passing one screw through each
slot in the headshell (21). 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 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.
The finger lift (21) must be fitted on top of the headshell under the cartridge fixing bolts or nuts - not
between headshell and cartridge body.
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.
Useful tips
The lid is not only a dust cover but also a resonant structure likely to be excited by, and to pass into the
plinth, the acoustic energy emanating from your loudspeakers during replay. It is therefore recommended
that the lid be removed for optimum sound quality.
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.
Technical specifications PRO-JECT 1 Xpression III
Nominal speeds 33,33/45,11 r.p.m.. *** 78 r.p.m. optional
Speed variance ±0,5 %
Wow and flutter ±0,1 %
Signal to noise -70dB
Downforce range 10-30mN
Effective tonearm length 8,6 " (218,5mm)
Overhang 18,5mm
Power consumption 2W
Outboard power supply 16V/500mA AC, suitable for your country's mains supply
Dimensions (W x H x D) 415 x 118 x 320mm, dust cover open 415 x 365 x 405mm
Weight 5,5kg

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III / Ortofon 2M Red · Revision 1.6.08/1.7.08
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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 (10), counterweight (6), anti-skating weight (16) platter (5), cartridge and belt
(3). Fit the cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport screws for the motor (1) and the transport lock for the
tonearm (18) prior to carefully packaging the record player.
Warranty
The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions
for use and/or by transportation without the original packaging. 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.
PRO-JECT is a Registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Audio Trade GmbH
Copyright © 2008. 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.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject 1 Xpression III / Ortofon 2M Red · Revision 1.6.08/1.7.08
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Tomearm
transport look
2 motor transport screws
(marked red)
Lid
Platter
Accessories
Tonearm
counterweight
Power supply