Pro-Ject Audio Systems Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon / Ortofon 2M SILVER · Revision 2015.07.15
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© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon / Ortofon 2M SILVER · Revision 2015.07.15
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Controls, features and connections
1/11 Power switch, motor unit with stepped drive pulley
2 Drive belt *
3 Platter
4 Tonearm counterweight *
5 Tonearm lift lever
6/16 Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
7 Tonearm tube
8 Power supply socket
9 Phono output sockets and earth connection
10 Magnetic anti-skating mechanism
12 Magnetic anti-skating scale
13 Magnetic anti-skating adjustment mechanism
14 Headshell with finger lift
Connection cable (not shown)*
Power supply (not shown) *
Stylus pressure gauge - white plastic instrument with mN scale (not shown) *
Hexagonal key (not shown) *

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon / Ortofon 2M SILVER · Revision 2015.07.15
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Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon
Dear music lover,
thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems´ 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 without cartridge or with a factory fitted and adjusted cartridge Ortofon 2M
SILVER.
** The following instructions for adjusting the cartridge are provided in case the cartridge is mounted
(turntable was supplied without cartridge) or 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 *.
Safety instructions
!
The power supply and the power switch (1) are used to disconnect the unit from the mains. Make
sure that the plug and the switch are easily accessible at all times. Hold the plug when unplugging
the power cord. Never handle the power cord while your hands are wet or damp.
Avoid letting liquids enter the device. Never place any item containing liquid, such as a flower vase
on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device. 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
Make sure the surface you wish to use the turntable on is level (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable
on it.
After putting the motor unit in place, fit the drive belt (2) around the platter (3) and the smaller diameter part
of the motor pulley (1). 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.
Remove the transport lock (16) from the tonearm. Store it in the original packaging so they are available for
any future transportation.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon / Ortofon 2M SILVER · Revision 2015.07.15
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Cartridge downforce adjustment
The counterweight (4) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 5 - 9g (counterweight no. 83).
Adjust the downforce prior to setting the anti-skating force.
Place counterweight (4) halfway along the counterweight support rod at rear of arm, being sure to have the
securing screw uppermost.
With the power off, and the platter static, place the stylus pressure gauge onto the platter. To set the
recommended 18mN downforce (1mN = 0,1g / 0,1 Pond), place the tip of the stylus exactly in-between the
two points marked 15mN and 20mN.
If the stylus gauge becomes level, then the correct pressure has been achieved. However if the there is
insufficient or excessive pressure the gauge will either not move or tilt down.
To adjust the amount of pressure, carefully move the counterweight (4) along the support rod, until the stylus
pressure is sufficient to raise the pressure gauge to the level position. Moving the counterweight (4) away
from the cartridge will reduce pressure and towards will increase pressure.
Finally secure the counterweight (4) using hexagonal key provided.
Please note: It is advised to remove stylus tip from gauge whilst making adjustments to avoid damage
to stylus.
Adjusting the vertical tracking angle (vta)
** Put a record 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 this is not the case, loosen both 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 screws without applying excessive force (which would deform the arm pillar) –finger
tight is quite sufficient.
Adjusting the azimuth
** The cartridge needle should be vertical when entering 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
sometimes can be the case).
Release the screw just enough to be able to revolve the arm tube without applying
force. Please note: do not remove the screw completely!
With the aid of a good magnifying glass adjust the arm tube until the needle 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 with the position of the needle 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.
Anti-skating force adjustment
The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce.
The anti-skating mechanism is calibrated from 0 to 5g. The anti-skating force should
correspond with the downforce.
Three examples of magnetic anti-skating mechanism:
a) Downforce –1,5g; Anti-skating force 1,5g
b) Downforce –1,7g; Anti-skating force 1,7g
c) Downforce –2,3g; Anti-skating force 2,3g

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon / Ortofon 2M SILVER · Revision 2015.07.15
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Connection to the amplifier
The record player has gold plated female RCA phono sockets (9) for connection to the amplifier using the
supplied interconnect 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. An earthing
wire may be connected to the screw terminal between the sockets if you encounter hum problems when using
the record player.
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 which is then connected between the record player and a free line
level input of the amplifier.
For detailed product information regarding Pro-Ject Audio interconnect cables and phono amplifiers please
refer to the Pro-Ject web site www.project-audio.com.
The recommended load impedance for the factory fitted cartridge is: 47kohms/MM-input
Mains power connection
The turntable is supplied with the universal power supply with 3 exchangeable sockets adapters suitable for
all countries. Select the correct adapter for your country and insert the adapter to the exchangeable part of
the power supply.
Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the socket (8) on the rear of the record player before
connecting the power supply to the mains.
Switching on and off
Pressing the power switch (1) alternately starts or stops the motor.
Changing replay speed
To reach 45 r.p.m. put the belt (2) over the larger diameter part of the motor pulley (11). To revert to 33
r.p.m. repeat the proceedings using the smaller step on the pulley.
For detailed product information please refer to the Pro-Ject web site www.project-audio.com.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon / Ortofon 2M SILVER · Revision 2015.07.15
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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 attracts 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 (14). 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.
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 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 RPM 3 Carbon / Pro-Ject 10s Carbon
Nominal speeds
33/45 r.p.m.
Speed variance
33: 0,14% 45: 0,11%
Wow and flutter
33: 0,19% 45: 0,08%
Signal to noise
-71dB
Effective tonearm mass
16g
Effective tonearm length
10 " (254mm)
Overhang
16mm
Power consumption
5 W max / <0,5W standby
Outboard power supply
15V DC / 800mA , universal power supply
Dimensions (W x H x D)
447 x 118 x 373mm
Weight
5,5 kg net
Technical specifications MM-Cartridge Ortofon 2M Silver
Frequency range
20-22.000Hz
Channel separation
25dB/1kHz
Output voltage
5,5mV
Recommended load impedance
47kohms/amplifier connection –MM-input
Compliance/stylus type
20µm/mN –elliptical
Recommended tracking force
18mN
Weight
7,2g

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon / Ortofon 2M SILVER · Revision 2015.07.15
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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.
Fit the cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport lock for the tonearm (16) 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 Audio Systems is a Registered Trademark of
H. Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Pro-Ject Audio Systems
Copyright ©2015. 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.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon / Ortofon 2M SILVER · Revision 2015.07.15
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