Pro-Ject Audio Systems Xtension 12 Evolution User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution
Pro-Ject Xtension Ortofon RS/AS

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
2
+ -
Speed Change
45.0
77
A
B
7

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
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Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Ortofon RS/AS
Controls, features and connections
1 Low voltage cable and power supply socket
2 Stepped drive pulley
3 Drive belt * 3a Hook *
4 Platter *
5 ON/OFF switch, speed selector
6 Arm board 6a Spirit level
7 Adjustable feet *
8 Lid hinges
9 Lid *
Pulley cover (not shown) *
Record weight (not shown) *
Pro-Ject Connect it connection cable (not shown) *
Single adapter (not shown) *
Power supply (not shown) *
Gloves (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.
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 power supply 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.
Useful tips
The base and 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.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
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Set-up
The deck is supplied partially disassembled and carefully packaged for safe transport. Carefully remove all
parts from the transport packaging.
Screw the four feet (7) onto the threaded bolts located on the underside of the plinth. Make sure the surface
you wish to use the turntable on is level (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable on it.
Carefully place the platter bearing housing over the bearing axle. Put the record weight on the platter and
level the plinth using the spirit level (6a) and the adjustable feet (7).
To adjust the feet, hold (A) and turn (B). Turning (B) clockwise decreases the height, turning anticlockwise
increases the height of the feet.
Fit the drive belt (3) around the platter (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.
Put the pulley cover on its rests.
Please note: We recommend to use the record player without a mat on the platter.
Fitting the lid
Fit the lid (dust cover 9) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the screws (8) until the lid stays open
where you want it to without being too stiff to open or close.
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 (1) on the rear of the record player before
connecting the power supply to the mains.
Starting the motor, Stand By
Pressing the button Speed Change will switch on the player from stand by. Press and hold the push button
Speed Change to put the unit into stand by.
Changing replay speed
The belt must be on the smaller (50Hz models) larger (60Hz models) diameter part of the motor pulley.
Press the button Speed Change to switch between 33 and 45 r.p.m.. The selected speed will be displayed
digitally.
To replay records at 78 r.p.m. perform the following steps: Remove the pulley cover. Using the tool (3a), fit
the belt (3) around the larger (50Hz models, for 60Hz models the smaller diameter has to be used) diameter
step of the pulley (2). Start the turntable by pressing the button Speed Change and switch the speed to
45 r.p.m., the platter will then revolve at 78 r.p.m.. The display still shows 45 r.p.m..
Speed Change +
-
45.0
Pitch control
Repeatedly pressing the +or -buttons increases or decreases the replay speed in twenty steps of 0,1 r.p.m.
respectively. The adjusted speed is displayed digitally.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
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Technical specifications Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S
* Electronic speed change * 33/* 45 and 78 r.p.m.
Speed variance ±0,09 %
Wow and flutter ±0,01 %
Signal to noise 73dB
Power consumption 2W
Outboard power supply 16V/1.000mA AC, suitable for your country's mains supply
Dimensions (W x H x D) 550 x 250 x 450mm, dust cover open 550 x 550 x 560mm
Weight 20kg
Pro-Ject Evolution tonearms
12
4
3
5
6
7
7a
8
9
Cartridge downforce adjustment (Pro-Ject Evolution tonearms)
Remove the transport lock (3) from the tonearm. Store it in the original packaging so they are available for
any future transportation.
Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (7) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (2), and so that the
downforce scale (7a) 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 (7) until the armtube balances out.
The arm should return to the balanced position if it is moved up or down. Do not forget to remove the
cartridge protection cap if fitted.
Once the arm is correctly balanced return it to the rest (3). Hold the counterweight (7) without moving it, and
gently revolve the downforce scale ring (7a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating prong (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.
Tonearm Pro-Ject 12cc Evolution: The counterweights (7) supplied are suitable for cartridges weighing
between 4 - 7g (counterweight no. 27), 6 - 9g (counterweight no. 31), 8 - 12g (counterweight no. 32) or
10 - 14g (counterweight no. 33).
Please note: Adjust the downforce prior to installing the anti-skating weight.
1 Headshell with finger lift
2 Tonearm tube
3 Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
4 Tonearm lift lever
5 Anti-skating weight *
6 Anti-skating weight wire support
7 Tonearm counterweight * 7a Downforce scale
8 Anti-skating weight adjustment scale
9 Tonearm base

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
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Adjusting the azimuth (Pro-Ject Evolution tonearms)
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. 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, but in practice this is often not the case.
When you are satisfied that the needle is vertical retighten the screw carefully.
Please note: 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 (Pro-Ject Evolution tonearms)
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 " " "
2
31
8
Hang the loop of the thread of the anti-skating weight (5) in the groove of the anti-skating stub (8) corresponding
to the downforce applied to your cartridge and hang the thread in the groove of the wire support (6).
Adjusting the vertical tracking angle -vta- (Pro-Ject Evolution tonearms)
Put a record on the platter. When the needle is lowered into the record groove and the tonearm is not resting
on the tonearm rest (3), the tube (2) of the tonearm should be parallel to the surface of the record.
If it is not loosen both hexagon screws in the tonearm base (9) 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.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
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Ortofon RS tonearms
4
2
3
7
1
56
8
Cartridge downforce adjustment (Ortofon RS tonarms)
Remove the transport lock (3) from the tonearm. Store it in the original packaging so they are available for
any future transportation. Set the knob (5) to 0.
Place the counterweight (7) halfway along the counterweight support rod at rear of arm, being sure to have
the counterweights (7) securing screw uppermost. Lower the armlift and position the cartridge in the space
between tonearm rest (3) and platter. Carefully move the counterweight (7) along the support rod, until the
armtube (2) balances out. The arm should return to the balanced position if it is moved up or down. Do not
forget to remove the cartridge protection cap if fitted.
With the power off, and the platter static, place the supplied stylus pressure gauge onto the platter.
Carefully lower the armlift and position the tip of the stylus on the pressure gauges measuring tongue. The
downforce will be displayed digitally.
Adjust the Downforce, using the knob (6), to the cartridge manufacturer's recommendations. This adjustment
must be done with the tonearm resting on the tonearm rest (3). Finally secure the counterweight with the
securing screw (7).
The counterweight (7) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 18 - 40g.
Please note: Adjust the downforce prior to setting the anti-skating compensation.
Anti-skating force adjustment (Ortofon RS and AS tonearms)
The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce. Rotate the knob (5) to adjust the
Anti-skating force. One mark on the scale represents 5 mN (= 0,5g / 0,5 Pond) of downforce.
Adjusting the vertical tracking angle -vta- (Ortofon RS and AS tonearms)
Put a record on the platter. When the needle is lowered into the record groove and the tonearm is not resting on
the tonearm rest (3), the surface of the cartridge body should be parallel to the surface of the record.
If it is not loosen the hexagon screw in the tonearm base (8 RS tonearms or 7 AS tonearms) 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 screw without applying excessive force (which would deform the arm pillar) –
finger tight is quite sufficient.
1 Detachable headshell with finger lift
2 Tonearm tube
3 Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
4 Tonearm lift lever
5 Anti-skating force adjustment knob
6 Downforce adjustment knob
7 Tonearm counterweight with securing screw*
8 Tonearm base
Stylus pressure gauge (not shown) *

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
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Ortofon AS tonearms
4
2
3
6
1
5
7
6a
Cartridge downforce adjustment (Ortofon AS tonearms)
Remove the transport lock (3) from the tonearm. Store it in the original packaging so they are available for
any future transportation. Set the knob (5) to 0.
Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (6) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (2), 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. Do not forget to remove the cartridge
protection cap if fitted.
Once the arm is correctly balanced return it to the rest (3). Hold the counterweight (6) without moving it, and
gently revolve the downforce scale ring (6a) until the zero is in line with the black line at the rear end of the
tonearm tube (2). 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.
The counterweight (6) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 18 - 25g. An alternative weight
for cartridges weighing between 26 - 38g is available as an accessory part.
Please note: Adjust the downforce prior to setting the anti-skating compensation.
Anti-skating force adjustment and Adjusting the vertical tracking angle -vta-
See Ortofon RS tonearms
Connection to the amplifier
Connect the tonearm cables to 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 on your amplifier 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 phono amplifiers please refer to the Pro-Ject web
site www.project-audio.com.
1 Detachable headshell with finger lift
2 Tonearm tube
3 Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
4 Tonearm lift lever
5 Anti-skating force adjustment knob
6 Tonearm counterweight * 6a Downforce scale
7 Tonearm base

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
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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 (1). 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.
Technical specifications Pro-Ject 12cc Evolution
Tonearm medium mass
Supplied counterweights cartridge weight 4 - 7g, 6 - 9g, 8 - 12g or 10 - 14g
Downforce range 10 - 35mN
Effective tonearm mass 10,5g
Effective tonearm length 12 " (304,8mm)
Overhang 13,2mm
Weight 271g (without counterweight)
Lenght Connect it connection cable 123cm
Capacity tonearm cable 65pF/meter
Technical specifications Ortofon RS-309D
Tonearm medium mass
Supplied counterweight cartridge weight 18 - 40g (including headshell)
Downforce range 0 - 50mN
Effective tonearm mass 6g
Effective tonearm length 326mm
Overhang 15mm
Offset angle 19 degrees
Weight 725g (plus headshell and cartridge)
Lenght Connect it connection cable 123cm
Capacity tonearm cable 65pF/meter
Technical specifications Ortofon AS-309S
Tonearm medium mass
Supplied counterweight cartridge weight 18 - 25g (including headshell)
Optional counterweights cartridge weight 26 - 38g (including headshell) weight D
Downforce range 0 - 50mN
Effective tonearm mass 5g
Effective tonearm length 326mm
Overhang 15mm
Offset angle 19 degreess
Weight 535g (plus headshell and cartridge)
Lenght Connect it connection cable 123cm
Capacity tonearm cable 65pF/meter

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution / Xtension Ortofon RS-309D/AS-309S · Revision 2012.8.1
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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.
Maintenance and cleaning
Your record player requires little or no regular maintenance. Remove dust with the supplied antistatic cloth.
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!
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 supplied diagram. Please remove these parts and pack them separately:
feet, counterweight, platter, cartridge and belt. Fit the cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport lock for
the tonearm 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.
Copyright
PRO-JECT is a Registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Audio Trade GmbH
Copyright ©2012. 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.