Pro-Ject Audio Systems Xtension User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject Xtension

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension/Ortofon tonearms · Revision 30.1.08/1.3.09
2
+ -
Speed Change
45.0
77

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension/Ortofon tonearms · Revision 30.1.08/1.3.09
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PRO-JECT Xtension
Controls, features and connections
1 Low voltage cable and power supply socket
2 Stepped drive pulley
3 Drive belt * 3a Hook *
4 Platter * (comes in separate box)
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) *
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 *.
Set-up
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).
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.

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension/Ortofon tonearms · Revision 30.1.08/1.3.09
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Ortofon RS tonearms
4
2
3
7
1
56
8
Cartridge downforce adjustment
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.
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/Ortofon tonearms · Revision 30.1.08/1.3.09
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Ortofon AS tonearms
4
2
3
6
1
5
7
6a
Cartridge downforce adjustment
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.
Anti-skating force adjustment and Adjusting the vertical tracking angle -vta-
See Ortofon RS-tonearms
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.
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/Ortofon tonearms · Revision 30.1.08/1.3.09
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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 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 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.
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.
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.
Starting the motor, Stand By
Pressing the button Speed Change will switch on the player from stand by. Press and hold the 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/Ortofon tonearms · Revision 30.1.08/1.3.09
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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!
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.
Technical specifications PRO-JECT Xtension
* Electronic speed change * 33,33/* 45,11 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
Technical specifications Ortofon RS-212D and Ortofon RS-309D
Tonearm medium mass
Supplied counterweight cartridge weight 18 - 40g (including headshell)
Downforce range 0 - 50mN
Effective tonearm length RS-212D - 229mm / RS-309D - 326mm
Overhang 15mm
Offset abgle RS-212D - 22 Grad / RS-309D - 19 Grad
Tonearm cable length approx. 120cm
Weight RS-212D - 655g / RS-309D - 725g
(plus headshell and cartridge)
Technical specifications Ortofon AS-212S and Ortofon AS-309S
Tonearm medium mass
Supplied counterweight cartridge weight 18 - 25g (including headshell)
Optional counterweights cartridge weight 26 - 38g (including headshell)
AS-212S - weight C / AS-309S - weight D
Downforce range 0 - 50mN
Effective tonearm length AS-212S - 229mm / AS-309S - 326mm
Overhang 15mm
Offset abgle AS-212S - 22 Grad / AS-309S - 19 Grad
Tonearm cable length approx. 120cm
Weight AS-212S - 483g / AS-309S - 535g
(plus headshell and cartridge)

© Audio Trade GmbH · Pro-Ject Xtension/Ortofon tonearms · Revision 30.1.08/1.3.09
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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: 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.
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 Xtension/Ortofon tonearms · Revision 30.1.08/1.3.09
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SpeedChange
-
+
Power supply
Accessories
Feet
Record weight
Counterweight(s)
Lid
Cut out
for pulley
Platter
packed in a
separate box
!
Cut outs
for
hinges