Technics SL-220 User manual

Technics
Frequency Generator Servo
Automatic Turntable System
SL-220 / SL-221
Operating instructions
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Parts identification |
@ Ground wire (GND)
Fig.
1
24
@
Output
terminals
Ree
OU
-
F
RE
a
(
Abb.
1
@
AC
power
plug
a
@
45-rpm
adaptor
© Phono cables | @ Hinge
@
Headshell
stand
=
—-~
mi
® Turntable base
@ Balance weight
@ Stylus-pressure ring
© Anti-skating control knob
@ Arm clamp
@ Arm rest
@ Center spindle
@ Turntable platter
® Turntable mat
@® Locking nut
@® Headsheil
® Strobe-iiluminator/pilot lamp
@® Strobe dots
® Pitch control knobs a Cc
u
@ Speed select knob @® Stop knob
eing knob
We want to thank you for selecting the SL-220/SL-221.
For optimum performance, we recommend that you read these instructions carefully.
These operating instructions cover both SL-220 and SL-221.
Caution:
@
Installation
of
the
turntable
platter
Never
connect
the
AC
power
plug
before
assembly
has
1.
Place
the
turntable
platter
on
the
center
spindle.
been
completed.
2.
Attach
the
belt
to
the
capstan
using
the
ribbon
as
shown
Attach
the
dust
cover
last,
so
that
assembly
and
adjust-
in
the
picture.
(See
Fig.
2.)
ments
can
be
made
most
conveniently.
And
then,
remove
the
ribbon.
3.
Place
the
turntable
mat
on
the
platter.
The operating instructions are commonly applicable to sets
with cartridge and without cartridge, and also to those of
different colors, so please refer to the following notes for
further information.
For sets without cartridge, the cartridge section of the speci-
fications may be ignored. ;
@OChecklist of parts
Turntable unit ............. 4
Turntable platter........... 1
Turntable mat............-. 1
Dustcover ..........-.-.-- 1
45-rpm adaptor............- 1
Balance weight ........-... 1
Headshell...........-.055- 1
Overhang
gauge
.....-.-.--
4
(forthe
unit
without
cartridge
)

@ Balance weight
@ Locking nut

rc
Fig. 8
Abb. 8
be aren ent -
Bc. Wu
O Baeroncivacieuccensc
° g @ Balance weight
C2) Stylus-pressure ring “0”
Fig. 9
Abb. 9
© Center line
m4) Anti-skating
{ control knob “0”
Clentue:

@ Dust cover
ating control knob

Fig. 13
Abb. 13
110~120V
SELECT
LINE
VOLTAGE
@ AC line-voltage selector
The AC line-voltage selector is
located at the bottom base.
@ Cueing knob
Fig. 14
Abb. 14
@ Speed select knob

@ Stop knob

Fig. 19
Abb. 19
@ Stylus tip
Fig. 21
Abb. 21
@ 5 to 10 mm (3/16" to 25/64”)
@Stylus assembly

— 45 rpm
—— 33'/srpm | S0Hz
a. 45rpm
33'/3
rpm
|
60Hz
L/ > @Strobe dots
@
The
strobe
dots
for
60
Hz,
‘ 33'/3 rom seem to be stationary.
Zz
© Strobe -illuminator/pilot lamp,
0 Arm-lift bar
@ Arm-lift adjustment screw

@ Installation of the cartridge (for set without car-
tridge)
1.
OCartridge
Connect the lead wires to the cartridge terminals.
The terminals of most cartridges are color coded.
Connect each lead wire to the terminal of the same
color.
White(L+)........ Left channel (+)
Blue (L~)........... Left channel (-)
Red(R+)........ Right channel (+)
Green(R-)........ Right channel (-)
Install a cartridge to the headshell, and tighten it with
screws provided with the cartridge. (See Fig. 3.)
___QHeadshell_
@Lead wire
@Termina!
Adjustment of overhang
A) For the unit with overhang gauge
1. Insert the headshell into the gauge. (See Fig. 4-1.)
2. Loosen the mounting screws and move the cartridge
forward or backward until the stylus tip lines up with the
edge of the gauge.
3. Tighten the screws without moving the cartridge.
Note:
e Your cartridge is now adjusted for lowest tracking error
and minimum distortion.
e This gauge is exclusively designed for this tonearm.
@Overhang gauge
-~—@52 mm (2-3/64"

B)
Forthe
unit
without
overhang
gauge
6
Installation
of
the
balance
weight
*
The
overhang
of
this
unit
is
15
mm.
(See
Fig.
6.)
¢
Loosen
the
screws
and
move
the
cartridge
forwardor
Place
the
balance
weight
on
the
rear
shaft
of
the
tonearm.
backward
until
the
distance
between
the
stylus
tip
and
the
plug
becomes
52
mm
(2-3/64"}
as
shown
in
the
picture.
(See
Fig.
4-2.)
©
Adjustments
of
horizontal
zero
(“0”)
balance
and
* Tighten the screws without moving the cartridge.
joc
1.
2.
e
e
©
Installation
of
the
headshell/cartridge
assembly
(See
Fig.
5.)
Insert
the
headshell/cartridge
assembly
into
the
front
end
of
the
tubular
arm,
and
turn
the
locking
nut
clockwise
(in
3.
the direction shown by the arrow “A”), with the headshell/
Cartridge assembly firmly held horizontally.
stylus pressure
Remove
the
stylus
protector,
if
your
cartridge
has
a
detachable
one.
Be
careful
not
to
touch
your
fingers
to
the
stylus
tip.
Release
the
arm
clamp
and
lift
the
tonearm
from
the
arm
rest
to
free
it.
Note:
When you move the tonearm toward the center spindle,
the turntable platter will move slightly, even if the speed
select
knob
is
at
the
“e”
position,
but
this
movement
is
not
significant.
lf the tonearm pulls toward the arm rest when the tonearm
is held ina free state as shown in the picture (See Fig. 7),
rotate the turntable platter clockwise about 10 times.
This will disengage the automatic mechanism from the
tonearm gear, which in rare cases may have moved out of
its normal position during transportation.
Turn the entire balance weight clockwise (indicated by the
arrow “A”) or counterclockwise (indicated by the arrow
“B”)
until
the
tonearm
is
approximately
balanced
horizon-
tally (floats freely). (See Figs. 7 and 8.)

Note:
During the adjustment of the horizontal “O” balance, be
careful that the stylus tip of the cartridge does not contact
the turntable mat or turntable base.
. After the tonearm is horizontally “0” balanced, temporarily
refasten the tonearm with the arm clamp.
. Hold the balance weight stationary with one hand, as
shown in the picture, and rotate only the stylus-pressure
ring to bring the numeral “0” of the ring into alignment
with the center line of the tonearm rear shaft. The adjust-
ment of the horizontal “0” balance is now completed.
(See Fig. 9.)
. After adjusting the horizontal ‘‘0” balance, turn the
balance weight clockwise in the direction of the arrow
and align to the correct stylus pressure. (Follow the
cartridge manufacturer's recommendation.) (See Fig.
10.)
As the stylus-pressure ring moves in step with the
balance weight, proper stylus pressure can be
selected by directly reading the graduated ring.
Note:
Set the stylus pressure to the maximum recom-
mended value for your cartridge in cases where the
record has an extremely high recording level, or
where the unit is operated in a room at low tem-
perature,or in places in which the unit is subjected to
vibrations.
@ Adjustment of the anti-skating control
Set the anti-skating control knob to the same value as the
stylus pressure. (See Fig. 11.)
Note:
When a cartridge with integra! dust brush is used, follow
the cartridge manufacturer's recommendation for adjust-
ing both stylus pressure and anti-skating force.
@ Installation of the dust cover
Place the dust cover into position from directly above,
holding it at both sides. For detaching the dust cover, be
certain first to raise it as illustrated before removal. (See
Fig. 12.)
Note:
Opening or closing of the dust cover during play should be
avoided. This may not only cause undesired vibrations, but
also result in skipping of the stylus.
If you must open the dust cover during play, do so as gently
as possible
© Placement
a
2.
Place the unit in a stable and horizontal position, where
there is little or no vibration.
Locate the unit as far away from the speakers as possible
and isolate the unit from sound radiation from them.
Do not place the unit where it is exposed to direct sun,
dust, moisture or heat.
Keep it in a well ventilated place.

®Connections
Note:
AC line-voltage selector (See Fig. 13.)
Make sure that the turntable’s AC line-voltage selector is
matched to your voltage before connecting the AC power
plug.
Never connect to a DC socket.
If the pre-selected voltage is different from your local voltage,
turn the AC line-voltage selector with a screwdriver so that it
corresponds with your local voltage.
The AC line-voltage selector is located at the bottom base.
1. Connect the AC power plug.
Connect the AC power plug to an AC wall socket .
2. Connect the output terminals.
Output terminals Amplifier or Receiver
L(White). —————————> Channel
R (Red) ———————> [GN Channel!
GND (Spade lug) ——>
Note:
Be sure to connect the ground terminal firmly to the am-
plifier or receiver. If this connection is not made or is loose,
a power source HUM” will result.
How to operate
@ Place a record on the turntable mat.
@ Set the speed select knob to the desired record speed.
(See Fig. 14.)
© Remove the stylus protector, if your cartridge has a
detachable one.
© Release the arm clamp.
@Set the cueing knob to the “¥” position. (See Fig. 15.)
@ Move the tonearm over the desired groove.
@ Set the cueing knob to the “Y.” position. (See Fig. 16.)
The tonearm will descend slowly onto the record and
play will begin.
@ When play has finished, the tonearm will automatically
return to the arm rest (auto-return) and the turntable
platter will stop rotation.
(The turntable platter will continue to rotate briefly due to
its own inertia.)
Note:
e After play is completed, fasten the tonearm with the arm
clamp and set the speed select knob to the “e” position.
e Attach the stylus protector again, if you have one, to pro-
tect the stylus tip from damage.
@ When you play a 45-rpm record with a large
center hole —————_——___________—_
Place the 45-rpm adaptor on the center spindle. Set the speed
select knob the “45” position.

© Wipe the headshell terminals from time to time.
Dust and dirt at the headshel! terminals may result in
increased ‘‘HUM” noise or intermittent sound. Use a soft
dry cloth to clean the headshel! terminals.
@ Howto suspend play
Set the cueing knob to the “¥” position.
The stylus tip of the cartridge will be lifted from the
record.
@ How to stop play © Wipe the dust cover and turntable base with a soft, dry
Set the stop knob to the “stop” position. (See Fig. 17.) cloth.
The tonearm will automatically return to the arm rest and
the turntable will stop rotating.
¢ Never use any cleaners containing alcohol, benzine
or thinner.
¢ Use of a chemically treated dust cloth should also
be avoided. Be sure that the dust cover is not ex-
posed to insecticide spray.
¢ To remove stubborn finger prints or grease spots,
detach the dust cover and disconnect the AC power
plug.
Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild soap
Notes and Maintenance
@ Do not grasp or hold the tonearm durlng opration of the
automatic-return mechanism.
@ When you use other headshells, check the headshell con-
figuration for compatibility. (See Fig. 18.)
When other types of headshells are employed, the handle
portion of the headshell may strike against the inner, upper
surface of the dust cover during automatic motion of the
and water solution.
¢ Do not wipe the dust cover during play, or the
tonearm may be attracted toward the dust cover due
tonearm. In such case we recommend the dust cover be to the generation of static electricity.
left open during play.
© Before detaching or attaching the headshell, be sure to
turn the power of the amplifier or receiver off.
Noise produced by detaching or attaching of the head-
shell, with the volume control turned up, may cause
damage to the speakers. :
@ Dust and dirt should be carefully removed from stylus tip
or records.
Dust and dirt on stylus tip or record may not only result
in deterioration of tone quality, but cause undue wear of
the record and the stylus tip itself.
Special stylus tip brushes and record cleaners can be
purchased in most electronic supply houses.
© When play is finished, be sure to secure the tonearm
with the arm clamp.
After play is finished, if the unit is not to be used for
some time, care should be taken to secure the tonearm
to protect the stylus tip.
For the same reason, the stylus protector should also
be attached.
© Replacement of the stylus (for set with cartridge)
The unit is furnished with a diamond stylus.
The life of the stylus differs depending on the conditions of
use, but it is recommended that you replace the stylus at the
first sign of wear. About 1000 hours of use is an approximate
standard.

The replacement stylus for the unit is the EPS-270SD.
1.
Remove the headshell/cartridge from the tubular arm.
Hoid the stylus assembly with your fingers and withdraw it
slantwise, as shown in the picture. (See Fig. 19.)
Align the new stylus assembly with the square opening of
the cartridge main body, and push it into the opening
positively as far as it will go.
© How to remove and install the turntable platter (See Fig.
20.)
The belt is connected to the capstan and the inner drive
rim of the turntable platter.
Before removing the turntable platter, release the belt
from the capstan.
When reinstalling the turntable platter, lower it over the
turntable shaft and then put the belt onto the capstan.
Note:
Be careful not to let oil or grease contact the belt.
If grease inadvertently contacts the belt, disconnect the
AC power cord first and wipe the belt clean with alcohol.
@ Adjustment of arm-lift height
(See Figs. 21. and 22.)
The arm-lift height distance between the stylus tip and
record surface when cueing knob is at WV” has been
adjusted at the factory before shipping to approxi-
mately 5 to 10 mm.
For using different cartridges available on the market
or when further adjustments are particularly necessary,
make adjustment as follows:
1, Put on the stylus protector to protect the stylus tip from
damage.
2. Set the speed select knob to the “e” position to prevent the
turntable platter from rotation. .
3. Move the tonearm toward the center spindle.
4. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise or counterclock-
wise, while pushing the arm lift down. (See Fig. 22.)
Clockwise rotation
— distance between the record and stylus tip is re-
duced.
Counterclockwise rotation
— distance between the record and stylus tip is in-
creased.
Note:
°
As
the
adjusting
screw
has
a
hexagonal
head,
be
sure
to
make
the
adjustment
while
depressing
the
arm
lift,
or
the
screw
will
not
move
freely.
Also be
sure
that
the
hexagonal
head
retracts
correctly
into
the
arm
lift
when
the
latter
is
released.
@
Speed
adjustment
(with
pitch
contro!
knobs)
(See
Fig. 23.)
Strobe dots are set on the rim of the turntable platter
according to the power-time frequency and the number of
revolutions
of
the
records.
Make
adjustment,
referring
to
strobe-dot indication. (See Fig. 23.)
1. Place a record on the turntable mat.
2. Set the speed select knob to the speed to be adjusted.

3. Adjust the speed while playing a record.
The strobe-illuminator/pilot lamp will be lit for illuminating
the strobe dots.
4. While turning the pitch control knobs either to +" side or
"-" side, adjust so that the strobe dots of the turntable
platter look as if they were stationary. The state under
which the strobe dots seem to be stationary represents the
correct number of revolutions.
“+” direction
This increases the speed of the turntable rotation, and
the strobe dot pattern seems to flow in the same
direction as the rotational direction of the turntable
platter.
“—" direction
This decrease the speed of the turntable rotation,
resulting in a state opposite to that in the “ + " direction.
Note:
Strobe dot pattern
The strobe-illuminator/pilot lamp of this unit employs
the commercially available power source. The frequency
of such power source, when actually measured, has a
fluctuation of about 0.2%. As such a fluctuation of the
power source affects the strobe illuminator, the strobe
dot pattern also seems to fluctuate to a certain extent.
But the unit is not affected by these fluctuations of the
power source, since a DC motor is employed. In other
words, rotation of the platter will be constant, and slight
shifts in the movement of the dots simply reflect normal
drift in the power-source frequency.
© All front-panel controls
© Adjustment for automatic return position (See
Fig. 24.)
(Remove the turntable mat.)
In cases where the tonearm tends to return before playing has
finished.
—Rotate clockwise.
In cases where the tonearm fails to return after the last groove
of the record.
—Rotate counterclockwise.
Features
© New type frequency generator servo control
One of the major secrets behind the razor-sharp accuracy
and superb quality of sound lies in the new type (Frequency
Generator) servo controlled DC motor, and greatly improved
highly reliable IC circuitry. Even the slightest hint of speed
change and drift is corrected immediately.
@ Electronic speed switching
Even though this turntable is belt-driven, gone is the old
conventional pulley type speed changing mechanism.
Speed switching in this unit is fully electronic, thereby
adding to the high degree of mechanical precision and
reliability.
The advancement to complete front-panel control marks a
big step forward in turntable operation, not only because of
the greater convenience, but also because of the greater
protection from dust, as the dust cover can stay closed.

©
Tonearm
cueing
controlled
from
front
panel
The
tonearm
is
raised
and
lowered
softly
by
a
viscous-
damped
cueing
lifter.
Even
with
the
dust
cover
closed,
a
cueing
can
be
easily
performed
as
the
control
is
located
on
the
front
panel.
© Automatic Tonearm Return
For greater operational convenience, the tonearm returns to
the arm rest automatically.
@
Highly
sensitive
gimbal
suspension
system
With
the
high-precision
pivot
bearings
employed
for
the
horizontal
and
vertical
journals
of
the
tonearm,
in
concert
with
the
adoption
of
the
gimbal
suspension
system,
a
high-sensitivity
arm
of
less
than
7
mg
friction
has
been
attained,
thus
making
it
possible
to
fully
realize
the
perfor-
mance
of
high-compliance
cartridges.
@ Independent pitch controls
Permits
record
speed
(at
both
33'/,
and
45
rpm)
to
be
varied by up to 6%.
©
Precision
strobe-illuminator/pilot
lamp
With
the
built-in
strobe
illuminator/pilot
lamp,
accurate
Speed
adjustments
can
be
made
rapidly
and
easily.
© Anti-skating force mechanism
The
well-designed
anti-skating
force
mechanism
ensures
minimum
side
thrust
with
different
cartridges
and
guarantees accurate center-of-the-groove tracking.
@ Detachable dust cover
Specifications
General
Power supply:
Power consumption:
Dimensions
(WxHxD)
Welght:
Turntable section
Type:
Drive method:
Motor:
Turntable platter:
Turntable speeds:
Pitch controls:
Wow and flutter:
Rumble:
~110-120/220-240V, 50 or 60 Hz
3W
43.0 x 12.6 x 37.5 om
(16-59/64 x 4-31/32 x 14-49/64 inches)
4.5 kg (9.9 Ib.)
Frequency Generator Servo
Automatic Turntable System
(auto-return, auto-stop)
Belt drive
Frequency Generator Servo
DC motor
Aluminum die-cast, 30.4 cm (12")
33-1/3 and 45 rpm
Individual adjustment controls,
6% adjustment range
0.045% WRMS (JIS C5521)
+0.06% peak (IEC 98A Weighted)
-70 dB (IEC 98A Weighted)

Tonearm section
Type:
Effective length:
Overhang:
Friction:
Effective mass:
Tracking error angle:
Offset angle:
Adjustable stylus
pressure range:
Cartridge weight range:
Headshell welght:
Universal tubular arm, static-
balanced type
230 mm (9-1/16")
15 mm (19/32”)
Within 7 mg (horizontally and
vertically)
13 g (without cartridge)
Within 2° 32' (at the outer groove
of 30 cm (12”) record)
Within 0°32’ (at the inner groove of
30 cm (12”) record
22°
0 to 3 g (stylus pressure direct
reading type)
5.5 to 85g
14.5 to 17.5 g (including head-
shell)
99
S10—
Cartridge
section
(for
set
with
cartridge)
———
Model No.:
Type:
Frequency response:
Output voltage:
Channel separation:
Channel balance:
Compliance (dynamic):
Stylus pressure:
Load impedance:
Weight:
Replacement stylus:
EPC-270C
Moving magnet
20 Hz to 25 kHz -3 dB
20 Hz to 15 kHz +2 dB
3.2 mV at 1 kHz
5 cm/sec. zero to peak lateral
velocity
(6.4 mV at 1 kHz, 10 cm/sec. zero to
peak lateral velocity [DIN 45500))
25 dB at 1kHz
Within 2 dB at 1 kHz
10 X 10-6 cm/dyne at 100 Hz
(CBS STR-100)
1.75 40.25 g (17.5 +2.5mN
47 kQ to 100 kQ
6.0 g (cartridge only)
EPS-270SD
Specifications subject to change without notice.