Zontek Zontek Manual

Read before unpacking components
Zontek Turntable Setup Instructions
1.

Please follow these instructions carefully. These instructions detail the optimal sequence of steps to
ensure the correct operation of this precision turntable.
1. Basic setup of the plinth
a. Open the box.
b. Remove soft elements.
c. Carefully remove the bi er part, that contains the plinth and platter. Warnin : this
is heavy – 35k /65lbs! If necessary have another person assist you.
d. Examine the plinth under the platter for any si ns of oil leaka e. That could occur if
transportation did not follow the positionin .
e. Plinth levelin process:
▪Use a spirit level tool, at least 30cm (12in) lon on the platter, turn the
platter to verify level at each direction.
▪To correct the level please open two le s that are without the armboard
(open top elements of the le by turnin left). Inside the le please
locate hex screw – adjust the hei ht by turnin the screw. The
appropriate hex tool is included with the kit.
Please do not continue if the unit is not levelled.
2. Bearin oil check.
First verify that no oil leaked durin transportation. If not you can proceed with the setup process. If
there was an oil leak please clean any spilled oil and refill the bearin as described later in the
manual.
3. Motor unit
Remove the motor unit from the case (trian le shape element). Set the hei ht of the motor unit by
adjustin the three le s. Two le s are under the trian le, the third (with the motor) is adjustable by
hex screw accessible after removal the lower part of this le . After settin the hei ht place this unit
by the plinth adjustin the distances to fit the rectan le.
Carefully fit the platter, please avoid hittin the bottom of the bearin to avoid any dama e. Then
use Technical Alcohol* to clean the motor pulley and side of the platter where belts are workin .
You can mount the belts now (two belts are recommended).
* Sometimes called “Isopropyl Alcohol”.

4. Armboard setup.
The armboard is positioned for transportation at the 6 o’clock position. Please move it to 3 o’clock
position. This action will unti hten the armboard – to stabilize it please turn the lower element of
the le while upper element and the armboard are kept at the 3 o’clock position. Hint – you can
move this up by 3-5 cm and put somethin under the plinth (e. a piece of soft wood, a small plastic
bottle of water). That will make ti htenin easier and will not dama e the spike elements inside the
le .
Next please adjust the hei ht of the tonearm – as durin the transportation that is at the hi h
position. To do it turn small knob labeled “Lock” anticlockwise to unlock the mechanism. Then turn
the bi er knob clockwise to lower the armboard down to 0 mm position on the scale. While at zero
please turn the “Lock” knob to lock the mechanism.

5. The DELTA tonearm.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The tonearm is the most sensitive element of this turntable. It is
made of wood and a sus ension inside the unit is made of thin steel line and the ceramic
ring. This sus ension can be damaged if the handling would be not careful.
a. To mount the tonearm please carefully remove it from the case. Unscrew the nut at
the bottom of the tonearm base.
b. Place the tonearm on the armboard, use the nut to secure the placement but allow
movement of the tonearm at the armboard.
c. Use the meter to locate 355mm pivot to spindle distance and secure the placement by
the nut. Please mind the armrest positionin durin the placement. The head of
tonearm should fit the outer of the 12in record (be innin of the roves).
d. Now the cartrid e can be mounted and cabled.
e. If you have a protractor please set the eometry respective to the pivot to spindle
distance. If you do not have a protractor please verify the pivot to spindle distance
(355mm) and set the cartrid e to 10mm overhan .
f. To set VTA please use the mechanism with the “Lock” knob.
. Now setup the trackin an le, use the protractor or enerate a printout usin tools
available on the internet.
h. The next step is trackin force adjustment. Please make sure to measure it at the
vinyl record level as ma netic suspension makes trackin force relative to the
tonearm (heashell) hei ht. Trackin force is adjustable by movin the
counterwei hts. Use the hex screw to secure the counterwei ht position, do not use
too much torque. Fine adjustment of tracin force can be done with the screw
mounted at the counterwei ht element.
i. Azimuth is adjustable two ways. Start with adjustment of a small screw at the
bottom near the headshell. The fine adjustment can be done with counterwei ht,
move it left or ri ht a bit to adjust the azimuth. After the correction please verify the
trackin force.
j. Now, the anti-skate force. For such a lon tonearm it is small. Adjustment can be
done with the test record by turnin the old screw at the body of the tonearm base.
To increase the force turn the screw clockwise. Mind the limits not to dama e the
suspension.

Please note: RCA sockets are mounted to the wooden tonearm base. Do not use tight lugs.
While removing the lugs be gentle and careful. Too much force can break the socket
housing.
For ex erts only.
The tonearm suspension is able to adjust the ma netic slot. That impacts tonearm ri id and can be
helpful with too hi h or too low resonances. That adjustment can be done with the smallest hex tool
by turnin the screw located on the top of the tonearm case. Please verify trackin force after
chan in the slot.

5. Startin up
Once all setup steps have been completed you can start the turntable. Connect the power cord and
press button at the front of the motor unit. The reen led at the button indicates power supply is on.
Please use strobe pattern at the platter to verify RPMs, the inner pattern is for 45RPMs the outer to
33RPMs. Use the knob on the left hand side to adjust the speed.
The best visibility of the RPM patterns are with classic bulbs, LEDs or (best) dedicated strobe
li hts. Halo ens, modern eco-bulbs are not ivin 50Hz suitable to easy set the speed. Day li ht
does not work here.
You mi ht notice that RPM unstable for a few workin hours/days after the shipment. That is
normal.
6. Bearin oil refill
Notice: Use the supplied oil only. If needed you can buy the additional oil refill from Zontek.
First, remove the platter then the spindle. To remove spindle, turn it anticlockwise, use thin screw
driver or any other thin bar or stick.
Locate a hole on the side, below platter level – that is oil level indicator. Use small lamp and put a
li ht on it for better visibility. If oil level is too low, refill it from the top. Ri ht after placement of
the platter a few drops of oil can leak, that is normal. Remove it from the plinth.
7. Bearin oil exchan e with cleanin .
You should do it every two years, or, more often if the turntable is heavily used. To do it, remove
the platter and the spindle. Use a pencil with a soft paper (e. . tissue paper) to remove the oil. Put a
pencil with the soft paper in the bearin for a few minutes to take out the oil. Then use Technical
Alcohol on tissue paper to clean the bearin . Put in the new oil (follow the refill process described
above). Put the spindle back and carefully replace the platter. Do not hit the bottom level of the
bearin or dama e may occur.
The RPMs could be unstable for a few workin hours, oil needs to flow to the bearin while
workin . It is recommended not to chan e the oil if you are plannin important presentation in the
near future (like in a day or two).
Thank you very much for your choice of the Zontek.
I wish you many hours of pleasant listening
with the Turntable.