Set-up
The deck is supplied partially disassembled and carefully packaged for safe transport. Carefully remove all parts from the transport packaging. Make sure the surface you wish to use the turntable on is level (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable on it. Remove the two red transport screws (1) which secure the motor (22) during transportation. Fit the drive belt (3) around the hub (4) and 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. Fit the platter and felt mat over the spindle of the hub. Remove the transport lock (18) from the tonearm and the tonearm bearing. Store it together with the two red motor transport screws (1) in the original packaging so they are available for any future transportation.
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 (21). Do not tighten the nuts yet. Connect the tonearm wires to the cartridge pins as follows: white red green blue left channel positive (L+) right channel pos. (R+) right channel return (R -) left channel return (L -)
The full sound quality of the PRO-JECT 1 Xpression 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.
Cartridge downforce adjustment
The counterweight (6) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 3,5 - 6,5g. An alternative counterweight for cartridges weighing between 6,5 - 9g is available as an accessory part. Adjust the downforce prior to installing the anti-skating weight. Gently push and turn the counterweight (6) onto the armtube stub. 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. This adjustment must be done carefully. Do not forget to remove the cartridge protection cap if fitted (as with the Pro-Ject K4 or K6). Once the arm is correctly balanced return it to the rest. Hold the counterweight (6) without moving it, and gently revolve the downforce scale ring (6a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating prong (15). Check whether the arm still balances out. Rotate the counterweight clockwise (seen from the front) to adjust the downforce according to the cartridge manufacturer's recommendations. One mark on the scale represents 1 mN (=1g, 1 Pond) of downforce.
Adjusting the vertical tracking angle (vta)
Put a record and the record weight 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 it is not loosen both allen 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 allen screws without applying excessive force (which would deform the arm pillar) � finger tight is quite sufficient.
