DONNER DP-500 Belt Drive Turntable Instruction Manual

DONNER DP-500 Belt Drive Turntable

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this Donner Bell Drive Turntable. Please read the user manual carefully before use and keep it in a safe place for future reference. If you need any assistance, please contact our customer support email: [email protected].

This product can be used only in the countries where the product is sold. Make sure that the operating voltage and the plug of the AC adapter of the product are correct for the country you live in.

PACKAGE LIST

• Before use, please make sure that the product is complete without any damage. If you have any doubt, please do not use and contact our customer service.
• After-Sales Email Address: [email protected].

After purchase, we suggest that you save all packaging materials for possible future storage, moving, or shipping.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Item

|

Specification

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Item Model| DP-500
Drive System| Belt Drive System
Rated Voltage (Adaptor)| 100-240 V
Speed Mode| 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
Bluetooth Output| 150mV +/-50mV
Bluetooth Version| V5.0
Bluetooth Effective Range| 2:10M
Bluetooth Frequency Band| 2.4GHz
“PHONO” Output levels| 18mV
“LINE” Output levels| 400mV
Operating Temperature Range| 5°C-35°C
Adaptor| DC12V 0.5A

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Donner DP-500 is a Belt Drive Turntable designed for analog playback of vinyl records. Assemble your turntable to use it for the first time.
• Donner DP-500 turntable does not have built-in speakers. To listen to audio on vinyl records, either use the RCA audio cable (supplied) to connect to an audio device or use the BLUETOOTH® function to connect to a BLUETOOTH wireless technology-enabled audio device, such as wireless speakers or wireless headphones.
• You can record audio tracks from vinyl records, which are played using your turntable, to a computer by connecting the turntable to a computer with a USB cable (supplied) and using recording software on the computer.

NOTE

• Be sure to connect to and use a BLUETOOTH wireless technology-enabled audio device with a volume adjustment function. Audio tracks may be played at very loud volumes if you connect your turntable to a device from which you cannot adjust the volume.
• Devices (Including TVs, smartphones, and computers), cannot receive streams that are sent from your turntable if the turntable is connected to these BLUETOOTH devices.
• Your turntable is not an analog record player designed for DJ (Disk Jockey) use. Stopping or reversing the rotation of the vinyl record by hand will cause malfunctions.

PRODUCT STRUCTURE

TOP VIEW DIAGRAM

1. Turntable Platter
   Place the platter on the center spindle while you are assembling your turntable. II has a Bell Driven wound around on the backside.

2. Center Spindle

3. Headshell with Audio Technica Cartridge (AT-3600L)

   • Attach the protector to protect the stylus when the product is not in use.
   • Do not touch the stylus of the cartridge with your finger.
   • Do not allow the cartridge’s stylus to bump against the platter or the edge of the record.

4. Pitch Adjust Control Knob
   A variable speed pitch control is a control on the turntable that allows the operator to deviate from a standard speed (such as 33 1/3, 45 RPM on a turntable).

5. Eject Knob
   Trigger the Eject Knob during record playing, the turntable will stop gently and the tonearm will automatically return to the tonearm rest part.

6. Start I Stop Knob
   Stop the turntable from rotating or resume rotating.

7. Tonearm
   Be sure that the tonearm is detached from the tonearm rest part before operating and re-secured again afterward.

8. 33 1/3 RPM / 45 RPM Speed Knob
   Rotate to set to the appropriate RPM of the vinyl record to be played. Depending on the record to be played to switch 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM turntable playback.

9. Tonearm Rest with Clamp
   Use the clamp to secure the tonearm so that it does not move. Place the tonearm here while you are not playing a vinyl record.
   Note
   Put the lift lever downward to drop the tonearm and fasten the tonearm with the lock on the tonearm rest part before carrying your turntable.

10. Tonearm Lift Lever
    Push the lift lever upward to raise the tonearm from the arms park or put the lift lever downward to drop the tonearm to the arms park.

11. Anti-Skate Control Knob
    While the record is playing, a force acts on the stylus tip to pull it inward. This force can be counteracted by setting the same values for the anti-skate and the tracking force.

12. Tracking Force Gauge Ring
    Use to guide the adjustment of the tracking force.

13. Counterweight
    Balance the tonearm and adjusts to provide the proper tracking force.
    REARVIEW DIAGRAM

14. Dust Cover

15. Feet
    Adjust the level of the product.

16. Auto Return On / Off

    • There is an Auto-return on/off button at the back panel to switch on/off the Auto-return tonearm function. If the
      The auto-return function is on, the tonearm will return automatically after the playback of the record is finished.

    • Since there are numerous vinyl manufacturers, we do not guarantee that the auto-return function is applicable to all vinyl. If the tonearm cannot return automatically, please trigger the eject switch to activate Auto-return.

17. Bluetooth On/Off
    For details, refer to “BLUETOOTH TRANSMITTER” on p. 11.

18. Phono/Line Selector (Pre-amplifier Selector Switch)

    • If using an amplifier with a PHONO input jack, set this switch to the PH ONO position. If connecting to the AUX jack of an amplifier, set this switch to the LINE position.
    • Select “phono”, the audio signal will bypass the internal pre-amplifier without any processor. Then turntable has to be connected to an external pre-amplifier for music playback.
    • Select “Line”, the audio signal will be processed by an internal pre-amplifier. The turntable can be directly connected to active speakers for music playback.

19. Stereo Output Socket
    Connect the RCA audio cable. Connect it to either the amplifier’s ‘PH ONO’ input jack or its ‘LINE’ input jack. The red terminal is the right channel and the white terminal is the left channel.

20. USB Output Socket
    For details, refer to “Connecting to computers with USB input” on p. 11.

21. Power Input Socket
    Connect the AC adapter

22. Power
    ON/OFF button

INSTALLATION

For the first time, it is necessary to assemble it before using this product. Do not connect the AC adapter until assembly is complete.

• Unpack all parts and remove protective material.
• Do not connect the unit to the mains before checking the mains voltage and before all other connections have been made.
• Do not cover any vents and make sure that there is a space of several centimeters around the unit for ventilation.

ATTACHING THE PLATTER

Set the platter on the spindle

• To avoid damaging the center spindle when seating the platter, align the positions of the spindle and the platter’s hole, and then slowly seat the platter.
• Make certain that the platter is fully seated on the center spindle.

Hold the platter steady and carefully slip the belt over the motor pulley.

Note

• Be careful to not let the drive belt twist. If the drive belt is twisted while placing it around the motor pulley, the speed will become unstable and the platter will stop after it begins rotating. If this happens, place the drive belt around the motor pulley again.
• When placing the drive belt around the platter, do not stretch the drive belt roughly. Doing so degrades the drive bell, which causes the sound’s pitch to fluctuate and be too high.
• If the drive belt comes off of the platter’s inner circle while you are placing the drive bell around it, temporarily remove the platter. Turn the platter over and wind the drive belt around the circumference of the inner circle. Then, start again from the beginning of the procedure.

Place the Slip Mat on top of the platter.

ATTACHING THE TONEARM
For the cartridge to pick up sound correctly from the record’s grooves, the tonearm’s balance and tracking force must be adjusted to fit the specifications of the cartridge. If the tonearm’s balance and tracking force are not properly adjusted, the record or the cartridge’s stylus may become damaged.

Do not drag the cartridge’s stylus across the record or platter when adjusting the tonearm’s balance or tracking force. Doing so may damage the stylus.

1. Remove the plastic tie securing the tonearm to the tonearm rest
2. Hold the tonearm steady and remove the plastic tape wrapped around the stylus guide
3. While lightly holding the headshell to prevent the tonearm from moving, unlatch the clamp and make sure the tonearm lift lever is in the down position
   • The tonearm is tilted because the balance has yet to be adjusted.
4. Insert the counterweight onto the back of the tonearm
5. Move the cartridge and needle to the space between the tonearm rest and the platter
6. Balancing the tonearm
   • Proper weighting ensures your turntable’s needle or records won’t be damaged.
   • Twist the counterweight inwards or outwards to increase or decrease the force on the needle.
   • Adjust the counterweight until the tonearm achieves a nice, natural balance.
7. Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest and latch the clamp
8. Setting tracking force
   • While supporting the counterweight so that it does not move, turn the tracking force gauge ring so that its “0” position lines up with the centerline on the back of the tonearm. Be sure not to turn together with the counterweight.
   • Turn the counterweight and the tracking force gauge ring together counterclockwise (to the left) until the centerline value matches the recommended tracking force value for the cartridge you are using.
   • Every full turn of the scale ring represents around 5.0 Grams (+/-0.5 Grams).
   • Audio-Technica Al-36001. the cartridge needs a tracking force of around 3.5 grams. To reach this tracking force, turn the counterweight inward till between “3” and “4” on the scale ring.
   • There is a tolerance in weight of around +/-0.5 grams. If necessary, turning the counterweight inward (counterclockwise) can increase the tracking force, while turning the counterweight backward (clockwise) can decrease the tracking force.
   • For other cartridges, the user can adjust the tracking force by turning the counterweight inward or backward.
9. Setting the anti-skate adjustment.
   • While the record is playing, a force acts on the stylus tip to pull it inward. This force can be counteracted by setting the same values for the anti-skate and the tracking force.
   • Adjust the anti-skate control dial to have the same value as the tracking force value. The standard tracking force value for the cartridge provided with this product is 3.5.
10. Attaching the dust cover
    • Insert the supplied dust cover hinges into the hinge pockets on the dust cover.
    • Align the attached hinges with the hinge pockets on the rear of your turntable and push in the dust cover.

Note
To remove the dust cover from the turntable, fully open the dust cover, grasp both sides near the bottom of the cover, and then gently pull it out in the upward direction.

Attention
Remove the cable protective cap under the headshell if the end user takes out the whole cartridge.

CONNECTION

SETTING PRE-AMPLIFIER SELECTOR SWITCH (OUTPUT SELECT SWITCH)

• This product has a built-in phono equalizer function. You can use the product, even if you do not have a phono amplifier, by connecting an active speaker, etc.
• Besides, you can use the product by connecting the equipment with a built-in phono amplifier.
• Select “phono”, the audio signal will bypass the internal pre-amplifier without any processor. Then turntable has to be connected to an external pre-amplifier for music playback.
• Select “Line”, the audio signal will be processed by an internal pre-amplifier. The turntable can be directly connected to active speakers for music playback.

CONNECTING VIA THE AUDIO CABLE

• This system can be connected with the external device (active amplifier and speaker, etc.) by the RCA line-out socket at the rear cabinet.
• Connect the external device (active amplifier and mixer, etc.) with ground lead if necessary.
• Align the settings for the pre-amplifier selector switch and connect the RCA audio cable to an input jack that is compatible with the connectable equipment you are using (amplifier, receiver, active speakers, sound card, etc.).
• Connect the white plug to the white (L) socket and the red plug to the red R socket.

Attention

• If you are only using the BLUETOOTH connection and not connecting the turntable to another device using the audio cable, place the audio cable so that its metal tips do not touch each other or any metallic parts from racks or other devices. Then, Set the pre-amplifier selector switch (OUTPUT SELECT switch) to LINE to use the turntable.
• Connecting the RCA audio cable to the PHONO input socket and setting the pre-amplifier selector switch (OUTPUT SELECT switch) to “LINE” may produce a very loud sound that may break the amp or speaker. Always set the switch to “PHONO” when connecting to the PHONO input socket.
• Connecting the RCA audio cable to an analog input jack, such as an AUX input jack, and setting the pre-amplifier selector switch (OUTPUT SELECT switch) to “PH ONO” produces only a very quiet sound. Always set the switch to “LINE” when connecting to the analog input socket.

CONNECTING TO COMPUTERS WITH USB INPUT

• You can use a USB cable (supplied} to connect your turntable to a computer, and then record audio tracks from the vinyl record to your computer without the need for special drivers.
• Audacity (refer to https://www.audacityteam.org for details) and other compatible third-party recording software packages are available, allowing you to record from the product to your computer.
• Be sure to set the pre-amplifier selector switch (OUTPUT SELECT switch} to the “LINE” position.
• Donner does not offer support for this software.
• The USB output signals can be used only for recording, not for playback.

BLUETOOTH TRANSMITTER

• This system can be connected to an external Bluetooth speaker for wireless music playback.
• Be sure to set the pre-amplifier selector switch (OUTPUT SELECT switch} to the “LINE” position.
• Briefly press the Bluetooth On / Off button at the back panel to control the Bluetooth transmitter function, and the turntable will automatically connect to the last connected device.
• Long press the Bluetooth On / Off button at the back panel to control the Bluetooth transmitter function, and the turntable will automatically disconnect the previously connected device and search for device connections again.
• Since there are numerous Bluetooth solutions, we do not guarantee that this turntable can support all Bluetooth speakers from every manufacturer. In case there is any external Bluetooth speaker that cannot be connected, please try another Bluetooth speaker again. Or connect this turntable with the wired speaker for music playback.

LISTENING TO A VINYL RECORD

BEFORE PLAYING A VINYL RECORD

1. Remove the stylus protective cover. (Remove the stylus protective cover with care so as not to damage the stylus.)
   • If the tonearm is fixed to the tonearm rest, unlatch the clamp
2. Press the power switch button to the ON position
3. Place the record on the platter so that the center hole aligns with the center spindle.
   • If playing a 45 RPM record, attach the 45 RPM adapter (see the diagram below).
4. Set the platter rotation speed (33-1 /3 RPM / 45 RPM) to match that of the record.

PLAYING A VINYL RECORD
Before you play a vinyl record, turn down the audio device’s volume. The loud, crackling noise made by the tonearm descending and the stylus coming into contact with the vinyl record could damage the speakers or audio device. Wait until the stylus has completely descended, and then adjust the volume.

1. Turn the START/ STOP knob to START
   • The platter will start to rotate.
2. Raise the tonearm by lifting the tonearm lift control lever to the UP position.
3. Position the tonearm over the desired location (groove) on the record.
4. Lower the tonearm by moving the tonearm lift control lever to the DOWN position. The tonearm descends slowly onto the record and play begins.
   • Do not subject the product to a strong impact during playback.

PAUSING THE VINYL RECORD
After lowering the volume of the amplifier, the speakers, sufficiently, lift the tonearm with the tonearm lift control lever.

STOPPING THE RECORD

1. After lowering the volume of the amplifier, the speakers, sufficiently, lift the tonearm with the tonearm lift control lever.
2. Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest and fix it with the clamp.
3. Turn the START/ STOP knob to STOP.
   • The platter will stop rotating.
4. Press the power switch button to the OFF position.
5. Remove the record after the platter has come to a complete stop.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Although this product was designed to be used safely, failing to use it correctly may result in an accident. To ensure safety, observe all warnings and cautions while using the product.

WARNING

• The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
• To prevent fire or shock hazards, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
• The product should be positioned on a flat, level surface.

CAUTION

• Usage of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
• This unit should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except qualified service personnel.
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• To avoid electric shock, do not open the cabinet.
• Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
• Do not expose this apparatus to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire, or the like.
• Do not subject this apparatus to a strong impact.
• In case of an emergency, disconnect the AC adapter quickly.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this apparatus.
• To prevent fire, do not place any naked flame sources (such as lighted candles) on this apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a bookcase or similar unit.
• Install this apparatus only in a place where ventilation is good.
• Do not set and use the product in locations that are considered hot or humid, dirty, or subject to extreme vibrations.

NOTE ON CARRYING THIS PRODUCT
When you carry this product, make sure that you firmly hold the bottom of the product as illustrated below. Inappropriate holding may cause you to drop the product, resulting in malfunctions or injuries.

ENERGY SAVING
If there is no audio signal from the turntable for over around 10 minutes, the unit will automatically switch to standby mode for energy saving.

PRODUCT MAINTENANCE

Conscientiously do a good job in the maintenance and protection of this product. It plays an important role in prolonging the service life and reducing faults.

1. Avoid heat, dampness, or direct sunlight
   The product should not be exposed excessively to direct sunlight, placed near the air conditioner, or in extremely hot places.

2. No use near TV or radio.
   This product may cause video or audio interference to the reception of TV and radio. If this happens, it should be removed from the radio or TV products.

3. Don’t use paint, diluent, or similar chemicals to clean it.
   Wet a soft towel with weak solution and detergent and wring it out until it dries. Clean the product with this towel.

4. No shaking or collision.
   The product should be moved carefully. Violent shakes and collisions are prohibited to avoid damaging the shell or internal electronic components.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM

|

SOLUTION

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The platter does not spin| •    Is the AC adapter connected to the outlet? Connect the AC adapter to the outlet.

•    Has the AC adapter’s plug come off? Check whether or not the plug is properly attached to the AC adapter.

The platter spins, but there is no sound or the volume is not loud enough.|

•    Is the cartridge’s protector still in place. Remove the cartridge’s protector.

•    Is the tonearm in the lift position. Lower the tonearm.

•    Are the function settings and input for connected equipment (amplifier, etc.) selected correctly. Check whether the settings for the connected equipment are correct.

•    Is the stylus damaged? Check the stylus and replace it, if necessary.

•    Is the stylus placed correctly on the body of the cartridge. Check the cartridge and adjust it, if necessary.

•    Are the setting positions for the pre-amplifier selector switch correct. Check that the pre-amplifier settings are correct, noting the following common problems and their causes:

•    If there is no sound, or if the volume is not loud enough, the product is set to the “PHONO” position and connected to the amplifier’s AUX/LINE input.

•    If the volume is too loud or is distorted, the product is set to the “LINE” position and connected to the amplifier’s PHONG input.

•    Is the tracking force set too heavy. Adjust the tracking force.

The stylus skips| •    Is the tracking force set too light or too heavy. Adjust the tracking force.

•    Is the anti-skate set improperly? Verify that the anti-skate is set for the same value as the cartridge tracking force.

•    Is the record warped. Check the record.

•    Is the record scratched. Check the record.

There is noise when the record is playing| •    Your turntable is placed too close to the speakers. Move the turntable away from the speakers.

•    Is the product picking up excessive vibrations from the floor, surfaces of the walls, or nearby speakers. Decrease the vibrations or mount the product on a surface that is not subject to the effects of vibrations.

•    Is the product mounted on an unstable surface? Check whether the surface on which the product is mounted is suitable.

You experience sound problems| •    Is there dust on the cartridge’s stylus tip. If dust is stuck to the stylus tip, clean it with a commercially sold brush.

•    If the sound pitch is unstable, the drive belt may be worn out. Replace the drive belt.

•    If the dusty vinyl record is causing frequent noises, clean the surface with a professional record cleaning product.

•    The stylus is worn out. Replace it with a new one.

The sound when the record is playing is either too fast or too slow| •    Are the speed settings for the product correct. Use the platter speed buttons to select the correct speed for the type of record being played.
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You cannot pair via the BLUETOOTH

wireless technology

| •    If there are playback devices, which support BLUETOOTH wireless technology nearby, that have the BLUETOOTH function enabled, but some of them are not the device with which you want to pair, disable their BLUETOOTH function and try pairing again.

•    With the pairing operation, the device with which you do not want to pair may be turned on and connected to the turntable automatically. If this occurs, change the device’s setting not to turn on by the BLUETOOTH connection, turn off the device, and try pairing again.

•    The procedure for turning on the pairing mode differs depending on the playback device that supports BLUETOOTH wireless technology. For details, refer to the user’s instructions supplied with the device.

You cannot connect your turntable to the playback device, which supports BLUETOOTH wireless technology, to which you want to connect.| •    If there are playback devices, which support BLUETOOTH wireless technology nearby, that have the BLUETOOTH function enabled, but some of them are not the device to which you want to connect, disable their BLUETOOTH function.

AFTER-SALE SERVICE

This product is available for 12 months of quality guarantee service. If you need help concerning the product, after-sales service, or any other related questions, please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected].

MADE IN CHINA.

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