Pro-Ject Debut S Record Player and Turntable Instruction Manual

Pro-Ject Debut S Record Player and Turntable

Product Information

Pro-Ject Debut S

The Pro-Ject Debut S is a record player that offers maximum performance and reliability. It comes with various controls, features, and connections that are listed below:

• (1) Motor with stepped drive pulley
• (2) Drive belt
• (3) Sub-platter
• (4) Platter and felt mat
• (5) Tonearm counterweight
• (5a) Downforce scale
• (6) Tonearm lift lever
• (7) Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
• (8) Tonearm tube with SME headshell connector
• (9) Detachable aluminium headshell
• (10) Lid
• (11) Lid hinges
• (12) Hinge fasteners
• (13) Phono output socket and earth connection
• (14) Power supply socket
• (15) Magnetic anti-skating adjustment scale
• (16) Feet with TPE damping
• (17) Speed selector
• (18) Single adapter

The record player also comes with a Signal cable Connect IT E RCA (not shown).

What in box

Product Usage Instructions

Pro-Ject Debut S

Safety Instructions

Before starting to assemble, make sure to get familiar with the parts listed above and correspondingly numbered in the technical drawings above. To avoid any hazard for the user, the unit, or possible misuse, study the instructions for use carefully.

Set-up

Follow the instructions below for setting up your Pro-Ject Debut S record player:

1. Adjust the cartridge downforce prior to adjusting the anti-skating force.
2. The recommended downforce for the Sumiko Rainier cartridge is 20mN.
3. The anti-skating force must correspond to the downforce. Turn counterclockwise with anti-skating adjustment mechanism to increase the anti-skating force.
4. If you encounter hum problems when using the record player, an earthing wire may be connected to the screw terminal between the sockets.

Connection to the Amplifier

To connect your Pro-Ject Debut S record player to the amplifier:

1. Use the supplied interconnect cables to connect the gold plated female RCA phono sockets (13) to the Phono input (sometimes labelled gram, disc or RIAA) on your amplifier.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 which is then connected between the record player and a free line level input of the amplifier.

For detailed product information regarding Pro-Ject Audio interconnect cables and phono amplifiers, please refer to the Pro-Ject web site www.project- audio.com.

Mains Power Connection

Make sure to connect the mains power to the Pro-Ject Debut S record player through the power supply socket (14).

Controls, features, and connections

1. Motor with stepped drive pulley
2. Drive belt
3. Sub-platter
4. Platter and felt mat
5. Tonearm counterweight
   • 5a. Downforce scale
6. Tonearm lift lever
7. Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
8. Tonearm tube with SME headshell connector
9. Detachable aluminium headshell
10. Lid
11. Lid hinges
12. Hinge fasteners
13. Phono output socket and earth connection
14. Power supply socket
15. Magnetic anti-skating adjustment scale
16. Feet with TPE damping
17. Speed selector
18. Single adapter
    Signal cable Connect IT E RCA (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.

The following instructions for adjusting the cartridge are provided in case the cartridge is replaced by a different model later.
During assembly and adjustment of the deck small parts could be lost if not carefully placed in a suitable receptacle. Before starting to assemble, get familiar with the parts listed above and correspondingly numbered in the technical drawings above.

Safety instructions

The power supply is used to connect and disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the plug is always easily accessible. Hold the plug when unplugging the power cord. Never handle the power cord while your hands are wet or damp.
Avoid letting liquids enter the device. Never place any item containing liquid, like a flower vase, on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device. Never place any naked flame sources, like lighted candles, on or near the device. The product shall not be used in damp or wet locations, next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or any other similar conditions.
Keep plastic bags away from children to prevent any risk of suffocation.

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 transport lock (7) from the tonearm. Store it in the original packaging so it is available for any future transportation.
Fit the drive belt (2) around the sub-platter (3) and the smaller diameter part of the motor pulley (1). 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 sub-platter and the belt. Fit the platter (4) and felt mat over the spindle of the sub-platter (3).

Cartridge downforce adjustment
The counterweight (5) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 5 – 11g (weight no. 85). Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (5) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (8), so that the downforce scale (5a) 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 (5) 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.
Once the arm is correctly balanced return it to the rest. Hold the counterweight (5) without moving it, and gently revolve the downforce scale ring (5a). 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. One mark on the scale represents 1 mN (= 0.1g / 0.1 Pond) of downforce.

Please note: Adjust the downforce prior to adjusting the anti-skating force.
The recommended downforce for the Sumiko Rainier cartridge is 20mN.

Anti-skating force adjustment

The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce.
The anti-skating mechanism is calibrated from 0 to 5g. The anti-skating force should correspond with the downforce. Turn counterclockwise with anti-skating adjustment mechanism to increase the anti-skating force.
Three examples of magnetic anti-skating mechanism:

• a) Downforce – 1,5g → Anti-skating force 1,5g
• b) Downforce – 1,7g → Anti-skating force 1,7g
• c) Downforce – 2,3g → Anti-skating force 2,3g

Connection to the amplifier

The record player has gold plated female RCA phono sockets (13) for connection to the amplifier using the supplied interconnect cables.
Use 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 which is then connected between the record player and a free line level input of the amplifier.
For detailed product information regarding Pro-Ject Audio interconnect cables and phono amplifiers please refer to the Pro-Ject web site www.project- audio.com.
The recommended load impedance for the factory fitted cartridge is: 47kohms /MM-input

Mains power connection

The turntable is supplied with the universal power supply with 3 exchangeable sockets adapters suitable for all countries. Select the correct adapter for your country and insert the adapter to the exchangeable part of the power supply.
Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the socket (14) on the rear of the record player before connecting the power supply to the mains.

Fitting the lid
Fit the lid (dust cover 10) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the screws (12) until the lid stays open where you want it to without being too stiff to open or close.

Switching on and off, changing replay speed

The turntable is equipped with a three-position switch for ON/OFF and electronic speed change. To play records at 33 r.p.m. press this switch (17) to the left side. To play records at 45 r.p.m. press this switch (17) to the right side. To be able to play 78 r.p.m. the flat drive belt has to be removed and the round drive belt has to be fitted around the sub-platter (3) and the larger diameter part of the motor pulley (1). To do so, the platter (4) must be removed.

After the round drive belt has been fitted, pressing the ON/OFF switch to the right selects 78 r.p.m.

Useful tips
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.

Adjusting the azimuth
** The cartridge needle must be vertical in the record groove in order to trace the groove wall modulations correctly.
A small screw at the bearing end of the arm allows incorrect azimuth to be corrected if your needle is not mounted exactly perpendicular to the cartridge body (which is often the case).
Slacken off the screw just enough to be able to revolve the arm tube without applying force. Please note: do not remove the screw completely!
With the aid of a good magnifying glass adjust the needle until it is vertical in the groove (i.e., perpendicular to the record’s surface). Ideally this should correspond to the top surface of the cartridge body being parallel to the record surface.
When you are satisfied that the needle is vertical retighten the screw carefully.

Please note: Under no circumstances should the arm tube be adjusted with the needle still in the record groove! Irreparable damage may be caused to the cantilever suspension! The arm must be lifted to make each adjustment and lowered afterwards to check it.

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 (20). 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.

Maintenance and cleaning

Your record player requires little or no regular maintenance. Remove dust with a slightly moistened antistatic cloth. Never use a dry cloth because this will create static electricity which attract more dust! Antistatic cleaning fluids are available at specialist stores but must be applied sparingly to avoid damage to rubber parts. 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!

Technical specifications

Technical specifications Pro-Ject Debut S/ Pro-Ject 8.6 S-DH

• Nominal speeds
  33/45 r.p.m.. *** 78 r.p.m. optional

• Speed variance
  33: ±0.70% 45: ±0.60%

• Wow and flutter
  33: ±0.19% 45: ±0.17%

• Signal to noise
  68dB

• Effective tonearm mass
  8g

• Effective tonearm length
  8.6 ” (218.5mm)

• Overhang
  18,5mm

• Power consumption
  4W/0W in Stand-By

• Outboard power supply
  15V / 0 – 0.8mA DC (set at 0.5mA), universal power supply

• Dimensions (W x H x D)
  415 x 118 x 320mm, dust cover open 415 x 365 x 405mm

• Weight
  5,6kg

• Dimensions packaging (W x H x D)
  488 x 235 x 393mm

• Weight incl. packaging
  8.0kg

Technical specifications MM-Cartridge Sumiko Rainier

• Frequency range
  15-25.000Hz

• Channel separation
  25dB/1kHz

• Output voltage
  5mV

• Recommended load impedance
  47kohms/amplifier connection – MM-input

• Compliance/stylus type
  10×10-6cm/dyn @ 100Hz– elliptical

• Recommended tracking force
  20mN

• Weight
  6.5g

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 affected 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: lid (10), counterweight (5), platter (4) and belt (2). Fit the cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport lock for the tonearm (7) 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.
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.

PRO-JECT is a Registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Pro-Ject Audio Systems Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.

References

• Pro-Ject Audio
• Overton
• Pro-Ject Audio Systems
• Pro-Ject Audio Systems
• Fidelity reviews the Pre Box S2 Digital – Pro-Ject Audio Systems
• Find A Dealer – Pro-Ject Audio Systems
• Find A Dealer – Pro-Ject Audio Systems
• Find A Dealer – Pro-Ject Audio Systems
• Pro-Ject Audio

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