Retrolife HQ-KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable System Instruction Manual

October 31, 2023
Retrolife

Retrolife logo HQ-KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable System
Instruction ManualRetrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable
System

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing Retro life Belt-Driven Turntable System. This user manual contains important information about safety, usage and disposal. Use the product as described and keep this instruction for future reference. If you sell  this turntable or pass it on, also give this manual to the new owner.

Important Safety Instructions

  1. Read all instructions before use.
  2. Keep these instructions for later use.
  3. Follow all instructions.
  4. Heed all warnings.
  5. Do not use this product near water.
  6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
  7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer.
  8. Do not settle near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or stoves.
  9. Do not destroy the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two flat prongs with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two flat prongs and a third grounding prong.The wide prong  or the third prong is provided for your safety. If your outlets are not compatible with this product plug provided, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlets.
  10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or  pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
  11. Only use attachments / accessories specified by the manufacturer.
  12. Do not overload the electrical outlet. Use only power source as indicated.
  13. Unplug this product during lightning storms or when unused for long time periods.
  14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the product has been damaged in any way, such as if the power cord is damaged, if liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen onto/into the product, if  the product has been exposed to rain or moisture, if the product has been dropped, or if the product has been malfunctioning or not operating normally.
  15. This machine should not be exposed to dripping or splashing water and objects filled with liquids, such as vases or bowls, should not be placed on the product.
  16. Use replacement parts as specified by the manufacturer.
  17. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks.

CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,
MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT.
FULLY INSERT THE PLUG TO MAIN POWER SOCKET.

Product Description

  1. Counterweight
  2. Anti-skating Stick
  3. Turntable Platter
  4. Tonearm Lift Lever
  5. Tonearm Rest
  6. 33/45 RPM Selector
  7. Tonearm
  8. Stop/Start Dial
  9. CartridgeRetrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable System - Description
  10. Removable Lid
  11. DC in jack
  12.  Lid Hinge
  13. PHONO & Line Out Jacks
  14. PHONO & Line Out Switch
  15.  Anti-skating Weight
  16. USB-PC Port
  17. AC-DC Power Jack
  18. Bluetooth Indicator
  19. Power Switch

What’s included in the box:

  1. Turntable Unit
  2. Power Adapter
  3. Removable Lid
  4. Counterweight
  5. Anti-skating Weight
  6. Platter with Belt
  7. 45 RPM Adaptor
  8.  Slip Mat
  9. Cartridge Alignment Protractor
  10. USB-PC Cable
  11. User Manual

This turntable is equipped with a factory-adjusted cartridge that’s already fitted.
Note: Instructions are provided in this manual for adjusting the cartridge in case that the cartridge is replaced at a later date with a different model.

Installing the Lid

Install the Lid carefully over the hinge prongs.

Turntable Platter and Belt Setup Method

  1. Set the platter on the spindle.
    • Make sure that the platter is fully seated on the spindle.

  2. Place the belt on the motor pulley.
    • Align one of the platter openings with the motor pulley, and, while pulling both ends of the red ribbon that comes attached to the belt, place the belt on the motor pulley, as per the diagram. When doing this, be careful not to twist the belt.

  3. Remove the red ribbon from the belt.

  4. Place the slip mat on the platter.

Cartridge Tracking Force Adjustment

The supplied Counterweight is suitable for cartridges weighing between 3.0-6.0g.

  1. Gently push and turn the Counterweight onto the rear of the tonearm (with the dial facing towards the front of the turntable).
  2. Remove the cartridge protection cap.
  3. Remove the tie-wrap and unlock the tone arm.
  4. Lower the tonearm lift and position the cartridge in the space between the tonearm rest and platter.
  5. Carefully rotate the Counterweight until the tonearm achieves a neutral, level balance. The tonearm should return to this balanced position if it is moved up or down. Perform this adjustment carefully.Retrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable System - Carefully
  6. Once the tonearm is correctly balanced, return and lock it to the tonearm rest. Next, “Zero” the tonearm by holding the Counterweight still and gently rotating only the tracking force dial so the “O” is centered over the black line on  the top of the tonearm. After, unlock the tonearm and check that it still maintains a level balance.
  7. Rotate the counterweight counterclockwise (seen from the front) to adjust the tracking force according to the cartridge manufacturer’s recommendations. Note: Each mark on the dial represents 0.05g. The recommended tracking force for the factory-installed cartridge is 3.5g±0.5g. The cartridge only goes up to 2g for one rotation of the tracking force dial, meaning you will need to  make more than one rotation to reach 3.5g.

Anti-skating Force Adjustment

The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the tracking force as follows:

Tracking Force| Groove in the stub|
---|---|---
5-10mN| 1st from bearing ring
10-15 MN| 2nd from the bearing ring
15-20mN| 3rd from the bearing ring
20mN and larger| 4th from the bearing ring

  1. Slip the loop of the anti-skating weight’s thread over the 3rd groove of the stick to set the correct anti-skating force for the factory-fitted cartridge.
  2. Feed the thread through the hook of the wire support.

Retrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable System - tonearm
3

Setting Phono-Line Out Switch

This product has a built-in phono equalizer function. You can use the turntable, even if you do not have a phono amplifier or connectable equipment with a built-in phono amplifier.
Use the Phono-Line Out Switch to set the output, as shown below.

Connectable device being used Position of Phono-Line Out Switch
Device with phono input Phono
Device without phono input Line

Connection to an Amplifier (Device with Phono input, PHONO mode)
This turntable uses a moving magnetic cartridge. Set the PHONO & Line Out Switch on PHONO mode. Connect the phono out cables to the phono input on your amplifier of pre-amplifier (phono stage). Line inputs such as CD, Tuner, Tape, or Video are not suitable for phono inputs. Make sure the amplification of the selected input matches the type of cartridge being used. The factory installed cartridge is 47k ohms/ MM-input.
NOTE: If your amplifier does not have an input suitable for phono cartridges, you will need to purchase a separate phono amplifier for moving magnetic cartridges. This separate phono amplifier will then connect between your turntable  and your amplifier.
Stereo System Connection (Device without phono input, LINE mode)
Set the PHONO & Line Out Switch to LINE mode. The RCA PHONO & Line Out Jacks output analog line-level signals and can be connected directly with a par of active/powered speakers of the appropriate input of your stereo system.
The Red plug connects with the Right channel and the White plug connects with the Left channel.
NOTE: The RCA Jacks are not designed to be connected directly to passive/ unpowered speakers in LINE mode. If connected to the passive speakers, no sound will come out.
Main Power Connection
Unpack the power adapter from the foam packing material and plug the small end into the DC power jack located on the back of the turntable. Plug the power adapter plug into an electrical outlet.
Power Management Function
The turntable will automatically go into standby mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. To resume operation, simply press the power switch off, then press it to the “ON” position after 1 second.

Operation

Turntable Operation

  1. After connecting to power, press the power switch to the “ON” position.
  2. Remove the stylus protector from the stylus.
  3. Place the slip mat on the platter and place a record on the slip mat. If using 45 RPM records, put the 45 RPM adapter on the center spindle before placing the record on the platter.
  4. Set the 33/45 RPM Selector according to the type of record.
  5. Turn the Start/Stop dial to the Start position. The platter will start spinning.
  6. Unlock the tonearm clip and set the Lift Lever to the up position.
  7. Position the tonearm over the desired location (groove) on the record.
  8. Move the tonearm lift lever to the down position to move the tonearm toward the record. Alternatively, place the needle over the desired location on the record.
  9. Carefully lower the tonearm on the record.
  10. When you are finished playing the record, raise the tonearm, return it to rest on the arm clip, and turn the Start/Stop dial to the Stop.

Bluetooth Operation
This turntable has a Bluetooth transmitter to wirelessly send audio to a Bluetooth speaker.

  1. Power on your Bluetooth speaker and ensure it is in pairing mode.
  2. Power on the turntable. BT will auto search when the turntable turns on and the BT LED indicator light will flash.
  3. When pairing, the light will flash twice per second and will become solid when paired successfully.
  4. To disconnect pairing, power off the turntable or turn off Bluetooth pairing on your Bluetooth speaker.
  5. This turntable will connect to the nearest Bluetooth speaker.
    If after 2 minutes no
    Bluetooth speaker can be found to pair with, the Bluetooth transmitter will become inactive and the LED will turn off. If you need to connect again, power off the turntable and the speaker then power on again.
Bluetooth Indicator Bluetooth Status
Flash Auto searching and pairing
Solid Paired successfully
Off Inactive

Recording onto a PC through USB Jack:
For installing and recording instructions, refer to the BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF AUDACITY webpage at https://www.audacityteam.org/download/
Recording the vinyl to your computer:

  1.  Follow the instructions in this manual to play the vinyl.
  2. Open Audacity on your computer and follow the recording steps as instructed on the Audacity webpage referenced above.

Audacity and USB Connection
Audacity supports Windows95 /Window XP /Window 7 /Vista or more advanced version, with the EMS memory more than 128MB and Audacity take space of 5MB.
Instructions for PC Encoding After Recording
Software instructions

  1. Connect the USB cable to your turntable and your computer. No extra drivers are required.

  2. Recording
    2.1) Open Audacity 2.2) Open the “Edit” menu, then choose “Preferences” 2.3) Set your preferences as desiredRetrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable
System - desired Note: Check your computer’s audio properties and make stress U58 Audio Device “is selected as shown below: 2.4) Adjust the output and input volumeRetrolife HQ KZ006 Belt
Driven Turntable System - input volume2.5) Press the Record button and the left and right tracks will appear on the interfaceRetrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable System -
input volume1 Note: If you do not see the sound wave on the interface when recording, please adjust the line in volume to an appropriate level.
    2.5.1 5 Press the button to start recording;
    2.5.2 6Press the button to skip to start;
    2.5.3 (7 Press the button to skip to end;
    2.5.4 8) Press the button to play;
    2.5.5 9 Press the button to pause recording;
    2.5.6(10 Press the button to stop recording.Retrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven
Turntable System - recording 1

  3. Export the Music Files to Your Preferred Format
    Once you have finished recording, you should save your music to the computer.
    Open the “File” menu and choose “Export” to export to WAV, MP3 or Gog formats.
    WAV format, MP3 format or Gog format.
    Choose a file format and write a file name to save the music recording.
    Note: Audacity does not export MP3 files directly; you should download the LAME
    MP3 encoder. A link to find LAME MP3 can be found at https://www.audacityteam.org/download/
    Instructions for Installing LAME MP3 Encoder

  1. Download”lame_enc.dll” file, and install it to the software list.
  2. Open Audacity, click the Main Menu, select “Edit”, then “Parameter, then “File Formats”, and finally click “Searcher.”Retrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven
Turntable System - lame3) After opened, it will come to the following menu, click”YES”to go to “Llame_enc.dll”, and find the file’s location.Retrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable System -
lame14) After finding the”lame_enc.dl” file, open it and click “Y” to finish installation.Retrolife HQ KZ006 Belt
Driven Turntable System - lame2

Maintenance and Cleaning

NOTE: Disconnect the power cable plug from the outlet as a precaution before maintenance.
Turntable Body
NOTE: Always disconnect the record player from the power supply as a precaution before maintenance!
Your turntable requires little of no regular maintenance. Remove dust with a slightly damp antistatic cloth; never use a dry cloth as this will create static electricity and attract more dust! Antistatic cleaning agents are available at specialist  stores, but must be applied sparingly to avoid damage to rubber parts. It is recommended to install the needle cover before cleaning or maintenance is carried out to avoid damage. If the turntable is not used over a long period  of time, the drive belt should be removed to prevent unequal stretching.
NOTE: Always disconnect the record player from the power supply as a precaution before maintenance!

Useful Tips
The turntable should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood or multiple layer ply board to avoid structural vibrations disturbing playback.

Stylus Tip

  • If dirt and grime are stuck to the stylus tip, clean it with a commercially-sold brush.
  • We recommend using a stylus cleaner (not included) if the stylus tip is considerably dirty. Clean the stylus tip by moving the brush from the rear to the front of the stylus tip.

Replacing the Stylus
Removing the Stylus

  • In addition to the deterioration of sound quality, records may also be damaged as the cartridge’s stylus tip wears down.
  • As a rule of thumb, replace the stylus after 300 to 500 hours of use.
  • Be sure to disconnect the product’s power cable plug from the outlet.
  1. Remove the protector from the cartridge.
  2. Remove the stylus by pulling in the direction of the arrow.

Installing a New Replacement Stylus

  1. Grasp both sides of the stylus holder and insert the stylus grip into the rear tab of the cartridge.Retrolife HQ KZ006 Belt Driven Turntable System - holder
  2. Push up the stylus holder until it clicks and locks completely in place.

Cartridge Replacement

  1. Before replacement, put the stylus protector back on the stylus to prevent damage to the stylus during the replacement process.

  2. Carefully remove the wire leads from the original cartridge.

  3. Loosen the two screws on the headshield that are securing the cartridge and then remove the original cartridge.

  4. Mount the new cartridge to the headshield and tighten it lightly. Do not completely tighten the screws at this moment.

  5. Connect the wire leads to the new cartridge’s terminals .The wire lead color codes are as below:
    Wire| Channel
    ---|---
    White| Left channel positive (L +)
    Black| Left channel negative (L-)
    Red| Right channel positive (R+)
    Black| Right channel negative (R-)

  6. Adjust the cartridge’s position to make sure it is precisely aligned on the headshield so that the stylus will be tracking the grooves in parallel perfectly.
    To achieve this, place the included paper cartridge alignment protractor over the turntable spindle, carefully lift the tone arm and place the tip of the stylus on the points marked 130mm and 250mm respectively. Fine tune the cartridge’s position on the headshield until the cartridge is perfectly in parallel with the reference lines at both points.

  7. Tighten the screws completely once the perfect alignment is achieved.
    NOTE: If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with completing this procedure, we recommend consulting with a professional to perform the installation.

Technical Specifications

Turntable

Model HQ-KZ006 Speed Variance ±1.5%
Nominal Speeds 33 1/3 & 45RPM Wow and Flutter 0.1596
Effective Tonearm Length 8.6″ (218.5mm) Signal to Noise 55dB
Tracking Force Range 3.0-6.0g Overhang 0.73in
Outboard Power Supply 12V/ 500mA AC-DC Power Consumption 5W
AC Power Adapter Input: 100-240V 50/60Hz, Max. 200mA
Dimensions (W x H x D) 16.34″x 10.2″x 4.44’1(415 x 340 x 148mm)
Weight 13.671bs (6.2kg)

Cartridge

Stylus Model Audio Tech nice AT-3600L
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Recommended Load Resistance 47kohms
Channel Balance < 2.5dB
Amplifier Connection MM – input
Channel Separation > 18dB
Recommended Tracking Force 3.5±0.5g
Output Voltage 2.SmV
Weight 5g

Potential Incorrect Use and Fault Conditions

This turntable is manufactured to the highest standards and undergoes 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 has been included here.
There is no power:
– The turntable is not connected to the power adapter.
– No power at the outlet.
The platter doesn’t turn although the unit is switched on:
– The unit is not connected to the main power supply.
– No power at the outlet.
– Drive belt is not installed or has slipped off.
No signal through one or both channels:
– Phono input not selected on amplifier.
– Amplifier not switched on.
– Amplifier or speakers muted.
– No connection to the speakers.
– No connection between turntable and amplifier.
-Wire leads not connected the cartridge.
Strong hum on phono input:
– No ground connection from cartridge, arm, or arm cable to amplifier or ground loop.
– Turntable is too close to speakers.
Distorted or inconsistent sound from one or both channels:
– Turntable is connected to wrong input of the amplifier.
– Needle or cantilever damaged.
– Drive belt overstretched or dirty.
– Platter bearing without oil, dirty or damaged.
– Dust on stylus.
– MM/ MC switch on pre-amplifier set incorrectly.
Cannot connect with Bluetooth speaker:
– The turntable is not in pairing mode.
– Your Bluetooth speaker is not in pairing mode.
– The Bluetooth transmitter has turned off because Bluetooth is not connected in 2 minutes.
Needle isn’t touching the record:
– The screw on the tonearm rest may have loosened during transport. Gently turn this screw clockwise to move the needle stylus closer to the record.
Needle is scratching the record’s surface:
– Gently turn the tonearm rest screw anticlockwise to move the needle stylus away from the turntable.
NOTE: Factory screw tightness is based on the thickness of the included slip mat.
If a thinner or thicker 3rd-party slip mat is used, gently adjust the screw as needed following the steps in the last two situations.
This product’s packaging is made from environmentally friendly material and can be disposed of at your local recycling plant.

Customer Service

Warranty Card
Order Number—————– Mode Number—————
Customer Dealer
Name ———————– Name and Address————-
Address———————-
QA PASSED—————Retrolife logo

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