Pro-Ject Debut III DC Piano Instruction Manual

Pro-Ject Debut III DC Piano

Overview

Controls, features, and connections

1. Motor bracket with TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) pads
2. Stepped drive pulley
3. Drive belt 3a Hook
4. Hub
5. Platter
6. Tonearm counterweight * 6a Downforce scale
7. Tonearm lift lever
8. Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
9. Tonearm tube 9a Tonearm base
10. Lid
11. Lid hinges
12. Hinge fasteners
13. Mains lead
14. Phono output sockets and earth connection
15. Anti-skating stub with anti-skating weight adjustment scale
16. Anti-skating weight *
17. Anti-skating weight support hoop
18. Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
19. Power switch
20. Headshell with finger-lift and fitted Ortofon OM 10 or an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge
21. Motor
22. Single adapter Connection cable (not shown) Power supply (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.
Your turntable has been delivered with a factory fitted and adjusted cartridge, please ignore the cartridge setup instructions unless changing the cartridge at a later date. During assembly and adjustment of the deck, small parts could be lost if not carefully placed in a suitable receptacle. Before starting assembly make yourself acquainted with the parts listed above and correspondingly numbered in the technical drawings above. Separately packed items are marked with an asterisk

Safety instructions

AC outlet voltages vary from country to country. Before connecting to the mains, make sure that the voltage in your area meets the voltage requirements printed on the power supply. The power supply is used to disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the power supply is easily accessible at all times. Never handle the device, the power supply while your hands are wet or damp. Avoid letting liquids enter the device or the power supply. Never place any item containing liquid, such as a  flower vase on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device or the power supply. Never place any naked flame sources, such as 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 (18) from the tonearm. Store it in the original packaging so it is available for any future transportation. Fit the drive belt (3) around the hub (4) and the smaller diameter part of 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 (5) over the spindle of the hub (4).

Please note: We recommend using the model Debut III DC Esprit without a mat on the platter.

Cartridge downforce adjustment

The counterweight (6) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 4,5 – 6g (weight no. 80). An alternative weight for cartridges weighing between 6,5 – 8,5g (weight no. 08) is available as an accessory part.
Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (6) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (9), so that the downforce scale (6a) shows towards the front of the player. Lower the arm lift and position the cartridge in the space between the armrest and platter. Carefully rotate the counterweight (6) until the arm tube 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 (6) without moving it, and gently revolve the downforce scale ring (6a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating stub (15). Check whether the arm still balances out.
Rotate the counterweight counterclockwise (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 installing the anti-skating weight. The recommended downforce for is: Ortofon OM 10 15mN / Ortofon OM 5E 17,5mN

Anti-skating force adjustment

The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce as follows:
Downforce Groove in the stub (15)
10 – 14mN 1st from bearing rings
15 – 19mN 2nd ” ” ”
20mN and bigger 3rd ” ” ”
Slip the loop of the anti-skating weight’s thread over the second groove of the stub to set the correct anti-skating force for the factory-fitted cartridge. Feed the thread through the loop of the wire support (17).

Connection to the amplifier

The record player has gold-plated female RCA phono sockets (14) so you can substitute the interconnect cables supplied with higher quality cables such as the Pro-Ject Connect it interconnect cables for connection to the amplifier if you wish.
Use the Phono input (sometimes labeled 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. The earthing wire of the tonearm lead should be connected to the earth terminal on your amplifier (if provided). 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 cartridges is: 47kohms /MM-input

Mains power connection

Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the socket (13) on the rear of the record player before connecting the power supply to the mains.
Never use any other power supply than the one supplied with the unit.

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

Pressing the power switch (19) alternately starts or stops the motor.

Changing replay speed

To play records at 45 r.p.m. first, remove the platter (5). Using the accessory tool provided (3a), hook the belt (3) over the larger diameter part of the motor pulley (2). Refit the platter. To revert to 33 r.p.m. repeat the proceedings using the smaller step on the pulley.
The record player may not be used with a Pro-Ject Speed Box!

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 is 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 afterward to check it.

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 attracts 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!

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.

Technical specifications Pro-Ject Debut III DC & Debut III DC Esprit / Pro- Ject 8.6

• Nominal speeds: 33/45 r.p.m. – the record player may not be used with a Speed Box!
• Speed variance: 33: ±0,80%; 45: ±0,85%
• Wow and flutter: 33: ±0,22%; 45: ±0,21%
• Signal to noise: -65dB
• Effective tonearm length: 8,6 ” ( 218,5mm)
• Overhang: 18,5mm
• Power consumption: 4,5W, <1W in Stand-By
• Outboard power supply: 15V/DC, suitable for your country’s mains supply
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 415 x 118 x 320mm, dust cover open 415 x 365 x 405mm
• Weight Debut III DC: 5,5kg
• Weight Debut III DC Esprit: 5,1kg

Technical specifications MM-Cartridge Ortofon OM 10

• Frequency range: 20-22.000Hz
• Channel separation: 22dB/1kHz
• Output voltage: 4mV
• Recommended load impedance: 47kohms/amplifier connection – MM-input
• Compliance/stylus type: 20μm/mN – elliptical
• Recommended tracking force: 15mN
• Weight: 5g

Technical specifications MM-Cartridge Ortofon OM 5E

• Frequency range: 20-25.000Hz
• Channel separation: 22dB/1kHz
• Output voltage: 4mV
• Recommended load impedance: 47kohms/amplifier connection – MM-input
• Compliance/stylus type: 20μm/mN – elliptical
• Recommended tracking force: 17,5mN
• Weight: 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 main power supply. No mains at the socket. The 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 arms 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 a loose plug/socket connection. Phono input not selected at the 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 an amplifier, or earth loop.

Distorted or inconsistent sound from one or both channels :
The record player is connected to the wrong input of the amplifier, or MM/MC switch is 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 that 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 (6), anti-skating weight (16) platter (5) and belt (3). Fit the cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport lock for the tonearm (18) 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.

Copyright
PRO-JECT is a Registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Audio Trade GmbH Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.

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.

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