Pro-Ject KM Signature Instructions
- June 7, 2024
- Pro-Ject
Table of Contents
- Controls, features, and connections
- Safety instructions
- Set-up
- Cartridge downforce adjustment
- Anti-skating force adjustment
- Connection to the amplifier
- **Adjusting the vertical tracking angle (vta)
- **Adjusting the azimuth
- Mounting and connecting the cartridge
- **Technical specifications Pro-Ject KM Signature / Pro-Ject 9’’
- Potential incorrect use and fault conditions
- Service
- Warranty
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject KM Signature
Controls, features, and connections
-
Power supply socket
-
Motor with the motor pulley
-
Drive belt *
-
sandwich
-
tonearm counterweight *
5a Downforce scale -
Tonearm lift lever
-
/17 Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
-
Tonearm tube
8a Tonearm base -
Lid *
-
Lid hinges
-
Hinge fasteners
-
Detachable headshell with finger-lift
-
Phono output sockets and earth connection
-
anti-skating mechanism *
-
anti-skating mechanism support
-
Record clamp *
-
Adjustable tip-toe feet anti-scratch cups *
-
Control panel
Connection cable Pro-Ject Connect IT E (not shown)
Universal power supply (not shown)
Single adapter (not shown) *
Dear music lover,
thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems record player.
In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability, please study these
instructions 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 at a later date.
During assembling and adjustment, small parts could be lost if they are not
carefully placed in a suitable receptacle. Before starting assembly make
yourself acquainted with the parts listed above which are correspondingly
numbered in the technical drawings above. Separately packed items are
marked with an asterisk .
Safety instructions
The power supply is used to connect and disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the plug is easily accessible at all times. 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 packed for safe transport. Remove all parts from the transport packaging carefully.
Screw the three tip-toe feet (18) onto the threaded bolts located on the
underside of the plinth Make sure the surface you wish to use the turntable on
is leveled (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable on it.
Put the platter bearing housing carefully over the bearing axle. Put the
record clamp on the platter and level the plinth using the spirit level and
the adjustable feet (18)
Fit the drive belt (3) around the platter (5) and the motor pulley (2).
Avoid getting sweat or grease on the belt as these will deteriorate the
performance and reduce the belt’slifespan. Use absorbent kitchen paper to
remove any oil or grease from the outer edge of the hub and the belt.
Remove the transport lock (17) from the tonearm. Store them in the original
packaging so they are available for any future transportation.
Please note: We recommend using the record player without a mat on the platter.
Cartridge downforce adjustment
The supplied counterweight no. 180 with a weight of 95g (5) is suitable for
cartridges weighing between 3 – 9g. Alternative counterweight (no. 181) for
cartridges weighing between 7 – 16g is available separately. Adjust the
downforce before installing the anti-skating weight.
Following adjustments have to be done very carefully. Remove cartridge
protection cap. Push and turn the counterweight (5) carefully on the rear end
of the tonearm tube (8), so that the downforce scale (5a) shows towards the
front of the player. Lower the arm lift and position the cartridge in the
space between the armrest and platter. Rotate the counterweight (5) until the
arm tube is balanced. The arm should return to the balanced position if it is
moved up or down.
Once the arm is balanced correctly return it to the rest. Hold the
counterweight (5) without moving it and gently revolve the downforce scale
ring (5a) until the zero is in vertical position. 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.
Anti-skating force adjustment
The anti-skating mechanism is shipped partially disassembled to avoid damage
during transport. For correct installation, please follow the steps below.
Step 1:Prepare anti-skating sliding mechanism from the accessories bag. The
anti-skating sliding mechanism is supplied with a pre-mounted anti-skating
weight and thread for mounting on the tonearm.
Step 1:
Prepare an anti-skating sliding mechanism from the accessories bag.
The anti-skating sliding mechanism is supplied with a pre-mounted anti-skating
weight and thread for mounting on the tonearm.
Step 2:
Put the eye of the anti-skating thread around a hole for the HOOK SCREW and
screw the HOOK
SCREW into the tonearm through the eye of the anti-skating thread as shown in
the illustration below
Step 3:
Put the anti-skating sliding mechanism on the end of the anti-skating support
rod. The anti-skating thread should fit into the groove in the tonearm.
Be careful when handling the anti-skating thread in order to avoid damaging
it.
Step 4:
Anti-skating force adjustment:
Adjust the anti-skating force by positioning the weight on the appropriate groove of the anti-seating sliding mechanism. Anti-skating downforce should be adjusted in correspondence with the tonearm downforce as follows:
Tonearm downforce: | Anti-skating groove: |
---|---|
Lower than 13 mN or 1.3 grams | 1st groove from bearing |
13–18 mN or 1.3–1.8 grams | 2ndgroove from bearing |
18–25 mN or 1.8–2.5 grams | 3rd groove from bearing |
Connection to the amplifier
The record player has gold-plated female RCA phono sockets (13) 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 (like
CD, Tuner, Tape, or Video) are not suitable.
Take care about connecting the left and right channels correctly. The right
channel is usually marked red, the left channel black or white. Check the
manual of your amplifier for relevant information. An earthing wire may be
connected to the screw terminal between the sockets if you encounter humming
problems.
If your amplifier does not have an input suitable for phono cartridges, a
separate phono amplifier stage for MM or MC cartridges is required. It has to
be connected between the record player and a free line-level input of the
amplifier.
For detailed product information regarding Pro-Ject Audio Systems interconnect
cables and phono amplifiers please visit our website: www.project-
audio.com
Mains power connection
A universal power supply with 3 exchangeable sockets adapters suitable for all
countries is supplied. 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 (1) on the
rear side of the record player before connecting the power supply to the
mains.
Fitting the lid
Fit the lid (dust cover 9) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the
screws (11) until the lid stays open where you want it to without being too
stiff to open or close.
Switching on and off
To start rotation of the platter, press either the button labeled 33 or 45,
depending on the speed of the record to be played, 33 rpm or 45 rpm.
When you want to stop the turntable, or when it is not in use, switch it to
STANDBY mode by pressing the button labeled Stay-Stop.
For detailed product information please refer to the Pro-Ject website www .project-audio.com.
Useful tips
the id is not only a dust cover but also a resonant structure likely to be
excited by and to pass into the plinth the acoustic energy emanating from your
loudspeakers during replay. Therefore it is recommended to remove the lid for
achieving a better sound quality.
The record player should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood
or multiple layer plyboard to avoid structural vibrations disturbing replay.
**Adjusting the vertical tracking angle (vta)
**
Put a record 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 hexagon 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.
Retighten the hexagon screws without applying excessive force (which would
deform the arm pillar) – finger tight is quite sufficient.
**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. Slacken off the screw just enough to be
able to revolve the arm tube without applying force. Note! Do not remove this
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 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.
Mounting and connecting the cartridge
All cartridges with half-inch mounting holes can be mounted. Leave the
needle’s protection cover on, fit the cartridge to the headshell by using the
supplied screws bypassing one screw through each slot in the headshell (12).
Do not tighten the nuts yet.
Connect the tonearm wires with the cartridge pins as follows:
white | left channel positive (L+) |
---|---|
red | right channel positive (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 adjusted correctly. Particular tools like the Pro-Ject Audio
Systems alignment tool are required to accomplish this job properly. If you
are not well acquainted with the adjustment of cartridges, please call for the
willing help of your Pro-Ject Audio Systems dealer.
Please note: adjusting a cartridge and tonearm calls for the greatest care in
order to avoid damaging the cartridge or tonearm bearings. Ask your local
dealer for help if you are unsure of any of the necessary steps and
precautions which must 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 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 unequally stretching.
Always disconnect the record player from the mains power supply as a precaution before maintenance!
**Technical specifications Pro-Ject KM Signature / Pro-Ject 9’’
S-Shape**
Nominal speeds | 33/45 r.p.m. |
---|---|
Speed variance | 33: ±0,25 % 45: ±0,20 % |
Wow and flutter | 33: ±0,13 % 45: ±0,11 % |
Signal to noise | -71dB |
Effective tonearm mass | 15g |
Effective tonearm length | 9 ” (230mm) |
Overhang | 18mm |
Power consumption | 5W/ <0,3W standby mode |
Outboard power supply | 15V/ 800mA DC, universal power supply |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 460 x 145 x 360mm, dust cover open 460 x 400 x 445mm |
Weight | 14 kg |
Potential incorrect use and fault conditions
Pro-Ject Audio Systems 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 does not turn although the unit is switched on:
- The unit is not connected to the mains 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 which you are not able to alleviate or identify
despite the above information, please contact your dealer for further advice.
Only if the problem cannot be solved there the unit should be sent to the
responsible distributor in your country.
Guarantee repairs will be accepted only if the unit is returned correctly
packed in the original package. Therefore we strongly recommend keeping the
original packaging.
Never return a record player without making sure that it is safely
disassembled and correctly packed in the original packaging according to the
diagrams on the last page of this user guide. Please remove the following
parts from the turntable and pack them separately: power supply socket (1),
counterweight(5), anti-skating mechanism (14) platter (4), and belt (3). Mount
the cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport lock for the tonearm (17).
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 change to any part of the product by unauthorized persons releases 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 Audio Systems is a Registered Trademarkof H. Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Pro-Ject AudioSystems Copyright©2017. All rights
reserved.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>