Audio-Technica Tone Arm Balancing

Written By: Anthony @ ATUS
  • Comments: 0
Audio-Technica Tone Arm Balancing

Difficulty

Very easy

Steps

4

Time Required

1 minute

Introduction

This guide is used to provide step-by-step instructions to properly balance and set the counterweight of the tonearm on manual turntables using an Audio-Technica styli. Note: This guide sets the weight to 2 grams as it is the most common for Audio-Technica styli, please consult the user manual of your stylus for the proper weight.

This procedure is used to resolve poor/distorted sound quality or one channel not producing any sound.

  1. mwIAlJTNKKJRFTBY

    • Engage the tonearm clamp.

    • This will secure the tone arm in place to reduce movement while handling.

    • Twist the counterweight counterclockwise to tighten it onto the tonearm.

  2. YEITEsjexWTYmiUK
    YEITEsjexWTYmiUK
    wIBADRXoCfR6VdM4

    • Disengage the tone arm clamp from Step 1.

    • Adjust the counterweight until the arm is in a balanced state.

    • Counterclockwise adds weight.

    • Clockwise removes weight.

    • Once balanced, the tonearm should freely float above the rest without moving higher or lower.

    • At this stage we are not worried about the state of the numbers showing on the counterweight.

  3. Gx5RPlCJY4rxaQHe

    • Engage the tone arm clamp from Step 1.

    • Adjust ONLY the front dial of the counterweight such that the 0 mark is in line with the mark on the tone arm.

    • If the whole counterweight moves this will cause the tonearm to become imbalanced. Go back to Step 2 if this occurs.

  4. VLePedeAmKwTRZTK

    • Twist the rear of the counterweight counterclockwise until the front dial's 2 position meets the mark on the tonearm.

    • The front dial is just an indicator, and does not control the weight itself.

Conclusion

After setting the weight to 2 grams (or otherwise specified by the manual of the stylus), the tone should drop into the rest when lifted.

If the problem you were experiencing is still occurring, these issues could be linked to:

  1. Dirty record and/or stylus.
  2. Damaged record and/or needle.
  3. Incorrect audio output selection for accompanying speakers.
  4. Damaged and/or disconnected RCA cables.
  5. Stuck pin(s) on headshell connection (for models with removeable headshells).
  6. Damaged internal components
  7. Faulty speakers

For further technical assistance, please contact service@atus.com or one of the technicians at (330)686-2600 ext.5004

~Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm~

Author

Anthony @ ATUS

Member since: 28/02/19

1075 Reputation

0 comments