Gemini XL-500 manual Introduction, Features, Precautions, Parts Checklist, Assembly and Set-Up

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing a Gemini XL-500 turntable. This state of the art turntable includes the latest features. Prior to use, we suggest that you carefully read all the instructions.

Features

•±8% Pitch control

•Braking for quick stops

•Strobe illuminator

•Soft-touch start/stop switch

Precautions

1.Read all operating instructions before using this equipment.

2.To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not open the unit. There are NO USER REPLACEABLE PARTS INSIDE. Please contact the Gemini Service Department or your authorized dealer to speak to a qualified service technician.

3.Tone Arm bearings are factory set and sealed. Any attempt at adjustment will void the warranty.

4.Be sure that all AC power is OFF while making connections.

5.Cables should be low capacitance, shielded and of proper length. Make sure that all plugs and jacks are tight and properly connected.

6.Always begin with the audio level faders/volume controls set at minimum and the speaker volume control(s) set to OFF. Wait 8 to 10 seconds prior to turning up the speaker volume to prevent the transient “POP” that could result in speaker/crossover damage.

7.DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

8.DO NOT USE ANY SPRAY CLEANER OR LUBRICANT ON ANY CONTROLS OR SWITCHES.

Parts Checklist
Turntable unit	1
Dust cover hinge	2
Turntable platter	1
45 rpm adaptor	1
Rubber mat	1
Counter balance	1
Dust cover	1
Headshell	1
Assembly and Set-Up

SEE FIG. 1 ( PAGE 1 ) FOR PART NUMBERS AND LOCATIONS.

TURNTABLE PLATTER INSTALLATION:

Set the TURNTABLE BASE (1) on a flat, level surface. After checking to ensure that all packing materials have been removed, gently place the PLATTER (2) on the center spindle of the TURNTABLE BASE (1). Put the RUBBER MAT (3) on the PLATTER (2).

CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION: (SEE FIG. 2)

Because all cartridges have their own designs, please refer to your particular cartridge’s instructions to insure proper installation.

1.Connect the lead wires to the cartridge terminals. For your convenience, the terminals of most cartridges are color coded. Connect each lead wire to the terminal of the same color.

White	(L+)	Left	Channel	+
Blue	(L-)	Left	Channel	-
Red	(R+)	Right	Channel	+
Green	(R-)	Right	Channel	-

2.Mount the cartridge in the HEADSHELL (4) and tighten it with the screws included with the cartridge.

ATTENTION STANTON 680 CARTRIDGE USERS

When using a Stanton 680 or similar cartridge, where the body is grounded to a cartridge terminal, remove the grounding strap from the cartridge body to the cartridge ground terminal. Failure to do this may result in excessive hum.

HEADSHELL INSTALLATION:

Insert the HEADSHELL (4) into the front of the tubular TONE ARM (5). While holding the HEADSHELL (4) firmly in a horizontal position, turn the LOCKING NUT (6) clockwise until the HEADSHELL (4) is locked in place.

COUNTERWEIGHT INSTALLATION: (SEE FIG. 3A & 3B)

1.Slide the COUNTERWEIGHT (7) onto the rear of the TONE ARM (5).

2.Twist the COUNTERWEIGHT (7) lightly counterclockwise, to screw it onto the rear of the TONE ARM (5).

ADJUSTING HORIZONTAL ZERO (0) BALANCE AND STYLUS PRESSURE:

1.Without touching the stylus tip, remove the stylus protector (if your cartridge has a detachable one).

2.Release the ARM CLAMP (8) and lift the TONE ARM (5) off the ARM REST (9).

3.Counter clockwise advancement of the COUNTERWEIGHT (7) will cause the cartridge side of the TONE ARM (5) to be lowered. Clockwise will cause the opposite. Turn the COUNTERWEIGHT clockwise or counter clockwise as needed until the TONE ARM is balanced horizontally. You can easily tell this by watching for the point where the TONE ARM “floats” freely.

4.Place TONE ARM (5) on ARM REST (9) and lock it in place with the ARM CLAMP (8).

5.With the TONE ARM (5) locked on the ARM REST (9), hold the COUNTERWEIGHT (7) steady with one hand while rotating the STYLUS PRESSURE RING (10) until the numeral “0” on the ring aligns with the center line on the TONE ARM (5) rear shaft. The horizontal zero (0) balance should be completed.

6.Refloat the TONE ARM to ensure horizontal zero (0) balance. If zero balance has not been maintained, repeat counterweight steps 3 - 5.

7.After adjusting the horizontal zero (0) balance, turn the balanced COUNTERWEIGHT (7) counter clockwise until the cartridge manufacturer’s recommend stylus pressure appears on the STYLUS PRESSURE RING (10) where it meets the center line of the TONE ARM (5) rear shaft.

ADJUSTING THE ANTI-SKATING CONTROL:

Set the ANTI-SKATING CONTROL (11) to the same value as the stylus pressure.

INSTALLING THE DUSTCOVER:

1.Hold the dustcover in position, directly above the turntable, and slide the hinge bases into the holders mounted on the rear panel.

2.Always raise the dustcover before removal.

3.Avoid opening and closing the dustcover during play. Undesirable vibration and stylus skipping can result.

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