Marantz SLT 12U Manual

The Marantz SLT 12U is a professional-grade turntable featuring direct drive motor system, quartz-controlled speed accuracy, pitch control adjustment, anti-skate control, S-shaped tonearm with precision bearings, removable headshell, strobe indicator, and professional-grade RCA outputs. Designed for audiophiles and professional DJs with superior sound quality and reliable performance. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and maintenance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Audio Systems 7. Playing Records 8. Maintenance Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct drive motor, S-shaped tonearm, removable headshell, pitch control, anti-skate adjustment, strobe indicator, professional RCA outputs.

Feature	Description
Direct Drive Motor	Quartz-controlled for precise speed accuracy
S-shaped Tonearm	Precision bearings for optimal tracking
Removable Headshell	Easy cartridge replacement and maintenance
Pitch Control	±8% or ±16% adjustable speed variation
Anti-skate Control	Prevents tonearm drift and uneven wear
Strobe Indicator	Visual speed verification
Start/Stop Button	Motor control with illuminated indicator
33/45 RPM Selector	Standard playback speed selection
Professional RCA Outputs	Gold-plated connectors for superior signal transfer
Ground Terminal	Reduces hum and electrical interference

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface away from vibrations.

Install cartridge: Attach to removable headshell, align and secure wires.
Balance tonearm: Adjust counterweight for proper tracking force.
Set anti-skate: Match to tracking force setting.
Connect to audio system: Use RCA cables to amplifier/phono input.
Connect ground wire: Attach to amplifier ground terminal.
Plug into AC power.

WARNING! Handle cartridge and stylus with care to avoid damage. Ensure turntable is level for optimal performance.

First-Time Setup

Power on turntable; verify proper operation.

Balance tonearm: Rotate counterweight until tonearm floats level.
Set tracking force: Adjust counterweight ring to manufacturer's recommended setting.
Set anti-skate: Match dial to tracking force value.
Verify speed: Use strobe indicator to confirm 33/45 RPM accuracy.
Test playback: Place record on platter, lower tonearm gently.

CAUTION! Always handle records by edges. Keep stylus clean and replace when worn.

Specifications

Drive System: Direct drive, quartz-controlled
Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
Pitch Control: ±8% or ±16% adjustable range
Wow & Flutter: 0.025% WRMS
Signal-to-Noise: 78 dB (DIN B)
Tonearm: S-shaped, static balanced
Effective Length: 237 mm
Overhang: 15 mm
Cartridge Weight: 4.5-8.0 g (including headshell)
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: 453 x 372 x 153 mm
Weight: 11.5 kg

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, START/STOP, 33/45 RPM selector, PITCH CONTROL slider.

Tonearm Assembly: Counterweight, anti-skate dial, height adjustment, cueing lever.

Speed Adjustment: Use pitch control for fine speed tuning. Strobe Verification: Check dots under strobe light for speed accuracy. Tonearm Setup: Tracking force adjustment, anti-skate matching, vertical tracking angle.

Connecting to Audio Systems

RCA Outputs: Connect to phono input on amplifier/receiver. Ground Terminal: Essential for hum reduction.

Turn off all equipment before connecting.
Connect RCA cables: Red (right channel) and white (left channel).
Attach ground wire: Secure to amplifier ground terminal.
Select phono input on amplifier.
Power on equipment in sequence: Amplifier first, then turntable.

Tip: Use high-quality cables and keep away from power cords to minimize interference.

Playing Records

Supports 12-inch and 7-inch vinyl records.

Clean record: Use anti-static brush before playback.
Select speed: Choose 33 or 45 RPM based on record.
Start platter: Press START button.
Cue record: Lift cueing lever, position tonearm over record start.
Lower tonearm: Gently lower cueing lever to begin playback.
Adjust pitch: Use pitch control for tempo correction if needed.
End playback: Lift cueing lever, return tonearm to rest.
Stop platter: Press STOP button.

WARNING! Never move turntable during playback. Always use cueing lever to avoid stylus damage.

Maintenance Features

Removable Headshell: Easy cartridge replacement and alignment. Strobe Indicator: Continuous speed monitoring. Anti-skate Control: Prevents uneven record and stylus wear.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Clean records with proper cleaning solution and brush.

Stylus Care: Clean gently with stylus brush. Replace every 800-1000 hours of play.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasives. Keep away from magnetic fields and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © Marantz; all rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.marantz.com or contact authorized service centers. Manufactured to professional audio standards.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound	Cables/grounding	Check RCA connections; ensure ground wire attached; verify phono input selected.
Hum or buzz	Grounding issues	Secure ground connection; move away from power sources; check cable routing.
Speed inaccurate	Pitch control/strobe	Reset pitch to zero; verify with strobe; check power stability.
Tonearm drift	Anti-skate setting	Adjust anti-skate to match tracking force; ensure turntable is level.
Distorted sound	Stylus/cartridge	Clean stylus; check tracking force; inspect cartridge alignment.
Motor not starting	Power/connections	Check power cord; verify outlet function; inspect internal fuse.

Service: Contact authorized Marantz service center for technical issues.