The Alva TT v2 and Alva ST Turntables are designed to provide a high-quality vinyl listening experience, incorporating both traditional analog playback and modern wireless connectivity. These turntables are engineered for ease of setup and use, making them suitable for both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers to vinyl.

Function Description

Both the Alva TT v2 and Alva ST are belt-drive turntables that play vinyl records at two standard speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 revolutions per minute (RPM). They feature a static balanced tonearm with a detachable headshell, allowing for precise tracking and easy cartridge replacement. A key feature of these turntables is the integrated phono stage, which allows them to be connected directly to an amplifier's line-level input without the need for an external phono preamplifier. This internal phono stage can be bypassed if an external phono stage is preferred, offering flexibility for different audio setups.

Beyond their analog capabilities, both models include Bluetooth connectivity with support for high-quality codecs like aptX and aptX HD. This enables wireless streaming of your vinyl playback to compatible Bluetooth headphones, speakers, or other audio devices, providing a convenient way to enjoy your records without being tethered to a traditional stereo system. The Bluetooth functionality includes a pairing button and an LED status indicator to guide users through the connection process.

The turntables are equipped with a main platter, a tonearm counterweight for adjusting tracking force, an anti-skating dial to prevent stylus skipping, and a tonearm lift lever for safe placement and removal of the stylus from a record. A stylus guard is also provided to protect the cartridge when not in use.

Usage Features

Setting up the Alva TT v2 and Alva ST involves a few straightforward steps. Users begin by placing the platter on the turntable. For the Alva ST, the belt drive needs to be installed correctly around the motor. Next, the tonearm counterweight is pushed and rotated onto the tonearm, followed by carefully inserting the headshell. A rubber mat is then placed on the platter to provide optimal record coupling.

Before playing a record, the stylus guard must be removed, and the tonearm released from its rest. A crucial step in setup is adjusting the tracking force using the tonearm force gauge. This involves carefully lowering the stylus onto the gauge at the "2" mark and then adjusting the counterweight until the stylus force gauge is balanced. Proper tracking force is essential for accurate playback, minimizing distortion, and preventing damage to both records and the stylus. The anti-skate dial should then be set to match the cartridge's tracking force, which is '2' for the factory-fitted cartridge. Finally, the lid is connected to the turntable via hinges.

To play a record, users place the record on the spindle, select the desired platter rotation speed (33 or 45 RPM) using the dedicated buttons, and then raise the tonearm with the lift lever. The tonearm is positioned over the desired groove, and then gently lowered onto the record using the lift lever. To end playback, the tonearm is raised, moved back to its rest, secured with the tonearm clamp, and the platter rotation is stopped.

Connectivity options are versatile. For analog output, the turntables offer RCA signal output sockets. Users must ensure the "Output Level (Phono/Line)" switch is set correctly. If using the internal phono stage, the switch should be set to 'Line' (Alva TT/ST), and the turntable connected to a line-level input on an amplifier. If an external phono stage is preferred, the switch should be set to 'Phono' (External), and the turntable connected to the phono input of an external phono stage or amplifier. A ground terminal is also provided for optimal signal integrity.

For Bluetooth pairing, users press and hold the pairing button for 2 seconds to enter pairing mode. The LED status indicates the pairing state (fast flashing for pairing, slow flashing for searching, solid for paired, and long solid intervals for aptX/aptX HD codec use). The turntable will automatically attempt to connect to the last paired device. To clear existing Bluetooth connections, the pairing button can be held for 10 seconds.

An Auto Power Down (APD) feature is included, which automatically switches the turntable to standby mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. This feature can be disabled or re-enabled by holding the power button for 5 seconds under specific conditions. APD is automatically disabled when the Phono output is selected.

Maintenance Features

The manual provides troubleshooting guidance for common issues. For "No sound through one or both channels," it suggests checking amplifier power, mute status, input selection, cable connections, stylus contact with the record, and loudspeaker connections.

For "Distorted or inconsistent sound," users are advised to verify that the turntable is connected to the correct amplifier input (and not to an external phono stage or phono input if the internal one is used), check the RPM setting, ensure tracking force and anti-skate are correctly adjusted, inspect the record's condition, confirm stylus contact, and check for stylus damage. It also highlights the importance of placing the turntable on a level surface and minimizing excessive vibrations.

If the "Stylus skips across the record," the troubleshooting steps include checking for the removal of the stylus guard, confirming correct tracking force using the tonearm force gauge, verifying the Anti-Skating BIAS is set to "2," ensuring the turntable is level and free from excessive vibrations, and assessing the record's condition.

For "Turntable will not connect to a Bluetooth playback device," users should check the distance between the turntable and the device and ensure the Bluetooth device is in pairing mode. If the "Turntable is connecting to an incorrect Bluetooth playback device," the recommendation is to disable or switch off all other Bluetooth devices and clear all paired devices on the turntable. Finally, for "Inconsistent sound through Bluetooth playback device," users should check for Bluetooth signal blocking or interruption and ensure the turntable and device are not too far apart.

These maintenance and troubleshooting tips aim to help users resolve common operational issues, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable listening experience with their Alva TT v2 or Alva ST Turntable.

Alva TT - Tonearm Counterweight and Headshell

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