The Argon Audio TT-4 is a high-quality turntable designed and engineered in Denmark, offering a premium audio experience with a Scandinavian design aesthetic. It is built to deliver exceptional performance, punching above its price class.
Function Description
The TT-4 is a belt-driven turntable designed for playing vinyl records at two standard speeds: 33-1/3 RPM and 45 RPM. It features a static balance straight tonearm made of carbon, which is crucial for accurate tracking and minimizing distortion. The turntable comes with a pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Red pickup, ensuring excellent sound reproduction right out of the box. An internal phono amplifier is integrated, allowing the turntable to be connected directly to an amplifier's line-level input if a dedicated phono input is not available. Alternatively, the internal phono stage can be bypassed for use with an external phono preamplifier. The TT-4 is designed to provide a clear and rich audio output, bringing years of enjoyment to vinyl enthusiasts.
Usage Features
Setting up and operating the TT-4 is designed to be straightforward, though some initial adjustments are required for optimal performance.
- Platter and Belt Setup: The turntable platter is made of aluminum die-cast and requires the drive belt to be installed over its inner ring and around the motor pulley. This process ensures the platter spins correctly when the turntable is powered on. A rubber slip mat is included to be placed on the platter before playing records, providing a stable surface and reducing vibrations.
- Speed Selection: A 33/45 RPM switch allows users to easily select the appropriate playback speed for their vinyl records. An "OFF" position on this switch also serves as a pause function during playback.
- Tonearm and Cartridge Handling: The TT-4 features a tonearm lever to gently lower and raise the tonearm, protecting both the stylus and the record. A tonearm lock (arm rest) secures the tonearm when not in use. The pre-mounted headshell holds the stylus and includes a removable protection cap.
- Counterweight Adjustment: The counterweight is a critical component for precise adjustment of the stylus pressure on the vinyl. Users must carefully rotate the counterweight to balance the tonearm, ensuring it returns to a balanced position when moved. Once balanced, the downforce scale ring is set to zero, and then the counterweight is rotated counter-clockwise to achieve the recommended downforce for the cartridge (1.8g for the factory-fitted Ortofon 2M Red). This adjustment is crucial for optimal sound quality and to prevent damage to records and stylus.
- Anti-Skating Control: An anti-skating control allows users to set the anti-skating function of the tonearm. This setting should match the adjusted downforce (1.8g for the factory cartridge) to prevent the stylus from being pulled towards the center or edge of the record, ensuring even wear and accurate tracking.
- Amplifier Connection: The turntable provides RCA signal connectors for connecting to an audio amplifier. Users can choose to use the built-in phono stage by setting the "Phono on/off" switch to "ON" and connecting to a line-level input, or bypass it by setting the switch to "OFF" and connecting to an amplifier with a dedicated phono input. A ground terminal is also provided for connecting a ground wire to the amplifier, which helps eliminate hum.
- Power Supply: The TT-4 is powered by an external switching power adapter (DC12V 0.5A) that connects to the power supply jack on the rear panel. A power switch controls the main power to the unit.
- Playing a Record: To play a record, the user places the record on the platter, switches on the power, pulls up the arm lifter, releases the arm lock clip, positions the cartridge over the first track, selects the desired RPM, and then gently lowers the arm lifter. For 45 RPM records, an adaptor needs to be placed on the record spindle. When finished, the tonearm is lifted, returned to the arm rest, and locked. To pause, the tonearm is lifted, and the speed knob is turned to "OFF".
Maintenance Features
The TT-4 is designed for durability, but certain maintenance tasks are important for long-term performance and sound quality.
- Cartridge Replacement: The manual provides clear instructions for replacing the cartridge. This involves unscrewing the headshell from the tonearm, disconnecting the four wires (White: Left+, Blue: Left-, Red: Right+, Green: Right-) from the old cartridge, and then connecting and screwing the new cartridge to the headshell. After replacement, it is crucial to re-adjust the counterweight stylus pressure and anti-skate value according to the new cartridge's specifications. The manual advises seeking help from an Argon Audio dealer if the user is not confident in performing these delicate adjustments, as proper cartridge alignment is essential for the TT-4's full sound quality.
- Troubleshooting: A comprehensive troubleshooting section helps users diagnose common issues. This includes problems like the platter not turning (checking power supply, mains, and drive belt), no signal from one or both channels (checking connections, phono input selection, amplifier status, and speaker connections), strong hum on phono input (checking ground connection), and distorted or inconsistent sound (checking input selection, cartridge/needle condition, RPM, drive belt, and platter bearing). This guide empowers users to resolve minor issues independently, ensuring continuous enjoyment of their turntable.
- General Care: While not explicitly detailed as maintenance features, the design implies the need for general care such as keeping the turntable clean, especially the stylus, and ensuring the drive belt remains in good condition. The quality of components, like the carbon tonearm and aluminum platter, contributes to the device's longevity and consistent performance with proper handling.
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