The Well Tempered Lab Amadeus GTA MK II / Versalex turntable is a high-fidelity audio device designed for playing vinyl records. It is a William Firebaugh-designed turntable, primarily conceived for use with the Well Tempered Lab LTD Tonearm. The design emphasizes precision and stability to deliver optimal sound quality.
Function Description
The core function of the Amadeus GTA MK II / Versalex is to accurately reproduce audio from vinyl records. This is achieved through a meticulously engineered system that includes a platter, a unique bearing assembly, a motor, and a tonearm. The turntable spins the record at a precise speed, while the tonearm holds a cartridge that reads the grooves of the record. The electrical signals generated by the cartridge are then sent to an amplifier for sound reproduction.
A key feature of this turntable is its unique zero-clearance top bearing design, which allows the platter spindle to be virtually free-standing. This design minimizes friction and ensures smooth, stable rotation of the platter, which is crucial for accurate sound reproduction. The bearing is filled with synthetic oil to further enhance its performance.
The turntable supports two standard playback speeds: 33.5 RPM and 45 RPM. Speed changes are effected manually by moving the drive belt between different diameter steps on the motor pulley. The motor itself is a servo-controlled 12VDC unit, completely decoupled from the plinth to prevent vibrations from affecting playback.
The tonearm, specifically the Well Tempered Lab LTD Tonearm, is an integral part of the system. It features a 10.5" aluminum arm tube with internal damping in a Symmetrex configuration. Azimuth adjustment is provided via a stainless steel collar. The tonearm's suspension uses a polyester thread, which also provides anti-skate functionality. Damping is achieved with silicone fluid of 100,000 cSt viscosity, further contributing to stable and precise tracking of the record grooves.
Usage Features
The Amadeus GTA MK II / Versalex is designed for user-friendly operation, although careful assembly and setup are required to achieve its full potential.
- Assembly: The assembly process is relatively straightforward, but users are advised to read the instructions thoroughly. It is recommended to use the provided white gloves when handling the plinth and platter to prevent contamination of finished surfaces. A flat work surface is ideal for assembly. The tonearm installation instructions are provided separately with the tonearm package.
- Platter Installation: When installing the platter, it's crucial to ensure the triangular point in the upper Teflon bearing is correctly oriented to the motor pulley. The bearing should be filled with synthetic oil to a specific level (approx. 5mm or 1/4" above the bottom Teflon bearing). The platter spindle must be gently lowered into the bearing, ensuring it is correctly centered in the lower thrust bearing. The spindle is designed to protrude through the platter, providing a central lifting point for easy handling.
- Belt Installation: The drive belt is installed by first placing it around the motor pulley, then carefully guiding the other end around the platter while rotating it. The manual suggests placing the belt on a dark surface to make it easily visible if dropped, as they are easily misplaced.
- Speed Control: To change playback speed, the user manually moves the drive belt between the small diameter step (33.5 RPM) and the larger diameter step (45 RPM) on the motor pulley.
- Speed Adjustment: While factory set, fine-tuning of the speed can be achieved by carefully adjusting a small screw adjacent to the DC socket on the rear panel.
- Rear Panel Connections: The rear panel features color-coded and clearly marked earth screw and phono sockets for easy connection. The AC adaptor connects to a clearly marked 12V DC input socket.
- Stylus Pressure Gauge: A stylus pressure gauge is provided for accurate cartridge setup. To use it, place it on a firm surface, turn it on, wait for "0.0" to display, then place the stylus on the scale. The "M" button allows switching between units (Gram, Ounce, Pennyweight, Carat). A "TARE" function is also available for net weight measurement.
- Power Supply: The turntable operates with a DC power supply, recommending a maximum output of 12V and not less than 7V, with a minimum of 100mA, and a center pin positive. An accessory lead is supplied for grounding from the 12V input socket, though this is not a mandatory Well Tempered Lab recommendation.
- Tonearm Alignment: The head-shell is factory-fixed, and users are advised not to move it. However, if heavy-handed cartridge mounting causes it to shift, a cardboard guide with a center line parallel to the tonearm tube can be used to align the head-shell to a 19° angle. Gentle but firm retightening of the small screw fixing the head-shell to the tonearm is then necessary, taking care not to overtighten.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of the turntable.
- Bearing Oil Replacement: Should the bearing oil need replacement, any synthetic motor oil with a viscosity range of 5W-50 is acceptable. The zero-clearance bearing can operate for hours without oil, allowing for other adjustments to be completed before applying the oil.
- Cleaning: Care should be taken to prevent fluids from contaminating the finished surfaces of the plinth and platter. If the golf ball (part of the tonearm damping system) needs cleaning, it can be lifted clear of its fluid and allowed to drain. Surplus fluids can be wiped with a paper towel. Rubbing alcohol (70% or above proof), high-proof Vodka, or Ronsonol brand cigarette lighter fluid (also known as white spirits or white gas) can be used to remove fluid traces. Users are advised to test cleaning fluids on an inconspicuous area first, such as the underside of the plinth.
- Belt Care: Well Tempered Lab belts are easily lost due to their small size. It is recommended to place or hang them on a dark background when not on the turntable to make them easily visible.
- Nylon Bridle Adjustment: For some cartridges, it may be necessary to shorten the Nylon bridle that suspends the Golf Ball. This can be done by removing one of the small plastic tubes the Nylon passes through, pulling excess nylon, and then re-inserting the tube. Excess nylon can then be trimmed with a sharp craft knife.
- Motor Noise/Vibration Troubleshooting: If the motor becomes noisy without the load of the belt and platter, it might have shifted within its isolating rubber mounting. This can be remedied by gently moving the motor clear of the mounting cover plate.
- Platter Rotation Issues: If the platter rotates abnormally, users should refer to the "Installing the Platter" section to ensure the spindle is correctly centered.
- Level Surface: For optimum performance, the turntable must always operate on a flat and level surface.
- Moving/Shipping: When moving or shipping the turntable, it is recommended to remove the platter from the bearing assembly. Care must be taken as there will be a small amount of oil residue on the spindle. The turntable should also remain level at all times to avoid fluid spillage.
- Warranty and Service: The product comes with a one-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship, valid upon completion of the warranty card and confirmed date of purchase. The warranty is void if the product has been misused, accidentally damaged, neglected, tampered with, or modified. Spillage of supplied fluids is not covered. Warranty service is restricted to the territory of purchase, and distributors may charge for service outside this territory.
- Environmental Responsibility: The product is recyclable and should not be disposed of with normal household waste. Users are encouraged to take it to a designated collection point for electrical and electronic devices, adhering to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic (WEEE) Directive. If still usable, consider donating or selling it.
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