Audio Technica AT-LP5, Installation And Operation Manual

6

Initial Setup (continued) 

2. Holding the dust cover over the turntable, carefully guide the cover 

hinges into the two slots molded into the rear of the dust cover. The 

springs in the hinges allow the cover to be held open at about a 45° 

angle if desired. (Note: There is only one “open” position; the hinges 

do NOT permit the cover to stand “straight up.”)

3. To remove the dust cover from the turntable, gently disengage the 

hinges from the slots in the cover. This is usually easier when the 

cover is in the “closed” position. Slowly and carefully lift straight up 

until the cover is clear of the unit. The hinges may then be removed 

from the turntable base, if desired.

Analog Audio Connections

Digital Audio USB Connection to Computers 
with USB Input

Preparing to Play

Playing a Record

Suspending or Ending Play

Connect the audio output cable to the appropriate input sockets on your 

amplifier, receiver, powered speakers, soundcard or other device based 

on the setting of the pre-amplifier selector switch.

* When using USB output always set the AT-LP5
turntable’s Pre-amplifier Selector Switch to the “LINE” position 

(switch is located on the back of the turntable).

The USB cable (included) connects your AT-LP5 turntable to your 

computer without need for special drivers. 

Your Audio-Technica AT-LP5 turntable is supplied with Audacity 

recording software for your convenience. Please note that other 

third-party software packages are also compatible with this turntable.

Audacity

Audacity is free software, distributed under the GNU General Public 

License (GPL). More information and open source code is on the included 

Audacity CD and on the Audacity website : 

http://audacity.sourceforge.net

Finally, after all audio connections are made, attach the included AC

power cord to the turntable. Then connect the power cord’s plug to a

convenient AC outlet.

For best results, do not install or operate this unit near conditions of

heat, moisture, dust, or heavy vibrations.

1. Remove the stylus guard from the stylus assembly and unlock the 

tonearm rest if it is locked.

2. Place a record on the rubber mat, lining up its center hole with the 

center spindle. For 45 RPM records, place the 45 RPM adapter on the 

center spindle before placing the record on the platter.

Installing a new Cartridge

Mechanical Assembly 

Electrical Connections

Using a MC (moving coil cartridge)

(Note: After replacing the cartridge, reset the tonearm balance, stylus
force and anti-skate based on the cartridge’s specifications.)

1. Unpack the cartridge and carefully remove its stylus assembly. Place 

the stylus assembly out of harm’s way. Mount the new cartridge to 

the headshell assembly. Use the mounting hardware supplied with 

the new cartridge. Tighten the mounting screws until just snug. 

Replace the stylus assembly briefly to check for mechanical interfer-

ence with the mounting hardware. The stylus assembly should click 

into place. Make certain the new cartridge is properly positioned in 

the headshell assembly per the manufacturer’s instructions. Again 

remove the stylus assembly for safekeeping.

1. Four terminals at the rear of the cartridge are colour coded to match 

standard wiring in stereo tonearms. Connect the cartridge with the 

slip-on lugs provided on the headshell wiring. NEVER SOLDER TO 

CARTRIDGE TERMINALS! Heat applied to the terminals will damage 

the internal cartridge wiring.

2. Finally, gently push the stylus onto the cartridge body being careful 

not to damage the stylus. The stylus assembly should click into place. 

Replace the headshell assembly onto the tonearm taking care not to 

damage the stylus assembly.

1. Note that the built-in phono pre-amplifier has a 36 dB gain with an 

input impedance of 47k ohms and is intended to be used exclusively 

with moving magnet cartridges such as the supplied AT95EX. When 

using a moving coil cartridge it is essential to bypass the built in 

pre-amplifier section switch (Figure 3, page 4, #18) by setting to the 

phono position. In this case the turntable stereo phono output needs 

to be connected to an external phono pre-amplifier featuring MC 

(moving coil) inputs, in order to guarantee the proper gain and the 

proper impedance load necessary when using an MC cartridge (refer 

to the specifications of your MC cartridge).

1. To suspend play, lift the tonearm with the tonearm lift control lever.

2. When play is finished, raise the tonearm lift control lever, move the 

tonearm to the rest position and secure the tonearm with the tonearm 

locking clamp.

3. Turn the speed selector to “Stop” to apply the brake and stop the 

platter rotation.

4. Press the power button on the rear panel to switch off.

1. Press the power button on the rear panel to switch on.

2. Set the platter rotation speed (33/45) to match that of the record, the 

platter begins to rotate.

3. Raise the tonearm by lifting the tonearm lift control lever to the UP position.

4. Position the tonearm over the desired location (groove) on the record.

5. Lower the tonearm by moving the tonearm lift control lever to the DOWN 

position. The tonearm descends slowly onto the record and play begins.

    – or – (skipping 2 - 3 - 4)

    Use the finger-lift on the headshell assembly to position the tonearm 

over the desired location on the record. Carefully lower the tonearm to 

the record surface.