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Mobile Fidelity StudioDeck Setup Issue

I am stumped.

Setting up my Mobile Fidelity StudioDeck +M I followed the manual instruction's exactly. Even watched the Audio Advice video on this (it's very good). I’ve set up many turntables over the years, so I’m no stranger to the process. Nonetheless, something odd is going on with the tonearm height.

After adjusting the counterweight as instructed. Seating the platter as instructed and making sure the anti-skate was set correctly, I tried to play a record. But couldn’t because the tonearm doesn’t lower less than about one inch above the record. I triple-checked the cue/lift lever, it was down (released). Checked the VTA and the tonearm was at the lowest setting. Looked for something that might be blocking the tonearm from lowering to platter level and all I could find is it was resting on the cue/lift shelf which was in its lowered position. I am out ideas how to fix this.

Suggestions welcome.
output555

Showing 2 responses by millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
I'm seeing a hex screw on the arm base directly above the cuing lever, that holds the cueing cylinder in place. Loosen it and lower the cue cylinder.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
What is the angle of the arm tube to the platter? When lowered all the way onto a record it should be just about dead parallel with the record. Looking at your table manual there are two things that could be wrong. To know which one remember the arm tube parallel to the platter.

VTA is adjusted by loosening the locking hex bolt at the base of the arm. The arm lifter is adjusted with a hex bolt on the side of the lifter.

If the lifter is too high loosen and lower it. That will drop the arm down onto the platter. Then adjust VTA until the arm tube is parallel. Finally, adjust the lifter to cue the arm up as high as you want.

This is only a crude VTA adjustment. Once you listen a lot and the cartridge settles in you will be able to fine tune. But this will at least get you going. 
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