Leveling the TD-321 Record Player!
This is the analog series!
The Trigger
In a previous article, I introduced the record player I purchased.
This time, since I was able to obtain a solid audio rack, I will move the record player to the new rack and level it.
Procedure
For the THORENS TD-321 (320), the setup is performed in the following steps (this varies depending on the player): 1. Leveling the main unit (if possible) 2. Adjusting the height of the floating section 3. Leveling the floating section
Work
This time, I will only level the record player and will not touch the tonearm. I will measure the level of the rack itself (=floor) using a spirit level app.
The floor is slightly tilted. If the rack had feet or spikes, I could level it using the rack, but the rack I purchased does not have feet. Also, the TD-321 does not have feet, so this tilt will directly affect the player unit itself.
However, since this player has a floating mechanism, even if the main unit is slightly tilted, the floating side can be leveled.
To adjust the float, first check the height of the floating section from the gap between the main unit and the platter. If the main unit side and the floating side are at the same height, it is okay.
It is hard to tell in the photo, but the height was perfect. If you need to adjust the height, remove the mat and the outer platter,
and remove the three plastic covers to find the adjustment screws inside,
then turn the "1" screw with a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to match the height with the main unit side (repeat the process of removing the platter, turning the screw, and placing the platter back to check the height).
Once the height of the floating section is matched with the main unit side, check the level of the platter and turn the "2" and "3" screws to make it level.
It is now almost level. There is no need to adjust it perfectly. If you think about it strictly, it will change again once you place a record on it. (Although some players do require a strict setup.)
This completes the leveling of the player. Players with a floating mechanism are a bit troublesome, but for a typical direct-drive player with feet, it is done in an instant just by turning the feet.
The next analog series will be about tonearm adjustment.