Origin Live Aurora MKI - Manual (Page 11)

11
Please note that for Origin Live Silver, Encounter and Illustrious tonearms - do not adjust bearing tightness -
this is carefully set at factory - it may seem that there is “play” in the bearings - this is deliberate and must be
left alone or degradation will result - it is not actually play in the bearing races but careful bearing fitting to
allow a loose bearing fit thus “floating” the arm rather than rigidly coupling it to the deck.
NOTE
If you are fitting a Rega or Origin Live Arm to the Aurora, Aurora Gold, Resolution, Resolution Classic or
Sovereign turntables you will only need the sliding aluminium sleeve VTA adjuster, which is clamped in place
by the single grub in the arm base. None of the large washers or the large nut, if they have been supplied, are
needed.
VTA (vertical tracking adjustment)
To allow the cartridge needle to track at the correct angle it is important that the base of the arm is at the correct
height in relation to the platter.
For Rega arms, the OL1 series and Silver arm - Usually the optimum setting is such that the TOP edge
of the arm is parallel with the surface of a FLAT record – you can use a piece o f card with parallel lines drawn
on it to check this once the cartridge is fitted.
For the Encounter, Illustrious and Conqueror arms – the centre line of the tapered arm tube should be
parallel with the surface of a FLAT record. You can use the template supplied to help judge this.
It is always best to experiment with vta height by varying it and listening to the results till you have found the
optimum position.
Most cartridges have a height of 17mm and if this is the case, then the base of the arm should rest
approximately 31mm below the top of the platter surface. If your cartridge height is different you can work out
where the base of the arm should be from the preceding figures.
Using the Origin Live VTA sliding adjuster
Do not fit a threaded VTA adjuster (supplied with some arms – this is a large knurled disc that can thread
onto the arm base). Ensure that the Aluminium sleeve (this IS the VTA sliding adjuster) is the right way up
with the recess on the top side. This ensures that the arm goes all the way down into the sleeve. Place the
arm in the aluminium sleeve and then clamp it in position via the set screw in the side of the VTA housing
(i.e the sleeve is forced in to grip the arm’s threaded base). You do not need the Rega nut on the base of the
arm. Only tighten the set screw sufficiently to clamp the arm firmly in position – over-tightening can make
the arm sound bright.
Fit the arm cable clip
Fasten the arm cable in position with a nut & bolt through the cable clip. This should be supported by a cable
clip screwed into position underneath the plinth - leave a slight droop on it so that it isn’t “tight”. The clip
fastens to the underside of the plinth outer ring using the hole near the rear foot. This again is helpful to “earth”
vibration in the cable. (Please note that the occasional rewired arm can make a slight “rustling” noise through
the speakers when it is lifted across the record. This should not be a cause for concern as it is only caused by
microphony of the internal litz cable - under normal playing conditions this is inaudible. The earth lead should
be connected to the earth of your pre -amplifier or amplifier. This earth lead is best separated slightly from the
arm signal leads so do not wind it around them for best performance. Avoid pulling the external wires at the
base of the Silver arms as they are not indestructible and can become detached if excessive force is used to
manipulate them.
A R M & C A R T R I D G E S E T U P
Fit the cartridge (if not fitted already)
Fit the cartridge to the arm using an alignment gauge and ensure the headshell wires are bent so that they are
clear of the record surface. If you are not familiar with fitting cartridges then please read the section “Hi-Fi
Cartridges – Setting up procedures”.