Kenwood KD 550 Manual

The Kenwood KD 550 is a high-quality direct drive turntable featuring quartz-controlled speed accuracy, low wow and flutter, excellent signal-to-noise ratio, adjustable tonearm with anti-skating control, viscous-damped cueing, and precision platter. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation and Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Functions 5. Tonearm Setup 6. Operation 7. Maintenance 8. Troubleshooting 9. Technical Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct drive motor system, quartz speed control, adjustable tonearm, viscous-damped cueing, anti-skating control, strobe markings, pitch control.

Feature	Description
Drive System	Direct drive with quartz control
Speeds	33-1/3 and 45 RPM
Wow & Flutter	0.025% WRMS
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	78 dB (DIN B)
Tonearm	Static balanced S-shaped
Cueing	Viscous-damped lift
Pitch Control	±6% adjustment
Platter	Die-cast aluminum 300mm
Power Requirements	120V AC, 60Hz

Installation and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface away from vibrations.

Install platter: Place platter on motor spindle carefully.
Install belt: For models with belt drive, ensure proper belt placement.
Mount cartridge: Follow cartridge manufacturer instructions for proper alignment.
Balance tonearm: Adjust counterweight for proper tracking force.
Connect cables: RCA outputs to amplifier phono inputs, ground wire to ground terminal.
Power connection: Plug into AC outlet.

WARNING! Handle turntable with care; avoid dropping or impacting delicate components.

Specifications

Motor: Quartz-controlled DC servo direct drive
Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM
Wow & Flutter: 0.025% WRMS
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 78 dB (DIN B)
Tonearm: Static balanced S-shaped
Effective Length: 221 mm
Overhang:15 mm
Tracking Force Range: 0-3 grams
Power Consumption: 8 watts
Dimensions: 450 x 360 x 145 mm
Weight: 7.5 kg

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: POWER switch, SPEED selector (33/45), START/STOP button, PITCH control slider.

Tonearm Controls: Counterweight, anti-skating dial, cueing lever, height adjustment, locking rest.

Operation: Press START to begin rotation, STOP to halt. Use PITCH control for fine speed adjustment. Cueing lever provides smooth lowering and lifting of tonearm.

Tonearm Setup

Proper tonearm setup is crucial for optimal performance and record preservation.

Balance tonearm: Rotate counterweight until tonearm floats horizontally.
Set tracking force: Rotate counterweight ring to desired tracking force (refer to cartridge specifications).
Set anti-skating: Match anti-skating dial to tracking force setting.
Cartridge alignment: Use alignment protractor for proper cartridge positioning.
Height adjustment: Set tonearm height for proper VTA (vertical tracking angle).

Tip: Always handle tonearm with care and use cueing lever for record placement.

Operation

Daily operation procedures for optimal performance.

Power on: Switch POWER to ON position.
Select speed: Choose 33 or 45 RPM as required.
Start rotation: Press START button.
Place record: Carefully place vinyl record on platter.
Cue record: Use cueing lever to lower tonearm onto record.
Adjust pitch: Use PITCH control if speed correction needed.
End play: Use cueing lever to lift tonearm, press STOP.
Power off: Switch POWER to OFF when not in use.

WARNING! Never move turntable while platter is rotating. Keep dust cover closed when not in use.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures long-term performance and reliability.

Cleaning: Use soft, lint-free cloth for dust cover and surfaces.
Platter cleaning: Clean rubber mat regularly with mild detergent.
Stylus care: Clean stylus with soft brush after each use.
Belt replacement: Replace drive belt every 2-3 years or as needed.
Lubrication: Professional service recommended for motor lubrication.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Unplug before any maintenance.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No rotation	Power connection	Check power cord; ensure switch is ON
Incorrect speed	Pitch control setting	Adjust PITCH control to center; check speed selector
Wow/flutter	Belt wear/platter issues	Check belt condition; ensure platter seated properly
Poor sound quality	Cartridge/stylus	Check tracking force; clean or replace stylus
Tonearm drift	Anti-skating setting	Adjust anti-skating to match tracking force
Motor noise	Lubrication needed	Professional service required

Technical Information

The KD 550 features advanced quartz-controlled direct drive technology for exceptional speed stability. The servo control system maintains precise rotation regardless of load variations. The tonearm design minimizes resonance and provides excellent tracking capability.

Service Information: For technical service, contact authorized Kenwood service centers. Use only genuine replacement parts.