Troubleshooting tips

My Encel S is outputting very low volume, or the signal sounds heavily distorted.
This could mean that the turntable’s phono preamp switch (located on the right-hand underside of the unit) is in the wrong position. If you’re connecting your Encel S to a PHONO input on your amplifier or powered speakers, the switch should be set to ‘PHONO OUT’. If you’re connecting to an AUX input the switch should be set to ‘LINE OUT’.

I can only hear sound coming from one channel / speaker.
Check that the RCA cables are firmly connected to both your turntable and your amplifier or powered speakers, and that the colour-coded plugs match the correct inputs (red for right, white for left). You could also carefully inspect the head shell leads—those tiny wires that connect the cartridge to the tonearm—for any loose or improperly connected terminals. If the issue persists, it’s best to get in touch with us at support@encel.com.au.

The platter is spinning and I’ve lowered the tonearm, but I’m not getting any sound.
If the platter is rotating and everything seems normal but no audio is heard, ensure the stylus protector is removed and that the needle is making contact with the record. Also confirm the amp is set to the correct input source. If you're using powered speakers, make sure they are switched on and that any volume control on them is turned up.

I’m getting a loud hum or buzzing sound through my speakers.
This is often due to an improperly connected ground wire. The phono cable included with the Encel S features a grounding cable that must be attached from the turntable to the grounding terminal on your amplifier or powered speakers. If your system lacks a grounding terminal, try attaching the ground wire to a metal part of the chassis.

The tonearm is skipping or sliding across the record.
Incorrect tracking force is the usual culprit here. Ensure the counterweight is set correctly according to the cartridge’s recommended tracking force (1.8g for the 2M Red that comes standard with the Encel S). Instructions on how to balance the tonearm are included in the product manual. However, if you’ve misplaced your stylus force gauge and you’re setting the tracking force without one, you’ll want to follow these steps:

• Carefully remove the stylus protector (the clear plastic cover) from the cartridge. This ensures accurate balancing and avoids incorrect resistance from the guard.

• Lift the tonearm out of its rest and disengage the tonearm clip so it can move freely. Be careful not to let it fall onto the platter or surface.

• At the back of the tonearm is the counterweight, which can be rotated. Hold the entire counterweight with one hand and turn it counterclockwise to move the weight forward, or clockwise to move it backward. Your goal here is to find the position where the tonearm floats when you release it, almost as if it’s not affected by gravity.

• Once the tonearm is floating, without moving the position of the actual weight, hold the weight still and rotate only the numbered notched dial on the front of the counterweight. Align the "0" on the dial with the white line on the tonearm. Now rotate the entire counterweight clockwise (away from you) until the dial reads 1.8. Each mark typically equals 0.1g, so move it slowly and carefully. This applies 1.8 grams of tracking force to the stylus.

• Now, adjust the anti-skating dial (usually located near the tonearm base) to match your tracking force—in this case, set it to 1.8 or the nearest notch to it. You should be set up and ready to play.

• You're done. The tonearm is now correctly balanced to 1.8g. You can clip it back into the rest and gently place the stylus guard back on if needed.

Finally, check that the turntable is perfectly level—an uneven surface can cause tracking problems even with correct settings.