Setting the Arm

The turntable cueing lever was stuck halfway through its travel when I climbed up onto the low stereo shelf. It held the tone arm hovering suspended above the brushed aluminum deck. I planted my sneakers against the oak veneer, gripped the knurled steel lever with both hands, and guided it firmly downward until it dropped flush into its brass notch with a solid mechanical click. The arm settled straight into its rest, locked parallel with the faceplate. I backed up against the vented metal casing of the receiver, letting its low internal warmth cut the chill from my shoulders. Quiet room. Solid rest.