Turntables are arguably one of the most delicate parts of a hi-fi system. Even the most high-end models may disappoint due to wrongly chosen or configured accessories or just insufficient support. But, at their best, some will perform in such a spectacular fashion that you start wondering why digital audio was considered an upgrade. The proper setup of a turntable is essential for getting the best sound quality from your vinyl records. Here are the steps to make your turntable sound its best for all of your favourite records.
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The Correct Location
Where you choose to place your turntable can really affect the sound quality. You want to place it on a stable, level surface to avoid vibrations. This will make sure your playback remains stable. Please keep it away from your speakers to avoid possible feedback loops and vibrations from the bass of the speakers. Using isolation feet or a dedicated turntable platform can reduce the vibrations that are picked up from external sources, such as footsteps or from other appliances that are close to it.
Assembling Your Turntable
If your turntable is not pre-assembled, you will need to place the platter (the rotating part that holds the record) onto the spindle. Start with the plinth. If your support is already level, there shouldn't be much to do here. But if you need to make adjustments, lots of turntables have some sort of adjustable feet to help you dial in the perfect levelling. Next, check that the platter is level. On most record players, the platter position is fixed relative to the plinth and should be parallel from the outset unless there is a manufacturing defect. With suspended designs, there may be some leeway on this.
Some platters come with a mat that should be placed on top. If your turntable uses a belt drive, install the belt around the platter and the motor pulley according to the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the counterweight to the tonearm's back and set the anti-skate mechanism to the same value as the tracking force.
Balance the Tonearm
Getting a tonearm balance is super important for both accurate tracking and sound quality. With the turntable off, put the tonearm at its rest and set the counterweight until the tonearm is floating parallel to the platter. You can fine-tune this by adjusting the arm bearing to be slightly higher or lower, which changes the angle of the stylus tip in meeting the groove. However, best to start off with the arm level. If the arm is too high, generally the sound is bright and forward; if it is too low, the sound becomes more veiled.
Check the specifications for your cartridge and set the counterweight to the recommended tracking force, typically between 1.5 and 2 grams. Set the anti-skating control to match the tracking force to ensure that the tonearm does not slide across the surface of the record.
Install and Align the Cartridge
The cartridge is the home for the needle (or stylus) that reads the record grooves. If the cartridge does not come pre-mounted, you will need to attach it to the headshell and secure it with the screws provided. Use a protractor to make sure the cartridge is properly aligned—that the stylus is at the correct angle for reading the grooves. Move the cartridge so there is a proper overhang, the distance the stylus hangs from the spindle centre.
Set the Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA)
The Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) is the angle at which the stylus tracks the record. Raise or lower the base of the tonearm in order to establish the VTA. Always shoot for the tonearm to be parallel with the record surface during play. Play a record, and listen to the clarity and detail as you adjust the VTA in small increments, continuing to listen to each adjustment.
Connecting to an Amplifier or Receiver
Most turntables need to be connected to an amplifier or receiver in order to reproduce sound. Some turntables come equipped with a built-in phono preamp so they can be plugged directly into any line-level input (like AUX or CD) on your amplifier or receiver. If your turntable doesn't have a built-in preamp, you'll need a separate one. Connect the turntable to the phono preamp, then connect the preamp to a line-level input on your amplifier or receiver.
Grounding the Turntable
Most turntables need to be connected to an amplifier or receiver in order to reproduce sound. Some turntables come equipped with a built-in phono preamp so they can be plugged directly into any line-level input (like AUX or CD) on your amplifier or receiver. If your turntable doesn't have a built-in preamp, you'll need a separate one. Connect the turntable to the phono preamp, then connect the preamp to a line-level input on your amplifier or receiver.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Turntable
Taking good care of your turntable results in good performance. Remove the dust from the records with a carbon fibre brush prior to every play. Deep clean the records by using a record-cleaning machine. Clean the stylus delicately with a stylus brush or a special stylus cleaner. Lubricate the spindle and the motor bearings, following the manufacturer's instructions for the same.
Read more: Essential maintenance tips for your vinyl record player
Calibrating the Speed
Accurate speed underlies accurate pitch and timing. Check the speed of the platter (33 1/3 or 45 RPM) with a strobe disc or with a smartphone app, and adjust the speed through the pitch control on your turntable or speed adjustment screws if necessary.
Listen and Adjust
Once set up, listen and tweak. Play records of a different variety to ensure they play well on different types of music and recordings. Based on listening tests, adjust tracking force, anti-skate, and VTA, aiming at a sound that is well balanced—clear in the highs, detailed in the mids, and deep in the bass.
Conclusion
Setting up a turntable to achieve the best sound involves attention to detail with a little bit of patience. If you follow the instructions we've shared, you're going to be able to tune the best sound possible out of your turntable setup and enjoy the rich, warm sound that vinyl records are known for. Whether you're a newbie to vinyl or an established record collector, these tips will help you get the most from your turntable and improve your listening experience.