Is general cleaning of vinyl players worth it? As you probably know, it is a long, but very useful process, without which your records will not last long. It is important to realize that a vinyl turntable is a high-precision instrument that requires proper maintenance and this statement applies to all Hi-Fi systems. Proper maintenance is also recommended for luxury equipment whose high-tech components require careful handling due to their delicate nature.
The result is always rewarding, as you will end up with stunning sound. However, to achieve this, it is essential to remember the six basic rules of vinyl care so that you hear music exactly as the artist intended.
Contents
1. Cleanliness is the foundation of everything
You need to make sure that your turntable and records remain spotlessly clean every time you play them. The scratches and cracks that appear when you listen to records are caused by vinyl debris. Listening to noises can make you nostalgic, but if quality matters to you, don’t forget about cleanliness.
Start by buying a special vinyl care kit with a velvet brush, a cleaning solution, and a carbon fiber brush. If your records are clean, use the velvet brush to remove dust before playing the record. If the record is dirty, use liquid and felt for deeper cleaning.
For proper cleaning, use a cleaning brush and gently brush the grooves along their travel. Hold the plate with your fingers by the center and support the edge with the palm of your hand.
Ideally, you should clean your records before each playback and store them properly to ensure their longevity. Worth noting, it doesn’t take much effort and will become a habit over time.
2. Proper Record Storage
After buying your turntable stereo system at https://1byoneaudio.com/, the next step is to choose your storage.
Store your records vertically, not horizontally; otherwise, the vinyl will warp over time. And don’t put the records too close together, give them some personal space to avoid overcrowding.
You can spend some money to buy special racks to reduce the amount of dust and particulate matter that accumulates on the record’s surface. Also, consider getting a special shelter case to keep your records clean at all times.
3. Proper needle pressure
The amount of needle pressure your turntable puts on the record is incredibly important. You should make sure that the needle pressure is exactly right for your cartridge. The adjustment process varies from model to model.
In most cases, the design has a counterweight on the end of the tonearm that allows you to adjust the pressure. Here are some tuning tips:
- Get a stack of business cards and an electronic scale. You can buy one at any online store.
- Place the scale on top of the stack of business cards at the same height as your record on the disc, then lower the tonearm onto the scale.
- Each cartridge has its optimal pressure value . A lower value is preferable.
- Adjust the counterweight, so the pressure is optimal for your cartridge.
4. Needle Alignment
It may not seem obvious, but the needle’s angle that contacts or touches the record is also vital to get high-quality sound. Typically, different manufacturers offer different optimal angles, so if you want to get the perfect sound, you’re going to have to do some work.
It is recommended to get a special tool for needle alignment. With it, you will be able to set any angle with perfect accuracy. Once adjusted, the needle will contact the record at a perfect angle from the first song to the last.
5. Tonearm Positioning
The angle of the stylus in relation to the record affects the stereo image or the way specific instruments are positioned in space. It is because the z-axis or vertical movement of the stylus is responsible for the information that allows us to extract the stereo signal from the groove. If the angle of the stylus is wrong, the stereo image will be offset.
To adjust the sound, you will need to use your ears as a working tool. As a rule, a good vocal track is exactly in the middle of the image. Try several adjustments and choose the one with the sound that feels most alive to you.
6. The turntable should stand alone
Many people put their speakers on the same table as their turntable, which has a negative effect on sound quality. Why? Your cartridge is an extremely sensitive device specifically designed to convert vibrations into amplified sound. Any excessive vibrations on the vinyl surface will immediately be picked up by the cartridge and disrupt the record’s sound. For you to avoid this effect, it is recommended that you purchase a separate rack or place the turntable on a separate table.
Conclusion
The secret to keeping your vinyl records in good shape is to take care of them by keeping away dirt and having them properly stored. You can also invest in other extras such as the rack for the turntable and a storage case. Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll enjoy high-quality sound from your turntable system.