Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
What do I actually need to play a record?
You need a complete signal chain: a turntable, a phono preamplifier, an amplifier, and speakers. The turntable reads the groove. The phono preamp boosts its very quiet signal to a usable level. The amplifier provides the power, and the speakers create the sound. Some components combine these roles—an integrated amplifier includes a preamp, and some turntables have one built-in. But without that specific phono preamp stage, the music will sound thin, tinny, and virtually silent.
How do I properly clean my records?
For daily surface dust, a carbon fiber brush before each play is non-negotiable. For the deep grime on used records, a wet cleaning is essential. A simple manual system like a Spin-Clean is an excellent investment. A clean record doesn't just reduce clicks; it provides a silent, black background for the music to emerge from.
How often should I replace my stylus?
Depending on the quality of the diamond, a stylus has a lifespan of 500 to 1,000 playing hours. You'll know it's time when the sound becomes dull, losing its high-frequency detail. Don't wait until then. A worn stylus acts like a tiny chisel, permanently damaging your record grooves with every play.
Does 180-gram vinyl really sound better?
Not inherently. The weight of a record has no direct impact on its sound quality. However, a heavy, flat 180-gram disc is less susceptible to warping and provides a more stable platform for the stylus. The quality of the mastering and pressing are far more important factors, but a heavyweight pressing is a good sign of a quality-focused release.
How should I store my records?
Vertically. Always. Stacking records horizontally is a guaranteed way to cause warping. Store them upright on a sturdy shelf, like books, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Gear & Grooves
What's the difference between Belt-Drive and Direct-Drive?
It's a philosophical difference in how to spin the platter. A Belt-Drive turntable uses an elastic belt to connect the motor to the platter, isolating it from vibration and often yielding a fluid, atmospheric sound. A Direct-Drive table mounts the platter directly to the motor, resulting in unshakable speed stability and a powerful, rhythmically precise sound.
What do MM and MC mean for cartridges?
They describe the two main cartridge designs. A Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge offers a warm, robust sound and the convenience of a user-replaceable stylus. A Moving Coil (MC) cartridge has a lighter, more nimble generator, allowing it to trace the groove with greater precision. This often results in a more detailed and transparent sound, but they require a special phono preamp and cannot have their styli replaced by the user.
Are first pressings always better?
Often, but not always. A first pressing, made from fresh stampers, is the most direct link to the original mastering session. However, a modern audiophile reissue, cut from the original analog tapes by a master engineer using superior equipment, can sometimes reveal more detail. The hunt is not for the oldest artifact, but for the most honest one.
What are the scribbles in the "dead wax"?
That's my favorite part. The "dead wax," or run-out groove, contains the etchings of the mastering engineer who cut the lacquer for that pressing. Initials like "RL" (Bob Ludwig) or "BG" (Bernie Grundman) are a mark of quality and a direct, physical link to the person who shaped the sound of that specific artifact.
Troubleshooting
Why is my turntable humming?
This is almost always a ground loop. Check that the thin ground wire from your turntable is securely attached to the ground screw on your phono preamp or amplifier. A loose connection here will cause a persistent 60Hz hum.
Why is my record skipping?
The most common cause is a dirty record or stylus. If both are clean, your tracking force is likely set too light, or your anti-skate is miscalibrated. Re-check your tonearm setup from the beginning.
Why does the sound get distorted near the end of a side?
That's "Inner Groove Distortion." The stylus has a harder time tracing the more compressed grooves near the record's label. This is often a sign of a worn stylus. If your stylus is new, a cartridge with a more advanced stylus shape (like elliptical or MicroLine) can navigate these difficult passages with greater ease.
Why do "S" sounds sound harsh and fuzzy?
That harshness is called sibilance. It's a sign that your stylus is failing to accurately trace the high-frequency information in the groove. The first culprit is a worn-out stylus. It can also be caused by improper cartridge alignment or a tracking force that is set too light.
Why is sound only coming from one speaker?
This is a simple connection problem. First, check your amplifier's balance knob. If it's centered, check the four tiny, colored wires connecting your cartridge to the tonearm—one may have come loose. Finally, ensure the main RCA cables from your turntable are securely plugged into your amplifier.