DO CHEAP TURNTABLES RUIN VINYL RECORDS? | ANALOGUE SOUNDTRACK

Published on 11 August 2023 at 18:23

Vinyl records are a beloved format for music enthusiasts, and their unique sound quality and collectibility have made them a popular choice for many. However, the quality of sound that vinyl records offer can only be achieved with the proper equipment, such as a good turntable.

The turntable is the most important component of any vinyl setup, and its quality has a significant impact on the sound quality of the records that are played on it. As such, it's important to invest in a quality turntable to ensure that your vinyl records sound their best and to prevent any potential damage to the records.

While there are many affordable turntables on the market, it's important to be aware that some of these cheaper turntables may not be well-made or properly calibrated. A poorly calibrated turntable or a worn-out stylus can cause excessive wear and tear on the grooves of the record, resulting in distortion, skipping, or other sound quality issues. Additionally, cheap turntables may not have proper anti-skate or counterweight mechanisms, which can cause the stylus to dig into the grooves and damage the record.

Therefore, it's essential to invest in a high-quality turntable with features that are designed to protect the vinyl records. A good turntable should have a sturdy plinth, a well-balanced tonearm, and a high-quality cartridge and stylus. The plinth should be sturdy enough to prevent unwanted vibrations that can result in distortion, while the tonearm should be well-balanced to ensure that the stylus tracks the grooves properly. The cartridge and stylus should be of high quality to ensure that they pick up the details of the music accurately and without causing damage to the grooves.

It's also important to calibrate the turntable correctly to ensure that the stylus tracks properly and does not cause damage to the record. This includes setting the tracking force and anti-skate mechanisms, which help to prevent the stylus from digging too deeply into the grooves.

While cheap turntables can potentially damage vinyl records, it's possible to find affordable turntables that are well-made and properly calibrated. When shopping for a turntable, it's important to do your research and invest in a quality turntable to ensure the best listening experience and to prevent damage to your vinyl records. With the right turntable and setup, vinyl records can be enjoyed for years to come, with their unique sound quality and collectibility appreciated to the fullest.

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