Essential accessories for your turntable

Discover the essential accessories for improving your experience with your turntable. These accessories range from fine-tuning the¹ phono cartridge to cleaning vinyl records. Everything is here for high-level sound.

² Moving-magnet (MM) cartridges are affordable. But some high-performance models are expensive. Moving-coil (MC) cartridges cost more. Their luxury models are very costly.

Avoid² plastic platters, which are not very reliable. Choose glass, which is bright-sounding, but use a platter mat. With a platter mat, sound quality improves. Acrylic platters, like those from Pro-Ject, are perfect for mid-range turntable users. A heavy platter reduces vibrations and improves sound quality.

Adjusting and aligning the phono cartridge

The first step toward perfect playback is checking that the turntable is perfectly level. Use a spirit level for this. It helps adjust the turntable feet. This makes the platter perfectly level, which is necessary for effective anti-skating and stable rotation.³

Spirit level for leveling the turntable

Once it has been leveled, you need to adjust the phono cartridge tracking force according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use a precise electronic scale, such as the Pro-Ject Measure It E, for accurate measurement. This prevents poor settings that could affect sound quality.⁴

Electronic scale for setting tracking force

Finally, an alignment protractor such as the Pro-Ject Align IT S is essential. It is used to position the cartridge correctly in the headshell. By adjusting overhang and zenith, you reduce distortion. This improves the sound quality of all your music.³

Alignment protractor for overhang and zenith

Essential accessories for your turntable

To make turntable setup easier, a complete accessory kit is essential. Simply Analog offers a very useful assortment. This kit includes an azimuth level for adjusting the stylus to the groove. It also includes a VTA alignment block to ensure the correct angle of the tonearm above the record.

Azimuth adjustment

Proper azimuth adjustment prevents premature record wear. It also maintains balance between the audio channels. The azimuth level supplied by Simply Analog ensures that the stylus sits at a right angle to the record².

Tonearm height adjustment

Adjusting the height of the tonearm is also crucial. It should be parallel to the record. The VTA alignment block helps you check and adjust it. This gives you optimal sound quality.

Optimizing the platter and platter mat

Beyond cartridge adjustment, platter choice has a major impact on sound. Glass or acrylic platters, for example from Pro-Ject, encourage a dynamic sound. However, they are sensitive to vibrations and require a good platter mat. A suitable platter mat is essential.⁵

Heavy platters for better inertia

Heavy platters, made from dense materials such as acrylic or metal, provide excellent inertia. This means they absorb vibrations better. As a result, the record rotates more steadily, improving listening quality.⁵

Cork or leather platter mats

The choice of platter mat, sometimes called a slipmat, is also important. Cork or leather versions outperform wool felt mats. They reduce static electricity and vibrations without altering the record’s dynamics.⁵

Vinyl care and cleaning

Keeping your vinyl records in good condition is crucial. Regular care is essential. Anti-static brushes remove dust and electrostatic charge. This reduces crackling during playback.⁶

Stylus cleaners

Cleaning the stylus regularly is also important. It preserves good sound quality and extends stylus life. Stylus cleaners provide deep cleaning. This helps the stylus perform better.⁶

Record cleaning kits

Vinyl record cleaning kits provide thorough cleaning. They often include cleaning solutions, special brushes, and cloths. These tools gently remove dirt from the grooves, improving sound quality.⁶

Ultrasonic record cleaners

Ultrasonic record cleaners provide detailed and safe cleaning. They use tiny air bubbles to remove all dirt. This is done safely for vinyl records.⁶

Storage and protection accessories

Storage and protection accessories are important for your equipment. Vinyl record weights keep the record stable. This prevents damage that could reduce sound quality.⁵

Suitable storage supports are also crucial. They keep your records upright to prevent damage. This preserves the quality of your vinyl over the long term.⁷

Conclusion

Equipping your turntable with these key accessories is crucial. It ensures high-quality listening. It also preserves the value of your vinyl collection and extends the life of your beloved records.⁸

Precise settings, such as leveling the turntable, are important. They include setting tracking force and aligning the cartridge. This guarantees excellent sound and keeps your listening experience at its best.⁸ Using heavy platters and specific platter mats reduces vibrations. This allows your record to rotate more steadily.⁸

Anti-static brushes and stylus cleaners make a real difference. Do not forget ultrasonic record cleaners for regular maintenance. Without these tools, your listening pleasure will diminish. With them, you can fully enjoy the rich sound of analog music. Keep your vinyl collection at its best, ready for years to come.⁹

Sources

1. https://audiochainhifi.com/guides/cartridges
2. https://vinylrestart.com/mm-vs-mc-phono-cartridges-explained/
3. https://www.audioadvice.com/blogs/expert-advice/turntable-setup-guide
4. https://www.audio-technica.co.jp/document/AT-LP2022/en/Content/Turntable/AT-LP2022/preparation/setting-tracking-force.html
5. https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gear/a70918747/best-turntable-mat-for-every-player/
6. https://www.crutchfield.com/S-xdwOlxplNiK/learn/how-to-clean-vinyl-records.html
7. https://hudsonhifi.com/blogs/news/how-to-store-vinyl-records-sleeves-conditions-organization
8. https://www.thevinylfactory.com/features/a-guide-turntable-weights-clamps-stabilisers
9. https://wwws.loc.gov/preservation/care/record.html