Turntables are a great way to listen to vinyl records, but they can sometimes produce a humming noise. This noise, called turntable hum, can be caused by a number of factors, including the turntable’s motor, the cartridge, and the turntable’s power supply.
How much turntable hum is normal?
The amount of turntable hum that is considered normal varies depending on the turntable. However, in general, a small amount of hum is to be expected. If the hum is loud or noticeable, then it may be a sign of a problem.
What causes turntable hum?
There are a number of factors that can cause turntable hum, including:
- The turntable’s motor: The motor in a turntable is a rotating electrical device, and it can produce a humming noise. This noise is typically more noticeable at low speeds.
- The cartridge: The cartridge is the part of the turntable that reads the grooves in the record. It can also produce a humming noise if it is not properly aligned or if it is dirty.
- The turntable’s power supply: The power supply in a turntable is the part that converts the AC power from the wall outlet into the DC power that the turntable needs to operate. If the power supply is not properly filtered, it can produce a humming noise.
How to reduce turntable hum
There are a number of things that you can do to reduce turntable hum, including:
- Ground the turntable: Grounding the turntable helps to reduce the amount of electrical noise that is picked up by the turntable. This can be done by connecting the turntable to a ground wire.
- Use a shielded cable: A shielded cable helps to reduce the amount of electrical noise that is picked up by the cable. This can help to reduce turntable hum.
- Clean the cartridge: A dirty cartridge can produce a humming noise. Cleaning the cartridge with a stylus cleaner can help to reduce turntable hum.
- Replace the power supply: If the power supply in your turntable is not properly filtered, it can produce a humming noise. Replacing the power supply with a better-quality power supply can help to reduce turntable hum.
Turntable hum is a common problem, but it can be reduced or eliminated by following the tips above. If you are experiencing turntable hum, you should try the tips above to see if they help. If the hum is still noticeable, you may need to consult with a qualified technician.
Here are some additional information about turntable hum:
- Turntable hum is typically more noticeable at low speeds.
- Turntable hum can be caused by a number of factors, including the turntable’s motor, the cartridge, and the turntable’s power supply.
- There are a number of things that you can do to reduce turntable hum, including grounding the turntable, using a shielded cable, cleaning the cartridge, and replacing the power supply.
