The tonearm is a critical component of a turntable. It is responsible for tracking the grooves in a record and delivering the audio signal to the cartridge. If the tonearm drifts outward, it can cause the stylus to skip and damage the record.
There are a few possible causes of a tonearm drifting outward. These include:
- The anti-skate is not set properly. The anti-skate is a mechanism that is designed to counteract the force of the tracking force and keep the tonearm from drifting outward. If the anti-skate is not set properly, the tonearm may drift outward.
- The tonearm is not balanced properly. The tonearm should be balanced so that it is perfectly horizontal when it is not playing a record. If the tonearm is not balanced properly, it may drift outward.
- The tonearm lift mechanism is not working properly. The tonearm lift mechanism is responsible for raising and lowering the tonearm. If the tonearm lift mechanism is not working properly, the tonearm may drift outward.
- The tonearm is damaged. If the tonearm is damaged, it may not be able to track the grooves in the record properly and may drift outward.
Solutions to a Tonearm Drifting Outward
If your tonearm is drifting outward, there are a few things that you can do to fix the problem. These include:
- Check the anti-skate. Use a tracking force scale to check the anti-skate. If the anti-skate is not set properly, adjust it until it is set correctly.
- Check the balance of the tonearm. Use a tracking force scale to check the balance of the tonearm. If the tonearm is not balanced properly, adjust the counterweight until it is balanced.
- Check the tonearm lift mechanism. Inspect the tonearm lift mechanism to see if it is damaged or malfunctioning. If the tonearm lift mechanism is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
- Take the turntable to a qualified technician. If you are not comfortable working on your turntable, you may want to take it to a qualified technician.
Preventing a Tonearm Drifting Outward
There are a few things that you can do to prevent your tonearm from drifting outward. These include:
- Keep the tonearm clean and free of debris. Dust and debris can interfere with the operation of the tonearm lift mechanism.
- Handle the tonearm with care. Avoid dropping or banging the tonearm, as this can damage the tonearm lift mechanism.
- Regularly inspect the tonearm lift mechanism for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any problems with the tonearm lift mechanism, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your tonearm in good working order and prevent it from drifting outward.
Here are some additional tips for fixing a tonearm drifting outward:
- If you are adjusting the anti-skate, be careful not to overtighten the anti-skate knob. This can damage the tonearm.
- If you are adjusting the balance of the tonearm, be careful not to overtighten the counterweight. This can damage the tonearm.
- If you are taking your turntable to a qualified technician, be sure to describe the problem in detail so that they can properly diagnose the issue.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively fix a tonearm drifting outward on your turntable.
