The tonearm on a turntable is responsible for tracking the grooves in the record and converting the vibrations into electrical signals that are then amplified and played through speakers. The tonearm should be parallel to the record surface in order to track the grooves accurately and prevent damage to the record.
There are a few reasons why the tonearm should be parallel to the record surface. First, the stylus is designed to track the grooves at a specific angle. If the tonearm is not parallel to the record, the stylus will not track the grooves accurately and this can lead to distortion and noise.
Second, if the tonearm is not parallel to the record, it can put more stress on the stylus and the record. This can eventually lead to damage to the stylus or the record.
Finally, a parallel tonearm will help to ensure that the record is played evenly. If the tonearm is not parallel, the stylus may not track the grooves evenly, which can lead to uneven playback.
There are a few things that can affect the parallelism of the tonearm. One is the height of the tonearm. If the tonearm is too high or too low, it will not be parallel to the record surface. Another factor is the weight of the tonearm. If the tonearm is too heavy, it will not be able to track the grooves accurately.
The best way to ensure that the tonearm is parallel to the record surface is to use a protractor. A protractor is a tool that is used to measure angles. You can use a protractor to measure the angle of the tonearm and adjust it until it is parallel to the record surface.
Once the tonearm is parallel to the record surface, you should check the tracking force. The tracking force is the amount of force that the tonearm exerts on the record. The tracking force should be set to the recommended value for your cartridge.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the tonearm on your turntable is parallel to the record surface and that your records are played accurately and evenly.
Here are some additional tips for keeping your tonearm parallel to the record:
- Use a high-quality turntable with a well-designed tonearm.
- Keep your turntable in a stable environment.
- Clean your records regularly.
- Replace your stylus regularly.