A balanced tonearm is essential for good sound quality from a turntable. A balanced tonearm will track the record groove evenly, resulting in reduced distortion and improved sound quality.
To tell if a tonearm is balanced, you can do the following:
- Remove the cartridge from the tonearm.
- Lift the tonearm off the record.
- Hold the tonearm by the headshell and gently move it back and forth.
- If the tonearm is balanced, it should remain parallel to the record surface.
- If the tonearm is not balanced, it will tilt towards the headshell or the counterweight.
If the tonearm is not balanced, you can adjust the counterweight until it is level. The amount of counterweight needed will vary depending on the cartridge and tonearm. The manufacturer’s instructions will usually specify the correct amount of counterweight.
Once the tonearm is balanced, you can reinstall the cartridge and test it out. You should notice a significant improvement in the sound quality.
Here are some additional tips for balancing a tonearm:
- Make sure that the cartridge is properly aligned. Improper alignment can cause the tonearm to be out of balance.
- Use a tracking force gauge to set the correct tracking force. The tracking force should be set according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you are still having trouble balancing the tonearm, you may need to take it to a qualified technician.
