There is a common belief that cheap turntables can ruin records. This is because cheap turntables often have features that can damage records, such as a poorly aligned tonearm, a mistracking stylus, or a high tracking force.
The tonearm is the part of the turntable that holds the stylus. The stylus is the needle that reads the grooves in the record. If the tonearm is not aligned properly, it can cause the stylus to press too hard on the record, which can damage the grooves.
The stylus is also important for preventing record damage. The stylus should be made of a hard material, such as diamond, and it should be the correct size for the record. A stylus that is too small or too soft can damage the grooves in the record.
The tracking force is the amount of force that the stylus applies to the record. The tracking force should be set to the correct level for the record. A tracking force that is too high can damage the grooves in the record.
In addition to these features, cheap turntables often have other problems that can damage records. For example, they may have a low-quality cartridge, which can cause the stylus to vibrate and damage the grooves. They may also have a cheap belt drive, which can cause the record to skip.
If you are concerned about damaging your records, it is best to avoid cheap turntables. Instead, invest in a turntable that has features that will protect your records.
Here are some additional tips for preventing record damage:
- Clean your records regularly. This will remove dirt and dust that can damage the grooves.
- Store your records in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent them from warping.
- Handle your records carefully. Avoid dropping or scratching them.
- Use a high-quality turntable. This will help to prevent the stylus from damaging the grooves.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your records from damage.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing a turntable:
- The type of turntable: There are two main types of turntables: belt-driven and direct-drive. Belt-driven turntables are more common and are less expensive. Direct-drive turntables are more expensive, but they offer better performance.
- The cartridge: The cartridge is the part of the turntable that holds the stylus. The cartridge should be made of a high-quality material, such as diamond.
- The tracking force: The tracking force is the amount of force that the stylus applies to the record. The tracking force should be set to the correct level for the record.
- The anti-skate: The anti-skate is a feature that prevents the stylus from pulling to one side of the record. The anti-skate should be set to the correct level for the record.