A level turntable is essential for accurate sound reproduction. If the turntable is not level, the stylus will not be able to track the record grooves properly, which can lead to distortion and skipping.
The stylus is a small needle that rests in the record grooves and reads the music signal. If the turntable is not level, the stylus will not be able to track the grooves evenly, which can cause it to jump out of the groove or skip. This can damage the record and the stylus, and it can also make the music sound distorted.
In addition to affecting the sound quality, a non-level turntable can also damage the turntable itself. The turntable platter is the spinning surface that the record rests on. If the turntable is not level, the platter will not spin evenly, which can put stress on the bearings and other components. This can eventually lead to damage to the turntable.
So, how important is it to level a turntable? It is very important. If you want to get the best possible sound quality from your turntable, it is essential to make sure that it is level.
There are a few different ways to level a turntable. The best way for you will depend on the type of turntable you have and the tools you have available.
The most common way to level a turntable is to use a bubble level. You can purchase a bubble level from most hardware stores. To level a turntable with a bubble level, simply place the level on the turntable platter and adjust the feet until the bubble is centered.
Another way to level a turntable is to use a protractor. A protractor is a tool that measures angles. To level a turntable with a protractor, simply place the protractor on the surface that the turntable is sitting on and align the 0° mark with the edge of the turntable platter. Then, adjust the feet until the 90° mark is aligned with the surface.
If you do not have a bubble level or a protractor, you can also use a smartphone app to level your turntable. There are a number of apps available that use the phone’s built-in gyroscope to measure the angle of the turntable.
No matter which method you choose, it is important to make sure that the turntable is level before playing records. A level turntable will ensure that your records sound their best and that your stylus does not damage the grooves.
Here are some additional tips for leveling a turntable:
- Make sure that the surface that the turntable is sitting on is level. If the surface is not level, you can try placing a shim under one of the turntable feet to level it.
- Be careful not to overtighten the turntable feet. Overtightening the feet can damage the turntable.
- If you are not comfortable leveling the turntable yourself, you can take it to a qualified technician.
