Vinyl records are a delicate medium, and they can be easily damaged by the wrong type of record player. Here are some of the features of record players that can damage vinyls:
- Cheap stylus. The stylus is the needle that tracks the grooves of the record. A cheap stylus is made of inferior materials and can wear down the grooves of the record more quickly.
- Forced tracking. Forced tracking is when the tonearm is not properly balanced, which can cause the stylus to dig into the grooves of the record.
- Unstable tonearm. An unstable tonearm can cause the stylus to jump or skip, which can damage the grooves of the record.
- Dust and dirt. Dust and dirt can build up on the record and the stylus, which can cause scratches and damage to the grooves.
- Vibration. Vibration from the turntable can cause the stylus to jump or skip, which can damage the grooves of the record.
Some of the record players that are more likely to damage vinyls include:
- Suitcase record players. These are portable record players that are often made with cheap materials and components. They typically have a cheap stylus and forced tracking, which can damage vinyls.
- All-in-one record players. These are record players that also have a built-in amplifier and speakers. They are often made with cheap materials and components, and they may not have adjustable counterweights, which can lead to forced tracking.
- Crosley record players. Crosley is a brand of record player that is known for its affordable prices. However, their record players are often made with cheap materials and components, and they may not have adjustable counterweights or anti-skating features, which can damage vinyls.
If you want to protect your vinyls, it is best to use a high-quality record player with a good stylus. You should also clean your records regularly and store them in a cool, dry place.
Here are some tips for choosing a record player that will not damage your vinyls:
- Look for a record player with an adjustable counterweight. This will help to prevent forced tracking.
- Look for a record player with an anti-skating feature. This will help to keep the stylus from skating across the record.
- Choose a record player with a high-quality stylus. This will help to prevent the stylus from damaging the grooves of the record.
- Clean your records regularly. This will help to remove dirt and dust that can damage the grooves of the record.
- Store your records in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the records from warping or deteriorating.
