Achieving the best audio quality from your turntable requires attention to detail, and one often overlooked aspect is the adjustment of the turntable’s feet. Properly adjusted feet can significantly impact the sound by reducing vibrations and ensuring the turntable is level. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to adjust the feet on your turntable for optimal performance.
Why Adjusting Turntable Feet Matters
The feet of a turntable serve multiple crucial functions:
- Vibration Isolation: Turntables are sensitive to vibrations, which can result in unwanted noise and distortions during playback. Properly adjusted feet help isolate the turntable from external vibrations.
- Leveling: A level turntable is essential for accurate tracking and playback. Uneven surfaces or improperly adjusted feet can lead to tracking errors and affect sound quality.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
- Spirit Level: A small spirit level or bubble level to ensure the turntable is perfectly level.
- Wrench or Screwdriver: Depending on the type of feet on your turntable, you may need a wrench or screwdriver for adjustments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Turntable Feet
Follow these steps to adjust the feet on your turntable:
- Placement: Start by placing your turntable on the surface where you intend to use it. Make sure it’s in its final resting position, as you’ll want to adjust the feet based on its permanent setup.
- Turntable Leveling: Use the spirit level to check if your turntable is level. Place the level on the platter or a flat part of the turntable’s surface. Adjust the turntable’s position until the bubble in the spirit level is centered.
- Identify the Feet: Locate the adjustable feet on your turntable. These are typically found at the corners or base of the turntable. Some turntables have threaded feet, while others have rubber or cork feet that can be adjusted.
- Adjusting Threaded Feet: a. If your turntable has threaded feet, use a wrench or pliers to loosen the locking nut on each foot. b. Turn the threaded foot clockwise to raise it or counterclockwise to lower it. Make small adjustments. c. Use the spirit level to check the turntable’s level after each adjustment. d. Once the turntable is perfectly level, tighten the locking nut on each foot to secure its position.
- Adjusting Rubber or Cork Feet: a. If your turntable has rubber or cork feet, these can often be adjusted by rotating them. b. Gently turn each foot clockwise to raise it or counterclockwise to lower it. Again, make small adjustments. c. Check the level with the spirit level and continue adjusting until it’s perfectly level.
- Recheck and Fine-Tune: After adjusting all the feet, recheck the turntable’s level one final time. Fine-tune the adjustments if necessary to achieve perfect levelness.
Properly adjusting the feet on your turntable is a critical step in optimizing its performance. By reducing vibrations and ensuring levelness, you can enjoy the best possible sound quality and accurate playback. Regularly checking and adjusting the feet can help maintain the integrity of your turntable setup and enhance your overall listening experience.
