Speaker Placement Beside Turntables: Is It a Problem?

Speaker Placement Beside Turntables: Is It a Problem?

It is bad to have speakers next to a turntable. Speakers generate vibrations, and these vibrations can be transmitted to the turntable, which can cause the stylus to skip or jump. This can lead to poor sound quality and even damage to the record. Speakers generate vibrations, and these vibrations can be transmitted to the turntable, which can cause the stylus to skip or jump. This can lead to poor sound quality and even damage to the record.

In addition, speakers can also create feedback loops, which can cause a loud humming or squealing noise. This is especially common if the speakers are too close to the turntable.

Here are some of the specific problems that can occur if you have your speakers next to your turntable:

  • Skipping or jumping stylus: The vibrations from the speakers can cause the stylus to skip or jump, which can lead to poor sound quality.
  • Record damage: The vibrations from the speakers can also damage the record, especially if the vibrations are strong enough to cause the stylus to dig into the record grooves.
  • Feedback: Speakers can also create feedback loops, which can cause a loud humming or squealing noise. This is especially common if the speakers are too close to the turntable.

How to avoid these problems

To avoid these problems, it is best to place your speakers at least a few feet away from your turntable. If you are short on space, you can try using speaker stands to elevate the speakers and move them away from the turntable.

Here are some additional tips for reducing vibration and feedback:

  • Place your turntable on a sturdy surface. A heavy rack or shelf is a good option. Avoid placing your turntable on a lightweight table or shelf, as this will make it more susceptible to vibration.
  • Use a turntable mat. A turntable mat can help to absorb vibration and reduce feedback.
  • Adjust the tracking force on your turntable. The tracking force is the amount of pressure that the stylus applies to the record. If the tracking force is too low, the stylus may skip or jump. If the tracking force is too high, it can damage the record.
  • Use high-quality cables. The cables that you use to connect your turntable to your amplifier can also affect the sound quality. Use high-quality RCA cables to reduce noise and feedback.

Additional information

In addition to the above, here are some additional things to consider when placing your speakers and turntable:

  • The direction of the speakers. If possible, try to place your speakers so that they are facing away from your turntable. This will help to reduce the amount of vibration that is transmitted to the turntable.
  • The acoustics of your room. The acoustics of your room can also affect the sound quality of your turntable and speakers. If you have a room with a lot of hard surfaces, such as tile or concrete, the sound will reflect off of the surfaces and create a harsh sound. You can try to improve the acoustics of your room by adding rugs, curtains, and other soft furnishings.
  • Your personal preferences. Ultimately, the best way to place your speakers and turntable is to experiment and find what sounds best to you. Try different placements and listen to the results to find what you like best.

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