There are a few reasons why your turntable audio may only be coming out of one side. Here are some of the most common causes and how to fix them:
1. Loose connection
One of the most common causes of one-sided audio from a turntable is a loose connection. This could be a loose connection between the turntable and the amplifier, the amplifier and the speakers, or any of the cables in between.
To check for loose connections, make sure that all of the cables are properly plugged into their respective ports. You may also want to try disconnecting and reconnecting each cable to ensure a good connection.
2. Dirty or damaged stylus
The stylus, also known as the needle, is the part of the turntable that makes contact with the record groove. If the stylus is dirty or damaged, it can cause the turntable to miss one side of the groove, resulting in one-sided audio.
To clean the stylus, use a stylus brush to gently remove any dust or dirt. You can also use a stylus cleaning fluid to clean the stylus. Be careful not to touch the stylus with your fingers, as this can damage it.
If the stylus is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
3. Incorrect tracking force
The tracking force is the amount of pressure that the stylus applies to the record groove. If the tracking force is too high or too low, it can cause the turntable to miss one side of the groove, resulting in one-sided audio.
To adjust the tracking force, consult your turntable’s manual for the recommended tracking force for your cartridge. Once you know the recommended tracking force, use a tracking force gauge to set the tracking force on your turntable.
4. Unbalanced tonearm
The tonearm is the arm that holds the cartridge and stylus. If the tonearm is not properly balanced, it can cause the turntable to miss one side of the groove, resulting in one-sided audio.
To balance the tonearm, consult your turntable’s manual for instructions on how to balance the tonearm.
5. Damaged cartridge
The cartridge is the housing for the stylus. If the cartridge is damaged, it can cause the stylus to mistrack, resulting in one-sided audio.
If you suspect that the cartridge is damaged, you will need to replace it.
6. Damaged record
If the record itself is damaged, it can cause the turntable to skip or mistrack, resulting in one-sided audio.
If you suspect that the record is damaged, try playing a different record to see if the problem persists. If the problem does not persist with a different record, then the original record is likely damaged.
7. Electronic problem
If you have checked all of the above and the problem persists, it is possible that there is an electronic problem with the turntable. In this case, you will need to take the turntable to a qualified technician for repair.
Troubleshooting tips
If you are having trouble diagnosing the cause of the one-sided audio, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Try playing a different record. If the problem does not persist with a different record, then the original record is likely damaged.
- Try connecting the turntable to a different amplifier or set of speakers. If the problem persists with a different amplifier or set of speakers, then the problem is likely with the turntable itself.
- Try adjusting the tracking force. If the problem persists after adjusting the tracking force, then the problem is likely with the cartridge or stylus.
- Try cleaning the stylus. If the problem persists after cleaning the stylus, then the stylus is likely damaged and needs to be replaced.
- Try balancing the tonearm. If the problem persists after balancing the tonearm, then the tonearm itself may be damaged.
