Finding a stack of old 78s can be exciting—big labels, heavy discs, and a sense of musical history you don’t get from modern vinyl. The question comes fast: Can I play 78 RPM records on my turntable—or will I destroy something? The answer is: sometimes yes, often no, and it depends on several critical factors.
Can I Play 78 RPM Records on My Turntable? Read More »
You lower the tonearm, expect music… and instead the stylus slides or skates across the record, sometimes all the way to the center. It’s alarming, frustrating, and often followed by a quick panic lift of the cueing lever. Is something broken? Is the cartridge defective? Or did you just ruin your stylus? Take a breath—this
Why Does the Tonearm Skate Across the Record? Read More »
If you’ve ever set up a turntable, someone has probably told you: “Make sure it’s perfectly level.” But how level is level enough? And what actually happens if it’s slightly off? Is this a critical requirement—or another audiophile obsession? Let’s separate what truly matters from what’s just nice to have. Why Turntable Leveling Matters A
How Level Does My Turntable Need to Be? Read More »
Cartridge alignment is one of those topics that can divide a room full of vinyl lovers. Some swear by protractors, microscopes, and tiny adjustments. Others shrug and say, “If it sounds fine, it’s fine.” So what’s the truth? Does cartridge alignment actually matter—or is it just audiophile overthinking? Short answer: yes, it absolutely matters. Long
Does Cartridge Alignment Actually Matter? Read More »
If you’ve ever set up a turntable—or even just watched a setup video—you’ve probably heard this advice: “First, balance the tonearm.” It sounds technical. Maybe even optional. After all, if your turntable already plays records, why mess with it? The short answer: yes, you really do need to balance your tonearm. The longer answer explains
Do I Really Need to Balance My Tonearm? Read More »
Setting the correct tracking force is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—steps in turntable setup. Get it right, and your records sound cleaner, your cartridge lasts longer, and your stylus tracks grooves the way it was designed to. Get it wrong, and even an expensive cartridge can sound dull, distorted, or damaging. The good
How Do I Set the Correct Tracking Force? Read More »
For anyone getting into vinyl—or getting back into it after years away—the question comes up fast: Is the built-in phono preamp in my turntable or amplifier actually good enough? Manufacturers often advertise “phono stage included” as a major convenience. Just plug the turntable in, select Phono, and you’re spinning records in minutes. But audiophiles have
Is a Built-In Phono Preamp Good Enough? Read More »
Vintage turntables have undeniable charm. They’re beautifully built, mechanically fascinating, and often praised for their sound. But while classic decks can be incredibly rewarding, they aren’t perfect—and they’re not for everyone. Before diving into vintage vinyl gear, it’s important to understand the real drawbacks. 1. Age-Related Wear and Tear Most vintage turntables are 30–60 years
What Are the Drawbacks of Vintage Turntables? Read More »
Static noise—those sharp pops, crackles, and sudden snaps—can make vinyl playback frustrating. Unlike mechanical or electrical noise, static sound is usually caused by environmental conditions and record handling, which means it’s often one of the easiest problems to fix. Let’s look at why static happens and how to eliminate it step by step. What Causes
How to Fix Static Sound on a Record Player Read More »
A scratchy, gritty, or distorted sound from your record player can be alarming—but in most cases, the cause is simple and fixable. Scratchy sound is different from normal vinyl surface noise. It usually points to a setup, cleanliness, or component issue rather than damaged records. Let’s break down the most common causes—and how to fix
Why Is My Record Player Making a Scratchy Sound? Read More »
