Guide to Configuring a Turntable for Optimal Sound Performance
In the world of vinyl enthusiasts, a turntable's support system plays a crucial role in delivering the best possible sound quality. Here's a breakdown of what to look for when selecting the ideal turntable support.
A good turntable support system should be designed to minimise distortion and resonance, which can affect the stylus and cartridge, thereby preserving the fidelity of vinyl playback.
Heavy and Damped Plinth and Platter
A heavy plinth and platter are essential for inherent vibration damping. These components help reduce resonance and external vibrations, contributing to audio clarity.
Vibration-Absorbing Feet or Dedicated Isolation Platforms
Adjustable and stable feet made with materials that absorb vibrations, such as TPE, provide additional isolation from surface vibrations and footfalls. For those seeking even more isolation, dedicated isolation platforms can be a worthwhile investment.
Proper Placement
Positioning your turntable away from devices with large transformers, such as amplifiers, helps avoid picked-up vibrations. Consider placing the turntable on a heavy, stable audio rack or platform with anti-vibrational feet directly under vibration sources within the rack to reduce distortions.
To further minimise environmental vibrations, avoid placing the turntable near windows or on floors prone to vibration transmission. Instead, use dedicated isolation platforms or footers to prevent such vibrations from reaching the turntable.
Choosing the Right Turntable
When it comes to turntables, some require more assembly than others. As you move up in price, a certain amount of assembly may be involved. However, affordable options like the Pro-Ject Primary E and Rega Planar 1 come with the arm and cartridge attached and adjusted, making them a great choice for beginners.
Setting Up Your Turntable
Once you've chosen the right support, it's essential to set up your turntable properly. Ensure everything is level, and the tonearm height is set so the arm is parallel to the record's surface when the cartridge sits in the groove. The tracking weight (also referred to as tracking force) is adjusted by moving a counterweight at the rear of the tonearm.
The cartridge manufacturer will recommend a suitable range of downforce, usually between 1.5 and 2.5g, with a specific weight listed as most ideal. If the tracking weight is set too high, the sound becomes dull and ponderous. Too low, and the presentation turns thin, and the cartridge won't track the groove properly.
The next step is to ensure the tonearm lead isn't stressed and is positioned away from anything that runs on mains voltage. If the cartridge isn't pre-fitted, then you have a bit more work to do to mount it and connect the thin, fragile arm wires to the cartridge. Many turntables these days also have the cartridge fitted into a removable headshell, making this process a bit easier.
The Importance of System Matching
When adding a new turntable to a hi-fi system, system matching is important. The products in your system should complement each other for optimal performance. A poor phono stage can make the vinyl sound subpar, so a decent tool-kit is a must for setting up most decks, including fitting and adjusting the tonearm and cartridge.
Experimenting for the Best Sound
Within the recommended range, it's sometimes possible to get better sound by experimenting. The last adjustment on the tonearm is the bias (sideways force) to balance out the inward pull of the record groove. A read through turntable reviews can give an idea of how certain ones sound, and it's best to audition products before buying.
In summary, by focusing on a heavy, well-damped plinth and platter, vibration-absorbing feet or dedicated isolation platforms, and proper placement away from sources of vibration, you can significantly improve your turntable's sound quality. Happy vinyl spinning!
- To ensure the best sound quality, a turntable support system must be designed to minimize distortion and resonance.
- Heavy and damped plinth and platter are crucial for inherent vibration damping, contributing to audio clarity.
- Vibration-absorbing feet or dedicated isolation platforms provide additional isolation from surface vibrations and footfalls.
- Proper placement of the turntable away from devices with large transformers, such as amplifiers, helps avoid picked-up vibrations.
- Affordable turntables like the Pro-Ject Primary E and Rega Planar 1 come with the arm and cartridge attached and adjusted, making them a great choice for beginners.
- When adding a new turntable to a hi-fi system, system matching is important for optimal performance.
- Within the recommended range, experimenting with bias (sideways force) on the tonearm can sometimes lead to better sound quality.
