My Turntable Sounds Distorted?
We get it, distorted audio from your turntable can be frustrating, but there are several potential causes and solutions you can try at home.
Before we get into them, try to ensure you isolate the fault to the turntable itself, by trying different cables & speakers for example.
If the issue still presents itself, follow some of our top tips below;
Dirty or Worn Stylus:
The stylus, or needle, is a key component that reads the grooves on your record. A dirty stylus can pick up dust and debris, causing scratches and distortion.
Solution: Use a soft brush specifically designed for cleaning styluses to gently remove dust after each listening session. If your stylus looks worn or damaged, it's time to replace it.
Top Tip: Good news! Most styli are pretty durable, often lasting anywhere from 200 to 1,000 hours. Even better, if you've invested in a high-end diamond stylus, you can look forward to nearly 2,000 hours of smooth sound. But remember, if the audio starts sounding a tad different, it might be time to show your record player some love and replace the needle.
Just a little tip - giving your needle a refresh every few years can keep your records sounding fantastic.
Record Cleanliness:
- A dirty record can also cause distorted sound. Dust, fingerprints, and other grime can interfere with the stylus's ability to read the grooves accurately.
- Solution: Invest in a record cleaning kit and follow the instructions to clean your records regularly. A clean record will not only sound better but will also help preserve its lifespan.
Cartridge Alignment:
The cartridge, which houses the stylus, needs to be properly aligned with the record grooves for optimal sound quality. Misalignment can cause tracking issues and distortion.
Solution: Aligning a cartridge can be tricky. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, consult your turntable's manual or take it to a qualified turntable technician.
Tracking Force and Anti-Skate:
The tracking force is the weight of the tonearm on the record. The anti-skate counteracts a natural tendency of the tonearm to skate inwards. If these settings are incorrect, it can cause the stylus to not sit properly in the groove, leading to distortion.
Solution: Refer to your turntable's manual to find the recommended tracking force for your cartridge. It's usually measured in grams (gm). Most turntables have a weight or dial to adjust this setting. Anti-skate should be set to the same value as tracking force for most setups.
External Vibrations:
Turntables are sensitive to vibrations, which can cause skipping and distortion.
Solution: Make sure your turntable is on a level, stable surface away from speakers or any foot traffic. A dedicated turntable stand can help isolate vibrations.
Other Considerations:
- Worn or Damaged Records: Scratches and other physical damage on the record itself can cause distortion. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to fix damaged records.
- Faulty Equipment: In rare cases, the issue might be with your amplifier, receiver, or speakers. Try connecting your turntable to a different sound system to see if the distortion persists.