Turntable Setup Guide

Step 1: Leveling Your Turntable

Before any other adjustments, your turntable must be perfectly level. An unlevel turntable causes uneven stylus pressure across the record, leading to tracking issues, uneven wear, and compromised sound quality.

How to Level Your Turntable

1. Place on a stable surface: Use a dedicated turntable stand, shelf, or sturdy furniture. Avoid placing it on speakers or surfaces that vibrate.
2. Use a bubble level: Place a small bubble level on the platter (with the mat removed). A turntable-specific level that fits on the spindle works best.
3. Adjust the surface or feet: Most turntables have adjustable feet. Turn them to raise or lower each corner until the bubble is centered.
4. Check in both directions: Verify the turntable is level both front-to-back and side-to-side.

Step 2: Balancing the Tonearm

Tonearm balance is the foundation for proper tracking force. You'll adjust the counterweight so the tonearm "floats" horizontally before adding tracking force.

Balancing Procedure

1. Set anti-skate to zero: This removes any sideways force during balancing.
2. Remove the stylus guard: The cartridge should be at its playing weight.
3. Unlock the tonearm: Lift it from the rest and hold it gently.
4. Adjust the counterweight: Turn the counterweight on the back of the tonearm until the arm floats horizontally, perfectly balanced without rising or falling.
5. Set the dial to zero: Without moving the counterweight itself, rotate only the numbered dial ring to "0". This is your zero-balance reference point.

Step 3: Setting Tracking Force

Tracking force (also called vertical tracking force or VTF) is the downward pressure of the stylus on the record groove. Too light, and the stylus will skip and mistrack. Too heavy, and you'll accelerate record and stylus wear.

Finding the Right Tracking Force

Every cartridge has a recommended tracking force range, typically between 1.5 and 2.5 grams. Check your cartridge's specifications—this information is usually printed on the box or available on the manufacturer's website.

Setting Tracking Force

1. Start from zero balance: With the tonearm floating horizontally and dial at zero.
2. Turn the counterweight: Rotate the entire counterweight assembly (dial and weight together) toward the front of the turntable.
3. Watch the dial: Each number represents grams of tracking force. Stop at your cartridge's recommended setting.
4. Verify with a gauge: For accuracy, use a digital stylus force gauge to confirm the actual weight.

Tracking Force Guidelines

Step 4: Cartridge Alignment

Cartridge alignment ensures the stylus sits correctly in the record groove throughout its path from the outer edge to the inner label. Proper alignment minimizes distortion and reduces record wear.

Understanding Alignment Geometry

Most turntables use a pivoting tonearm that traces an arc across the record. The stylus can only be perfectly tangent to the groove at two points (called null points). Alignment protractors help you position the cartridge so these null points are optimized.

Common alignment geometries include:

• Baerwald: Minimizes average distortion across the record. Most commonly used.
• Stevenson: Prioritizes lower distortion near the inner grooves. Good for classical music with quiet inner-groove passages.
• Löfgren: Similar to Baerwald but with slightly different null point positions.

Alignment Procedure

1. Get a protractor: Use a quality alignment protractor. Mirrored versions help you see the stylus position precisely.
2. Place protractor on platter: Position it on the spindle so it's stable.
3. Move stylus to first null point: Gently lower the stylus onto the first alignment point marked on the protractor.
4. Check cantilever alignment: Looking from above, the cartridge body and cantilever should be parallel to the grid lines on the protractor.
5. Adjust if needed: Loosen the cartridge mounting screws slightly and rotate/shift the cartridge until aligned.
6. Check second null point: Move to the second alignment point and verify alignment there too.
7. Iterate as needed: You may need to go back and forth between points to find the best compromise.
8. Tighten screws: Once aligned, carefully tighten the mounting screws without moving the cartridge.

Overhang and Offset Angle

Overhang is the distance the stylus extends past the spindle center. Offset angle is the angle of the cartridge body relative to the tonearm. Both are determined by your tonearm's geometry and the alignment standard you choose. Following a protractor automatically sets these correctly.

Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) and Stylus Rake Angle (SRA)

VTA refers to the angle of the cantilever relative to the record surface. For most setups, the tonearm should be roughly parallel to the record surface when playing. Adjust tonearm height if your turntable allows it.

• Tonearm too high: Sound may be bright or thin
• Tonearm too low: Sound may be dull or muddy

Azimuth

Azimuth is the left-right tilt of the cartridge when viewed from the front. The stylus should sit perfectly vertical in the groove. Many tonearms allow azimuth adjustment; if yours doesn't, most cartridges are fine at the factory setting.

Step 5: Anti-Skate Adjustment

As a pivoting tonearm traces the record, skating force naturally pulls the stylus toward the center. Anti-skate applies an outward counterforce to keep the stylus centered in the groove.

Setting Anti-Skate

A common starting point is to set anti-skate equal to your tracking force. For example, if tracking force is 2.0g, set anti-skate to 2.0.

Fine-Tuning Anti-Skate

The "correct" anti-skate setting depends on your specific cartridge, tonearm, and even the record being played. Here's how to fine-tune by ear:

1. Find a test track: Use a track with centered vocals or a solo instrument.
2. Listen for channel balance: Both channels should sound equally clear.
3. Adjust as needed:
   • If the right channel sounds more distorted: increase anti-skate
   • If the left channel sounds more distorted: decrease anti-skate

Turntable Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your turntable performing at its best and extends the life of your stylus and records.

Stylus Care

The stylus tip is the most critical point of contact in your entire system. Keep it clean:

• Before each session: Use a stylus brush to remove dust. Always brush from back to front (the direction the record moves).
• Weekly (for regular listeners): Use a stylus cleaning solution or gel cleaner for deeper cleaning.
• Inspect regularly: Look at the stylus under magnification. Replace if worn or damaged.

Stylus Lifespan

A quality stylus typically lasts 500-1000 hours of play time. Factors affecting lifespan:

• Tracking force (heavier = faster wear)
• Record condition (dirty/damaged records accelerate wear)
• Stylus shape (line-contact styli wear differently than conical)

Record Cleaning

Clean records sound better and last longer:

• Before playing: Use a carbon fiber or velvet brush to remove surface dust.
• Deep cleaning: For dirty or used records, wet-clean with a record cleaning solution.
• Storage: Use anti-static inner sleeves to keep records clean between plays.

Quality inner sleeves make a significant difference in keeping your records dust-free. Consider the Hudson Hi-Fi Anti-Static Inner Sleeves (100 pack) which feature rice paper lining to prevent static buildup.

Platter Mat

The platter mat (slipmat) affects both sound and static buildup:

• Felt mats: Common on DJ turntables. Allow records to slip for scratching.
• Rubber mats: Good grip and vibration damping. Standard on many turntables.
• Cork mats: Reduce static, provide slight damping. Popular upgrade choice.
• Leather mats: Premium option with excellent damping properties.

A cork mat upgrade can reduce static cling and improve sound. The Corkery Recessed Turntable Mat is a popular audiophile choice with anti-static properties.

Belt Maintenance (Belt-Drive Turntables)

If you have a belt-drive turntable:

• Inspect the belt annually for stretching or cracking
• Replace the belt every 3-5 years, or sooner if speed becomes inconsistent
• Keep a spare belt on hand

Essential Setup Tools

Having the right tools makes turntable setup straightforward and accurate. Here are the essentials:

Complete Setup Kit

If you want everything in one package, the Hudson Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge Alignment Kit includes a digital stylus gauge, alignment protractor, and azimuth ruler in a protective case.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Quick Setup Checklist

Use this checklist when setting up a new turntable or re-calibrating your existing setup: