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Common Turntable Setup Mistake

The two examples above illustrate a problem that appears frequently in home audio systems.

Do not place speakers on the same surface as your turntable.

Loudspeakers generate mechanical vibration that travels easily through furniture and shelving. A turntable’s phono cartridge functions much like a microphone, and it will pick up those vibrations. The result can be rumble, acoustic feedback, and a general loss of clarity.

Even when the effect is subtle, it is still compromising the performance of the system.

Ideally, speakers should be placed on separate stands or an independent surface, isolated from the turntable. If space is limited, even modest separation can significantly reduce vibration transfer.

Sharp MD-MT877

JVC MD74 Crystal

The Best Way to Clean Records - And why I don't do it.

In this video, the creator shares a somewhat controversial take on record maintenance: **they do not clean their records.** Instead of routine cleaning, they advocate for a philosophy of **record management** and proper handling to prevent issues before they start. Here is a summary of their approach:

Core Philosophy: Record Management (1:20 - 3:40)

Avoid Excess: The creator argues that excessive cleaning is often unnecessary and can potentially cause more harm than good.

Proper Storage: Use high-quality sleeves (like polyethylene-lined inner sleeves) to prevent scratches and static buildup (2:31 - 2:57).

Handling: Always hold records by the edges and store them properly to prevent dust accumulation (2:26 - 3:20).

Cleaning Tools & Risks (4:12 - 9:35)

Anti-static Brushes: These are useful for visible dust but should not be overused. The creator notes they don't actually remove static and can, ironically, create more if used too frequently (5:22 - 6:11).

Fluid Cleaners: The creator strongly warns against DIY or manual fluid cleaners unless the residue is immediately removed by a **vacuum-based cleaning machine**. If left to dry, fluid can turn dust into a sediment that settles at the bottom of the groove, leading to tracking issues (7:10 - 8:43).

Stylus Care (9:40 - 12:22)

Prioritize the Stylus: The creator emphasizes that keeping the stylus clean is significantly more important than cleaning the record itself. They recommend using ultrasonic or manual stylus cleaning tools to ensure the diamond tip tracks correctly without buildup (10:00 - 11:35).

Improving Sound Quality (15:08 - 16:38)

Top Track:

The Great Wave off Kanagawa ART Personalized Minidisc

Pioneer CS-E700

The table is entirely custom-made to fit the Pioneers without modifying or damaging them. Added a solid brass center inlay for a mid-century look, custom glass, and bespoke elevated feet.