How to fix common turntable problems
- Replace a broken belt. If you go to play a record on a turntable and the platter doesn't spin, it's probably due to a broken or stretched belt.
- Stop rumble and hum. Rumble is a very low frequency noise introduced to the audio signal by vibrations within the turntable.
- Clean up scratchy, erratic sound. ...
How to properly setup your turntable?
How to Set Up a Turntable
- Make Sure the Turntable Is Level. Start off by selecting a good location for the turntable, preferably a spot where you can access it easily, but away from inadvertent ...
- Install the Cartridge. These days, many inexpensive turntables come with the cartridge installed. ...
- Set the Tracking Force. ...
- Align the Cartridge. ...
- Set the Anti-Skating Force. ...
How do I fix a humming or buzzing turntable?
- he steps below will help you find the source of the buzzing.
- If you connect another device to the speakers such as a smartphone, does the humming follow the speakers or the turntable?
- Connect the turntable to a different power outlet, directly into the wall with no power bar.
How to get the Best Sound from your turntable?
How to improve your vinyl listening experience
- Keep your records dust-free. When you order your turntable from Crutchfield, order a good record brush, too. ...
- Add a cushy record mat. Shortly after I bought my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable, I added a cork record mat. ...
- Reduce unwanted vibrations. ...
- Check your cables. ...
- Give your records a deep cleaning. ...
- Upgrade your cartridge. ...
- Improve your platter. ...
How to fix a record player that spins too fast?
How To Fix A Record Player Turntable
- Check and see if you need a new belt. The best indicator that you need to replace the belt is if the record player turns on, but the turntable does ...
- Buy the right belt for your turntable. ...
- Disassemble your record player. ...
- Place the new belt over the center hub of the platter. ...
- Stretch everything out before assembling the record player again. ...
Can turntables be fixed?
If you learn that your turntable is spinning too fast or too slow, or not spinning at all, then you need to fix the belt. Sometimes, you only need to put the existing belt back in its correct position, but other times, you will need to get a new one altogether. You want to make sure you get the right one.
How do you fix a turntable that won't spin?
Here is the whole process summarized:Switch power off to the turntable to prevent electric shocks.Pull the plastic mat off and set it aside.Remove the platter.Place the platter upside down on a flat surface.Stretch the belt over the center of the platter, making sure it fits properly.More items...•
How much does it cost to fix a turntable?
This repair service usually costs in the neighborhood of $60 to $75 for most turntable brands. The repair usually includes calibration of the tonearm counterbalance and detailed and delicate cleaning of all components.
Why is my turntable not working?
Sometimes a platter not rotating at the correct speed is simply due to dirt holding it back or too much friction. That's why your first step should be a thorough cleaning of the turntable along with some additional lubrication.
How do you restore an old turntable?
Turntable RestorationStep 1: Disassemble. Remove the turntable platter, internal cover and bottom protective case.Step 2: Inspect. Inspect the electronics for any potential problems. ... Step 3: Replacing Electronics. ... Step 4: Capacitors. ... Step 5: Desolder. ... Step 6: Replace. ... Step 7: Solder. ... Step 8: Reference Designators.More items...
How do I get my record player to work?
1:465:03How To Use A Record Player & Tricks You Can Do! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe safety lock first then pull the lever next to it so it goes up. This will be releasing theMoreThe safety lock first then pull the lever next to it so it goes up. This will be releasing the needle for you to move side-to-side with your hands.
What do you do with a broken record player?
Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy will take back old record players (turntables) and many other home electronics for free; they also offer a buy back program for more desired electronics. They accept up to three items per day from each household.
How do you change a turntable belt?
1:192:37How to Replace a Turntable Belt on a Belt Drive Turntable - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what you're going to do is take the belt and there's an inner lip in this on this turntable. YouMoreAnd what you're going to do is take the belt and there's an inner lip in this on this turntable. You will place the belt around that inner lip what that does is that attaches that to you attaches.
What are the parts of a turntable?
The turntable has several basic components including the plinth (base), the revolving platter, the tone arm, the cartridge and stylus, and the mechanical and electronic components to make it all work. The turntable has one purpose which is to produce an accurate electrical signal to the phono preamp.
How do you know if your turntable is broken?
There are both audible and physical indicators that will let you know that you're stylus should be replaced. On the audible side, your records won't sound as good if your stylus is old or damaged. You'll hear more distortion, crackling, static and overall fuzziness.
How do you test a turntable motor?
1:132:09Microwave motor How to remove and test How to repair change Replace ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's cycling clockwise and now it's going in the counterclockwise direction so this is a goodMoreAnd it's cycling clockwise and now it's going in the counterclockwise direction so this is a good motor. And turn it off and plug my wires. Turn my power back on again. And that's how I test my motor.
How do you change a turntable belt?
How to install a drive belt on the turntable.Lift up the Dust Cover and remove it from the turntable Base.Remove the Rubber Mat from the Platter.Lift the Platter straight up off the Spindle.Slip the Belt around the underside of the Platter. ... Place the Platter back on the Spindle.More items...•
How do I get my Crosley record player to spin?
My Turntable Will Not Spin Make sure the function switch located on the front left of the device is set to phono. Then try moving the turntable arm to the right until you hear a click. Make sure the protective needle cover is removed.
Why is my Victrola record player not spinning?
The most common reason is that the machine isn't plugged in correctly. If you've checked the power cord and it seems to be plugged in properly, then the next thing to check is the fuse. Victrolas use a special type of fuse, so be sure to check your owner's manual for the correct type.
How do you remove the turntable platter?
0:551:45How To Remove A Platter From A Turntable: Today I Learned With BillyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut your thumb on the spindle like this. And then lift up and then while you're simultaneouslyMorePut your thumb on the spindle like this. And then lift up and then while you're simultaneously lifting with this hand. You're gonna hold it up your other hand.
How do you know if a turntable is spinning?
A strobe disk will tell you if your turntable is spinning at the correct speed or not, even if it is only slightly off.
How to replace a belt on a platter?
Place the new belt over the center hub of the platter 1 Make sure the new belt is straightened out and stretched, before placing it over the center hub of the platter. It should fit snugly onto the circle. If it doesn’t, it is the wrong size. 2 Put the replacement belt as close to the center as possible for the best accuracy. 3 If you see a ribbon on the belt, make sure to line it up with one of the access holes in the platter, to make it easier to pull the belt onto the motor.
How to know if a belt is wrong?
Make sure the new belt is straightened out and stretched, before placing it over the center hub of the platter. It should fit snugly onto the circle. If it doesn’t, it is the wrong size.
What is a record player belt?
A record player’s belt connects the motor to the turntable and keeps it spinning at a constant pace. Though they rarely snap, it’s not uncommon for the belt to simply slip out of place. Luckily, replacing it is easy. We will teach you how to fix a record player turntable in a few easy steps, using with minimal tools and effort.
How to determine the size of a replacement belt?
If you plan on using you old belt to determine the size of the replacement, follow these guidelines: Make sure that the belt is stretched when measuring the length; then subtract at least 5 to 10 mm to account for wear and tear. Accurately measure the belt’s complete width.
How to tell if you need a new belt?
Check and see if you need a new belt. The best indicator that you need to replace the belt is if the record player turns on , but the turntable does not spin. Even if it does spin, you may have a broken belt. Here are some other indicators that the belt needs replacing: Your records sound lower pitched (i.e. the sound is abnormally deep)
How to know what size belt to use for a record player?
The easiest way to ensure you get the right size is by searching online and typing your record player’s name followed by “replacement belt” (e.g. “ Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC replacement belt”).
What is a turntable?
A turntable, or phonograph as it was once commonly known, is a device capable of turning the physical deviations on the surface of a spinning disc, or record, into sound waves.
How big is a turntable?
Turntables typically consist of a large box, at least 12 inches in width and depth, with a spinning component in the center and a long stylus on a pivot capable of moving to and fro across the radius of the spinning disc.
How did the phonograph work?
Through most of the 20th century, the phonograph was actually used as the primary method for recording audio, with devices having the functionality to “write” discs by actively etching the grooves based on the input sound waves.
When was the phonograph invented?
The phonograph was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877 and improved by Alexander Graham Bell’s laboratories in the 1880’s. Through most of the 20th century, the phonograph was actually used as the primary method for recording audio, with devices having the functionality to “write” discs by actively etching the grooves based on the input sound waves. Nowadays, records are mass produced by stamping out records with a press, and the ability to record sound has been removed.
How long does it take for an electrolytic capacitor to go bad?
Electrolytic capacitors can start to go bad after about 20 years so I decided to replace all of them. With basic soldering tools, I did a little practice soldering and desoldering on an old alarm clock circuit board. I found that 350 C was about the right temperature for both activities.
Can you replace RCA interconnects?
If you wish you can also replace the RCA interconnects and solder them to the board. Make sure that the new cables are low capacitance, however.
Turntable Restoration
Turntables have been around for more than a century and remain in high demand worldwide. Market research firm TechNavio has projected the number of turntable sales will increase 2 percent between 2016 and 2020.
8-Track Player Restoration
The 8-track player originally was developed by Lear Jet Corp., General Motors and RCA. It was popular in the 1960s and 1970s and was featured in many automobiles at that time.
Speaker Restoration
Speakers are available in many shapes and sizes. They amplify sound, enabling individuals to listen to music.
Stereo Restoration
The term stereo references binaural sound, meaning it is coming from two channels (Left and right). A surround sound stereo directs sound through multiple speakers/channels – usually between 5 and 9 channels. It enables an individual to hear sound from numerous sources at the same time, surrounding a person with sound.
Leave it to the Professionals
When it comes to complete stereo restoration in Milwaukee, Record Head offers unmatched support. From stereo and cabinet restoration to speaker foam repair and everything in between, we offer a broad range of repair services in Milwaukee and the surrounding area.