Are you experiencing issues with your turntable platter scraping against the plinth?
Or perhaps you’re noticing some distortion in your vinyl playback?
It could be due to an uneven turntable platter.
But don’t worry, leveling your turntable platter is a simple process that can greatly improve the sound quality of your vinyl collection.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to ensure your turntable is perfectly level and ready to deliver the best possible audio experience.
So, let’s get started!
How To Level A Turntable Platter
Step 1: Remove the Platter
Before you begin leveling your turntable platter, it’s important to remove it from the turntable. This will allow you to access the spindle and ensure that it is straight and undamaged.
Step 2: Check the Spindle
Once you have removed the platter, take a close look at the spindle. Make sure it is straight and undamaged. If you notice any bends or warps, it may be time to replace the spindle.
Step 3: Use a Level
Now it’s time to use a level to check the levelness of your turntable. Place the level on the surface of the turntable where the platter sits. If the bubble is not in the middle of the glass, adjust one end or the other of the level until it is centered.
Step 4: Measure the Gap
The gap between the platter (or mat) and the bottom of the level is how far out of level you are over the length of the level. If your level is 9″ long and you are out of level by .5 cm, that means you are out by more than .65cm across the width of the LP.
Step 5: Adjust Your Turntable Feet
If you find that your turntable is not level, it’s time to adjust your turntable feet. Most turntables come with adjustable feet that can be raised or lowered to achieve a level surface.
Using a wrench or pliers, carefully adjust each foot until your turntable is perfectly level.
Step 6: Reinstall Your Platter
Once you have adjusted your turntable feet and achieved a level surface, it’s time to reinstall your platter. Make sure it sits flush on top of the spindle and spins freely without scraping against the plinth.
Why Leveling Your Turntable Platter Is Important
Leveling your turntable platter is essential for maintaining the quality of your vinyl records and prolonging the lifespan of your turntable. When your turntable is not level, it can cause undue stress on the platter bearing, arm mechanics, and even the cartridge. This can result in costly damage to your equipment and even your precious vinyl records.
Furthermore, an imbalanced turntable can cause your records to skip or produce uneven sound quality. This is especially true for antique or rare vinyl records that are more susceptible to damage. By leveling your turntable, you ensure that the stylus tracks the grooves of the record accurately, producing a clear and consistent sound.
In addition to leveling, it’s also important to consider the stability of where you place your turntable. Even if your turntable is perfectly level, it can still be affected by external vibrations. To minimize this, it’s recommended to place your turntable near load-bearing walls with secure floors that have less chance of transmitting vibration.
Tools You’ll Need To Level Your Turntable Platter
To level your turntable platter, you’ll need a few tools. First and foremost, you’ll need a level. A torpedo level is recommended as it can also be used for other tasks around the home.
Additionally, you may want to consider using a record weight with a built-in spirit level. This stabilizer sits on top of the spindle and makes it easy to see how to adjust the turntable to get it perfectly level. It can also be used while playing a record to securely hold it in place as it spins on the platter.
Lastly, you may need a wrench or pliers to adjust the turntable feet. Most turntables come with adjustable feet that can be raised or lowered to achieve a level surface. With these tools in hand, you’ll be able to easily level your turntable platter and ensure optimal performance.
How To Check If Your Turntable Platter Is Level
Now that you know how to level your turntable platter, it’s important to check it regularly to ensure it stays level. Here are the steps to follow to check if your turntable platter is level:
Step 1: Remove the Platter
Remove the platter from your turntable as outlined in Step 1 above.
Step 2: Use a Level
Place the level on the surface of the turntable where the platter sits, just like in Step 3 above. Check if the bubble is centered. If it is, your turntable platter is level. If not, move on to Step 3.
Step 3: Measure the Gap
Using the same method as in Step 4 above, measure the gap between the platter (or mat) and the bottom of the level. This will tell you how far out of level you are.
Step 4: Adjust Your Turntable Feet
If you find that your turntable platter is not level, it’s time to adjust your turntable feet as outlined in Step 5 above.
Using a wrench or pliers, carefully adjust each foot until your turntable platter is perfectly level.
Step 5: Reinstall Your Platter
Once you have adjusted your turntable feet and achieved a level surface, reinstall your platter as outlined in Step 6 above.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your turntable platter is always level and that you’re getting the best possible sound from your vinyl records.
How To Adjust The Turntable Feet For Leveling
Adjusting the turntable feet is a crucial step in leveling your turntable platter. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Remove the Factory Feet
Start by removing the factory feet and screws from your turntable. This will allow you to install the new adjustable feet.
Step 2: Insert the Screw
Insert the included screw into the top portion of the height-adjustable foot.
Step 3: Attach the Foot to Your Turntable
Attach the top portion of the foot onto the bottom of your turntable. Make sure it’s securely fastened.
Step 4: Tighten the Mounting Screw
Tighten the mounting screw until you can still effortlessly rotate the foot by hand. This way, the load of the turntable transfers to the top rubber isolator and feet perform as intended.
Step 5: Level Your Turntable
Once you have installed your new adjustable feet, use a bubble level indicator to check if your turntable is level. If not, use a wrench or pliers to carefully adjust each foot until your turntable is perfectly level.
By following these steps, you can easily adjust your turntable feet for leveling and ensure a smooth and precise operation while preserving your records.
Tips For Maintaining A Level Turntable Platter
Now that you have leveled your turntable platter, it’s important to maintain its levelness to ensure optimal sound quality and prevent damage to your records. Here are some tips for maintaining a level turntable platter:
1. Avoid placing your turntable on uneven surfaces or near sources of vibration. This can disrupt the levelness of your turntable and affect the quality of your sound.
2. If you need to move your turntable, be sure to remove the platter first and keep it level during transport.
3. Check the levelness of your turntable periodically, especially if you notice any changes in sound quality or if you have moved your turntable.
4. If you find that your turntable is consistently out of level, consider investing in adjustable isolation feet or an anti-vibration platform to improve stability.
By following these tips, you can maintain a level turntable platter and enjoy high-quality sound from your vinyl records for years to come.
Final Thoughts On Leveling Your Turntable Platter
When it comes to leveling your turntable platter, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to understand that the platter itself should be leveled, not the plinth. While some instructions may suggest leveling the plinth, this can lead to a misaligned platter and ultimately affect the sound quality of your records.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your spindle is straight and undamaged before leveling your turntable. A bent or warped spindle can cause issues with leveling and ultimately affect the sound quality of your records.
When using a level to check the levelness of your turntable, it’s important to measure the gap between the platter (or mat) and the bottom of the level. This will give you an idea of how far out of level you are over the length of the LP.
Finally, when adjusting your turntable feet, it’s important to use a wrench or pliers carefully to avoid damaging the feet or other components of your turntable. Once you have achieved a level surface, be sure to reinstall your platter properly and ensure that it spins freely without scraping against the plinth.
Overall, taking the time to properly level your turntable platter can greatly improve the sound quality of your records and ensure that you get the most out of your vinyl collection.
