How To Set Up A Turntable Tonearm

Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to improve the sound quality of your turntable?

One of the easiest ways to do so is by properly setting up your tonearm.

While it may seem like a daunting task, with a little bit of knowledge and patience, you can achieve optimal sound performance without breaking the bank.

In this article, we’ll cover the basic concepts of turntable tonearm balancing and provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up your tonearm for most turntables.

Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting out, this guide will help you get the most out of your vinyl collection.

So let’s get started!

Step 1: Switch off the turntable and protect the stylus with its guard.

Step 2: Lift up and remove the platter to expose the motor drive and belt.

Step 3: Move the belt up or down the motor pulley to select the alternative drive speed.

Step 4: Place the platter back onto the spindle and return the platter mat in place.

Step 5: Switch on the turntable and place a record on the platter.

Step 6: Remove the stylus guard and gently move the tonearm from its resting position and lower the stylus into the run-in area of the groove, on the outer edge of the vinyl.

Now that your turntable is set up, it’s time to balance your tonearm.

Step 1: Put the counterweight on the end of the tonearm wand. Ensure that the anti-skating weight is removed at this point.

Step 2: Move the tonearm off its rest and adjust the counterweight so that the tonearm balances horizontally.

Step 3: Turn the counterweight scale to indicate zero.

Step 4: Turn the counterweight (and scale) to the correct tracking force. The tracking force depends on the cartridge in use – if you are unaware of it, you can find this in your cartridge’s specifications. It will usually be between 1 and 2 grams.

Step 5: Adjust the anti-skating weight to correspond with the tracking force.

If you have a stylus pressure gauge or precision scales, they can be very useful tools for this job but are not essential. All manufacturers publish recommended tracking weight for their cartridges. They are often specified as from ‘X’ grams to ‘Y’ grams. If this is the case, you can ignore the lower recommended weight and use the higher one.

If you do not have a stylus pressure gauge or precision scales, you can still set the VTF fairly accurately without any tools using markings on the counterweight which indicate grams of tracking force.

First, set the zero point:

Step 1: With the tonearm in its rest, take some masking tape and tape down the platter to prevent it from rotating.

Step 2: If you removed the stylus when fitting the cartridge then carefully put it back on now. If using a stylus guard then remove it to expose the stylus.

Step 3: Set anti-skate to zero.

Step 4: Hold the tonearm firmly using your finger lift and use your other hand to rotate or slide your tonearm counterweight backwards or forwards until you find zero balance point of arm. This means that arm is balanced in mid-air flat parallel to body of turntable without being supported by anything. The cartridge should not be pointing up in air, and it shouldn’t drop down when you let go of it either. Be very careful not to let it drop and hit plinth. Don’t totally let go of it until you are sure it is balanced.

Step 5: Now that you have set counterweight to zero point, put tonearm back in its rest with safety clip engaged. Next, rotate plastic ring on counterweight until ‘0’ is at 12 o’clock. Do not move counterweight itself, just plastic ring. It moves independently of weight.

Step 6: Rotate counterweight itself anticlockwise (so that weight moves forward on stub) and observe numbers which represent grams of tracking weight. If your cartridge requires 3.0g of tracking weight then rotate weight until you hit 3.0 on dial.

Most turntables come pre-fitted with a tonearm, but if you want to change that or have bought a more esoteric deck that comes without an arm, you’ll need an appropriate armboard. Turntable manufacturers should be able to supply a range of armboard options which should suit just about any tonearm out there.

There are a number of adjustments on a tonearm, including its height which has to be set so that arm is parallel to record’s surface when cartridge sits in groove. It’s possible to fine-tune performance by altering this so arm bearing is a little higher or lower, which alters angle at which stylus tip meets groove – but we’d start with it level.

Using a turntable does require some setup knowledge, but with these simple steps, you can ensure that your tonearm is correctly balanced for optimal sound quality. Happy listening!

Understanding The Importance Of Tonearm Setup

The tonearm of a turntable is a critical component that supports the phono cartridge holding the stylus. It is designed to move inwards towards the record’s center, and the height and angle of the armtube are crucial for optimal performance. If the cartridge adds too much weight on one side of the tonearm, a counterweight is necessary to balance it. The size of the counterweight required varies based on the weight of the tonearm, cartridge, and turntable.

Correct tracking force is essential for proper sound quality. Setting it too high can result in dull sound, while setting it too low can cause the cartridge to track improperly. To set up the tonearm correctly, remove the stylus guard and ensure that your turntable’s anti-skating dial or weight is set to zero. Use the weight on the back of the arm to balance the tonearm until it floats on its own, and turn the number dial until it reads zero. Then, apply the weight specified in your cartridge manual by turning your counter-weight until the dial reads the correct number.

It is crucial to understand that turntables are analog audio playback devices that use a delicate stylus to read miniscule waveforms contained within vinyl records’ grooves. An incorrect turntable setup can cause permanent damage to your records and result in sub-optimal sound quality. Therefore, it is essential to set up your turntable correctly for optimal performance.

Gathering The Necessary Tools

Before you can begin setting up your turntable tonearm, you’ll need a few tools. Firstly, you’ll need a turntable with a tonearm, and a cartridge with a stylus. You’ll also need a platter mat to protect your record during playback.

To balance your tonearm, you’ll need a counterweight and an anti-skating weight. You may also want to invest in a stylus pressure gauge or precision scales for more accurate tracking force adjustment.

If you need to align your cartridge to the tonearm, most turntables will come with an alignment adapter. If not, you’ll need to manually measure the proper distance from the end of the tonearm to the stylus and position the two screws that hold the cartridge to the turntable’s headshell accordingly.

You’ll also need to adjust the tonearm height and tracking pressure according to the specifications from your cartridge manufacturer. If your turntable has an anti-skate knob, you may need to adjust this as well.

Balancing The Tonearm

Balancing the tonearm is a crucial step in setting up a turntable. It ensures that the stylus tracks the grooves of the record accurately, minimizing distortion and wear on both the record and stylus.

To begin, make sure that the turntable is switched off and that the stylus guard is in place. Then, put the counterweight on the end of the tonearm wand, ensuring that the anti-skating weight is removed at this point.

Next, move the tonearm off its rest and adjust the counterweight so that the tonearm balances horizontally. This means that the headshell won’t be moving up or down, but will naturally float above the rest position. Turn the counterweight scale to indicate zero.

Now, turn the counterweight (and scale) to the correct tracking force. The tracking force depends on the cartridge in use – if you are unaware of it, you can find this in your cartridge’s specifications. It will usually be between 1 and 2 grams. Adjust the anti-skating weight to correspond with the tracking force.

First, set the zero point by taping down the platter to prevent it from rotating while holding the tonearm firmly using your finger lift and using your other hand to rotate or slide your tonearm counterweight backwards or forwards until you find zero balance point of arm. This means that arm is balanced in mid-air flat parallel to body of turntable without being supported by anything.

Once you have set counterweight to zero point, put tonearm back in its rest with safety clip engaged. Next, rotate plastic ring on counterweight until ‘0’ is at 12 o’clock. Do not move counterweight itself, just plastic ring. It moves independently of weight.

Rotate counterweight itself anticlockwise (so that weight moves forward on stub) and observe numbers which represent grams of tracking weight. If your cartridge requires 3.0g of tracking weight then rotate weight until you hit 3.0 on dial.

It may take a few tries to get this correct, but once you have found the beautiful balance spot, your turntable will be ready for optimal sound quality without breaking out your wallet. Happy listening!

Adjusting The Tracking Force

Once your tonearm is balanced, the next step is to adjust the tracking force. This is the amount of pressure that the stylus applies to the record as it plays. The tracking force is crucial as it affects the sound quality and longevity of your vinyl records.

To adjust the tracking force, you will need to use the counterweight on the end of the tonearm wand. The recommended tracking force will vary depending on the cartridge you are using, so it’s important to refer to your cartridge’s specifications or manual.

If you have a stylus pressure gauge or precision scales, they can be very useful tools for this job but are not essential. Manufacturers often publish recommended tracking weight for their cartridges, specified as from ‘X’ grams to ‘Y’ grams. If this is the case, you can ignore the lower recommended weight and use the higher one.

If you do not have a stylus pressure gauge or precision scales, you can still set the tracking force fairly accurately without any tools using markings on the counterweight which indicate grams of tracking force.

To begin, set the zero point by following these steps:

1. With the tonearm in its rest, take some masking tape and tape down the platter to prevent it from rotating.

2. If you removed the stylus when fitting the cartridge then carefully put it back on now. If using a stylus guard then remove it to expose the stylus.

3. Set anti-skate to zero.

4. Hold the tonearm firmly using your finger lift and use your other hand to rotate or slide your tonearm counterweight backwards or forwards until you find zero balance point of arm.

5. Now that you have set counterweight to zero point, put tonearm back in its rest with safety clip engaged. Next, rotate plastic ring on counterweight until ‘0’ is at 12 o’clock. Do not move counterweight itself, just plastic ring. It moves independently of weight.

Once you have set the zero point, follow these steps to adjust the tracking force:

1. Rotate counterweight itself anticlockwise (so that weight moves forward on stub) and observe numbers which represent grams of tracking weight.

2. If your cartridge requires 3.0g of tracking weight then rotate weight until you hit 3.0 on dial.

3. Once you have set the correct tracking force, adjust the anti-skate weight to match.

It’s important not to set the tracking force too high as this can cause excessive wear on your records and damage your stylus. Conversely, setting it too low can result in poor sound quality and distortion.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your turntable tonearm is correctly balanced and adjusted for optimal sound quality and longevity of your vinyl records.

Setting The Anti-Skate

The anti-skate feature is an important aspect of setting up your turntable tonearm. It applies a small outward force to the tonearm, counteracting the tendency of the arm to move inward (skate) toward the center of the record. This helps to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear.

To set the anti-skate on a turntable that features a user-adjustable control, begin by adjusting it to the same value as the vertical tracking force (VTF) used. This will get you in the ballpark. Listen carefully to the last few minutes of a record to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Listen for distortion, particularly in the form of sibilance, and determine if it appears to be louder on one channel, the left or the right. Adjust the anti-skate value until the distortion is minimized.

It’s important to note that not all turntables have a manual adjustment for anti-skate. Some may have this feature handled internally, preset at a fixed value by the turntable’s manufacturer. This is not uncommon on turntables that utilize an integrated cartridge.

When setting up your tonearm, ensure that you have the cartridge and stylus installed in the headshell. For the most accurate results, remove the stylus guard, but beginners might prefer to leave it on to avoid damaging the stylus.

To balance your tonearm, put the counterweight on the end of the tonearm wand and adjust it so that the tonearm balances horizontally. Turn the counterweight scale to indicate zero and then turn it to the correct tracking force. Adjust the anti-skating weight to correspond with the tracking force.

Setting up your turntable does require some knowledge, but with these steps and a bit of patience, you can ensure that your tonearm is correctly balanced for optimal sound quality.

Aligning The Cartridge

One crucial step in setting up your turntable tonearm is aligning the cartridge. This ensures that the stylus is properly positioned in the groove of the record, providing optimal sound quality and preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your vinyl.

To align your cartridge, you will need a few basic tools. The Align It DS2 alignment gauge and a Measure It E digital scale are recommended, but not necessary. You’ll also need a two-point protractor, which has a dot for the stylus tip to rest on and a grid with lines running parallel to the sides and front of the cartridge to which it should be aligned.

Begin by loosening the screws on the cartridge with a flat head screwdriver. Rotate the cartridge until the lines on the protractor are parallel. Once it’s parallel, move the stylus tip to point B. If the cartridge is properly aligned at point B, tighten the screws, re-check to make sure it’s aligned, and you’re done.

If you’re using an AT-LP5 turntable, position the cartridge within the headshell so that the stylus tip rests on the protractor’s outer dot (the dot farthest from the center spindle). Align the sides of the cartridge body to the lines on the grid which run parallel to its sides. Next, carefully move the cartridge forward or backward (adjust overhang) within the headshell so that the sides remain parallel while the front of the cartridge becomes parallel to the lines on the grid that run across the cartridge’s front. Once you’ve aligned the cartridge to the outer dot/grid, move the tonearm to the inner dot/grid and check the alignment there. If necessary, adjust the overhang by moving the cartridge forward or backward until both grids show proper alignment. Recheck alignment on both grids before tightening mounting hardware.

It’s important to note that tracking force depends on your specific cartridge and should be set according to its specifications. Use a stylus pressure gauge or precision scales if available, or use markings on your counterweight to set tracking force accurately without any tools. With these steps, you can ensure that your cartridge is properly aligned for optimal sound quality and longevity of your vinyl collection.