Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with that comes a renewed interest in the mechanics of record players.
One of the most important components of a turntable is the tonearm. But what exactly is it, and what does it do?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the tonearm and its role in playing your favorite records. From its design to its materials, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this crucial part of your turntable setup.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of tonearms.
What Is The Tonearm On A Record Player
The tonearm is the part of a record player that holds the cartridge and stylus responsible for tracking the grooves on a vinyl record. It is designed to move inward towards the center of the record while maintaining the correct position and applying the correct amount of weight to the stylus.
There are two types of tonearms: manual and automatic. Manual tonearms require the user to move the arm across the record themselves, while automatic tonearms do it automatically.
The tonearm consists of several parts, including the armtube, headshell, and counterweight. The armtube is critical as it needs to be both stiff and strong to prevent any flex or movement while the cartridge is on the record. The headshell holds the cartridge and can be detachable or a single piece. The counterweight needs to be set correctly to apply the proper amount of tracking force.
Materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber are popular for their strength and rigidity while remaining light and nimble. Most tonearms pivot from a full bearing, but there is a growing trend toward using uni-pivot designs that reduce bearing friction.
The design of a tonearm is critical as it affects the quality of sound produced by your turntable. A well-designed tonearm will ensure that your records sound their best.
What Is A Tonearm And How Does It Work?
A tonearm is a crucial component of a record player that holds the cartridge and stylus. Its main function is to keep the cartridge in the correct position as it moves inward towards the center of the record while applying the correct amount of weight to the stylus.
The tonearm consists of several parts, including the armtube, headshell, and counterweight. The armtube needs to be stiff and strong to prevent any flex or movement while the cartridge is on the record. The headshell holds the cartridge and can be detachable or a single piece. The counterweight needs to be set correctly to apply the proper amount of tracking force.
Materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber are popular for their strength and rigidity while remaining light and nimble. Most tonearms pivot from a full bearing, but there is a growing trend toward using uni-pivot designs that reduce bearing friction.
The design of a tonearm is critical as it affects the quality of sound produced by your turntable. A well-designed tonearm will ensure that your records sound their best. Whether you have a manual or automatic turntable, your tonearm needs to be balanced correctly so that it can move across the record smoothly and consistently.
The Different Types Of Tonearms
There are four main types of tonearms: parallel, gimbal, unipivot, and magnetic.
Parallel tonearms have a fixed pivot point and a straight armtube that moves in a parallel motion to the record. They are known for their accuracy and stability but can be heavy and difficult to adjust.
Gimbal tonearms have a pivot point that moves in two directions, allowing for more flexibility and ease of movement. They are popular for their smooth tracking and ability to handle a variety of cartridges.
Unipivot tonearms have a single pivot point that allows for minimal friction and maximum accuracy. They are known for their ability to track the grooves of a record with precision and clarity.
Magnetic tonearms use magnetic fields to suspend the arm, reducing friction and allowing for greater accuracy. They are known for their ability to track even the most intricate grooves on a record.
Each type of tonearm has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your turntable setup. It is important to choose a tonearm that is compatible with your cartridge and turntable to ensure optimal performance.
The Importance Of Tonearm Materials
The materials used in tonearm construction play a crucial role in the quality of sound produced by a turntable. The armtube is the most important part of the tonearm, as it needs to be both stiff and strong to prevent any flex or movement while the cartridge is on the record. Materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber are popular due to their strength and rigidity while remaining light and nimble.
Aluminum is a popular choice for tonearm construction as it is lightweight and has excellent damping properties. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other materials. However, aluminum can be prone to resonance, which can affect sound quality.
Carbon fiber has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its strength and stiffness. It is also lightweight, making it an ideal material for tonearm construction. Carbon fiber has excellent damping properties, which can reduce resonance and improve sound quality.
Other materials such as wood, acrylic, and titanium have also been used in tonearm construction. Each material has its own unique properties that can affect the sound produced by a turntable. The choice of material ultimately depends on personal preference and budget.
Setting Up And Adjusting Your Tonearm
Setting up and adjusting your tonearm is crucial for achieving the best sound quality from your turntable. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Begin by powering off your turntable and ensuring that the counterweight is properly installed on the end of the tonearm, with the numbers facing the front of the turntable. Make sure the anti-skate setting is set to zero.
2. Use the cueing lever to lock the tonearm in the rest position on the armrest. While it’s resting, gently remove the protective cover from the stylus by sliding it straight forward off the front of the cartridge.
3. Hold the headshell gently to keep the tonearm stable while releasing the tonearm locking clamp. The tonearm will swing freely since it’s unbalanced. Be sure to hold the headshell to prevent it from crashing into the turntable platter.
4. Keep the cueing lever in the down position, while you gently hold the headshell above the rest position.
5. Carefully turn the counterweight on the rear of the tonearm until the tonearm is horizontally balanced. This means that the headshell won’t be moving up or down but will naturally float above the rest position.
6. Once you’ve found this balance spot, set the counterweight to zero.
7. Set the proper tracking force for your phono cartridge by turning your entire counterweight counterclockwise to adjust its weight in grams. Gently place the stylus and entire cartridge onto a stylus force gauge, which will clamp to your turntable platter, to measure.
8. Once you’ve set your tracking force, you can now turn on the anti-skate setting and match it in grams to your tracking weight. For example, if your tracking weight is 1.5 grams, you’ll want anti-skate on 1.5 grams as well.
Troubleshooting Common Tonearm Issues
Despite the importance of a well-designed tonearm, issues can still arise that affect the quality of sound produced by your turntable. Here are some common tonearm issues and how to troubleshoot them:
1. The tonearm swings to one side: This is often caused by an uneven platter. Ensure that the platter is level and adjust if necessary. If this does not solve the issue, the wiring tension may be causing the problem, and it is best to seek the help of a professional.
2. The tonearm won’t lower all the way: If the tonearm is not lowering enough to make proper contact with the record, adjust the height of the tonearm bridge using the adjustment screw. This should solve the issue in most cases.
3. The tonearm drops too fast: If the tonearm is dropping too quickly, try adjusting the bridge using the adjustment screw. If this does not work, it may be due to a lack of damping capability in the cueing lever mechanism. Apply fresh damping oil to solve this issue.
4. The tonearm keeps returning: Some record players have an auto-return mechanism that causes the tonearm to return to its resting position after playing a record. If this mechanism is causing issues, manually rotate the platter until you hear a clicking sound, which should reset or disengage the mechanism.
5. The tonearm is bouncing: If you are manually lifting and lowering the tonearm, a bouncing motion may occur when you release it. To avoid this, use a cueing lever and execute a smooth lifting action every time.
If you experience difficulties with your tonearm or notice any interference feedback during playback, it may be due to wiring issues within the cable or bad earthing. Check for any rubbing wires or casing walls and consult a professional if necessary to prevent any irreversible damage to your record player.
Upgrading Your Tonearm: Is It Worth It?
If you are looking to upgrade your turntable, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to upgrade your tonearm. The answer is yes – a better tonearm can make a significant difference in sound quality.
While other components like the cartridge and preamp are important, the tonearm plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your turntable. A better tonearm can improve speed stability, accuracy, and resonance control, resulting in clearer and more detailed sound.
However, it’s important to note that upgrading just the tonearm may not be enough if the other components are not up to par. It’s recommended to invest in a better turntable overall, or to consider upgrading multiple components over time.
When shopping for a new tonearm, consider materials like aluminum and carbon fiber for their strength and rigidity. Uni-pivot designs are also gaining popularity for their reduced bearing friction.
Ultimately, investing in a better tonearm is a cost-effective way to enhance the performance of your turntable and improve your listening experience. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for any audiophile looking to take their vinyl collection to the next level.
