Why Vinyl Still Matters
Vinyl sales continue growing in 2026. But many new collectors struggle with setup. Here is a complete guide to getting great sound from your turntable.
Step 1: Placement
Place your turntable on a stable, level surface away from speakers. Vibrations from speakers cause feedback and skipping. Use a dedicated shelf or wall-mounted platform.
Step 2: Balance the Tonearm
With the stylus guard on, adjust the counterweight until the tonearm floats perfectly level. This is your zero point.
Step 3: Set Tracking Force
Dial the counterweight to your cartridge recommended tracking force (typically 1.5-2.5g). Too light causes skipping; too heavy wears records prematurely.
Step 4: Anti-Skate
Set anti-skate to match your tracking force. This compensates for the inward pull of the tonearm, keeping the stylus centered in the groove.
Step 5: Phono Preamp
If your turntable lacks a built-in preamp, you need an external phono stage. Moving magnet (MM) cartridges need MM preamps; moving coil (MC) need MC preamps with more gain.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the level check (causes uneven wear)
- Using too much tracking force (destroys records)
- Placing near speakers (feedback loop)