Turntables & Vinyl

Frequently asked questions about turntables and vinyl, belt-drive vs direct-drive, cartridges, headshells, alignment and more.

I’m having trouble aligning my cartridge, why does each tool seem to give a different result?

This is a really good question, variations of which I hear a lot. Let’s look at this in a little more detail. Here’s the summary, though: cartridge alignment tools are typically setup tools, not measurement tools. These setup tools are designed for various unique tonearm setups and should therefore be used with the precise equipment […]

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What are your thoughts on buying equipment in poor condition?

I suggest avoiding equipment in poor condition, as a general rule. My recommendation is always to buy the very best example of the equipment you are looking for, in the best condition, with the best service history, and a recent inspection and condition assessment, if possible. Everyone wants a bargain, and buying equipment in poor

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Do headshells, wires and mounting hardware make a difference?

Hell, yeah! Everything in the signal path and attached to a cartridge makes a difference. Materials and construction improve as one spends more on headshells, wires and mounting hardware. This translates to better detail retrieval and micro-resolution. Naturally, the higher your system resolution, the more noticeable these differences will be, which is why I focus

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