Victrola offers a wide range of record players for all types of listeners. The company has been around for over a century, so it definitely knows which products and styles people prefer. However, mixed reviews can make it difficult to know if Victrola offers high-quality record players or if they’re best left in the past.

Victrola is a good record player for beginners and children. The audio quality is mid-range, whereas the prices range drastically. Modern Victrola record players are affordable, while old-school ones are much more expensive and sought-after for their nostalgic collector’s value.

Throughout this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Victrola record players, including features, expenses, reviews, and more. I’ll also help you decide if these record players are right for you.

Are Victrola Record Players Good?

Victrola was founded in New Jersey in 1906. The company has used the same business model that made them a household name throughout the previous several decades. The fact that this brand has been around for over a century is a testament to its reliability, quality, and overall performance.

That being said, there are some who question Victrola’s modern record player lineup. The company doesn’t make the same wooden, hand-made record players they used to in the early 1900s. Furthermore, they’ve shifted toward making entry-level record players.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Victrola:

Features

Victrola record players come in all shapes and sizes, including various models with unique features. However, if they don’t have the features you’re looking for, you might want to look at another manufacturer.

Here’s a list of the best features Victrola offers:

• Bluetooth streaming is built in on some Victrola record players. This allows you to connect your smart device to your record player for modern convenience with a classic appeal. You’ll enjoy the same high-volume output without needing any records to use your Victrola record player.
• Built-in radio receivers let you cycle through AM and FM radio stations. You can listen to your favorite sports stations, podcasts, or radio channels from your Victrola record player. This unique feature is extremely rare in many record players because it doesn’t require massive antennas and other dongles.
• Aux inputs. This allows you to plug your smartphone, laptop, MP3 player, and other devices into your record player.
• CD compatibility. Many Victrola record players include CD compatibility, which means you can forget about tossing your extensive CD collection. They play CDs with the same speed and quality as the records they use.
• Speed selections range between 33 RPMs to 78 RPMs for optimal sound and performance control. You can use these selections with records and CDs, so you can make all the adjustments you need. Victrola also provides speed recommendations to fit your records and other connected audio devices.
• 100 dB speakers use 50 watts to provide more than enough volume. For comparison, 100 dB is about the same sound level as a blaring car horn. These volume adjustments make a Victrola record player more than enough for outdoor parties, at-home relaxation, and everything in between.

Cost

Most Victrola record players cost less than $200. However, Our Past Times reports Victrola record players can range from $100 to $1,000 or more. Below, you’ll find five primary factors that affect the cost:

1. Nostalgia: Older Victrola record players are worth more money, especially if they weren’t widely produced. Victrola has a model designed after 1920s record players, but it’s still a modern appliance, so it doesn’t have the same value.
2. Quality: Materials and build construction both influence the final price tag of a Victrola record player. Metal and wood are the most sought-after materials, whereas plastic cuts corners and weight.
3. Capabilities: Modern Victrola record players with Bluetooth compatibility typically cost more than modern models that only come with basic features. Don’t forget to check if your records are compatible with your desired Victrola model.
4. Target Audience: Victrola makes record players for adults and children. Most record players intended for children are much cheaper for various reasons. Any Victrola record player designed for nostalgic purposes or for limited times is usually more expensive.

User Reviews

While any company will highlight positive reviews, it’s important to know what customers are saying outside of the company’s website. Victrola has over 700 5-star reviews on its website. However, many Reddit users share a different story.

For example, one Reddit user on r/vinyl explains that Victrola record players are known for scratching records after heavy usage. Many commenters agreed with these claims, though a sizeable amount of customers claimed Victrola record players are more than suitable for the average listener.

If you’re determined to get a Victrola record player, I highly suggest checking out the reviews for the specific model and year you choose. Remember, Victrola shouldn’t be compared to luxury-tier record players.

Music Quality

Victrola is often known to offer mid-level audio quality. It’s not the worst on the market, but it’s definitely not close to the best. These record players can wear records down after a few years. Furthermore, they don’t have the crystal-clear sound that you’ll get from better brands you come across.

However, Victrola record players have excellent volume controls. If you use the Bluetooth connection function, you can control the bass, treble, and many other features from your connected device. This process allows you to wirelessly customize your listening experience anywhere near your record player.

Victrola’s audio quality fluctuates depending on the make, model, and age of the record player. The company’s older record players have better sound quality, but they don’t always stand the test of time.

Who Should Get a Victrola Record Player?

People who should get a Victrola record player include first-time turntable owners, people with records that aren’t extremely valuable, and children who want to learn more about vinyl records. While Victrola might not be the highest tier compared to other record players, it definitely deserves a wide customer base.

However, Victrola record players aren’t for everyone. Not only do they pale in comparison to other high-end companies (Audio Technica, Sony, Linn, Rega, etc.), but they also don’t have the best reputation when it comes to using valuable records.

So, who are Victrola record players best for?

Budget-Friendliness

Unlike many top-shelf record player brands, Victrola offers record players with all sorts of price tags. Most of them are affordable, which is why so many people prefer Victrola over other brands. It’s also an excellent brand for those who want to stick with the same company from low-end to high-end record players.

If you’re looking to buy a record player as a gift for someone, Victrola could be the go-to choice for you. Their budget-friendly price tags and convenience makes them gateway record players to get people interested in the inner workings of this fascinating industry. Victrola is using reduced prices to breathe life into an older way of listening to music.

For example, the Victrola 3-Speed Vintage Record Player costs a fraction of the price of most record players with the same sound quality. It also comes with AUX inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, and headphone compatibility. It’s made in over 10 colors, all of which fold up into a small suitcase with handles.

Quality and Reliability

Victrola and reliability are synonymous with each other. These record players last many years. In fact, some Victrola record players have lasted up to a century. They maintain their same condition and quality, provided they’re taken care of.

This company might not offer the highest sound quality in the industry, but it undoubtedly beats the majority of drop-shipping brands. Furthermore, Victrola charges the same prices as most third-party record player sellers while offering much better sound quality.

If you’re searching for a record player that won’t phase out after a few years, Victrola should be near the top of your list. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get mid-level quality and high-level reliability for the foreseeable future.

However, it’s important to consider other brands if you’ve never had a record player. Below, I’ll explain who should get a Victrola-brand record player.

Who Are They Best For?

If you’re in the market for a record player, consider Victrola if any of the following details apply to you:

• Victrola record players are excellent for children and teens. They’re not too expensive and they have enough features to familiarize youngsters with record players. They also have a classic look and feel that people want when looking for a record player.
• Old-school Victrola record players are often considered collector’s items. They’re one of the oldest names in the business, so it’s no surprise that many collectors want to get their hands on an older Victrola record player. Keep in mind that this stature doesn’t exist with newer Victrola record players because they’re so widespread.
• If you want to listen to music and you don’t have high-quality records, Victrola is an affordable option. While some people complain that Victrola record players scratch their records (especially the cheaper ones), it’s not that much of an issue if you’re using low-quality or inexpensive records.
• Victrola offers portable suitcase record players that are great for people on the go. These foldable record players have protective cases that prevent them from being damaged. They also come with handles to help you carry them around. If you love modern music with an old-school touch, Victrola is worth looking into.

Final Thoughts

While Victrola might not offer the best sound quality, its record players are ideal for people who want to break into the record player industry. They offer beginner and old-school, stylish record players, all of which Victrola backs with its countless positive customer reviews.

If you’re an audiophile or have an extensive record collection, you’re better off looking at higher-quality brands. You don’t want to run the risk of damaging your vinyls.

We all know the clock moves clockwise, hence the name. The planets and other celestial bodies revolve counterclockwise around the sun, and water drains counterclockwise in the Northern hemisphere. But which way does a record player spin?

Record players spin clockwise universally. They rotate to the right if they’re working correctly. Turning a record player counterclockwise would damage it and is, therefore, not advisable.

To understand this better, in the rest of this article, I’ll explain the design of a record player and why it spins the way it does.

Berliner Designed Record Players To Turn Clockwise

The reality is, record players on this side of the world spin clockwise because Berliner, who invented disc recording, was used to things turning that way. If you’ve looked at the clock your entire life, your brain automatically assumes clockwise is the normal way to spin. Also, Berliner based the design of his flat disc player on a music box that turned clockwise.

There’s no scientific or technical explanation for why a disc should spin to the right and not to the left. It’s just that clockwise seems like the most natural rotational movement to most people. 90% of the world population is right-handed, and placing the tonearm with the left hand is counterintuitive and awkward, to say the least.

However, there’s a design aspect in play, too.

To play a record player, you need to put the needle on the groove. The needle and the record’s rotation must go in the same direction; otherwise, the needle would bend backward and break or scratch the disc. Since needles in the USA and this side of the world are designed to travel from the outside, the player must turn clockwise to match that rotation.

You would imagine that record players in other parts of the world turn anticlockwise because their designs might be different. For instance, some people have the perception that record players in the Southern hemisphere, especially Australia, spin counterclockwise. However, this is not the case since record players turn clockwise universally.

Greg, a store attendant working at RoundAgain Record Store in Australia, confirmed this. 

“All record players in Australia spin clockwise. Spinning your player in a counterclockwise direction would only damage it, hence it’s unadvisable to do so,” he said.

What Happens if You Play the Record Counterclockwise?

The stylus and the disc itself will get damaged if you play the record counterclockwise or backward. Numerous cartridges aren’t designed to run in reverse, so playing the record counterclockwise means that the record is going against the law of their nature. 

For this reason, the sound you get will become horrible, and people say it sounds like the devil’s voice.

When you play a record counterclockwise, the vinyl grooves push against the stylus because they come towards each other instead of moving in the same direction. Think of it as the difference between dragging a stick behind you when walking and trying to push it forward when it’s in front of you. The latter will be harder, and the stick will likely break at some point.

Some people claim that playing a record backward can help you hear tracks that contain subliminal messages. While that may be true, you do it at the risk of destroying your record player and the records you are playing.

Do DJ Record Players Spin Clockwise?

DJ record players, known as turntables, spin clockwise until the DJ starts back spinning. Back spinning is where the DJ manually manipulates the vinyl record playing on the turntable using his hand’s force to spin backward, despite the platter’s rotation under it. 

Back spinning allows them to go back to a particular point in the record, cut music, or juggle beats. Deejays use a slipmat to reduce friction between the record and the platter when spinning the wrong way. You can tell it’s going the wrong way because it makes a shrill sound, otherwise known as a scratch.

However, it’s important to know that DJ turntables are designed a little differently from regular record players. Deejays prefer direct-drive turntables over belt-driven record players because the belt is likely to get stretched or damaged during ‘scratching.’ That said, Deejays are aware that scratching affects the records, and they replace them often.

If you try to spin records in your record player like a DJ, all you’ll accomplish is destroying the setup.

Common Record Player Issues Related to Spinning

Sometimes record players stop working or work in ways they’re not supposed to. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you take good care of your record player. Some of the issues that a record player may face are as follows:

The Record Player Is Not Spinning

There are plenty of reasons a record player would stop spinning, and most of them are fairly easy to solve:

• There is a lack of power. As embarrassing as it is, the main reason why a record player doesn’t play is that it’s not plugged in or plugged properly. Start by checking the power source and move on to other culprits if that’s not the issue.
• The tonearm isn’t reset. Most record players’ tonearm holding the stylus needs to be frequently reset because it clicks off when a record ends. The player won’t play until the arm is reset to the correct position. Gently push it back until you hear a clicking sound, and the player will spin again.
• There are belt drive issues. The belt may get too loose or wear out in belt drive players. Such a problem can be solved by tightening the belt in case of looseness or buying a new one if it’s old. Belt issues are a very common problem, so it should be one of the first signs you check out.
• There are direct-drive issues. If you have a direct drive record player, it could be the internal mechanism of the motor, often affected by dirt or debris getting stuck in the shaft. A jammed platter and faulty on and off switch could be the issue. Regular maintenance and keeping the player clean is the only way to prevent the issues. You can also take it to an expert for a check-up, as most direct drive issues are complicated.

The Record Player Makes No Sound

What do you do when your record player is turning just fine, but there’s no sound coming from it? Do the following:

1. Start by checking the connection on the cartridge. Make sure the stylus is sticking down on the cartridge.
2. Ensure the volume is up by turning it clockwise.
3. Ensure nothing is connected to the earphone jack on the back.
4. Check that the stylus is in the correct position and reset it if it’s not.
5. Ensure the speakers and amplifier are connected and powered on if you can hear the music on the turntable but not on the speakers.

The Record Player Plays Too Fast or Too Slow

Do you think your record player is moving too fast? You may not be imagining things. Sometimes, the speed selector may become faulty due to dirt or grime build-up over time. This causes it to send too much voltage to the motor, making the record spin too fast. You can clean the switch and lubricate it or replace the entire thing if it’s too old.

A loose and misaligned belt is another reason a player can move too fast. With time, belts stretch and get repositioned, causing deviations in speed. You need to replace the belt with a new one.

But what if it’s playing too slow instead? Consider doing the following:

• Lubricate the parts. Some gears and motors under the platter need to be lubricated to reduce friction.
• Change the speed selection. When you change records of different sizes, it’s easy to forget to switch the speed selector from 33 rpm to 45 rpm or vice versa. It will affect the speed, so you need to do it with every change.

Final Thoughts

Under perfect conditions, a record player should spin clockwise until the record is up and then stops. Something is wrong with your record player if it stops playing somewhere in the middle or starts spinning backward. You need to have it often serviced and keep the parts clean.

For people who may want to spin records backward, a spin table designed for Deejaying is the best option for you.

Notice a strange sound from your record player, and you’re unsure what it is? All you know is that it sounds muffled and unclear.

You don’t have to throw out your record player for this reason, as it is entirely fixable. There are several reasons why your record player can produce muffled or fuzzy sounds and quick DIY fixes to sort this issue. The first step is to identify why it sounds fuzzy.

Fuzzy or muffled sounds are not uncommon when it comes to record players. Several reasons can cause this distorted sound: dust, a record player kept in poor condition, a worn-out stylus, or a poorly set up record player.

Let’s examine each reason, how to prevent them from happening, and proffer solutions on how to fix these issues.

Common Issues That Might Result In Muffled Sounds In Record Players

These are some of the reasons that may cause your record player to sound muffled:

1. Dirty, Broken, or Worn Out Needles

The leading cause of most audio issues associated with a record player is the needle. The needle is an essential part of your record player and should be in optimal conditions at all times.

Refined sound comes from the record player’s groove edges, where the stylus usually reads. A damaged stylus would be hitting down your record, not the edges anymore, and this would result in distorted sounds. (Source)

Subsequent use of a lousy needle might damage your records as well as produce worse sounds. Examine your stylus for dirt or damage once you notice any strange sound coming from your record player. If you see your needle damaged, you should get a new one and change the old set.

Depending on your budget and preferences, you can change the needle or get a whole new cartridge set.

You should check your needle for dust balls or debris. If you find some stuck on the needle, this might cause a poor sound. To clean off the dust, do not use your fingers. Record player needles are pretty fragile. (Source)

If you own a dust cleaner, now is the time to bring it out and put it to use. You can also try to blow off the dust gently. There are stylus cleaners designed specifically for your needles to solve this issue quickly. (Source)

2. Faulty Records

There are several reasons why a record can be faulty. One of such reasons is the accumulation of dust on the record surfaces. Once dust particles have gathered or settled on the record, then it becomes difficult for even a new stylus to read the groove properly as it should.

Your new record can produce fuzzy or muffled sounds. It is because dust particles must have settled on it through the manufacturing and shipping process before it gets to you.

To fix this, all you need is a good cleaning brush. Record cleaning brushes will effectively clean out all dust specks and particles without causing any damage to the record.

3. Worn Out Records

Another reason the sound produced is muffled, or fuzzy is an overplayed or worn-out record. It is possible to get so lost and carried away in the beauty of the great sound produced that we overplay a record till it dies.

When the stylus goes over and over and over the record continuously, wear and tear eventually starts to set in, which has a negative effect on the sound produced.

To confirm if your record is bad, try to compare it to a newer one. If you notice some flattening, then yup, lousy record.

Another way to check if you notice your stylus sliding off the record, that’s an indication that it’s time to throw it out.

There is no quick fix to a worn-out record. Once it’s bad, you have to throw it out and get a new one. Not only do you have to deal with awful sound, but continuous play might also cause damage to your needle or worse. The best advice would be not to overplay any particular record.

There are digital vinyl libraries for your indulgence. You can easily switch between your record and the digital counterpart, reserving your record for special moments.

4. Wrongly Setup Record Player

It is a broad topic with several factors involved in faulty or wrongly setting up record players. However, we would try to narrow it down and make it as brief as possible.

The first of these issues could be a misaligned cartridge. The primary function of the cartridge is to turn mechanical movements into a signal. In an ideal situation, a properly functioning cartridge change all the vibrations picked up by the stylus into electrical energy, then converted into sound.

Getting your cartridge set up correctly is essential to reduce wear and experience optimal sound production. A misaligned cartridge would only produce awful sounds or cause damage to your records.

Setting up the cartridge is tedious, mainly because you have to correctly get the angles and positions. The invention of the cartridge alignment protractor has made this easy.

It makes realigning the cartridge fast and straightforward. Once you’ve completed this and the tracking weight has been reset; you should experience an immediate change in the quality of sound produced.

5. Faulty Record Player

What type of record player do you own? Did you buy a pre-owned set or a cheap new one down the block? The sound produced by your record player is only as good as the record player itself.

If you happen to own a pre-owned set, you have to run a check through yourself or with the help of a professional to be sure all components are of optimal quality.

If you happen to own a cheap set, this might be the cause of the terrible sound production. Some of these cheap record players are made without following the proper guidelines or with shoddy components that are as good as dead.

Instead of having to spend double the price from fixing broken parts or purchasing a new one entirely, you should instead save up and do proper research before buying a set.

6. Faulty Tone Arm

The tonearm is another essential component of the record player that significantly affects the sound it produces. Properly setting up your tonearm is crucial as this affects the quality of sound made and the balance of the turntable.

The job of the tonearm is to support the cartridge, apply the anti-skate force, apply the correct weight and pressure, and maintain a fixed angle for the cartridge. Any slight change in this ultimately affects the overall function of the record player.

With the tonearm, there are two types of problems: the mechanical problem that you can see with the naked eye and other less visible issues but affect sound quality. Our focus is on the issues that significantly affect the sound quality.

The first of the tonearm’s less visible issues would be a humming or muffled sound. In this case, you should check to see if your tonearm has a ground wire; if it does, confirm that it’s properly connected to the ground terminal. The record player’s manual would be a helpful guide in fixing this.

Another possibility is the balance fix. It has to do with the vertical tracking force. Without the right amount of weight bearing down on the stylus, the stylus won’t track the record properly. It leads to weak or muffled sound production or, in some cases, loss of bass frequencies.

The manufacturer determines the correct amount of VTF, and it is usually stated on the cartridge package. (Source)

7. Nonlevel Surface And Inner Groove Distortion

Placing your record player on a level surface before starting your music playing section is equally as essential. A nonlevel surface will result in vibrations and shakes that will affect the quality of sound produced.

In cases where the record player tilts forward or sideways, the needle drags on the inner walls of the grooves and causes a distorted sound.

To sort this, all you have to do is ensure that your turntable is on a level and balanced surface. Avoid placing the record players on your speakers and woofers. You can equally purchase a slipmat; this helps hold the record player in place sturdily and filter out external vibrations.

Loose screws could also cause muffled or sound distortions. A misaligned record player will also produce distorted or muffled sounds.

Check through the components of your record player to be sure everything is correctly in place. Tighten loose screws and play a record to ensure the problem is fixed correctly, or you’ll have to troubleshoot further.

8. Sound System Setup

Suppose your record player connects to a receiver with other components such as a CD player and TV. You have ruled out other possible possibilities that could be causing the muffled sounds.

In that case, you should check the input ports on your record player to be sure they are correctly connected. If you have a new set of cables, you can even swap them to ensure it’s not a bad cable issue that’s causing you problems.

Another possible cause could be your input cables are wrongly connected. In this case, switch them, making sure each cable mouth goes into the correct port.

Your sound speakers and how they are positioned could be the reason for your muffled sound production, as the positioning is known to have significant effects on the quality of the sound produced and the richness.

Keeping your speakers side-by-side would significantly differentiate between the sounds from instrumentals and other musical pieces. Keeping them close to a wall could muffle up the bass sounds.

Try to keep your speakers away from the wall as much as possible, especially if they are significant. Try to keep a reasonable distance between the two speakers and the record player.

9. Check Your Phono Preamp

The sound produced by the record player naturally is a shallow audio signal that needs amplification. The preamp is just the device for that. It acts like a booster for the signal transmitted by the record player.

Another function the phono preamp has is to help apply the RIAA equalization curve. What this does is that it effectively balances out the high and low frequencies of the record, thereby allowing for a better-equalized playback. (Source)

An incorrectly set up phono preamp can cause your record player to produce muffled sounds.

The Types of Phono Preamps and How They Can Cause Muffled Sounds

There are two types of phono preamps, the internal and the external. You practically have little to no control over the internal preamp and might be unable to fix it if that’s the cause of the muffled sound.

However, that’s not to say you cannot tweak a few things with this. A common mistake with the internal phono preamp is the setting switch is commonly left on the wrong option. Often, they have the internal phono preamp set to LINE and the audio cables plugged into PHONO on the receiver. It is bound to give out distorted sounds.

Internal phono preamps on record players should be set to PHONO, while you should plug the audio cables into the PHONO input on your receiver.

The External Phono Preamp

The external phono preamp is our focus here. With this, you have complete power over controlling the quality of sound produced. A separate power supply source also cancels out the electrical noise the internal phono preamp often picks up.

To set up your external phono preamp, you need audio cables; you will then plug these audio cables into the L/R output ports on your record player.

Once complete, you should plug the other ends of these audio cables into the input ports on your external phono preamp. If your record player has a ground terminal, you should connect to it as required by the set-up instructions.

The next step is to connect excellent and quality audio cables to the output jacks on your external phono preamp and then plug the other ends of the cables into your audio system. It could be your amplifier or speakers.

Whatever you do, make sure you don’t plug them into a phono input by accident, as this would cause massive sound distortion.

When it’s down to connecting this equipment, it is essential to avoid running the power and audio cables parallel.

You should also ensure they don’t cross one another. It helps prevent your cables from getting tangled up and tied together. Mangled cables can cause humming feedback or muffled sounds too.

Just as with your record player, pay attention not to place your external phono preamp on other devices or equipment. It can lead to muffled sound production or hums. Be careful not to plug your phono preamp into a different audio device, such as a TV. The difference in signal level can lead to severe damage.

How to Maintain Your Record Player

We have explored the different possibilities as to why your record player might produce muffled sounds and simple DIY fixes to get it back to normal.

Now let’s talk about maintenance processes that could help you avoid some of these issues.

• Try to purchase a vinyl record cleaning kit. These kits are specially designed for vinyl and would not cause static or damage. The kit’s contents include an anti-static brush, a cleaning solution, and some wipes. You can buy a kit off Amazon.
• If you cannot purchase a cleaning kit, you can wipe down your record with distilled water and a clean microfiber cloth. (Source)
• Keep your record player away from direct sunlight, excess heat or exposure to water, and other harmful liquids.
• Try to clean your record player once a week with a clean microfiber cloth, distilled water, and wipes.
• Regularly check that you’ve installed all components correctly and screws fastened before use.
• Always keep your record player on a level surface. Avoid shaky surfaces or vibration-prone surfaces.

Conclusion

Muffled or fuzzy sound production by your record player is not enough reason to discard or throw it out. All it could require is a simple fix. However, suppose you’re unfamiliar with the components of a record player, or you own a high-end record player with expensive parts.

In that case, it is advisable to seek professional help since record players that belong to the high-end group commonly come with warranties, so that should keep you covered.

The above-outlined factors are hiccups your record player could be experiencing, causing it to produce muffled sounds.

Now, suppose you have tried any of the above methods without any success. In that case, you should try visiting your local store or seeking the help of a professional to prevent further or irreparable damage to your record player or records.

Sources

1. Ngai, Mun‐Hay. “Record player.” The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 68, no. 4 (1980): 1241-1241.
2. Walter L. Welch. 1972. “Preservation and Restoration of Authenticity in Sound Recordings,” Library Trends (1972) 21(1):83–100.
3. “ How to Change the Needle on a Record Player ” Wikihow, Accesses November 17, 2021
4. “Audio Solutions Question of the Week: How Do I Balance the Tone Arm and Set the Tracking Force for the AT-LP120-USB and AT-LP1240-USB Turntables?

Accessed November 17, 2021,

1. Galo, Gary A. “Disc recording equalization demystified.” ARSC Journal 27, no. 2 (1996): 188-211.
2. Bret Helm’s Life On This Planet Blog, “Spin Clean Vinyl Record Washer: Demo & Review,” YouTube Video 9:14, Posted By “Bret Helm,” March 4, 2014, https://youtu.be/DaUKsA_yytA

Can you leave a record player on all night? People who enjoy music at night may find this habit safe. However, you need to know that there are consequences to leaving your record player running all night.

You can leave your record player on all night only if it is once or twice. Doing this out of a habit will waste the life of your turntable since most styluses only have 1000 hours of playback time. Leaving a turntable running all night may also scratch your vinyl record.

Can You Leave A Record Player On All Night?

Sometimes, you turn your record player on at night to relax before sleeping. However, music can be too relaxing that it makes you fall asleep. If this happens, you will leave your turntable playing all night.

Moreover, a turntable is a delicate device. For this reason, you sure want to give it the best care that you can. So, you might be wondering what will happen if you leave a record player on all night.

Will It Hurt To Leave A Turntable On All Night

You can leave a record playing all night, only if it is a one-time thing. However, the problem with leaving your device playing overnight is that no one would keep an eye on it when the record ends.

The reason is that record players have moving internal parts that will not stop operating even when a record ends playing. For instance, the turntable’s stylus, needle, and internal mechanisms will wear out if you always leave the device on overnight.

In addition, most needles have 1000 hours of playback. So, leaving it spinning all night without music will waste many playback hours.

What Could Go Wrong

It is safe to leave most record players on all night; once or twice that is. But regularly doing so can harm your turntable. It might also pose a fire hazard, depending on the conditions. The reason is that many things could happen as you sleep. Most of them can damage your record player, needle, and the record you are playing.

For instance, the stylus can loop in the same spot overnight, causing it to ruin your record. If this issue happens, the stylus will scratch up your record grooves.

The stylus arm could also get stuck up halfway on the return. As a result, it would repeatedly try to return to its position, thus damaging the needle, gears, and internal mechanisms of your turntable.

More than that, old record players could overheat if you leave them running all night since they have outdated wirings. So, leaving them playing overnight can cause a fire danger. While the chances are slim, the possibility is still there nonetheless.

That said, you should never leave a record player on all night unless by accident. (source)

Can Vinyl Records Catch Fire?

Music enthusiasts witness how huge the comeback that vinyl records did. The vinyl record industry recorded 16 million sales in 2018, just when everyone thought we had moved to the digital music format. (source)

That said, it is safe to say that many homes own one or more vinyl records. But one concern that some record owners have is at what temperature a vinyl record could catch fire. Of course, such a concern is understandable since no one would want their records to cause danger to their home.

But are vinyl records flammable?

Vinyl records melt and burn on the fire. However, they would not ignite if you tried to light them up. For this reason, vinyl records do not pose a significant fire hazard by simply sitting on your shelf. In fact, the only flammable part of the vinyl record is its cardboard sleeve. Not to say vinyl isn’t flammable, but it won’t light up light cardboard, that’s for sure.

So, even if you leave a record player on all night, your vinyl record will not ignite if you have a modern model.

What Temperature Will Melt A Vinyl Record?

Vinyl records will start melting at a temperature of more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, it is safe to store them anywhere in your house since the temperature inside does not reach that high. For comparison, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, and nail polish remover are more flammable than vinyl records. (source)

What Will Happen If A Vinyl Record Gets Hot?

Your vinyl record will begin to warp if you accidentally leave your vinyl record where direct sunlight touches it for a long time. However, it will certainly not burst into flames. If such a thing happens, your record will not play as smoothly as it does before.

But even if vinyl records are not flammable, letting them melt is bad for your health. The reason is that vinyl records are made from plastic, fossil fuel, chemicals, and other harmful materials. So, melting them means vaporizing the toxic chemicals that they contain.

In addition, a vinyl record’s surface consists of PVC, which is relatively difficult to recycle. And since the record surface is made of PVC, it will acquire scratches if you leave a record player on all night. (source)

Should I Keep My Record Player Closed?

Every record player has a plastic lead called a dust cover. Its purpose is to protect your record of every mechanism on the top of the platter when it is not in use. It prevents the record player’s surface from accumulating dust, compromising the device’s parts, such as the cartridge.

In addition, it is a lot easier to clean the dust cover than every component of your turntable platter.

When Should I Close My Record Player?

Just like you should never leave a record player on all night, you should not leave the dust cover open when the player is not in use. This way, the cover can serve its purpose of preventing your turntable from collecting airborne dirt and dust. Needless to say, you should keep your turntable close every time you are not using it.

However, it is not ideal to leave your turntable’s dust cover closed when the device is in use. You do not need to worry about dust getting onto your record platter. The reason is that there will not be a significant amount of dust accumulation when the device is in use.

But if you leave it down while listening to your records, chances are the record will skip when you raise it again.

Moreover, record skipping can be harmful not only for the record itself but also for the stylus. Even worse, if you turn your volume high with your turntable closed, the dust cover can pick up the bass resonance. As a result, your tonearm will vibrate, and your record will skip.

What Can Dust Do To A Record Player?

As mentioned, dust can be detrimental to a record player. But what exactly can it do to your turntable?

Playback Issue

You are sacrificing sound quality if you leave a record player on all night. Similarly, your cartridge will sound bad due to dust buildup. The reason is that the cartridge needs to be in close contact with the record grooves and stylus to produce accurate sound. But with dust interfering with this contact, the music produced by your turntable becomes scratchy or muffled.

Scratch Vinyl Records

The dirt, dust, and airborne debris that touch your vinyl record are abrasive, no matter how tiny they are. Such is especially true if this debris gets caught between the record groove and the stylus.

Dust and dirt will wear down your vinyl record little by little the same way if you leave a record player on all night. But if your stylus also has dust buildup, it will accelerate the process, thus leading to poor sound quality. (source)

Is It Bad To Leave A Record On The Turntable?

Discipline is the key to achieving your vinyl record’s best possible sound quality. Unlike digital music form that does not need maintenance, vinyl records are delicate. For this reason, you need to exert an effort to take care of them so they will remain in their best state.

If you are new to using vinyl records, chances are you tried leaving them on your vinyl record. However, leaving a vinyl record on a record player can harm it when it is not in use.

Moreover, the only time you can keep your record on the turntable platter is when using it. Leaving it on the platter for a long time will expose it to dust and dirt, which can scratch its surface.

If you leave a record player on all night, you increase the chances of ruining your vinyl record. Similarly, leaving the vinyl record on the platter can harm it even if the turntable has a dust cover. A vinyl record has a record sleeve to protect it. For this reason, make sure to put it in its sleeve right after listening to some good music.

Other Bad Habits That Can Ruin Your Vinyl Record

Knowing that you should not leave your record on your turntable is one thing. However, it is only the first step to keeping a vinyl record in an excellent state. So, here are the other habits that you need to avoid to ensure that you will not damage your record:

1. Stacking the records horizontally

You may think that stacking your records horizontally on a shelf will let you save space. But while that is true, you need to avoid this storage method as it can do more harm than good.

Stacking your records on top of each other can render them unplayable under extreme circumstances. The reason is that the vinyl records at the top will apply so much weight to those stored underneath. The records will warp and permanently damage the record and its sleeve.

2. Picking up the record while the platter is still spinning

If you leave a record player on all night, you will undoubtedly scratch the vinyl record spinning on the platter. The same thing can happen if you pick the record up while the platter is still spinning. This habit can scratch the other side of the wax, which will decrease its sound quality.

Flipping the vinyl record as soon as the music stops playing can be tempting. But your patience will prevent any damage to your record and prolong its lifespan. (source)

3. Poor cleaning method

You need to avoid using household cleaning products when cleaning your vinyl record. The reason is that most of these chemicals contain harsh chemicals. So, using them on your record will damage its surface, thus rendering it useless.

For this reason, make sure that you have the following record cleaning materials:

4. Putting your record inside the sleeve carelessly

Some people place their vinyl record inside its sleeve carelessly. But what they do not know is that this habit can damage both the vinyl record and its sleeve.

Habitually letting the record slip into the sleeve will punch a hole on the bottom of the sleeve. Even worse, you will scratch the record surface.

For this reason, make sure to open the sleeve wide enough. This step will reduce the contact between the vinyl record and the sleeve. (source)

What Does A Turntable Mat Do?

There will always be confusion regardless of whether you are new to turntables or not. For instance, you might not know that you can scratch a vinyl record if you leave a record player on all night.

But another thing that might confuse you about record players is the turntable mat.

What Is A Turntable Mat?

A turntable mat or a platter mat is a thin, disc-shaped object covering the platter. You place the vinyl record on top of the mat before turning on the power. This way, you can prevent the vinyl record from getting scratches while playing.

Moreover, a platter mat is about the same shape and size as the platter. It is also usually 1.5mm to 4mm thick.

What Does A Platter Mat Do?

The primary purpose of a mat platter is to dampen resonances. It also minimizes other vibrations from the surface where you place your turntable, the platter, and other record player parts.

When used correctly, a platter mat can provide a higher quality of music experience. As a result, there will be lower skip rates, and the music will be more integrated with the system. This way, you will be able to create a more natural sound.

However, it is essential to note that a turntable platter will not help you protect your vinyl record if you leave a record player on all night.

Types Of Turntable Mat

There are four significant types of turntable mats, and each of them can create different sound qualities.

1. Felt Platter Mat

Felt is the most aesthetically pleasing type of platter mat. But apart from aesthetics, this material reduces friction, thus allowing the vinyl record to spin quickly. The only downside is that felt attracts dirt and static.

2. Rubber Platter Mat

This type of platter mat is lightweight and firm. For this reason, it provides an extra grip on the platter. This additional grip lets the record stay isolated from vibration by ensuring it sits completely flat. However, it is worth noting that the rubber platter mat is useless if you leave a record player on all night.

Moreover, rubber platter mats create a more profound and warmer sound.

3. Cork Platter Mat

Cork provides the most significant sound difference out of all platter mats. It is inexpensive, yet it can create a smooth contact between the platter and the record. Additionally, cork dampens resonances more effectively than other materials.

4. Leather Platter Mat

What makes leather an excellent material for a platter mat is that it can dampen sound and enhance its quality simultaneously. It is also popular for people who love bass, as leather can create a warm sound. This material is also soft and smooth, making it easy to remove the vinyl record when the music stops.

Final Thoughts

Leaving a record player on all night can harm the vinyl record and the device itself. You will increase the chance of scratching your vinyl record as the turntable’s needle may get stuck on the record grooves. Leaving your record player on all night can also damage the stylus.

In addition, most record players only have 1000 hours of playback time. So, leaving it running all night will waste this time, thus reducing the lifespan of your record player.

Source

1. Brule, Steve. “I Accidentally Fell Asleep Listening To A Record And Left The Table Spinning All Night With The Cartridge On The Disc. Did I Just Completely Ruin My Cartridge?” Reddit
   
2. Bonnie Brennen, Opting Out of Digital Media. New York: Routledge, 2019.
   
3. Lorene Edwards Forkner, Handmade Garden Projects: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creative Garden Features, Containers, Lighting, and More. China: Timber Press, 2011.
   
4. John Steventon, DJing For Dummies. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2014.
   
5. Sam Sauls, Craig Stark, Audio Production Worktext: Concepts, Techniques, and Equipment. UK: Focal Press, 2013.
   
6. Jenna Miles, The Beginner’s Guide to Vinyl: How to Build, Maintain, and Experience a Music Collection in Analog. Massachusetts: Adams Media, 2017.
   
7. ” How To Take A Record Out Of Its Cover Without Scratching It.” Popular Science, August 1957, 158.