Your record player cartridge comes with a stylus, also referred to as a needle that sits on the record’s groove. Unfortunately, when that needle goes, you’ll need to replace it, but are they all the same? Can you just swap it out with a generic one? I wanted to know if they were all the same, so after thorough research, this is what we found out.

When it comes to stylus or needles, no one needle fits all. Therefore, all turntables don’t use the same needle or stylus. After all, they have different designs, and different types of stylus vary in designs, material, even how they mount.

The cartridge is the most crucial part of the record player responsible for reading the vibrations on the vinyl record. In this article, we will show you why record players don’t use the same needle. We will also show you the different types of needles for record players.

What Is A Stylus?

A stylus is a uniquely shaped needle that rests on the record player’s grooves and helps pick the vibrations. In fact, the names needle and stylus are used most of the time interchangeably. The needle is the only part of the turntable that comes into contact with the vinyl record. Unfortunately, this component is subjected to hard wear thanks to the pressure it applies to the grooves. (source)

Luckily, there are three desired characteristics of these needles:

• The needle faithfully follows the vinyl record’s groove contour and picks the transmitted vibrations.
• Secondly, the needle does not break the vinyl record despite the amount of force used while on the record’s grooves.
• The stylus is resistant to wear; therefore, it can take years before you ever have to replace your turntable’s needle or cartridge. (source)

Remember, a damaged needle can degrade the quality of sound produced and damage the vinyl records’ grooves. Manufacturers have used different materials to make the needle over the years; in fact, Thomas Edison introduced a diamond stylus in 1910 and a sapphire one in 1892. The early record players used short-lived needles besides the diamond and sapphire stylus.

In fact, the most preferred materials for turntable needles over the years have been tungsten, copper, steel, and bamboo, among others. Unfortunately, steel needles needed replacement regularly, thanks to the high wear and tear rate. Therefore, the adverts asked folks to replace the steel needle after listening to each side of the record player, which meant that you had to purchase lots of needles at once.

Luckily, the steel needles were relatively cheap; in fact, you could get a packet of 500 needles for only 50 American cents. Plus, they were sold in small tins and packets. These needles varied in length and thickness. The longer stylus produced muted softer tones while the short, thick ones made loud, intense sounds. Therefore, record players used the same needle in the past, so you had to pick which type of music you wanted to listen to and enjoy. (source)

The shortage of steel in 1916 forced people to turn to tungs-tone needles. Produced by Victor, these needles played between 100 to 300 records before being replaced. They were long, so you had to use them until they were too short to be used. (source)

Therefore I am sure you are wondering, do record players use the same needles? Technology has changed over the years with better and reliable needles produced. After all, high-end turntables don’t use the same needles as the low-end record players.

Do All Record Players Use the Same Needle?

All turntables come with many components that work together to convert the vibrations to music. And depending on the cartridge, record players can be grouped as the moving coil and magnet cartridges. (source)

The cartridges are electromagnetic generators that convert the vibration (mechanical movement) picked by the stylus. The cartridge converts the vibrations to an electric signal amplified and converted to sound by the amplifier and speakers.

Both the magnetic coil and moving magnet cartridges use a coil and a magnet, vibrating in unison with the needle assembly. These cartridges come with either a permanent or removable stylus; therefore, each turntable brand has a unique needle. Luckily, there is a perfect replacement that you can install in your record player.

Remember, low-end record players, come with a permanent cartridge that supports needle replacement. So when upgrading your turntable, you can install a new high-end stylus that can improve your listening experience.

Therefore, turntable styli are not universal; every turntable comes with a specific needle. After all, folks are allowed to upgrade the stylus of their low-end turntable with the high-end options. But for it to work, you have to make sure that it is compatible with your record player’s original needle. So you may have to do some research online for compatible options for your turntable.

Plus, different types of needles vary in material, size, and shape. These needles also vary in shank construction. Therefore, when replacing your turntable’s needle, you can’t just walk into the local store and pick the first stylus you get on the shelf. You have to choose a replacement needle that matches your device’s needle.

You have to make sure that the replacement needle fits your cartridge perfectly and is compatible with your device. Luckily, many replacement needles match your device online that you can order.

Construction Of The Stylus

Before we even talk about the different types of needles, we need to consider the shank construction. Remember, this needle sits at the tip of the cantilever in the cartridge connected to the tonearm. The needle attached to the cantilever is either a tipped diamond or a nude diamond.

Just as the name suggests, the tipped diamond comes with a diamond tip on the stylus, while the other part consists of metal. But with the nude diamond, the stylus is made from diamond and attached to the cantilever. Luckily, the diamond tracks easily and accurately; plus, it has a lower mass, which means it applies less pressure on the vinyl record’s grooves.

The diamond-tipped needles are less costly to produce, but they increase the stylus’s overall mass. This design will affect the transient response of the tipped diamond than a nude stylus.

Types Of Stylus

As aforementioned, there is no one fits all needle. And that is because every manufacturer tries to design a perfect needle for their different record players. Plus, these needles are designed for reading certain types of vinyl records.

Generally, there are four types of needles, excluding those meant for reading the 78 RPM records. After all, the needles for reading the grooves on 78 RPM are about four times wider than the typical needle for 33 1/3 records. (source)

The radius of the tip for a 78 RPM stylus is about 20mm, and anything smaller than that can ride low in the vinyl’s grooves. A typical stylus will produce noisy signals with a 78 RPM record, accelerating its wear. Plus, 78 RPM records are pretty rare these days, so the four types of the stylus are:

Conical Or Spherical Stylus

The spherical stylus is the most common and the least costly in the market. (source) This stylus resembles the tip of your ballpoint pen. And thanks to their huge radius, this stylus traces less on small grooves with high frequencies.

The rate of wear and tear with the spherical is debatable among members of the Hi-Fi community. Some claim that this needle produces the most wear since the contact region is restricted to only 2 points. On the other hand, some music lovers claim that the spherical stylus produces minor wear. (source)

This stylus has a radius of about 0.6mil*; therefore, it does touch the center of the vinyl record’s groove. This device works perfectly with older and lower to moderately priced turntables. Plus, the tonearm tends to apply high tracking force than the other types of needles. (source)

Elliptical Stylus

The second most common needle in the market is the bi-radial or elliptical stylus. The elliptical stylus contacts a larger area of the grooves than the dual radii. It guarantees you lower distortion (especially in the hard-to-track parts of the grooves), improved phase response, improved frequency response, and more precise tracking.

These needles tend to wear a bit faster than the conical stylus. So, you will have to pay attention to the tonearm alignment and cartridge for perfect results. (source) The elliptical stylus has two radii; the wider front radii and the side radii. Its unique design makes it possible for the needle to track the middle of the groove. At the same time, the side radius allows it to track more accurately. (source)

Compared to the spherical stylus, this needle has a narrower back to the front area and an extended vertical contact region. This needle is available in 3 sizes: 0.4 by 0.7mil, 0.3 by 0.7mil, and 0.2 by 0.7mil, with the first number representing the side radius. Remember, the smaller the side radius, the better the sound quality produced. The smaller the tip radius, the less tracking force you will ever need. (source)

Hyper Elliptical

The third most common stylus is the hyperelliptic needle, also referred to as stereohedron, fine line, or Shibata. This stylus represents the next phase of stylus evolution, which is sharpening the needle for more significant contact. When correctly aligned, this needle can offer low record wear, improved tracking, longer tip life, and high-frequency performance. This stylus has an even longer vertical contact area than the elliptical needles.

But thanks to its vast tracing footprint, this stylus can produce more noise on worn-out records. This stylus is ideal for high-end cartridges. (source)

The MicroLine Stylus

The Microline also referred to as the micro-ridge, is one of the most advanced needles in the market. This computer-designed needle has a unique tip that resembles the stylus used to make the master disc. Its unique multilevel ridge shape will guarantee high-performance frequency with exceptional life and extended record. Unfortunately, they are pretty expensive and difficult to manufacture. (source)

Why Does The Shape Of The Stylus Matter?

If you are a casual turntable enthusiast, you don’t have to lose too much sleep over the shape of the stylus. But for audiophiles, the shape of the stylus matters because of the following:

• The construction and shape of the needle play a key role in sound replication, thanks to its access to the groove’s surface.
• The shape of the stylus also plays a crucial role in the record player’s rate of wear and tear.
• The shape and construction affect the stylus price; therefore, if you have some cash and want to upgrade your record player, you need to know the benefits and types of the style.

How Do You Know When It’s The Right Time To Replace The Stylus?

Fortunately, physical and audible indicators can tell you when to replace the needle. A few things on the physical sign can show you if the needle is damaged. Some of them include:

• Misshaped or crooked needle tip
• The stylus may jump or skip out of the record’s grooves when playing.
• Accumulated muck on the tip of the stylus might be the culprit. The accumulated dirt can be black spots, which means that you haven’t cleaned your record player in a long time.

On the audible side, there are a few things you have to listen to and consider. Some of them include:

• The record won’t sound great when using a damaged or old stylus
• The record will produce a static or crackling noise
• It may create distorted music

When this happens, then it is time to replace the turntable needle. But make sure you get a suitable replacement for your record player. And if the record player’s needle cannot be removed, you will have to replace the entire cartridge. (source)

If you didn’t purchase a new turntable, the chances are that the needle is not in good shape. Plus, you don’t know if the previous owner took good care of it. So the first thing you should do is replace the stylus with a new one. You can even choose to upgrade your device’s needle to a high-end option.

How To Replace The Stylus

Generally, you should replace the needle after every 3 to 5 years or after 1,000 hours of play. So if you can replace your record player’s needle, then you should do the following:

• Unplug the turntable and hold its arm using your non-dominant hand.
• Grip the metal or plastic case covering the needle using the other hand
• Pinch the sides of the needle and remove it
• Slide the needle out of the cartridge while ensuring it is parallel to the tonearm. If the needle can’t come out, you will have to go online and look for the manual.
• If the stylus is attached to the cartridge frame, then it’s not removable. So you may have to replace the entire cartridge.
• With the old stylus removed, you can look for a perfect replacement. Most needles have some numbers or letters on them. These numbers are the model numbers, and they can help you get a replacement. You can order a suitable replacement online or a better option if you’re upgrading the turntable.
• Slide the new needle into the cartridge with the stylus facing outside. Remember, the stylus is very sharp; you should wear some rubber gloves, but make sure you don’t touch the needles’ tip. (5)

FAQs

Does The Stylus Fit Any Turntable?

The stylus, also referred to as the needles, are not universal. Every turntable uses a certain kind of stylus, so it is technically impossible to replace your record player’s needle with a different type of needle. So make sure they are compatible with the original stylus before purchasing it.

How Do I Know If The Needle For My Turntable Can Be Replaced?

If you are not sure it is replaceable, you can look at the tonearm. You can replace the needle if some screws mount your cartridge to the tonearm. But if there are no screws, you will not be able to replace them.

Are All The Needles Diamond?

Most of the modern needles are made using either sapphire or diamond. But there are some needles made from sapphire-diamond combination and steel. Therefore, not all needles are made from diamonds or have a diamond tip.

Conclusion

The needle is the most crucial part of the turntable, which is responsible for the quality of the sound produced by your record player. Unfortunately, no one needle fits all kinds of turntables. So before replacing your record player’s needle, you need to know the difference between the several types of needles in the market. Remember, before installing a different kind of needle, you have to make sure that it’s compatible.

Sources

1. Audio-Technica staff, Audio-Solutions Question of the Week: What are the Differences Between Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Phono Cartridges? Accessed January 07, 2022
   
2. Wikipedia Contributor, Phonograph, Accessed January 07, 2022
   
3. Jess Thompson, The Different Types of Turntable Styli (and Which is Right for you) Accessed January 07, 2022
   
4. Tucker Bowe, When Should You Replace Your Turntable’s Stylus, Accessed January 07, 2022
   
5. Eric McClure, How to Change the Needle on a Record Player? Accessed January 07, 2022

Does the fact that your turntable is revolving too fast keep you up every night? If it does, you’re an audiophile, and you appreciate the music art. Therefore, you love the idea of listening to live music, and digital music just can’t cut it for you. Plus, you may have a perfect pitch and can tell when the turntable is playing too fast. So to help you solve this issue, we have prepared the following guide to fix a record player that plays too fast.

The vinyl records come in three speeds: 78 rpm, 45 rpm, and 33 1/3 per minute (generally referred to as a 33). The RPM shows how fast your record player should be spinning; therefore, you will know when the speed changes. (source)

Generally, one determines the speed of the record player by the vinyl record; after all, they are designed to spin at a certain pace when playing. You have come to the right place if you notice that your record player is moving too fast. So in this article, we will show you how to fix a record player that is playing too fast. We’ll also show you why your record player is playing too fast.

Is the Record Player Playing Too Fast?

You should first pick the right spinning speed when you purchase the record player. And if it is not spinning at the right pace, then a technician at the store will help you calibrate it. After all, if calibrated correctly, it can play different vinyl records.

Remember, if the record player is spinning too slowly, it will sound like the battery is low. If the record player is spinning too fast, the music will sound like Alvin-and-the-Chipmunks. (source) And as an audiophile, this can be very frustrating. Therefore, you will know when the speed of the turntable changes.

Generally, only three turntable speeds can play all the vinyl records in the market. For 12-inch vinyl, you will require a rate of about 33 RPM. On the other hand, a 7-inch disc requires a 45 RPM, while the older 10-inch discs play at 78 RMP. So it’s crucial you set the record’s speed correctly. But at times, the record can start spinning faster than usual. (source)

Unfortunately, once you start believing that your record player is playing too fast, your subconscious will convince you that you’re right, and you’ll begin hearing more evidence. So before jumping to a conclusion, it’s always a good idea to first determine if it’s spinning at the right speed. But most folks don’t know how to test the speed of their record player. In fact, most record player owners have never heard of a device for setting the pace of their player.

How Can I Determine the Speed of My Record Player?

To test the speed of the turntable, you need a stroboscopic system. This system features a cardboard disc with equally spaced marks that goes on the record player. In fact, some record players have stroboscopic markings on their edges. This process works thanks to the optical illusion that can help you make precise and fast adjustments when the speed increases. (source)

If you reside in Australia, Asia, or Europe, you will require a 50 Hz disc, and in North America, you will need a disc marked 60 Hz. Fortunately, you can download these discs from the internet or purchase the disc from the local stores. If the record player is spinning at the right speed, the markings may seem to stand still. If the turntable appears to rotate to the right or left, then the spinning rate is off, So you have to adjust it.

The slower or faster the drift, the bigger the error; this illusion is more visible under most lights, including fluorescents. However, some folks prefer LED bulbs or specialized strobe lights. Press the play button, place the strobe disc, and lower the tone-arm for better results. Lowering the tone-arm and pressing play will let you compensate for the extra drag that the stylus and record will impose. (source)

Some unique apps can also help you determine the turntable’s speed, such as the RPM iOS. The RPM (iOS) uses the phone’s gyroscope to measure the turntable’s speed. (source) All you have to do is start the program and place your smartphone on the platter, and press play. The program will measure the speed of the turntable.

How Can You Fix a Record Player That Is Spinning Too Fast?

Even though you set the speed correctly when you purchased the turntable, some record player parts will start wearing out with time. And this will force some features of the record player to either spin faster or slower, thereby distorting the quality of your music. But before you start looking for solutions for this issue, you need to find out the cause of the problem. Plus, this will help you troubleshoot and eventually repair your record player:

Lube, Clean, and Check Every Part of the Turntable

The first thing you should do is ensure that every movable part of the turntable is lubricated and clean. After all, the accumulation of dirt and dust can leave some turntable parts dry and clogged. So before you even test anything else, you should first ensure that the device is well maintained.

Remember, lots of gears and motors in the turntable help your device function better. And for these parts to work, they have to be lubricated, and if there is too much friction, then the turntable’s speed can change. Too much friction can strain some parts of the turntable leaving the others to move even faster than expected.

Another reason the turntable can move faster is the presence of grime and dirt on some of the most crucial parts of the turntable. Dirt or grime on different parts of the turntable can affect the turntable’s speed. So before you even check the other details for wear and tear, you can lube and clean all the movable parts of the turntable.

After all, you must make sure everything is working flawlessly before tweaking the machine. So the first thing you should do is uninstall the platter and look at the motor’s tip. If you notice any grime or dirt, you should scrape it off before cleaning it using a few drops of synthetic oil like the Redline D4-ATF.

Remember, the spindle and the motor’s shaft enter the housing, so you should only use two drops of the Redline D4-ATF. If purchasing a quart of high-tech, cool, exotic transmission lubricant is too much, you should go for the 20-weight oil with PTFE. Before reinstalling the platter, you should also examine the belt. The belt can get misplaced or stretched if it is rubbing on anything.

On the other side, if particles of the turntable belt wear out, they can gunk on the motor pulley resulting in the record player spinning faster. And that is because of the increase in diameter of the motor pulley. So when this happens, you should remove the belt and then clean the pulley using a Q-tip cotton swab dipped in alcohol. But make sure you don’t use rubbing alcohol as it contains lanolin that will force the belt to slip. (source)

After cleaning and lubricating some of the most crucial parts of the turntable, you should reassemble the device and test it. If the speed of the record player is still high, you should proceed to the next step.

Confirm if There Are Any Turntable Belt Problems

The turntable belt resembles all the other straps you may have seen in other devices, including vacuum cleaners. Therefore, it is bound to get repositioned or stretch with time resulting in the speed of the turntable changing. When stretched, even a few millimeters, it can slow down. Even as little as an increase by 6mm can distort your music. (source)

The turntable’s speed can change when one repositions the belt, and its spinning rate increases or decreases accordingly. If it stays in the wrong position for too long, it can become overstretched. If it is repositioned, it can tighten, resulting in the speed of the record player increasing. The best solution is to replace the belt, but you could shrink it back to the average size if it’s still in exceptional condition.

If the turntable belt ends up stretching because of being repositioned, then you should either shrink it down or replace it. To replace the belt, you should do the following:

How to Replace a Damaged Turntable Belt

When dealing with any repair work, the first thing you should do is disconnect it from the power. Unplugging the turntable will help prevent electrical shocks and keep the motor safe. Next, remove the plastic mat that supports the record when playing. Removing the plastic mat is relatively easy; all you have to do is pull it off and place it in a safe place.

Remove the platter situated below the plastic mat, which has two access holes that make it possible for you to monitor the motor. Turn it upside down and place it on a flat surface and then stretch the new belt over the platter’s center hub. Make sure the belt is straight, and if there is a ribbon on it, you can align it with the access holes. It makes it easy for you to install the belt over the motor.

If the platter has no access holes, then you should place a peg on the platter’s edge with the belt already installed on the center circle. Stretch it over the peg and create a round-bottomed triangle. You should ignore this step if the platter has two access holes.

Reinstall the platter making sure the access holes expose its motor; you can use the access holes to access the motor and then stretch it around the body of the motor. If it doesn’t have access holes, you should align the peg or post with the motor spindle. Finally, you can spin the platter clockwise and then anticlockwise to hook the belt on the motor. (source)

After replacing the turntable belt, you can proceed and measure its spinning speed and confirm if it’s back to normal. If the problem persists, you should try switching the spinning speed using the speed selector switch. If it doesn’t work, you should proceed to the next step.

A Speed Selector Switch Issue

All the turntables made after 1960 come with a 2-speed speed-selector switch for 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. (source) Unfortunately, the speed selector can get damaged or be covered with dust, resulting in the speed of the turntable increasing. Accumulation of the grime or the dirt in this switch can force too much voltage on the turntable’s motor, forcing it to spin faster.

If the platter spins slower or faster when you switch the spinning speed, the issue could be the switch. So you can either clean it or replace it once and for all. Cleaning it can work but only for a short period. On the other hand, replacing it can seem costly, but it will save a lot of cash in the end. After confirming that every component is functioning perfectly, the issue may be with calibration.

Rotation Speed Calibration Problems

The calibration issue is the most straightforward solution, especially if you already know how to set the turntable’s speed. Generally, the turntable comes already calibrated when new and functions correctly. But with time, the motor’s speed can change abruptly and need to be calibrated. But before you conclude that it is a calibration problem, you should troubleshoot the above issues.

If the problem persists even after cleaning and lubricating the dry parts of the turntable, then the issue may be with calibration. If the turntable’s speed is still high, you should try calibrating your turntable. Fortunately, most turntables come with manuals that you can find online. Plus, most manuals will show you exactly where the adjustment screws are situated.

If you are using a vintage turntable and can’t find the manual, you can look for a similar model. If you still can’t find the adjustment screws, then you should lift the pad and confirm if the adjustment screw is below the platter. If the adjustment screws are not below the platter, you should look below the motor.

Some turntables have surface holes or knobs that make it easy for you to adjust the turntable from the surface. You can change other turntables from beneath. But you must level your record player before you make any adjustments. Place it on a piece of wood or between two tables to access the underneath parts of the turntable.

The adjustment screws are a set positioned next to each other. The screw that turns clockwise increases the turntable’s speed while the other one lowers the rate. So make sure you set the 33 1/3 RPM first. Some audiophiles use a small screwdriver to adjust, but that is not mandatory. the screws can help change the velocity of the potentiometers, so you should be patient and measure the speed using the app. (source)

Remember, it can be almost impossible to set the right speed, and you might never get to the point in some cases. After all, even if you are 3% off, you will still notice the lag or speed of the turntable is still high. So you have to be very careful and take your time to get within 1% of accuracy.

FAQs

Why Are My Vinyl Records Playing Fast?

The issue is usually a belt that has been improperly installed. If your turntable’s belt slips out of its grooves when the record is playing, it will start riding up and down. The movement of the belt up and down the spindle will force the platter to start spinning fast. Therefore, you will have to reinstall the belt in the platter’s inner ring.

How Can I Fix a Record Player That Is Spinning Too Fast?

The best method for repairing a turntable that spins too fast is recalibrating it. Some screws below the splatter can help you set the right spinning speed. If you don’t know where the calibrating screws are, consult the manual.

Can Dirt Accumulation Increase the Speed of the Turntable?

If not well maintained, most turntable’s movable parts can dry, resulting in increased friction. High friction can strain some parts of the turntable, leaving others to spin very fast.

Conclusion

If not well maintained, the turntable’s speed can increase, resulting in it producing distorted sound. When new, turntables are typically well-calibrated, but the spinning rate can improve with time. Luckily, there is a solution for this problem, and if every other component is working perfectly, then the only solution is recalibrating it.

Sources

1. Rich Tozzoli, Here’s What You Need to Know About Vinyl, Accessed December 24, 2021
2. Libby Plummer, How toSet Up and Maintain Your Turntable for Analogue Audio Joy, Accessed December 24, 2021
3. Nelson Kline, Dialing in Your Turntable Speed, Accessed December 24, 2021
4. Wikihow Contributor, How to Replace a Record Player Belt, https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Record-Player-Belt/ Accessed December 24, 2021
5. Sam Sauls, Audio Production Worktext: Concepts, Techniques, and Equipment, Accessed December 24, 2021
6. NewYork Times staff, How to Set Up Turntable, Accessed December 24, 2021

Has your record player suddenly gone quiet, and you’re looking for ways to solve the problem? Then you’re in the right place. This article discusses all the possible reasons why your record player is quiet and the best ways to get the volume back up.

The most common culprit behind a record player suddenly going quiet is the cartridge. However, several faults can arise and cause your record player to go silent. The good news is that it is easy to fix all of these faults.

Record players, by nature, are not designed to give out the sound with the volume you would get from your regular TV or CD player.

Record players instead produce a super low electrical signal produced by the movement of the stylus on the groove.

These electrical signals need double amplification. It is where the preamplifier and the amplifier come in.

The preamplifier reads these signals and changes them into a LINE. The amplifier then reads this LINE signal and then transmits it aloud as the sound or music we enjoy.

If you follow the instructions in the record player’s manual to the detail and set it up correctly, then your record player should not be quiet. If you are experiencing sound issues with your record player, there might be other reasons for low sound or sound loss.

The Most Common Reasons Why Your Record Player Is Silent

Let’s go over some of the possible reasons for a quiet record player and how to solve these issues.

1. Cartridge Problems

A record player cartridge is also known as a phonograph cartridge, and this component houses the stylus that reads the sound from the record’s groove.

The cartridge identifies the sound patterns and runs through the grooves to produce quality musical notes.

There are two variations of a record player’s cartridge.

They are known as the

• Moving Magnet Cartridges (MM)
• Moving Coil Cartridges (MC)

Standard or lower-end turntables, in most instances, come with a Moving Magnet cartridge. At the same time, the higher-end record players are populated by Moving Coil cartridges.

It goes without saying that if you are not a vinyl record lover with a costly record player, you quite possibly own a record player with a Moving Magnet cartridge.

Record-loving fans prefer the record players with Moving Coil cartridges is because MC cartridges have a lower mass that allows them to read the grooves in the record with more precision, speed, and accuracy. It, in turn, results in better reproduction of the recorded sound.

On the other hand, the MC cartridges are known to produce a much weaker Phono signal than the premium MM cartridges. It is why they are primarily found in lesser record player models.

Differences between both cartridges are shown in the table below.

The PHONO signal released from an MC cartridge is typically weaker than the PHONO signal emitted from a MM cartridge.

By default, the MC PHONO signal will need more amplification than a MM PHONO signal to reach the standard LINE signal level of 0.316 Volt.

When purchasing an external preamp, it is vital to check that it supports the cartridge type you use. Some high-output type MC cartridges produce nearly the same signal level as a MM cartridge.

2. Cheap Quality Record Player

The quality of sound your record player will produce depends on the quality of the record player itself. A cheap quality record player will not give you the same sound quality as a high-end record player.

Although high-quality players might seem costly, they are worth investing in in the long run. These record players will last much longer than the cheap ones and will hardly give you difficulties.

3. Needle Problems

The stylus is a pretty essential component of the turntable. It is a tiny dot that rests on the groove, thereby reading and producing sound.

The stylus is bound to lose its texture after a long period of continuous usage. However, the needle can wear out before its time due to dust accumulation.

Although needles are made up of solid materials, they can be affected when dust particles stick to them during the usage period.

Non-stop contact with dust will wear out the needle and make your record sound quieter over time. Excessive use can also cause the stylus to lose its sturdy grip.

4. Bad RCA Cables

It is quite a common occurrence. Many of these cables are cheap and poorly designed, so much so that the soldered connections at the tips eventually break loose due to bending and a few hours of usage.

You can tell your RCA cable is bad by using a multimeter. Once you notice they’re bad or worn out, try to replace your RCA cables with some quality ones. (Source)

5. Speaker Problems

Speakers are responsible for providing us with a good sound, and they come with a remote controller to easily control and adjust the volume.

There are two main types of speakers, the cable speaker that is directly connected to the record player and the Bluetooth speakers that can be connected using a remote control. Most people prefer the second option due to the fast and easy connection and a long time usage guarantee.

Cheap speakers can wear out very quickly. A quick way to find out if you are experiencing speaker problems is to connect your record player to a different speaker. If the problem continues, then you are sure your speaker is yet to wear out.

6. Tonearm Problems

A tonearm is a long arm that supports the cartridge to run smoothly and stop the record disc. It houses the cartridge and stylus and maintains the perfect angle and height with accurate pressure to process its function.

It is an essential component of a record player and most times houses the most problems. Some of the issues that you may experience with tonearms include:

• Tonearm swinging to the side – This issue can arise if your record player is not on a level surface or the balance is off with the arm. Most of the tonearms are incredibly delicate and, as such, need to be handled carefully in the correct manner.
• The tonearm is not lowering – You should notice that the tonearm is not making direct contact with the disc and causing some skips while playing the record. It can be down to the tonearms bridge screw being screwed down too tightly or too loose. A simple adjustment to this bridge screw should fix the problem.

7. Wrong/Incorrect Wiring

It is not at all uncommon for a record player newbie to experience wrong wiring or output connections. However, a few boxes need to be checked before you can conclude or determine if you got your external wiring wrong.

8. Absence Of A Phono Preamp

Every record player needs a preamplifier. It can be a built-in internal preamplifier or a separate external preamplifier. You can also use the preamplifier on your receiver, which you can find in the phono input section.

To produce clear and quality sound, it is imperative to determine which preamp your player utilizes and use just that.

Changes might lead to sound distortions. If your record player does not have a built-in preamplifier, you can purchase an external preamp or use the preamp on your receiver. Qualities to look out for when buying an external preamp include:

• Good timing
• Dynamic and expressive sound
• Sleek design
• Moving magnet
• Moving coil

9. Non-operational Internal Preamp

For record player models that come with a built-in preamp run a check to confirm your record player’s inbuilt preamplifier is on. You should find an on and off switch for this simple command.

If your record player’s internal preamp is on, do not connect your record player into the phono input on your receiver that would result in you using the preamp on the receiver simultaneously. Using both preamps will result in terrible sound distortion and quality.

10. Record Player Plugged Into The Wrong Phono Input On The Receiver

Most audio receivers have a phono input. It is an analog input that is made just for record players. It houses an internal preamplifier that transmits the electronic signal to a line-level which can then be amplified to the speakers.

On the other hand, a line signal is the standard audio output level that most audio devices use as an industry standard.

Devices such as CD players, laptops, mobile phones, and TVs will produce a line signal without any changes or amplification of the signal.

Line signals are more substantial than phono signals, being amplified to an industry-standard voltage. While a phono signal is 0.005 of a millivolt, a line signal is 0.316 volts root-mean-square.

The audio recordings produced from these devices show a much higher electrical signal, and as such, they do not require extra amplification.

By default, when you plug a device into the line input, it will easily play the sound without changing or amplifying the electrical signals.

Differences between line and phono signals are shown in the table below:

Record player owners should pay attention to these differences because the variations strongly affect the production of sound.

You should plug the RCA jacks into the correct phono input for quality sound production if your receiver houses an analog input. It is not uncommon to randomly plug in your record player’s jack into any input on your receiver.

However, it is essential to note that they do not serve the same functions. So always make sure you have plugged in the jack correctly for excellent sound production.

Difference Between The Line Output And The Line Input

Displayed behind your turntable or other audio playing device multiple times, you may find the word “line.” While one of the labels may be just beside the word”phono,” other labels might read “line-in” or “line output.”

It, however, does not mean they are related to line signals entirely.

The line input port close to the phono input port is meant to plug in the audio device cable.

The line-in labeled port is designed to assist with maintaining audio quality while recording.

The line output jack is where you can plug in an external amplification cable. It could be a PA system, headphones, or home theaters.

11. Cheap/Worn Out Record

Cheap records poorly made might be a contributing factor to low sounds. Excessive play of a particular record, too, might result in scratches and wears. It can lead to poor or low sound production by the record player due to its inability to correctly read the record.

How to Make Your Record Player Louder

We have outlined some of the problems you might be experiencing that would cause your record player to be quiet or produce low sounds. Now let’s talk about how to make your record player loud again with a few helpful tips.

Replacing the Cartridge

A faulty or worn-out cartridge is one of the problems to be considered when the volume of the sound produced suddenly goes down. If you have used the cartridge for quite some time, it is possible that the needle has gathered dust or has other defects like scratches and this, in turn, affects its output.

Run a check through the surface of the cartridge to make sure that you are not replacing a fully functional component.

A second method to fix the cartridge issue is to replace the cartridge with an output level that is double its current output level. It is conducive to increasing the sound quality and producing a much louder sound. (Source)

Change The Amplifier

It costs a lot of money to change an amplifier, so you want to be sure the fault is from the amplifier before you decide to make such a pricey investment. Once you have confirmed the preamplifier and the cartridge are not the problems, you can consider changing the amplifier.

The amplifier can be described as the final stage of the record player as it re-equalizes the electronic signal converted by the preamplifier and then amplifies the sound.

You can make the switch to a more powerful version after confirming the current one is faulty so that you can enjoy a much louder and more refined sound. You can / should also seek professional help before making such a decision.

Use High-Sensitivity Speakers

A speaker’s sensitivity is the volume of music a speaker can deliver when a specific power (Watts) passes through it. A higher sensitivity means that most of the power sent to it is converted into sound.

As opposed to a speaker with lower sensitivity that converts all its energy into heat, which is pretty much not useful. (Source)

Sound sensitivity is an essential factor to consider when experiencing any sound complaints. Sound sensitivity is also necessary with loudspeakers and home theatres, not just with your record players but generally with your sound electronics.

Install A Phono Preamp

The function of the phono preamp is to receive the signal sent by the stylus and translate it into a LINE, and it also pre amplifies the sound produced by the record player.

The sound produced by a record player is nothing compared to the sound produced by a CD player or your Home Theater. The quality of sound produced by a record player without using a preamplifier will be low or non-existent. (Source)

If your record player already has an inbuilt phono preamp, but you would still want a louder voice, the next step you should consider would be updating the existing preamp with a higher output level.

A phono preamp with a higher gain will positively affect the quality of the sound produced. The updated preamp will use advanced technology to filter out songs in a better manner, thereby making them super clear and loud. (Source)

There are two types of phonograph preamp, the kind that comes already pre-installed in your record player and the external type that can be attached using external cords.

For built-in record player preamps, mostly its output and gain level are always relatively low. Ensure the external preamp you purchased is of higher quality than what you already have to avoid further damages or complications.

Conclusion

Record players are sensitive items that require proper care and utmost careful maintenance to continue working perfectly.

There are several reasons for a record player to experience volume issues. We have extensively talked about several reasons that could be responsible for low sound production or sound loss and how to solve these problems.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you can troubleshoot and identify the issue with your record player and get it fixed.

Reaching out to an expert for professional help if you realize your record player requires more attention or diagnosis than explained is a great idea. You can also visit your record store for advice or to seek clarity.

Poor or low sound production is not a good enough reason to discard your record player. There are several repair options and hacks to leave it feeling brand new again.

Source

1. Hand Tools For Fun, “How To Test RCA Cables with A Multimeter,” Hand Tools For Fun, Accessed November 18, 2021, https://handtoolsforfun.com/how-to-test-rca-cables-with-a-multimeter/
2. Crutchfield, “How to Replace Your Phono Cartridge,” YouTube Video 9:14, Posted By “Crutchfield,” March 18, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J_kI2hhV5A
3. Gary Altunian, “What Is a Speaker Efficiency or Sensitivity Rating?”, LifeWire, Accessed November 18, 2021, https://www.lifewire.com/amp-power-speaker-efficiency-3135077
4. The Next Web, “Does your record player need an external phono preamp?” The Next Web, Published July 8, 2021, Accessed November 18, 2021, https://thenextweb.com/news/does-record-player-turntable-need-external-phono-preamp-stage
5. Julian Krause, “USE YOUR GAIN! The TRUTH about maximum gain setting (set preamp gain properly and minimize noise),” YouTube Video 11:25, Posted by “Julian Krause,” August 6, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beXVfl1TSD0