While it’s far from being cheap, convenient, or accessible, there seems to be this kind of magic every time you look for, own, and listen to records that modern music files can’t offer.
Nothing can beat vinyl records, from its physical form to the liner notes, artwork, and sound, even with its imperfections included. And that’s why it’s no surprise that vinyl continues to be popular even after over a century since its inception.
However, it’s imperative to do your best to ensure that your turntable always produces the best sound, whether you’re a complete novice in plate spinning or a long-time vinyl enthusiast. Of course, it means you should have the right accessories to complement your growing vinyl collection.
Take a look at some of the essential turntable accessories for vinyl lovers for the ultimate music experience:
Anti-Static Brush
A good brush is one of the first accessories that any vinyl lover should have. Since records often require regular brushing to ensure that dust and dirt don’t accumulate and settle into the grooves, it’s worth investing in a carbon fiber brush with conductive materials that can balance electrostatic charge. You’ll know that static electricity is a real thing if you’ve ever tried opening a record fresh straight from a plastic wrap.
Record Cleaning Kit
The good old-fashioned record cleaning kit is an accessory that a vinyl collector can never live without. Now, you’re probably thinking that there’s nothing wrong with your records. But just so you know, clean records are happy records. These happy records will definitely make your ears happy.
Grime and dust can gather in the grooves of your vinyl records which can affect the quality of sound and worse, may even damage the stylus.
Good thing that there are lots of vinyl record cleaning kits out there for different budgets. Basic kits often include a brush and a cleaning solution, while more advanced ones also come with anti-static cloths and a stylus cleaner.
Yes, the adage cleanliness is next to godliness also applies to your records.
Record Storage
It’s not enough that you just keep your records clean. You also need to store them properly, which means you need a good vinyl record storage. There are storage solutions for different budgets and styles, from stylish shelves to the simpler crates.
When shopping for a record storage, take note of your available space and the size of your vinyl collection. Make sure your records are also store vertically to keep them safe from warping. They should also be kept away from exposure to direct sunlight.
Record Weight
Have you seen a vinyl record that resembles a cereal bowl rather than a flat disc? This issue is known as warping. But more than its unsightly appearance, it can also make your record produce a wobbly sound, often called wow or flutter.
Warped records occur because of two primary records, both of which are due to incorrect storage. Storing your vinyl records stacked on top of one another or at a certain angle over a long time is the primary cause as well as exposing them to sunlight and excessive heat.
Warping, however, can also happen during distribution or manufacturing although this is a more common occurrence in the brand new vinyl records than the pre-loved vintage ones.
A record weight can come in handy if your collection has some warped records. Record clamps or weights are temporary fixes that can keep warped records flat while spinning. Most audiophiles also agree that record weights get rid of resonance and improve bass by coupling the platter and record.
But while record weights are convenient and cheap, they won’t fix extremely warped records with that deep-dish pizza appearance. Flattening and exposing those to heat might help but there’s no assurance there. Take note also that a skipping doesn’t always mean that you have warped records.
Sleeves
After doing your best to clean your records, you now have to keep them in their original condition when you first purchased them or as close to it as possible. Outer and inner sleeves serve two diverse purposes.
The inner sleeves keep the actual record protected from the elements such as dust, dirt, and other abrasives. Most records feature some sort of sleeve that you can count on. Meanwhile, the outer sleeves protect the outside jacket of the vinyl record that can wear down after some time, especially if not protected.
Stylus Cleaner
Your needle will soon gather gunk even if you’re using a dust brush and you have clean records. There are cleaning solutions and brushes to address this but you might want to think twice before rubbing these on your delicate stylus. Be sure to get a quality stylus cleaner to protect this critical part of your turntable.
Tracking Force Gauge
It’s critical to use an accurate tracking force to preserve your records and achieve the best audio quality. Tracking force gauges let you measure the exact downward force that the stylus exerts on the surface of the record. Ensuring the right tracking force can minimize wear on records and extend the stylus’ life, which makes it one of the essential turntable accessories for vinyl lovers.
Turntable Mat
Turntable mats are important components of vinyl playback systems and rank as some of the most important vinyl accessories. An upgrade of this humble accessory can make a big difference in the quality of sound.
You can choose from several types of materials for turntable mats. Felt or cork in particular is favored because of their ability to dampen vibrations. Reducing vibrations allow the creation of at stable platform for the vinyl records so that the stylus traces the grooves precisely.
The turntable mat also offers the vinyl protection from coming into close contact with the platter to minimize the possibility of distortion and scratches. This is a cost-effective and easy way to improve your overall listening experience and create an undistorted pure sound that any audiophile simply loves.
Be sure to get these essential turntable accessories for vinyl lovers and take your listening experience to a whole new level!