5 Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up Your Turntable

Because plugging it in and hoping for the best won’t cut it

Lots of people spend a small fortune on a turntable and then ruin the experience with a bunch of silly mistakes that could have been avoided with just a bit of attention. This is for you if you just bought your first one — and also if you've been using vinyl for years and still don’t know what a spirit level is.

Here are five mistakes you’re (probably) making without realizing it:

1. Your turntable isn’t level

Yes, it’s that simple. If the platter isn’t perfectly horizontal, the stylus won’t sit properly in the groove. And if the stylus doesn’t sit properly, the sound’s going to suffer.

Fix: Use a spirit level (yes, the one buried in your drawer) and adjust it. Most turntables have adjustable feet. Turn them until the bubble’s centered and you're good.

2. Vibrations are killing your sound

Sure, vibrations make music possible — but the ones that don’t come from the record? You don’t want them anywhere near your setup. If your turntable sits on a wobbly table, a hollow cabinet, or right next to a speaker, you’re asking for trouble.

Fix: The denser and more stable the surface, the better. Ideal: a hi-fi rack. Even better: a dedicated isolation platform. At the very least, keep it away from your speakers and anything that vibrates.

3. Tracking weight is off

You’ve heard of “tracking weight,” right? If it’s too heavy, say goodbye to your records. If it’s too light, your stylus will dance across the vinyl like it’s flamenco night.

Fix: Check your cartridge’s manual (yes, the one you threw away) for the recommended weight. It’s usually between 1.5 and 2.5 grams. Adjust the tonearm counterweight to hit that number. Want to be precise? Get a stylus gauge.

4. Your records are dirtier than a bar table

Spending 500€ on a turntable only to spin greasy, dusty records makes zero sense. Your stylus isn’t magic. If there's gunk in the groove, there’s garbage in your sound.

Fix: Don’t touch the playing surface. Hold records by the edges. Store them with the opening facing in. Use a carbon fiber brush before every spin. Got money? Get a cleaning machine. No budget? At least get a decent cleaning fluid and a soft cloth.

5. You're using a lousy phono preamp

The weakest link in your system could be what’s holding it back — and often, it’s the phono stage.

Fix: If your turntable has a built-in preamp, fine, it’ll do for now. But upgrade as soon as you can. Get a proper external phono stage or an amp with a solid built-in one. Don’t trust the “phono in” label on the box — that doesn’t mean it sounds good. Read reviews. Do your research. And most importantly: listen.

In Summary:

You don’t need a €2,000 deck to enjoy vinyl. But you do need common sense, a bit of care, and zero rush. Vinyl isn’t about speed — it’s about doing things right.

If your turntable’s already set up, double-check this list. And if you’re about to get one, start off on the right foot. Your records — and your ears — will thank you.