It's one of the most frustrating feelings for any vinyl enthusiast—you place that freshly acquired record on your turntable, eagerly anticipating sonic bliss, only to have your listening experience marred by skips and distortion. To help you address this audiophile heartbreak, here's an updated guide on troubleshooting when your records skip.
Understanding the Culprits
Some small pops and crackles can be caused by static electricity, especially right after removing a record from its sleeve. This is a normal part of vinyl playback, but excessive static can cause more serious issues. For the more significant skips, there are generally two culprits: the record itself or your listening setup. The setup is typically the more likely suspect, but we'll explore both possibilities in detail.
Diagnostic Steps
First, check to see if the record skips in the same place consistently. If it does, there's a good chance the vinyl itself is the issue. Another reliable diagnostic approach is to play the record on a different turntable (perhaps at a fellow collector's home or your local record shop). If the vinyl sounds pristine on one system but not on yours, then your setup likely needs adjustment.
Addressing Turntable Setup Issues
Turntable setup is typically the cause when a new record is skipping, usually resulting from issues with the turntable's components or environment.
Critical Turntable Components
The two components most likely to cause skipping are:
Tonearm: If possible, rebalance the tonearm so that the proper weight and vertical tracking force (VTF) are being applied. Each cartridge has an optimal VTF range, and finding the sweet spot is crucial for proper playback. The adjustment process varies by turntable model, so consult your user manual. Note that rebalancing isn't an option for some entry-level turntables.
Stylus/Cartridge: Carefully inspect the stylus (record needle) for wear or accumulated debris like dust. Use a proper stylus-cleaning tool or solution—never touch the stylus directly with your fingers. Replace the cartridge if necessary, as a worn stylus can damage your precious vinyl collection.
Entry-level turntables are generally more susceptible to skipping. Beyond having non-adjustable tonearms, they might lack the precision needed to properly track today's dynamic, bass-heavy modern vinyl pressings. If skipping becomes a recurring issue, consider upgrading your turntable as a worthwhile investment in your vinyl journey.
Environmental Factors
Your turntable could be picking up unwanted vibrations. Uneven surfaces, nearby washing machines, or even footsteps on wooden floors can introduce vibrations that affect playback.
Consider these solutions to minimize vibration:
Place a dedicated isolation platform or thick rubber mat underneath your turntable
Position your setup away from walls, floors, or appliances that might vibrate
Ensure your turntable sits on a perfectly level surface
Use a record weight or clamp to stabilize the vinyl during playback
Install wall-mounted shelving specifically designed for turntables
Record Care and Maintenance
While less common, sometimes the vinyl itself is the source of playback issues. Here's how to address record-specific problems:
Warping
Production issues or improper storage can cause records to warp. Heat and pressure are the primary culprits—whether from sitting in a hot warehouse or being improperly stacked horizontally (always store records vertically!). Shipping mishaps can also contribute to warping.
If you've just purchased a brand-new warped record, your best option is to exchange it for a flat copy. Contact your local record store or online seller promptly for an exchange or refund.
Static Electricity
Static is the invisible enemy of vinyl playback. It attracts dust and can cause pops and crackles during playback. Here's how to combat it:
Use anti-static inner sleeves for all your records
Employ an anti-static brush before and after each playback
Consider a zero-static record mat for your turntable
Maintain proper humidity in your listening room (extremely dry environments increase static)
Use an anti-static gun for particularly problematic records
Dust and Debris
Even new records can arrive with dust particles or fingerprints from the production process. For basic cleaning:
Use an anti-static carbon fiber brush before each play
For deeper cleaning, consider investing in a record cleaning machine
Ultrasonic cleaning systems represent the gold standard in vinyl maintenance—these use high-frequency sound waves to dislodge microscopic debris from record grooves without damaging the vinyl
For home maintenance, a proper record cleaning solution with distilled water on a microfiber cloth can work wonders
Proper Storage Practices
To prevent future issues, follow these vinyl storage best practices:
Always store records vertically, never horizontally (horizontal stacking puts pressure on records, potentially leading to warping and debris being pressed into grooves)
Use anti-static inner sleeves to minimize static buildup and protect against sleeve scuffing
Store in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Consider outer sleeve protection for your album covers
Handle records by their edges or label areas only
Remember the two main culprits—the setup and the record—and that, more often than not, playback issues with a new record point to a turntable or environmental issue. When in doubt, play the record on a different system to rule out the vinyl itself as the source of trouble.
Happy listening, and may your grooves remain skip-free!
Commentaires