Simple Turntable Repair Guide To Tune Slow Speaker

 If your record player is playing a bit slower than it used to run before, maybe it has an internal problem. With usage time, record players become slow for many reasons. From dirt accumulation to an expanded belt, there are various different problems that can considerably affect the speed of your record player. Luckily, you can fix a slow record player with its turntable repair in a few simple steps only.

What Should Be Speed Of Playing Records?

First of all, before you start fixing the speed of your record player, it is necessary to know that various vinyl records play at different speeds based on their composition. Usually, vinyl records play at one of these three speeds:

Ø  33 RPM

Ø  45 RPM

Ø  78 RPM

Though, 78 RPM (Rotations per minute) records are harder to find than the standard ones, 45 and 33, nowadays. 

If you love listening to these records, you need to ensure that the turntable you are using is capable of playing at the suitable speed of the vinyl record itself. Fortunately, the majority of turntables today are able to play at 33, 45, and 78 RPM. However, you must understand that switching between 33 and 78 RPM records is very different from changing to 33 and 45 RPM easily.

For the maximum sound and quality in your vinyl records, you must be aware of these speeds and understand how to correctly adjust the belt when switching between different records. If you play 33 RPM on a 45 RPM speed, it is not necessary it will damage the record, but it will certainly change the sound quality that is produced when playing the record.

How to Fix a Slow Record Player?

Fixing a slow record player is quite a simple process. If you do not know exactly where to start, start with the following simple steps to identify what is slowing down your record player:

1.      Test Speed of Record Player

At first, you have to test your record player speed to check if it is really running slow, and if it is, how much difference it is. When you want to test the speed of your record player, there are two common methods to do so:

Compare Your Audio With Digital Playback

Take out a digital format of the song to compare it to the playback of your vinyl record player. With the song streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, or any other digital app, you can be sure that this format of the song is playing at an accurate speed. Play songs side by side; listen on a lower pitch, and generally on a slower sound in surroundings. If you find the pitch a bit off, it is a sign that your record player is slow and requires a quick fix. 

Perform A Stroboscopic Disk Check

Comparing your record playbacks is a great way to find out a slow running record player. But if you want an additional visual approach, you can also use a stroboscopic disc to visualize the variation.

2.      Clean Your Record Player Carefully

When speed testing is done, you must give your record player a thorough clean from top to bottom. You will require some cleaning items to do so:

Ø  Lubricant with PTFE

Ø  Carbon fibre brush

Ø  Microfiber cloth

Ø  Rubbing alcohol

Start by simply pulling up the stylus and spinning a record, and use a carbon fibre brush to remove any accumulated dust and static charge. 

3.  Check Belt

The next step to fixing your slow record player is checking its belt to see if it has stretched and got loose. Sometimes, a loose belt becomes the main reason for a slow record player. It happens because, without the hold of the belt on the pulley, the turntable will move very slow, impacting the overall sound and quality of the playback.

If you think your belt is loose, there are some options to resolve this issue:

·         Boil the belt in hot water

·         Apply talc on the pulley

·         Replace the complete belt

4.      Make Fine-Tuning Alterations

So if you have determined that there is a lag in your playback, cleaned your record player a good clean, and checked for the stretched or distorted belt, the final step to fixing a slow record player is to make required fine-tune adjustments in its motor. 

To do so, you will require digging up the record player manually you have packed away somewhere or view a manual online for the record player’s model. If you don’t find a manual for your model of record player online, you can always search for a similar record player and start what is suggested in that manual.

Generally, you have to find out the adjustment screws for your record player. Sometimes they are under the platter, though in some cases, they can also be somewhere below the record player itself. Once you discover those screws, you will have to ensure the level of your record player before making any changes, then make adjustments as required:

·         Turn clockwise to speed up the platter

·         Turn anticlockwise to slow down the platter

 Following these steps can get your record player running back to speed quickly. However, one way you can prevent minor issues like slow record playback in the future is by checking it by a professional. When you buy a record player, it is vital that each and every feature of the turntable is made with high-quality equipment.

Trying To Fix a Turntable By Yourself?

To ensure the best performance, it is important to make sure the right tracking weight and cartridge alignment of your turntable. Check your User Manual for more details and instructions. If you don't have one for Turntable Repair, you can just call Speaker Hospital, who will guide you on user and service manuals for thousands of turntables. We provide repair services for all major brands and speaker types.

  Disclaimer: This is a generic Information & post; content about the services can be changed from time to time as per your requirements and contract. To get the latest and updated information, contact us today or visit our website.