As any analog music lover will tell you, well-maintained vinyl transforms the listening experience considerably. However, to fully enjoy this unique aural experience, it’s essential to take care of both your precious records and your turntable. This article will guide you through all aspects of caring for your vinyl collection and your hi-fi equipment.
Vinyl care
Why maintain your vinyl?
Firstly, it preserves the sound quality of your recordings. Dust, debris and fingerprints are all elements that can alter the sound, creating unwanted crackling and pops. A clean vinyl offers an optimal listening experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the richness of the analog format. What’s more, meticulous care guarantees the longevity of your records. Well-maintained vinyl can last through the decades, even beyond the century, retaining its sound quality. This is particularly crucial for collectors and audiophiles looking to preserve rare or limited editions. Maintenance also plays an essential role in maintaining the value of your collection. Records in excellent condition retain, and even increase, their value over time, which is an important consideration for collectors and investors. Last but not least, regular cleaning prevents irreversible damage: by removing particles that could scratch the surface of the disc, you ensure the longevity of your collection.
How to preserve your vinyl?
How you store your vinyl is also crucial to its long-term preservation. Store them vertically in Nagaoka RS-LP2 anti-static inner sleeves, for example, and then in their original sleeves. Avoid stacking them horizontally or placing them near hot equipment (consoles, internet boxes, etc.), as this could deform or scratch them. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct light. A stable temperature and low humidity are ideal for preventing mildew.
The frequency of maintenance depends on the use and storage conditions of your vinyl. Light cleaning before and after each play is recommended.
A thorough cleaning can be performed every 10 to 20 plays, or more frequently if the record is visibly dirty. Regular visual inspection will enable you to detect any damage or signs of early wear, allowing you to adjust your maintenance routine accordingly.
Finally, proper handling of your discs is just as important as cleaning them. Always hold them by the edges and center, carefully avoiding touching the playing surface. For collectible or particularly precious vinyl, the use of gloves is recommended, offering extra protection against fingerprints and skin residues.
How to clean vinyl?
For optimum care of your vinyl, several tools and products are essential. A carbon-fiber brush, such as the Audioquest Anti-Static Record Brush, is essential for daily cleaning, before and after each playback. Pass it gently over the surface of the record, following the direction of the grooves, to remove dust and volatile particles.
For a more thorough cleaning, invest in a quality vinyl cleaning fluid and soft microfibre cloths – the Nagaoka CTW-SET1 kit is perfect for this. Apply the liquid to the cloth, never directly to the record, then gently clean along the grooves from the centre outwards. This method removes stubborn dirt without damaging the surface of the vinyl.
Serious collectors should consider purchasing a vinyl cleaning machine that offers deep cleaning without the risk of damage. Consider the Spin Clean, which is excellent for its price, or the Humminguru, which has just arrived and is automatic. To use a vinyl washing machine, place the record on the central spindle, apply a small amount of cleaning solution, then lower the cleaning arm. Activate the platter rotation and let the machine clean the record for a few revolutions. Finally, raise the arm, remove the record and gently dry it if necessary.
Vinyl turntable maintenance
Why maintain your turntable?
The maintenance of your turntable is just as crucial as that of your records. A well-maintained turntable delivers optimum performance, guaranteeing precise playback and perfectly reproduced sound quality. Every component of the turntable, from platter to cartridge to tone arm, plays a crucial role in the faithful reproduction of the sound recorded on vinyl. Regular maintenance ensures that all these elements work in perfect harmony.
The longevity of your equipment is directly linked to its maintenance. A well-maintained turntable can accompany you for decades, fully justifying the initial investment. What’s more, a turntable in good condition protects your precious vinyl records. Poorly maintained equipment, with a badly adjusted arm or worn cell, can cause irreversible damage to your records, scratching their surface or prematurely wearing out the grooves.
Finally, regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and malfunctions. By identifying and resolving minor problems before they become serious, you can avoid costly repairs and preserve the reliability of your audio system.
How to preserve your turntable
Always keep some spare parts on hand. For belt-driven turntables, carry a spare belt to match your model. Some models also require a specific oil for the platter bearing. Pro-ject’s oil is top for maintaining constant speed.
For belt-driven decks, inspect the belt regularly for signs of wear or deterioration. A belt in good condition is essential to maintain a stable rotational speed. Replace it every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if you notice signs of wear.
For diamonds, it depends on your use, but in general, every 1000 to 2000 listening hours, or every 2-3 years for the average user.
Maintenance frequency varies according to the use and environment of your turntable. Weekly general cleaning is recommended, while diamond cleaning should be carried out after each use. Check the settings monthly, or after each move of the turntable. Belt replacement depends on use, but an annual inspection is recommended.
How to clean your turntable
Vinyl turntable maintenance starts with regular cleaning. Dust your turntable frequently with a soft antistatic cloth, such as the one from Tonar. For plastic or metal parts, use a specific cleaner for these materials. Be careful not to leave any residue that could affect the operation of the turntable.
The cell and diamond require special care. Gently clean the diamond with a special brush, such as Tonar’s simple brush, after each use to remove dust and vinyl residues. Regularly check the alignment of the cell with a jig – Ortofon’s is a must, as misalignment can affect sound quality and damage your records.
Your turntable’s settings are crucial to its performance. Check and adjust the contact force and anti-skating periodically, using the appropriate tools. Pro-Ject’s Measure It DS precision balance will enable you to set your cartridge’s contact force correctly. An Audio Technica AT 6180 strobe disk will help you check and adjust platter rotation speed. Finally, the Level-It bubble level will help you ensure that your turntable is perfectly horizontal, as a slight tilt can affect playback and wear your discs unevenly.
A few tips:
- When buying old or second-hand vinyl, remember to clean it thoroughly before first listening, and consider using a vinyl cleaning machine for difficult cases.
- For distorted vinyl, there is an effective but expensive solution: furutech DF-2
Maintaining your vinyl records and turntable may seem tedious, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Not only will you preserve the sound quality of your collection, but you’ll also extend the life of your equipment. With regular and proper care, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite music in the best possible conditions for many years to come.
N’oubliez pas que chaque collection est unique, et vous apprendrez à connaître les besoins spécifiques de la vôtre au fil du temps. N’hésitez pas à nous consulter pour des conseils plus personnalisés.
Remember that every collection is unique, and you’ll get to know the specific needs of yours over time. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more personalized advice.