Contents
- Can I simply connect a turntable to my system?
- How do I properly set up my turntable?
- Should I mount the dust cover?
- Can I play any record without restrictions?
- Which speed is the correct one?
- I hear a hum through the speakers – what can I do?
- The record does not run completely evenly – is that normal?
- The needle does not land properly at the beginning of the record – what can I do?
Can I simply connect a turntable to my system?
That depends on whether your system has a Phono input. Check the connections on your amplifier or refer to the user manual.
- If your amplifier has an input labeled "Phono" or similar, you can connect the turntable directly. Make sure your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamplifier or that it can be disabled.
- If your amplifier does not have a phono input, you need a phono preamplifier. These are available from specialty retailers starting at about 50 euros. Many DUAL or Pro-Ject turntables already have the preamp integrated. Note: Turntables with a built-in phono preamplifier must be connected to LINE/AUX, not to PHONO.
The phono preamplifier can sometimes be optionally activated or deactivated via a slide switch on the back of the device – as with the DUAL DT 500:
Of course, you can also find stereo systems (including Bluetooth and DAB+) combined with record players from us.
Recommended reading:
- Connecting your record player – Phono and other connections
- How to Care for Your Records: Dos and Don’ts for Vinyl Lovers
- A quick guide to turntables
How do I properly set up my turntable?
For starters, a few simple steps are enough:
- Place the turntable level and stable.
- Remove any transport locks.
- Connect all cables firmly.
- Set the correct speed (33 or 45 RPM).
- Do not adjust screws or controls unless you are sure what they do.
Everything else usually comes factory preset. More information can be found in your turntable’s user manual.
Should I mount the dust cover?
Yes, we recommend it. The dust cover protects sensitive components such as the tonearm, cartridge, and platter from dust, dirt, and moisture when the device is not in use. While playing, you can leave it open or closed. The important thing is that it can move freely and does not touch anything. On some models, you can also remove the dust cover. This is especially useful if the closed cover causes resonance.
Can I play any record without restrictions?
Basically yes, but keep a few points in mind:
- Very old, damaged, or dirty records can skip or sound poor.
- Clean new and used records before playing.
- Do not play visibly damaged records to protect the needle.
- Never use a vinyl needle on shellac records.
- Make sure the playback speed matches the record.
Which record – which cartridge?
| Type of record | Material | Speed | Which cartridge is needed? | Important to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LP, Single, Maxi-Single | Vinyl | 33 ⅓ or 45 RPM | Standard vinyl cartridge (usually MM) |
This is the current standard. Can be played without problems on modern turntables. |
| Shellac record | Shellac | 78 RPM | Special shellac cartridge or 78 RPM needle | Do not use a vinyl needle, it can damage the record and needle. Many modern turntables do not support 78 RPM. |
| Colored records, picture discs, special pressings | Vinyl | 33 ⅓ or 45 RPM | Standard vinyl cartridge (usually MM) |
Technically like normal vinyl records, often a bit more sensitive. Background noise or slight instability is possible but normal. |
Which speed is the correct one?
The speed is very important for the correct sound. The speed of a record (33 ⅓ or 45 revolutions per minute/RPM) is almost always printed directly on the record and the packaging.
33 ⅓ RPM (LP, Album)
- Intended for full albums
- About 20–30 minutes playing time per side
45 RPM (Single, EP)
- Usually smaller records
- Better sound quality and higher volume
- The needle moves about 35% faster than at 33 ⅓ RPM
- Less music fits on the record
Important
- If a record spins too fast, the music sounds too high.
- If it spins too slow, the music sounds too low.
- If the sound is wrong, first check the set speed.
How do I properly clean my turntable and my records?
Regular cleaning is important for good sound quality and helps protect the stylus and records.
Cleaning records
- Remove dust before playing with a carbon or velvet brush.
- Occasionally clean very dirty records with a special record cleaning solution.
- Do not use tap water, household cleaners, or cloths that leave lint.
- In our blog, we explain how to properly care for your records.
Cleaning the needle
- Carefully clean the stylus with a stylus brush or a dedicated cleaning kit.
- Always brush from back to front (in the playing direction).
- Do not apply pressure.
Cleaning the turntable
- Wipe the housing and platter with a soft, dry cloth.
- Do not use harsh cleaning agents or moisture near the tonearm and electronics.
Regular, gentle cleaning improves sound quality and extends the life of records and needle.
More information and tips can be found in our blog: How to Care for Your Records: Dos and Don’ts for Vinyl Lovers
I hear a hum through the speakers – what can I do?
A hum often arises from the wiring and not from a defect.
You can try the following:
- Connect all devices (turntable, amplifier) to the same power outlet.
- Check that all cables are firmly connected.
- Temporarily remove the grounding wire or reconnect it (depending on the setup).
If the hum persists, our customer service can assist you further.
The record does not run completely evenly – is that normal?
Slight fluctuations can occur especially with older records and/or heavily used devices. This sometimes appears as a slight "wobble" or a short pitch change during long tones.
Common causes are a worn belt or lack of maintenance. More information can be found in your turntable’s user manual.
What you can do:
- Check if the turntable is standing stable and level.
- Make sure the correct speed (33 ⅓ or 45 RPM) is set.
- A worn or hardened drive belt can be replaced. You can get a new drive belt from your turntable manufacturer, specialty retailers, or online shops. Further information can be found in your turntable’s user manual.
- Observe the care, belt, or maintenance instructions in the user manual of your turntable.
If the fluctuations are clearly audible or persistent, our customer service will be happy to assist you.
The needle does not land properly at the beginning of the record – what can I do?
In most cases, this is not a defect in the turntable but due to the record itself.
With some records – especially modern pressings, colored records, or picture discs – the outer edge of the record is often not completely even. The lead-in groove can thus be very short or slightly slanted. In such cases, the start automation may not always perfectly hit the exact beginning of the groove.
In this case, you can manually place the needle with the lift.
When should you contact customer service?
Contact us if:
- your device hums or a channel is missing
- you are unsure if everything is connected correctly
- your device is still under warranty and something is not working