Playing Your Records

Part of keeping your record collection in great shape is handling and playing each record with care.
 

Handling Records

Handle the vinyl by the edges or the label only—with clean hands, of course. Once you’re through playing a record, put it back in its sleeve and cover. This will eliminate dust accumulation on the record, as well as unwanted fingerprints or scratches.
 
Remember, the less you touch a record, the cleaner it will be (and if it’s a rare record, the higher its potential value). So hands off!

Dust Cover: Off or On?

This is mostly a matter of personal preference. Playing records with the dust cover down may prevent dust from settling on the turntable or the record, but some believe that leaving the cover down ruins the sound of the record. Our suggestion is to try it both ways to see which you prefer.

How Do Turntables Work?

When a stylus moves through a record’s grooves, an electric signal is created. Compared to signals emitted from CDs and cassettes, though, it’s very weak. Older amplifiers compensated for this by having phono channels that boosted the signal, making it possible to listen to records.
 
Since it’s not needed for CDs and cassette tapes, many modern amplifiers don’t have this channel. As a result, the record’s electric signal is too weak to be audible. By purchasing a pre-amp, though, you can give the signal the extra boost it needs before reaching the amp—and your records will sound great.
 
To avoid scratching records when playing, keep the dust cover down, walk softly near the turntable, and use the tone arm when lowering the stylus.