Summary
The top 10 turntable accessories. You can never have enough turntable accessories, whether you’ve embraced the vinyl revolution and purchased one of the greatest turntables you can buy for spinning some songs or you’re already a card-carrying record freak like myself. We can all agree that there is no such thing as having too many turntable accessories.
The top 10 turntable accessories
If you are looking for some excellent speakers or an integrated amplifier, we also have them available for you to purchase. In this roundup of the best record player accessories to ensure that everything is properly balanced, we have included everything from better cartridges and phono preamps for coaxing the best sound from your turntable to precision setup tools for ensuring that everything is properly balanced. However, we are talking about turntable accoutrements here.
Neoteck Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge
The answer is no; this is not a little digital scale for your marijuana, and you should not use it for that purpose. Because the main goal of a stylus tracking force gauge is to ensure that the weight that the needle of your turntable is pushing down on your records is precise, you will be able to get the highest possible sound quality while avoiding damaging either your stylus or your records. Therefore, in a sense, this could make it easier to take pleasure in the cannabis that was discussed before. Although many modern turntables come with this already calibrated at the factory, there are a few reasons why you might want to grab a force gauge. The ideal tracking force for their styluses is precisely set by each cartridge manufacturer (if you do a quick search on Google, you will be able to find the weight for the majority of cartridges available). To begin, there is no assurance that it has maintained its exact weight after being removed from the box, and it is of the utmost importance to be certain. In the second place, a gauge is the most straightforward and precise method for determining and evaluating the force weight of a new turntable that you are responsible for setting up on your own. Lastly, this tool is very useful in the event that you decide to update your pen or cartridge at any point in the future.
- Measures accurate stylus tracking force weight
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Delicate
Femeli 304-gram Turntable Weight
When you add a record weight to your vinyl kit, it may help enhance the sound of your records in a number of different ways. This stabilizer weight from Femeli is an affordable choice that falls somewhere in the center of the spectrum and is suited for the majority of applications. This weight, which weighs 304 grams (weights may vary up to three pounds), will serve to attenuate vibrations that can travel from the record to the stylus. Additionally, it will increase the record’s contact with the platter, which will prevent slippage caused by the record leaving the platter. In addition, if you have records in your collection that are somewhat warped, using a record weight will assist you in flattening them, which will facilitate an improvement in the way the stylus tracks in the grooves. There is a wide variety of record weights available, but we decided to go with this particular one because of its low profile and its capacity to be concealed by a dust cover that is closed. With that being said, it is important to know that your turntable can have certain weight requirements. If you want to avoid putting stress on the engine, you should verify with the manufacturer of your player.
- reduces resonance and vibrations
- Fits under closed dust cover
- It helps stabilize warped records
- Nothing we can find
Boundless anti-static record brush
It is quite likely that you will make the most use of an anti-static brush when it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your documents. This carbon-fiber-bristled wonder will be used to clean all of your vinyl records both before and after you play back the records. With its electrical conductivity, an anti-static brush is able to collect a wide variety of particles, including dust, pet hair, and other debris, and then remove them off of your records, improving the maintenance of both your stylus and your records. It is an absolute need.
- The best defense against dust and dirt
- Inexpensive
- Carbon fiber bristles
- Nothing we could find
Pro-Ject Audio Cork it turntable mat
Although the dispute over which material is superior continues, many people believe that cork is the best substance for anti-slippage, resonance isolation, and static reduction. Your turntable may or may not come with a platter mat, and it may be of either the more common rubber or felt kind. This mat is nicely manufactured, moderately priced (you may buy them cheaper on Amazon), and also comes in a more costly rubber-cork composite mat that gives extra anti-resonance features. Pro-Ject Audio is one of the greatest manufacturers of turntables and audio gear in the industry, and this mat is one of their products.
- Prevents records from slipping
- Provides some anti-resonance
- Reduces static on records
- A little pricey
Fluance IB40 Isolation Base
Anti-resonance is a recurring subject that may have been brought to your attention in some of these recommendations for accessories. For record players, unwanted vibrations are the enemy. This is because turntable styluses and cartridges are extremely sensitive mechanisms that are not only capable of picking up all of the warm sound that is contained within the grooves of a record, but they are also susceptible to being affected by vibrations in their surroundings, such as footsteps, rumbling from a nearby loudspeaker, and other potential sources of vibration.
The placement of your turntable (or speakers or other components) on top of an anti-resonance foundation, such as the Fluance IB40 Isolation Foundation, is one of the most effective methods to prevent the resonance and vibration that are occurring. The 10.5-pound, high-mass MDF Base is a robust platform that is 2.4 inches thick, solid, and adjustable, and it has feet that isolate sound. Its price is slightly over $100, which is competitive on the market. In addition, I can attest to the fact that the Fluance Sound Isolation Base does an excellent job of minimizing vibrations that are transmitted to the turntable. This base also protects the turntable from hard footfalls, which would otherwise cause the needle to skip.
It has a dimension of around 17 inches by 15 inches, making it the ideal size for most turntables to fit on, and it has the capacity to support up to 25 pounds. Piano white, piano black, and walnut are the three finishes that are available to choose from in order to get the desired appearance.
- Sleek-looking, available in three finishes
- Prevents resonance and skipping
- Quality materials
- A non-piano finish would be nice
Record outer sleeves
In this case, it’s kind of obvious what to do. While your vinyl records are ready to be played or stored, plastic outer record sleeves are an excellent method to protect them from dust and other debris. Additionally, these sleeves are inexpensive enough to have on hand as your record collection expands. They are large enough to accommodate 12-inch LPs, whether they are single or double-disc versions, and the plastic is durable enough to survive for years (in addition, it is transparent enough to allow the record artwork to be seen below).
PROS
- Keeps your records protected from dust
- Clear, durable plastic
- Over time, the tops can curl back
Mobile Fidelity anti-static inner record sleeves
The paper sleeves that are seen on the majority of recordings are terrible. Because of their abrasive nature, the sharp plastic edge of your records has the potential to pierce through them over time, making them susceptible to being damaged in accidents. The industry relies on these lightweight, three-ply plastic inside sleeves to ensure that recordings are safe and clear of static while they are contained within their outer cardboard sleeves. When combined with the outer sleeves that were described before, you will be well on your way to preserving your collection.
PROS
- Protects records inside their sleeves
- Anti-static to fend off dust and pet hair
- Good replacement for paper sleeves
CONS
- Nothing we could find
$20 AMAZON
$28 WALMART
Schiit Mani 2 phono preamp
In addition to changing your cartridge, you can also significantly enhance the sound quality of your turntable by installing an external phono stage, also known as a phono preamp. This is the device that takes the feeble electrical signal that is produced by the turntable and transforms it into a signal that can be amplified.
Back in the day, the majority of receivers included phono preamps inside of them, which is why they featured a “phono” input selection. Additionally, you were able to connect a turntable to the receiver directly. Although more current receivers and amplifiers (and powered speakers) are beginning to incorporate phono connections once again, many of them still need a turntable to be connected via an AUX input. This is due to the fact that vinyl is seeing a renaissance. To begin with, a phono stage is required to be used for this connection. Despite the fact that many contemporary turntables come with built-ins for quick connection, the majority of them do not, particularly on turntables that are very inexpensive. It is quite safe to state that if you feed your turntable through an improved phono preamp first, you will obtain a clearer, cleaner, and less noisy signal. This is the case even if the deck you are using is not of a higher-end kind.
For this reason, the Schitt Mani (pronounced “sheet”; you dirty bugger) is one of the best and most reasonably priced phono preamps that we have used. It is a compact component that costs less than $200 and can be used for both MM and MC cartridges. The Mani 2 is well constructed, easy to connect with RCA cables, and provides four different gain modes that can be switched between (30, 42, 47, and 59 dB). There is not much more to say about it other than the fact that it will keep the warmth of your recordings, will not change the sound or color, and will increase clarity. And the price is low. Having said that, if you have the financial means to do so, we would also suggest the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo, which costs $250 and comes with a volume slider in addition to a headphone amplifier.
- Inexpensive
- Stable, clean, and balanced sound
- Compact and well built
- Easy to set up
- Not as bold or punchy as higher-end preamps
- No volume dial
Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
When it comes to turntable evaluations, one of the things that we emphasize over and over again, particularly for those who are getting their first turntables, is the importance of ensuring that the deck you are acquiring has the capability to replace one of the most essential components, which is the cartridge.
An improved cartridge is one of the greatest and most cost-effective methods to improve the sound and performance of any turntable, from entry-level to audiophile models. This is true regardless of the quality of the turntable. After being combined with the stylus, the cartridge is the component that is accountable for reading and interpreting the modulations that are present in the groove of the record. It subsequently converts this information into an electrical signal that can be amplified by your sound system or speakers. However, not all of them are made equal, and if you purchased your first turntable during a period of financial constraint, it is quite probable that the cartridge was one of the reasons it was more affordable than the others. Therefore, let’s deal with it right now.
You may find Ortofon’s 2M moving magnet (MM) line on some of the top turntables in the world. Ortofon is one of the largest and most reputable manufacturers of high-end phono cartridges and components in the world. The 2M Red is located in the center of that spectrum, and its price of $100 makes it one of the greatest cartridge upgrades that you are likely to discover in terms of value for money among those available. Using the 2M Red, you will be able to hear a much greater sense of balance and detail in your music, as well as a soundstage that is both broader and higher and improved dynamics that make it more accommodating to a diverse variety of musical styles.
Due to its plug-and-play interface, it is simple to install on the majority of headshells. Additionally, if and when you use the device until it reaches the end of its lifespan, which is around one thousand hours, you may replace the stylus for approximately ninety dollars. The cartridge, on the other hand, is compatible with the next-level 2M Blue and 2M Silver styluses, which are available for purchase if you have the additional funds available. This allows you to upgrade to an even higher level. In any case, it is an outstanding addition that will make your turntable look and sound even better than it already does. Carry it out.
- Excellent bang-for-buck sound upgrade
- Easy to install
- Detailed sound, wide soundstage
- Great for all kinds of music
- None whatsoever
Monolith by Monoprice 18- to 32-inch speaker stands
Speaker stands are not directly related to turntables; nonetheless, they do contribute to the overall pleasure and attractiveness of your turntable and stereo system; therefore, while they are not directly associated with turntables, we will allow them. Getting your speakers off the ground, which places them closer to ear level for optimal listening and helps lessen resonance and vibrations that speakers may channel through the floor, is a fantastic way to get your speakers off the ground. A pair of speaker stands is useful for this purpose since they can support a bookshelf speaker that weighs up to 75 pounds. These monolith stands include floor spikes that can be adjusted, which further enhance their anti-resonance capabilities and contribute to improved sound quality (for more information, check out the isolation platform that was previously mentioned). These stands are constructed from solid steel columns (which may be filled with sand for added anti-resonance), and they have a broad floor base and rubber pads on the speaker platforms. These features ensure that your speakers are kept secure and prevent them from sliding about or tumbling off. Heights ranging from 18 to 32 inches are available.
- Sturdy steel construction
- Can hold up to 75 pounds
- Black color to suit any decor
- Available in 18- to 32-inch heights
- Not the most stylish looking
OrigoDeco Vinyl Record Dividers
When it comes to record collectors, one of the most difficult challenges they confront is picking what to play. There are a few ways to go about it, one of which is to search through your shelves or crates in search of inspiration. However, if you have a large collection, it might be difficult to locate the album that gives you the inspiration you need in a timely manner. You may get straight to the point with these plywood dividers that are alphabetically designated, and you can slip them in between your vinyl in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. Now, all that is left for you to do is choose whether to place Bowie in the D or B category.
- Made of cool-looking plywood
- Work vertically or horizontally
- May not be the sturdiest
Spin-Clean record-washing kit
There is a good probability that you have a number of records that you have acquired via garage sales and used vinyl stores, or that you were able to retrieve from beneath your uncle’s stairs. This is the case unless your record collection is comprised of nothing but discs that are either brand new or almost pristine and have not been played at all. Whatever the case may be, the grooves on those old records have probably accumulated years’ worth of finger oils, pot smoke, dust, dirt, and general grime, which may cause them to skip, crackle, snap, and sound overall terrible. Also, playing them might cause the needle on your turntable to wear out over time, which is something you should be aware of.
It is possible that you will be astonished to hear that you are able to clean your records. The reliable Spin-Clean kit is one of the most popular and cost-effective instruments that can be used to do this task. The base is filled with water and the alcohol-free cleaning solution that is provided; the protected felt scrubbers are inserted; the record is inserted; and then the record is rotated multiple times in each direction to get a thorough cleaning. It has the appearance of a large yellow toaster for records. The paper record label is often maintained dry, and the Spin-Clean is able to remove 33, 45, and 78 records from the record collection. It is a little time-consuming, and you will get wet, but it can be a delightful and calming evening’s worth of record care that you can do while listening to records. All you have to do is listen to records.
- Deep cleans record grooves
- Can reduce skipping and crackling
- Prolongs the life of your stylus
- Rehabilitates used records
- It’s manual
- It’s slow
- It can get messy
