Turntables & analog sources
Set up vinyl playback and understand cartridges, phono stages and legacy analog sources.
Articles in Turntables & analog sources
Turntable tracking force: identify, set and verify
Set tracking force from the specifications of the cartridge and stylus actually fitted, using the tonearm’s own procedure. Balancing the arm, zeroing an indicator and applying force are different operations. Anti-skate is a separate adjustment. Do not copy a universal number, assume a replacement cartridge uses the original setting, or treat the dial as an independent measurement.
Phono vs line: which input should your turntable use?
A magnetic cartridge’s phono signal needs suitable gain and playback equalization before feeding a normal line input. A turntable set to LINE has already applied its built-in phono processing. Match the output mode to the receiving input, and match the phono stage to the actual cartridge. Identical RCA plugs do not establish compatibility.
Turntable setup: what equipment do you need?
For ordinary magnetic-cartridge playback, locate suitable phono processing, volume control and speaker amplification in the complete system. Those functions may be built into the turntable, amplifier or powered speakers, so a separate phono box is not always necessary. Match the cartridge and input settings, then complete the turntable’s mechanical setup using its own manual.