Vintage Turntable Spring Adjustment for Merrill and More
By George Merrill for my AR – Heirloom owners
The vintage turntable spring adjustment, also known as turntable suspension adjustment, is a crucial aspect of maintaining optimal performance for your turntable. This adjustment is carried out by manipulating the three nuts that secure the springs for the suspension system.
To raise the grommet, spring, sub-chassis, and platter system, simply turn these three nuts clockwise when viewed from the bottom of the turntable. Conversely, turning the nuts counterclockwise lowers the entire system. It's important to note that these wing nuts are not involved in tuning the sub-chassis; their primary function is to raise, lower, and level the sub-chassis platter system within the base.
Proper adjustment of the nuts allows you to fine-tune the sub-chassis to prevent issues such as feedback or interference. However, it's essential to ensure that the nuts are adjusted equally to maintain the level of the sub-chassis with respect to the top of the base. Achieving this balance ensures that the sub-chassis floats smoothly without bumping the bottom of the base or causing scraping between the platter and the motor pulley.
By mastering the art of vintage turntable spring adjustment and understanding how to adjust turntable suspension, you can elevate your listening experience and prolong the lifespan of your beloved turntable.
Note: The sub-chassis arm-mounting platform need not be of the same height as the top of the base; it only needs to be level with the top.
Note: The sub-chassis arm-mounting platform need not be of the same height as the top of the base; it only needs to be level with the top.
Adjustment
Achieving the perfect balance in your turntable record player involves adjusting the nuts until the sub-chassis hovers effortlessly without making contact with the base top or the platter with the motor pulley. To ensure precision in this adjustment, measure the distance from the top of the platter to the top of the base, making sure it remains consistent all around the platter. This meticulous process ensures a perfectly level sub-chassis at the pinnacle of the base.
Intriguingly, wound springs harbor a soft side at the initial wind. By carefully rotating the springs, you can achieve superior alignment of the spring studs within the sub-chassis holes. Embrace the tactile experience for a harmonious fusion of nostalgia and sound quality.
Elevate your listening experience with the best tube amps for audiophiles or the ideal cleaning solution for vinyl records; these intricate adjustments, in tandem with top-of-the-line equipment, can truly transform your turntable record player setup into a symphony of perfection.
Intriguingly, wound springs harbor a soft side at the initial wind. By carefully rotating the springs, you can achieve superior alignment of the spring studs within the sub-chassis holes. Embrace the tactile experience for a harmonious fusion of nostalgia and sound quality.
Elevate your listening experience with the best tube amps for audiophiles or the ideal cleaning solution for vinyl records; these intricate adjustments, in tandem with top-of-the-line equipment, can truly transform your turntable record player setup into a symphony of perfection.