Want to Learn How to Play Vinyl Records? The Simple Steps Music Lovers Must Know

There's a reason vinyl records have made a dramatic comeback in an age where almost everything is digital. There is something beautiful about placing a needle into a groove and hearing your favorite songs fill the room. It's a different feeling from hitting play on a digital app.

If you've been fascinated by vinyl records for some time now or you just inherited a box of records from a relative, this article will walk you through everything you need to know.

What You Need Before You Play Your First Record

Turntable

A turntable is your starting point. It spins the record and reads the sound vibrations from the record's grooves via a needle (also called a stylus). There are two types of turntables: fully automatic (the tonearm moves and lifts on its own) and manual (you do it yourself).

A fully automatic turntable, such as the Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT Turntable or the Audio-Technica AT-LP70X Turntable, is recommended for beginners, as it makes the process much easier and reduces the risk of accidentally scratching your record.

If you're new to turntables and vinyl records, you can read our blog "How Does a Turntable Work?" to learn everything you need to know.

Preamp

A phono preamp's function is to amplify the signal from your turntable's cartridge before it reaches your speakers. Most of the newer turntable models already feature a built-in preamp, which simplifies your setup considerably. In case your turntable lacks one, you'll need to add an external phono preamp to your signal chain.

Amplifier

An amplifier or receiver takes the line-level signal from the preamp and powers your speakers. In some setups, these two functions are combined.

Speakers

Speakers are what you use to listen to the music. There are two main types of speakers: powered and passive speakers. Powered speakers (also called active speakers) have built-in amplifiers, so you can plug them directly into your turntable without any additional equipment.

The Edifier R1280DB Bluetooth Wireless 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers are a great example. They handle their own amplification and even support Bluetooth connectivity for a versatile setup. Passive speakers, on the other hand, require a separate amplifier to work properly.

How to Set Up Your Turntable in 10 Simple Steps

Setting up a turntable is an easy procedure that most people can do within fifteen minutes.

Step 1: Choose Your Surface

You want your turntable to be placed on a flat, sturdy, and even surface. Any vibrations from an uneven surface will negatively impact sound quality and can make the needle skip, so no wobbly shelves.

Step 2: Attach the Platter

Some turntables come with the platter detached as a precautionary measure during transportation. All you need to do is put the platter on the spindle. If your turntable uses a belt drive system (most beginner-level turntables use belt drives), then all you need to do is to fit the rubber belt around the motor hub.

Step 3: Connect to the Speakers or Receiver

RCA cables connect the output of your turntable to your speakers or amplifier. If your turntable has an inbuilt preamp, you'll connect it at the line level; otherwise, you'll have to pass through the phono preamp before connecting. You can read our blog about how to connect a turntable to Bluetooth speakers for more information.

Step 4: Connect the AC Adapter

Power up your turntable. Some turntables require you to toggle a little switch, often located beneath the turntable, to select between phono and line output.

Step 5: Check the Speed of Your Record

Full-size albums often have a 33 1⁄3 RPM. Most singles (7-inch records) have a 45 RPM speed. Playing at the wrong speed makes your song sound either extremely slow or extremely fast. Your turntable should have a switch for selecting speed. Ensure that you select the correct one.

Step 6: Place the Record on the Platter

Put the record on the platter with the label facing up. The center hole drops over the spindle.

Step 7: Start the Platter Spinning

Most turntables come with a start button that starts the rotation when pressed. When using an automatic turntable, playback usually starts as soon as you initiate it.

Step 8: Cue the Tonearm

With a fully automatic turntable, pressing the play button will automatically trigger the tone arm so that the needle is dropped onto the record. On the other hand, with a manual turntable, the tone arm is lifted using the cueing lever and positioned just inside the outer groove before being lowered.

Step 9: Listen to a Record

Now that everything's connected, you can listen to the record. This is the playing process:

• The needle reads the sound vibrations from the record's grooves
• The cartridge converts them into electrical signals
• The preamp amplifies those signals
• The music comes out of your speakers

That's the entire process, from Thomas Edison's phonograph concept to your living room, refined over about 150 years.

Step 10: Flip or Stop

Once side A of the record ends, a fully automatic turntable stops playing by lifting the tone arm. However, if you're using a manual turntable, you have to lift the tone arm using the cueing lever and press the stop button. Afterward, you can flip the record to side B and repeat.

Handling and Caring for Vinyl Records

Vinyl is durable, but not unbreakable. There are several simple tips you can follow to keep your vinyl collection in excellent condition.

• Always hold records by the edges. The oils on your fingers can stain the record's surface and attract dust that grinds into the grooves over time. Always handle records by touching only their labels and edges.
• Keep records upright. When records are stored horizontally, they press upon each other, creating pressure on the lower ones and leading to warping. Keep your records snug, but not so tight that removing any record requires effort.
• Keep them away from heat. Heat causes warping of vinyl records. Direct sunlight, radiators, and hot cars are harmful to a good record collection. Room temperature storage is best.
• Dust records before playing them. Dust in the groove creates distortions and noise. Using a carbon-fiber brush to clean the record's surface just before playing is one of the best ways to improve sound quality and extend stylus longevity. Dust in the groove causes noise, distortion, and wear.

Cleaning Your Records

There is no way around cleaning vinyl if you value sound quality. Dust, fingerprints, and debris in the groove create noise and cause the stylus to track incorrectly, ruining your listening experience and the record itself.

For regular maintenance, a carbon fiber anti-static brush applied before each play is your best bet. Just hold it lightly on the spinning record's surface while guiding the dust off to the side. For a visibly dirty record, especially one bought from a record store or thrift shop, it is best to use a wet cleaning method. It requires a record-cleaning liquid and a microfiber cloth to remove all the dirt. Apply it, gently wipe in the direction of the grooves, and allow it to dry before playing.

If you're building a serious collection, a record cleaning machine is a worthwhile long-term investment. But for most listeners starting out, a brush and some cleaning fluid are sufficient.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Touching the stylus. The stylus is super fragile. Minimal contact could cause the cantilever to bend or even break. Don't touch the stylus with your fingers, and be extra cautious while cleaning around it.
• Playing at the wrong speed. If your music sounds off, first make sure you've set the speed right before assuming something is broken. It's the most common beginner mistake and the easiest to fix.
• Stacking records. This practice might look harmless, but stacking vinyl records horizontally can cause them to warp over time. Always keep the vinyls vertical.
• Not using the dust brush. Playing a dusty record not only sounds horrible but also accelerates stylus wear. Spending ten seconds brushing the record before each play will help extend the life of your equipment.
• Ignoring a skipping needle. If the needle is skipping, don't keep playing. The record or stylus may need cleaning, or the tracking force may need adjustment. Continuing to play through a skip can permanently damage the groove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Special Amplifier to Play Vinyl Records?

It depends on the type of turntable and speaker system you have. If the turntable has a built-in preamp and the speakers have an amplifier, then you don't need any additional devices. However, passive speakers need a separate amplifier to function with your turntable.

How Can I Start My Record Collection?

Start simple, buy records you love, from rock and pop to folk and classical. It's important not to overthink the setup. The whole point is to have fun, and that part requires zero technical knowledge whatsoever.

What Is the Difference Between a Fully Automatic and a Manual Turntable?

A fully automatic turntable moves and lifts the tonearm on its own, while a manual turntable requires you to cue and lift the tonearm yourself. Beginners often prefer fully automatic turntables because they are more forgiving and straightforward.

What Speed Should I Play My Vinyl Records At?

The speed of playing most full-size albums is 33⅓ RPM, and that of 7-inch singles is 45 RPM. The correct speed is usually printed on the record label itself. Your turntable will have a speed switch; just make sure it's set correctly before you drop the needle.

How Often Should I Clean My Vinyl Records?

A quick brush with a carbon fiber anti-static brush before every single play is the bare minimum. For used records or anything visibly dirty, it is highly advised to clean the record using dedicated record cleaning fluid before the first play.

Do Vinyl Records Wear Out Over Time?

Yes, but very slowly if properly cared for. Each play causes minimal stylus contact with the groove. All you need to do to keep your collection sounding great for decades is keep your needle clean, your records dust-free, and your tracking force set correctly.

Conclusion

Vinyl provides a level of intentionality that the digital age can't fully replicate. You're choosing a record, flipping it over, cleaning it before you play it, and listening to a side at a time. It changes how you hear music and how much you enjoy it.

Playing vinyl records is fairly straightforward. All you need is a turntable, a preamp (usually built in), speakers, and a record. Drop the needle and let the groove do the rest.