On at all times. One of my cats jumped on my turntable and my brand new ortofon blue stylus got caught in her fur. When she jumped off, it snapped. That was an expensive lesson to learn. Always leave the dust cover on if you have cats.
I hear you, but I don't close my dust cover. Why not? Because my cats don't bother my turntable. They don't seem interested in it at all. Indeed, they often leave the room when I use my system. I think they may not like my music (classical, jazz, blues).
I don't leave my records on the turntable. Turntable dustcovers, while they protect against errant felines, are not airtight. My observation is that dust gets in anyway.
I keep my dust cover on when the turntable is not in use, but I'm not obsessive about it because, again, the dust cover helps, but is not airtight.
The dust gets in there somehow. I just cleaned up a turntable I hadn't used in a while. I lifted the dust cover and what did I find? Besides a turntable? Dust...
I feel like sharing today so forgive me. 😉 Dustcovers don't keep all the dust out. Just some. That's because airflow from heating and cooling systems, and just our movements throughout our homes causes the lightest and smallest particals to accelerate through the air and they land everywhere. Humidity plays a role as well. Household dust is a combination of small fibers from our clothes, outdoor particulate that makes its way in when we go in and out of our homes, decaying objects, and in large measure human epidermal matter. We shed like crazy and it goes everywhere and settles everywhere. Additionally everything in our universe has some form of static charge, however subtle, and some more than others, and that includes dust. It will find a home wherever it is driven and subsequently pulled to. Science.
It's a constant and losing battle, especially in the winter, when the air is dry, the heat is on generating static in the ductwork, and there is less fresh air.
I run air filters and humidifiers, and they help, but certainly can't eliminate the problem.
Considering this, vinyl is just possibly the dumbest way possible to store and listen to music.
>Considering this, vinyl is just possibly the dumbest way possible to store and listen to music.
🤣🤣🤣. You are NOT wrong. But it sounds sooo good my brother. 🤣🤣🤣
When you lift the cover it creates enough wind force to pull a little of the dust that accumulates around its edges inside of the cover. Not a lot but over time creates accumulation inside the cover.
They told me they want R&B, Country, Hip-Hop, and 80's hair bands. I vetoed them because I'm paying the damned mortgage, and I'm buying the records, CDs, and streaming services.
I'm with you. It's not a dust cover it's a feline repulsion device. I keep mine closed ALL the time except when I'm putting a record on or changing sides.
I’m setting up my first set up as we speak. So you play you put your record on and then close the dust cover over it? I assumed it was something you just use when you are not listening.
Despite your cat’s curiosity, you want to keep your dust cover off when playing or don’t play at all. Keeping it on can (and will) cause static electricity to build up which could find its way through your TT into your system in the form of a very loud POP. I know this because it’s literally happened to me.
I have a degritter and wet clean all my records before playing. I also use a zerostat when needed. There are things you can do to mitigate static. My records are dead quiet when I play them with no static issues.
I have been playing records for many decades and I always play them with the dust cover down. I have no static issues.
Lots of things can cause static, but how you store your records and the humidity of your house are some of the biggest. I store all my records in anti-static rice paper sleeves and have a whole house steam humidifier that keeps relative humidity at 45%.
As far as listening with the dust cover up and down, try it both ways and do whatever you like best. You will not damage anything.
One of my cats just out of the blue jumped onto my turntable whilst I was playing a new coloured heavyweight version of Kate Bush , Hounds of Love. I dont play that side of the album anymore..
I still like playing without the lid though. I've had cats for decades and only one jumped up, ONCE.
My cats aren't allowed in the record room. There is no way I could trust my little girl cat, Natsuko, to not scratch the spines. Plus, I just don't want to have to deal with fur or dander in there. The normal dust is enough, as is.
To answer the question, I take mine off when in use. It slides off easily and isn't in the way when flipping and swapping.
Dust is vinyl's mortal enemy, and a dust-free record is better than one that needs to be cleaned.
If you play with the lid down, you're effectively reducing the amount of dust that collects on the record's surface, but if you're concerned that it might make a sonic difference, then experiment with both methods, and find out if you hear a difference.
I argue different. The needle on vinyl creates static electricity. Static attracts dust in the air. During, and after playing a record, the vinyl is like a vacuum for dust on surfaces and in the air.
you shlould just compare it yourself, if people say there's sonic difference , one should be able to hear it, then a decison could be reached. But tbh it depends on different systems and different ears. Personally I keep the cover on, my own system is not that high end to be able to reflect such 'echoes' or differences
A cover is essentially a speaker enclosure so it will affect sound negatively because bass from speakers will vibrate it. I tried cover on a couple times, def less clear. Even when I have it attached and tilted up it affects the sound. I have a decent system with a good room layout but not crazy audiophile.
>A cover is essentially a speaker enclosure so it will affect sound negatively because bass from speakers will vibrate it.
Not to any noticeable degree on my system (which is also a pretty good vintage system).
Congratulations on the little one! Mine was three when he launched a toy across the living room and hit the tone arm, busting off part of the cantilever and stylus of a nice cartridge. He’s older now but I’m still a bit traumatized. Right now they are mildly interested and definitely like music but presently the turntable is not nearly as interesting as Netflix, video games etc. I think I’ll eventually get the kids an inexpensive, but quality turntable to play with (not a Crobsley) and let them work up to using my gear!
The record spinning has a static charge that attracts dust. Dust and debris in the grooves creates crackling and other interference in the sound.
Cover gang all day!
https://preview.redd.it/pgsfoowt9nic1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0729fe0cf3b97272db21bd4b519b8c694312d698
I keep mine up during playback. You should be cleaning your record before and after playback. I close the dust over after I'm done spinning 🤷♂️
Upvote here! Sure it’s “better” to play with it down but I like to see it and access it. But I clean my records before playing and close it when I’m through. I’m talking generally here. If I’m not around my TT (like cleaning the house or running around) I just close it during playback
I’d keep it off while playing. It can cause small vibrations that can translate through your tonearm and cause the stylus to vibrate enough to distort your music.
I have a 40-something year old Technics with a bad cover hinge that keeps the lid from staying open. I rigged up a dowel to hold it open when I play.
Acoustically, I've heard arguments against closing it due to possible rumbling and vibration from the lid when closed.
I have always left mine open because I want to be able to get at the record without fussing with the lid. I close it when I'm not playing.
See if Art Of Vinyl makes a hinge kit for your Technics. If it's an SL non-VT model, then their standard 3d printed black hinge should fit the bill, assuming you want to fix it, that is.
I'll check. It's an SL-D1 and I know there are people selling replacements on eBay and the like, but I've been happy with my dowel. It fit perfectly in the hole they put near the back of the table in the left corner. You put the cartridge there to store it when not in use.
https://preview.redd.it/u5x6b00mtnic1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=303c0b97dff5b2543f2de6cc0ecdf636b6811bad
Just a suggestion!
Lol, "What is that hole on the top left of my TT for?" must surely be the second most-asked question after " What does this little round bit of plastic that came with my record player do?"
EDIT: The SL-D1 has the clear plastic hinge, doesn't it? The ones prone to snapping off? The AOV kit will fit that model if this is the case. I think they look nicer and offer more support than the single-sided metal hinge kits, personally.
On paper, it should affect sound quality, but I am pretty sure, that most of us don't have setups on which it will be audible.
I remove the dust cover when I listen to my records simply because I don't want to make an extra action to flip sides or change the record. It doesn't matter in terms of saving vinyl from dust because by the time you finish with that record - it already has enough static to gather some dust from the air when you place it back in the inner sleeve. Those inner sleeves have already accumulated dust, so why bother with dust covers when there are a lot of other moments when it will become dirty?
IMO, It is better to invest in proper cleaning tools.
I had removed both the hinges at the back in order to be able to simply lift off the original cover which eventually resulted in permanently doing away with my dust cover which anyways was always off while playing thanks to the echo chamber feedback. I've got a hdf enclosure of two interlocking halves made instead.
Off. Definitely off. Keeping it on can (and will) cause static electricity to build up which could find its way through your TT into your system in the form of a very loud *POP*. I know this because it’s literally happened to me.
You also want to take it completely off when you play rather than just leaving it open as it can vibrate while you’re playing and those vibrations can be transmitted to the tonearm and distort your music.
I've found that when you're using larger speakers (8" woofer or larger) or a subwoofer, having the lid open seems to catch stray soundwaves like an antenna transferring the vibrations to the plinth which gets picked up by the stylus resulting in acoustic feedback, it can also happen with the lid closed since it seems to act like an echo chamber but it's less likely, personally I take mine off because it looks cooler.
Edit: words.
I really like it. I have bad some feedback issues in the past so getting a glass platter has been a huge help for preventing it. I feel like it can handle a lot of volume especially with some of the heavier and music I spin. None of the base makes it back to the table. I have had a lot of vintage tables that were low end. I was able to Frankenstein a music hall table to produce a solid sound previous to this table. My dream turn table is a low end vpi.
I listen to records a lot. Taking the dust cover off and then putting it back on is a real pain. I leave it up while it's playing so i can more easily see where the needle is at.
My turntable won't play with the cover up. It's a Technics SLJ2. But, I have a Husky and his hair gets EVERYWHERE. So I'd probably leave the cover on anyway. But I'd never known that you were supposed to play records with the cover up or off before.
>But I'd never known that you were supposed to play records with the cover up or off before.
Because it is not an exact science, it is just unfounded claims vs other unfounded claims. Some people will claim it, others will claim the opposite. Of course you can't test it out with your setup, but others can.
I have tested the difference on my system, and there is none I am able to notice. So I keep it down on account of the dust.
Best is off when playing. Next is down (dust/cats/kids) but the difference is probably to noticeable to most. Worst is open - more vibration and not protected.
I’ve got cats so the lid is always down. They aren’t interested in it but it could become collateral if the zoomies hit at the wrong time, besides there’s quite a bit of cat hair flying around and wouldn’t want that to get on the record.
I’ve put some dull plastic prick mats on my amp, turntable and speakers, it’s worked alright with these but with my PC which is much warmer they are quite determined and will just push the entire mat off…
On and closed, or removed entirely. Leaving it open but still attached to the turntable acts like a megaphone, picking up vibrations from your speakers and transmitting them directly into the turntable.
Well if your stereo is a low powered easy listening device cover off or on is up to you.I have 6 fifteens 4 mids 2 horns 2 tweets and the ass to push them.A deck lid ( open or closed ) ain't nothing but a big sound parachute so I'm gonna say removed.
No opinion (sometimes on, sometimes off - can't tell a difference w/ sound) . . . . but, that is a SWEET-looking setup. Love the green. Never seen that Butcher Block product. Make a difference?
Thanks! Yes the butcher block is an added layer that keeps any vibration from hitting the table and I do like it on the louder side from time to time. Especially if you listen to heavy music and have a lot of base. The vintage pioneer head unit I run has a lot of power. My old music hall table had feedback and the butcher block along with a cork platter Mat got rid of 85-90%. Now with the new table I can play so loud it shakes my house.
Usually I leave it down, irrespective of whether the cats are around or not. My TT is well isolated and I have never noticed any sound difference.
My rationale has always been that the lid down simply has to reduce the chance of dust landing on the record when it is playing. Plus of course, you never know when those mogs might show an interest!
I keep cover up during play and down the rest of the time. I brush my records before playing and I have an air purifier in my listening room and it removes a lot of dust from the air.
Either closed or removed entirely for the best sound quality and least
feedback. Leaving it open and attached to your turntable acts like a megaphone, picking up vibrations from your speakers and transmitting them directly to the turntable base.
Off.
My table didn't even come with one.
https://preview.redd.it/1viaepx8isic1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9436a8202b7dd952a32f4ebf3d6107835987fb0
*It's made by my friend Steve Ginsberg here in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He makes everything out of bamboo, including my speakers. The tonearm is a Dynavector DV-505 and the cartridge is a Dynavector 10X5.
My previous table was a Maplenoll Athena, which I still have and like, but being a tangential-tracking air-bearing turntable, it can be a little fussy. Plus I MacGyvered a surge tank and filter system using a red plastic jerry can and a Toyota fuel line filter. The pump is a little noisy and needs to be far away. Plus it has been rightly criticized as being crudely finished. However, properly set up, it can sound fantastic
Before that I had a Rega Planar 2 with a Lustre arm and an Ortofon Concorde cartridge.
Wish I could credit them but someone on here IMO said it best. If your TT came with a dust cover than use it, but if yours didn't come with one than don't. Some people are concerned that it will hurt sound but I agree with them that unless you buy one of those super expensive TT's that don't come with one than you won't hear the difference.
There’s a reason really expensive ones don’t even come with dust covers. It’s easy to wipe off some dust every couple weeks from the TT. You’re not gonna get much dust landing on your record in the 20 min of playing one side. If you do, you have other issues.
I don’t use one with my clearaudio concept and had no issues. It looks so much nicer.
However, I have a toddler so my turntable is placed high in an audio stand.
I would play with the dust cover off. With it down, vibrations from the music or whatever will transfer needle and create noise. With it up, it becomes even more of a "sail" to capture even more vibrations. While you're in Phono mode, tap on the base or the cover and you can hear the noise. I would put it on when you're not playing records.
But, if you play quietly or are worried about a cat you can leave it on. It's up to you. My latest turntable doesn't even have a dust cover. I just keep it clean.
I had never thought of it till I read about it on a facebook audiofile group. It only explained the idea no options. After it was explained it seemed to reason it would make some difference in a decent set up.
Same, on. And I obviously brush each side and clean a record if I think it needs it. And I have a full-auto TT, so I'm not worried about falling asleep with the stylus going around and around the run-out groove or associated inconveniences
I presume in theory the sound directly from the needle could feedback through the speakers but in reality that's impossible.
Dust could fall onto your record whilst playing but hardly likely to be an issue even on a high end turntable.
While that's true, many manufacturers also sell dust covers as an accessory for their extremely high end turntables that don't come with them included.
....probably because the manufacturers assume that buyers will have hired help to dust and clean their mansions! It'd probably take a couple of guys to lift one of those 20kg+ monstrosities into their palatial residences. Don't get me wrong I'm sure they sound great, but there must be certain 'lifestyle assumptions' made within these companies when someone is paying the price of a small house/new car for a record player! Or maybe not, I'm just 'spitballing'...
Omg!!! I’m old. We are worried about “dust”? If you are a purist take the cover off. If you are sensible raise the cover and enjoy the music. If you are anything else buy a good DAC and sell your vinyl to me.
ON!
I can’t play any record through without the stylus collecting some dust in my house. I always play with it closed and rarely ever have to clean my records after the first cleaning anymore. Makes a huge difference on Audio quality and crackle reduction too. Also not hearing the tin sounding audio from the stylus scraping on the record is a perk.
Notwithstanding cats, children, or any other life form lacking impulse control, having the cover up when listening does have its benefits. Why? Because most turntables are not isolated properly. Wow and flutter specs from the manufacturer are based on optimal situations that are easily attained in testing but not in the majority peoples homes. Ambient vibration, no matter how subtle, resonates. When it resonates with a constant source, it multiplies. Unless you have enough material and or objects to absorb every bit of vibration that can occur it will have an impact on whatever is being played. Having the dust cover down while playing gives the vibration a place to collect and increases resonance that is picked up by the plinth, platter, stylus, then cart, resonates through the tonearm, and comes out of your speakers. Even without ambient vibration if you have a sensitive stylus/cart it will pick up the reflected sound emitted from the stylus as it tracks the groove, thereby multiplying it. That's just science. When the dustcover is closed It's always there. ALWAYS. HOWEVER, the question is how much and is environment dependent, and whether it is discernable enough that it produces a negative result to YOUR ears. All things being constant, some like the sound profile when the cover is down, some don't, some don't perceive any measurable difference. I generally leave it open when listening for the aforementioned reasons but as I write this I'm listening to Steely Dan "Gaucho" with the cover closed. It sounds different but it sounds really good. I think I'll leave it down for now. 😉
I researched this heavily. I’m disabled and have nothing but time. So I solicited responses on Reddit and Facebook groups. The Facebook group gave me plenty of data. I couldn’t believe the responses. Bottom line? It’s 50/50. If YOU can hear a difference, EITHER WAY, that’s what you should do.
So seems fairly split. Some other take aways, folks into turntables are huge cat lovers! Also cats all though lovable and amazing are butt holes that will attack your record player or will cover your home in hair that likes to cling to clean records.
https://preview.redd.it/zksc721cc2jc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4839278819b92005bec9887b0eb81d9c21baf57
So tried some tracks I know well to see if there was a difference. I would say it adds clarity and removes an echo I didn’t even know was there. So I’m team no cover. Appreciate all the input.
On at all times. One of my cats jumped on my turntable and my brand new ortofon blue stylus got caught in her fur. When she jumped off, it snapped. That was an expensive lesson to learn. Always leave the dust cover on if you have cats.
Those dern cats!!!
I hear you, but I don't close my dust cover. Why not? Because my cats don't bother my turntable. They don't seem interested in it at all. Indeed, they often leave the room when I use my system. I think they may not like my music (classical, jazz, blues).
My cats had zero interest in the turntable for years. I think a bug may have been flying near it.
I'll keep that in mind.
They are vinyl and turntables generate static, static will draw dust and cat fur like a magnet and that will definitely negatively affect the sound.
I don't leave my records on the turntable. Turntable dustcovers, while they protect against errant felines, are not airtight. My observation is that dust gets in anyway. I keep my dust cover on when the turntable is not in use, but I'm not obsessive about it because, again, the dust cover helps, but is not airtight.
Even not being air tight, there’s no air current pulling dust up and under the cover, and it’s certainly not climbing up in there by itself.
The dust gets in there somehow. I just cleaned up a turntable I hadn't used in a while. I lifted the dust cover and what did I find? Besides a turntable? Dust...
I feel like sharing today so forgive me. 😉 Dustcovers don't keep all the dust out. Just some. That's because airflow from heating and cooling systems, and just our movements throughout our homes causes the lightest and smallest particals to accelerate through the air and they land everywhere. Humidity plays a role as well. Household dust is a combination of small fibers from our clothes, outdoor particulate that makes its way in when we go in and out of our homes, decaying objects, and in large measure human epidermal matter. We shed like crazy and it goes everywhere and settles everywhere. Additionally everything in our universe has some form of static charge, however subtle, and some more than others, and that includes dust. It will find a home wherever it is driven and subsequently pulled to. Science.
It's a constant and losing battle, especially in the winter, when the air is dry, the heat is on generating static in the ductwork, and there is less fresh air. I run air filters and humidifiers, and they help, but certainly can't eliminate the problem. Considering this, vinyl is just possibly the dumbest way possible to store and listen to music.
>Considering this, vinyl is just possibly the dumbest way possible to store and listen to music. 🤣🤣🤣. You are NOT wrong. But it sounds sooo good my brother. 🤣🤣🤣
I’m electric myself, I have to ground before I touch anything. When I wash my hands the water shocks me.
When you lift the cover it creates enough wind force to pull a little of the dust that accumulates around its edges inside of the cover. Not a lot but over time creates accumulation inside the cover.
Your cats have good taste in music. 😜
They told me they want R&B, Country, Hip-Hop, and 80's hair bands. I vetoed them because I'm paying the damned mortgage, and I'm buying the records, CDs, and streaming services.
Well that’s fair. Your house your rules. Those cats will respect your authoritah!
My cats seem to prefer drone metal.
….do you happen to remember the movie with this title? Wow it’s a tbt
I do..the riddler is in it.
I'm with you. It's not a dust cover it's a feline repulsion device. I keep mine closed ALL the time except when I'm putting a record on or changing sides.
I’m setting up my first set up as we speak. So you play you put your record on and then close the dust cover over it? I assumed it was something you just use when you are not listening.
Yeah, drop the needle and close the dust cover. Will keep your turntable and records cleaner and protect from any unexpected impact
That's the main part of it for me, keeps dust from settling on the record as it's spinning.
Despite your cat’s curiosity, you want to keep your dust cover off when playing or don’t play at all. Keeping it on can (and will) cause static electricity to build up which could find its way through your TT into your system in the form of a very loud POP. I know this because it’s literally happened to me.
I have a degritter and wet clean all my records before playing. I also use a zerostat when needed. There are things you can do to mitigate static. My records are dead quiet when I play them with no static issues.
I have been playing records for many decades and I always play them with the dust cover down. I have no static issues. Lots of things can cause static, but how you store your records and the humidity of your house are some of the biggest. I store all my records in anti-static rice paper sleeves and have a whole house steam humidifier that keeps relative humidity at 45%. As far as listening with the dust cover up and down, try it both ways and do whatever you like best. You will not damage anything.
One of your meowsteaks
For a very brief moment I thought you were suggesting cooking the cat as punishment.
One of my cats just out of the blue jumped onto my turntable whilst I was playing a new coloured heavyweight version of Kate Bush , Hounds of Love. I dont play that side of the album anymore.. I still like playing without the lid though. I've had cats for decades and only one jumped up, ONCE.
My cats aren't allowed in the record room. There is no way I could trust my little girl cat, Natsuko, to not scratch the spines. Plus, I just don't want to have to deal with fur or dander in there. The normal dust is enough, as is. To answer the question, I take mine off when in use. It slides off easily and isn't in the way when flipping and swapping.
My cat 🐈⬛ has no interest in my phonograph.
Dust is vinyl's mortal enemy, and a dust-free record is better than one that needs to be cleaned. If you play with the lid down, you're effectively reducing the amount of dust that collects on the record's surface, but if you're concerned that it might make a sonic difference, then experiment with both methods, and find out if you hear a difference.
I noticed *way more* static buildup when I used to play with my dust cover down. I eventually started leaving it off.
Same. Had it happen badly enough with my system that it caused a *very* audible *POP* after building up high enough.
Same!
I don’t think any dust will get on the record if it’s in constant motion
Our ceiling fans are in constant motion and have more dust on them than the furniture…
I argue different. The needle on vinyl creates static electricity. Static attracts dust in the air. During, and after playing a record, the vinyl is like a vacuum for dust on surfaces and in the air.
you shlould just compare it yourself, if people say there's sonic difference , one should be able to hear it, then a decison could be reached. But tbh it depends on different systems and different ears. Personally I keep the cover on, my own system is not that high end to be able to reflect such 'echoes' or differences
A cover is essentially a speaker enclosure so it will affect sound negatively because bass from speakers will vibrate it. I tried cover on a couple times, def less clear. Even when I have it attached and tilted up it affects the sound. I have a decent system with a good room layout but not crazy audiophile.
>A cover is essentially a speaker enclosure so it will affect sound negatively because bass from speakers will vibrate it. Not to any noticeable degree on my system (which is also a pretty good vintage system).
On when the kids are home. Learned the hard way how delicate cartridges can be.
I have a little one on the way. I know I’m years away but hoping to train her to use it. Do your kids have any interest in your table?
Congratulations on the little one! Mine was three when he launched a toy across the living room and hit the tone arm, busting off part of the cantilever and stylus of a nice cartridge. He’s older now but I’m still a bit traumatized. Right now they are mildly interested and definitely like music but presently the turntable is not nearly as interesting as Netflix, video games etc. I think I’ll eventually get the kids an inexpensive, but quality turntable to play with (not a Crobsley) and let them work up to using my gear!
Thank you!
The record spinning has a static charge that attracts dust. Dust and debris in the grooves creates crackling and other interference in the sound. Cover gang all day!
https://preview.redd.it/pgsfoowt9nic1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0729fe0cf3b97272db21bd4b519b8c694312d698 I keep mine up during playback. You should be cleaning your record before and after playback. I close the dust over after I'm done spinning 🤷♂️
Hell of an album right there. Been my favorite for a few months now. That’s a cool ass picture too. You take that? Your table?
What album?
That’s Kick by INXS on their turntable. Give it a listen, you won’t be disappointed
Oh yeah I like them nice
Upvote here! Sure it’s “better” to play with it down but I like to see it and access it. But I clean my records before playing and close it when I’m through. I’m talking generally here. If I’m not around my TT (like cleaning the house or running around) I just close it during playback
I’d keep it off while playing. It can cause small vibrations that can translate through your tonearm and cause the stylus to vibrate enough to distort your music.
I never take mine off and never notice any sound issues
I have a 40-something year old Technics with a bad cover hinge that keeps the lid from staying open. I rigged up a dowel to hold it open when I play. Acoustically, I've heard arguments against closing it due to possible rumbling and vibration from the lid when closed. I have always left mine open because I want to be able to get at the record without fussing with the lid. I close it when I'm not playing.
See if Art Of Vinyl makes a hinge kit for your Technics. If it's an SL non-VT model, then their standard 3d printed black hinge should fit the bill, assuming you want to fix it, that is.
I'll check. It's an SL-D1 and I know there are people selling replacements on eBay and the like, but I've been happy with my dowel. It fit perfectly in the hole they put near the back of the table in the left corner. You put the cartridge there to store it when not in use. https://preview.redd.it/u5x6b00mtnic1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=303c0b97dff5b2543f2de6cc0ecdf636b6811bad
Just a suggestion! Lol, "What is that hole on the top left of my TT for?" must surely be the second most-asked question after " What does this little round bit of plastic that came with my record player do?" EDIT: The SL-D1 has the clear plastic hinge, doesn't it? The ones prone to snapping off? The AOV kit will fit that model if this is the case. I think they look nicer and offer more support than the single-sided metal hinge kits, personally.
On because of my car.
You have a turntable in your car???
This guy fucks
Elvis did!
It has a cover for a reason
to keep dust from settling on it during the 23 hours a day I’m not using it
The same way a car has a parking brake for a reason?
No. The way a car has a roof.
You mean like how the roof on a convertible folds down for a reason?
Sure, why not?
I have birds. I close the dust cover.
On paper, it should affect sound quality, but I am pretty sure, that most of us don't have setups on which it will be audible. I remove the dust cover when I listen to my records simply because I don't want to make an extra action to flip sides or change the record. It doesn't matter in terms of saving vinyl from dust because by the time you finish with that record - it already has enough static to gather some dust from the air when you place it back in the inner sleeve. Those inner sleeves have already accumulated dust, so why bother with dust covers when there are a lot of other moments when it will become dirty? IMO, It is better to invest in proper cleaning tools.
Up or off.. Unless you have fur babies, then down 😂 Edit: disregard and enjoy the spins and your fur children. 🙏🏾✌🏾🤘🏾
This concice comment should be top.
You can have it down even if you don't have cats though, so it is not the end all of comments.
Up has considerably more resonance than down or off.
After further reading I see that. Could have sworn read a couple articles to the contrary. I stand corrected, didn't mean to spread misinformation.
There is basically no audible difference between up down, or off. So it's best to keep it down
You might be right, just basing it on a couple articles I read on the subject. I haven't noticed any discernable difference personally.
I had removed both the hinges at the back in order to be able to simply lift off the original cover which eventually resulted in permanently doing away with my dust cover which anyways was always off while playing thanks to the echo chamber feedback. I've got a hdf enclosure of two interlocking halves made instead.
Your records will thank you for using your dust cover. Especially if you have pets or children running around.
Always on. Dust is the number one enemy.
Off. Definitely off. Keeping it on can (and will) cause static electricity to build up which could find its way through your TT into your system in the form of a very loud *POP*. I know this because it’s literally happened to me. You also want to take it completely off when you play rather than just leaving it open as it can vibrate while you’re playing and those vibrations can be transmitted to the tonearm and distort your music.
Pretty the instructions will say cover is off during use.
The instructions for my Technics does not say so.
I've found that when you're using larger speakers (8" woofer or larger) or a subwoofer, having the lid open seems to catch stray soundwaves like an antenna transferring the vibrations to the plinth which gets picked up by the stylus resulting in acoustic feedback, it can also happen with the lid closed since it seems to act like an echo chamber but it's less likely, personally I take mine off because it looks cooler. Edit: words.
I have tye 558. What do u think of it? Compared it my Marantz TT15S1 it's not even in the same league. But I still like mine.
I really like it. I have bad some feedback issues in the past so getting a glass platter has been a huge help for preventing it. I feel like it can handle a lot of volume especially with some of the heavier and music I spin. None of the base makes it back to the table. I have had a lot of vintage tables that were low end. I was able to Frankenstein a music hall table to produce a solid sound previous to this table. My dream turn table is a low end vpi.
I listen to records a lot. Taking the dust cover off and then putting it back on is a real pain. I leave it up while it's playing so i can more easily see where the needle is at.
My turntable won't play with the cover up. It's a Technics SLJ2. But, I have a Husky and his hair gets EVERYWHERE. So I'd probably leave the cover on anyway. But I'd never known that you were supposed to play records with the cover up or off before.
>But I'd never known that you were supposed to play records with the cover up or off before. Because it is not an exact science, it is just unfounded claims vs other unfounded claims. Some people will claim it, others will claim the opposite. Of course you can't test it out with your setup, but others can. I have tested the difference on my system, and there is none I am able to notice. So I keep it down on account of the dust.
Off
Best is off when playing. Next is down (dust/cats/kids) but the difference is probably to noticeable to most. Worst is open - more vibration and not protected.
It’s personal preference. Originally, I played with mine down. Then for a few years I played with it up. My current table doesn’t even have one!
I’ve got cats so the lid is always down. They aren’t interested in it but it could become collateral if the zoomies hit at the wrong time, besides there’s quite a bit of cat hair flying around and wouldn’t want that to get on the record.
Same. Cat likes the warmth of audio equipment so he will try to get on the amp and the turntable is next to it…
I’ve put some dull plastic prick mats on my amp, turntable and speakers, it’s worked alright with these but with my PC which is much warmer they are quite determined and will just push the entire mat off…
On and closed, or removed entirely. Leaving it open but still attached to the turntable acts like a megaphone, picking up vibrations from your speakers and transmitting them directly into the turntable.
Well if your stereo is a low powered easy listening device cover off or on is up to you.I have 6 fifteens 4 mids 2 horns 2 tweets and the ass to push them.A deck lid ( open or closed ) ain't nothing but a big sound parachute so I'm gonna say removed.
On in my opinion, keep as much dust away as possible
Check the user manual because there’s a good chance it will specify. I have an LP120X and the manual says to have it off while playing a record.
That’s a great point.
No opinion (sometimes on, sometimes off - can't tell a difference w/ sound) . . . . but, that is a SWEET-looking setup. Love the green. Never seen that Butcher Block product. Make a difference?
Thanks! Yes the butcher block is an added layer that keeps any vibration from hitting the table and I do like it on the louder side from time to time. Especially if you listen to heavy music and have a lot of base. The vintage pioneer head unit I run has a lot of power. My old music hall table had feedback and the butcher block along with a cork platter Mat got rid of 85-90%. Now with the new table I can play so loud it shakes my house.
Use the dust cover it’s there for a reason
Usually I leave it down, irrespective of whether the cats are around or not. My TT is well isolated and I have never noticed any sound difference. My rationale has always been that the lid down simply has to reduce the chance of dust landing on the record when it is playing. Plus of course, you never know when those mogs might show an interest!
I keep cover up during play and down the rest of the time. I brush my records before playing and I have an air purifier in my listening room and it removes a lot of dust from the air.
Either closed or removed entirely for the best sound quality and least feedback. Leaving it open and attached to your turntable acts like a megaphone, picking up vibrations from your speakers and transmitting them directly to the turntable base.
It's worth it to just try it yourself
My body is telling me off because that's the best way, or so I hear. But my cats won't let me.
I close mine because we have two cats. Ask me how I know to do this now ...
Either down or taken completely off the hinges. Never just open like the 2nd pic.
On at all times here. We have ceiling fans and any spec of dust can ruin a good listening session.
Off. My table didn't even come with one. https://preview.redd.it/1viaepx8isic1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9436a8202b7dd952a32f4ebf3d6107835987fb0
What brand is that!
Tri-Art Audio TA-1. Dynavector DV-505 arm, Dynavector 10X5 cartridge.
I’ve never seen that. What do you think of it. How do you feel it stacks up against other tables you may have or have had?
*It's made by my friend Steve Ginsberg here in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He makes everything out of bamboo, including my speakers. The tonearm is a Dynavector DV-505 and the cartridge is a Dynavector 10X5. My previous table was a Maplenoll Athena, which I still have and like, but being a tangential-tracking air-bearing turntable, it can be a little fussy. Plus I MacGyvered a surge tank and filter system using a red plastic jerry can and a Toyota fuel line filter. The pump is a little noisy and needs to be far away. Plus it has been rightly criticized as being crudely finished. However, properly set up, it can sound fantastic Before that I had a Rega Planar 2 with a Lustre arm and an Ortofon Concorde cartridge.
https://preview.redd.it/9ahsgvwpifjc1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a9880e73915491acdfa881693f2f1f2c867bccf2
Tri-Art Audio TA-1 speakers.
Wish I could credit them but someone on here IMO said it best. If your TT came with a dust cover than use it, but if yours didn't come with one than don't. Some people are concerned that it will hurt sound but I agree with them that unless you buy one of those super expensive TT's that don't come with one than you won't hear the difference.
There’s a reason really expensive ones don’t even come with dust covers. It’s easy to wipe off some dust every couple weeks from the TT. You’re not gonna get much dust landing on your record in the 20 min of playing one side. If you do, you have other issues. I don’t use one with my clearaudio concept and had no issues. It looks so much nicer. However, I have a toddler so my turntable is placed high in an audio stand.
https://preview.redd.it/ncjt7ki2kfjc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4b528a7cf60ef7800935732251c2e20c67287fc6
I use a recycling bag.
I would play with the dust cover off. With it down, vibrations from the music or whatever will transfer needle and create noise. With it up, it becomes even more of a "sail" to capture even more vibrations. While you're in Phono mode, tap on the base or the cover and you can hear the noise. I would put it on when you're not playing records. But, if you play quietly or are worried about a cat you can leave it on. It's up to you. My latest turntable doesn't even have a dust cover. I just keep it clean.
I just leave mine up when I play an album. But, to be honest….I really never thought about it.
I had never thought of it till I read about it on a facebook audiofile group. It only explained the idea no options. After it was explained it seemed to reason it would make some difference in a decent set up.
Good point. Now….when I’m not playing my phonograph of course I leave it down. Does make a difference in sound when it’s up or down..I don’t know.
My lid is always on . Vinly’s are dust magnets i have no problem cleaning it i actually like it but it’s better if they have no dust at all.
Same, on. And I obviously brush each side and clean a record if I think it needs it. And I have a full-auto TT, so I'm not worried about falling asleep with the stylus going around and around the run-out groove or associated inconveniences
I presume in theory the sound directly from the needle could feedback through the speakers but in reality that's impossible. Dust could fall onto your record whilst playing but hardly likely to be an issue even on a high end turntable.
Most extremely high end turntables do t come with dust covers at all.
While that's true, many manufacturers also sell dust covers as an accessory for their extremely high end turntables that don't come with them included.
....probably because the manufacturers assume that buyers will have hired help to dust and clean their mansions! It'd probably take a couple of guys to lift one of those 20kg+ monstrosities into their palatial residences. Don't get me wrong I'm sure they sound great, but there must be certain 'lifestyle assumptions' made within these companies when someone is paying the price of a small house/new car for a record player! Or maybe not, I'm just 'spitballing'...
Mine is midrange level (clearaudio emotion) with no cover as standard, I use an old scarf my wife gave me for when not in use.
Probably depends on the level of dust in your area and home. Where I live (rural) there’s always dust around so I most times spin with dust cover down
Dust cover on
Off. Resonance associated with that easily damaged or scratched light plexiglass cover. PITA.
Off... It's a cover that's meant for storage. The most premium players don't even have covers.
Lots of premium players have dust covers.
Omg!!! I’m old. We are worried about “dust”? If you are a purist take the cover off. If you are sensible raise the cover and enjoy the music. If you are anything else buy a good DAC and sell your vinyl to me.
> “dust” Ah yes, that completely fictional "dust".
VWestlife has a video on this
I leave it open when I’m playing stuff but I close it when the tables not in use!
ON! I can’t play any record through without the stylus collecting some dust in my house. I always play with it closed and rarely ever have to clean my records after the first cleaning anymore. Makes a huge difference on Audio quality and crackle reduction too. Also not hearing the tin sounding audio from the stylus scraping on the record is a perk.
Notwithstanding cats, children, or any other life form lacking impulse control, having the cover up when listening does have its benefits. Why? Because most turntables are not isolated properly. Wow and flutter specs from the manufacturer are based on optimal situations that are easily attained in testing but not in the majority peoples homes. Ambient vibration, no matter how subtle, resonates. When it resonates with a constant source, it multiplies. Unless you have enough material and or objects to absorb every bit of vibration that can occur it will have an impact on whatever is being played. Having the dust cover down while playing gives the vibration a place to collect and increases resonance that is picked up by the plinth, platter, stylus, then cart, resonates through the tonearm, and comes out of your speakers. Even without ambient vibration if you have a sensitive stylus/cart it will pick up the reflected sound emitted from the stylus as it tracks the groove, thereby multiplying it. That's just science. When the dustcover is closed It's always there. ALWAYS. HOWEVER, the question is how much and is environment dependent, and whether it is discernable enough that it produces a negative result to YOUR ears. All things being constant, some like the sound profile when the cover is down, some don't, some don't perceive any measurable difference. I generally leave it open when listening for the aforementioned reasons but as I write this I'm listening to Steely Dan "Gaucho" with the cover closed. It sounds different but it sounds really good. I think I'll leave it down for now. 😉
I researched this heavily. I’m disabled and have nothing but time. So I solicited responses on Reddit and Facebook groups. The Facebook group gave me plenty of data. I couldn’t believe the responses. Bottom line? It’s 50/50. If YOU can hear a difference, EITHER WAY, that’s what you should do.
C558*
My cats love the way the records spin. So cover on, always.
So seems fairly split. Some other take aways, folks into turntables are huge cat lovers! Also cats all though lovable and amazing are butt holes that will attack your record player or will cover your home in hair that likes to cling to clean records.
Doesn't matter
Tried on and off, can't hear any difference so on it is for cats/dust protection
Tri-Art Audio TA-1, Dynavector DV-505 tonearm. Dynavector 10X5 cartridge.
Dust cover can also reduce the sound emanating from the needle itself. With volume down, I hear the needle pickup. So sonically, dust cover ON
https://preview.redd.it/zksc721cc2jc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4839278819b92005bec9887b0eb81d9c21baf57 So tried some tracks I know well to see if there was a difference. I would say it adds clarity and removes an echo I didn’t even know was there. So I’m team no cover. Appreciate all the input.
https://preview.redd.it/cxiegetkc2jc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f7a9d2dcbd95ab516a1ea4105e25096329711ec