Turntable Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Vinyl has made a remarkable comeback, but turntables - whether vintage or modern - can develop problems that affect your listening experience. Before you panic about your prized record player, here are common issues and what you can do about them.

Turntable Won’t Spin

When your platter won’t rotate at all:

Check the Basics

• Is the turntable plugged in and switched on?
• Is the platter properly seated on the spindle?
• Is there a start/stop button or lever you need to engage?
• Does your model require the tonearm to be moved to start?

Belt-Drive Turntables

Most turntables use a rubber belt to spin the platter:

• Worn or broken belt - The most common cause of a non-spinning turntable
• Slipped belt - The belt may have come off the pulley
• Stretched belt - Old belts lose tension and slip

What you can do:

• Remove the platter and inspect the belt
• Look for cracks, stretching, or breakage
• Replacement belts are inexpensive and often easy to install
• Match the belt size exactly to your turntable model

Direct-Drive Turntables

If you have a direct-drive model:

• Motor issues are more complex than belt problems
• Could be a faulty motor, control circuit, or power supply
• These typically require professional repair

Speed Problems

When the turntable runs too fast or too slow:

Belt-Drive Speed Issues

• Running slow - Belt is slipping or stretched
• Inconsistent speed - Belt may be contaminated with oil or debris
• Clean the belt and pulleys with isopropyl alcohol
• Replace the belt if cleaning doesn’t help

Pitch Control Problems

• Check if you have a pitch adjustment control
• The control may need cleaning or calibration
• Electronic speed control circuits can fail over time

Power Supply Issues

• Incorrect voltage can affect motor speed
• Check that your turntable is connected to proper power
• Voltage fluctuations in your home can cause speed variations

Sound Quality Problems

Distorted or Muffled Sound

Check your stylus (needle):

• Worn styluses cause distortion
• Look at the stylus tip under magnification if possible
• Most styluses need replacement every 500-1000 hours of play
• A damaged stylus can also damage your records

Check cartridge alignment:

• Misaligned cartridges cause poor sound and record wear
• Alignment protractors are available online
• Proper alignment requires patience and precision

Check connections:

• Loose RCA cables cause sound problems
• Corroded connections affect signal quality
• Clean connections with contact cleaner

Humming or Buzzing

Ground loop issues:

• Make sure the ground wire is connected to your amplifier
• Try different outlets for your equipment
• Keep turntable cables away from power cables

Interference:

• Move the turntable away from other electronics
• LED lights and dimmers can cause interference
• Cell phones near the turntable can create noise

Skipping or Jumping

Check tracking force:

• Too light causes skipping
• Too heavy damages records
• Use a stylus force gauge for accurate adjustment

Check anti-skate:

• Improper anti-skate setting causes tracking problems
• Generally should match your tracking force setting

Record condition:

• Dirty records skip - clean them properly
• Warped records may be unplayable
• Deep scratches cause unavoidable skips

Tonearm Issues

Tonearm Won’t Stay in Place

• Check the cueing lever mechanism
• Damping fluid may have dried out
• The lift mechanism may need adjustment or repair

Tonearm Drifts

• Anti-skate may need adjustment
• Tonearm bearing could be damaged
• Table may not be level

When to Seek Professional Help

Bring your turntable to a repair shop when:

• The motor doesn’t respond at all
• Speed problems persist after belt replacement
• You hear grinding or scraping from the mechanism
• The tonearm bearing is damaged
• You have a valuable vintage unit needing restoration
• Electronic components have failed

What We Can Repair

At our shop, we handle:

• Belt replacement - Quick and affordable
• Motor service - Including direct-drive models
• Cartridge installation and alignment - Critical for sound quality
• Vintage turntable restoration - Thorough service for classic units
• Electronic repairs - Speed control, preamp, and motor circuits

We see everything from modern Audio-Technica players to vintage Thorens and Technics units. Turntable repair is one of our specialties.

Maintenance Tips

Keep your turntable running smoothly:

• Clean your stylus before each side with a stylus brush
• Clean records before playing
• Keep the platter and mat dust-free
• Check belt condition annually
• Keep the turntable level
• Cover when not in use
• Replace the stylus before it’s completely worn

Have a turntable that’s not performing right? Bring it in for a free diagnosis - we’ll get you back to enjoying your vinyl collection.