
How to make your turntable and vinyl records last a lifetime
Sarah Jones
created: April 23, 2025, 8:20 p.m. | updated: May 3, 2025, 8:20 p.m.
With just a little effort (and a few helpful tools), you can keep your turntable tracking true and your records sounding great for years to come.
If your turntable doesn’t include a built-in force gauge, use an external tracking force scale—like the Riverstone Audio Precision Record Level Turntable Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Gauge/Scale ($35)—for more accuracy.
Riverstone Audio Precision Record Level Turntable Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Gauge/Scale Riverstone Audio See ItOnce that’s set, adjust anti-skate to match your tracking force.
Andover Audio SpinBase 2 Speaker System Andover See ItClean your records regularlyDust is the enemy of good vinyl sound.
Vinyl Buddy Ultimate 5-Piece Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit Vinyl Buddy See ItAvoid DIY hacks—no foggy breath, no rubbing alcohol, and definitely no Magic Eraser.
3 months, 1 week ago: Popular Science