The key to superior sound quality

Inner groove distortion? Records not sounding like they should? A small adjustment can make a world of a difference

Photo by Charlie Alcaraz on Unsplash

If I asked you to name the most important component of your vinyl sound system, I bet most of you would say your speakers (or headphones). After all, they provide the space for your sound to shine.

To use a singer’s analogy, your speakers are like your mouth (and head) cavities.

Now, what would be, in your view, comparable to your vocal cords? That one thing that can change (or ruin) everything?

I see a lot of discussions among record collectors about amps, cartridges and tonearms. While these are relevant and perform important functions, there is one component that can change the game completely.

The key element

Yes, that’s right. There is one piece of equipment that, assuming everything else is more or less in balance, will end up being more decisive than the rest.

Interestingly, it doesn’t come up in discussions often enough. It’s usually overlooked and, therefore, neglected.

Anything affecting it will trigger the most immediate, concrete and audible changes in sound.

Photo by Eric Murray on Unsplash

Ladies and gentlemen, look no further than your stylus. Informally known as the needle, this is hands down the most important element of your vinyl setup.

Not your entire cartridge (although, to some extent, this is important too), and stop worrying too much about whether your tonearm is straight or curved.

All this matters, yes, but not more than your stylus.

It is the stylus itself — the smallest component in your system — that you should be looking at first.

After all, your needle is the only object that comes into direct contact with the grooves of your records during playback.

Your stylus should always be your starting point when troubleshooting sound issues or, more generally, when considering potential upgrades to your system.

Why it matters

You should think of your stylus as the translator or interpreter between your record and your sound system. You may have the best speakers or amp in the market, but if your stylus is not picking up a clean, accurate and reliable signal, nothing will shine. Your listening experience will be inferior and your records are bound to get damaged.

The stylus is the primary component of the vinyl sound transmission process. High-quality vinyl reproduction depends, primarily, on whether your stylus can get a precise and accurate reading.

The capabilities of your stylus, as well as its state or condition (and, crucially, how well you treat it) will always matter more than whether the dust cover is up or down during playback, the position of your speakers, or whether you have a direct drive or belt drive turntable.

Photo by Drew Perales on Unsplash

In the next instalments, I will provide a basic overview of the most common types of styli, discuss upgrades, and share some cleaning and maintenance tips so you can give your stylus all the love and attention it deserves.

Thanks for reading and/or listening and, as always, happy spinning!