Source
r/vinyl•
SlopesCO

T'sup with those turntable photos?

Setup

Old timer here. Please hip me if my understanding is somehow no longer relevant. But, "back in the day," seemed like anyone who utilized separate components knew to (after proper setup): 1) ensure turntable is on flat service 2) isolate (never on a speaker/unstable surface) & 3) avoid heat & electrical sources (never on your amp - for your amp's health as well.) So, why the heck do so many posts show turntables on top of amps? Am I missing something? Did MP3s & Bluetooth make folks not care about fidelity? ✌️🎶

Posted Nov 21, 2021, 3:43 AM UTC

912
MaybeTuesdayIWill•

People just probably haven’t been taught.

18
These-Days•

A lot of people are new to this and haven't heard these pieces of advice yet. Young people like myself grew up where even our parents got rid of turntables in lieu of digital media, so it's all being relearned.

15
threechimes•

Agree that it’s mainly due to not knowing any better, but also that back in the day many amps REALLY needed space to dissipate heat properly and that’s changed a bit over time for various reason. Additionally, I wonder how much the stacked vertical “component set”s of the late 80s and 90s that were really one piece designed to imply they were separates, house in cheaply verneered particle board behind a hinged glass door with speakers of matching height, purchased all for one low price at the big box stores of the day, may have reset the general notion that amplifiers needed space and ventilation above them to work properly.

I cringe every time I see anything at all sitting atop an amp. Even class D.

5
SlopesCOOP•

Remember them well. Although cheap & not my thing, they were engineered appropriately with the amplifier on top with a vent. Some of the "better" ones even had a back fan. But even with the best, not good enough for Stereo Review or me. Lol

1
MurtaughFusker•

In terms of turntable on top of the amp I think there's a couple things at play. For one not everyone has the space. If you live in a 1 bdr or bachelor apartment it's not like you've got a whole lot of real estate to work with or even the furniture.

Also if you're not cranking the volume up that much and making the amp work, especially with more modern amps, the heat isn't as much of an issue.

4
shisoumofo•

This is exactly my situation right now, and is my next project. I at least can have my speakers on a remote surface, but my outlets and staging options are limited with the furniture that's been donated to me. I can't crank my volume enough to make a difference, so it hasn't been a priority.

1
PMmeyouranalog•

I’ve noticed this - and recently I’ve been looking at some scans of audio/stereo review/high fidelity from the 1980s. Every issue has pages dedicated to the basics and fundamentals of audio.

Looking back I realize how much I learned from these monthly lessons in print.

I’m not sure where people today are learning these basics but i can see it might be more difficult with 50 YouTube channels compared to 3 audio magazines back then.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

3
SlopesCOOP•

Right on. Subscribed to Stereo Review from the late 70s thru late 80s. It was porn for me & my friends. We hung out at stereo stores like gamers hang at cyber cafes. And, upgraded our systems with each tax return. Lol. Still rockin' my Klipsch & McIntosh. Although Boomer, I'm an OG geek. Recorded demos on an Atari. Played Activision, Atari & Coleco. Was an exec for PlayStation for years. (Project Lead for PS3 release). This is one Boomer who appreciates the young folks. Do not envy them. Music can heal. ✌️

1
UselessToasterOven•

Here here.

2
SlopesCOOP•

Really appreciate everyone's responses. And, dig this sub. Just racking my brain for too long. So, had to ask. Found this pretty detailed link from Fluance. Hope it helps: https://blog.fluance.com/ultimate-guide-to-turntables-and-record-player-setup/

2
UselessToasterOven•

That is a really good read. Thanks for linking.

2
SlopesCOOP•

👍

1