Another silly question

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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Just looking for a few opinions. The U-Turn table comes with a dust cover which obviously I will use when the table is not spinning records. Is there an advantage in taking the dust cover off when playing records? Does it hurt the performance and sound quality leaving the cover on or taking it off. Is there any reason to remove the cover when using the table.

I know silly question, but I was wondering if any of you vinyl fanatics have any opinions on this?

Thank you!
 
I remember when i had a turntable. :rolleyes:
yes, there was a difference.
Better without the dust cover.
But try for yourself!
 
I have to remove mine on my Rega because it is on a bottom shelf not allowing it too stay up. Never really A_B'd it tho.
 
There are several possibilities why it could sound better without the dust cover in place... when closed it creates an enclosed cavity which can resonate, spinning vinyl with stylus tracking creates static electricity which can be exacerbated by the acrylic dust cover which can affect tracking, etc. I'd suggest trying it both ways to determine which sounds best to you. Keeping it on can help keep the records cleaner during playback.
 
Thank you for the input.

Some good points that I did not think about. Sounds like it will probably be better playing with the dust cover removed and then replace the cover to protect the table when not in use!
 
With my new table I will have a separate acrylic dust cover, which can be put over the entire system. When playing it will always be removed to avoid resonances.


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Kuoppis said:
With my new table I will have a separate acrylic dust cover, which can be put over the entire system. When playing it will always be removed to avoid resonances.
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ditto for me (VPI Aies III)

years ago when I had my Kenwood KD-500 (I miss that table) with pivoting dust cover, I couldn't detect a difference.
 
Agh, high end audio, you gotta love it.

I did not use the dust cover on the U Turn and Kuzma doesn’t have one with it, maybe as an option but don’t know.

The resonance factor I never knew to be aware, and guess it makes sense.

I’m gonna run without it, it’s up high enough where I don’t bend changing albums and nothing around it will hit it.

Now drinking bourbon with poor near vision when playing it has a higher risk factor than dust - I’ve had a couple of close calls and now more aware.

I’ll continue to ensure my stylus is clean, records brushed before and after use and periodically washed.

Long live the turn table!


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As others have mentioned you really need to A/B it on your system. I found no difference on my system but on my friends system he removes his cover when playing and it makes a difference.


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I decided to take the cover off when spinning a record and put it on to protect when not in use. I believe there might be a subtle difference and even if there is a chance of resonance, static, etc., then it is worth taking off. The way I am currently figuring it there must be a reason that most of the high end tables I see do not come with a dust cover on when playing.
 
A good reason to keep it off is to avoid accidents. If you have a detachable cover, and you put it on when playing, you have to maneuver the cover over the record/arm/cartridge while the record is playing. Anything that may cause you to drop the top over the record will cause a lot of damage.
I once had Sota and Technics turntables that came with the cover attached with hinges. That made it easy to put it up and down.
 
Yea, my thought also. The U-Turn does have hinges, but the cover is not permanently attached. The cover slides into guides on the hinges. I just set it down over the table when not in use instead of inserting it into the guides each time.

You are right though, there is a chance of dropping the cover when trying to close it while a record is spinning. Even though it will not actually hit the arm (because of the hinges), etc., the impact of it closing hard will not be a good thing :).
 
My new VPI HW-40 has a hinged dust cover ... sounds better with it on while playing. Seems to cut down on room feedback. Too much volume without it causes the dreaded creeping hum.
 
Vinyl Lives said:
My new VPI HW-40 has a hinged dust cover ... sounds better with it on while playing. Seems to cut down on room feedback. Too much volume without it causes the dreaded creeping hum.
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What you're describing is more commonly called acoustic feedback, and I'd suggest addressing the problem at its source by providing better isolation for the table. You might try a different type of rack or isolation feet, but your dealer or VPI may have some suggestions on how to best resolve the issue. Congrats on the HW-40, I haven't heard it myself but it's supposed to be an excellent table!
 
I use HRS M3X platforms but needed a custom size and took a leap of faith and ordered a platform from Adona as they would custom make one for me - they make a sandwich platform on the lines of HRS.

A fraction of the HRS price but they don’t use billet like HRS. I am getting a second one for my modem, switch and LPS for the mechanical room.

These are comparable in cost to the maple platforms and do work better from my experience.


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Jack said:
If this is for a TT for the price of the Mapleshade I would look into the Isoacoustics Delos. If you just want a plain maple butcher block the 3" version from Butcher Block Acoustics is more than sufficient and a lot cheaper.
They come with or without the inserts for spikes or other isolation devices.
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Appreciate the info, but the Isoacoustics Delos isn't large enough for the HW-40. Need 23" X 18" base.
 
O.K. then the Butcher Block Acoustics comes in 24" x 18" and then you can put something like the Oreas or the EVP's from A/V Room Service between the platform and the rack if you don't want to use spikes. I am using the 3" butcher block with the EVP's on top of the 2" maple top shelf of my Timbernation rack. Herbies Audio Lab "Fat Dots" will work too with a much lower profile. I already had the 3" when I changed racks so I just stuck with it. Depending on your rack the 1 3/4" with an isolation footer may be enough to solve your issue. Other alternatives are like Ed said and order custom from HRS or Adona among others.
 
I do have HRS M3X2 Platform with a granite base. It is very solid and offers great isolation and damping, but of course has a price of admission.


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