The features of the record player

Easy to use, the Thomson TT450BT turntable  can play 33 rpm or 45 rpm records. It can be connected to an amplification system by means of the two RCA jacks provided, but thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology, it is now possible to enjoy your music on amplified speakers, wireless headphones or any other equipment compatible with Bluetooth technology.

Photo credit: Yazid Amer

How to set up your record player

The turntable must be placed on a solid, stable and perfectly flat support. Do not hesitate to use a spirit level to ensure that it is absolutely horizontal. This guarantees maximum listening quality. Some models like the Thomson TT450BT turntable   are provided with feet which dampen vibrations.

When using for the first time, make sure that the arm is correctly adjusted. The Thomson TT450BT turntable arm  has two essential settings: pressure and anti-skating. The pressure allows the diamond of the pickup system to be sufficiently in contact with the grooves of the disc without damaging them. Anti-skating prevents the tonearm from being “offset by centrifugal speed” as it happens to us in a car. It is not recommended touching it, unless the tonearm "slips". In this case, adjust gradually in one direction or the other until the phenomenon disappears.

Finally, the Thomson TT450BT turntable pickup system  is equipped with a phono cartridge Audio Technica ATN3600L. This must be adjusted to a weight of 3 to 3.5 grams (maximum) using the graduated counterweight located at the far end of the tonearm.

Photo credit: Yazid Amer

How to change the stylus part of the pickup system

When the sound is blurred, clutter and after making sure that a large dust is not stuck to the stylus (blow, but do not touch!), it must be replaced. If an ATN3600L reference stylus is not found, the Audio Technica ATN91 reference can be used. For this model, the contact force must be adjusted to 2 grams and in this case, it will probably be necessary to adjust the anti-skating again.

To change the stylus part of the pickup system, its support must be gently pulled forward while holding it by the sides. Please replace it just as delicately with the new one, without touching the tip. If it is protected by a small plastic flap, do not forget to raise it before listening!

How to handle your vinyl discs

Vinyl records fear fingerprints, dust and scratches. When a disc has been listened to, you must immediately put it back in its sleeve and put it away. It should be held in one hand, the thumb should rest against the edge, with the tips of the other fingers on the central label and it should be slipped into its protective pouch, then the latter should be in turn placed , with its opening upwards,  in the cardboard sleeve. It is tempting to leave the protective cover in the cardboard one, with its opening outwards , in order to save time, but watch out for making a “discus throwing” unintentionally by catching an album with a bit of a lively gesture!

Before listening, when the disc is spinning, hold a carbon brush on its surface for a few turns to get rid of the dust.

How should you store your vinyl discs to extend their lifespan

The best way to store your discs is to store them vertically, not too tight, away from any heat source. As the visuals are also a great pleasure of the vinyl record, you can place your vinyl record albums in transparent plastic sleeves which will protect them as much from UV as from spilled liquids.