Should You Leave Turntable Cover Up or Down While Playing?

If you’re a vinyl record enthusiast like me, you probably have come across the age-old question: 

Should you play your records with the lid up, down, or removed? 

It’s something many of us have pondered. Does it make a difference? Is there a “correct” way to do it?

Personally, I always keep my dust cover down when my turntable is not in use. 

It’s a simple, effective way to prevent dust from settling on various elements of the turntable. 

However, the question of whether to keep it up or down while playing records is a little more complicated.

Let’s explore the arguments on both sides and find out what works best for optimal playback.

The Purpose of Turntable Dust Covers

First things first—what exactly is a dust cover, and why do turntables even have them? 

Think of the dust cover as the protective shield for your turntable. Typically made of acrylic or plastic, it acts as a barrier between your sensitive vinyl setup and the outside world.

Dust covers protect your turntable from accumulating dust on its sensitive components when not in use. 

But the dust cover isn’t just about physical protection. It’s designed to keep your records, stylus, and tonearm clean, ensuring that your setup lasts longer and performs well over time. 

If you’re in an environment that’s prone to dust, keeping the dust cover down while the turntable is not working seems like a no-brainer—it prevents dust and ensures the longevity of your equipment.

The Debate: Turntable Dust Cover Up or Down While Playing?

Here, we’ll explore the different schools of thought on dust covers while playing and how they affect not only the sound of your records but also the long-term care of your turntable.

Why Many Recommend Keeping the Dust Cover Open or Removed?

Many vinyl enthusiasts suggest keeping the dust cover up while playing records. Here are some reasons why:

• Avoiding Extra Vibrations: Some people say that if you leave the dust cover down, it can act like a box that bounces sound and vibrations back into the needle, which could mess with the sound quality. Keeping it up or taking it off helps avoid that.

• Less Chance of Sound Distortion: The dust cover might pick up vibrations from the air, like from your speakers, and send them down to the turntable, which can affect the music. Leaving it open or removing it might reduce this problem.

• Better Airflow for Sound: Keeping the dust cover up allows better air circulation, preventing heat build-up inside the turntable mechanism, especially during long play sessions, which could otherwise affect sensitive components.

Why Closed? The Case for Keeping the Turntable Dust Cover Down

• Protects from Dust: The most obvious reason is that it keeps dust off your records and the needle. Dust can cause scratches and wear down your records over time, so keeping the cover down helps avoid that.

• Prevents Accidents: If you have kids, pets, or just want to be extra careful, closing the dust cover gives your turntable a bit of extra protection from things falling on it or getting knocked over.

• Quiets Down Needle Noise: Sometimes, the needle can make a bit of extra noise, especially on older or cheaper turntables. Keeping the dust cover down can help muffle that noise and give you a quieter listening experience.

Do DJs and Vinyl Enthusiasts Keep Their Turntable Dust Cover Up Or Down?

Interestingly, many DJs and vinyl lovers completely remove the dust cover from their turntables altogether, especially during live performances. 

This eliminates any risk of vibrations or interference during playback and allows them to focus on the music without worrying about external factors like dust cover positioning.

What Should You Do- Keep Your Turntable Dust Cover Up or Down?

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. There isn’t a definitive right or wrong answer, and your decision should be based on your setup and preferences.

• Do you prefer to keep the dust cover down while playing records for an added layer of protection?
• Or do you leave it up to avoid potential skips and resonance issues during playback?

Here are some general guidelines that may help you decide.

If you prioritize protection from dust and debris, keeping the dust cover down during playback is a good option.

On the other hand, playing with the cover up or removing it entirely reduces the risk of resonance and interference during playback, potentially providing a cleaner, crisper sound. However, this leaves the turntable more exposed to dust.

Ultimately, consider factors like your room’s acoustics, the amount of dust in your environment, and your sound quality preferences to find what works best for you. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so feel free to experiment and see what fits your needs!

The key is to find a routine that suits your listening habits and minimizes any disruptions to your music experience.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does a turntable need a cover?

Yes, a turntable cover is important as it helps protect your equipment from dust, dirt, and accidental damage when the turntable is not in use. It also keeps the platter and tonearm free from debris, ensuring better performance.

Is it better to leave a turntable on?

It’s generally not a good idea to leave a turntable on when not in use. Prolonged operation can cause unnecessary wear on the motor, stylus, and belt (if applicable), shortening the lifespan of your equipment.

What is the point of a dust cover?

The primary purpose of a dust cover is to keep dust, dirt, and other particles away from sensitive components of your turntable. It also helps protect against accidental spills, knocks, or other potential damage that could impact performance.

How many plays before a record wears out?

A well-maintained record can last hundreds of plays before significant wear is noticeable. Proper handling, using a high-quality stylus, and ensuring correct tracking force can help extend the record’s lifespan.

Do you put the dust cover down when playing a record?

Many audiophiles prefer to play records with the dust cover up or completely removed to avoid any resonance or vibration interference. However, leaving it down can help prevent dust from settling on the record during playback, so it depends on personal preference.