Why high end tables have no dust covers

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

Let's see how Paul feels about dust covers when two toddlers and a cat are unleashed into the room.

[@normanbott]

No toddlers, just 3 active cats ! A safety cover for mt tt.

[@Oystein87]

No problem. High enough for the toddler to not reach and cats.. Well.. Mine don't really care and they can also be teached not to touch it. I do have a cover but I dont really need it. Just easier to wipe dust from that then the turntable😅

[@MOOeymania]

@@normanbott I have one cat that keeps trying to sleep on top of my Technics. Thank god it's got that dust cover

[@xalint1]

Oh yes cats love electronics, especially amplifiers because of the nice warmth. Thank goodness mine all blow out the back of the unit.

[@Oystein87]

@@xalint1 Hmm.. Never had that issue actually😝 But I think my amps are a little too hot for comfort anyway🤣

[@Baerchenization]

High end tables do have dust covers. Only, you have to pay for them separately.

[@tomhound273]

and high-end turntables are rarely easy to put a dust cover on because of the shape and height of the arm.

[@stephensmith3111]

Cue up The Rutles LP, yet again: "All you need is cash . . ."

[@MINXC3]

Or make your own like I did.

[@jamieokane989]

MINXC3 how did you manage that and what material did you use?

[@MINXC3]

@@jamieokane989 I bought sheets of Perspex on eBay. Hand saw and epoxy glue. Kept me out of mischief for a while.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

When i remove the cover from my Crosley turntable it turns high end

[@charlescalkins4732]

I'm sure you might not believe this but my 54 year old daughter bought me a VICTROLA!!!! turntable for Xmas. I couldn't believe she would buy me something like that. She grew up in my house listening to a very good sound system. Not a surround system. I'm going to have her brain examend. Something wrong with her.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

@@charlescalkins4732 I bought my father a Crosley turntable for Christmas .... i regret ever buying him that.. because after i never saw the unit again.. i think he threw it out

[@QoraxAudio]

@@charlescalkins4732 I gave a friend of mine who's also into hifi a Crosley Cruizer as a gag gift for his housewarming party. After a few beers, it became subject to target practice in his back yard 😁

[@QoraxAudio]

@@charlescalkins4732 It was a Ricatech actually, but that's just the same thing as a Crosley Cruizer, but with a different logo on it.

[@pdcragin33]

Dust settles on the table’s mat. When we want to play Side A we place side B atop the dusty mat. Flip it over and, sure, clean that side of the disc, but a wipe clean will not be completely effective. So I think your viewer has a very valid point. Some dust transfers and is driven into the grooves. I’ve always thought the absence of a cover to be an aesthetic decision, best practices be damned.

[@BruceCross]

Exactly, dust on the surface of the record can be driven into the groove by the stylus. Yes, even a removable cover ruins the aesthetics.

[@janinapalmer8368]

Absolutely right !! How could Paul miss this one ... And to make it worse vinyl records are as electrostatic as hell ! It's all about showing the turntable off to ppl ... that's the REAL reason you never see a cover !

[@joeyd4593]

Agree 100%, plus keeps dust off of the cartridge/stylus - plus shipping cost and logistics of including with the table.

[@QoraxAudio]

Yes, the absence of a dustcover is for aesthetic reasons. VPI are high-end turntables made for fancy looks, but those aren't made for high performance.

[@myquealer]

You can put an extra slipmat on top of the mat when you're not using the table. It will catch all the dust.

[@viggozing598]

Of all your great answers to the many questions that you receive, this was the least favorable one and I don't believe for a second, that this dust cover issue never crossed you mind.

[@base128grep]

Theory: Find an audiophile that has eight dogs and a cat, and you'll find an audiophile that has a dust cover.

[@AndreasG32]

Grey Parrot

[@markwagner1997]

5 dogs, 2 cats, 2 African grays and a cockatoo. If it were up to me it would be 2 dogs, but I have my stereo and my wife has her pets.

[@vinniemorciglio4632]

Ferrets and Bearded Dragons too, lol

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

because rich people have maids to clean their stuff

[@charlescalkins4732]

I am the maid in my house.

[@gambitgambitgambit]

😂

[@eelcosterringa1374]

She may clean everywhere but not touch my gear

[@johnsweda2999]

That would be a nightmare you wouldn't want your maid anywhere near your tt asking for trouble

[@D1N02]

@@charlescalkins4732 me too but I fired me, so the house is a mess.

[@paulomontero12]

Dust is the greatest enemy of playing vinyl records. Dust cover included please.

[@behemothinferno]

Here's the reason: You can afford a cleaning lady to dust your house every week if you could can pay for a high end turntable so they don't offer a dust cover for that reason.

[@boneheadxxl1]

Maybe highend stereo is more about aesthetics then they are willing to admit ?

[@denisreed4701]

What an odd response!! Dust is a pain to all but those in pristine and clinical listening environments. Re the latter most of us have to use our every day living space anyway, the notion of a listening room is all but a dream, need to get real now and again!

[@socaljmac7720]

After a friend relayed the story of a housekeeper ripping the stylus off of his very expensive cartridge with a stray dust cloth, I bought an after market clear cover for my VPI.

[@utub1473]

The simple solution is to clean your own house...

[@DismasM]

Happened to me. I started blue-taping the arm and dustcover down on cleaning day. True story. I use the dustcover but take it of when I play records. Pain in the ass but keeps dust off the felt mat, at least.

[@utub1473]

@@DismasM Why do you take it off when you play records?

[@DismasM]

@@utub1473 The plastic lid resonates which makes a sound on its own but it also transfers the vibrations to the turntable itself. It's easy on/easy off, really.

[@utub1473]

@@DismasM Can you actually hear the difference?

[@brucermarino]

One reason dust covers are not included would be to reduce resonances. Dust covers can create resonant chambers that affect the playback of the record. Thanks!

[@malleyland5112]

You open it when playing, close it when not. Down there for dancing 😊

[@brucermarino]

@@malleyland5112 Here's to the light fantastic, Mal! But, for serious listening, open dust covers should be worse than closed ones. (No, that one can conceive of an extraordinarily design dust cover that it may avoid these issues.) While open it can have even more resonances (as a large Helmholtz resonator and flapping panel) since and it is only fixed along a single edge. (Thus, the leverage may more effectively transmit vibrations.) This can introduce extraneous vibrations into the system that should affect the sound. Therefore, it would seem best to remove it (and move it far away and/or leave it upside down) as opposed to leaving it on or, perhaps worse, leaving it open. FWIW, my friend...

[@eightrodway]

You are correct, sir. My VPI HW 19 has a hinged dust cover, but it is easily removable for listening. I've tried it both ways, and now I always completely remove it when in use. The improvement is clearly audible.

[@brucermarino]

@@eightrodway Thanks, John. Corroborating empirical evidence is always appreciated! I suspect you have a discerning ear and a great sounding system...

[@S.L.1211]

I’ve listened to records with the dust cover on and off and couldn’t hear a difference

[@RudieVissenberg]

My almost 40 year old Denon DP60L has a dust cover and all turntables in those days had dust covers. I think it actually looks cool when the dust cover is open at 60 degrees

[@onzinlife]

It's like watching your engine in your car idling over .. you see the movement and know that all is well :)

[@jasonhoffer9017]

This totally struck a chord with me - HIGH END TABLES NEED DUST COVERS. Period - kindest regards

[@QoraxAudio]

Get yourself a Technics SL-1000R High-end with a dustcover included. The dustcover is removed during play, so it can't pick up resonances.

[@QoraxAudio]

@Jason Hoffer Nice. Which LP12? Akurate or Klimax?

[@QoraxAudio]

@Jason Hoffer Hmmh that must be an old Valhalla... those are good turntables, but nothing compared to the modern LP12 models. While those modern models have the Karousel bearing just like the Cirkus upgrade kits, they're on another level. Especially the Ekos tonearm is a very good titanium tonearm. They all look very similar, so most people often assume that they're all about the same... but looks are deceiving.

[@QoraxAudio]

@Jason Hoffer You're welcome 👍

[@bobgrob4]

the trick is to remove it before using the table.

[@345weehrs]

They have dust covers that simply lift off. Plus they protect the tone arm from getting hit

[@thegrimyeaper]

Dismantling dust covers can be pretty eye opening. Or ear opening. They hum like crazy, at least with the turntables I've had over the years.

[@TuneHead]

Finally. Someone said it. Dust covers (when open) act as a frequency/vibration sail transmitting back to the plinth and straight into the tonearm. When closed (down) the dust cover contact points will also vibrate.

[@Hare_deLune]

Yep. Resonance.

[@thegrimyeaper]

@@TuneHead Yup. And you REALLY hear it when listening through headphones. Kinda shocking the first time I took the over off. Giant carpet of hum disappears.

[@davidthomson8164]

Hi, wouldn't the vinyl pick up dust from the mat, which would be covered in dust?

[@vocalion9519]

This is one of my biggest pet peeves. I can understand turntable manufacturers not wanting to have an integrated cover, but at least offer a reasonably-priced cover that fits over the entire unit. Both my Linn and my Rega have integrated covers that were included. Tables can absolutely be made to sound great with a dustcover.

[@zulumax1]

Would need to be isolated from the plinth. Hinged to the plinth, or resting on top of the plinth would not be good.

[@jamieokane989]

zulumax1 yes a simple perspex lift-on-lift-off lid is all that's required. I recently read about a higher end TT having a £600 lid on a £4K TT, now that is fleecing the customer!

[@harrybaules]

Agreed. Make a fully removable cover without hinges. Bottom line, turntables have exposed operational parts. They need dust covers. It's also for protection.

[@Treviscoe]

@@harrybaules I agree.

[@barrymiller3385]

I can understand why you might not want a dust cover while the turntable is in use. But why not have a cover that can be placed on the table when not in use?

[@zapwatt]

When it comes to practical features it seems that the more you pay, the less you get. So many newer, 'high end' turntables have no dustcover, no switch for speed selection, no removable head shell and you can forget automatic operation.

[@alanhardy3400]

The Linn LP12 has always had a perspex lid, which I believe is recommended to be closed when a record is being played, to improve acoustic isolation. Or is the LP12 no longer considered high end?

[@swinde]

My Thorens TD 125 on which I mounted a Rabco SL-8E tone arm had no dust cover. So I made a mechanical drawing of what I needed and had it made by a local plastics fabricator. It is a simple cover that rest on the corners of the wooden turntable base. It has a slot for the patch cables that go to the arm. It is completely removed when playing records. It is made from clear polished 3/16 Acrylic. (It can be placed over the turntable with a record playing, but I do not normally do this.)

[@johnjaruzel2726]

Paul, usually great videos. I think you missed it this time. Many of us don't have such pristine listening rooms. Is it bad of me to open windows now and then? The dust in many parts of the country can be overwhelming. I made an acrylic cover for my VPI and it has saved me from extra cleaning on my vinyl.

[@ladronsiman1471]

You just got it right ,,,There is little dust in Paris ..But in Denver is somethin else

[@WoodyAsAKid]

I love how he goes on and on about how tacky (paraphrasing) and dumb a dust cover would be on that beautiful, high-end turntable...all the while it's parked next to some Ikea shelves with all kinds of odds and ends scattered upon it! Mainly CD's!!! Too funny!

[@billsmith8739]

The Limited HW-40 ​Anniversary does have a dust cover included with it per VPI website.

[@edbennett8257]

Back when I was playing vinyl, the dust cover was closed while the record was playing. I considered its main purpose to prevent dust from getting to the freshly cleaned record as it was being played. I seem to remember that could hear the difference in the amount of dust in the grooves between the start and finish of an album side if the cover was left open as being the reason I developed that habit.

[@mkfmkf55]

As someone mentioned earlier, Paul might want to look around the room because his VPI 40th Anniversary turntable comes with a dust cover as per Music Direct's website.

[@bikemike1118]

A completely removable (dust) cover would make perfect sense though as it saves the sensitive mechanic from possible damage when not in use

[@ksztyrix]

Rega's have those

[@crodoc69]

Dust covers are very important for protecting turntable. Those who cleans know how it is often very difficult to remove dust from hidden parts of anything, including turntables. No way that it can be cleaned without proper vacuum cleaner with brush or blower. Therefore it should be used. Also if there is dust on turntable prior to placing record it will be picked pu on side B while listening side A, maning in order to avoid the each time before playing a record turntable should be cleaned. I have piano black turntable and boy, there is lots of dust in air that we aren't aware of (I don't have small childeren or pets, or carpets). I gues those with silver/gray or wood colored can't see that. While cover can in theory reflect sound from cartridge back to it, it protect that same cartridge from all other sounds that come from enviroment including one that comes from soundspeakers. Also don't forget how records have static electricity and while playing they move and can pick up more dust than while not. Anyway it is up to each of us to decide should turntable have dust cover or not, or open/removed or closed during playing record. Simple testing would do. In meanwhile I have it closed all the time for last 40 years and never had to wash my records.

[@patriciawilson9666]

Yep,it stays closed.Even those with silver/gray faux wood floors get dust.

[@dennisw4654]

I read somewhere the main reason for no hinged dust cover is because of the resonance it would pick up and transmit to cartridge.

[@BellTunnel]

The tonearm and cartridge/stylus are so vulnerable. I don’t need a dust cover. I need a kid/dog/hanging sleeve cover.

[@patriciawilson9666]

Got that right!

[@traildoggy]

This is why I keep my turntable in an acoustically isolated vacuum chamber.

[@patriciawilson9666]

...in space.

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

Love your approach but it's a big butt, static electricity as soon as you put the record on the turntable all the static in the record goes into the turntable it's electrical conduction and that attracts dust.

[@bombero3368]

Dang! My B&O turntable has a dust cover and here I thought I had a higher end turntable…😜

[@skip1835]

That VPI HW-40 behind Paul comes with a dust cover and the hinges - you guys at PS Audio didn't install it - - many think the cover (of any turntable) transmits resonant noises or otherwise degrades the sound so they don't install it - - - by the way, I know what I'm talking about, I own that same table - yes, I've run the table with and without the cover - my ears aren't what they used to be and directly tapping on the cover itself aside - I'd be a liar if I told anyone that I could hear any difference when listening to music with the cover down (closed) during playback or with it completely removed, hinges and all. I do think it's slightly less than ideal to play a record with the cover installed but in the up position (of this particular table) - but again, I'd be a liar if I told you I could A/B it and tell 100% of the time whether it was up or down in a dark room.

[@roberttholen4132]

A dust cover on a turn table, high and low end, acts as a resonance pit. It catches the soundwaves and transports these vibrations to the chassis. Place the stylus on the record (without the platter turning), turn the volume up and tik softly against the closed dust cover. Boing!

[@fishbone08070]

That's what my common scene tells me. If the cover was made of glass or some other rigid material, it would resonate less than plastic.

[@Mikexception]

I have Bang Olufsen. it has internal suspension and floats softly the plate and arm independent from box with legs and attached plastic dust cover on twists . With tracking force 1g I can even dust record in time of play and it won't skip.The same outer shell and cover may be dusted without stopping . I lift cover enough only to put or grab LP and keep it so because as for me with every turn dust appears. Anyway worst side is that it looks as whole only like Hi Fi .

[@GiveUsMusic]

I would think if you flicked the chassis you would get your boing as well. I used to play some of my records wet on one of my turntables, and when I lowered the lid over the record, the sound would have a noticeable (downward) pitch change until I lifted the cover back up, as if it created a positive pressure on the record when covered. Not sure if this is what happens, but interesting.

[@MrLndrs]

Boing

[@FOH3663]

I Googled VPI to determine which turntable that is ... and BAM, prominently displayed on their homepage is the table with the 𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧!

[@Talia.777]

How much was it?!

[@FOH3663]

@@Talia.777 ~15k

[@CrustyCurmudgeon]

So in winter months, when most indoor spaces are heated (resulting in low - sometimes very low - humidity), the removal of an LP from its sleeve is a static generator. Placing that charged vinyl on the platter probably means that collected dust has a good potential to be attracted to the grooves. I imagine that the severity varies widely due to conditions, but certainly its a potential problem that could be helped by adding an after-market cover.

[@patrickblyau]

Hi Paul, thank you for sharing tour expertise and thoughts. Could it be possible that very expensive turntables simply do not have a cover just ro prevent parasite noise coming from the resonance of the cover itself while playing vinyl record. As you stated a lot of money goes in stability and isolation. Extra noise/resonance coming from the speakers would be amplified trough the cover. Best regards from Brussels, Waterloo Belgium. 🎛🎧🎤

[@neilgaydon5430]

British designed LInn LP12’s and Rega’s have always come with a proper lids to protect the mat from dust. You want to avoid dust build up so when you place your vinyl on the T/T the face sitting on the mat doesn’t get more dust on. They also designed it so that’s also easily removed if you think it sounds better off when you’re using it.

[@richardraisler2858]

The VPI HW40 anniversary direct drive turntable comes with a high quality detachable dust cover

[@jamiemcneil9462]

Turntables do not have dust covers for the same reason many integrated and pre-amps do not have tone controls. The manufacturers are too cheap and greedy to make them that way - Now you have heard the truth.

[@finscreenname]

+100

[@pdcragin33]

Taking a tone control out of a signal path theoretically allows an undistorted or less distorted signal to flow to the outputs. I don’t see how lack of a dust cover has any audio rationale.

[@jamiemcneil9462]

@@pdcragin33 - Actually, a properly designed tonal control circuit will add nothing to the signal path. This has nothing to do with theory in my case, just practical application.

[@Mikexception]

@@pdcragin33 Tone control affects flatness of amplifier? For that reason they provide the tone controls to correct it. .

[@jamieokane989]

Paul Cragin because theoretically it acts as a sonic sail; catching sound waves and adding to the vibration affecting the TT> tonearm > cartridge. Physics.

[@bobbobell7095]

My VPI HW-40 came with a dust cover, packed in a separate box. Attaches with 4 screws. Think of it no so much as a dust cover, but protection for your $4000 cartridge. It helps to keep unwanted inquisitive onlookers away from the the most delicate component in your system.....Paul, your dust cover is probably still in the box in some closet (it’s too big to hide under the couch)

[@18000rpm]

An open dust cover acts like a sail, any air movement will cause vibrations. (Yes you can close it but still.)

[@nohandle54]

a good dust cover is removable, not hinged

[@malleyland5112]

That's the best bit of bullshit I've heard in my 63 years. Maybe your playing it on your roof though which with a good wind would blow it over the fooking edge so sorry if this is the case. 🤔

[@craigmichel9636]

@@malleyland5112 My Rega P6 when played at loud volumes with the dustcover up will start howling with feedback.....Remove the cover completely and there's no feedback...hardly bullshit.

[@malleyland5112]

@@craigmichel9636 So where is the feedback coming from?

[@Mooseman327]

@@malleyland5112 The idea is that the sound from the speakers bounces off the walls back toward the turntable, gets caught by the raised dustcover and bounced towards the cartridge where the feedback is created.

[@GiveUsMusic]

I have a fairly entry level Audio-Technica and the dust cover has rubber pads where it touches the chassis and dampened hinges in the rear. I don’t notice any harmonic noise when the lid is on the unit, or when it is taken off. I did have an instance of playing vinyls wet on another turntable, and the sound would experience a noticeable downward pitch shift when I closed the lid, then returned to normal pitch when I raised it, as if there was a positive pressure on the record when the lid was lowered.

[@douglasjarnagan3835]

Dust cover costs an extra 5 grand, so they make it optional.

[@alexandermikhailov2481]

I don't understand the entire argument. A dust cover is all pros and no cons: it protects the tonearm mechanics, knobs, etc. from dust and physical impact while not affecting the sound quality at all. Why not fit every turntable with a dust cover and not even have this pretty much useless discussion? Or are the high-end TT manufacturers so greedy as to save a ~$100 cost of a cover on a $10,000+ device?

[@MrBobLucas]

I also wonder if it’s due to the assumption that a high end turntable is going to be as much of a statement as it is a music playback device. Are you going to want to have it covered up or have it clear to view for guests to gawp at?

[@pentajazzz]

audiophile turntables do not have a dust cover because if it does, the manufacturer could be accused of having resonances that the patient hears. and so - no cover, no complaints. that's all there is to know about this the same goes for the automation, which lift and returns the tonearm at the end of the record. no unnecessary components, no complaints about their alleged influence. and it doesn't matter that these components do not affect the sound. a sick patient can complain about anything, and will do so, so all audiophile players are SO primitive.

[@bluesfish55m51]

I play my TT with the cover down to keep the ceiling fan from blowing against the stylus. Otherwise the right channel plays too loud and I have to adjust the balance control.

[@Mikexception]

May be it could be used to adjust tracking force:).

[@rdmeenach]

I just drape a chamois over mine, remove to play, replace. Works great. Doing it for years. No dust. Audiomecca Romance TT

[@stephenstevens6573]

Same as I do with my stanton table...its no work at all

[@finscreenname]

How much did these turntables cost that you drape a rag over to protect?

[@stephenstevens6573]

@@finscreenname mine wasnt insanely expensive...mine came with a chamois like cover that's semi fitted to the table

[@rdmeenach]

Mine cost about 1700$ 15 years ago. It’s isn’t a rag. It’s thin deer skin.

[@stephenstevens6573]

@@rdmeenach sounds great! Very fitting

[@juliocubias9600]

If I am going to spend a chunk of money on a turntable and audio equipment with the goal of the most realistic sound experience, the least I can do is to use a cover to avoid some lint, dander and dust on my record while playing and reduce the unwanted pops.

[@LuxAudio389]

Audiophiles live in hepa filtered homes where dust can not exist. However, I noticed there was no cover on that high end DAC either. Very interesting🧐

[@ThinkingBetter]

High-end turn tables are hand made in small volumes by small companies having limited budget to invest in special tools, and an acrylic dust cover made in an expensive molding tool will need a high production volume to justify the initial tooling cost.

[@eded8045]

watching some YT on bending perspex it looks like a DIY pro job is possible

[@ThinkingBetter]

@@eded8045 Yes, alternatives exist not costing fortunes in tooling. What makes high-end audio expensive is often the craftsmanship involved in producing something with a manual process rather than through special high volume manufacturing optimized tools.

[@aramb]

The AR turntable got it right. The cover didn't hinge, it simply lifted off. AND the suspension system was internal and didn't depend on the outside feet, so even if it did have a hinged cover, it wouldn't have affected that.

[@BurtWicks]

Most turntables that have dustcovers have detachable dust covers. You don't want to play a record with the dust cover attached because it vibrates. Two things happen. The dustcover vibration is transferred to the plinth, and depending on how the platter and tonearm are isolated that sound makes it back to the stylus and muddies the sound. If the cover is attached and closed while playing music there is a resonance in the enclosed space around the stylus, tonearm, and platter, and that resonance will also emphasize and mussy the sound. High end turntables are an exercise in avoiding all of that, and when you do see some kind of dust cover it is not actually attached, and is meant to be completely removed while the turntable is in use. As with everything there are always exceptions, but this should apply in the general case.

[@homerjones3291]

The Linn LP12’s have back brackets for hinged dust covers, don’t/didn’t they?

[@louisperlman8030]

My LP-12 has a hinged dust cover, and I remove it when playing records. Just another part of my vinyl ritual.

[@paulrandall7785]

I recently bought a new turntable after 35 years with my old one. It came down to a couple choices, one model which had no dust cover and one that did. I bought the one with a dust cover. It's not just the dust, but the protective aspect of the cover that I value. A tone arm and a cartridge are much too easily damaged by pets, cleaning people, and my own clumsiness to leave them unprotected when not in use. I would NEVER buy a turntable without one.

[@spacemissing]

Many "high-end" manufacturers offer dust covers, but they don't show them in ads. Consumers are, of course, free to use whatever protection they choose for their equipment. I have always kept my covers on and closed when the 'table is not in use, but nearly always open or entirely removed when playing.

[@vocalion9519]

The dust cover for the VPI Classic is $300. I'm sure that they're very proud of it and that it's a quality product that meets exacting specifications, but that' just flat out unreasonable.

[@roofermarc1]

I love that anniversary series direct drive table. I really like the shape of it too!

[@michaelgoron4226]

My Turntable does not have an attached dust cover, but a heavy expensive removable one was available as an extra. I got a cheaper custom-made version. The only problem was it acted as a sort of psychological barrier to playing Vynil. It was big, heavy, I had to put it somewhere after removal. So I seemed to avoid doing it! Having removed it, I use the table much more. I like dustcovers. They have a nostalgic resonance as well as a physical one! If I buy another turnable it will have a hinged dustcover.

[@nicallen2137]

2:47...actually it does resonate, and that's the biggest reason they don't have them. A gigantic flimsy dusk cover becomes a wall for bouncing sound and vibration. Alternatively if a dust cover was made of super thick glass or granite it would probably be ok

[@chrisnyc3641]

It's totally true. I recently purchased a EAT C-Sharp and had to find an oem aftermarket dust cover. Fortunately it fits perfectly on the table and lifts off completely when I'm using it. My theory is they figure if you can afford a high end turntable they can probably milk you for extra money for an "optional" dust cover

[@petek6031]

I did the same with my C Sharp---however covers shouldn't be used during play as the resonation is awful. Thus the higher market tables generally dont have hinged covers. Some do sell their own after market cover.

[@biketech60]

High end manufacturers want you to know it's not a cheap turntable , which usually come with covers , so theirs come without . Virtue signaling . Ours has more CLASS ! L O L

[@two2pedal289]

I agree with Bob Lucas in this "look at me and my stuff" culture. My old Phillips 212 has a dust cover and the only suspension system back in the mid 70's that wouldn't dance around as you walked across flimsy wooden floors.

[@Mikexception]

I Thought so to my B&O and at first I made massive shelf mounted to concrete wall. Later I realized that it wasn't necessary at all and no vibrations were transmitted from outer enclosure. Now it is working on furniture and I can hit cover with hand. Tried to pull out on sleeves during work but at least this was too much shaking .

[@MrEyesbleed]

I live in a drafty old house in W.TX with 3 big dogs and a cat running in and out constantly. My turntable has to have a dust cover!! I won't even play an album unless the dust cover is down to protect it from floating dog hairs....lol. Having a turntable without a dust cover would be unthinkable in my house.

[@glennwassermann6972]

Wow. Sounds like this question really perplexed you. What I learned, and it makes some sense to me, is that sonics suffer when the table is tethered to its dust cover, especially if said dustcover is left in the "up" position whilst playing a record.

[@weevilsnitz]

I have a technics automatic turntable that was given to me by my parents after they hadn't used it since the 80s. It has an interesting automatic track selection and skip feature, but it only works with the clear cover dropped down closed.

[@plasticoyster8131]

The issue is that dust gets on my leather turntable mat, side B gets dusty while I play side A. My mid range system doesn’t have a dust cover (you can buy one separately but it’s like a shell and my table doesn’t fit it) and whenever I bring records over to my audiophile dad’s house he is always astounded how much dust my brand-new records have collected!

[@rickdavis7141]

I notice that on my turntable when it on and the needle in up with the dust cover down and ya lightly tap it the sound comes thru the speakers. Does the Dust cover induct noise into the sound? You can have a cover of some sorts for when your not using it but remove it for playing. Just guessing here.

[@kingofskateop]

There is no dust cover on high-end audiophile turntables because every component attached could cause vibration issues. An audiophile grade turntable is usually big and heavy, so adding a cover would make the package even larger, which would increase transportation costs. Their dust covers (no contact, lift off) are usually sold separately, and they can cost more than mid-level turntables (extra profit).

[@kennixox262]

You can get a cover for that VPI in you order it. Or have a custom box for your odel of table, mainly to keep curious hans away.

[@LakeHighiii]

So....When a stylus is rubbed against a vinyl album 1000 times (33.3 rpm x 30 min= 999 revolutions) in a row in the same direction, it creates a strong static charge. Try taking a record off of your deck after playing and hold it 5 inches away from your hair and see if it does not lift your hair to it like a balloon rubbed on a sweater. As a result of the static charge the record is pulling in dust particles from as far as 10-12 inches away in the air, at a high rate of speed like a literal magnet. Without a dust cover your records will easily become 100 times dustier than surrounding surfaces. Playing a record without the dust cover down is pure vandalism to your vinyl. On the other hand, if you own a $20- $30,000 turntable, you probably can afford to replace your vinyl as often as you like, and also you are probably in possession of some decent vinyl brushes if you are an audiophile of that level. For the average Joe, not putting down your dust cover while playing vinyl is a a foolish waste of good vinyl even if you use the two brush method that I do on my collection.

[@frankieknuckles9610]

It doesn't have to hinge. On or off. What happened to little brush that attached to cartridge while playing?

[@csabakereszturi945]

I had to upgrade the dust cover that came with my Clearaudio Innovation. It just wasn’t up to the current audiophile standards.

[@Freedom89984]

So there are no small bearings in the table and tone arm that don’t like dust?

[@richardwestfall7535]

I've owned an Empire Troubador turntable for over 40 years and it looks as new as when I bought it thanks to a rigid integrated top cover. And the cover swings up and can be easily removed when using it if resonance is a concern.

[@ychilds99]

Please tell me the piece of furniture you have the equipment on. I love that it looks very stable and does not look pretentious. I really need one for my home.

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

The VPI HW-40 comes with a dust cover with purchase; I don't know what's happened to yours.

[@TuneHead]

Dust covers (when open) act as a frequency/vibration sail transmitting back to the plinth and straight into the tonearm. When closed (down) the dust cover contact points will also vibrate.

[@pdcragin33]

True for hinged covers. Completely removable covers would certainly be an option.

[@finscreenname]

My Kenwood came without a cover and (the missing cover) is why I got a great deal on it.

[@russputin6294]

What about dust getting into the tonearm and motor bearings bearings, drive belt etc? Could the main reason be that a proportional dust cover cost would make the table appear uncompetitive? Nothing wrong at all in having a suitable cover for the deck when not in use that can be removed when playing.

[@beamer.electronics]

You can make an excellent dust cover out of a large grey plastic (recycled), washing-up bowl. And, it will appeal to the most discerning (yet thrifty), post-modernistic audiophile ;)

[@bonzostarr]

Helpful!! Ordered a new table but won’t use the dust cover due to space and look of it.

[@outbackwack368]

Try living in Arizona where all that dust contains SAND and gets on and in everything. I have to clean my stuff weekly and blow components out monthly, and when you wipe it off it can scratch if you're not really careful :-(

[@mikemcguinness1304]

Wow man, that must be an absolute pain in the ass. I hate that dude

[@maxhirsch7035]

As at least one person has noted below- but in case you missed it- essentially, covers (unless they were made to be extremely high mass/and or somehow a properly-suspended construction), would typically introduce unwanted resonance into high-end turntables, thus lowering the nth degree of clarity, dynamics, etc. that they're designed and intended to convey. Just having them connected to the table without somehow degrading the sound in some measure would presumably require, at the very least, a great deal of extra mass and cost to the turntableThe thinking by such manufacturers is that individuals will take the kinds of steps Paul discussed to protect records and tables from harmful dust buildup; and if one really wants a dust cover (or simply a protective cover) for a high end 'table, then there are third-party businesses that sell plastic cube-shaped 'covers' that one places over the entire turntable in question, onto the platform that that turntable is resting on, and that one removes to play the turntable, thus removing resonance while it's actually in operation.

[@Reyfox1]

Well, back in the day, my VPI HW19 (serial 695) came with a dust cover! :D It was easy to remove when playing music.

[@stevekirby7333]

It's because of static attraction between the record/cartridge and a plastic cover. There may be some effect of a resonant cavity over the system as well, but static has always been the reason I've heard.

[@Shaggy8675]

The dust indeed doesn't go into the groves of the vinyl. But the dust does go into the bearings, drivetrain and tonearm. All articulated parts with Grease/oil will atrackt and collect dust on these "expensive" tables.

[@Palshoej]

Why this slightly hidden arrogant answer to a great question.

[@manfredlietz1722]

Hey Gueys, does anybody knows about the speaker factory "ES-Audio". I bought the brand here in Germany without any technical device. Thx, Manfred

[@mkygod]

But doesn't dust get on the vinyl while its playing? A dust cover could come in handy then

[@robinr5787]

It is then moving for about 25 minutes, should be fine unless you are in a very dusty room. But then you shouldn't play it at all.

[@vcp93]

"Yippie!!!!" My copy of the "Audiophile's Guide" w/SACD arrived just now. Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend. Really looking forward to seeing what my system can do and how badly I currently have it set up. 😎✌

[@harrylanza]

How will you feel when you snag the dust cloth on that $2,000+ stylus. Besides vinyl is inherently static charged, I have seen dust jump inches to land on a record being removed from the jacket.

[@JohnnieLoveuboundoil]

Wouldn't there be a resonance from the enclosed cover to the tonearm?

[@Chaikittie]

A dust cover keeps Cats and children from potentially damaging the arm and stylus. That's the important function.

[@Erudotic]

Indeed my cat did playfully want to engage the spinning disk after studying it a while. I had to get a new needle. The sapphire had come clean of the stylus.

[@indygo1963]

Dust covers are like sails. More surface to collect vibrations from the speakers and transmit it down to the table.

[@Mikexception]

I can knock in plastic cover to my LP while working ( tracking force 1,0 g) . No problem. No need to carry for solid wall mounting or stone floor nor special absorbing legs. May be because B&O whole turntable massive chassis is floating inside rest and arm mounted also this chassis is extremely light.

[@edwinsinclair9853]

Does dust cover add resonance problems from speakers perhaps? Also plastic cover maybe attracts more dust and static electricity.

[@visheshgupta9100]

To add to the question, does dust affect the cartridge on the turntable?

[@Locomotore99]

I think it saves the manufacturer money. I would NEVER buy a TT without a dust cover.

[@jeanm289]

Then you will missed out most of the hi-end TT

[@Locomotore99]

@@jeanm289 Not a problem. I have a Realistic Lab 400 direct drive TT and that is all I need.