Angels Horn® Blog ·
Bluetooth Turntables ·
Category_BLOG>Angels Horn Latest Product Preview ·
Category_BLOG>Record Player History ·
Category_BLOG>Record Player History>History of Vinyl Records ·
How to Optimize Sound Quality on Your Angels Horn Turntable: A Vinyl Lover’s Guide
So, you’ve got yourself an Angels Horn turntable—maybe it’s the sleek H019 with its built-in speakers, the Bluetooth-enabled H002BT-OR, or the hefty AH6 with its standalone speakers. Whatever model you’re spinning, one thing’s for sure: you want that vinyl to sound as rich, warm, and crisp as possible. Out of the box, Angels Horn turntables deliver solid performance for the price, but with a few tweaks and upgrades, you can take your listening experience to the next level. Here’s my guide to optimizing sound quality—without breaking the bank or needing an engineering degree.
1. Fine-Tune Your Hardware
The heart of any turntable’s sound lies in its hardware. Let’s start there.
-
Needle and Cartridge Upgrade: The stock stylus and cartridge on most Angels Horn models are decent for casual listening, but swapping them out can work wonders. Consider a moving magnet (MM) cartridge like the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E (around $50) or the Ortofon 2M Red if you’re feeling fancy. These upgrades bring sharper detail and better bass response. Just check your stylus every 500-1000 hours—it wears out faster than you’d think!
-
Tonearm Setup: Get your tracking force dialed in (usually 1.5-2.5g, depending on the cartridge) using a cheap stylus gauge. Adjust the anti-skating too—it keeps the needle centered in the groove and reduces distortion. A little patience here pays off in clarity.
-
Swap the Platter Mat: That felt mat your turntable came with? It’s fine, but a cork, rubber, or acrylic mat (like the Hudson Hi-Fi cork mat) cuts down on vibrations and gives you tighter sound. It’s an easy $20 upgrade with a big impact.
2. Keep Vibrations at Bay
Turntables hate shaky surfaces—vibrations are the enemy of clean sound. Place your Angels Horn on a sturdy, level table or shelf, away from speakers or foot traffic. For an extra boost, grab some isolation pads (IsoAcoustics zaZen is a pro pick) or even DIY a solution with a wooden board and foam. Your records will thank you with less rumble and clearer highs.
3. Upgrade Your Audio Output
The way you hear your vinyl is just as important as the turntable itself.
-
External Preamp: Most Angels Horn models (like the H019) come with a built-in phono preamp, which is convenient but basic. Switch it off and hook up an external one—like the Pro-Ject Phono Box or Schiit Mani (both under $150). You’ll notice richer dynamics and quieter backgrounds instantly.
-
Ditch the Built-In Speakers: If you’ve got a model with built-in speakers (say, the H019 or Phantom), they’re fun for casual jams but lack punch. Plug into a pair of powered bookshelf speakers like the Edifier R1280T or, for a step up, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2. Use the RCA outputs or Bluetooth if your model supports it (more on that in a sec).
-
Better Cables: Those stock RCA cables? Swap them for something shielded like the AudioQuest Evergreen. It’s a small tweak that cuts noise and preserves signal quality.
4. Master Your Room and Records
Great sound isn’t just about gear—it’s about your space and vinyl care too.
-
Room Acoustics: Add a rug, curtains, or even a bookshelf to dampen echoes. If bass feels boomy, move your turntable away from corners. Little changes here make a surprising difference.
-
Clean Your Records: Dust and static are vinyl’s worst enemies. A carbon fiber brush is a must before every spin, but for deeper cleaning, try a Spin-Clean kit. Store records in anti-static sleeves to keep them pristine—fewer pops and crackles mean purer sound.
5. Optimize Bluetooth (If You’ve Got It)
Models like the H002BT-OR or Phantom offer Bluetooth, which is awesome for wireless setups. To avoid that compressed, tinny sound, pair with devices that support aptX or AAC codecs (like Bose SoundLink speakers). Standard SBC Bluetooth can work, but it’s the audio equivalent of fast food—convenient, not gourmet.
6. Tailored Tips for Angels Horn Models
Each Angels Horn turntable has its quirks—here’s how to tweak them:
-
H019 (Entry-Level with Speakers): Skip the built-ins and add external speakers. A new platter mat helps tame muddy lows too.
-
H002BT-OR (Bluetooth, No Speakers): Focus on a high-quality Bluetooth receiver or wired Hi-Fi system—don’t let wireless convenience compromise sound.
-
AH6 (With Standalone Speakers): Angle those speakers into a 60° listening triangle with your chair. Upgrade the cartridge for finer detail.
-
Phantom (All-Aluminum Build): Leverage its solid chassis with a top-tier cartridge and precise tonearm tuning—minimize resonance and max out fidelity.
7. Test and Tweak
Finally, trust your ears. Spin a variety of records—jazz for nuance, rock for punch, classical for range—and adjust as you go. Too much bass? Check your preamp gain. Highs too harsh? Revisit tracking force. It’s a process, but that’s half the fun of vinyl.
Final Thoughts
Optimizing your Angels Horn turntable doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Start small—clean records, a better mat, or proper placement—and build from there. Whether you’re grooving to Miles Davis or rocking out to Led Zeppelin, these tips will help your vinyl sing like never before. Got a favorite tweak or upgrade? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
Happy spinning!
Leave a comment