Overheard a guy at the repair shop say old turntables need a new belt every 5 years

I was dropping off my Dual 510 at the shop downtown last Saturday and this older guy was telling the tech that he swaps his turntable belt every 5 years no matter what. He said the rubber stretches and messes with the pitch even if it still spins. I never thought about that, I just wait until it snaps. How often do you all replace your turntable belts?

2 comments

2 Comments

harper_owens1mo ago

That "every 5 years" advice is pretty solid for most common belts. I run a Technics SL-1200 and I just replace mine every 4 years like clockwork, because even a tiny speed wobble you can't hear yet will eventually mess with your records. Better to just do it on a schedule instead of waiting for that sudden snap in the middle of a good track.

amy9751mo ago

Wow, "every 4 years like clockwork" - that actually surprises me a bit. I always figured those Technics tables were built like tanks and the belts would last longer than that. But I guess if you're using it regularly and care about your vinyl, it makes total sense. I've definitely been guilty of pushing belts past their prime just because they still spin, but you're right that tiny wobble is probably doing damage you can't hear yet. Might have to rethink my own schedule now.