Best Accessories

Getting the most out of any turntable requires accurate vertical tracking force—and yes, kids, you can easily hear slight changes. Not only is AcousTech’s new gauge a relative bargain; it is small, has a backlit display, is incredibly easy to use, measures weights from 0.001 to 5.000 grams at the height of an LP’s surface, and is said to be accurate to within ± 0.002 grams.

This battery-operated device sends a special signal through your moving-coil cartridge, removing stray magnetism in the coils. Used every two weeks or so, the ABCD-1 will restore tone colors and soundstage clarity. For use only on moving coils.

Amazingly well-conceived as well as manufactured to the highest standards, The Ultimate Analogue Test LP is the new reference in test discs. It’s loaded with useful test signals that are encoded with high precision, and the record is pressed on 180-gram virgin vinyl.

AudioQuest’s binding-post wrench, featuring durable metal socket-inserts, eliminates the need for a bulky socket set. This compact double-ended nut driver, small enough to slip into a shirt or pants pocket, fits 7/16″ and ½” binding posts. Essential for tightening down speaker cables to speakers and amps.

This new and improved version of AudioQuest’s ubiquitous carbon-fiber wonder has “ideal conductivity from the Carbon Fibers.” On first acquaintance, the only change JV noted was that the brush feels different (lighter and a bit flimsier) than the original. But who cares? You’re going to buy one; JV’s gonna buy one; anyone who listens to vinyl is gonna buy one. The thing is indispensable. JV, 274

This little device looks like a miniature plug-in DAC but fits between a DAC or USB cable and a USB jack on a computer, DAC, or music server. Its mission is to reduce jitter and isolate the computer from the DAC. Judging from its sonic effects, the JitterBug does just that, offering a smoother treble, deeper soundstage, and more relaxed and natural presentation. A no-brainer recommendation for the asking price.

If you’ve had a desire to test, tweak, or optimize your music system, the tests included in the AudioTools App will make your job easier. All this ergonomic elegance can be had at a price that makes stand-alone test gear almost obsolete.

This two-piece kit combines a precision machined-steel 45-rpm adapter with a high-quality bubble level. The level sits atop the 45rpm-adapter, which together weigh 180 grams—the same as a high-quality LP for accurate leveling.

Don’t confuse these unique two- or four- inch-tall pads with typical couplers like spikes and footers. EVPs are decouplers, and according to A/V RoomService their energy absorption properties are tested, known, neutral, and consistent. While the EVP might be decidedly unglamorous to the eye, when placed discreetly beneath a component it can make nearly any rig more musical. While the EVPs don’t change the inherent tonal balance of a loudspeaker—they do restore a level of musical and harmonic complexity that makes a loudspeaker into a more satisfying version of itself. NG, 290

Loose-fitting or sagging outlets? C-Lock is an outlet plate with an integral, adjustable “lock socket” system that clamps down on the male end of a power cord and draws the blades of the power cord fully and firmly within the receptacle. Suffice it say C-Lock works as intended. Like formal wear for the well-dressed system, it completes the chain of connections with panache. NG, 311

The original acoustic putty and adhesive from Bostik of England that damps resonances and mechanically couples a compact speaker to the top plate of its stand. Sonically you’ll hear tighter bass and improved image. Considered “a flexible semi-liquid that behaves like a solid” it also offers a safety bonus by preventing a stand-mounted speaker from being inadvertently toppled.

Caig’s DeoxIT has long been the go-to lubricant for cleaning, preserving, and conditioning all electrical connections. Packaged in a handy dispenser bottle with a little applicator-brush built into the cap, it can and should be used for any junction (short of an AC wall socket) where a metal connector (like the male RCA plugs of your interconnects) is plugged into a metal socket (like the female RCA plugs of your preamp or amp).

Pop these RCA shorting plugs into your preamplifier’s unused inputs and you’ll hear a blacker background, more micro-dynamic detail, and an overall cleaner sound.

This set of cigar-sized cylinders terminated with an audio or networking connector plugs into unused jacks on your equipment to reportedly lower your system’s noise floor by shunting electrical noise to ground. Plug options include USB A, RCA, DIN, XLR, BNC, RJ45, and HDMI. Used in an array across analog and digital components, the GroundARRAY increased the sense of air and space, and made fine detail more easily audible and distinct. RH

Featuring grooves that create the additional stylus drag necessary to accurately measure your turntable’s speed—while at the same time doubling as a cartridge break-in device—Clearaudio’s Strobo-disc and Strobe Light are great tools for the serious vinyl junkie.

Made from layers of carbon-fiber cloth bonded into a solid with epoxy, the Composite Products Carbon-Fiber Cones are extremely stiff and well damped. Place a set under a component to reduce vibrations.