Levykipinää

Levykipinää is a Finnish term that describes the crackling or popping sound produced by a vinyl record when it is played. This sound is a characteristic artifact of the vinyl playback process and is often referred to as surface noise. It can be caused by various factors, including dust and debris lodged in the record's grooves, scratches, wear and tear on the record, or imperfections in the vinyl material itself.

The perceived level and nature of this noise can vary greatly depending on the quality of the record pressing, the condition of the stylus, and the phono preamplifier used. Some listeners find the subtle surface noise to be an inherent part of the vinyl listening experience, contributing to its analog warmth. Others consider it a distraction and a sign of a worn or dirty record.

To minimize levykipinää, proper record care is essential. This includes keeping records clean, using an anti-static brush before playing, and ensuring the stylus is also clean and in good condition. Over time, repeated playing will inevitably lead to some degree of wear, and thus, potentially increased levykipinää. Despite these potential drawbacks, many audiophiles continue to favor vinyl for its unique sonic qualities, which include the characteristic, albeit sometimes audible, levykipinää.