Whether you have a large selection of vinyls, perhaps left to gather dust in boxes, or want to explore the world of record collecting, the first step is to buy a quality turntable to play the albums on. Learn all the secrets to buying a good turntable, starting from the characteristics and particularities of the device, from the strategies for an optimal purchase, to how to choose the equipment needed to complete the stereo system.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Knowing the Features
Step 1. Speak the lingo
Before proceeding with the search for a turntable, it is important to know the basic components of the device. You must fully understand the meaning of the technical terms that determine the characteristics of the system and be able to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the various brands, models and styles of turntables. A basic turntable consists of:
- A rotating plate on which the phonographic support rests. The platter is used to rotate the disc and is often covered with antistatic felt or rubber on which to place the vinyls.
- A stylus - also called "needle" -, which is the part of the turntable that reads the phonograph in the groove of the records. The stylus (or pick-up) is usually an integral part of the cartridge, which contains the connections necessary to transmit the sound vibrations, perceived by the stylus, along the arm.
- The arm can be operated by hand or automatically and has the very important task of holding the reading head. The most sought after turntables are equipped with mechanisms that automatically move the cartridge from the rest position to the record, and vice versa.
- The base of the turntable contains the electrical circuits and houses all the components of the device. Usually, the turntable base is mounted on anti-vibration feet which prevent the record from skipping while playing music.
Step 2. Decide if you prefer a direct drive or belt drive turntable
Turntables are divided into two basic categories, in relation to the way in which motion is transmitted from the motor to the platter. This distinction might seem negligible in the eyes of a novice, however it is good to familiarize yourself with the differences in operation between the two models, as they lend themselves to completely different uses.
- Direct drive turntables offer constant speed that will never need corrective adjustments over time, as well as freedom of rotation in both directions. If you are interested in DJ activities, such as analog scratching, you will need to buy a direct drive turntable, or you will find yourself with a device that is not suitable for your needs.
- Turntables with belt drive decentralize the motor towards the sides of the base, which transmits movement to the platter with the aid of a rubber belt. Although the belt tends to loosen with use, especially in older models, the distance of the motor from the arm reduces the amount of accidental noise generated by the moving mechanisms, making these models the quietest choice on the market.
Step 3. Decide on the essential functions to have on your turntable
Some turntables are simple platter and needle pairing, with no frills or other features. Many modern turntables, however, come with a decent variety of features that make them more affordable and appealing.
- Most turntables allow you to select the rotational speed of the platter, commonly expressed in rotations per minute (RPM). 12-inch vinyls (LPs) are played at 33 1/3 RPM, while singles (7-inch vinyls) are played at 45. Older shellac and acetate records, released before 1950, usually run at 78. RPM. If you need a single device to play different types of discs, be sure to choose a turntable that allows you to change the speed of rotation.
- USB ports are a very common feature on modern turntables and allow you to connect the device to your PC and record digital versions of your vinyls. If you are planning to digitize your record collection, this feature is essential.
- The reading arm can be manually or automatically operated. In some turntables, by activating a button or a lever, the reading arm is raised and automatically positioned on the first groove of the vinyl; in more basic appliances, the arm must be operated by the user. Automatic systems are best suited for turntable beginners, as it is inadvisable to awkwardly handle an instrument as delicate as a stylus.
- Shock-absorbing stabilization systems are a perfect option, especially if you intend to carry your device anywhere for DJ nights, or if you plan to install the system in a very busy room. There is nothing worse than a skipping record.
Step 4. Consider only turntables that allow for component replacement
Some inexpensive turntables are impossible to disassemble, with the result that, in the event of the needle breaking, you will have to change the entire cartridge. As turntables wear out over time, resulting in a drop in sound quality, buying a unit that you can constantly repair is a wise choice. Many mid-range turntables allow you to tweak the straps, stylus and platter as needed.
Alternatively, if you're not interested in a long-lasting purchase, cheap, low-strength turntables might be a good choice to save. Once ruined, it will be thrown away, but you will have used it as you prefer, in the meantime
Part 2 of 3: Searching for the Best Purchase
Step 1. Give yourself a spending limit
As with any other item, more expensive turntables are usually "better" than their cheaper counterparts. How much you get better, however, depends on the sound quality you want to hear and what you intend to do with your turntable. Determine how much you want to spend and set a spending limit accordingly. For a turntable it goes from 100 euros upwards; the variety of the offer is almost infinite and suitable for all budgets.
- A DJ who wants to throw himself into fiery analog sets will have to aim for high-end turntables, capable of breaking through the speakers and extracting the best possible sound from records; a teenager interested in his father's record collection, on the other hand, will certainly not need to rob a bank.
- If you've never bought a turntable before, don't spend too much. Lots of music fanatics, with collections filling entire rooms, listen to their own collections of rarities on used turntables that sound great. Save your vinyl money.
Step 2. Buy a good print head
If you have the opportunity, you spend more for the head than for the rest of the device. Since the needle is the only piece to come into contact with the grooves, it is it that has the greatest impact on the quality of the sound coming out of the speakers. As long as a turntable works well, just having a good needle is enough to have an amazing sound.
A high quality cartridge costs around 40 euros. It might seem like an overpriced price for such a small piece, however, if you could get a used turntable with a battered needle for less than $ 100 and fit a new needle on it, you'd know you got a bargain
Step 3. Always inspect used turntables
Collecting vinyls, as a hobby, is an activity that often does not last a lifetime. This means that the market for turntables, vinyls and other instruments for playing music can be very variable in prices. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the used turntable market, in case any bargains on the side of high-end products arise, in case someone has decided to get rid of them. If you know how to inspect a turntable, this can be a good chance to save some money.
- Ask to try the turntable before buying it. You absolutely have to check the sound quality. Bring your own record so you can be sure how it will sound.
- Check the rotation of the plate. The platter should always turn flush with the base and should not make any noises while in action. It can be fixed, but if you are spending money on a new appliance you need to make sure you get what you are paying for.
- A turntable with a worn belt can be noisy and distort the sound. Check the health and flexibility of the belt in belt-driven turntables, to make sure the equipment is in place. The straps should not have cracks and should return to their original shape when pulled.
Step 4. Seek advice from record store clerks
Record shop clerks have an unfair reputation for being a bit grumpy, but try to give them a chance. Many music stores sell turntables and spare parts, and most shop assistants will be happy to gossip about competing stores, tell their listening choices and give other advice. Asking costs nothing.
Part 3 of 3: Choosing the Accessories
Step 1. Make sure you have a good stereo system to connect your turntable to
Most of the time you won't be able to just buy a turntable, slam a record on the platter, and start rocking as soon as you plug it into the electrical outlet. You'll need to connect the turntable to a multi-channel matrix or, at the very least, a couple of good speakers after plugging it into a pre-amp. Don't forget to put stereo into the equation.
Newer and portable turntables have built-in speakers. What they lose in quality, they gain in value. Usually, you can get a portable turntable without the need for a pre-amp, speakers, or other accessories, for less than $ 200
Step 2. Buy a phono pre-amplifier
The pre-amps are used to boost the sound of the recording at appropriate volumes. Most turntables, new or used, will need to be connected to a phono preamp to boost the sound before being put in series with the stereo system. Some models have built-in pre-amps, but both cheaper and more expensive turntables will have to go for a pre-amp, which can be found in almost any electronics store for as little as $ 25-50.
Built-in pre-amps make the process of assembling your turntable much easier. It takes mountains of cables to connect the turntable to a pre-amplifier, and then this to the receiver
Step 3. Get vinyl cleaning products
Dust is the main enemy of vinyl; if you are investing in a turntable for the first time, it is important that you learn how to properly care for your vinyl collection. Buying record cleaning products will help keep them in good condition, as well as preserve the health of your turntable stylus. The basic kit for the perfect disc maintainer includes:
- Brush in felt or microfiber.
- A vinyl cleaner; basically a mixture of distilled water, isopropyl alcohol and detergent.
- Antistatic cloth.
- Antistatic protection for the plate.
Step 4. Look for a spacer for 45 RPM
7-inch singles played at 45 RPM often have a wider center hole than 12-inch LPs; consequently, they will need a plastic spacer to be inserted on the shaft in the center of the platter - an object not always included in the turntable package. It's easy to forget, and it's pretty frustrating to find yourself with a pile of impossible-to-play singles. Luckily, a spacer can be easily found online for as little as 1-2 euros.
Step 5. Get some vinyls
A good turntable is useless without a succulent vinyl collection to play on it. Second-hand records are always available at music stores, antique markets, thrift stores, private and online sales. At the same time, more and more bands decide to release their albums also on disc: vinyl is not dead.
- For example, musician Jack White, with his label Third Man Records, releases a wide variety of new releases on special edition vinyl, including colored, scented vinyls, picture discs and records that must be played backwards.
- Record Store Day is a widespread phenomenon worldwide, and is an excellent opportunity to take a tour of the music stores in your city. Each spring, hundreds of limited edition releases are made available to the public. In practice, it is the world day of music collectors.
- The most fanatical collectors are famous for their ability to always be present wherever a box containing records can be found. It is not uncommon to see them combing through the contents of anonymous boxes, crammed into the deepest recesses of a dark warehouse, in search of hidden gems in the dust. Joe Bussard, one of the most famous record collectors (his collection of 78s is larger than that of the Smithsonian Museum), used the technique of posing as an exterminator, so that he had a convenient excuse to go from house to house to ask owners if they had old records they wanted to get rid of.
