Turntables/adapters are back in favor, and many people are rediscovering the charm of analog sound. If you are a beginner in this field, it can be difficult to decide what turntable to buy to start with. In this article, we’ll give you some tips to help you choose the right equipment.
- Set your budget
Turntables vary in price from several hundred to several thousand. Before making a purchase decision, determine your budget. It’s not worth overpaying for features you don’t need, but it’s also not worth saving on sound quality.
- Pay attention to the quality of the conveyor
The conveyor is an element of the turntable that converts the vibrations from the vinyl record into sound. It is worth paying attention to its quality, because it has the greatest impact on sound quality. Look for turntables with conveyors made of high-quality materials such as aluminum or stainless steel.
- Select the appropriate drive
Belt or direct drive turntables are available in the market. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Direct drive turntables tend to be more expensive, but offer better sound quality and are more reliable. Belt drive turntables are less expensive but require belt replacement every few years.
- Consider choosing a turntable with a built-in preamplifier
Some turntables have a built-in preamplifier that allows to connect your audio equipment directly to the turntable. If you plan to listen to music through your audio system, pay attention to this item.
- Additional accessories
The turntable is not only the equipment itself, but also additional accessories, such as cartridges and stylus. It is worth choosing equipment that will allow you to replace these elements if necessary.
- Consider buying a turntable with adjustable speed
Not all vinyl records play at the standard speed of 33 1/3 RPM. Some albums play at 45 RPM and some singles at 78 RPM. That’s why you should consider buying a turntable with adjustable speed, which will allow you to play records at different speeds.
- Look for turntables with adjustable stylus pressure
The pressure of the stylus on the vinyl record affects the sound quality and durability of the record itself. Too little pressure can lead to sound distortion, and too much pressure can damage the record. That’s why it’s worth looking for turntables with adjustable stylus pressure to get the best sound quality and extend the life of your records.
- Test the equipment before buying
Before deciding to buy a turntable, it is worth testing it. This is possible in some music stores. You can test different models of turntables and compare their sound quality. This will make it easier to make the right choice.
- Pay attention to design
The turntable is not only a device, but also a decorative element. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the design and style of the turntable. Choose a model that fits your lifestyle and interior.
All in all, choosing the right turntable can be difficult, but it’s worth taking the time to research your options thoroughly. When choosing a turntable as beginner, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the conveyor, drive, built-in preamplifier, additional accessories, adjustable speed, stylus pressure adjustment and design. It is not worth overpaying for functions that you do not need, but also it is not worth saving on sound quality. Test the equipment before buying and choose a model that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle.
