Vinyl records are making a comeback, and with it, the demand for turntables is on the rise.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, buying a turntable can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s important to know what to look for before making a purchase.
From size and speed to rumble rating and setup, there are several factors to consider. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know when buying a turntable, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy your vinyl collection to the fullest.
So, let’s dive in!
What To Know When Buying A Turntable
Size and Speed
One of the most important things to consider when buying a turntable is size and speed. Different sized records play at different RPMs, so it’s important to look for a record player with adjustable speed switches. Most record players will play 12-inch records at 33RPM and seven-inch records at 45RPM, but only some will play the less common 10-inch records of 78RPM.
Key Parts
The characteristics of a good turntable can be found in a few key parts of the player. Look for a turntable with a counterweight, removable headshell/cartridge, and anti-skate control. If your answer to these three questions is “yes,” you’re generally speaking on your way to buying a decent turntable.
Price
The overriding concern for what turntable to get is how much you’re willing to pay. You can buy a great entry-level turntable with a built-in phono preamp for less than $300, or you can spend a lot more and get a way better turntable. When buying a more expensive turntable, you’re paying extra for better quality components like the stylus, phono cartridge, tonearm, phono preamp (if it has one), as well as better quality materials. All these things contribute to helping the turntable minimize distortion and read the record as accurately as possible.
Rumble Rating
A turntable’s rumble rating measures “how it takes vibrations.” Ideally, you want a turntable with a higher rumble rating in the -40 or -50 range at minimum. Turntables with heavier bodies will have higher rumble ratings since they’re less likely to pick up vibrations from external movement.
Placement and Support
Take care to place your vinyl player in a spot where it won’t pick up any excessive vibration. Choose a heavy table or another sturdy surface. When a turntable picks up external vibration, it causes the needle to jump and skip or even hum while your music plays. To be safe, you can pick up a turntable shelf that reduces vibration.
Set-Up
Most decks have some sort of isolation built-in. At its simplest, this could be something like rubber feet, or it could go all the way to a fully suspended design. The better the isolation, the less fussy the deck will be about its support. But even the most sophisticated designs will perform better with careful placement and good support.
Size And Style
When it comes to size and style, there are a few things to keep in mind. As mentioned earlier, different sized records play at different RPMs, so you’ll want to make sure your turntable can accommodate the sizes you have in your collection. Most record players will play 12-inch records at 33RPM and seven-inch records at 45RPM, but if you have any less common 10-inch records of 78RPM, you’ll need to make sure your turntable can play them.
In addition to size, you’ll also want to consider the style of turntable that suits your needs. Turntables can be divided into four main categories that affect the type of turntables available: direct drive, belt drive, semi-automatic and manual. Each type has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to research and understand which one would work best for you.
If you’re on a budget or new to vinyl and don’t care much about sound quality, a portable turntable under $100 may be a good option for you. However, if you’re serious about collecting vinyl records or want to maintain your collection in good condition, it’s recommended to invest in a higher quality turntable with better components. Keep in mind that if you’re buying a turntable, you’ll also need an amplifier and speakers to attach to it in order to hear any music. Make sure you have enough space to accommodate all of these components before making your purchase.
Whether you’re looking for a small and lightweight turntable or a more sophisticated design with advanced features, there are plenty of options available on the market. By considering size and style along with other important factors like price and set-up, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect turntable for your needs.
Speed And Pitch Control
When it comes to turntables, speed and pitch control are essential features to consider. The speed at which a record spins is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), and different sized records play at different speeds. Most record players will play 12-inch records at 33RPM and seven-inch records at 45RPM. However, some less common 10-inch records play at 78RPM, so it’s important to look for a turntable with adjustable speed switches.
Pitch control is another feature that allows the listener to adjust the playback speed of the records. This feature can be used to change the pitch of the music or match the speed of other recordings. It can also be used to create a vibrato effect by slowing down or speeding up the sound. Pitch control can add expression and variation to your music, making it an excellent tool for creating unique sounds and effects.
Many modern record players have digital pitch controls that allow for more precise adjustments, while older style players usually had a knob on the side of the unit, which would allow the listener to change the pitch a limited number of times. If you’re unsure where to start, four simple steps can help you change your record player’s pitch. First, test the speed of your record player by comparing the vinyl record sound to digital playback or performing a stroboscopic disk check. Then, adjust the pitch control by rotating the control knob or using digital controls until you achieve your desired sound.
Cartridge And Stylus
When it comes to buying a turntable, the cartridge and stylus are two critical components that you need to consider. The stylus is the needle that makes contact with your records, and it is attached to a cartridge that locks to the cantilever arm and headshell of your turntable for translation. The stylus sends information as a signal to an amplifier for play-through via speakers.
The shape of the stylus affects how it makes contact with the record groove. The narrower the contact radius, the better the stylus will be able to track modulations in the groove. The two most common shapes of styli are conical and elliptical. Elliptical shaped styli have a smaller contact radius than conical styli – this allows elliptical styli to trace grooves more accurately and extract more musical information (especially high frequencies).
In order to effectively transfer vibrational energy from the stylus tip to the magnet (or other generating element), it is critical that the cantilever be as stiff and light as possible. The material, size, and construction of the cantilever affect how well a cartridge can reproduce a range of audio frequencies. The most common material used in cantilevers is aluminum alloy, although carbon, boron, and certain copper alloys are often used.
Trackability is a spec that describes how well the stylus can track a modulated record groove. It is measured by recording the maximum amplitude that a stylus can trace before the signal is distorted. Trackability is influenced by many factors – including stylus shape, cartridge alignment, and tonearm compatibility. The spec is often listed in micrometers (μm) – the higher the trackability spec, the better.
The two main generator types are moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are most common. MC cartridges tend to be lower output and require a preamp with a special MC setting. MC cartridges are generally more expensive.
Most cartridges (including all of ours) are standard mount. Standard mount cartridges are secured to the tonearm by 2 vertical screws spaced 1/2″ apart and feature four small posts for connecting the tonearm leads. P-mounts have four slender pins that plug directly into tonearms specifically made for use with P-mount cartridges (our tonearms are not made for this).
If you’re looking to upgrade your turntable’s sound quality, replacing the stylus or cartridge can make a big difference. If only the stylus needs replacement, make sure to buy one that matches your current cartridge’s specifications. If you’re replacing an entire cartridge, find one that is compatible with your turntable’s tonearm mass. With these considerations in mind, you can choose a cartridge and stylus that will deliver high-quality sound for years to come.
Rumble Rating And Wow And Flutter
When it comes to turntables, two important factors that affect sound quality are rumble rating and wow and flutter. Rumble rating measures the amount of noise generated by the mechanical parts of the turntable, which can be picked up by the stylus as it tracks the record groove. In general, lower rumble ratings are better, as they allow for more musical detail to be heard. A turntable with a higher rumble rating in the -40 or -50 range at minimum is ideal. Turntables with heavier bodies tend to have higher rumble ratings, as they are less likely to pick up vibrations from external movement.
Wow and flutter refer to slight changes in playback speed that can be introduced by the turntable. Wow is a slower rate variation, while flutter is at a higher rate. A good turntable will have wow and flutter values of less than 0.05% variation from the mean speed value. Variations can also be present in the original recording, as a result of imperfections in analog recording devices. However, digital systems use precision oscillators for their time reference, as well as data buffers, and are not subject to wow and flutter.
When buying a turntable, it’s important to consider both rumble rating and wow and flutter values in order to ensure high-quality sound playback. Look for turntables with low rumble ratings and wow and flutter values of less than 0.05% variation from the mean speed value. By paying attention to these factors, you can maximize your music playback’s potential and enjoy high-end sounds consistently.
Setup And Maintenance Tips
Setting up and maintaining a turntable can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial to ensure the longevity of your vinyl collection and the quality of sound. Here are some tips to consider:
1. Tracking Force Adjustment: The tracking force refers to the amount of pressure the phono cartridge puts on your records. It’s important to make sure your turntable’s tonearm is set up to apply the correct amount of tracking force for the cartridge you’re using. This can be achieved through the tracking-force adjustment or counterweight, which may be a dial or hanging weight on the tonearm. You can use a dedicated scale to adjust the tracking force accurately.
2. Recalibrating the Tonearm: Over time, the tonearm can become unbalanced, affecting the sound quality and causing damage to your records. To recalibrate the tonearm, lock it and remove the needle’s cover. Release the arm’s clamp and rotate the counterweight until the arm looks well-balanced, then lock it back in place.
3. Size and Speed: Different sized records play at different RPMs, so it’s important to look for a turntable with adjustable speed switches. Most record players will play 12-inch records at 33RPM and seven-inch records at 45RPM, but only some will play the less common 10-inch records of 78RPM.
4. Key Parts: Look for a turntable with a counterweight, removable headshell/cartridge, and anti-skate control. These parts contribute to minimizing distortion and reading the record as accurately as possible.
5. Price: The price of a turntable is an important consideration. You can buy a great entry-level turntable with a built-in phono preamp for less than $300, or you can spend more for better quality components like the stylus, phono cartridge, tonearm, phono preamp (if it has one), as well as better quality materials.
6. Rumble Rating: A turntable’s rumble rating measures how it takes vibrations. Ideally, you want a turntable with a higher rumble rating in the -40 or -50 range at minimum.
7. Placement and Support: Take care to place your vinyl player in a spot where it won’t pick up any excessive vibration. Choose a heavy table or another sturdy surface. To reduce vibration further, you can pick up a turntable shelf.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your turntable is set up correctly and maintained properly for optimal sound quality and longevity of your vinyl collection.
Budget Considerations And Value For Money
When it comes to buying a turntable, budget considerations are crucial. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option available, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Going below a certain price point can result in poor sound quality, low-quality components, and even damage to your records over time.
It’s recommended to set a budget before doing any research, as prices for turntables can range from as low as $60 to as high as $1200. Once you have a budget in mind, consider what features you want in your turntable and what price tag is attached to those features. For beginners, it’s best to stick to the budget price range for a decent model that will get you started at a modest price.
It’s important to note that there is a clear tipping point around $100. Models below $100 are often suitcase record players that use low-quality components and produce bad sound from their bad internal speakers. These models also won’t last long and can even damage your records over time. It’s recommended to avoid these models and instead look for a budget record player that is still of decent quality and will keep your vinyl in good condition.
When looking at budget turntables, make sure to check for a speed switch so that you can listen to different-sized records. Also, be prepared to potentially replace the needle with a higher quality one for a smoother listening experience.
Ultimately, when it comes to buying a turntable, value for money is key. It’s better to invest in a quality turntable that will last you for years and provide excellent sound quality than to go for the cheapest option available and risk damaging your records or being disappointed with the sound quality. Remember to set a budget, prioritize the features you want, and do your research before making a purchase.
