Choosing the right turntable can be a daunting task. With all of the different brands, types, and features, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you want vintage or new? What is your budget? What specifications do you need? This guide will help you make the best decision for you.
Vintage Turntables vs. New Turntables
There are a few things you need to take into account when deciding if vintage or new turntable is right for you. When you purchase a turntable for your home or business, you want to make sure it is the perfect fit for what you need! Vintage and new turntables alike offer a variety of different features and challenges which are important to consider.
The first is cost. Vintage turntables can be more expensive than new ones, depending on the make and model. However, there also can be a lot of variation in price within each category. You should also take into account that vintage turntables may need repairs or replacement parts which can add to the cost.
Another thing to consider is sound quality. Vintage turntables often have a warmer sound than new turntables. This is because the manufacturing process has changed over time and new turntables are made with digital sound in mind. However, this does not mean that vintage turntables are automatically better quality. It is important to test out both vintage and new turntables to see which sound is right for you.
With vintage turntables, you may struggle with availability. Vintage turntables may be harder to find, depending on the make and model. They may also be more difficult to find parts for if you need repairs.
New turntables offer a few advantages over vintage turntables. They are often less expensive, although there can be a wide range in price. New turntables also usually have a warranty, which vintage turntables may not have.
Now that you know the pros and cons of vintage and new turntables, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. If you’re on a budget, vintage might not be the best option. If you’re looking for something specific, vintage might be the way to go. If you’re looking for something that sounds great, vintage might be the better option.
Turntable Features to Consider
There are a few features you should take into account when choosing your turntable. These include:
Speed: The speed of your turntable is important to consider. The most common speeds are 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. You will want to make sure your turntable can play the type of records you want to listen to.
Drive System: The drive system of your turntable is the part that moves the record. There are three types of drive systems: direct drive, belt drive, and idler wheel drive.
Direct drive turntables are the most common type. They have a motor that is connected directly to the platter. Belt drive turntables have a belt that goes around the platter and is powered by a motor. Idler wheel drive turntables have a wheel that touches the record and transfers energy to it from the motor.
Cartridge and Stylus: The cartridge is the part of your turntable that holds the stylus (or needle). The stylus sits in the record grooves and vibrates, which creates sound. Cartridges come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two most common are moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC).
Plinth: The plinth is the base of your turntable. It supports the tonearm and platter. Plinths can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or plastic.
Tonearm: The tonearm is the part of your turntable that holds the cartridge and stylus. Tonearms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be straight or S-shaped.
Upgradability: It is important to consider how easy it is to upgrade your turntable. You may want to upgrade the cartridge, stylus, or tonearm at some point. Some turntables are easier to upgrade than others.
Pre-Amp: Most turntables do not have a built-in pre-amp. This means you will need to use an external pre-amp or receiver.
Ease of Use: You will want to consider how easy your turntable is to set up and use. Some turntables are more user-friendly than others.
Repairability: It is important to consider how easy your turntable is to repair. You may need to replace parts at some point.
Now that you know some of the features to look for in a turntable, it’s time to decide which one is right for you.
Common Repair Issues
One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a vintage turntable is that they may need repairs. Common repair issues include:
Replacing the stylus
Replacing the cartridge
Cleaning the records
Fixing skips or other sound issues
If you are not comfortable repairing your turntable yourself, you can take it to a local repair shop. Be sure to get an estimate before you have the repairs done.
How to Pick the Best Turntable for You
Now that you know some of the features to look for and common repair issues, it’s time to pick the best turntable for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
-Budget: How much are you willing to spend on your turntable?
-Vintage or New: Do you want a vintage or new turntable?
-Features: What features are most important to you?
-Repair Issues: Are you comfortable repairing your turntable yourself, or taking it to a repair shop?
-Sound Quality: How important is sound quality to you?
If you’re on a budget, vintage might not be the best option. If you’re looking for something specific, vintage might be the way to go. If you’re looking for something reliable with a warranty, new may be the best option for you.
Now that you know some of the features to look for in a turntable, as well as some common repair issues, it’s time to pick the best one for you. Keep in mind your budget, what type of vintage or new turntable you want, and what is most important to you in terms of features. If sound quality is important to you, be sure to listen to recordings of different turntables before making your purchase.
