How to choose the right turntable

Choose the best predvinyl record player for your needs

In this article we will explain how turntables work, and predWe've put together everything you need to know to choose the right model, including:

How much should you pay for a turntable?
Important features of the turntable
Important technical specifications
The most common connection options

In addition, you will also find links to useful guides to help you choose and set up your equipment.

Growing up, people were often surrounded by vinyl records. Many collectors still cherish the special ritual of listening to vinyl — the physical sensation of dropping the needle onto the record and turning the pages, which gives music a special charm.

There's an old adage that the two things that most appeal to people about vinyl are its high price and its impracticality. Yet, vinyl record sales have been hitting record highs in recent years. Vinyl is now almost everywhere, and it doesn't look like its popularity will wane for a long time.

What is a turntable?

Every turntable has two basic tasks:

to rotate the plate at a constant speed
to allow the needle to follow the groove of the record and capture the sound

Simple, right? But when we go beyond the basics, build quality and materials they greatly affect how the music will sound.

Key parts of a turntable

A. Plate (Platter)
It is usually made of vibration-absorbing materials. A plate (usually with a protective backing) rests on it.

B. Spindle and bearing
They ensure smooth and quiet rotation of the platter.

C. Motor and pulley (Motor and pulley)
Only present in belt-driven turntables. The motor provides the torque to rotate the platter.

D. Tonearm
Made from lightweight and strong materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber, it follows the groove of the plate with great precision.

E. Cartridge
It houses a needle. Together with magnets and a coil, it converts mechanical energy from the groove of the record into an electrical signal.

F. Housing (Plinth)
It provides a stable, resonance-free base for all moving parts.

Mr. Feet
They absorb vibrations so that the turntable does not pick up vibrations from the speakers or movement in the room.

How much should you pay for a turntable?

If you are venturing into the world of vinyl because warm analog sound, it is better to avoid the trendy "all-in-one" turntables from clothing stores. A quality turntable with good components can beredand a huge difference in both sound as well as the overall listening experience.

Entry-level turntables (up to €500)

In this price rangeredYou will usually find:

aluminum plates and handles
some plastic components
automatic operation
basic head with needle
built-in phono preampredamplifier

These turntables are great for beginners, who are just entering the world of vinyl.

Sredthis timered (€500–1,000)

At this level you get:

carbon fiber handles
steel or acrylic plates
manual operation
better needle heads
heavier housing that reduces vibrations

Higher versionred (€1.000 and up)

In this caseredyou get:

top-quality materials
high quality needle heads
very precise engineering of the handle, wiring and housing

Often also no longer has a built-in phono predamplifier, as you are expected to use your own high-quality outdoor equipment.

Important features to look out for

At first glance, turntables look very similar, but there are many differences hidden inside.

One of the most important things is plate rotation method, or how the motor is connected to the platter.

Belt drive vs. direct drive

Direct Drive

the saucer reaches full speed almost instantly
very stable rotation
less occurrence wow and flutter

When the motor is off, the platter can rotate freely forwards or backwards, making such turntables ideal for DJs, which use scratch and cue techniques.

Belt Drive

In these turntables, an elastic belt rotates the platter, which helps isolate engine noise.

This can give music:

warmer sound
more details

Many audiophiles consider this to be the best way to listen to vinyl.

Ultimately, the decision depends on what is more important to you:

precision and power
or the smoothness and subtlety of the sound

Manual or automatic control

This feature determines how much you will participate in the beginning and end of the predpracticing the board.

Manual

This is the real one. vinyl ritual.

You manually raise the lever and lower the needle onto the record, then raise it again at the end of the page.

Automatic is more convenient, but it can add some noise, so audiophiles often choose hand-held turntable.

Semi-automatic

You manually lower the needle onto the record, and the turntable eventually:

raises the lever
returns it to its starting position
stop the engine

Fully automatic

You press a button and the turntable:

he puts the needle on the record himself
predexercise page
raises the lever
brings it back
stop the engine

Cartridge types

Most turntables come with a head already installed.

The needle follows the groove of the record, and the vibrations are converted into electrical signal, which creates sound.

The most common type is:

MM – Moving Magnet

This is a great start for most users.

Naprednot listeners often nadare built on:

MC – Moving Coil

or change the needle shape for better tracking and sound quality.

Important:
Some turntables have fixed heads, which cannot be replaced. If you are thinking about nadconstructions, choose a model with standard mount or interchangeable head.

Phono predamplifier

The signal generated by the needle is very weak.

Therefore, it needs to be strengthened with phono predamplifier, Predone can reach the amplifier or speakers.

Phono predThe amplifier can be:

built into the turntable
built into an amplifier or receiver
built into active speakers
standalone device

External predamplifier often means better sound and more nadthe dawn, especially with quality heads.

Important technical specifications

The picture of the turntable shows its appearance, not its capabilities.

Here comes their turn. specifications.

Signal-to-noise ratio

It tells you how much background noise you will hear.

A higher number means a better ratio.
It is recommended nad 65 dB.

Speeds predexercises

Most turntables support:

33⅓ RPM
RPM 45

If you want toredto practice old 78 RPM records, you also need the appropriate needle for wider grooves.

Wow and Flutter

This specification measures plate rotation accuracy.

Excessive deviations cause sound waves.

It is ideal under 0,25%.

What connections do you need?

Modern turntables offer multiple connection options, so it's important to choose a model that fits your system.

Connecting to an amplifier or receiver

The classic way is:

turntable → receiver / amplifier → speakers

This system offers great sound, but it may take up more space.

Connection to active speakers

If you have less space, you can use active stereo speakers.

Advantages:

easy connection
built-in amplifier
often also phono predamplifier

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection

Some modern turntables also allow:

Bluetooth transfer to wireless speakers or headphones
Wi-Fi streaming into multiroom systems

USB output

Vinyl is known for its analog audio, but some turntables also offer USB output.

This allows:

digitization of records
saving music to a computer
listening anywhere

A great way to preserving your vinyl collection.

Contact

Our Showrooms

Follow us

WE OFFER EXCLUSIVELY GRAMOPHONES FROM SLOVENIAN DISTRIBUTION WITH 24 MONTHS WARRANTY AND AUTHORIZED SERVICE IN SLOVENIA!

DO YOU WANT ADVICE • DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?