Your Guide to Choosing the Best Record Player

Vinyl is back with a vengeance, and you're ready to dive in!

Maybe you've been out of the game for a while, and you've got an older record collection that you haven't listened to in years. Maybe you've just started to make the switch to a new form of physical media for your music, and are looking for your very first record player. No matter what the reason, getting into records is an exciting journey, and we couldn't be happier for you! However, before you hightail it to your local record shop and begin flipping through the crates, you've probably got an important question: What's a good turntable? Technology has come a long way since the days of wax cylinders, so we're here to help with this modern-day guide to bringing home the best record deck for your needs as well as your budget!

Turntable Speed

Before we get into the nitty gritty of turntable parts, let's go over record player speeds. It's a good idea to make sure your record player offers speeds of 33-1/3 RPM as well as 45 RPM. That will give you the ability to play standard LPs as well as singles. If your collection or your musical tastes go all the way back to vintage gramophone records, a record player that also offers a 78 RPM speed will absolutely be worth it, as well as a stylus that can properly play them. (We'll get into that later.)

Base

The base of the record player, technically called the plinth, is what stabilizes and supports the record as it plays. The best plinth materials keep vibrations to a minimum and prevent resonance, with higher-end turntables featuring a base made of high-quality metal or even wood.

Platter

The platter is the circular spot upon which the record sits while it's spinning. Consistent spin speed and minimal vibration are the most important traits for a record platter. A platter mat can be used as a layer between the platter and the record to cushion a spinning record from skips and static.

Motor

The two main types of turntable motors available in today's record players are belt drive and direct drive. A belt drive turntable has the motor off to the side, usually in the upper lefthand corner. An elastic belt connects the motor to the platter, and turning the motor on is how the platter spins. The elastic belt acts as a shock absorber to prevent excess vibrations from reaching the platter for a smooth and even-keeled play. Direct drive turntables, on the other hand, operate with the motor located directly beneath the platter. This style of motor offers superior speed stability, and also allows the turntable to quickly get up to speed, making it the turntable of choice for DJs. A direct drive turntable also tends to be more expensive than a belt drive record player.

Stylus and Cartridge

The stylus, typically referred to as the needle, is what sits directly in the grooves of the record as it spins. The cartridge serves as the stabilizer for the stylus. Records that play at 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speeds both use the same type of stylus, but if you need a turntable for old records that play at 78 RPM, you'll need to have the ability to switch out your stylus to a specialized type.

Tonearm

This is the long, slender part of the record player that holds the stylus and cartridge. Balance and consistent pressure are the key functions of a tonearm. Most tonearms are made with a counterweight that can be adjusted to ensure the needle will drop in the exact spot you need.

Preamp

What is a preamp? Have you ever played a record without the speakers on, and put your ear really close to the turntable to hear a tinny, faint rendition of the song being played? That's how your music would sound without a preamp! A record player preamp is the go-between for your record player and your speakers to make the audio signal loud enough to be heard. Buying an external preamp was a necessity for many older record player models, and may be required for some of the higher-end models of today, but fortunately the vast majority of modern turntables simplify your setup with a built-in preamp.

The Total Package

Now that we've gone over each component, it's time to determine your priorities for your new turntable. If you're chomping at the bit to get started on your vinyl odyssey, and you're mostly the hands-off type when it comes to technology, a base-model turntable is probably the choice for you. As of this writing, an entry level record player usually costs between $100 and $200, although prices vary depending on when and where you shop. This level of turntable is an excellent gateway for getting started on your new hobby. The main drawback of a budget turntable, aside from the budget-quality build, is that they're usually not able to be modified. When you open the box, the parts that are included are the ones you're committed to. They also tend not to have the 78 RPM option, both in terms of offering the speed as well as being able to accommodate the different stylus. If you're looking to splurge on a higher-end model, you'll be looking at a range from a few hundred dollars to well into the thousands, depending on how much you're willing to spend and how intensely-engineered you want your turntable to be. Looking for the best of both worlds? It will take more legwork, but a secondhand turntable may be worth a look. You'll be able to get the affordable price you need, and you'll most likely be able to find a model with upgradable parts, allowing you to upgrade your setup a little at a time as your auditory discernment grows right along with your record collection. Don't forget that there's more to great sound than just the turntable: Be sure to examine your options for hi fi speakers and receivers, too. When it comes to the records themselves, having a carbon fiber record brush on hand is a great way to keep dust at bay and keep your records sounding their best. Some record stores even offer ultrasonic cleaning to safely and thoroughly flush dirt and grime out of the dustiest grooves.

No matter which model you end up choosing, a new record player opens up a whole world of possibilities in terms of musical discovery, collecting, and community. Have fun in your search, and we'll see you at the crates!

Direct Drive Turntable image courtesy of TechnicallyTechnics / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0