That’s why they started being called LPs (long playing). These new records did have grooves, so they could play multiple sounds and they could hold about 22 minutes of music on each side. Until World War II, the first records were played at 78 rpm and could only hold one song.Īfter the war, commercial records started being produced at 33 ⅓ rpm speeds. They can come in three speeds (or play all three): 33 ⅓, 45, and 78rpm. Vinyl record players’ speeds are measured in rpm, which stands for revolutions per minute. Others allow you to connect via USB to your computer in order to convert your old record into a digital format. Some newer record players offer Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can connect them to your Bluetooth smart speakers. Many modern (and budget) turntables have this built-in. Traditionally, record players needed to have their output boosted by a phono preamp, but this is an additional expense. You also have more control over how you adjust that speed and, since the platter is attached to the motor, you can scratch or creatively manipulate the turntable. If you’re a DJ (professional or amateur), you’re probably going to want a direct-drive turntable because it is more reliable with its speed. Some of this damping will depend on whether you get a belt-driven or direct-drive turntable (remember, belt-driven combats vibration and noise better.) The motor type of your record player will also play a part. You also probably want to look for one that has a more expensive cartridge so that it doesn’t damage your vinyl.ĭamping is what the manufacturer of your turntable uses to combat vibrations while playing your records. Look for a turntable that’s solidly built with real wood, metal, and minimal plastic. As a result, you’re going to want to look for something that’s built to last. If you’re spending more than $100 on a turntable, chances are you want something that will last. However, here are some things you might want to prioritize while you’re shopping: Ultimately, what you want out of your record player will vary a little based on your needs. What should I consider before buying a record player? However, they tend to have motor vibration noises, and the sound is said to not be as great. Direct drive record players are durable since the belt won’t wear out and are reliable. This allows the record player to start up faster and play at a more consistent speed, with more torque. On direct drives, the platter of the record player is attached directly to the player’s motor. However, they have less torque and less accurate playback speeds. They are also said to deliver better sound quality. They’re quieter, precise, and resistant to vibrations since the elastic absorbs shocks. However, they’re very popular for a variety of reasons. There are two main types of turntables: belt-drive and direct-drive.īelt-drive turntables use an elastic belt to spin the turntable platter, which means that they can take a few seconds to get up to full speed. What types of record players are out there? But, unless you’re a pro DJ or true audiophile, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to find one that delivers quality sound. They’re popular with college students, homeowners looking for a classy accessory for their living room, and mixmasters.Īs a result, there are a variety of different record players available on the market - and a whole range of prices, with some costing thousands of dollars. Of course, record players aren’t just popular with audiophiles willing to spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on a luxury record player. If anything, sales of turntables (Opens in a new tab) have gone up since 2010, with over 75 thousand sold in the US in 2020. In fact, this is a large part of why record players have not disappeared, even as music has gone more digital. Just remember that the higher in price you go, the more you'll need to budget for the extras too.Most music fans can agree on one thing: Some music just sounds better on vinyl. (These will take you more toward the mid-range and may give you an even better return on your investment.)Īnd remember to go through our list of the best record players for all budgets. If you've got more money to spend, take a look at brands like Rega, Pro-Ject, and Clearaudio. It's affordable enough to get started with, but you shouldn't outgrow it as you become more immersed in your hobby. It's a well-specced, fully automatic, three-speed player with built in pre-amp and USB port. What Record Player Should You Buy?įor the best beginner record player we'd recommend the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB. It's a good idea to pay beyond the bare minimum, but it's definitely easy to end up spending more than you wanted to, so be careful. And when you get to the high end, you virtually have to configure the whole machine yourself to get the best out of it. Suddenly, you're budgeting for a whole lot more than just a record player.
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