How To Do Just About Everything
By eHow Electronics Editor
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Although CDs are the most popular format these days, older recordings might still only be available on LPs (or even 78s). Also, records are a must for you amateur party DJs. These instructions are for buying a basic turntable. If you're an audiophile, see the Related eHow "How to Buy a High-Fidelity Turntable."
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Comments
Aelfric said
on 6/15/2008 A suspended turntable is not necessarily better than a non-suspended one. There are very good and very bad examples of both types. Eliminating the suspension means more money to put into the other components. It also means fewer factors which have to be correct in the design. Unless you're spending multiple thousands on the turntable, you're probably better off without suspension.
Try a high output moving coil cartridge. These will happily drive a moving magnet phono stage.
The synergy between the turntable, tonearm, and cartridge is important. Some combinations of very good components simply don't work, other combinations really sing. This is where your deal can really help.
The most important thing is to listen. No matter how good the reviews, no matter row high the ratings on internet forums, if it doesn't sound musical to you, don't buy it.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Some people are dead set against idler wheel drive, but a high quality one with a heavy platter reduces the rumble. The ELAC Miracord and Dual turntables work this way and are excellent choices. Also, the heavy platter helps with a more consistent RPM.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 If you plan to do any turntablism, stay away from belt-drive. The bands will snap quickly, and it won't provide the torque you'll need.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Direct drive turntables like the Technics 1200 Mk2 are preferred by most DJs because they regain normal speed much faster than belt drive decks. This is especially useful when scratching or beat mixing.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 First of all, you do want a turntable with a suspension. The best suspension designs float the platter/tonearm structure within a properly designed base. This helps to isolate the turntable from outside vibration including sound from the loudspeakers and footfalls.
A moving magnet cartridge is not the only choice. Non-moving magnet designs are equally viable and many audiophiles prefer the moving coil. Designs with both a fixed magnet and a fixed coil (Fluxbridge was one name for it) are fully equal to the moving magnet design.
The tone-arm should not be ignored. Ideally, this should be matched in moving mass to the particular cartridge. That bit of esoterica aside, look for an arm whose bearings (vertical and horizontal) are without play other than in the directions the arm is supposed to move. That is, the arm should be perfectly free to move across the record and up and down and in no other direction. Sloppy bearings will affect the sound in both subtle and not so subtle ways.