How to Buy a Turntable
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."
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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As inexpensive turntables made by Japanese manufacturers have noise-inducing plastic bases and plinths, consider buying a used turntable.
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Buy a belt-drive turntable if possible, as they cost less and provide greater tonal accuracy and isolation from motor noise than direct-drive turntables.
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Choose between manual, automatic (starts and stops the tonearm) and semi-automatic (lifts the tonearm at the end of the record) operation. Automatic operation offers convenience, while manual operation provides better sound quality.
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Make sure a model that interests you includes the features you want. These might include the ability to play 78 rpm records, a 45 rpm adapter, a dust cover, a clamp or a strobe.
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Tips & Warnings
If you choose to buy a used turntable, look for an AR, Dual or Garrard model with a wood base and no suspension. Make sure the turntable works and the platter mat and belt are not in need of immediate replacement.
Your amplifier must have a phono stage/phono preamp for a turntable to work in your system.
New or used turntables don't always include a cartridge. You will need a moving magnet phono cartridge.
Avoid turntables driven by plastic or rubber gears.
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Comments
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Someday I'll own one!
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Elvis De Leon
Dec 27, 2009
Had one, never used it, sold it, now regret it, lol. -
Elvis De Leon
Dec 27, 2009
Had one, never used it, sold it, now regret it, lol.
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dasmb
Dec 03, 2009
My first turntable was a second or third hand Pioneer belt drive and it was an SOB. Went through belts like crazy, had crap for torque (heavier slipmats would actually stop the motor) and it basically ruined the experience. Was about half the price ($50) of a similar direct drive, but belts weren't cheap either. Replaced with a cheap plastic SONY just to hear my records again. Major hum issues but love for vinyl is back. My next player will be a high torque direct drive. One thing I'll add to the discussion -- your home theater receiver and its 11.1 channels of THX Dolby DTS Feelaround aren't likely to have a phono preamp circuit, or at least not a good one. Records were recorded with a certain equalization in mind, the so called RIAA pre-amp. I'm in love with the TEC preamps out of China...you can get a very nice MM/MC switchable preamp with level adjustment for around $60 s...
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ooRobin
Aug 12, 2008
How or where can I get a ground wire to the turntable to the Pioneer receiver so I can have some sound?
