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Choosing A Record Player: Turntable Buying Tips


By Sylvia S. Frija


Purchasing a record player can be a confusing task. Using some turntable buying tips can make the process easier.

Familiarity with turntable features is essential when choosing a machine. The three main features that should be factored into the decision making process are the platter, tonearm, and drive system.

Albums rest on a turntable structure known as the platter. The platter is also responsible for creating a barrier against motor vibrations that could interfere with the tonearm and sound quality, as well as regulating the record's spinning speed. High quality record players use platters made from heavy materials like cast aluminum. Given that platter quality depends on its weight, lightweight platters such as those made from plastic should be avoided.

Record players have a tonearm that holds the needle required to play an album. There are three considerations to make when analyzing the quality of the tonearm - tonearm mass, an adjustable counterweight, and a removable headshell. A low tonearm mass helps prevent unnecessary wear on record grooves. Adjustable counterweights make it possible to use most any type of needle cartridge as a replacement by making it possible to re-balance the tonearm. A removable headshell simplifies the process of replacing cartridges, as well as making future upgrades possible.

There are two drive systems to choose from when purchasing a turntable - belt drives and direct drives. Belt drives use a rubber belt to spin the platter, keeping it off the motor and essentially eliminating unwanted motor vibrations that interfere with sound quality. Record players that use a belt drive system come with the option of either an AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) motor. AC motors are often bigger and are generally more powerful, longer lasting and more reliable than the DC motor. If purchasing a belt drive system, an AC motor has a better reputation. Direct drives are always powered by a DC motor. In a direct drive system, the platter sits on top of the motor, eliminating the need for a belt drive. However, because the platter is sitting on the motor, the possibility of motor vibrations finding their way to the tonearm are increased.

Because of the high cost associated with a good quality turntable purchase, people often opt to look for a used model. It is important to try to test the machine before purchase. When looking at a used record player, one should look to make sure that the platter is not warped or damaged, the tonearm moves across the album smoothly, and that the platter and drive system are able to maintain proper spinning speeds.

It can be very overwhelming to choose a quality record player. Remember to use the handy turntable buying tips provided here, and hopefully it will feel a lot easier!




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