What's the Best Record Player for Me? |
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In this Buyer’s Guide, we explain RPM, direct-drive versus belt-drive, outputs and needles, to help you pick out the right record player so you can fully, or finally enjoy your vinyl collection. If you’re specifically looking for advice on DJ turntables, then have a look at our dedicated DJ Turntable Buyer’s Guide. We’ll be answering a number of frequently asked questions but, if you find that yours isn’t included, don’t hesitate to contact us! 1. What is a Record Player?The name already implies what a record player is used for: playing vinyl records (LPs). This device can be referred to as a record player or turntable, even though the latter is technically a part of a record player and generally associated with DJs. To keep things clear and simple, we’ll be using ‘record player’ to refer to the consumer-focused device and ‘DJ turntable’ to refer to its DJ-focused counterpart. The biggest difference between the two is the pitch fader. To get a smooth transition between two tracks, DJs use the pitch fader to match the tempo of both songs. Casual listening doesn’t require use of the pitch fader since you’d only be listening to one record at a time. Also, DJ turntables can be just as easily used to listen to music at home, but we do recommend you read Question 5 and 6 for more information about needles and tone-arms. Tip: You’ll find a great selection of record players that offer all the functions needed for casual, home listening, as well as few DJ-turntables. To see our entire range of DJ-turntables, we also have a dedicated DJ-Turntable section.
2. What Does 33, 45 and 78 RPM Mean?This refers to the number of rotations of the record per minute (RPM). In other words, the speed at which the platter turns and at which the needle runs through the groove. Since not all records can be played at the same speed, most record players are fitted with a switch to select 33, 45 and sometimes even 78 RPM. These days, most records are pressed to be played at 33 RPM since this leaves more physical space for music, but you can still find plenty of 45 RPM and even 78 RPM records. True vinyl aficionados swear by higher RPM records because these often carry more detailed information inside the grooves. Due to the increased frequency response, or dynamic range, this type of vinyl record naturally offers higher audio quality.
3. Which Type of Outputs Should a Record Player Have?Normally, record players come with at least a phono output with RCA sockets used to connect the device to the special phono inputs on a Hi-Fi amplifier or receiver. If your equipment doesn’t feature phono inputs, you’ll need a record player with a line output or one that allows you to switch between phono and line signals via a dedicated button. Another option is to use a phono preamp set up between the record player and your peripheral gear. Digital outputs can be used to simply and efficiently digitise your vinyl collection. It’s a great way to transfer some of your old records to your smartphone, tablet or computer. In most cases, a digital output comes in the form of a USB port to accommodate a direct connection to a computer. This means the player features a built-in USB audio interface able to send the audio signal to your editing software or DAW via a regular USB cable (type A-to-B). Record Players with a Line Output
4. What’s Better: Direct-Drive or Belt-Drive Record Players?These terms are used to refer to the motor inside the record player. This motor drives the platter either directly (direct-drive) or via a belt (belt-drive). Generally speaking, direct-drive motors are mainly used in DJ turntables. These stop and start rapidly, which is ideal if you’d like the music to kick in at a certain point in the track. Belt-driven players, on the other hand, require slightly more time to start and stop music. Still, there are of course plenty of ‘regular’ record players out there with a direct-drive design. These are usually more expensive, so you’ll want to ask yourself if there’s any extra merit in purchasing a direct-drive model. Belt-Drive Record Players
5. Which Type of Needle is Best for My Record Player?Record player needles can be roughly divided into two categories: elliptical (oval-shaped) and spherical (round) needles. What this comes down to is that elliptical needles naturally fit better in the grooves. This means it comes into contact with a larger surface area and is able to pick up more information, which ultimately results in more detailed music. Due to their round design, spherical needles make less physical contact with the record and therefore register less detail. The latter is mostly used by (scratch) DJs. In short, elliptical needles are the best option when it comes to enjoying music at home and as such, can be found on most record players. Also, always check if there’s a needle included with your record player. This is not always the case, especially when it comes to DJ turntables. All Record Players
6. Does it Matter if My Record Player Has a Straight or S-Shaped Tonearm?Straight tonearms are generally known for not skipping as much as their curved counterparts, which can happen when the grooves in the record force the needle towards the center. On the other hand, straight tonearms do cause faster wear and tear of your vinyl. While there are plenty of standard record players equipped with one, straight tonearms are mainly popular among scratch DJs. An alternative version exists too: the straight tonearm with angled headshell.
7. What Does ‘Auto-Stop’ and ‘Auto-Return’ Mean?As soon as the tonearm starts moving towards the platter, the platter starts rotating. You then gently place the needle in the groove and voila: music. Needless to say, the record is finished at some point, and if your player features auto-stop, the platter automatically stops rotating as soon as the needle arrives at the end of the grooves, somewhere near the label in the middle of the record. This way, the record player prevents the record from endlessly spinning in the final groove. If the record player also features auto-return, the tonearm will automatically return to its original position, the so-called arm-rest, after the last track on the record has been played. This protects the needle and prolongs its lifespan by relieving it of any weight. Record Players with Auto-Stop
8. What Type of Record Players Are There?Besides the difference between record players and DJ turntables (see Question 1), record players for home use come in countless shapes and styles. There are modern models with sleek designs as well as models that look like retro record players from back in the day, including a beautiful wooden housing and a large gramophone-style horn on top. A tad more modern but just as vintage are record players housed in a practical case that can be effortlessly carried along to spin records anywhere you’d like. This type of record player often even comes with built-in speakers for an all-in-one solution. We also have complete media centres that are able to play not just vinyl but CDs, radio, MP3s (USB, SD) via an external audio device (line) or Bluetooth. Please note: Some models, like in-case record players, have smaller platters. While this means standard records will stick out past the platter, this poses no problem for playback. Record Players with Bluetooth
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