Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Exploring the Opportunities
• Part 2 of 3: Acquisition
• Part 3 of 3: Buying Accessories

If you have a large collection of vinyl records that are gathering dust in boxes, or you want to explore the world of collecting records, first of all you need to get a quality turntable. Unravel the mystery in the process by learning the specifics and intricacies of choosing a turntable, methods and ways of obtaining the necessary parts and other equipment that you will need in order to play records. Start spinning the records.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Exploring the Opportunities

1. 1 Learn the jargon. Before you start shopping, it is important to learn the basic parts of your turntable. Make sure you fully understand the purpose of all the parts and can highlight the pros and cons of different brands, models, and styles of turntables. The basic disc player consists of:
   • A turntable disc, which is the same size as the record, on which the recorded disc is placed. The disc rotates by rotating the record, and is often covered with a layer of anti-static material - rubber or felt - on which the record is placed.
   • The turntable head is often referred to as a "needle". This is the part that contacts the record. The turntable is usually housed in a cartridge that contains the wires and connectors that connect the turntable to the cartridge.
   • The pickup can be manually driven or automatically by rotating the stylus over the record. On good turntables, the lever automatically rises when the recording is over and returns to its place when the side of the record comes to an end.
   • The base of the turntable contains the circuitry and fixtures for the various components.Ideally, the base should be secured to a shockproof stand to prevent skipping during playback.
2. 2 Choose between direct drive and belt drive turntable. Disc players can be divided into two categories based on how they are driven. For a beginner, the difference between types is negligible, but it is important to understand the differences between design principles. The choice is made depending on how you intend to use the player.
   • Direct drive turntables offer a fixed playback speed that is automatically calculated and does not have to be adjusted, as well as two directions of movement. If you are interested in trying DJ scratching on analog devices, you need a direct drive turntable, otherwise you will be disappointed.
   • In belt-driven turntables, the motor is located on one side of the unit and the disc is driven by an elastic belt. Although the belt will wear out over time, keeping the distance from the pickup to the motor reduces the likelihood of extraneous noise, the turntable is very quiet.
3. 3 Decide what capabilities you need. Some basic model turntables consist of a disc and a stylus, with a minimum of additional features. But many modern media players provide a wide variety of functions that can make the device more desirable and convenient.
   • Most turntables can operate at different speeds, which are measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Most 12 "records (large, LP) need to be played at 33 1/3 rpm, small 7" singles play at 45 rpm. Old phonograph records and acetate discs made before 1950 are usually reproduced like this. If you want to play all types of recordings, you need to make sure that the player provides all the required speeds.
   • Many newer turntables have a USB port, which allows you to connect the turntable to a computer and record sound from the record into files. If you have a large collection of vinyls that you want to digitize, this feature can be important.
   • The pickup can be placed on the disc in manual and automatic mode. Some turntables are actuated by shifting a lever or pressing a key that activates the pickup and gently lowers it onto the disc; in others, the stylus must be manually placed on the desired track. For beginners, it is highly advisable to choose models with an automatic system, in this case you do not have to drive a sensitive needle over the disc.
   • Vibration Reduction is a great feature, especially if you are going to take the player to an outdoor event or keep the player in a room where they often walk. There is nothing worse than skipping a recording and jumping sound.
4. 4 Consider only players with replacement parts. Some cheap turntables cannot be disassembled. This means that if the turntable head breaks down, you will have to replace the entire device. Since turntables wear out over time and sound quality suffers, it is wise to choose a turntable in which individual parts can be replaced. Most mid-range models allow you to replace the belts, cartridge and disc, if necessary.
   • If you are not in the mood for a “long-term” investment, a cheap and basic disc player can be a good budget option. When it breaks, you can just throw it away, but until then, you can use it without problems.

Part 2 of 3: Acquisition

1. 1 Decide how much you are willing to spend. Like everything else, more expensive turntables are generally “better” than cheaper models.How much better, however, depends on your sound preference and your plans for using the turntable. Decide how much you can spend and set a price range. Between under $ 100 models and top-end turntables over $ 500, there are a number of devices that provide excellent sound quality.
   • A DJ looking to switch to analog live sets will likely be looking for a top model that can deliver great sound. A teenager who wants to play Dad's old CDs doesn't have to rob a bank to buy the right turntable.
   • If you've never bought a turntable before, don't overspend. Many music snobs, who have entire rooms occupied with record collections, play discs on old devices that sound great. Save money on the vinyls themselves.
2. 2 Buy a good cartridge. If you have a choice, it's better to spend more on the cartridge (pickup) and less on the base. Since it is the stylus and the pickup that are in contact with the grooves of the record, their quality has the most impact on the sound from the speakers. As long as the base of the turntable is working properly, it will sound great with a normal pickup and stylus.
   • In comparison, a high quality cartridge costs about $ 40. While this may seem like a high price to pay for such a small part, if you can get out of the market with a used turntable without a needle for less than a hundred dollars and then make it sound like new is practically a rip-off of salespeople.
3. 3 Always look at used turntables. Collecting discs comes in and out of fashion. Price fluctuations in the market — for parts, records and other “accessories” —can be significant. It is always worth paying attention to used models of top-end turntables that someone has decided to get rid of. If you know how to inspect your turntable and how to check it, checking used models can be a great way to save money.
   • Ask to test your player before purchasing. You should be able to hear how the equipment sounds. Bring your own recordings for quality assurance.
   • Check how the disc is spinning. The discs should rotate perfectly on the stand, you should not hear any extraneous sounds when spinning. You can fix the defect, but before spending money on a device, you have to make sure what you are paying for.
   • A turntable with a worn strap will hiss and distort the sound. Check the quality and ductility of the belts on the belt-driven turntable to ensure that the belt is intact. Belts should not be destroyed by time; after stretching, they should regain their shape.
4. 4 Talk to record sellers, get advice. CD sellers have a controversial reputation, but give them a shot. Many stores sell turntables and parts, many sellers will be happy to share where to buy parts, their own preferences for player settings and options, and other tips. You don't know the competence of the seller until you ask the question.

Part 3 of 3: Buying Accessories

1. 1 Make sure you have a good enough speaker system for your turntable. In most cases, it's not enough for you to just buy a turntable, put on a record and start listening. You will have to connect the turntable to a multichannel tuner, or at least good preamp speakers. Don't forget to adjust the sound from your speakers.
   • Some newer or portable players come with built-in speakers. Although they are inferior in sound quality to more advanced models, they gain in price. A portable turntable with no amplifier or speakers can be purchased for less than $ 200.
2. 2 Buy an acoustic preamplifier. Preamplifiers are used to amplify the sound from the turntable to an acceptable power.Most turntables, new or used, need to be connected through a preamplifier before plugging into your main stereo. Some models have a built-in preamplifier, but budget and top models are usually better connected to additional devices, in good stores they cost no more than $ 25-50.
   • A built-in preamplifier makes it easy to set up your turntable. You don't have to plug a lot of extra cables into your turntable, preamp, and then your receiver.
3. 3 Buy disc cleaners. Dust is the enemy of the vinyl collection. If this is your first time investing in a turntable, it is important to learn how to care for your turntable and discs appropriately. Invest in basic tools to keep your discs clean to keep the turntable needle working reliably. A basic set for discs and a player should include:
   • Felt or microfiber for cleaning records
   • Disc cleaner, usually a mixture of distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, and detergent
   • Anti-static disc sleeves
   • Anti-static cover for the turntable disc
4. 4 Buy an "adapter" for records. The opening of 7 "vinyl singles that play at 45 rpm is usually larger than 12" LPs. To play them, you need a turntable attachment, sometimes it comes in the kit, sometimes not. It's easy to forget about her, but not being able to play the record at the right time can be frustrating. Fortunately, plugs and adapters can be purchased online at most vinyl stores for a couple of dollars.
5. 5 Buy records. A good turntable is useless without a collection of your favorite vinyls to play. While used vinyls can be bought at thrift stores, on sale or online, there is a market for new records worth exploring. Vinyl is alive.
   • The successful Third Man Records, founded by rocker Jack White, offers a variety of new products, including colored LPs, perfumed vinyls, picture discs, and reverse-play discs.
   • Record Sale Day is an international phenomenon and is a great way to get out into the world and explore the local record stores located in the area. Every spring hundreds of limited editions are released and presented to the public. It's a kind of Christmas for record lovers.
   • True disc collectors are known as "crate-diggers" and can be found rummaging through unsigned boxes in the depths of the library, at a book or garage sale. They are looking for jewelry and diamonds in the trash. Renowned collector Joe Bassard (his '78 collection of records is larger than the Smithsonian's) even pretended to be a pest control to get an excuse to knock on the house and ask if the tenants had records they would like to get rid of.