Record Turntables buying guide

Whether you are stepping into a hot nightclub or having a relaxing evening in, a turntable is a great accessory. It is a modernised phonograph that not only plays records but can also be used to change the order the songs are played, the way the sound is produced, and even mix different music together. It is more than a record player, it is an instrument.

What to Consider

What kind of music you listen to can affect what kind of player you buy. If you own all types of discs, a turntable with three speeds and variable pitch is recommended. But if you only listen to 33s and 45s, a standard player will do.
The more money you spend, the better quality the turntable.
Is your record turntable for home or for your profession?
Accessories for your turntable will be needed if you are a DJ. For instance, a DJ mixer will make sound transitions easier.

Drive Types

Idler-Wheel Drive System

Common in early record turntables up until the 80s, the idler-wheel drive is made from rubber.
The wheel can be worn and decomposed and it will therefore introduce low-frequency rumblings and speed variations.

Belt Drive System

The motor is under and to the side of the platter and is connected by an elastometric belt.
The elastometric belt absorbs motor vibrations that would otherwise affect the stylus, which produces the music.
The belt drive also has the least expensive motor.
Primarily used for 7" and 12" discs.

Direct Drive System

The motor is located under the centre of the platter and connected to the platter directly.
It can suffer from vibrations due to the motor, but newer models have platters that are less dense and have better shock-absorption.
Higher torque in the direct drive system makes it less susceptible to outside forces and allows the platter to achieve its proper speed faster. This helps avoid distortion at the beginning of the record.
Primarily used for 7" and 12" discs.

Pickup Systems

Piezoelectric (crystal/ceramic) cartridges

The crystal cartridge helps create stress. This generates an electric voltage in the stylus, which helps movement.
The crystal provides a strong signal that only needs little amplification.
The crystal's close coupling with the styli increases wear on the record and therefore create more distortion.
Being hydroscopic, the crystal absorbs moisture from the air and will dissolve over time.

Ceramic Cartridges

The ceramic cartridge offers a lack of resistance to movement so it can follow the undulations of the groove, minus the distortions. This is called compliance.
The higher the compliance, the lower the tracking force, and therefore the less wear on both the disc and stylus.

Tonearms

Manual tonearms require starting and stopping at the beginning and the end of records. This may take away from your listening experience.
Automatic tonearms start and stop by themselves.
Semi-automatic tonearms must be stopped at the end.
Vertical track alignment is not available on all tonearms. This is useful if you play records other than LPs and 45s.