a preamp (if it is not built in to your turntable).separate speakers (most good models will not have these built in).In addition to your record player or turntable, you will need to buy: What else do you need to buy with your record player or turntable? These 78rpm speed records were generally only used before the 1950s, so you're unlikely to need a record player or turntable that can play these - check if you have a very old collection. Some record players and turntables can play the rarer 78rpm speed records in addition to the usual 33rpm and 45rpm speed records. Sound quality on built-in speakers will be inferior to playing records through hi-fi speakers, so they're more a handy extra than a brilliant feature. Some record players include built-in speakers, which means you don’t need to buy additional speakers or plug in existing speakers you own. Some turntables are direct-drive, where the platter is spun directly by gears from the motor, but these are only really used by DJs who want their records to start spinning immediately. Belt driveĪ belt-drive turntable uses an elastic belt to connect the motor to the platter where the record sits. This will also reduce the chances of you damaging your records or needle by lowering it too quickly. Other record players are semi-automatic, where you'll need to move the tonearm yourself but the platter spinner is automated when you pick up the tonearm, and some are fully manual, where you do everything yourself. This fully automates the moving of the tonearm (the moveable part of the record player that houses the needle and follows the grooves on the record), which makes playing your records easy. What should you look for in a record player? Auto operation So whether you simply want to play your old records again or need to transfer them onto your computer, make sure you buy the right record player for you, otherwise you might be left feeling underwhelmed by the results. Record players and turntables can cost thousands of pounds, but for those of us who aren’t aspiring DJs or keen audiophiles, there are models out there for as little as £40. It's also worth knowing that most record players can be plugged into a separate amplifier hi-fi system, too. In practice, you'll see the terms used interchangeably on retailer websites, so it's important to know what you're looking for.
Some are even portable, giving you the option to power them from batteries.Ī turntable, on the other hand, relies on a separate amp and speakers to make a sound. Technically speaking, a record player is a standalone device that not only spins your vinyl but also includes a built-in amplifier and speaker(s) so you can hear the music without plugging the player into a hi-fi system. What's the difference between a record player and a turntable? Best Buy models start from around £175 and sound excellent.Īlso remember that to get the benefit of an expensive turntable you'll need a top hi-fi system or set of speakers to match, potentially adding significantly to your costs. There is no doubt that with the higher price comes superior styling and sound quality, but if you’re a beginner in the world of record players it may be wiser to buy a cheaper model first. Turntable manufacturers such as ProJect, Rega, Technics and Thorens all sell models that are £1,000+, so if you’re considering one of these, make sure you know exactly what you want to get out of them. Top-of-the-range record players can cost thousands of pounds, so it’s really important to do your research first if you’re looking for something with premium sound and a price to match.
Should you buy a top-of-the-range record player?
These could be worth a look if you're after one with high build quality made from more premium materials that potentially could last for years. We've also reviewed more premium turntables in the £300-£750 price range of our record player and turntable reviews. How much should you spend on a new record player?Īlthough record players can cost a substantial amount of money, we’ve found Great Value ones that will give you top sound quality and are easy to use for less than £150.Īnd there are plenty of excellent record players ranging from £150-£300 if you’ve got a budget that’s a little bigger.
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