Deck check: Your handy guide to buying a turntable
Paul Jones
STACK Editor-in-Chief
If you’re new to vinyl, buying a turntable can be an overwhelming experience. Where do you start? How much do you need to spend? What style do you need? Forget all the conflicting advice online – this is the only guide that you need.
Where do I start?
There are two types of turntables: belt-driven and direct drive. As the name suggests, a belt-driven turntable uses a rubber belt connected to the motor to spin the platter. The motor in a direct drive turntable is situated beneath the platter and rotates it, erm, directly.
OK, so when it comes to direct drive and belt drive turntables, which is the best?
The rubber belt in belt drive turntables can dampen vibrations and noise effectively, essentially reducing feedback. These are generally preferred by audiophiles looking for a purer, cleaner sound. Belts will eventually need to be replaced.
Direct drive turntables offer fast start up, strong torque, and consistent and reliable operation. Direct drives are favoured by DJs where manipulating speeds and turntable direction is necessary.
Depending on how you use your turntable will determine whether a belt drive or direct drive will be more suitable, and both have pros and cons. However, for the beginner with a budget in mind, a belt drive turntable will tick all the boxes.
What is a preamp?
Right, without going full tech boffin, turntables produce a low-level signal. A preamp boosts that signal before it is sent to an amplifier.
Many entry-level turntables will feature an internal preamp, but they can also be found as standalone units or built into powered speakers.
So, do I also need an amp?
This depends on your setup. If you have passive speakers (unpowered), then yes, you’ll need to amplify the signal to produce sound, so an amplifier is necessary.
But before you crack open the piggybank to buy a separate amp, there’s another solution: powered bookshelf speakers. Powered or active speakers have a built-in amplifier, so if your turntable has a preamp, it’s plug-in and play.
Can you get Bluetooth-enabled turntables?
We’re glad you asked. Yes, you certainly can. An internal Bluetooth transmitter sends audio wirelessly to a Bluetooth speaker, headphones, and even earbuds.
What’s the deal with USB functionality on a turntable?
This feature is suitable for anyone who wants to capture their prized vinyl collection as a digital file. Plug the USB connection directly into a computer, download the requisite software, hit record, and away you go.
OK, I’ve got it. Any buying tips?
The benefits of collecting vinyl can often extend beyond the joys of listening to it.
Keeping records well maintained and stored correctly will protect your investment should you choose to sell or trade in the future. So, you want to ensure that the equipment you use to play them is reputable.
If you go cheap and cheerful, there’s no guarantee that the inferior stylus won’t damage your precious vinyl.
The good news is that a good quality turntable from a trusted brand will not break the bank.
The golden rule is to stick with a company with a solid track record in producing turntables. If you opt for a mid-tier model, you can always upgrade the stylus down the track.
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
