Acquaintance with vinyl: choose a record player

Vinyl records are again gaining popularity among lovers of quality sound. Even modern celebrities have joined the retro culture by presenting vinyl records of their hits to fans. Today we will tell you what kind of electric players are for records, and how they differ from ordinary stereo systems.

What it is

Vinyl player - a device that converts the roughness of the tracks of the record into sound signals. Despite the common misconception, the EP has nothing to do with a gramophone or gramophone, except for the principle of reproduction. New player models are part of an audio system that includes many components.

There are all-inclusive devices called “harvesters” with a built-in amplifier, speakers and all the necessary connectors. But they are not perceived in a professional environment, due to poor sound. A full-fledged vinyl player should have high-quality components, including an amplifier, a phono stage and speakers.

Turntable design

In addition to components, it is important to understand the design of the device. Here are the main parts of the turntable:

1. A faceplate (also called a disk or a pancake) is a special platform on which a vinyl record is placed.
2. The tonearm is the part of the device on which a special cartridge with a reading needle is attached. The design of the device provides a special ring that allows you to adjust the height of the arm.
3. Counterweight - a small load that allows the user to adjust the force of pressure of the needle on the plate.
4. Anti-skating - adjusting the compensator rolling force.
5. The cartridge (the main part of the pickup (head)) is the most important component of the player, responsible for reading and converting the roughness of the tracks into an audio signal.

Premium devices are traditionally handcrafted. Separately sold base with pancake, separate tonearm, separate head and phono stage. The main advantage of such “composite” models is the ability to upgrade in the future. You can always replace the obsolete part with a better one. In budget vinyl players, the tonearm is not removed.

How to choose a vinyl player

Using a low-quality player, you risk not only being disappointed in the sound, but also damaging expensive records. You should not buy budget devices with a built-in phono stage amplifier and speakers, because they do not differ in good playback quality. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the weight, type of sharpening of the needle, type of cartridge (principle of operation), the possibility of replacing components and the drive. Now more about all the features:

Body weight

A quality device must be heavy. Players up to 8 kilograms exist only in the budget and middle segment, and, as a rule, they do not differ in good sound. The faceplate or disk on which the plate is placed is heavy. But there are manufacturers that manufacture faceplates from light carbon fiber. This makes the case of the player a little easier, but does not deprive of high-quality sound.

Types of cartridges and principle of operation

There are two main types of cartridges for vinyl players - ½ inch and T4P. The first view is distinguished by the best sound qualities and the ability to upgrade. But he has a significant drawback: not every person can properly configure such a player.The second option is slightly easier to use and is suitable even for a beginner. However, it will not be easy to improve such a device in the future.

There are two types of cartridge heads on the audio market: MM- and MC-. Musicians and hi-fi connoisseurs prefer MC heads, as they convey sound in more detail and gently. However, they do not support changing the tip, so if the needle is damaged, you will have to change the entire cartridge completely.

Sharpening reading needle

For cheap record players, the needle has a spherical sharpening. Professionals and collectors prefer players with elliptical sharpening, but there are other, no less successful types.

Drive unit

Vinyl players are straight, belt and roller. It depends on how the pancake will move during the reading of the record from the plate. For lovers of pure sound, belt-type devices are suitable, as they provide better gliding and lack of vibration. Direct players are more appreciated by DJs (they produce special models for dj) and musicians who like to scratch. Belt type devices have the most vibrations, so they are practically not common on the market. But there are fans of such players.

Which to buy - new or used

You can’t say exactly which player is more profitable - new or vintage. If you need to have a budget of at least 40 thousand rubles to buy a new device (the price of some models can reach up to 1,500,000 rubles), then 20 thousand will be enough to purchase a supported device. But the main problem is the deterioration of components and the integrity of the device in principle. Buying a used player is always a matter of luck. Even among the old USSR apparatus, one can find something worthwhile.

Why vinyl sounds better

The high-quality sound of vinyl, which audiophiles and professional musicians talk about, is due to the features of the conversion of the audio signal. Unlike other modern turntables, vinyl has analog sound, not digital. This does not make it better, from a professional point of view, since a digital signal transmits a recording more accurately than an analog one. However, it is this “inaccuracy” that provides the plates with a more “lively” and cozy sound.

Listening to vinyl is not just an attempt to remember the past and a little nostalgic. This is an opportunity to expand the horizons and take a break from the usual digital sound. Records are worth attention just as much as discs or digital recordings are worth attention.

Rating of the best record players

We ranked the top 5 best vinyl players of 2019 for home based on customer reviews and ratings. The list includes both budget and professional models.

Denon DP-200USB

• Type of electric drive: belt
• Support for speed modes: 33 and 45 rpm
• Tonarm included: yes
• Type of phono stage built-in
• Switching speed modes: electronic
• Type of player (control): automatic
• Type and design of tonearm: swivel, straight
• Name of cartridge included: DSN-84 (type MM)
• Faceplate Material: Aluminum
• Knock Level: 0.15%

A fully automated vinyl record player that easily converts analog recordings to digital files and stores a USB flash drive. It has a high-quality aluminum disk (faceplate) and a built-in phono stage. Suitable for beginners and advanced users, thanks to a simplified management system. Denon DP-200USB is one of the best budget players as of 2019.

Onkyo CP-1050

• Type of electric drive: direct
• Faceplate: cast aluminum, diameter 305 mm
• Faceplate rotation speeds: 33 1/3, 45 rpm
• Rumble and heartbeat: 0.15%
• Noise Ratio: Over 60dB
• Tracking angle error: within 3 °
• Needle pressure per plate: adjustable, from 0 g to 4 g
• Allowable pickup weight: 15 - 20 g
• Weight: 8.6 kg

High-quality mid-range turntable. The motor operates thanks to a crystal oscillator with frequency stabilization, which allows you to get a balanced speed of rotation of the faceplate. A low-speed engine provides the player with minimal distortion at mid and high frequencies. The support disk is made of high-quality aluminum alloy and has a diameter of about 300 mm. The player’s tonearm is also made of metal, it has an S-shape and is equipped with a special damped microlift. All major components are removable, which will allow in the future to replace worn parts and improve the device.

Ion max lp

• Vinyl Record Type: Partially Automated
• Electric player drive system: belt
• Background Correction: Built-in
• Switching speeds (modes): manual
• Support speed (rotation speed): 33, 45 and 78 rpm
• Built-in acoustics: yes
• Audio Out: Yes
• USB Connector: Yes
• Table Material: Wooden
• Faceplate Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Optional: digitization in mp3 with automatic breakdown into compositions

The budget model of the player for beginners. It has the function of digitizing records with automated breakdown into tracks. Of the features of the model is a high-quality wooden case and an aluminum alloy faceplate.

Sony PS-LX300USB

• Type of electric drive: belt
• Support for multi-speed speeds: 33 and 45 rpm
• Tonarm included: yes
• Background Correction: Built-in
• Gear Shift: Electronic
• Player Type: Automatic
• Type and design of tonearm in the player: swivel, straight
• Faceplate Material: Aluminum
• Optional: digitizing to external media with automatic pagination

High-quality vinyl player from a well-known manufacturer Sony. It has scratch protection, a diamond needle and two speed modes. It is possible to record your favorite tracks in digital format.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120 USB

• Type of electric drive: direct
• Support for speed modes: 33, 45 and 78 rpm
• Cartridge (removable) included: yes
• Tonarm included: yes
• Background Correction: Yes
• Switching speeds (modes): manual
• Automation: None
• Name of the main part of the pickup: ATR-2

Mid-range vinyl record player for beginners and advanced users. Equipped with a USB port for easy connection to a computer and digitizing vinyl. The device comes with firmware Audacity.

To summarize

Even a beginner listener can choose a vinyl player. It is enough to study the technical characteristics of the devices and analyze the prices of various components. For beginners, budget models with a minimum of functionality are also suitable, and an experienced musician should better focus on players from the middle and high price segment, since such devices have good sound and the ability to upgrade.