Whether you have a large collection of vinyl in your storage cases, or want to explore the world of recordings by collecting discs and playing them, the first step you should take is to buy a quality turntable to play these records on. Don't be confused anymore, you can learn the features and details of this vinyl record player item, the best ways and techniques to buy it, and prepare the equipment needed to play your record. Get started right away.
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Part 1 of 3: Learn the Features
Step 1. Learn its characteristics
Before you start shopping, understanding the basic components of a turntable is important. Make sure you really understand the features and can compare the advantages and disadvantages of different brands, models and styles of turntables. A standard turntable or record player usually consists of:
- The recording disc or place, which is in the form of a circle the size of a recording disc, will be the place where the recording disc is played. This record holder will rotate to light the recording, and is usually lined with an anti-static felt pad or rubber, which will be where you will place the disc.
- The stylus portion of the turntable is sometimes referred to as the "needle," and is usually the component that is in direct contact with the recording disc. The stylus is usually housed in a cartridge, which has an mounting mechanism and a cable that connects the stylus to the tone arm.
- The tone arm can be operated manually or automatically, by rotating the stylus over the recording disc. A good record player will have a pitch arm that automatically lifts and snaps back into place when the end of a side of the disc is finished playing.
- The base of the record player contains the internal circuitry and houses the different components. This section should be secured with anti-vibration feet to prevent the song being played from being skipped.
Step 2. Decide whether to purchase a direct-drive or belt-driven system player
Turntables can be divided into two main categories based on how they are operated. For beginners, the differences may be subtle, but understanding the styles of these two different machines is still important. This mainly depends on how you want to use the turntable.
- Direct-drive turntables offer a certain speed that the engine runs and does not need to be adjusted, as well as bidirectional rotation. If you are interested in analog DJ scratching techniques, buy this type of turntable. Otherwise, you will be disappointed.
- The belt-driven turntable holds the turning motor on one side of the engine, so the disc rotates with an elastic belt. While these belts will wear out over time, the distance between the motor and the tone arm reduces the noise generated by the winding system mechanism. Therefore, this model is very quiet.
Step 3. Decide what kind of features you want
Some turntables are simply disks and needles, with only a few extra features. However, many modern turntables have a variety of features that can make them more attractive and comfortable to use.
- Most turntables have a variety of different rotating speeds, which are measured in units of revolutions-per-minute (RPM). Most 12-inch (large, LP size) recordings are played at 33 1/3 RPM, while 7-inch-diameter records are played at 45 RPM. Old-fashioned shellac and acetate discs, made before 1950, usually played at 80 RPM. If you want to play all kinds of recordings, make sure the features of the unit you buy can play at these speeds.
- The USB slot is a feature on many new turntables, allowing you to connect your record player directly to your computer and record digital files from your vinyl discs. If you have a lot of vinyl records that you want to copy digitally, the USB slot is a must.
- The tone arm operating systems are available in manual and automatic options. Some record players are started by sliding a lever or pressing a button, which then activates the tone arm and drops it gently on the recording disc. Some other players require the player to manually position the pitch arm. The automatic system is the most preferred by beginners, because then, you don't have to bother with the sensitive stylus.
- Anti-vibration balancing systems are a great thing, especially if you want to take your record player anywhere for DJ events, or store it in a high-traffic room. Make sure your record player has this system, because skipping songs will certainly disturb your relaxed mood.
Step 4. Consider only turntables with replaceable parts
Some cheap turntables can't be disassembled, which means if the stylus breaks, you'll have to throw the whole unit away. Since record players will become obsolete and lose sound quality over time, buy a unit that you will be able to upgrade. Most mid-range units usually provide customization options on the belt, stylus, and disc, in case you need to make a replacement.
Alternatively, if you're not interested in buying a record player that will last a long time, a cheaper, shorter-lived turntable can be a good pocket-friendly option. When a turntable like this breaks, you can't fix it, but at least you can use it for a while while it's still working
Part 2 of 3: Finding Turntables
Step 1. Determine how much money you will spend
Just like anything else, the more expensive turntables are usually “better” than the cheaper ones. However, how good it is depends on your choice of sound and the purpose for which you want your turntable. Determine how much money you will spend and adjust the price range. From those that cost $100 (approximately IDR 1,370,000) to high-quality models that cost over $500 (approximately IDR 6,8500.00), there are various types of turntable models that can produce clear sound.
- A DJ who wants to play songs on a live analogue set might be better off buying a high-quality record player, while teens who just want to play their dad's old record collection might not have to spend a lot of money.
- If you've never bought a turntable before, don't overspend. Many record professionals who have large collections play their records on used turntables that still produce good sound. Save your money on vinyl.
Step 2. Buy a good cartridge
Based on the options, buying a good cartridge and spending less money on the engine is always the better choice. Since the stylus is actually the part that plays the tone, it is this part that has the most influence on the sound that comes out of the speaker. As long as a turntable is functioning properly, the sound it produces will be good if you use a high-quality stylus.
In comparison, a high-quality cartridge usually costs around $40. While this may seem like a high price for such a small component, if you can buy a used machine with a broken needle part, for less than 100 dollars (around Rp. 1,370,000) and make it sound like a brand new engine, then you've got a discount. big
Step 3. Always check used turntables
Vinyl record collection is a hobby, which means the unit, record, and record-playing equipment market can vary widely in price. Always keep an eye on used units for discounts on high-quality equipment that no one else wants. If you know how to check your record player, this can be a good option to save some money.
- Ask for a demonstration of the record player before you buy it. You should be able to hear his voice. Bring your own recording disc so you can be sure of the quality.
- Check the spin of the dish. The disc must rotate perfectly, along with the base, and must not appear unstable as it rotates. You can customize it, but if you want to spend money on a new unit, make sure you pay what you deserve.
- Players with worn-out belts will wobble and produce poor sound. Check belt quality and flexibility on a belt-driven record player to ensure the unit is solid. The belt must not crack and must return to its original shape after being stretched.
Step 4. Ask the music store clerk for advice
The shop clerks may be sneaky at times, but there's nothing wrong with asking them for help. Many record stores sell turntables or spare parts, and most clerks are willing to give advice on where to shop locally, good turntable arrangements, and so on, so don't be shy to ask.
Part 3 of 3: Buying the Accessories
Step 1. Make sure you have a good quality stereo to pair with your turntable
Often, you can't just buy a turntable, play the record on the disc, and start enjoying the song once you've got it all set. You'll need to run the turntable through a multi-channel tuner, or at least a pair of good quality speakers, after connecting it to a pre-amp. Don't forget to consider your stereo when buying a turntable.
Some new or portable turntables usually have their own speakers. While the quality is not that great, the price balances this. You can usually buy a portable record player without the need for a pre-amp, speakers, or other equipment, for less than $200
Step 2. Purchase a phono pre-amp
The pre-amplifier is used to amplify the sound of the record player to the desired volume level. Most record players, whether new or used, must be connected to a phono pre-amp to amplify the sound, before being reconnected to the sound system equipment. Some models feature their own pre-amp, but usually a record player, whether high-quality or pocket-friendly, must be paired with a pre-amp. These pre-amps are available at most electronics stores, for around $25-$50 (Rp342,500.00 - Rp685,000.00).
The pre-amps directly available on a turntable make the process of setting up your record player a whole lot easier. If your turntable doesn't have its own pre-amp, you'll need to use multiple audio cables to connect it to the pre-amp, then attach the pre-amp to the receiver
Step 3. Purchase a tape cleaning kit
Dust is the enemy of record collections. If you are investing in buying a record player for the first time, it is important to learn how to care for it and how to properly clean your vinyl records. Investing in some basic equipment will help you to keep your recordings clean and your stylus working properly. A standard piece of equipment for your record player as well as your recording collection should include:
- Felt or microfiber recording brush
- Record cleaning fluid, which is actually a mixture of distilled water, isopropyl alcohol and detergent
- Wipe anti static tape
- Anti static recording pillow
Step 4. Purchase 45 gap spacers
Single track discs with a diameter of 7 inches, which are played at 45 RPM, sometimes have a much larger hole in the dish when compared to those with a diameter of 12 inches. These discs must be played by inserting a plastic spacer gap in the center of the plate holder, which will sometimes be sold with the player unit and sometimes sold separately. You may forget this, but try to remember it, because playing a single without this thing is something difficult. Luckily, this thing is available online or at most record stores for a dollar or two (approximately $1,700 - $27,400).
Step 5. Purchase vinyl records
A good record player is useless without a collection of your favorite vinyl records to play with. While used vinyl records are available at flea stores, antique stores, thrift stores, online stores, and garage sales, you can also look into the new vinyl market. The days of vinyl are not over yet.
- Jack White, the rocker, owns the boutique label Third Man Records, which offers a wide variety of vinyl records, including color, picture, and reverse-play vinyl.
- Record Store Day is a worldwide phenomenon, and can be a good option as a way to hunt for local record stores in your area. In the spring each year, hundreds of limited releases are sold to the public. These are very exciting times for vinyl record lovers.
- Real record collectors, commonly referred to as crate-diggers, can be found rummaging through unlabeled boxes at the bottom of libraries, book markets, and garages, for hidden gems and record diamonds. Renowned collector Joe Bussard (whose '78s record collection was bigger than the Smithsonian's) often pretended to be a pest exterminator so he could knock on every house's door and ask people if they had any ancient records they wanted to get rid of.
