Using a turntable for audio is arguably one of the best ways to experience music and this will be confirmed by a lot of people who use or do not use one. There is something really special about sliding out your favorite vinyl from its sleeve cover, putting it on the turntable, and then placing the needle on the grooves of the record.
It makes you feel a bit more connected to the music, lyrics, and the band because the experience is much more personal than just pressing play with your mouse on your computer or phone.
So, whether you are already a vinyl “freak” or if you are just getting into this hobby, you will probably want a turntable that will deliver the best possible sounds. But, with a quick search on Google, you soon find out that the best ones are simply too expensive. There are such devices that can go well over five thousand dollars which is simply too much for those working with a budget.
If you want to spend your money wisely on something that will last you a long time and something that will deliver great performance, make sure you keep reading this 2024 buying guide.
Features
Most modern turntables these days have tons of features that can make your music listening experience even a little bit better. You will need to ask yourself a few questions to find out whether you need a simple device with no extra features or whether you want multiple features. Keep in mind, a turntable with multiple features will probably c cost a bit more than the one that doesn’t have any other special features.
Do you want to connect to your speakers with wires or do you want to use Bluetooth? If you do not want to clutter your living room or your home with wires on the floor and on the walls then you should definitely consider a device with a built-in Bluetooth.
Do you prefer the experience of grabbing the tonearm and placing it in on the groove of the record by yourself or do you prefer the sound of the mechanical and automatic movement of the tonearm? Questions like this will help you make the right purchase.
Where are you going to place it?
Before buying a record player, you will also have to consider its size and where you are going to place it. Naturally, you will a safe place to keep your brand new investment safe. You will also have to make sure that the area around it will be clean from any dust because dust can interfere with the needle and the grooves which might ruin the sound for you.
Keep in mind that you will also need to have enough space to handle the equipment. Sometimes you will need to readjust the needle, change the record and so on.
How much should I spend overall?
Well, this heavily depends on how high or low your original budget is. Sure, getting the most expensive parts will probably deliver the best possible sound, but if you do not have any previous experience with listening to vinyl then you probably won’t notice a lot of difference between a cheap amp and an expensive one.
If you are looking for the best turntables on a budget, you should check out newswatchngr. Our personal recommendation from this list would be the Audio Technica AT-LP60WH-BT and the Fluance RT81 Elite.
If you want to stick to your budget, we recommend that you consider buying a second-hand record. Of course, the state of these records will vary. Some will deliver an awful sound, some an okay one and some will be great. But, once you get a bit deeper into this musical hobby, you can start buying your favorite records brand new, one by one.
Difference between a Turntable and a Record Player
Many people believe that these two terms refer to the same thing, but we believe that there is a difference between these two terms.
A record player comes with everything that you will need to listen to a record. It comes with its own set of speakers which means you won’t have to connect it to any external audio system to listen to your music. It also comes with its own amp which reduces the amount of other audio equipment you will have to purchase or connect it to.
You might be wondering, which one of these should you get? Well, it’s simple. If you already have the required audio equipment to connect to your turntable, then get one because you will obviously have a much more powerful and clean sound.
If you do not have that kind of equipment and you do not want to spend any extra money then a record player is definitely the perfect choice for you.
What will I need for a turntable?
If you have decided that you are going for this option instead of a record player then you should probably know about the things you are required to have to get the best possible experience with such a device.
First, you will need a good set of speakers. This is one of the most important parts of such a setup because it will dictate the quality of sound you are going to be listening to. Another important thing about this setup is the amplifier.
An audio power amplifier amplifies the low-power electronic signals that get sent from the source (in this case, the turntable). The amplified signals are then sent through the speakers and you can enjoy the loud and clear audio coming out from them.
Which brands should I consider?
This question can’t really be answered in a straight forward way because every brand has had at least one great product in their line-up. But, if you are going shopping, the brands you should check out are Audio-Technica, Thorens, Music Hall, Sony, Fluance, and Technics.
Before you make a purchase, make sure you read in-depth reviews about the certain model to ensure that you get the most out of your money.