The turntables on today’s market fall into 1 of 2 categories. All-in-1 tables consist of a turntable, amplifier and speakers, contained within the same casework. Some systems include support for other formats too, including CD, digital playback via USB and even cassette. But are they as good as they seem?
Day: 10 April 2017
A Guide to Phono Stages
A phono stage is a preamplifier used to boost the minute signal of a phono cartridge, while reversing the equalisation curves used when cutting the record. Here’s our complete guide.
The Current Turntable Market (2016)
Exploring the 2016 turntable market with a selection of turntables at various price points.
The Components of a Turntable
Many of the most popular record players for sale today are of an all-in-1 design, meaning that the record player, amplifier and speakers are housed within the same case, which is usually of a retro design in a portable space-saving form factor. These devices can be purchased for less than £100, which compared to even a budget system comprised of a separate turntable, amplifier and speakers can make them seem like excellent value for money. To assess whether or not this is the case, we first need to see what actually makes a turntable tick.
How to Set Up a Turntable
An in-depth guide to correctly setting up a turntable. The correct way to adjust vertical tracking force, vertical tracking angle, anti-skate / bias and azimuth are all discussed here.
How to Optimise the Sound of your Turntable and Records
Explains how to optimise a turntable and care for your records to achieve the best possible sound.
How to Install and Align a Turntable phono Cartridge
How to correctly install and align a phono cartridge.
How to Purchase a Used Turntable
A guide to selecting and purchasing a used turntable, as well as tips on checking it for full functionality.
Turntable Drive Systems
A guide to the three primary turntable drive systems – belt drive, direct drive and idler drive – and the pros and cons of each.
A Guide to Turntable, Tonearm and Cartridge Specifications
A guide to the specifications of your turntable, tonearm and cartridge.
Free Turntable Cartridge Alignment Protractors and Strobe Discs
A selection of free cartridge alignment protractors and strobe discs to accurately align a cartridge and test the speed of your turntable.
Recommended Tools and Gifts for Vinyl Fans
A few recommended tools and gifts for vinyl fans. These will ease the task of setting up and maintaining your turntable as well as allowing you to exact the maximum quality possible from your system and vinyl.
A Guide to Turntables and Vinyl, Addendum’s and Conclusions
Concludes our Guide to Turntable and Vinyl with some extra resources and a brief terminology reference.
Pro-Ject ‘The Classic’ Turntable Review
Pro-Ject’s ‘The Classic’ is a modern deck with a degree of retro charm. Clever technology meets a classic design, and the result is a worthy contender at the price. A better cartridge wouldn’t go Amiss, and a revised anti-skate system would be a major plus too.