Records and Turntables

READ FIRST

To begin with, most people decide to spend very little because they wish to "see if they like it" so opt for below entry level equipment. Or on the spur of the moment buy a pretty suitcase player or have been gifted one.

Another reason could be you have heard that records sound better than digital. While this is a hotly debated topic, records can only sound better than digital IF you spend a lot to get great equipment. Digital can provide nice sound at very affordable cost and is more convenient.

ALL suitcase & all-in-one players should be avoided because they have a cheap mechanism which is prone to skipping, inconsistent speed and often breakdown. Image below depicts the tell tale look of this bad mechanism.

Bad tonearm

However if you must buy an all-in-one player the 1 By One H009 All-In-One Turntable is acceptable. This is NOT A RECOMMENDATION, merely pointing out this is the least worst one. It will work OK and does have a proper tone arm with adjustments.

Plus this model has Line/Phono output so you can upgrade to external powered speakers or a main amplifier with passive speakers which will make a big improvement over the built-in speakers.

MINIMUM TO BUY

At the very minimum you will need a separate turntable and a pair of powered speakers. This will enable you to enjoy proper stereo sound.

Do NOT buy an AT-LP60 or an AT-LP70. These are entry level and you will most likely find reliability issues and the lack proper features limiting. Entry level gear is like buying a cheap street car and then driving in an off road rally.

Audio-technica turntables to consider are in the "Step-up" range listed HERE. Or the more expensive "PREMIUM" range HERE. Many recommend the LP120 but it has DJ features which you do not need, so your money is kinda wasted on stuff you will not use like pitch change. The cheaper AT-LPW30 could be a better choice

Fluance turntables to consider begin with the RT82 plus any models above that. Please avoid the RT80 and 81 as the RT82 is much better for very little extra cost. Personally, I'd go with the RT85N because it comes with the better sounding Nakaoga cartridge HERE

Pro-Ject turntables to consider begin with the Debut EVO 2 plus any models above that. Please avoid models like the E1 which don't allow for upgrading the cartridge because the tracking weight is not adjustable

IMPORTANT: All record playing systems requires a PHONO PRE AMPLIFIER (PPA) in the audio chain. So you need check if the turntable has one built-in, which is usually indicated by a switch on the back labeled LINE/PHONO so you can choose to use the built in PPA or not. Powered speakers that have a PPA built-in will have an input labeled PHONO.

SUGGESTED POWERED SPEAKERS

This is just a sample of some that are affordable and work fine.

NEUMI BS5P-ARC speakers DO NOT have a PPA so you must either have a turntable with PPA built-in or buy an external PPA to connect between turntable and powered speakers.

Edifier speakers DO NOT have a PPA so you must either have a turntable with PPA built-in or buy an external PPA to connect between turntable and powered speakers.

Dayton Classic B65A speakers DO NOT have a PPA so you must either have a turntable with PPA built-in or buy an external PPA to connect between turntable and powered speakers.

For something with really good sound consider Q Acoustics M20 speakers These are very very good and you will not be disappointed with the sound from them. DO NOT have a PPA so you must either have a turntable with PPA built-in or buy an external PPA to connect between turntable and powered speakers.

For a dirt cheap PPA that works OK try the Bozak Madisson M Phono Pre Amp or spend a bit more for the Emotiva PH1.

However a more expensive PPA will improve sound, see the PHONO page to learn more.

COMPONENT SYSTEM

This is for enthusiast that want the full blown experience. Utilises a combination of separate components such as Turntable, Integrated Amplifier and Passive Speakers.

Expect to be spending something like $2,500USD. Here is an example of a typical setup. I am not necessarily recommending these components, it is just to give you an idea.

Rega Planar 2 turntable $800USD
Yamaha A-S501 integrated amplifier $550USD
Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 speakers $1,300USD

Rega are a well known UK brand that have been engineering their turntables for decades. It does not have a built-in Phono Pre Amp so you need an external one or an amplifier with a PHONO input. Buy P3 or better and you are set for life.

Yamaha are a well respected and their gear is very reliable and clean sounding. The models in this series have a PHONO input so an external Phono Pre Amp is not required.

Wharfedale have been in the speaker biz for a very long time.