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Fashion can really be exhausting, right? As soon as you can attach something to the word “vogue”, people will be desperate to own it.
The vinyl record is incredibly popular right now, and as a result the turntable - as well as the cassette tape recorder, by the way - has had its renaissance again. However, it is not the first time.
We already saw records back in the 1950s and up until the beginning of the 80s, when every music enthusiast with any self-respect listened to vinyl records.
In the early 80s, the CD came in from the right and declared itself “the new kid on the block”, which of course made it difficult for vinyl to compete and it slowly disappeared from the streets.
Warm sound - The turntable back in town
Vinyl found its place in the hierarchy again. This most likely has to do with the fact that it is physical music you can actually hold in your hands. Records have value on the second-hand market. Often the covers are art, which means you can have the records “on display” on a shelf at home in the living room. In addition, they include lyrics and notes about the album, giving the consumer insight into the thoughts the artist had about the creation of the album—which, all in all, makes it more attractive to the consumer.
Even people who swear by digital music will probably honestly admit that their old LP records still have the best sound.
However, it does not quite work like that, but fortunately vinyl is still going strong with some of the best sound quality money can buy.
Find the best turntable - How?
Enough about the past—what should you do to find the best turntable for your needs?
1)Budget - start by mapping out how much you have to buy audio/HI-FI for.
2)System - when you have found the right vinyl turntable, do not think that you are ready to listen to your favourite album. With most turntables, you also need an amplifier and a speaker before it becomes possible for you to play your favourite album.
3) New or used? Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. If you buy a new turntable, you can be sure that everything works, everything is shiny, and nothing is broken or similar. You also pay for this, and it can be discussed whether you get the same value for your money as with a used turntable.
However, it should be said that if you are a first-time buyer, it will most likely be an advantage to buy a turntable new, as you should avoid buying a turntable where there may be some wear damage that you cannot see with the naked eye or have enough knowledge to be able to hear right away.
When you look at used turntables, you can find a good-quality turntable at a relatively low price. For example, a turntable that would have cost 4–5 thousand in today’s money in the 1980s can now be found used for under DKK 1,000, unless it’s a Technics SL-1200 or a Technics SL-1210, because they are insanely expensive....
As with all used products, you can never be completely sure what condition the product is actually in before you have used it. One of the things you need to pay special attention to when buying a used turntable is the condition of the cartridge, as it is one of, if not the most important part of a turntable.
2 recommendations for new turntables
Vintage retro turntable with Bluetooth from Madison
The first product I want to present to you is this Vintage turntable from Madison. Perfect for you if you’re looking for your first turntable.
Here you get a plug-and-play solution: the turntable has a built-in speaker, which means you don’t have to go out and buy a big system before you can start listening to your albums. Also see our Crosley turntables or the full range of retro turntables
Specifications:
- Bluetooth, USB and SD inputs with recording function.
- Direct playback of files from USB and SD card.
- Headphone output.
- Record speed 33/45/78 rpm.
- Belt-driven.
- Line output
- Built-in speakers with volume control.
- 45 rpm adapter included.
Top quality from Teac TN-3B-A
If you want a turntable that gives you all the qualities you can get from the warm sound and the different way of listening to music compared to digital CD sound, then you should choose a player where everything is made to create optimal conditions.
Teac are well known for their turntables and great sound. Here you get a model where the tonearm is perfectly balanced and the built-in amplifier is top quality.
See the featured TEAC turntable here
Specifications:
- Belt-driven turntable
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge
- SAEC-designed top-class tonearm
- Aluminium platter
- PHONO EQ amplifier
- HI-FI class operational amplifier
- PHONO/LINE switch
- Anti-skate and shock-absorbing feet
- Also available in Cherry finish
At SoundStoreXl we stock, among other things:
Pioneer Turntables
Pro-ject turntables
Magnat turntables
Audio-technica turntables
Technics turntables
Sony turntables
Lenco turntables
Crosley turntables
Madison turntables
