Vinyl Players (44 Photos): How To Choose A Music Player For Vinyl Records And Discs? Rating Of The Best Models For Home Records

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Vinyl records were popular in the 70s and 80s of the last century. However, today, to the delight of connoisseurs of high-quality sound, manufacturers are ready to offer new opportunities for listening to such bulky and very delicate "discs". Many record stores have set up separate shelves of vinyl records, with their sales increasing every month. Even modern performers are so imbued with the purity of the sound of vinyl records that they record every new album on them. But to listen to these records, you need a special player. Someone has such a device gathering dust in the attic, but modern manufacturers offer new modified models.

What it is?

A vinyl player is a device for playing records. The older generation immediately understands what is at stake, but young people may have a lot of questions. In order not to get too technical, it is best to make a small explanatory comparison. Modern teens are probably familiar with CD and MP3 players on which they listen to music discs. The turntable can be called the progenitor of modern miniature technology for listening to music.

However, there are several significant differences between a turntable and a modern player

• Dimensions . The turntables are quite large, so it is not possible to carry them with you.
• Sound . Many connoisseurs of high-quality sound firmly declare that when playing music from records, you create the feeling of being in a recording studio.

Device and principle of operation

A turntable is a complex mechanical organism, where all structural details are directly dependent on each other. Failure of any part immediately affects the sound quality . For this reason, each individual link in the player requires special attention. However, there is no difference between mechanical or electrical connection.

The main part of the turntable is the needle . Next comes the head and shell. A shell is a device that holds the head. This structural element is installed on the arm tube.

The tonearm in the turntable system is part of the electric player unit, which also consists of a massive disc, an auto-stop, an automatic pickup fixation and a microlift.

Lovers of high-quality and piercing sound are especially careful with the slipmat . Of course, you can do without it. However, not everyone can see how the needle breaks on a metal pancake and begins to scratch the plate. And if that happens, you won't be able to quickly save the vinyl. Slipmat helps to eliminate such troubles. He is able not only to protect the plates from mechanical stress, but also to protect their surface from dust, as well as to maintain the integrity of the needle. The copper mat covering the platter is in great demand.

Modern models of turntables are called turntables . The principle of their work is no different from prototypes from the past. To play the record along the track, the needle smoothly moves, creating oscillations, as a result of which they are converted into a signal reproduced with the help of an amplifier. Thus, modern models can easily play even the most complex musical compositions, while creating high-quality acoustics.

Modern models of devices for listening to gramophone records are arranged according to a similar characteristic with the samples of the last century. but some of the details have nevertheless received a transformation, because of which the devices work several times better than their ancestors.

Species overview

Today there are a huge number of varieties of turntables for records. And we are talking not only about technical characteristics, but also about external data with the presence of additional functionality. For example, More recently, vintage tube-footed models have been on sale . They ended up in semi-antique homesteads.

In modern homes, they prefer to install a functional and stylish electric turntable. For example, levitating or vertical . Such models do not take up much space, and most importantly, they are always ready for their immediate duties.

In the children's room, it is preferable to place a portable turntable with Bluetooth function and the ability to connect additional speakers. Models equipped with a hitchhiker are ideal for young children who love to fall asleep to beautiful and clear musical sounds.

Connoisseurs of the past and lovers of nostalgia about their youth choose laser turntable models.

On the technical side, modern turntables have received an update in the form of tangential tonearms . Externally, the structures look as usual, but their sonic qualities have increased significantly.

However, these are not all the nuances by which modern turntables are divided.

By functional differences

In this case, we are talking about the type of control

• Manual models . Such players do not have any automation in their design. With a light and smooth movement of the hand, the tonearm is transferred to the record. At the end of the operation of the unit, the needle is manually transferred to the rack. In this case, the rotation of the plate is also stopped by the hand.
• Semi-automatic models . In these designs, the movement of the arm is done manually. But the microlift and hitchhiking work on automatic.
• Automatic models . The movement of the tonearm, microlift, hitchhiking, the return of the system to its original position occurs automatically. You have to manually set the rotation speed of the vinyls.
• Fully automatic models . These turntable designs are electronic, mechanical, or mixed base. Otherwise, these are prototypes of models with automatic control.

By drive type

There are three types of drives

• Passikovy . It is very rarely called belt. It works by rotating the drive with minimal vibration. Most often, this type of drive has a rubber base. However, this material is not very durable. Rubber deforms with frequent use. In expensive models, the belt drive is equipped with synthetic or metal threads.
• Roller . In such designs, rotation is driven by an electric motor by means of a rubber roller that passes through the attachments on the motor and the inner sides of the platter.
• Straight . The uniqueness of this design lies in the speed of acceleration of vinyl records to a working condition.

Today it is the most common type of drive used in most turntable models.

By arm type

On the constructive side, tonearms are divided into 2 groups, namely: rotary and tangential. There are 3 types of articulated arm arms: straight, S-shaped and J-shaped . But there is no leader among them. Each of the options presented has positive and negative sides. It all depends on the selected player model.

The pivoting tonearms are firmly fixed on the plinth, and the system unit facilitates free movement along the axis of the mounts. The only drawback of the rotating arm group is the angular reading error, as it guides the stylus in an arc rather than in a straight line.

Tangential tonearms assume a right-angled stylus that follows the cutter path exactly . With low quality vinyl records, the tangential tonearm produces additional vibration.

Rating of the best models

At all times, players were in great demand among connoisseurs of perfect sound. But only recently their production was put on stream. The lineup includes budget designs, mid-range products, as well as expensive high-quality sound reproduction systems . However, the cheapest turntables cannot boast of good technical characteristics. And expensive designs do not always match the wallets of the average consumer.

Based on public opinion, it turned out to make a rating of the 20 most interesting and functional turntables of vinyl records, in which German brands, manufacturers from Japan and Korea participate . However, on the domestic market, only a few modifications have proven themselves on the positive side, from which it turned out to make up the top 5 ideal devices for listening to music.

Pioneer PL-30-K (5th place)

An inexpensive turntable that has established itself as a reliable and high-quality device with excellent sound reproduction. Simple design, few functions, there is a phono stage, which can be turned off if desired . The main disc is made of aluminum material, and the spacer between it and the vinyl has a rubber base. The presence of a microlift and a straight tonearm speaks of good technical characteristics. The controls are very simple, even a child can handle it.

The system also has a built-in equalizer, rubber pad and dial.

The advantages of this model:

• clamping mechanism adjustment;
• the presence of a cover that protects the mechanism from dust;
• detachable power cable;
• high quality sound.

The disadvantage is the lack of the ability to self-adjust the speed.

Sony PS-HX500 (4th place)

This model appeared on sale several years ago and immediately won public recognition. The design has a built-in ADC that allows you to reproduce records in the DSD format. The system has a high level of strength. The dimensions of the player are small, the same goes for the weight of the device. The modest design of the device is made in black. Thin and graceful lines only complement the image of the player with unusual beauty. The feet of the device are made of rubber material. They can be adjusted in height, so you can catch the perfect level.

The advantages of this model:

• low cost;
• there is a function of archiving records;
• exquisite design;
• high quality sound;
• long service life.

Among the disadvantages is the lack of a power supply unit.

Pioneer PLX-1000 (3rd place)

Premium player suitable for home and professional use. The design features a direct type quartz drive that generates high torque. It is this model that makes the work of DJs as easy as possible. Includes counterweights, aluminum platter, protective cover. The absence of a phono stage is easily compensated by the possibility of connecting a mixer or amplifier.

The advantages of this model:

• high quality;
• professional appointment;
• perfect build.

The disadvantage is the high price.

Teac NT-503 (2nd place)

A modern player with unique capabilities. The device has a small size, but a decent weight. The housing is made of an aluminum-steel material that protects the electronic circuits used in Hi-End equipment.

The advantages of this model:

• high quality;
• the ability to increase DSD streams;

There are no drawbacks, except for the high price.

Denon VL12 Prime (1st Place)

A professional type turntable used not only for listening to vinyl records at home, but also for the DJ workflow. The high level of body strength and good stability is complemented by all-metal palm rests. All controls have a matte finish so there is no unintended slipping of fingers . In addition, the design provides for a backlight of the platter, the brightness of which is manually adjustable. The set of the player is so rich that it contains several types of cables that allow you to connect third-party devices.

The advantages of this model:

• the system is able to take an active part in the professional sphere of DJs;
• high level of strength;
• perfect sound;
• long service life.

The disadvantage is the high cost of the player.

How to choose?

When choosing a turntable for your home, it is important to decide in advance which model is best to buy, new or used.

In terms of cost, the leading position is held by used devices . They are also distinguished by a high level of strength and reliability. However, sellers of old devices are not always honest. There are cases when, when buying a used turntable, the device worked flawlessly, and when it was at the house of the new owner, it simply did not turn on.

Today you can buy a new turntable with excellent technical characteristics for $ 500 . Its used prototype with similar capabilities will cost $ 100. Accordingly, a smaller amount seems more attractive. But it is impossible to guarantee a long service life of a used device.

Unfortunately, today it is the financial moment that plays a huge role. But if $ 500 is allocated for the purchase of a player, you can try to consider a second-hand design that matches the characteristics of new devices priced at $ 1200.

According to historical data, the peak of development of installations for playing vinyl records fell on the 70-80s of the last century . The devices created at that time were distinguished by a high level of quality and reliability. Many designs have survived in attics and basements to this day and are now sold on popular Internet resources. And here the choice remains only with the consumer. Some of them need a new apparatus corresponding to modern technologies. Others appreciate rare classics.

When purchasing a new player, the consumer is provided with a warranty card in case of replacement or return of the device. Based on this document, there will also be no problems with the need for repair.

Used turntables not affiliated with Technics do not have a lifetime warranty, which means they will have to be repaired at their own expense in the event of failure. but the amount of player reanimation can be high, which will undoubtedly hit the owner's wallet . After all, the cost of one spare part can be equated to the purchase of a new device. In addition, the used turntable system needs to do timely preventive maintenance.

In the process of choosing a new player, sales consultants are required to conduct an introductory presentation, tell all the pros and cons of the model in question. And here when buying a structure of the Soviet era, the buyer should know what nuances should be paid attention to.

First of all, you should check the index of the name . The numbers 2 and 3 indicate that the turntable belongs to the second and third classes, which are suitable for listening to old vintage vinyls.

An important factor in choosing a Soviet player is its external data. The shabby appearance, multiple scuffs of the case, cracks and chips indicate that the device was mistreated by old owners. Defects in external data can hide a variety of system problems that can arise within days of purchase.

The purchaser should pay particular attention to the tonearm in the area where it is mounted. To check, you need to move them from side to side. If even a slight backlash is felt, it is best to abandon this device.

A Japanese-made device from the times of the USSR has an unusual plug for connecting to the mains. If it belongs to type "A", it means that the model was created for operation in Japan, where the voltage in the outlet is 100 V. To use the device in the CIS countries, where the stable indicator of the mains voltage is 220 V, you will need to purchase a step-down transformer.

If it is possible to test the sound of the player, do not give up on it . At the same time, it will be possible to check the operation of the components, the strength of their connections and ease of use.