Choosing Home Record Players and Turntables
When you start looking for something to play your vinyl records, you will like come across two terms: turntables and record players. Many people use the two interchangeably even though they are technically different. A turntable is a mechanical device used to mount the records for playing. It is very basic in construction. You might need external devices like amps and speakers to set up. A record player brings together the turntable, pre-amp, and speakers into one unit.
What do I need to know about the Technics turntables?
- Tonearm - It holds the stylus and cartridge as they work through the record. It should be weighty enough to hold the pieces in place without putting too much pressure. The design can vary from a straight-shaped to a curved arm depending on your preference. The Technics SL-1200 has a curved arm while the direct drive turntable SLD33 uses a straight arm.
- Stylus/needle - The point of contact between the record and the cartridge. It runs through the grooves on the record while fetching the sounds. The materials used to make the stylus include diamond, steel, and sapphire.
- Cartridge - a small magnetic box placed above the needle that produces electrical signals from the stylus movements. A cartridge can either come as a magnet or a magnetic coil.
- Platter - It is where the record sits and spins while playing. They can use any material for construction as long as the size is right.
- Platter mat - A felt or rubber material placed on top of the platter to cut down the vibrations and static forces.
- Motor - A device that fits under the platter and creates the spinning movements. You may choose between a direct drive turntable or a belt-driven system. The SL-1200 series from Technics is a good example of direct drive turntables.
What features should I look for in a Technics turntable?
- Outputs - A phono/RCA system that easily plugs into your loudspeakers is a better idea when all you need is a plug-and-play solution. With a USB output, you can connect the turntable to a computer and digitize your records.
- Built-in phono/preamp - Turntables give out fairly quaint signals that need some form of amplification. Many plug-and-play systems have a built-in phono preamp to magnify the signals. Another option is going for an external pre-amp connection.
- Built-in speakers - You may choose built-in speakers when you are not very particular about the sounds. Audiophiles can opt to go for a customizable Technics player.
- Playback speeds - All records have specified speed ratings, usually given in rotations per minute (RPM). They may range between anything from 33-1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, like most Technics models. There are others that have a 78 RPM specification.
- Reverse playing - Allows the record to spins in the reverse cycle, which is a great feature for audio mixing.
- Automated tonearm - Full automation can shift the tonearm and adjust the stylus. Choosing between the manual and automatic Technics model is a matter of preference.
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