Information on finding the
best turntables can be
confusing. Any niche or hobbyist community is full of passion for their
topic, and turntable lovers are no exception. Forums regularly play host
to threads discussing x vs y down to the smallest detail. A lot of it
does not matter.
Unless you have spent years buying and repairing turntables, and have
owned many, you probably will not care about some of the smaller
details. Whether or not the finer points make a noticeable difference at
all is, in our opinion, also up for debate. However, there are some
important factors to consider which you should definitely be aware of to
make the right choice for you.
1. Direct Drive Turntables vs Belt Drive Turntables
Direct drive systems have a motor directly underneath the platter
that causes it to turn. The big advantage of direct drive systems is
that you can start or stop them easily. When a platter is stopped it is
far easier to place the stylus in the desired position – for example, at
the beginning of a track. The disadvantage of direct drive is that the
platters tend to be lighter than with belt drive systems, and
consequently the vibration of the platter can cause undesired added
noise. Belt drive tables minimise added noise and have better
consistency of speed. However, they require the user to place the needle
manually when the platter is already spinning. This should not be too
much of a deterrent. Belt drive turntables can also be more modifiable.
The verdict: in lower to mid price ranges, belt drive turntables are
generally better for audio quality, but this is not without exception.
High end direct drive turntables, such as the coveted Technics SL-1200,
turn out as the best turntables for convenience and sound quality
combined. The difference with high end tables are the heavier platter,
which minimises added noise. The best turntables for beginners may be
direct drive in any price range, as they may find the needle easier to
place on the record.
2. Tonearm return
Fully automatic tonearms respond to a start button by positioning
above the record and lowering down on to the record surface. Once the
side has finished, they return to the resting position. Manual tonearms
require placing on the record surface, and when the record is finished
they will stay put, tracking around and around until the user lifts it
off the record and resets it to its resting position. Auto-return
tonearms normally work via a small level allowing the user to slowly
lower the turntable needle the last little bit on to the record, and
then return to resting position at the end of play. The verdict: Fully
automatic tonearms should be avoided, as they involve too many moving
parts that can alter the sound of a record. Auto-return tonearms are the
best option for people who prefer convenience over pristine audio
quality. In our opinion, auto-return tonearms have little effect on
fidelity. Strict audiophiles will opt for manual tonearms, as the fewest
moving parts results in the least added noise and therefore best audio
quality.
3. Adjustable tonearm counterweight
Tonearms on the best turntables have an adjustable counterweight to
provide balance against the weight of the cartridge. The verdict: The
tonearm must have an adjustable counterweight. If you are to achieve
decent racking of the stylus across the record, you must be able to
modify the weight. Especially if you are going to change the turntable
cartridge, which you should if you own
vintage turntables.
4. Platter weight
As previously mentioned, the platters on the best turntables are
heavy. If you are buying second hand turntables, then the platter should
be able to freely spin. It is one of the two things that really must
work for second hand table, as the others can be easily replaced or
upgraded (the other is that the tonearm should be able to freely move).
The Final Verdict On Finding The Best Turntables
In
the end, what you should be looking for is quality and mostly manual
operation rather than automatic. If the turntable is built sturdily
(including a heavy platter), has an adjustable counterweight, relies on
the user to operate most moving parts and gets good reviews, then buy
it! Some people insist on unipivot tonearms and direct drive vintage
turntables, but in the end it comes down to personal preference and
you’ll need to try and compare before you join a camp. The best
turntables are whatever sounds and looks good to you.
http://best-turntables.com/best-turntable-lists/
