In the seventies, vinyl records were the only medium for music recordings. Today, their place was taken by digital audio technology. But until now, true music fans have a record player in their house, preferring to listen to vinyl. The sound quality in this case is far superior to digital counterparts.
What is a turntable
Its other common name is pinwheel. This is a sound-reproducing analog device that reads sound recorded on a vinyl record. The main components of a vinyl player have changed little since its first release: the table, tonearm, pickup head and vinyl disc or LP. Their interaction with each other determines the sound quality of the speaker system.
A pickup converts mechanical information from the disc into an electrical signal amplified by other components of the audio system. The driving mechanism, which has a turntable for the plates, provides the rotation of the plate at a certain speed.
Sound quality
A vinyl record differs from modern music carriers in that the recording on it is analog, corresponding to the original sound. This is achieved thanks to the tracks cut by a special machine on the surface of the plate.
Music played from a vinyl record does not distort the melody, has a pronounced harmony and a certain saturation, in contrast to the digitized sound with its more limited resolution and the addition of quantization noise.
Until now, many well-known artists record their works in both digital and analogue formats.
Today it is quite difficult to find a good and affordable player for records. Despite the fact that such equipment is still being manufactured and modernized, many music lovers consider the best equipment created at the end of the last century.
The best players of past years
The main drawback of the equipment manufactured in the Soviet years was the “sawing” of disks. But by 1980, after the whole mechanism was purchased in Poland, this problem was resolved.
From a slightly corrected Polish unit, Unitra, clad in a Soviet wooden case, we got a domestic Vega-106 record player. A serious drawback of him was the need to move around the apartment on tiptoe, as a careless step could lead to the needle jumping off. Today, Vega is gaining a second life, delighting with its sound lovers of retro music. Demand for these turntables is still huge.
Over the years of the enterprise that produced them, each new model had a higher playback quality, improved design and additional functions. It was the most popular record player of its time.
By the end of the eighties, the USSR began to produce more advanced turntables called Electronics. Players equipped with good mechanics were very close to world standards.
Popular modern turntables
Among the relatively inexpensive devices with decent sound is the Denon DP-300F. The main disk is made of metal, its speed can be adjusted using the button located on the case. The built-in MM phono stage has a mute function. The reproduced sound is voluminous, with fairly thick bass.
The turntable Rega RP1 is equipped with a proprietary tonearm with adjustable downforce. The main disk is cast, made of plastic. The character of the sound is soft, melodic.
Made in a lightweight plastic case, the Sherwood PM-9906 player has a USB port for digitizing the playback signal and recording it to external media. Moving, bright sound makes this unit more suitable for rhythmic dance music when a solid flow of material is relevant.
A bit more expensive among the devices of this series is the TDK USB Belt Drive Turntable, whose case is made of black acrylic and has an aluminum frame. Its legs are damped with soft rubber inserts. The player is equipped with a speed control system.
What to look for when choosing
The wide range and variety of models equipped with all kinds of options complicates the process of choosing a good player. A very important factor is the location of the engine. It is better to give preference to devices in which it is located outside the case.
The material from which the base is made is noteworthy. Usually it is acrylic, plastic or MDF devoid of a resonating effect. The pickup head has its own design features. Over time, it breaks in and loses shape. To get high-quality sound, you should not save on the purchase of a new head.
The needle for the record player has a great influence on the sound.
Spherical needles do not track the modulation of the groove well and can lead to deformation of the plate in the place where the music recording is of a higher level. Their manufacture is simple, and they are inexpensive. Significantly less distortion can be expected from elliptical needles, the price of which is slightly higher.
When buying a player, you should make sure of its configuration, which must include a spare head with a new needle.
Terms of Use
Even the oldest record player will serve faithfully for a long time if it is used carefully. The device is installed on a flat surface, eliminating any vibration. A unit with an external motor is recommended to be placed on a separate shelf, and the cable that is lowered down should not touch the player. In order to get the perfect sound, you will need a competent tuning, which is required when the vinyl disc is installed.