How to choose a vinyl player

When choosing a vinyl player, you should pay attention to its electromechanical characteristics and device.

How to choose a vinyl player: basic criteria

The main criteria for choosing a vinyl player:

1. Presence of phono stage;

2. The presence of the amplifier;

3. Mass of the faceplate or the player itself;

4. Availability of needle pressure adjustment;

5. Cartridge type;

6. Type of sharpening the needle;

7. Type of drive.

8. The manufacturer is also important.

Main selection criteria

The working principle of the vinyl player

To highlight the most important technical characteristics it is necessary to understand the principle of operation of a vinyl player.

1. The vinyl record is a data carrier on which waves are applied in the form of surface irregularities - the trajectories of acoustic oscillations. The tracks are arranged in the form of a spiral from the center to the edge;

2. The pickup needle (tonearm) moves along the tracks, rising and falling on these irregularities;

3. Needle movements are transmitted to an electromechanical transducer, where they turn into current oscillations;

4. The current modulated in the electromechanical converter enters the phono stage, where it is converted into “pleasant to hear”, since the music is recorded on the record in a deliberately distorted form (just for recording);

5. The signal converted into the phonocorrector goes to the amplifier;

6. The signal from the amplifier enters the connected speakers.

Thus, the most important characteristics are understood.: needle geometry, presence of phono-corrector, amplifier, as well as a number of other electromechanical parameters.

Presence of phono stage

Vinyl players can be equipped with a built-in phono stage, and can be supplied without it. The first option is preferable for novice music lovers, because it simplifies working with the player. However, for the highest quality and - most importantly - customizable sound for personal preferences, it is recommended to choose players without a built-in phono stage, and buy this one separately.

Presence of an amplifier

“Ready-to-work out of the box” turntables have built-in phono stage and amplifier. This, again, simplifies the use of the player, but limits the ability to customize the sound.

But if you want maximum customization of sound, it is recommended to choose players without a phono stage and amplifier.

Mass of the faceplate or the player itself

When rotating, the faceplate (a moving element of the player on which the vinyl record is placed) may vibrate, which negatively affects the quality of the music being played, including introducing distortions.

To avoid sound distortion due to vibrations, manufacturers deliberately make the faceplate heavier. As a result, the harder it is, the more “even” the music will be. The optimal weight of the player as a whole - from 10 kg. The mass of the faceplate in this case is from 7 kg.

Availability of needle pressure adjustment

The sound quality and wear rate of the vinyl carrier depend on the force of the needle pressure on the plate. Therefore, it is desirable that the player is equipped with this feature.Especially if you plan to listen to songs with a large number of instruments used or a dense sound stage.

However, players with adjustable pressure needles are quite expensive.

Cartridge Type

The cartridge is a structural element of the pickup. That is where the needle is located. There are two types of cartridges - 1/2 inch and T4P standard.

Cartridge 1/2 inch provides maximum customization sound. However, it is difficult to set up - you need to set the height of the needle, balance the arm, and other operations. T4P cartridges are much easier to use, they do not require tonerm balancing, they are easy to attach, but at the same time they limit the possibility of customizing the sound.

Players with replaceable cartridges are recommended.

Type of sharpening needles

The type of needle sharpening does not affect the sound quality especially, but music lovers prefer oval-sharpened ones. But round-sharpened cheaper.

type of drive

The drive in vinyl players can be straight, belt or roller. The first option will appeal to fans of scratching (DJ manual rotation of the plates). The belt drive provides the smoothest rotation, without excessive vibration. Roller does not create sound distortion only in expensive players.

Top manufacturers

Among manufacturers of vinyl players can be identified:

1. Technics. Legendary company, its products are still appreciated by audiophiles;

2. Sherwood, Pro-Ject, Rega. Manufacturers of players of the average price category;

3. Pioneer, Micro, JVC. Japanese manufacturers have proven themselves among music lovers.

4. You can also highlight the company Sony and Denon.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a radio and secrets portable speaker selection.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.