There's something magical about vinyl players that captivates your eyes and ears and makes you lose track of time. Maybe it's the spin of the disc that puts on a hypnosis spell that soothes the mind and soul or the crackle of nostalgia that warms the heart. Or maybe it's the deep, rich sound that lets you connect with the music on a higher level and consume it the way it was meant to be consumed.
Contents What makes record players so special? Why does vinyl sound better than digital? Choosing your first vinyl playerBelt drive vs direct driveBeginning Carbon Evo X1Vinyl record players are a hot topic right now and you often hear things like "vinyl is back" and "vinyl records are making a comeback". However, any music lover, audiophile or seasoned DJ will tell you that they never left the stage. From Thomas Edison's phonograph to Dual's stereo turntables to the legendary SL-1200 turntables, and everything in between and beyond, record players have become more and more sophisticated over time. P>
If you're new to vinyl, you might be wondering if buying a record player is worth it. To be honest, your skepticism is justified because owning such a valuable analog toy comes at a price. But hey, they don't say home is where the record player is for nothing. This delightfully complex device will forever change your musical experience. Yes, how you live, not listen, as vinyl record players provide auditory, visual and tactile input.
Unlike audiophile cables which offer subtle sonic differences only obvious to a trained ear, vinyl players offer much more apparent sonic warmth, richness and depth. The stylus that resists against the record translates each part of the grooves, resulting in a better sound quality that can be perceived much more easily.
Then there is the very intriguing visual aspect which adds even more flair to the attraction. Unlike digital formats and technology, vinyl record players captivate the eye with the distinctive features and mechanics you can see and observe. From the spinning record to the sliding stylus, seeing a running vinyl player is a feast for the eyes. Of course, besides the player itself, there are the vinyl records and their artwork, which only adds to the overall aesthetic experience.
Last but not least, just like musical instruments, record players require commitment to operate. Instead of just playing on your phone, laptop or tablet, you have to place the record on the platter, turn on the unit, adjust the lever, move the tonearm…many satisfying steps that bring you closer to the music.
Since you're probably more interested in the difference in sound, let's take a closer look at why, for most people, analog triumphs over digital. This is no hipster or elitist whim, there is an explanation why record players sound better. As you already know, the vinyl record is engraved with grooves, those thin lines where the music is stored. Now the vinyl player is specially designed to accurately read these physical engravings and translate them into sound.
Unlike digital technology where sound waves are translated from digital to analog, this is an end-to-end process from recording to playback. With analog technology, data is not compressed, which means less information is lost in the reproduction process, allowing playback closer to the original recording played in the studio. The previously mentioned incomparable warmth, richness and depth are due to this lossless reproduction.
Ready to embark on your vinyl sound journey? Before you head to the store, there are a few things to consider that will help you make an informed choice. Although there are record players for sale even in the £100-200 range, cheaper turntables have been known to destroy vinyl records. If you love your vinyl collection, it might be best to save a few hundred more to make sure it sounds good, keeps your records safe, and gives you years of trouble-free groove. Typically, high quality turntables start at around £500 and go up into a dizzying six figures.
But is the price the only criterion to take into account? Of course not. Even if you spend thousands of dollars, it does not guarantee that you will make the right decision. You see, there are different types of turntables and your choice should mainly depend on the type of listening you plan to do. For example, audiophiles are more concerned with getting the best sound possible, so they may opt for a belt-drive turntable. Belt-drive turntables, as the name suggests, feature an elastic belt that spins the platter. Since the elastic waistband acts as a shield against vibration, it makes reading quieter and more accurate.
Although they are supposed to offer better sound quality, belt-drive turntables are rarely the choice of DJs because they have less accurate playback speeds and less torque. DJs also need more durability, as the art of mixing and scratching combined with frequent trips from gig to gig can take a toll on belt-driven components.
Direct-drive turntables are designed to withstand the rigors of DJing. The platter of these bridges connects directly to the motor allowing for greater speed accuracy. This is very important for DJs who sometimes need to match the speeds of recordings with digital files. However, since there is nothing to dampen motor vibrations, the sound quality may be worse.
Once you've established your priorities and your price range, you can start the hunt for your first vinyl player. To narrow down your search, here are two very capable turntables, perfect for any beginner who is serious about vinyl.
If you're looking for an entry-level, budget-friendly but great-sounding unit, you should check out the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, the successor to the multi-award-winning Debut Carbon turntable. The Debut Carbon EVO is a manual hi-fi player offering top-notch audio performance at an affordable price. Additionally, this well-built machine has great aesthetic value and works like a treat as a center stage in any home. Easy to set up and easy to use, the Debut Carbon Evo is a fantastic choice for any serious vinyl enthusiast who has just dipped their toes in analog waters.
The X1 drive is yet another excellent Pro-Ject piece that won't empty your wallet. Minimalist in appearance, with an emphasis on basic components, the X1 offers the best value for money. The X1 is actually the latest version of Pro-Ject's original vinyl player, which has stood the test of time for nearly three decades. If you're looking for an audiophile quality deck in the £800-1000 range, the X1 is definitely worth a spot on your shortlist.
That being said, you are now ready to head to your local hi-fi gear store to meet turntables in person or shop online from the comfort of your own home.
