Backtracking Forward: Choosing A Turntable

posted in: Features

One of the most frequent questions I get asked when I introduce myself as a vinyl enthusiast to a non-analog devotee is Do they still make turntables?? The tone and facial expression of the questionnaire is comparable to the reaction I would receive if I told someone I still churned my own butter. Turntable production by the majors dropped to near extinct levels in the 1990s but with the recent resurgence in vinyl, many companies have been expanding their inventory of players and making them accessible to the general public once again. Here’s a rundown of some recommended turntables to spin your platters on.

NUMARK PT-01 ($70.00-$90.00 MSRP)

Sound purists may scoff but the Numark Portable Turntable is a fantastic player for anyone with a small space and a tight budget. It runs on either battery power or a plug adapter, allowing its owner the ability to play records anywhere without the need for a stereo system. The PT-01 became popular with crate diggers who wanted a durable and portable player to bring along while searching for records but has now become a standard purchase for beginner vinylheads. While the one tiny speaker built into the unit is rather weak, it comes with outputs for RCA, headphones and portable speakers to help enhance the sound or hook it up to your stereo. The latest models feature a USB attachment as well for recording vinyl onto the computer. If you are looking to start small and cheap, the Numark PT-01 is a good beginning until you graduate into something more high-end and powerful.

DENON DP29F ($149.00 MSRP)

If affordability is a factor and the portable is not cutting it, then Denon makes a table that is economical without sacrificing quality. The DP29F is your basic, no-frills turntable. No fancy switches or gadgets, just a standard belt-driven player. Its best feature is the built-in phono pre-amp. Many contemporary amplifiers do not have phono inputs so this record player can be hooked up to any stereo system or computer without having to purchase extra equipment. For someone that is looking for a straightforward table at a good price, the DP29F is a good investment that will last for many years.

On the other hand, for just a few dollars more, Denon makes the DENON DP500M. Vast improvements in the construction of the equipment and material used make this a wise investment to unlock the beauty of full analog sound.

TECHNICS 1200 SERIES ($450.00-$700.00 Price Range)

The wheels of steel. The titans of justice. The original Technics 1200, introduced in 1972, is the player of choice for all DJs and turntablists from the 1970s to today. The fact that it is still the most popular model for DJs 37 years later says a lot regarding its durability and reliability. As a home turntable, a Technics 1200 will not only serve as an attractive showpiece (available in silver and black) but will literally last you a lifetime of listening. Since its inception, Technics has updated the 1200 series with over a dozen new models that offer slight adjustments and tweaks for the home user or the traveling DJ. Price, color and functionality all come into play when making a choice on a particular model but if it says 1200 then it comes with a guaranteed seal of approval from countless vinyl nuts, myself included.

GABRIEL TURNTABLE ($27,000-$64,000 Price Range)

Still sitting on that $64,000 check from (insert get rich money making scheme here)? Well, get in line and pick up one of the most outrageous and lavish turntables on the market. The $64,000 price tag on the Gabriel gets you four tonearms built into one turntable while the modest $27,000 version only has one tonearm. Wait, not drooling yet? How about the German made Clearaudio Statement Turntable with a price tag of $125,000 and a weight of 770 pounds? Looking more like a piece of high tech space equipment than a record player, the Clearaudio Statement is for the bourgeoisie of collectors who have cash to burn and expansive vinyl collections.

Going Used and Vintage?

With a little digging around, used turntables can be found around every corner. There were many high-end players manufactured during the 70s and 80s so you might get lucky and find a used audiophile table for mere dollars. It is highly recommended to replace the needle on any used record player”god knows how many thousands of hours and millions grooves that original stylus was subjected to. If it’s a belt-driven turntable and not direct drive, a new belt is also in order. These supplies can be found from many online retailers, with the most famous being Needle Doctor. You can even send them your old needle and they will match it up with an exact replacement.

Keep Digging!
-Gregorious-