Turntables

When buying a turntable, consider factors like drive type (direct drive vs. belt drive), cartridge type, build quality, adjustability (such as anti-skate and counterweight adjustments), USB connectivity for digital archiving, and whether it has a built-in preamp. Your choice may depend on whether you're a casual listener, a vinyl enthusiast, or a professional DJ.

To set up your turntable for optimal sound quality, ensure it's placed on a stable surface to minimise vibrations. Properly balance the tonearm and set the tracking force as per the cartridge specifications. Adjust the anti-skate setting, if available, to prevent the stylus from drifting across the record. Also, regularly clean your vinyl records and the stylus to maintain sound quality.

Direct drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter, offering quick start-up times and consistent speed, making them a favourite among DJs. Belt drive turntables have a motor off to the side, connected by a belt, which reduces motor noise transmission to the platter, generally providing a clearer sound quality preferred by audiophiles for home listening.

Yes, you can connect a turntable to modern speakers or sound systems. If your turntable doesn't have a built-in preamp, you'll need an external phono preamp to convert the phono output to a line-level signal. Once you have a line-level signal, it can be connected to any modern sound system or powered speakers.

The lifespan of a needle or cartridge depends on usage, but a general guideline is to replace the stylus (needle) after every 1,000 to 2,000 hours of playtime. The cartridge, which holds the stylus, usually lasts longer but might need replacement after a few years. Listen for signs of wear, like distortion or decreased sound quality, as indicators for replacement.