Turntables

Going to a vinyl shop, buying a record and putting it on the turntable is a wildly different experience than streaming music on your smartphone or other device. Not only is the sound of vinyl exquisite but so is the experience of listening to an album from start to finish. You can enjoy the artwork, read along with the lyrics and immerse yourself fully in the artist's vision.

Choosing the best record player for your home starts with deciding whether you want to connect a turntable to an existing audio speaker system with a receiver or whether you want a standalone all-in-one turntable with its own speakers. The latter is easy to set up anywhere, however, a component turntable can offer better sound if you have a good home audio system. If not, both types can also be synced up with Bluetooth and wireless speakers.

Alternatively, if you are looking for DJ equipment, you need a specific turntable in order to bring music manipulation like beat matching, mixing and scratching to the party. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you can find everything you need to create unforgettable experiences on the dance floor.

To make the most of your record player, you will want to start by expanding your vinyl record collection and ensuring that you store your albums correctly. You don’t want them to warp from being piled up haphazardly. Instead, invest in proper shelving, album storage cases or vinyl stands. And, stock up on the right cleaning accessories to keep your wax in pristine condition while eliminating cracks and pops during playback.

If you are also investing in a larger sound system in addition to your turntable, then make sure you think about all the facets you want when choosing a home audio system for your home. Keep in mind that the quality of the speaker cable and connections you use will play an important role.

As far as turntable accessories go, cartridges and styluses are perhaps the most important. The cartridge is the small housing unit that contains the stylus (needle). The stylus follows a record’s grooves and the cartridge converts the vibrations into electrical signals that become sound. So, make sure your needle and the area around it stays protected and is handled with care for the best audio.