Record player: sound quality and popular models

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In the 1970s, vinyl records were the only medium for musical recordings. Today, digital audio recording technologies have taken their place. But until now, real music fans have a record player in the house, preferring to listen to vinyl. The sound quality in this case is far superior to digital counterparts.

What is a turntable

Another common name for it is a pinwheel. This is an analog audio device that reads the sound recorded on a vinyl record. The basic components of a turntable have changed little since its first release: the table, the tonearm, the cartridge, and the vinyl disc or LP. Their interaction with each other determines the sound quality of the speaker system.

The cartridge converts the mechanical information on the disc into an electrical signal that is amplified by other components in the audio system. The driving mechanism, which has a record player,ensures the rotation of the plate at a certain speed.

Sound quality

A vinyl record differs from modern music media in that the recording on it is analog, corresponding to the original sound. This is achieved thanks to the tracks cut by a special machine on the surface of the plate.

Music played from a vinyl record does not distort the melody, has a pronounced harmony and a certain saturation, unlike digitized sound with its more limited resolution and the addition of quantization noise.

Until now, many famous artists record their works both in digital and analog formats.

Today, finding a good and affordable record player is quite difficult. Despite the fact that such equipment is still being produced and modernized, many music lovers consider the best equipment created at the end of the last century.

The best players of the past years

The main drawback of the equipment produced in the Soviet years was the "sawing" of discs. But by 1980, after the entire mechanism was purchased in Poland, this problem was solved.

From a slightly corrected Polish device "Unitra", dressed in a Soviet wooden case, we got a domestic record player "Vega-106". A serious disadvantage of it was the need to move around the apartment on tiptoe, as carelessstep could cause the needle to come off. Today "Vega" takes on a second life, delighting fans of retro music with its sound. The demand for these turntables is still huge.

Over the years of operation of the enterprise that produced them, each new model has higher fidelity, improved design and additional functions. It was the most popular record player of its time.

USSR by the end of the eighties began to produce more advanced turntables called "Electronics". Turntables equipped with good mechanics were very close to world standards.

Popular modern players

Denon DP-300F is one of the relatively inexpensive devices with decent sound. The main disk is made of metal, its speed can be adjusted using a button located on the body. The built-in MM phono stage has an off function. The reproduced sound is voluminous, with fairly thick bass.

The Rega RP1 turntable is equipped with a proprietary tonearm with adjustable downforce. The main disk is cast, made of plastic. The sound character is soft, melodic.

Constructed in a lightweight plastic case, the Sherwood PM-9906 turntable has a USB port for digitizing the playback signal and recording it to external media. The agile, light sound makes this unit more suited to rhythmic dance music where solid delivery is essential.

Slightly more expensive among devices of this series - TDKThe USB Belt Drive Turntable is made from black acrylic and has an aluminum frame. Its legs are damped with soft rubber inserts. The player is equipped with a speed self-control system.

What to look for when choosing

A wide range and variety of models, equipped with all sorts of options, complicates the process of choosing a good player. A very important factor is the location of the engine. It is better to give preference to devices in which it is located outside the case.

Worthy of attention is the material from which the base is made. Usually it is acrylic, plastic or MDF devoid of a resonant effect. The pickup head has its own design features. Over time, it breaks in and loses its shape. To get high-quality sound, you should not save on purchasing a new head.

The turntable stylus has a big impact on the sound.

Spherical stylus does not track the modulation of the groove well and can cause the record to warp at the point where the musical notation is at a higher level. They are easy to make and are inexpensive. Significantly less distortion is to be expected from elliptical needles, which are slightly more expensive.

When buying a player, you should make sure that it is complete, which must include a spare head with a new needle.

Operating Rules

Even the oldest record player will last for a long time if it is taken care ofexploited. The device is installed on a flat surface, excluding any vibrations. It is recommended to place the unit with an external motor on a separate shelf, and the cable lowered down should not touch the player. In order to get the perfect sound, you will need a competent setting, which must be done with the vinyl disc installed.