Choosing the right turntable can be a daunting task, especially with the wide range of options available in the market. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a record player, and compare some popular models to help you make an informed decision.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Drive Type: Belt vs Direct
Turntables come with two main types of drives: belt and direct. Belt-drive turntables use an elastic belt to rotate the platter, which helps isolate the platter from motor vibrations. This results in lower noise and a smoother, more natural sound. However, they may have slightly less accurate speed consistency compared to direct-drive models. The speed consistency of belt-drive turntables typically ranges from ±0.25% to ±0.5%.
Direct-drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter, offering more consistent speed and stronger torque. They’re favored by DJs for their ability to withstand more vigorous use and their quick start and stop times. The speed consistency of direct-drive turntables can be as low as ±0.01%. However, they may transmit more motor noise compared to belt-drive models, with signal-to-noise ratios typically ranging from -50dB to -70dB.
2. Cartridge and Stylus
The cartridge and stylus (needle) are critical components that directly affect the sound quality. There are two main types of cartridges: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges have output levels ranging from 2.5mV to 5mV and feature replaceable styli. They offer a warm, dynamic sound and are compatible with most phono preamps. MC cartridges have lower output levels (0.2mV to 0.5mV) and require a specialized MC phono preamp or a step-up transformer. They offer superior detail retrieval and a more refined sound but are more expensive and have non-replaceable styli.
Styli come in various shapes, with the most common being conical, elliptical, and Shibata. Conical styli have a tip radius of 0.6mil and offer good tracking ability and a warm sound. Elliptical styli (0.3mil x 0.7mil) provide better detail retrieval and less inner-groove distortion. Shibata styli (1.5mil x 0.28mil) offer the best tracking ability and the lowest distortion but are also the most expensive.
3. Tonearm: S-Shaped vs Straight
Tonearms come in two main designs: S-shaped and straight. S-shaped tonearms have a curved design that minimizes tracking error by maintaining a consistent vertical tracking angle (VTA) across the record surface. They typically have higher effective mass (10-15g), which provides better stability and resonance control. Straight tonearms have a simpler design and lower effective mass (5-10g), which allows for faster transient response and better high-frequency tracking. However, they may be more susceptible to resonance issues.
4. Platter Material: MDF vs Acrylic vs Aluminum
The platter material can affect the turntable’s sound characteristics and resonance behavior. MDF (medium-density fiberboard) platters are cost-effective and offer good damping properties, resulting in a warm, balanced sound. Acrylic platters are denser and provide excellent damping, leading to a cleaner, more detailed sound with improved bass response. Aluminum platters are lightweight and rigid, offering fast transient response and a lively, dynamic sound. However, they may require additional damping measures to control resonance.
Comparing Popular Models
1. Technics SL-1200MK7 vs Rega Planar 8
The Technics SL-1200MK7 and Rega Planar 8 are both high-end turntables offering exceptional performance. The SL-1200MK7 is a direct-drive model with a coreless DC motor, delivering a torque of 1.8kg/cm and a start-up time of 0.7 seconds. It features a precision-engineered aluminum die-cast chassis and a three-layer platter for excellent stability and vibration damping. The S-shaped aluminum tonearm has a gimbal suspension system for accurate tracking.
The Rega Planar 8 is a belt-drive turntable with a 24V synchronous motor and a custom-designed EBLT drive belt for smooth, consistent rotation. The ultra-lightweight plinth is made from a Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core sandwiched between high-pressure laminate skins, providing excellent rigidity and damping. The RB880 tonearm is made from a one-piece aluminum casting and features a precision bearing assembly for low friction and high stability.
Both turntables offer exceptional speed stability (±0.01% for the SL-1200MK7 and ±0.05% for the Planar 8) and low noise levels (-78dB for the SL-1200MK7 and -80dB for the Planar 8). The SL-1200MK7 has a slightly higher effective tonearm mass (12g vs 9g) and a wider range of adjustments, making it more suitable for a variety of cartridges. The Planar 8 offers a more neutral, transparent sound with better detail retrieval, while the SL-1200MK7 has a slightly warmer, punchier character.
2. Pro-Ject X1 vs Music Hall MMF-5.3
The Pro-Ject X1 and Music Hall MMF-5.3 are both belt-drive turntables in the mid-range price category. The X1 features a heavy MDF chassis with a luxurious walnut veneer, a precision-machined acrylic platter, and a 9″ carbon/aluminum sandwich tonearm. The motor is decoupled from the chassis using a suspension system to minimize vibrations. The speed stability is ±0.4%, and the signal-to-noise ratio is -70dB.
The MMF-5.3 has a solid MDF plinth with a high-gloss piano black lacquer finish, an aluminum alloy platter with a felt mat, and a 9″ carbon fiber tonearm. The motor is isolated using a rubber suspension system to reduce vibrations. The speed stability is ±0.3%, and the signal-to-noise ratio is -68dB.
Both turntables come with pre-installed cartridges – the X1 with an Ortofon Pick it S2 MM and the MMF-5.3 with a Music Hall Spirit MM. The X1 offers a slightly more refined, detailed sound with better imaging, while the MMF-5.3 has a warmer, more forgiving character that works well with a wide range of music genres. The X1 has a higher effective tonearm mass (13.5g vs 8g), which may make it more suitable for higher-compliance cartridges.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect turntable requires careful consideration of various technical factors, including drive type, cartridge and stylus specifications, tonearm design, and platter material. By understanding the impact of these factors on sound quality and performance, you can narrow down your options and find the best turntable for your needs and budget.
When comparing turntables, pay attention to key specifications such as speed stability, signal-to-noise ratio, effective tonearm mass, and resonance control measures. Consider your listening preferences and the types of music you enjoy, as different turntables may have distinct sonic characteristics that suit certain genres better than others.
Ultimately, the perfect turntable is one that delivers the sound quality and features you desire while fitting within your budget. Take your time to research, compare, and, if possible, audition different models to find the one that best matches your needs. With the right turntable, you’ll be able to enjoy the full potential of your vinyl collection and experience music in a way that digital formats simply cannot replicate.
