On my Instagram page, I often get asked if I can recommend a turntable. It’s a question that seems simple but is complex due to the diverse options available, catering to every budget. Personally, as a passionate vintage hifi enthusiast, I lean towards recommending a vintage turntable over a more modern one. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a new turntable, but my knowledge is more rooted in the nostalgic sound.
The answer to the question of which turntable is right for you depends heavily on your personal preferences and budget. Have you considered your entire audio setup? Which speakers will you choose, and are you sticking to playing vinyl, or do you also want to incorporate streaming into your setup? These are crucial considerations to ponder beforehand.
For those, like myself, who prefer vintage and want to stick to vinyl, perhaps occasionally playing a cassette tape, a simple setup is sufficient. A turntable, amplifier, and speakers are the basic elements you need. Ensure that your amplifier has a phono input specifically designed for the turntable. It’s also important to check how many watts your speakers require from the amplifier.
A vintage turntable not only adds a touch of nostalgia to your music experience but also imparts a unique character to the sound. Whether you want to embrace the warm tones of old records or prefer the crisp precision of modern vinyl, the key is that your choice aligns with your personal taste and needs.
Take the time to consider your options, listen to different systems, and let your heart decide. Whether you opt for vintage or modern.
My setup:
- Turntable: Thorens TD160 custom plint
- Pre Amp: Marantz 1070 Power Amp: Luxman M-150
- Speakers: TDL – Studio 3 Transmission Line
- Cassette Decks: Marantz 5010 and Akai CS43D
- Reel to Reel: Akai GX-210D
Inspiration – Vintage
- Technics SL1200
- Dual 1229
- Marantz TT1000
- Thorens TD-124
- Thorens td-160
- Pioneer PL-510
- Sony PS-X6
- Denon dp-80 and dp-100
- GOLDRING/LENCO GL75
Inspiration – Modern
- Rega Planar 1
- Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
- Audio Technica AT-LP120
- House of Marley Stir It Up
- Pro-Ject Automat A1
- Pioneer PLX500
Setting Up Your Turntable: Technical Essentials and Needle Selection
Before connecting a turntable, there are a few technical aspects you need to be aware of. A turntable requires preamplification to accurately reproduce the produced sound. Vintage amplifiers typically feature a phono input where you connect the turntable. If your amplifier lacks a phono input, you’ll need a separate preamp. Nowadays, most new turntables come with a built-in preamp, allowing you to skip this step. If that’s the case, you can connect the turntable directly to the amplifier or active speakers using an AUX or RCA cable. An amplifier or active speakers are always necessary as the signal is too weak to play directly on passive speakers. Active speakers come with a built-in amplifier, so make sure to check if your turntable has a built-in preamp; otherwise, you’ll need to purchase one.
Which Needle Should I Choose?
On most vintage turntables, there is already a cartridge with a needle. I recommend replacing the needle with a new one unless it has been recently done. If you buy your turntable from a reputable vintage hifi shop, they often inspect the technical aspects, and the needle may have already been replaced – be sure to inquire about this.
There are two types of needles: the diamond needle and the spherical needle. The diamond needle is considered the superior choice as it accurately retrieves sound from the grooves, providing better sound quality. On the other hand, the spherical needle is more affordable and often has a longer lifespan. It’s a trade-off between quality and cost. If you opt for a diamond needle, ensure it is of high quality and replace it in a timely manner to prevent damage to your records.
