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A Guide to Buying Your First Turntable
So now, you want to embark on vinyl. Maybe you bought a new record, or you grandma just just gave you a new collection of classic music or gotten one from your friend. It does not matter where you got your vinyl record from, one of the biggest problems that many people face is purchasing a turntable. Just like any other electronic gadget, there are so many options out there for you to choose. Prices also differ, and features are also different.

It can be a daunting process, especially if you have no idea of how to purchase a turntable, but you should not worry at all. Once you go through this guide, you will surely be able to make informed decisions about turntables.

There are so many good turntables on the market. You just need to choose the one you think will suit your needs. Remember, this article is no meant for those who want to become a disk jockey.

Critical components that make up a turntable
Although you do not need to be an expert or an engineer to know how to use a turntable, it is paramount that you know one or two things you need to learn about the primary components of a turntable and how to use one.

To be precise, the main objective of a turntable is to place a needle on a needle on a vinyl record for the sound to be produced. Although it sometimes looks easy and straightforward. However, when you take into account that one groove of the record is tinier than the width of one hair, you will start to know how important it is to be precise when it comes to this kind of operation. When you pay, say 6000 dollars for a turntable, much of what you will be spending your money on will be for stability and precision.

When you take this two factors into consideration, certain crucial factors affect the recreation of sound that is on the record with a high degree of accuracy.
Here are some of the crucial components that get into the sound.

Plinth
This is also known as the base. It is the part of the turntable that offers support to other areas of the machine. Usually, the base is attached to the feet of the machine. This helps to make the whole machine stable, which is a magnificent thing for playback. There are many materials used to make the plinth, which includes plastic, metal or wood.

Platter
This is the part of the turntable that rotates. This is the part where you put the record so that it spins. The platter is heavier so that it does not vibrate. The machine has a motor that powers the platter. The motor also features a mat that is placed on the surface of the record and the motor. The mat cushions the record and holds it in place and also reduces vibration. You need to set the speed of the platter so that it matches with that of the record. There are so many turntables that can play both 45RPM and 33RPM. However, you need to purchase a modification package or just purchase another turntable to play 78 Rrpm formats.

Tonearm
This is the arm that protrudes out of the record and lets the needle contact with the records while it is spinning. The arm is made in such a way that it gets the needle on the vinyl as well as helping it to maintain consistent speed and sound on the inner and outer part of the vinyl record. If the arm is not made in the right manner, it may slow down the sound, especially on the outer side and faster on the inner ones.

There is also the cueing device that holds the arm in place, and it is the one who is responsible for lifting and lowering the arm. You need to take care of this device because it is very delicate, so make sure that you handle it with care. The main job of this device is to offer a very smooth contact with the vinyl.

The stylus and cartridge
Many people are more confused because they use the two terms are frequently used in place of each other. A stylus is typically known as a needle. On the other hand, the cartridge is the part which houses the part that stylus. Many people say stylus when they mean cartridge.

The eternal quest for sonic perfection
Many people claim that vinyl records are not that good compared to other digital alternatives. This is because they have several points of sound degradation that take place along the path of your vinyl record to your ear, the quality of the equipment, breakdown of the vinyl, receiver quality, needle degradation, speakers and so much more.
The truth is that all these factors are correct. But there are many other factors that can make sound quality leak, but it is very rare.

Purchasing a new turntable
Although there are many great turntables on the market that you will find at an affordable rate. Once you purchase a new turntable, you get to have a piece of mind because you know it is something new that has never been dropped, touched or mishandled, and this is a great thing. Therefore, you decide to go to a shop and get yourself a new turntable. Having your answers is sagacious. It is good to know what you need in a particular machine before you get one for yourself.

Price range
Like any other item, you get what you pay for when it comes to getting your machine. However, the best thing about vinyl records, you can get to enjoy it even when you know the basic setup. And there is no harm in starting somewhere and most sound enthusiasts and audiophiles with systems in hundreds of thousands of people look fondly on the machines as the commencement of a lifelong passion.