The Benefits of Investing in an Expensive Turntable: A Comprehensive Guide
When considering a turntable, one of the key decisions is whether to invest in an expensive model or a cheaper alternative. This choice depends on your budget, your expectations, and your understanding of what truly makes a turntable stand out in terms of performance and longevity. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of purchasing an expensive turntable over a cheaper one, emphasizing the technical and experiential advantages.
Understanding the Product Range
The terms 'expensive' and 'cheap' are subjective and can vary greatly based on individual perspectives. For many, an expensive turntable would exceed $1000, while for others, it could be anything over $500. A 'cheap' turntable might be identified as anything under $300. The key is understanding your needs and what features you truly value in a turntable.
Essential Features for a Decent Turntable
A decent turntable includes essential features such as a replaceable cartridge or headshell, anti-skating, and adjustments for tonearm height and tracking force. These features ensure that the records play back without damaging the vinyl or the stylus. A cheap turntable often lacks these adjustments, leading to potential issues. Investing in a turntable with these features is crucial for maintaining your vinyl records and achieving better sound quality.
Advantages of an Expensive Turntable
Investing in a more expensive turntable offers several benefits, including:
Improved Sound Quality and Longevity
An expensive turntable, such as a Rega, provides better control over tracking force and weight, which enhances sound quality and extends the life of both the vinyl records and the stylus. This precision in tracking ensures that the music is played back accurately and without distortion. A Crosley, on the other hand, might not offer this level of control.
More Accurate Speed Control
Expensive turntables like the VPI’s offer more accurate speed control, ensuring that the pitch of the music remains consistent. For example, an "A" played at 440 hz will be perfectly accurate, without any variances.
Better Isolation from Vibration
A high-end turntable is designed to isolate itself from external vibrations, which can significantly affect sound quality. This isolation makes quiet passages quieter and minimizes any distortion caused by vibrations in the room. This feature is particularly important in home listening environments where room acoustics can be crucial.
Enhanced Customization
Expensive turntables often come with more options for tonearms and cartridges, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences. Some models even allow for dual tonearm installation, providing even more flexibility in achieving the desired sound profile. This level of customization is simply not available with cheaper models.
Conclusion: A Personal Choice
Ultimately, the choice between an expensive and a cheaper turntable is personal. While an expensive turntable offers numerous advantages in terms of sound quality, longevity, and customization, it's important to recognize that vinyl may not be the best medium for audio reproduction. However, the experience of playing vinyl records remains unmatched. As you continue to explore the world of turntables, you may realize that vinyl is not the ultimate sound medium but a delightful and rewarding hobby.