Top Vinyl Turntable Brands for Audio Quality Enthusiasts
The choice of the best vinyl turntable for audio quality enthusiasts is often a matter of personal preference and budget. This article delves into the key factors to consider and highlights some of the top-rated turntable brands.
Why Vinyl Records Usually Sound Worse Than CDs
Despite the nostalgia and subtle nuances of vinyl, it's important to understand why they often sound clearer and more vibrant than CDs. There are four main factors:
Dynamic Range: Even high-quality vinyl records have a dynamic range of only 60 to 70dB. Fine CDs typically offer around 100dB, which provides a much lower noise floor and more clarity. A difference of 80dB can be easily noticeable during quiet parts of a recording. Frequency Response: Vinyl records commonly cut off the treble above 13,000 Hz, which is far below the 20,000 Hz range that CDs can handle. There were instances where vinyl could achieve up to 18,000 Hz, but this is not common in modern production. Bass Quality: Due to the physical limitations of the vinyl groove, bass can be less detailed and more resonant. This often results in a more muddy and less clear bass sound compared to the crisp and precise bass provided by digital formats. Record Wear: Each time a vinyl is played, there is a risk of wear on the record, which gradually degrades the sound quality. Professional DJs often mark down the play count of a vinyl to keep it in tiptop condition.While vinyl has its downfalls, it still offers a unique listening experience. However, for the best sound quality, a CD is usually the superior choice. This is evidenced by numerous blind tests where CDs come out ahead.
Best Vinyl Turntables for Audio Quality Enthusiasts
Despite these limitations, some turntables stand out for their exceptional audio quality. Here’s a rundown of some top picks:
Denon Direct Drive Turntables
Highlights: Low wow and flutter High signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) Unique direct drive technology Can correct speed 1,000 times per rotation Clean and precise sound quality
The following Denon models are highly recommended:
Denon DP-35F - Excellent for those on a budget (Used: $83-89 from 200 USD) Denon DP-37F - $230-500 USD (2024) with max 0.012 wow and flutter and 78dB S/N Denon DP-47F - $300-2,349 USD (2024) for those seeking complete automation Denon DP-23F - Low-cost version with 0.012 wow and flutter (2024, $60 euros) Denon DP-45F and DP-51F - Elegant versions with automatic functions (2024, $220-852 USD)Fluance Belt Drive Turntables
Fluance RT85 - A notable belt drive turntable with excellent specifications: 0.07 wow and flutter 76dB S/N Built-in phono amp and RCA line out Semi-transparent 1.56 kg acrylic platter Noise reduction feet
Note: Avoid the Fluance RT85N version with the Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge as it tends to produce an overly prominent bass.
Teac TN-4D
Highlights: 0.1 wow and flutter 67dB S/N Additional built-in phono amp and RCA line out Off selector with USB support
Price: $6,008 to 6,990 SEK (2024) with the Sumiko Oyster pickup.
Pioneer PLX-1000
Highlights: 0.3 sec start time Max 0.1 wow and flutter 70dB S/N RCA out and 13.1 kg system High-torque direct drive system
Price: $8,089 SEK (2024)
Choosing the Right Pickup/Cartridge
For the best audio quality, opt for a fine Moving Magnet (MM) pickup. Some top choices include:
Ortofon 2M Bronze and Goldring E4 Nude Elliptical Diamond with a force of 1.75 to 1.8g, and an output voltage of 35mV Ortofon 2M Blue with an elliptical design, a force of only 1.8g/18mN, and an output voltage of 5.5mVMC (Moving Coil) pickups, while more expensive, generally do not offer the same level of audio quality and sensitivity as MM pickups.
In conclusion, while vinyl has its charm, it is not the best choice for those seeking the highest audio quality. However, with the right turntable and cartridge, you can still enjoy a fantastic experience. Happy listening!