Turntables - All Our Models | Audiohum

Turntables

Vinyl is a format that in recent times is experiencing a second youth. And to listen to a good vinyl we need a good turntable. At Audiohum we have selected the best selection of turntables on the market to enjoy hi-fi music.

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  • Brand: Transrotor

Types of turntables

There are several types of turntables depending on the drive mechanism they use. The two most common types are direct-drive turntables and belt-drive turntables.

Direct-drive turntables

In this type of turntable, the turntable is directly coupled to the motor. This means that the motor provides the necessary power to turn the platter without the use of any additional mechanism. Direct-drive turntables are known for their fast response and their ability to start and stop playback accurately.

Belt-drive turntables

In belt-drive turntables, the motor is not directly connected to the turntable. Instead, a motor located outside the platter drives a belt which in turn transmits the motion to the platter. The belt acts as a shock absorber, reducing vibrations and noise transmitted to the platter and playback arm. Belt-drive turntables are known for their smooth operation and their ability to provide accurate, high-fidelity playback.

Main features of a turntable

Playback speeds

Turntables offer different playback speeds to suit different types of vinyl records. The most common speeds are:

33 1/3 RPM (revolutions per minute): This speed is the most commonly used speed and is used to play long-playing albums.

45 RPM: This speed is used for playing singles or EP (Extended Play) records.

78 RPM: This speed is used to play older records, especially 78 revolutions records.

Some turntables may also have the option to adjust the playback speed manually or electronically to ensure accurate playback.

Playback arm

The tone arm, also known as the pick-up arm or tone arm, is the part of the turntable that holds the stylus or pick-up cartridge and moves along the groove of the record.

Some characteristics of the tone arm are:

Counterweight: The read arm has an adjustable counterweight that balances the pressure of the stylus on the record, which helps to minimise distortion and groove wear.

Tracking force adjustment: Allows adjustment of the force with which the stylus sits in the disc groove. Incorrect tracking force adjustment can adversely affect playback quality and damage the disc.

Vertical height adjustment: Some read arms allow vertical height adjustment to ensure that the stylus aligns correctly with the groove of the disc and provides accurate playback.

Speed control

Speed control is an essential feature on a turntable to ensure that records are played at the correct speed.

Some turntables have a manual speed control that allows different playback speeds (33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, etc.) to be selected via a knob or switch.

Other turntables may have an electronic speed control that maintains the playback speed precisely, even when there are fluctuations in the power supply.

Turntable

The turntable is the platform on which the vinyl record is placed.

Turntables can be made of different materials, such as aluminium, steel, acrylic or ceramic. The material used can affect the stability and performance of the turntable.

A heavy, well-constructed turntable can help reduce unwanted vibrations and improve the stability of the record during playback.

Connections and compatibility

Turntables often have audio outputs that allow them to be connected to amplifiers, receivers or other audio playback devices.

Turntables often have line-level outputs, such as RCA, which connect to the line inputs of other audio devices.

Some turntables may have USB or Bluetooth connections, allowing connection to modern sound systems or facilitating the digitisation of vinyl records.

In terms of compatibility, most turntables are compatible with standard vinyl records, such as full-length albums, singles and 78 RPM records. However, it is important to check compatibility before purchase, as some turntables may have limitations on the types of records they can play.

Guide to buying a turntable

Buying a turntable can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming due to the variety of options available on the market.

Here's our guide to help you choose the turntable that's right for you:

Define your budget: Set a price range that you are willing to invest in a turntable. This will help you filter your options and find one that fits your budget.

Consider your experience level: Determine whether you are a beginner or an experienced audiophile. This will influence the features and quality of the turntable you need. Beginners may opt for more basic options, while audiophiles may look for advanced features and high-quality materials.

Drive mechanism: Decide whether you prefer a direct-drive or belt-drive turntable. Direct-drive turntables offer faster response and are ideal for DJ and professional use. Belt-drive turntables are known for their smooth operation and audio quality and are popular with audiophiles.

Build quality: Check the build quality of the turntable. Look for solid, durable materials that minimise vibration and unwanted noise. A heavy, stable platter and a well-balanced tonearm are desirable features.

Speed control and settings: Make sure the turntable has an accurate and easy-to-use speed control. Some turntables also offer adjustments for tracking force and vertical height of the tone arm, allowing for more precise settings.

Connections and compatibility: Check the audio connections available on the turntable and make sure they are compatible with your amplification devices or speakers. Also consider whether you need additional features, such as USB or Bluetooth connectivity, to digitise your records or connect the turntable to modern sound systems.

For personalised advice and even to test the most suitable turntable with your hi-fi equipment contact us without any obligation.

Factors to consider when choosing a turntable

When choosing a turntable, there are several important factors to consider:

Sound quality: look for a turntable that offers clear and accurate sound reproduction. The materials used in the construction of the turntable, such as the turntable and tonearm, can influence the sound quality.

Stability and vibration damping: It is important that the turntable is stable and has vibration damping mechanisms to prevent external vibrations from affecting the playback of the record.

Pick-up cartridge: The pick-up cartridge is responsible for converting the vibrations of the record groove into electrical signals. Make sure your turntable has a quality cartridge and consider whether it can be upgraded in the future.

Style and design: Choose a turntable that suits your aesthetic preferences and complements your space. There is a wide range of designs available, from classic models to sleeker, more modern options.

Frequently asked questions about turntables

Do I need an amplifier to use a turntable?

Yes, in most cases you will need an amplifier or receiver that has a phono input to connect the turntable. Some newer turntables have a line-level output that allows you to connect them directly to an audio system without the need for an additional amplifier.

Can I play old vinyl records on a modern turntable?

Yes, most modern turntables are compatible with older 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM vinyl records. However, some turntables may require a specific configuration or pickup cartridge to play 78 RPM records.

Do I need a separate preamplifier for my turntable?

Some turntables have a built-in preamplifier (called a phono preamplifier) that amplifies the audio signal from the turntable to an appropriate line level. If your turntable does not have a built-in preamplifier, you will need an external phono preamplifier to amplify the signal before connecting it to an amplifier or receiver.

Should I clean my vinyl records before playing them?

Yes, it is advisable to clean your vinyl records before playing them to remove dust and dirt that may affect the sound quality and wear of the record. You can use specific cleaning brushes or liquids for vinyl records.

Do I need to adjust the tracking force and reading arm height?

Yes, adjusting the tracking force and height of the tonearm is important to ensure accurate playback and minimise record wear. Refer to your turntable manual for specific instructions on how to make these adjustments.

Maintenance and care for a turntable

Proper maintenance and regular care are essential to ensure optimum performance and long life for your turntable.

Here are our recommendations for the maintenance and care of your turntable:

Keep the turntable clean and free of dust and dirt. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the surface of the turntable and the tonearm. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the components.

If your turntable has a protective cover, use it when not in use to protect it from dust and possible damage.

Keep the turntable in a safe place free from moisture. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Avoid bumping or jarring the turntable while in operation. Excessive vibration may affect playback quality and damage internal components.

Regularly monitor the condition of wearable parts such as the stylus and pick-up cartridge.

Cleaning the turntable

Regular cleaning of your turntable is crucial to maintain its optimum performance and preserve the playback quality. 

For proper cleaning of your turntable, we recommend the following tips:

Switch off and disconnect the turntable from the mains before cleaning.

Remove dust and surface dirt using a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently wipe the surface of the turntable and tonearm.

To remove dirt embedded in the groove of the record, you can use a cleaning brush specifically for vinyl records. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and brush gently in the direction of the groove.

Avoid using aggressive cleaning fluids, as they may damage the components of the turntable. If necessary, use a mild, non-abrasive vinyl record cleaner and follow the product instructions.

Pay special attention to the stylus and pick-up cartridge. Use a brush or a specific tool to remove dust accumulated on the stylus. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or bend the stylus during cleaning.

Once you have finished cleaning, make sure that the turntable is completely dry before using it again.

Recommended accessories for a turntable

In addition to the turntable itself, there are several accessories that can complement and enhance the vinyl listening experience.

Replacement styli: Turntable needles have a limited lifespan and wear out over time. Having spare styli on hand will allow you to replace them when necessary and maintain playback quality.

Protective sleeves and cases: Protective sleeves and cases are important accessories to keep your vinyl records clean and protected from dust, scratches and damage.

Compatible amplifiers and speakers: To enjoy music from your turntable, you will need a compatible amplifier and speakers. Phono amplifiers are specifically designed to process the audio signal from a turntable to ensure proper playback. You may also want to consider quality speakers that match your sound preferences.

Bubble leveller: A bubble leveller is useful to ensure that your turntable is correctly levelled. An unbalanced spirit level can affect playback quality and disc wear.

Brushes and cleaning fluids: Vinyl record specific brushes and cleaning fluids are important accessories to keep your records clean and in good condition.

Speed controller: If your turntable does not have a built-in speed control or if you want more precision in speed adjustment, an external speed controller may be useful. These devices allow you to adjust the playback speed more precisely.

Frequently asked questions about turntables

Do I need an amplifier to use a turntable?

Yes, in most cases you will need an amplifier or receiver that has a phono input to connect the turntable. Some newer turntables have a line-level output that allows you to connect them directly to an audio system without the need for an additional amplifier.

Can I play old vinyl records on a modern turntable?

Yes, most modern turntables are compatible with older 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM vinyl records. However, some turntables may require a specific configuration or pickup cartridge to play 78 RPM records.

Do I need a separate preamplifier for my turntable?

Some turntables have a built-in preamplifier (called a phono preamplifier) that amplifies the audio signal from the turntable to an appropriate line level. If your turntable does not have a built-in preamplifier, you will need an external phono preamplifier to amplify the signal before connecting it to an amplifier or receiver.

Should I clean my vinyl records before playing them?

Yes, it is advisable to clean your vinyl records before playing them to remove dust and dirt that may affect the sound quality and wear of the record. You can use specific cleaning brushes or liquids for vinyl records.

Do I need to adjust the tracking force and reading arm height?

Yes, adjusting the tracking force and height of the tonearm is important to ensure accurate playback and minimise record wear. Refer to your turntable manual for specific instructions on how to make these adjustments.