Three Questions To Ask Yourself When Shopping For A Turntable
Buying music electronically has its share of conveniences, but there are few better experiences than browsing through albums in person if you're a music lover. If you've decided that you'd enjoy building a collection of vinyl records, your first order of business is to buy a turntable. Buying a turntable means that you'll have to decide between a new unit and a used one, as well as evaluate a variety of factors to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Don't let this process feel overwhelming. By asking yourself these three key questions, you'll be well on your way toward finding the right turntable for you.
Where Do I Plan To Listen To My Music?
This question might seem simple, but the answer can help you decide whether you should buy a turntable with built-in speakers or opt for a unit that requires the use of external speakers. If you expect to enjoy your records on quiet evenings at home, the latter option is ideal. If you anticipate wishing to take your turntable and records to friends' houses, the former choice is better. You can often find a happy middle ground by buying a turntable with built-in speakers but also the ports to allow for connection to an amplifier/receiver and external speakers.
Do I Anticipate Transferring Any Audio Files?
If you're into collecting music electronically, many turntables are equipped with USB ports that allow you to transfer the recordings on the records to your computer. This extra feature is advantageous to those who anticipate using it, but there's no point in paying for it if you don't anticipate using it. Keep in mind, too, that many modern-day vinyl records come with a code that allows you to download the album electronically at no extra charge. If you plan to buy contemporary records, you might not need to buy a turntable with the USB function.
Do I Want To Be Hands-On Or Hands-Off?
Manual and automatic turntables have a number of distinct differences. The former variety requires you to slide the arm into position over the record and then carefully lower into the place. Automatic turntables, meanwhile, will raise, move and lower the arm on their own, meaning all you'll have to do is press a button to begin playing the record. Automatic turntables will return the arm to its resting cradle when the record finishes playing while manual turntables require you to perform this task yourself.
For further assistance, contact a local outlet, such as American Sound Of Canada.