One of the most affordable ways to enjoy vinyl records is by buying an inexpensive record player. However, while the price may be low, you don’t want your $50 record player to get damaged and ruin your vinyl collection. So it’s worth investing in a few essential pieces of equipment like a cleaning fluid and brush.
A record player is a complex piece of hardware. So make sure you invest in one that’s durable, has a good warranty and whose components you can easily replace if parts break down.
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Choosing Vinyl Records on A Budget:
1. Equipped with Direct Drive Function:
A direct drive refers to the motor that is located right on top of the platter, just like most record players that you see in use at stores. The advantage with direct drive is that it allows for equally smooth rotation speeds.
Plus, it also reduces potential noise creation opportunities because the belt isn’t spinning fast enough to create knocking sounds. This can help ensure that your vinyl records are played back correctly and without any unwanted noise interference.
2. Equipped with a Pitch Control Function:
In order for you to enjoy your vinyl records as they were originally intended to be heard, it’s best to make sure that you have a little bit of flexibility when it comes to adjusting the playback speed of the record.
In most cases, the pitch control function isn’t going to be something that’s going to be featured on modern record players. However, if you’re going with a direct drive model, then it’s a good chance that the record player is going to have a pitch control feature.
3. Equipped with A Built-in Pre-Amp Function:
When you’re enjoying vinyl records, one of the major benefits is that they don’t require any sort of digital or electric processing in order to hear them or listen to them. However, most record players are also designed with a built-in preamp feature that is able to handle this task for you.
In addition to providing easier audio output, a preamp can also help reduce any extra audio interference that may potentially be produced when the record player is in use. So pay attention to your options when it comes to a built-in preamp for added protection and improved audio quality.
Some Benefits
1. Better Sound Quality:
If you’re new to the world of vinyl record players, then one thing that you’re going to notice immediately is that they produce better sound quality than most other types of entertainment devices that you might have used in the past.
One reason for this is because vinyl records are made with much higher levels of analog audio reproduction than digital files. The ability to perfectly capture the original sound created by your records can be really helpful for improving their fidelity, especially if you plan on sharing them with friends and family.
2. Better Protection:
Even though you might not have purchased a new phonograph just for playing vinyl records, it’s still worth your while to learn about the benefits of owning one that features better sound quality and protection for your records.
And if you’re on a budget, then that’s exactly what you’ll get with any model that takes advantage of sturdy metal tonearm models and direct drive motors. A direct drive turntable is going to reduce the potential for unwanted audio interference and it’s also going to be more durable and will last longer than most other models on the market.
The next time you sit down with your family or friends, you can easily pop in some favorite vinyl records and enjoy them together with ease. Vinyl records are a lot more durable and won’t break with repetitive use.
They can also be played in a lot quieter environments with a direct drive turntable because they don’t require any motorized parts. This is going to make it easier to share your music with friends and family without disturbing anyone in the room, especially if you’ve taken advantage of direct drive models that come equipped with a preamp.
4. Improves Your Record Collection:
One of the biggest benefits of modern record players is the fact that they aren’t able to scratch or damage your vinyl records when in use.
So you won’t have to worry about accidentally ruining your vinyl records. And you’ll also be able to enjoy them without worrying that they’re going to get damaged by your equipment. However, even if you’re playing them outdoors, then any direct drive model is going to be able to stand up against the elements and help improve your overall enjoyment of your records for years to come.
Conclusion:
Vinyl records are an enjoyable experience when you want to listen back at classics or simply want something nostalgic for yourself or family. It’s important to know that you can take advantage of convenient portable options or record players designed to be used in the comfort of your own home.
While it’s true that some models are on the more expensive side, there are also some great choices on the market that can help you keep your costs low. It’s actually possible to grab a first-rate vinyl player on a budget if you’re willing to do some research first and consider all of your options.
FAQ:
Q: What equipment do I need to clean my vinyl records?
A: When brushing a stylus always go from back to front – the direction of the record’s rotation – to avoid snapping the cantilever. A stylus brush (often supplied with a cartridge), and a carbon-fibre brush for your records are the minimum equipment you need for cleaning.
Q: What is the best cheap vinyl turntable for home use?
A: 9. Lenko L-85 It looks like a kid’s toy – and is almost as cheap – but the Lenco L-85 is actually a semi-automatic, belt-driven turntable with a built-in phono stage and the ability to record via USB. It’s as plug-and-play as vinyl gets.
Q: What are the best budget record players?
A: These days, the most consistent name in turntables, let alone the best budget record players, is arguably UK company Rega. They haven’t produced a bad model in as long as we can remember.
Q: Are record weights necessary for vinyl?
A: No one said vinyl was an inexpensive hobby, and while none of these items are totally necessary, we think they’ll add to your experience. Record weights screw onto the spindle of your turntable and help apply extra force to the center of your records, creating better, more consistent with the platter.