The resurgence of vinyl collecting has resulted in many music lovers rushing to pick up a new turntable so they can listen to their favourite tracks in their purest form. However, finding the right turntable can suddenly feel overwhelming with so many options available.
At Peter Tyson, we believe finding a new turntable should cause excitement, not worry. Our guide presents and breaks down each of your wonderful listening options, from Bluetooth to direct drive, to help you choose the best model for your preferences, experience and setup requirements.
Table of contents
● The different types of turntables
● Best turntables by listener
● Turntable FAQs
● Choose your perfect turntable at Peter Tyson
The Different Types of Turntables
Understanding the key benefits of each type of turntable available is important so you can make an informed decision based on your preferences. The four key categories of turntables include automatic, belt-driven, direct-drive and Bluetooth models that all have exceptional strengths and slight shortcomings depending on your needs. View our table below to get a general feel of each design’s pros and cons.
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Pros |
A simple push of a button makes automatics easy to use. |
The motor is isolated from the platter, reducing vibrations and noise. |
Immediate responsiveness for playback control. |
Flexible placement with wireless streaming |
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Impressive audio results without specialist knowledge required. |
Richer sound provided by the precise stylus tracking of vinyls. |
Fewer moving parts means these models are often more durable. |
Seamlessly integrate modern devices like smartphones and tablets. |
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Minimal risk of accidental scratches due to automated functionality. |
A simple and easy-to-use design. |
Minimal maintenance required. |
Enjoy private listening via connected headphones. |
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Cons |
The automatic manufacturing requires a higher price tag than most turntables. |
Belts require occasional replacement. |
Lower playback quality due to slight vibrations. |
Potential signal interference can impact sound quality. |
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Less control for those with audio knowledge and preferences. |
Worn belts can cause speed inconsistency. |
Models with DJ features can often have complicated interfaces. |
Bluetooth has a range limitation of around 33 feet. |
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Best For |
Beginners & casual listeners. |
Audiophiles seeking warm, high-fidelity sound. |
Those looking for precise speed and durability. |
Modern listeners who prioritise convenience. |
Best Turntables By Listener
It’s easy to become stuck on what turntable would best suit your needs or hit a roadblock while looking for the perfect gift for the music lover in your life. Overcome the anxieties that come with a wide range of quality options by consulting our table or viewing our detailed breakdowns.
We’ve identified the three primary turntable users and what models match up to their listening habits, technical requirements and budgets.
First-time buyer
For music enthusiasts who have never owned a turntable, a common experience is spending hours browsing and researching record players online before eventually deciding to close the tabs and settle for your digital devices. Is it time for you or a friend to stop the internet window shopping? We have the right models for you.
Automatic turntables are fantastic for beginners as they do all the hard work for you. If you’ve never operated a turntable before, it’s natural for you to be tentative about how you handle the disc and player. With automatic models, simply place your vinyl on the table and press start. The tonearm will lift and appropriately place itself on the disc at the touch of a button before returning to its original position at the end of the record.
However, never having owned a turntable doesn’t mean you can’t know a thing or two beforehand. If you’re confident you can handle it carefully and seek a more authentic vinyl experience, manual designs, including belt-driven and direct-drive turntables, could suit you better.
Everyday users
Listeners with intermediate experience in owning and operating turntables will likely desire more active vinyl usage with manual designs. Perhaps you or your giftee previously owned a turntable but decided to go digital. It might be time to give an old-school method a new try with a modern twist.
We stock turntables for those who want to experience an artist's work in its truest form while supporting the music industry directly via physical media. This subsection of listeners also appreciates the aesthetic boost a turntable can add to a space, complementing retro decor or creating a relaxing ambience.
Even if you enjoy music in the background while you go about your day but aren't quite satisfied with the quality of sound you receive from your phone and other devices, our selected designs will transform your listening experience.
Audiophiles seeking upgrades
True audio enthusiasts are always looking for a way to elevate their sound. Finding the purest listening method is a challenge that warrants a keen ear for innovation, crisp quality and smooth, uninterrupted waves that allow you to feel as if the artist is performing right where you are.
At Peter Tyson, we stock turntables by audiophiles for audiophiles to ensure an unmatched listening experience that eliminates any vibration, interference or any other distracting elements between the music and the listener.
Choose from our excellent selection of turntables that feature turntables with customisation options that provide you with the opportunity and freedom to configure your own sound settings. Find the sound that speaks to you and enjoy your favourite albums and tracks like never before.
Turntable FAQs
No matter your vinyl experience, there are always several questions and queries to be addressed when exploring a new turntable purchase. Trust our team’s passion, knowledge and vast experience when considering recommendations, technical advice and points on how to get the most out of your audio entertainment.
What are the best budget turntables?
Unfortunately, exploring your new or rediscovered love for vinyl records isn’t cheap. It’s a hobby with a significant price tag, but the benefit comes from knowing you’re supporting your favourite artists in a much more direct fashion than streaming.
Nevertheless, saving a few pennies is always good, so it’s important to keep an eye out for value. At Peter Tyson, we stock amazing budget turntables that provide smooth sound with a durable design. View our Pro-Ject E1 and TEAC A3 models for built-to-last players that won’t break the bank.
Belt-driven vs direct-drive turntables
The debate over whether belt-driven or direct-drive turntables has rattled on for decades in the audio community with no definitive answer yet. What has been agreed upon is the various strengths both designs have. As with many purchases, it’s all about preference.
As the name suggests, Belt-driven turntables rely on a belt to spin the platter. This isolates the motor from the turntable platter with the goal of providing a clearer sound with less interference. The belt will wear and need replacing, but this comes with minimal extra cost.
Direct-drive turntables have their motor placed directly under the platter, meaning they get up to speed almost instantly in comparison to belt-driven models that often take a few moments. For those who fancy themselves as an up-and-coming DJ, direct-drive players feature speed controls.
What equipment do I need for my turntable?
For those seeking a more comprehensive audio experience, you can add a few devices and accessories to build the ultimate vinyl setup. A phono pre-amplifier is an essential item to get the most out of your turntable and vinyl collection.
A phono pre-amp, also known as a phono stage, is a simple device that can incorporate your turntable into your hi-fi sound system. This key item provides your turntable with the signal amplification and stability required to achieve a truly high-quality listening experience.
Your turntable’s signal comes entirely from the stylus making contact with the record, with a minimal electrical current. A quality phono pre-amp elevates the microvolts and amplifies them to a standard you’d expect from high-end sound systems, while stabilising the signal to eliminate any interference and feedback from the boost.
Another key decision to make is what speakers you’d like to accompany your turntable. Enjoy clear and crisp hi-fi sound with wired or wireless speakers, each with advantages and disadvantages. Bluetooth speakers offer flexibility of setup, but wired speakers tend to offer a more reliable and consistent sound that isn’t bound by signal performance.
Turntable maintenance tips
To truly get the best out of your turntable, you need to treat it with some TLC. So, if you don’t want no scrubs near your record player, follow these tips:
● Regular Dusting - Gently give your turntable a once over with a microfibre cloth now and then to keep it looking fresh and dust-free. It’s also worth carefully going over your discs before you play them.
● Check Your Belt - For belt-driven turntables, keep an eye on your belt’s condition and replace it when necessary.
● Tonearm Inspection - Ensure your tonearm is placed properly for optimal sound quality.
● Handle With Care - Almost take the utmost precaution when handling your turntable and records to keep them in the best possible condition.
Choose your perfect turntable at Peter Tyson
Whatever music you enjoy, the ultimate way to enjoy your favourite songs is just a needle drop away. Browse our wide selection of industry-leading turntables from top brands, including Pro-Ject, Dual, Rekkord and more at Peter Tyson to elevate your home audio or find the perfect gift for a music-obsessed loved one.