Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with that has come a resurgence of cheap record players. These players are often marketed as an affordable way to get into vinyl, but they can actually damage your records.
There are a few reasons why cheap record players can be bad for vinyl. First, they often have a poorly aligned tonearm. The tonearm is the part of the record player that holds the stylus, and if it is not aligned properly, it can put too much pressure on the record, causing it to wear out prematurely.
Second, cheap record players often have a ceramic cartridge. Ceramic cartridges are less expensive than other types of cartridges, but they also produce a harsher sound and can damage records more easily.
Third, cheap record players often have a fixed tracking force. Tracking force is the amount of pressure that the stylus applies to the record, and it is important to get it right. If the tracking force is too low, the stylus will not track properly and can skip. If the tracking force is too high, it can damage the record.
Finally, cheap record players often have a built-in phono preamp. A phono preamp is a device that amplifies the signal from the record player so that it can be played through speakers. However, many cheap phono preamps are not very good and can distort the sound.
If you are serious about collecting vinyl records, it is best to avoid cheap record players. Instead, invest in a quality turntable that will not damage your records. There are many affordable turntables available that offer good sound quality and will not damage your records.
Here are some tips for choosing a good record player:
- Look for a turntable with a balanced tonearm.
- Choose a turntable with an adjustable tracking force.
- Consider getting a turntable with a removable cartridge. This will allow you to upgrade the cartridge in the future.
- Make sure the turntable has a built-in phono preamp or that you have a separate phono preamp.
By following these tips, you can choose a record player that will not damage your records and will give you years of enjoyment.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing a record player:
- The type of records you want to play. If you only want to play LPs, you can get a basic turntable. However, if you also want to play 78s or EPs, you will need a turntable with a wider range of speeds.
- The features you want. Some turntables have features like a built-in phono preamp, a USB output, or a headphone jack. Decide which features are important to you and choose a turntable that has them.
- Your budget. Record players can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget and stick to it.
