Records are back – something nobody really expected to happen. But as of today, a lot more records than CDs are being sold. More and more people appreciate the charme of this format and of course its purely analog sound.
While the older generation knows all basics around this format, the younger generation often has some questions. This blog post is aimed towards them.
What do I need to play records?
Well the most important thing you need is of course a turntable. A cleaning and an anti static brush are very useful accessories. But besides that, thats all you need.
So I can connect my speakers to the record player?
No, the record player (exception are cheap all in one player from China) needs an amplifier. The output goes from the record player into the amp – which connects to your speakers.
Can I use my Dolby Surround amp for the record player or do I need to buy a new one?
It depends on your turntable. If you buy e.g. one of the Audio Technica turntables we are selling , you are good to go. But vintage turntables wouldn’t work. The reason is that the Audio Technica turntables can be switched in the back between “line level” or “phono level”. Something you can’t do on a vintage turntable. Switching it to line level makes it compatible with newer amplifier, that are lacking the old school phono input.
But some of the Audio Technica turntables got Bluetooth and would connect to e.g. a boombox?
Yes, thats true. Its a nice thing to also have Bluetooth. But keep in mind that when you use Bluetooth, you turn your analog signal into digital. The advantage of a completely analog listening experience is gone in that case. I would still hook it up with cables to an amplifier.
What kind of cables do I actually need?
The Audio Technica turntables got a 3.5mm to RCA cable included in the box. The two RCA plugs go into your amp and thats all you need. Vintage turntables usually have their cables attached to the unit and no additional ones are required.
Do vintage turntables sound better than new ones?
As long as the new record player is from a reputable brand, it should sound good. Just having a vintage unit is not a guarantee for great sound. Especially the Audio Technica players are great for beginners, as they are fully automatic and there isn’t anything to adjust. They sound great out of the box. But if you are keen to dive in a bit deeper, want to be able to change the pickup (cartridge) to a better one eventually, you might be better off with a vintage unit. Having the same features in a modern unit pushes you into a whole different price segment. And there is still a good possibility that your (cheaper) vintage player is of better build quality than the new unit.