A Basic Guide To Buying Your First Turntable

By: UNKLE F777
photos by Rx Zenabi
[from THC Zine v.03]

According to statista.com, the vinyl resurgence happened sometime in 2006, when the much loved format began its new upswing in the global music market. Last year’s figures also showed that it remained increasing every year since. It returned to claim its position in physical record sales in the US alone (43.6 million records sold), prompting many new or returning vinyl collectors to buy a turntable and get the full-suite vinyl experience.

For those who want to get their first turntable and do it right, there are a few paths to take. These tried and tested ways will make sure you get a good to decent unit that sounds great and doesn’t break your wallet, unless you have a bigger budget. You can get a turntable set up that’s works fine and will kickstart your expensive, tedious, lifelong addiction.

A. Second Hand Vintage

You can get a “new” old turntable by going the tried and tested vintage or second hand route. Many local audio stores specialize in these trusty old tables and have already been properly set up by pros.

Many offerings are high-end to mid brands that are high-quality to decent. The sound quality is often very decent to superb, depending on the brand and the type of turntable.

Some are direct drive, with a rotor-based machine, and are often considered more stable and long-lasting. They are also more expensive. Belt-driven ones use rubber belts to spin the table, and are also generally dependable, but often have shorter lifespans. Worn out and loose belts also mean they will need proper replacement belts every few years.

[Types Of Vintage Turntable Setups]
The basic package will include the turntable, the phono amp, and a decent set of speakers. The price varies from 10,000 pesos or higher. But the sound quality will be above average and up.

Some vintage setups are old stereo component setups that include an integrated stereo and phono amp with the turntable at the top, the stereo component (often with a single to double cassette tape deck), and speakers attached to the sides.

Generally, many turntable enthusiasts recommend having the speakers placed somewhere else and not on the same surface as the turntable. Their vibrations can feedback into the cartridge and stylus. Also, make sure to test and buy them from knowledgeable sellers and dealers.

[Separate Options]
In some cases, you can buy just the turntable, with many vintage and second hand working models at the price range of everywhere from 3,000 pesos and up. These are available in Facebook marketplace, carousell, and other local online sellers.

Varying models with features such as auto-return, manual-return, dual, and even triple speeds are available. Make sure to do a short research online for some of these features.

Some of these tables would just need a replacement cartridge. You can get a decent audio technica basic white or black cartridge/stylus in the price range of 2700 – 3000+ pesos.

If you don’t have an old phono amp that you pilfered from an old uncle, parents, or grandparents, you can buy a mini phono amp for less than 2,000 pesos off of carousell or Facebook marketplace. You can also order it online for a slightly higher price.

B. Brand New Entry Level Turntables

If the first option is a little too demanding and technical for you, the best way to get a basic, good quality, plug n’ play turntable is by getting an entry level model. Many of them are available in Shopee, Lazada, online stores, or even in malls.

If at all possible, stay away from cheap tables with the generic low-end red cartridge stylus. They don’t sound that great, and some can damage your records in the long run.

The most popular entry-level tables are the Audio Technica models. These are already plug n’ play setups that have built-in preamps. Just connect them using RCA cables with the red and white connectors to your stereos and entertainment system setups. The price range is from 7,000+ to 12,000, with good sound quality.

For higher end models, Rega is one of the most popular brands, also with built in preamps. The price range is in the vicinity of 25,000 to 30,000 pesos.

C. The Full Audiophile Setup

This rich dude option is pretty much like the first option. The only difference is, you are buying brand new and goddamn expensive components. If you have a considerable budget, you can source high-end turntables, preamps, and speakers for the best audiophile experience.

If you’re gonna go all out, might as well get the best that money can buy. While it will cost you big bucks, the ROI in the sound quality and dependability is also much higher. It’s almost as expensive as buying a second-hand car.

Many local hi-fi shops can help you with one, two, or all of your turntable components if you have enough of the moolah. Lavish tube amps or expensive hi-fi phono amps, floor speakers that can demolish your sound room, and gold plated or limited edition high-end turntables are some of these luxury audio goodies.

You can also just buy a high-end table and use an existing phono amp or mini-preamp, and your trusty speakers. You can also use your existing high-end stereo system hooked up to it.