Buyer's Guide to Record Players and Turntables

Although record players have been far outpaced by newer methods of listening to music, many people still use them, and they continue to be manufactured by some brands. There are a number of considerations which should be taken into account when purchasing a new or used turntable.

Record players can be found at yard sales, online shopping websites, thrift shops, discount stores, and elsewhere. The words "record player" and "turntable" are used interchangeably by different people, so it is helpful to try searching with both of these terms when looking for record players to purchase on the internet - especially with online auction services like eBay. The word "phonograph" is also used, but most commonly for very old record players.

New record players can still be found on the internet and at some discount stores like Big Lots. Electro Brand, for example, offers a vintage-style turntable, which also includes a CD player, cassette player, and radio. However, most turntables you will come across are used, and range from portable units to large combination stereo receivers.

If you don't want a record player with combined features (radio, cassette, 8-track, etc.) or you need to conserve space, consider purchasing a compact turntable-only unit like the Optimus LAB-1000 or Realistic LAB-90. Another advantage of compact record players is that they are cheaper to ship if you purchase them over the internet. There are even a few older boomboxes with built-in folding record players.

Turntables have been manufactured by a wide variety of electronics brands, including Technics, Sanyo, Pioneer, Spirit of St. Louis, and Panasonic. Except for Radio Shack brands (Optimus/Realistic), most new or relatively new turntables are from smaller brands like Gran Prix (GPX), Studebaker, and Electro Brand. It is more likely that you will be able to get a newer turntable repaired if necessary, especially if it includes a warranty.

The majority of record players are capable of playing large 33 RPM and smaller 45 RPM records. Some can also play the smallest type of records, 78 RPM. The 33 RPM records are usually easiest to find, sometimes available at garage sales or thrift shops. If purchasing records over the internet, you might consider looking for the 45 RPM type, as they should be less expensive to ship and take up less storage space in your home.

When purchasing a used turntable, test it beforehand if possible. If the needle needs to be replaced, it can be difficult and/or expensive to find a replacement. Other potential problems could be that the motor no longer functions, the belt is missing or improperly installed, or the power cord is damaged. Try to purchase a turntable which includes a dust cover, as not all dust covers will fit any particular model.

If you already own speakers, check to see that they match the record player's wire end or output jacks. It may be possible to purchase an adapter, but they are not available (or are difficult to find) for some types of conversions. Speaker wires/jacks come in a variety of forms, including RCA/round, bare wire, and 1/8"-inch. If you don't have speakers or they are incompatible with the record player, you might be able to connect it to your television if it has an RCA-jack audio input. This will let the sound come through the TV's speakers when it is on the correct input channel/mode. There are also some turntables available which have built-in speakers.

These suggestions should help you find an affordable record player which is suitable for your lifestyle and preferences.