How to Choose the Best Portable Turntable?

Even with the modern convenience introduced by digital music, the technology behind portable turntables still remains. As a matter of fact, its popularity has even grown further in recent years. Thus you may need to buy the best portable turntable.

Perhaps it is due to the charm in sliding that album out of a sleeve, gently placing it on the turntable platter, adjusting the tonearm, ready to play your favorite music. On top of that, there is also the excitement involved in going to yard sales or flea markets, browsing your favorite music.

the Best Portable Turntable
Vintage Turntable Photo from Shutterstock


Tips to Choose Best Portable Turntable

Or maybe, it’s the combination of all mentioned reasons. Whether you love spinning albums or one that holds an extensive music collection, one thing is just for sure! You definitely need to have the best portable turntable in order to appreciate music at its best!


The Good

There are a lot of good sounding, basic turntables that are available below $400 these days. They are usually automatic, which means that they start and stop at the press of a button. They are often easy to use. However, some fans prefer manual models since the additional hardware may have an impact on the quality of sound.

If the stereo system you own does not come with a dedicated input for a turntable, you may want to choose one that has a built-in phono preamp. You may also want to have an optional external preamp that can be added to your system. If you are into the modern appeal, you can have one that has a USB output which will allow you to connect your computer and digitize your collection for playback on another device. For this type, you can find some products at best Crosley turntable reviews to explore.


The Better

The so-called ‘better’ portable turntables are those that range between $400 and $800 in price. They provide better sound quality, which usually comes as a result of the more precise overall construction, as well as higher quality parts.

When looking for this range, you may want to look for some features, including a tonearm with adjustments that may accommodate a good range for the phono cartridges, a more balanced and heavier platter, usually equipped with better bearings for quieter and smoother rotation.

A lot of users love these models because they can be upgraded. The detachable signal cords may be replaced with cables of better quality. There are even some models that allow for the replacement of a stock platter, getting a beefier model that ensures a dynamic sound.


The Best

On the other hand, if you are aiming for the best portable turntable, you can expect that they are ranged $800 and above. They have been designed especially for producing an amazing level of musical performance which can even rival higher-end CD players.

Other features that you also have to look after are the motors that are separated physically right from the plinth. This is to cut down vibration even further, along with the inclusion of a high-quality cartridge which can eliminate the need to separately purchase one.


Bottom Line

As highlighted in the above details, there is no question that one of the most important factors that enter the picture when choosing the best portable turntable is the price. Therefore, it is very important to consider your budget first before you choose the model. You can choose whether you want a good one, a better one, or aim for the best. Your decision will determine the other features that will be included in the turntable model that you will purchase.

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