Turntables

Turntables: players and vinyl record adapters 

There are fans of digital music and those who fondly remember the times when vinyl records were crowded on shelves and a turntable was used to play music. And although there seem to be more of the former, fashion has come full circle and the vinyl record player, or if you prefer the mentioned turntable or adapter, has returned to favors. 
 
For those who do not know what a turntable is, we would like to remind you that it is a vinyl player - that is, large round records with analog sound recorded in the form of a groove. There are unevenness in the grooves that cause the needle placed on the arm of the device to vibrate, which are then converted into an electrical signal. The sounds created in this way are amplified in the preamplifier and transmitted to the loudspeakers. 

The most important elements in the construction of the turntable are: 

 

• Drive 

The market usually includes turntables with a belt or direct drive. In the first one, a rubber belt motor drives a turntable with a vinyl record. It is a common solution, thanks to which the plate is isolated from various types of vibrations or disturbances generated by the engine. However, it is worth remembering that the belts, after several years of operation, may wear out and require replacement. In direct drive adapters, on the other hand, the motor sets the axis on which the platter rests. It is a solution used in expensive Dj. 

 

• Phono cartridge and needle 

Phone needle insert is another important element that affects the quality of the sound played. Its task is to read the signal from the grooves of the board and send the generated signal to the output or the built-in preamplifier. There are several types of inserts. The devices with magnetoelectric (MC) or electromagnetic (MM) inserts are most often available on the market. The former are used in expensive devices, while MM inserts are good quality at a reasonable price. The price of the cartridge is also determined by the turntable needle. Spherical needles are the most popular. They are cheaper, but their use also makes the emitted sound less detailed. Elliptical needles, on the other hand, are much more expensive but provide precise reading and a longer service life. The last type are needles with a linear cut, which allows you to reproduce most of the details of recorded music. 

Retro and modern turntables 

Contemporary turntables already combine classic and modern in themselves. However, many people consider appearance as well. The variety of these devices on the market makes it possible to choose a model that fits even more into the decor of our home. We can choose between retro and modern-style turntables. 

Turntable with a preamplifier - why is it worth it? 

If you bought a turntable and this one sounds very quiet and you don't listen to the bass in it, it means that no sound is amplified. A phono preamplifier is a device whose task is to correct the signal from a vinyl record. In other words, it equalizes, that is, enhances the high and lowers the low-frequency levels of the sound to the original sound state. 

Phono preamplifier - what is it, and is it always needed? 

As we wrote above, in order to enjoy songs from a vinyl record, the signal must be amplified. There are more and more devices on the market that have an integrated phono preamplifier (labeled PHONO). Kruger&Matz offers a device with RCA line outputs with a built-in preamplifier. This solution allows you to connect the turntable directly to an amplifier or an audio system equipped with an amplifier, e.g., a soundbar or active loudspeakers. The perfect option if you are starting your Adventure with vinyl music. 

Turntable with or without speakers? 

Does the question often arise whether speakers are needed for a turntable? The answer is simple! Of course! For the turntable to function properly, it must be connected to the speakers. There are turntables with speakers available on the market, but we can hardly expect that the sound emitted from the vinyl record will be of good quality in this case. 

Therefore, if a turntable with built-in speakers is not of your interest because you want to enjoy atmospheric and excellent music from black records, it is worth connecting external speakers to the turntable. To not burden your wallet too much, it is worth choosing a device with a built-in amplifier. Make sure your speakers or loudspeakers are equipped with a line or PHONO input. 

 
See the speakers for the Kruger&Matz turntable >> 

A good turntable to start with - what should you consider when choosing? 

So if you are wondering which turntable to start with, we answer - one that offers a lot of possibilities in terms of technology and at a reasonable price. On the other hand, if you think what turntable up to PLN 500 could meet your expectations, we also have the answer! Kruger&Matz offers cheap turntables with good equipment. 

Check which turntable to choose at the beginning >> 

Each vinyl record player of our brand is equipped with a belt drive and the ability to play at two speeds of 33 rpm. and 45 rpm, which allows you to read plates of various sizes. In addition, the Kruger&Matz adapters have an analog output (RCA plugs) for connection to phono or line amplifier, as well as to active speakers. People who find forgotten music on vinyl records in the attic, thanks to USB 1.1 and special software, can save a digital version of songs on a computer. 

One of the most important differences in our products is the use of a phono cartridge. In the case of the TT-602 model it is the MM dual Magnet system with a replaceable needle from Audio-Technica. In turn, in the cheaper T-501 model, the user has the option of returning the arm after the end of playback and automatic shutdown.