So, you’re struggling to choose the top record player for sampling. The best record player for sampling is one that has a high-quality needle and a strong platter. There are dozens of models on the market, but it’s important to find one with a stable table to play records – this will ensure that your records don’t get warped or scratched when you’re playing them!
Read Online Reviews
Although shopping in person is the best way to assess the weight and feel of a record player, it’s not always possible to visit local shops. So, when you’re looking for reviews online, be sure that they are recent. Old reviews won’t provide an accurate picture of how well a turntable stands up to damage or wear-and-tear. You can look at the top turntables reviewed to see how people have reviewed some of the best turntables. Reviews are important because they’re written by people just like you, who are looking for the same things that you’re searching for.
Types Of Turntables
There are four different types of turntables to choose from belt-driven, direct-drive, uni-pivot, and crystal (or ceramic) bearings. The best record player will offer a crystal, or ceramic, bearing. The platter of the record player will include a layer of crystal or ceramic for its high density and accuracy. Direct-drive turntables are often more expensive because they deliver a faster speed and ease of use.
Belt-driven Turntables
Belt-driven turntables are the most common type of record player. Belt-driven turntables rely on belts to spin the platter, which is attached to a motor shaft. These types of turntables are usually more affordable than direct drive models because their motors aren’t as strong. They’re not recommended for use with DJ equipment because they can slip during a performance. Many beginners start with belt-driven models because they’re affordable and have the classic, vintage look that people love.
Direct-drive Turntables
Direct drive turntables are designed to be as tough as professional DJ equipment. Direct drive turntables feature a motor that is connected directly to the platter. Access to the platter is easy with direct-drive models, which makes them a good choice for beginners. They’re also easier to use when DJing because they can slip in cases where belt-driven turntables cannot.
Uni-pivot Turntables
The uni-pivot style of a turntable is rare these days. Uni-pivot turntables feature a tonearm that can pivot from its spindle. It’s a special type of design that helps the record player produce low vibration and noise when in use. They don’t have slipmats, which means that they’re not great for DJing, but they do offer excellent sound.
Types of Platters
Of course, your search for the top record player won’t be complete unless you consider the type of platter that will suit your needs. There are five different types of platters: Acrylic, Aluminum, Ceramic, Crystal, Glass, and Vinyl. The best type of platter is a glass or aluminum option because they offer accuracy and weight.
Glass Platter
The best record player will come with a glass platter. These types of turntables are among the most accurate options available. Glass is heavier than aluminum, which helps it hold its shape and not vibrate or distort sound while playing vinyl records. The downside of a glass platter is that it can break easily, so you’ll need to be careful while handling it.
Aluminum Platter
An aluminum platter is known for its durability. Since aluminum doesn’t break easily, tonearms can be lighter and more accurate on an aluminum platter than other types of turntables. The problem with this platter is that it may not provide the same sound quality as other options.
Ceramic Platter
A ceramic platter is another popular choice among the best record players because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t transfer vibration or low-frequency noise into your vinyl records. Record players that feature ceramic platters are more expensive, but they’re a worthwhile investment for those who want to protect their vinyl records.
Crystal Bearing Platter
A crystal or ceramic bearing is a popular choice for many people. The platters of the best record players will include a layer of crystal or ceramic to make their job even easier and produce superior sound and low vibration. These types of turntables are good choices for beginners because they’re affordable, but their quality isn’t compromised.
Types Of Needles
There are three different types of needles you can choose from when shopping for the best record player for sampling – elliptical, conical, or spherical. The best needle is an elliptical one because it has a rounded end with a smaller area of contact when in play. This makes it more accurate and gentle on your records when in use. Spherical needles are popular because they’re easy to produce, but they can cause damage to some types of records.
Spherical Needles
Spherical needles are popular among the most affordable record players because it’s easy to produce them in bulk. However, these types of needles can damage your records when in use – especially if you’re using older vinyl models that aren’t as strong. Spherical needles are made using a round diamond on the end of the needle. They’re easy to mass-produce, but they aren’t as gentle on your records as other types of needles.
Cone-Shaped Needles
Cone-shaped needles are similar to spherical ones in that they form a point at one end. However, cone-shaped needles are longer and more pointed than spherical ones. They can fit into some of the deepest grooves on your records, which makes them an excellent choice for scratching or sampling vinyl.
Elliptical Needles
Elliptical needles are a very popular choice because they’re gentle for your records and offer superior sound quality. Elliptical needles have an oblong diamond at the end of the needle. They’re durable and help produce high-quality sampling sounds when in use.
The Components of A High-Quality Record Player
When looking for the best record player on the market, you want to ensure that you have a variety of options available. You’ll need to consider whether or not your record player is going to have a built-in preamp and phono stage so it can play higher impedance records. The more options you have at your disposal, the better prepared you’ll be for any recording session or live performance. Some of the best models available will also include a headphone port, so you can listen to your vinyl records without making noise for other people in your home. There are even some record players that come with vibration isolation feet, which reduces the vibrations that reach your records when they’re playing. This helps produce a more stable and balanced sound.
Dual RCA Outputs
One thing you’ll want to look for in the best record player is dual RCAs – this will ensure that your records are cleaner and less affected by vibrations or low-frequency noises. The connectors that come with these types of players also allow you to plug your turntable directly into a stereo receiver or amplification system. These types of record players are important for DJs and those who will be playing vinyl records in a live setting, but they’re expensive – you’ll need to budget accordingly.
Turntables That Have Built-In Preamps And Phono Stages
Another feature that many serious vinyl enthusiasts look for in the best record players for sampling is a built-in preamp and phono stage. These components are normally found in standalone units, but some of the best turntables have them built right into their design. Having these functions on your equipment will help it produce cleaner results, even if you’re playing older records that aren’t very strong or clean. These features also help with noise reduction and power supply, which can both produce cleaner sounds.
Portable Record Players
For some people, the best record player is one that is small enough to take on the go. Portable turntables come in a variety of styles – there are hand-crank players, belt-driven players, and record players that have built-in speakers. These record players are affordable and easy to carry around, making them a popular choice for many vinyl enthusiasts. However, they aren’t the best option if you need high-quality sampling sounds or strong motor movements.
The Best Record Player Will Be Gentle On Your Records
When you’re looking for the best record player for sampling, you’ll want to consider several things. To get high-quality sounds from your records, you need a record player with a strong platter and a high-quality needle. You’ll also want one that is easy to use and has multiple options available to give you flexibility when playing and recording vinyl records. Some models that belong in this category include the Stanton STR8150 and the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X.
The best record player for sampling is one with a high-quality needle and a sturdy platter. You’ll also want to consider the components that come with your model – some record players have built-in preamps and phono stages to help produce cleaner sounds, even if your record isn’t very strong. There are dozens of models on the market, but it’s important to find one that has a stable table when playing records so your vinyl doesn’t get warped or scratched when in use.
