{"id":1526,"date":"2021-12-12T20:18:36","date_gmt":"2021-12-12T20:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spinbad.com\/?p=1526"},"modified":"2022-11-17T19:50:10","modified_gmt":"2022-11-17T19:50:10","slug":"turntables-so-expensive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spinbad.com\/turntables-so-expensive\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are Turntables So Expensive? (Let’s Find Out)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The reason why turntables are so expensive is that manufacturers make them using parts that cannot be easily mass-produced. Also, because these parts need to be able to interact with each other properly, the manufacturing of the turntables themselves is not cheap either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turntable Prices<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because turntables are such intricate pieces of equipment made with very specific parts, they can be costly to produce and even more costly to buy. This is especially true if you are looking for a high end turntable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the different components and moving parts within a turntable, it makes sense why they can cost so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will take a closer look at why turntables are so expensive and some recommendations for those looking to invest in one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Why<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Turntable Components <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The components that make up a turntable have different but equally essential functions. If these components cannot correctly interact with each other, your turntable will not play records correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main components of a turntable are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tonearm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A tonearm is the adjustable radial arm that attaches to the base of your turntable. You move the tonearm to place the needle onto a vinyl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tonearm holds the turntable’s cartridge and has a counterweight that helps balance the cartridge for optimal tracking performance.  You’ll find tonearms can be either curved or straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cartridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cartridge is the turntable part that connects to the tonearm and houses the stylus needle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cartridges convert vibrations from records into electrical signals sent to speakers or headphones. Many audiophiles consider the cartridge one of the most crucial parts of a turntable’s sound quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several different types of turntable cartridges, but they all do the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stylus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A stylus is a needle that actually makes contact with your vinyl record. The stylus rides in the record’s grooves and converts the record’s movements into an audio signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A turntables stylus is a vital turntable component. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there is anything wrong with it or how it fits in your cartridge. In that case, you may have issues with sound quality or it could even damage your records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bearing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The bearing is an important turntable component because it enables the platter to be level and rotate consistently. If the bearing is not manufactured correctly, this will affect your turntable’s performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The motor is the part of a turntable that spins the platter. The motor is often considered the heart of your turntable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your turntable motor must have a consistent speed; otherwise, your turntable will have issues playing records at the correct tempo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turntable motors are powered by either AC (Alternating Current)<\/strong> or DC (Direct Current)<\/strong>. AC and DC motors perform the same task. They just do it in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The platter is the circular plate where you place your record and is usually made from aluminum but can be made of other materials like acrylic or even glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of the platter is to hold your record in place while your turntable spins it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pitch Control Slider<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The next turntable component that you should be familiar with is the pitch control slider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pitch control slider is located on the base of your turntable. Almost all DJ turntables will have a pitch control slider, and you can use this mechanism to change the speed your turntable plays a vinyl record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) <\/strong>settings of 33, 45, and 78 also control the speed at which your turntable spins a record, the pitch control slider allows you to pick a speed that falls in between these three standard settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DJs can use this function to speed up or slow down music which allows them to match the tempos of two different songs or create other cool effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pitch control slider is an essential aspect of a DJs turntable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slipmat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The final component you should be aware of is the slipmat. This is a slippery piece of a cloth-like material that sits on top of your platter. The slick surface allows records to spin on your turntable freely in any direction instead of your platter holding it in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The slipmat is a necessary component for DJs looking to scratch records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind; the slipmat is a component that does not usually come standard with most turntables. Instead, it is something that you must buy for your turntable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audiophile Turntables<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An audiophile is a person who is very enthusiastic about good sound quality. Therefore, an audiophile turntable is designed with sound quality and performance in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An audiophile turntable is by no means a budget turntable, and it will cost you more than other units. These are expensive turntables! The reason for this is because they contain higher quality components such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n