Having a record player in your home will radically change your listening experience. The resurgence of vinyl records has led to a variety of options for amateur listeners and professional DJs, whether you’re attracted to the newest model or a classic setup from decades past. However, modern and vintage turntables have a variety of distinctions that may influence your listening preferences. Here are six main differences that our team at Xssentials has highlighted so you can choose the record player best for your lifestyle.
Cosmetic Appearance
The cosmetic appearance of vintage and modern turntables differs more between brands than age. However, you can expect to find older record players are quite large when compared to modern setups due to the pre-amp that’s often built into more vintage models. Because users found this a bit too bulky, companies created smaller and sleeker designs that are easier to transport around the house; these often look like a turntable within a suitcase.
Audio Quality
The audio quality of turntables evolved with the times. As turntables grew in popularity in the 1900s, their sound handling capabilities significantly improved too. A high-quality vintage record player will produce audio superior to that of a cheaply made modern turntable. Don’t forget to consider the state of your vintage record player. A substandard stylus damages your record and ruins the audio permanently, so we recommend testing your equipment before serious usage. New stereo setups are constructed from wood, alloys, and other metals for a solid build, and the combination of cartridge and stylus also drastically improved the audio. Keep an eye out for cheap classic finds that feel too good to be true; their poor construction could destroy your records.
Evolved Technology
Sound quality advanced in record players over the years due to new technologies. Classic setups are relatively primitive when compared to the variety of features that come with modern turntables. Easy listeners may not feel the need to have all the extra bells and whistles of the newest record players on the market; an older model is more straightforward so you can get to listening to your favorite albums sooner. Finally, while the majority of audiophiles need the silent motor of a modern turntable for a crisper sound, some listeners may prefer the purr of the spinning deck of older models. It depends if you want to enjoy the nostalgic allure of something classic or the cutting-edge capabilities of something new.
Ease of Repair
A record player will likely be damaged at least once in its lifetime, meaning you need to get it repaired. Although vintage turntables don’t break easily with such sturdy construction, this means that parts will be more difficult to find. Repairing models older than the 1960s will be nearly impossible. More recently made record players are still sufficiently durable, and if you break something, it’s not too hard to replace the damaged parts.
Value & Price
There’s a significant difference in how much you’ll pay between modern and vintage turntables. Nowadays, you can anticipate paying around $300 for a well-maintained vintage record player, which is a fantastic deal for a piece of equipment with so much history. On the other hand, paying $300 for a modern turntable means you’re purchasing a cheap product with basic features and a short lifespan. A high-quality contemporary design costs around $1000, a worthy investment for state-of-the-art technology. For both of these setups, don’t forget you’ll need to purchase speakers and an amplifier, so consider their costs as well.
Ease of Use
Not all turntables are created equal. Vintage stereos are easier to operate due to the fully automated simple system settings. You may only need to configure one or two settings before you get to enjoy your favorite album. Alternatively, you’ll need to lift the platter and manually adjust all the features of newer heavyweight turntables; almost nothing is even partially automated. These are best for professional DJs and performers. Although one may think that modern setups are built with convenience in mind, an older model is better for amateur users.
Whether you’re searching for a vintage system or the most recent option, our team at Xssentials is here to help you find what you’re looking for. We can answer your questions, recommend several brands and models, and install your new turntable and its accompanying sound system. Contact us today to get started!
