Buying Advice
Best Turntables Under £200
For most budget-conscious UK buyers, the best turntable under £200 is usually a simple deck from a recognised audio brand with a built-in phono stage, a replaceable styl…
Vinyl knowledge
Turntable and vinyl articles
Practical explanations, setup help and record-care advice for confident listening.
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Buying Advice
Best Turntables Under £300
For most first-time vinyl buyers, the best turntable under £300 is usually a separate deck with a proper tonearm, replaceable stylus, stable platter, and either a built-…
Beginner Guides
Bluetooth Turntables Explained
A Bluetooth turntable can usually send the sound from your records to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. This is useful if you want a tidy, simple system without speaker…
Beginner Guides
Do You Need a Phono Preamp?
You need a phono preamp if your turntable only has a phono-level output and the equipment you are connecting it to does not have a phono input. Without one, the sound wi…
Audio Knowledge
Does Cartridge Quality Matter?
Yes, cartridge quality matters because the cartridge and stylus are responsible for tracing the record groove accurately. A better-matched cartridge can reduce distortio…
Vinyl Care
How Often Should You Replace a Stylus?
Replace a stylus according to the cartridge or stylus maker’s guidance first. If you do not have that information, a cautious rule is to replace an ordinary diamond styl…
Setup Guides
How to Adjust Anti-Skate
Set up anti-skate only after the turntable is level, the cartridge is aligned, and the tracking force is correct. As a starting point, set the anti-skate control to the…
Setup Guides
How to Balance a Tonearm
To balance a tonearm, first make sure the turntable is level and the stylus is protected while you prepare. With anti-skate set to zero and the cueing lever lowered, rot…
Beginner Guides
How to Choose Your First Turntable
For most beginners, the safest first choice is a proper turntable with a replaceable stylus, adjustable or correctly set tonearm, and a built-in phono preamp if you want…
Vinyl Care
How to Clean a Turntable Stylus
For routine care, use a purpose-made stylus brush and gently brush from the back of the cartridge towards the front, in the same general direction the record groove pass…
Vinyl Care
How to Clean Vinyl Records
For routine care, use a clean carbon fibre record brush before and after play, handle the disc only by the edges and label, and return it to a clean inner sleeve once it…
Setup Guides
How to Connect a Turntable to Bluetooth Speakers
To connect a turntable to Bluetooth speakers, you need either a turntable with Bluetooth output or a separate Bluetooth transmitter connected after the phono preamp. Put…
Setup Guides
How to Connect a Turntable to Powered Speakers
To connect most turntables to powered speakers, the speakers need a line-level signal. If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, set its switch to LINE and connect…
Vinyl Care
How to Remove Static from Vinyl Records
The safest quick routine is to handle the record by the edges, place it on the platter, and use a clean anti-static carbon fibre brush while the record turns. Hold the b…
Setup Guides
How to Set Tracking Force
Tracking force is the downward pressure the stylus applies to the record, measured in grams. To set it, find the cartridge maker’s recommended range, level the turntable…
Setup Guides
How to Set Up a Turntable
Set up a turntable by placing it on a level, stable surface, fitting the platter and belt if required, connecting the correct audio outputs, then setting the tonearm tra…
Vinyl Care
How to Store Vinyl Records
Store vinyl records upright, clean, dry and loosely supported, away from heat, direct sunlight and damp walls. Keep each record in a suitable inner sleeve, keep the jack…
Beginner Guides
Manual vs Automatic Turntables
A manual turntable needs you to lift the tonearm, place the stylus on the record, and return it when the side finishes. It suits listeners who want a simple, hands-on ex…
Audio Knowledge
MM vs MC Cartridges Explained
A moving magnet cartridge, usually shortened to MM, is the most practical choice for many vinyl listeners. It has a relatively high output, works with the MM input found…
Audio Knowledge
Powered Speakers vs Passive Speakers
Powered speakers have amplification built into the speaker system, so they can usually connect more directly to a turntable, provided the turntable or speakers include t…
Beginner Guides
Record Player vs Turntable: What Is the Difference?
A record player usually means a complete or near-complete device for playing records. It may include built-in speakers, Bluetooth, a radio, USB recording, or other featu…
Buying Advice
Should You Buy a Vintage or New Turntable?
Buy vintage if you enjoy the idea of a well-made older deck, are willing to check condition carefully, and have access to servicing or parts. A good vintage turntable ca…
Audio Knowledge
Understanding Turntable Speeds
Turntable speed is the rate at which the platter rotates, measured in revolutions per minute, or rpm. Most modern LP albums play at 33⅓ rpm, most 7-inch singles play at…
Audio Knowledge
What Is a Phono Cartridge?
A phono cartridge is the small component fitted to the end of a turntable’s tonearm. It holds the stylus, often called the needle, and turns the tiny movements from the…
Audio Knowledge
What Makes a Good Turntable?
A good turntable spins the record at a steady speed, lets the stylus track the groove accurately, keeps unwanted vibration away from the cartridge, and connects properly…
Vinyl Care
Why Records Skip and How to Fix It
Records usually skip because the stylus cannot stay seated in the groove. The most common reasons are dirt, a damaged or worn stylus, incorrect tracking force, poor turn…
Buying Advice
Are Cheap Record Players Worth Buying?
A cheap record player can be worth buying if your expectations are modest, your records are inexpensive or second-hand, and the player has the basic features needed to p…
Beginner Guides
Belt Drive vs Direct Drive Turntables
A belt drive turntable uses a rubber belt to connect the motor to the platter. It is often chosen for home listening because the belt helps separate motor vibration from…
Buying Advice
Best Bluetooth Record Players
The best Bluetooth record player for most buyers is one that transmits vinyl audio to your chosen Bluetooth speaker or headphones, has a proper tonearm and cartridge arr…
Buying Advice
Best Turntables for Beginners
The best beginner turntable is usually one that is easy to set up, kind to records, compatible with your speakers, and good enough that you will not immediately outgrow…