Buying Guide
Belt Drive vs Direct Drive Turntables
Belt drive turntables are often a good fit for home listening, especially if you want a simple hi-fi deck with low mechanical noise and do not need DJ features. Direct drive…
Helpful advice
Turntable buying guides
Practical explanations that make choosing and setting up vinyl equipment easier.
Read the full guide →
Buying Guide
Best Turntables for Beginners
A clear framework for comparing turntables by drive type, cartridge, connectivity, speakers, upgrade options and overall value.
Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Turntable
A clear framework for comparing turntables by drive type, cartridge, connectivity, speakers, upgrade options and overall value.
Buying Guide
How to Maintain Your Turntable and Vinyl Records
A practical maintenance guide covering record cleaning, stylus care, turntable setup, storage and the checks that help protect sound quality.
Buying Guide
Best Bluetooth Turntables
A clear framework for comparing turntables by drive type, cartridge, connectivity, speakers, upgrade options and overall value.
Buying Guide
Best Mid-Range Turntables
A clear framework for comparing turntables by drive type, cartridge, connectivity, speakers, upgrade options and overall value.
Buying Guide
Best Premium Turntables
A clear framework for comparing turntables by drive type, cartridge, connectivity, speakers, upgrade options and overall value.
Buying Guide
Best Turntables Under £200
A clear framework for comparing turntables by drive type, cartridge, connectivity, speakers, upgrade options and overall value.
Buying Guide
Best Turntables with Built-in Speakers
A clear framework for comparing turntables by drive type, cartridge, connectivity, speakers, upgrade options and overall value.
Buying Guide
Common Turntable Problems and How to Fix Them
Most turntable problems are caused by simple issues: dust on the stylus, an unlevel surface, the wrong input setting, loose cables, incorrect tracking force, or a belt that h…
Buying Guide
Essential Turntable Accessories Every Vinyl Enthusiast Should Consider
The most useful turntable accessories for most vinyl listeners are a carbon fibre record brush, a safe stylus cleaner, good inner sleeves, proper record storage and, where ne…
Buying Guide
How to Clean Vinyl Records Properly
A practical maintenance guide covering record cleaning, stylus care, turntable setup, storage and the checks that help protect sound quality.
Buying Guide
How to Connect a Turntable to an Amplifier
Connect the turntable to a phono input if your amplifier has one and the turntable is set to phono output. If the turntable has a built-in phono stage and you switch it to li…
Buying Guide
How to Connect a Turntable to Powered Speakers
To connect a turntable to powered speakers, the speakers must receive a line-level signal. That means using a turntable with a built-in phono preamp switched to LINE, or addi…
Buying Guide
How to Replace a Turntable Stylus
To replace a turntable stylus, first identify the exact cartridge or stylus model, switch the turntable off, secure the tonearm, then gently pull or unclip the old stylus ass…
Buying Guide
How to Set Up a Turntable Correctly
Set the turntable on a firm, level surface, assemble the platter and belt if required, connect it to the correct input, and make sure any built-in preamp switch is set correc…
Buying Guide
How to Store Vinyl Records Correctly
Store vinyl records upright, clean, dry and away from heat, sunlight and damp. Keep them in good inner sleeves, use outer sleeves for jackets, and avoid packing shelves so ti…
Buying Guide
Manual vs Automatic Turntables
Choose a manual turntable if you like being hands-on, want a simpler mechanism, and are happy to lift and lower the tonearm yourself. Many enthusiast turntables are manual be…
Buying Guide
Understanding Turntable Cartridges
For most listeners, a good moving magnet cartridge is the safest and most practical choice. It is widely compatible, usually easier to set up, and often allows the stylus to…
Buying Guide
What Is a Phono Preamp?
A phono preamp boosts the very quiet signal from a turntable cartridge and applies the correct vinyl equalisation so your amplifier, powered speakers or soundbar can handle i…