Speeds
The three basic speeds are 33, 45, and 78 rpm. The different speeds can be used for a few different reasons. First of all, the speed with which you play a record is dependent on the type of record you intend to play. To get the right sound out of your records, you need to be sure that you have them playing at the right speed.
Secondly, lots of players allow you to control the speed within a range of the three speeds listed above. This customization will give you the opportunity to create unique listening experiences from older records. This will help you to craft your very own sounds, whether you are DJing for a party, or just listening for yourself.
Stylus
One of the most important components of any turntable is the stylus. The very best players will allow you to switch out and replace the styluses depending on your needs or wants. This will allow you to get the exact sound out of the music that you want, based on the type/quality of the stylus that you choose to use.
The different quality levels of styluses are available on the market today, and which one you choose to use will have a direct effect on the sound quality of your music. Plus, you want to make sure that you choose a stylus that will not only give you a great sound but also keep your records in the best possible shape.
Drive Type
At this price point, there are a variety of drive types to choose from in a turntable. Each of the different drive types will give you a good chance for great listening experience, though direct drive players will give you a bit smoother of a playing experience than belt-driven ones. On the other hand, belt-driven turntables produce vibration-free sound. Both types have their proponents and opponents.
Audio Controls
There are lots of different options that you can choose from as far as the different types of controls that you can have over your music. You can get players that have pitch, treble, bass, and, obviously, speed controls that will allow you to get the exact sound that you want out of your music. The more options a player has, the more customizable the experience.
Connectivity to Speakers
Since you are trying to get the best listening experience possible with your turntable, you’ll need to be sure that it either has a good speaker built in or that you can easily connect it to external speakers for vinyl. The external route is going to give you a much better sound but will limit the portability of your sound system. Internal speakers are easy to use, but won’t usually give you the best sound quality.
Conversion Ability
If you are looking to play your music from various sources, you might also want to get a turntable that will allow you to convert your music from vinyl to your preferred digital format. That way, you’ll be able to take your high-quality records sound with you on your travels, even if they take you to places that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to bring your turntable.
Power Source
There are two basic ways that a turntable might be able to run. There are some out there that can run on battery power for a short time, but it probably isn’t worth looking into. Even though the batteries are rechargeable, they drain pretty quickly, which will make you want to plug them it in all the time anyway.
That’s why you might as well just look for a player that runs on corded power only. It will save you a bit of money, and you won’t ever have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of a jam session again.
I do agree that the majority of expensive high-quality turntables for about $1000 look high-tech. If you’re searching for smth specifically vintage, check out our similar articles, like https://wisepick.org/best-vintage-turntable/ or https://wisepick.org/best-turntable-under-300/ (pay attention to the number 5 product)
I personally still have my dad’s old record player which is the best to me and looks vintage enough due to its actual age lol (I reckon I can sell it for more than 1000 dollars if I wanted to). How do I change the stylus on it and do I need to do it? Seems like the sound quality suffers because of the stylus wearing off.
Good question, I suppose any stylus should be replaced from time to time, though modern ones are of a really nice quality and can easily last for years. Besides, it depends on the maintenance as well, for example, automatic turntables (you can find them for not necessarily $1000, but much less) put the tonearm extremely gently preventing excessive pressure on the stylus. I don’t know what your turntable brand is, therefore, I have no idea which stylus model is the best in your case. I think guys at your local music store could help.
Old vinyl requires 78 RPM speed. So the best record player for this purpose would be our ‘Best All-Around Turntable under 1000’ winner, or the number 5 product from Pro-Ject.