Old is new, again.
The comeback of vinyl has been surprising to many. So many people are now interested in buying a turntable. But is buying one worth it? The short answer is: it depends.
Buying a turntable can be a significant investment. But for many music enthusiasts, it’s worth every penny. Turntables offer a different listening experience than CDs, Mp3 files, or streaming platforms that cannot be replicated.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a turntable comes down to your personal preferences and budget. This article looks at some of the pros and cons of buying a turntable.
The Pros of Buying a Turntable
1. Sound Quality
Many people who love older music agree that turntables offer superior sound quality than most other music playback systems.
A vinyl record has uncompressed sounds offering unique deep sounds that many music enthusiasts call comforting.
The warm, full-bodied sound is hard to replicate with other music playback systems. If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, a turntable is the way to go.
Playing music on a turntable brings nostalgia for past decades when digital music had not stood out in the market.
2. Turntables Offer a Unique Experience
Turntables are a great way to enjoy your music collection. Buying a turntable causes you to listen to music actively. Unlike listening to music on the computer or the headphones in the background while you work, the turntable compels you to sit back and experience the music.
Listening to the record requires you to carefully put the stylus on the track and flip over to the second side. This unique experience requires you to sit and listen to the first side.
3. Turntables are Fun.
You will get lots of fun and enjoyment setting up a turntable at your home. A turntable can be a great conversation starter, creates a point of attraction in your home, and a way to connect with other people who love music.
Many people embrace the album art covers and display record players in their homes as part of their art collection.
If you are considering buying your first turntable, get someone knowledgeable in the area to set it out for you and give you the best maintenance tips.
The Cons of Buying a Turntable
1. Turntables Are Expensive
Buying a turntable is not the only cost you incur. You must purchase a turntable, phono stage, cartridge, and vinyl records. Furthermore, you will need to buy new records if you want to listen to new music.
At the end of the day, these costs add up, and you could spend up to $500 merely to listen to your favorite record.
2. They Take Up a Lot of Space
Compared to digital streaming platforms, the turntable will take up a lot of space in your home. Get a sturdy table or cabinet and place it in one corner of your house. It will serve as the focal point of your entertainment area.
It would help if you considered where you should store your vinyl records. Select a space that is clean, dry, and sturdy.
You also have the option to buy a dedicated stand for your turntable and your vinyl records. Keeping your turntable in a separate designated area will protect it from damage.
3. Maintaining Turntables is Time-Consuming
The turntables take a lot of effort and time to maintain. Cleaning vinyl and adjusting the stylus may be laborious for some people. Furthermore, you will need to consider storage conditions and get ideal cleaning materials for proper maintenance.
Keeping the records near a heat source is dangerous and could damage the records. Always keep them upright, away from the sun or any other heat source.
Check regularly that the stylus is not damaged or worn out since it could damage your vinyl records.
4. Turntables are Less Convenient.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to change records as you go. Unlike a turntable, listening passively to CDs while driving or performing other tasks is possible.
Also, many artists today have their music in digital format only. If you are a fan of modern music, then you may not benefit from getting a turntable and buying vinyl records.
Final Thoughts
Turntable brings a whole new experience to entertainment and enjoying music. It can bring family and friends together to take time out and listen to music.
However, turntables are expensive to buy and maintain. You may need to purchase additional speakers if you do not have them.
Irrespective of the additional costs, a turntable is a way to go if you’re looking for the best possible sound quality and a great way to enjoy your music collection.
