Are you nostalgic for the old days and do you like to enjoy everything in its authentic form? Then you will surely love listening to music on a turntable!

Come and see their main features and what you should pay attention to before buying.

1. Type of Turntable 

Start by choosing the type of turntable, depending on how the arm is positioned!

Automatic: Requires less intervention, as the arm is automatically placed and returned to its position. 

Manual: With a manual turntable, you will need to place and remove the arm yourself. This is usually preferred by vinyl enthusiasts, as it offers the authentic experience of a turntable.

2. Rotation Speed 

There are different recording speeds for vinyl records. The standard ones are 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. Some turntables also support 78 RPM for older records. 

Do you want to know what makes each one special?

33 ⅓ RPM: This speed is mainly used for records that typically contain more minutes of music (usually 20-30 minutes per side).

45 RPM: This mainly concerns smaller records (singles), which contain one or two songs per side.

78 RPM: It is of older technology and was used on older records from the early 20th century until about the 1950s.

3. Speakers

The  speakers in a turntable are speakers that are built-in directly into the turntable and do not require external speakers to listen to the sound of the music. Built-in speakers are ideal for those who want a simple and standalone music playback solution. 

If you decide to purchase a turntable with built-in speakers, you should consider the quality and power of the speakers. Also, check if the turntable provides connection options for external speakers, in case you decide to upgrade the sound in the future.

4. Preamplification (Pre Amp) 

The built-in preamplification in a turntable is a feature that allows the turntable to connect directly to an audio source, without the need for an external preamplifier. Usually, preamplification refers to boosting the turntable’s signal so that it can be played back at the required sound volume. Before purchasing a turntable, check if it has a built-in preamplifier, especially if you want to connect it to an audio source that does not have a built-in preamplifier.

5. Connectivity Bluetooth

The Bluetooth technology in a turntable is used to allow wireless playback of music from compatible devices. This means you can connect the turntable to a speaker, headphones, or another Bluetooth device and listen to music wirelessly, without the need for connection cables. By using Bluetooth technology, you can connect the turntable with your smartphone, tablet, or another compatible device and play your music from these devices wirelessly.

USB: The USB Media Player in a turntable is used to play music from portable USB storage devices, such as USB flash drives or external hard drives.

Don't forget that there can often be a difference in a product based on its overall characteristics as well as its construction. Before you decide, read the reviews of other users to see their opinions and compare them with the use you want to make!

You can also take a look at the guide to the best turntables for 2024, where you’ll find the best options based on user feedback, depending on how you plan to use them and the budget you have available.