Sarah, a Philadelphia-based product review writer, boasts 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically turntables. She has contributed to various online publications, offering expertise on the latest gear. Outside of writing and attending concerts, Sarah enjoys family time and her pets.
Sarah, a Philadelphia-based product review writer, boasts 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically turntables. She has contributed to various online publications, offering expertise on the latest gear. Outside of writing and attending concerts, Sarah enjoys family time and her pets.
The turntable, a device for playing vinyl records, has been integral to music culture for decades. It allows users to listen to recorded music by spinning a vinyl disc and transforming the grooves into sound via a stylus and cartridge. Turntables have evolved and become essential for DJs, enabling them to mix, scratch, and manipulate records for creative performances.
History of Turntables:
Invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison, the phonograph was the first device capable of reproducing recorded sound. The turntable has since evolved, with Emile Berliner’s gramophone in the late 1800s and the introduction of electrically powered models in the 1920s. Turntables reached their peak popularity during the mid-20th century before facing competition from digital formats.
Types of Turntables:
There are two main types of turntables: belt-drive and direct-drive. Belt-drive turntables use a rubber belt to spin the platter, providing better sound isolation but less torque. Direct-drive turntables offer higher torque and consistent speed, making them popular among DJs.
Turntable Components:
Key components of a turntable include:
- The platter (spinning surface).
- The tonearm (holds the cartridge and stylus).
- The cartridge (converts mechanical vibrations into electrical signals).
- The stylus (traces the grooves on the record).
Turntable Usage in DJing:
Turntables have played a significant role in developing DJing and hip-hop culture, with pioneers like Grandmaster Flash and Kool Herc using them for scratching and beat juggling. Today, turntables remain popular among DJs for their tactile feel and creative possibilities.
Market Statistics:
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global vinyl records market was valued at $1.0 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2021 to 2028.
Tabular Columns: Popular Turntable Brands and Models
Brand
Model
Type
Price Range
Technics
SL-1200MK7
Direct-Drive
$1000+
Audio-Technica
AT-LP120XUSB
Direct-Drive
$300 – $500
Pro-Ject
Debut Carbon EVO
Belt-Drive
$500 – $1000
Rega
Planar 3
Belt-Drive
$1000+
Pioneer DJ
PLX-1000
Direct-Drive
$700 – $1000
Resource Links:
- Technics: https://www.technics.com/
- Audio-Technica: https://www.audio-technica.com/
- Pro-Ject: https://www.project-audio.com/
- Rega: https://www.rega.co.uk/
- Pioneer DJ: https://www.pioneerdj.com/
Summary:
The purpose of a turntable is to play vinyl records, which has played a significant role in recorded music and DJing history. With various types and components, turntables cater to different user needs, from audiophiles to professional DJs. The growing vinyl market and the continued popularity of turntables in DJing demonstrate their enduring appeal and relevance in the digital age.
