Turntables

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Introduction

The turntable may on the face of it appear an old-fashioned technology, long past extinct. However, this is not the case, it continues to thrive, and bewilder experts who pronounced it's death decades ago.

Known in the past, and still referred to as a record player, phonograph, or gramophone, it continues to entice a new generation of fans.

It's true to say it continues to be a low-tech 'source' unit, consisting of a base table, arm, cartridge and power on switch. Many audiophiles maintain it still has distinct advantages over more modern source units like CD players.

Principally, the dynamic and rhythmic properties of vinyl has seen dance and hip-hop DJs stay loyal to the format. This in turn has influenced a renaissance amongst fans of these music genres.

It's true to say that without DJs continuing to use vinyl, and without a popularity in dance and hip-hop genres, many of the new turntables being launched may never have come into existence.

Turntable tips

- Leave the platter spinning overnig ht for a new turntable. This helps run-in the deck.

- Position it as far away from the speakers as possible, to avoid external vibrations.

- Use a spirit level to make sure the turntable is level.