Turntable Buying Guide Article

Turntable Buying Guide: 5 Things to Know Before You Buy

Choosing the right turntable can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. At Sound Approach, we’ve been helping music lovers and audiophiles find the perfect gear for decades. Our in-house expert DJ, with over 50 years of experience, has broken down the five most important factors to consider when shopping for a turntable.

Whether you’re just starting your vinyl journey or upgrading an existing setup, this guide will help you make an informed choice. You can also explore our full collection here: Shop Turntables at Sound Approach.

1. Choosing the Right Turntable Movement

Turntables come in three main types: manual, semi-automatic, and automatic.

  • Manual: You place and remove the tonearm yourself. This is common in both entry-level and high-end turntables, offering more control but requiring more effort. The manual option can be cumbersome if you are not sitting in front of the turntable ready to remove the tonearm at the end of playback.
  • Automatic: A push of a button moves the tonearm to start playback and automatically returns it to the tonearm holder when the record ends—convenient and beginner-friendly. This is also a great option for someone who plans to listen and forget.
  • Semi-Automatic: You manually start the record, but the tonearm lifts and returns when playback finishes. This is the best of both worlds, allowing you more control as well as the hand’s off approach at the end of playback.

Your choice comes down to how much convenience you want versus how hands-on you’d like your listening experience to be.

2. Tonearm & Removable Headshell

One detail many overlook is whether the tonearm has a removable headshell. This feature makes replacing cartridges far easier and saves time in the long run. Entry-level models sometimes skip it to reduce costs, but that can mean limited cartridge options and lower stylus quality. If you plan to upgrade or maintain your turntable over the years, a removable headshell is a smart investment.

3. Speed Settings

Vinyl records play at different speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM.

  • Most modern records use 33 ⅓ or 45 RPM.
  • Some vintage records, especially older shellacs, require 78 RPM—as well as a special stylus to play them correctly.

Always check that the turntable you’re considering supports the speeds your vinyl collection requires.

4. Phono Stage (Built-In or External)

A phono stage is essential for proper vinyl playback. It applies RIAA equalization and boosts the signal from your cartridge to a line-level output that amplifiers and ultimately, speakers can process.

  • Some turntables include a built-in phono stage, making setup simple.
  • Others require an external phono preamp or an amplifier/active speaker with a phono input.
  • Additionally, the phono stage must match the cartridge type (moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) for playback. If an external phono preamp is required, ensure it matches the type of cartridge on the turntable.

Before buying, consider your existing gear to decide whether you need a turntable with this feature.

5. Price vs. Quality

Turntables range from affordable entry-level units to high-end audiophile models. But remember: not all expensive turntables are excellent, and not all affordable ones are lacking. The best choice depends on your needs, your existing system, and the features you value most.

When in doubt, reading reviews and speaking with experts—like team at Sound Approach—can help you find the perfect match.

Final Thoughts

A turntable is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s the heart of a vinyl setup. By considering movement type, tonearm design, speed compatibility, phono stage options, and price-to-quality balance, you’ll set yourself up for years of enjoyable listening.

Ready to take the next step? Browse our full selection of turntables, or  Contact our specialists for personalized advice.