STACK #213 July 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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What’s the deal with turntables?

In short, there are two types of turntables – belt-driven and direct drive. As the name suggests, belt-driven turntables connect the platter (where you place the record) to the motor via an elastic belt. With direct drive turntables, the platter is connected directly to the motor. We could write a feature on the differences and pros and cons, but in short, direct drives are favoured by DJs where manipulating speeds or direction is needed. Belt drives absorb vibrations more effectively and deliver a purer sound, making them a popular choice with audiophiles. Easier to use, belt drives are a great option for beginners. Bluetooth connectivity is a feature that has become more popular with turntables. While still functioning as a traditional analogue turntable, an internal Bluetooth transmitter converts the analogue signal into digital so it can be transmitted to wireless speakers. Having a turntable with Bluetooth connectivity really offers the best of both worlds. So, do I need a pre-amp? If you’re going to employ powered speakers (more on these later), you need a pre-amp. You can buy these as a separate component, but the best option if you’re looking to build a system on a budget is buying a turntable with a

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built-in pre-amp. Without getting too technical, a pre-amp converts the cartridge's signal when it engages the grooves on a record and boosts it to an audible level before sending it to the amplifier. What about an amp? Amplification is needed for speakers to work, so an amp typically forms part of a system. However, one way of circumnavigating the need to buy an amp and speakers (quite a costly investment) is to buy a pair of powered bookshelf speakers. These speakers are called 'active' because they have a built-in amplifier, so you don’t need to add a separate amp. Beyond the obvious fiscal advantages, more neophytes are turning to powered bookshelf speakers for their ease of use, and the lack of space required to set them up. Having a stereo arrangement instead of a single Bluetooth speaker is also beneficial from a listening perspective. Most modern powered bookshelf speakers will offer Bluetooth connectivity, and some will house an AUX input for a wired connection to a turntable to cover all bases.

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Words Paul Jones

T he cynics out there decried the rebirth of vinyl as a flash in the pan when it first started making headlines seven or eight years ago. In 2020, vinyl outsold CDs for the first time in 30 years and, despite popular belief, it’s not just the older generation searching for analogue salvation. Records have, pardon the pun, struck a chord with a younger audience, who are all too wise to the aural benefits of putting wax on the platter. Year on year, vinyl sales continue to rise at an unbelievable rate, with demand far outstripping supply. While old time record enthusiasts will say vinyl never went away in the first place, there’s little doubt

that the humble 12-inch long player is back with a vengeance. Buying vinyl and building a collection is one thing, but the real magic comes through the enjoyment of playing it, not just for the tangible appreciation, but for the incomparable sound. Like anything in the audio world, setting up a system can range from a few hundred bucks for a budget turntable and speakers to something you’d expect to find in Tony Stark’s penthouse. You don’t need a millionaire’s budget to be in the game – a good turntable and active bookshelf speakers are a great place to begin your journey.

30 JULY 2022

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