12 Best Turntables (2024), tested and reviewed

Vinyl Hearing Accessories and Tips

The main accessory that the turntable may need is the record preamp before plugging into the system, if it is not built-in. The phono preamp takes the natural quiet signal of the turntable and raises it to the line level – the level you want for your stereo level for CD players, tape decks and digital devices. The phonograph signal is usually passed to the amplifier via the red and white RCA inputs on the back. There are many good cheap options for phono preamps. We love the Art DJPREII ($65). Volume VP29 ($59) is another good option, while the turn-around Pluto 2 ($109) is the same as the built-in with some of its top turntables. I won’t spend less than $50, but you don’t need to spend crazy money either. You can skip those that cost hundreds of dollars until you have a better turntable, but if you want to upgrade further, I love the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo Preamp ($199).

If you want a super simple speaker that matches perfectly with your luxury turntable (especially track theory), the turn-around spirit speaker ($449) is a fun option. Reviewer Ryan Waniata initially acknowledged lower expectations. Their design is stout and stylish, but has no apps or remote, and lacks input (only 3.5mm, RCA and Bluetooth 5.1) offers less versatility than most powered bookshelf speakers. The small buzz on the power supply is a clear sign of their effective toroidal transformer, while A/B amplification keeps the vinyl in the simulation field. Their sweet sound signature provides depth, instrumental texture and hasty dynamics. He likes their records, like my preferred tester, Brubeck Take 5though he wishes there were some equations to relax on the pressure of the brighter Japanese Beatles. On friction. You will get modest input and controls, but if you are going to boldly simulate simplicity in the purest way, then the spirit will pass on.

Photo: Ryan Waniata

If you want more adaptable speakers, you’ll find a great choice in our best bookshelves speakers and best fever gear guide (also linked) as well as amplifiers and other gear.

The other basics you need are related to maintenance and setup. You will need a record brush (usually included in the turntable), a way to clean the stylus, and making sure the turntable is properly set. Check out this video to see exactly what you need to do before playing the first record. Additionally, Wired Contribution editor Chris Haslam is currently testing record-breaking incorrect devices, so we’ll be sure that if it ends up working as planned, add as soon as possible.

Finally, if you need a place to store all the LPs and 45s you are buying, try Flipbin. The company has made beautiful desktop bins to display and protect your records safely. Check out our guide to the best vinyl accessories for more information.