

Because records are different thicknesses and cartridges have slightly different sizes, many tonearms offer a way to adjust this.Most of the turntable models I've tested for this buyer's guide have at least something to recommend them - whether it be design, sound quality or both.

Phono preamp (aka phono stage): A phono preamp is needed to amplify and equalize the sound coming from vinyl.This is adjusted at the end of the tonearm opposite the cartridge. Apply too much and you’ll cause excessive wear of the stylus and the record itself. Apply too little and the cartridge and arm will bounce around, skipping constantly. Tracking force (5): Cartridges are designed to apply a particular amount of force to a record, specified in grams.
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To learn about the difference between these two methods, read “ Outgrown Your Starter Record Player? Here’s How to Shop for a Quality Turntable.”

Direct-drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter. In a belt-drive turntable (like the one in our photo example), an elastic belt connects the motor to the platter and spins it.
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Some turntables and record players have Bluetooth transmitters to stream your vinyl collection to a receiver, speaker, or pair of headphones. Bluetooth and other connections: Most all-in-one record players include a Bluetooth receiver, and many include analog audio inputs to connect other audio sources.Speakers: For the all-in-one record players, we focused on models that have built-in speakers, rather than those that come with a separate set of stereo speakers.Phono preamp: Since so many audio receivers come with a built-in phono preamp, we didn’t consider it a mandatory inclusion in every turntable we tested, though we made sure to include at least one pick that had a phono preamp built in.Ease of use: We valued the inclusion of features that make a turntable easier to use, such as direct speed switches, auto-stop functionality, a cue lever to raise and lower the tonearm, and simple tracking-force adjustment dials.Drive method: We tested both belt-drive and direct-drive turntables for this guide.We did not put a price cap on all-in-one record players, but most of them cost less than $300. Price: We looked at dedicated turntables priced around $600 or less, since our focus is on products with the greatest quality-to-cost ratio.
