For several years, thevinyl turntable industry is making a comeback. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a curious young novice, thechoosing a vinyl turntable can be more difficult than you might think. Among a wide variety of models, two types of vinyl turntables stand out: the manual vinyl turntable and the automatic vinyl turntable.
maPlatine.com will try to enlighten you as best as possible on the subject, in order to allow you to make the best choice according to your needs!
1. Overview
THE manual and automatic record players share a common characteristic: music. Of course, we don't teach you anything about that. However, these two models do not work in the same way. As their names indicate, one is used manually (understand “by hand”) and the other automatically (without human intervention).
A vinyl turntable is a devicecomposed of different elements. Each vinyl turntable is equipped with an arm made up of a phono cell, to be able to play your best black discs. THEstylus (the tiny tip coming from the cell) comes to rest gently on the vinyl record.
There are two ways to do this: manually grab the arm and place it delicately on the surface of thevinyl record (or using the arm lift, for greater safety), or let the device do it for you automatically. This is where the main difference between a manual turntable and an automatic turntable.
To stop, same principle: on a manual, you gently remove the arm using the arm lift, while on an automatic you switch the On/Off button.
It should be noted that the manual vinyl turntables are the most widespread on the market. Even today, they continue to seduce and meet the majority of the current needs of audiophiles. Many of them also perceive it as a “realvinyl turntable ».
2. Significantly different mechanisms
2.1. Manual turntable: advantages and disadvantages
A manual vinyl turntable requires several technical manipulations, such as lowering the tone arm or monitoring the vinyl when it reaches its end. Some will see this as very tedious tasks. Others, for their part, will see these gestures as rituals in their own right, which are the charm of vinyl turntables.
A manual vinyl turntable therefore requires a certain delicacy in the execution of gestures. Indeed, too rough handling could damage the plate, particularly thephono cells. Its mode of operation simply requires gentle handling and confidence in the execution of gestures. Precaution is therefore essential!
Unlike the automatic turntable, the manual turntable has the advantage of avoiding technical problems linked to mechanical wear. Which allows him to have a average lifespan estimated at 10 years.
2.2. Automatic turntable: advantages and disadvantages
The automatic vinyl turntable has, on the contrary, the advantage of minimizing the risks of mishandling of the phono cartridge, since it is placed and removed automatically once listening is finished. Everything is automated by the device. As you will have understood, this type of vinyl turntable requires significantly less handling, so the risk of damage and wear is lower.
However, the automatic vinyl turntable can potentially cause technical problems. Like the mechanism oftone arm is automatic, the risks of breakdowns and mechanical problems are higher than with a manual vinyl turntable. As for its lifespan, it is around 5 years, which is less than that of manual vinyl turntables.
Finally, the arm of the automatic vinyl turntable is often of lower quality, compared to that of a record player manual. This represents a certain obstacle to the possibilities ofupgrade, and in particular concerning the association of Hi-Fi cells.
That your vinyl turntable either manual or automatic, one common point still remains: whatever the type chosen, it requires regular maintenance. We think in particular of replacing the cell at the first signs of wear, greasing and cleaning the well, or even changing thebelt on average every 5 years.
3. Manual or automatic: which side to choose?
3.1. Choosing a manual vinyl turntable
As said previously, themanual vinyl turntable is a type of turntable very popular and widespread for its audiophile qualities.
This model has evolved significantly over the decades to result today in sober, modern vinyl turntables with faithful sound reproduction. A large number of manual vinyl turntables are available on the analog market, in a very wide price range. Prices differ depending on the model, the manufacturer and the fineness of assembly.
Depending on your musical tastes, certain models of vinyl turntables will be more suitable than others. For example, theRega Planar 3 manual turntable will prove to be a very good choice if you listen to rock or derivatives of that genre. The Austrian manufacturerPro-Ject, leader in vinyl turntables today, also offers a wide choice of record players, which have the particularity of being versatile in terms of musical styles listened to.
3.2. Choosing an automatic vinyl turntable
Some will tell you that theautomatic vinyl turntable is rather dedicated to beginners, to an audience not very experienced and informed about the history of vinyl.
Requiring less handling, it therefore remains very practical and easy to use. The automatic vinyl turntable proves to be a wise choice for people with reduced mobility or who do not have complete confidence in their movements. A model like the Dual CS 429 turntable will for example be a good choice: it is fully automated, inexpensive and with a completely correct result considering its price.
Some brands specialize in the design of automatic vinyl turntables. The buildersThorens or evenDual are among the references in this field.
It must be remembered that each vinyl turntable, whether manual or automatic, corresponds to an audiophile profile very particular, depending on the needs and expectations of each person. There is something for all tastes and budgets!
If your choice is still not established, know that there are alsoso-called “semi-automatic” vinyl turntables. These record players are a subtle mix of the two models analyzed previously. Here, the arm automatically rises and the turntable stops when the record is finished playing. However, you must replace the arm yourself. There semi-automatic vinyl turntable could be a good compromise!
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We hope that these tips have allowed you to see a little more clearly about the differences between manual turntable and automatic turntable. We remain at your disposal by telephone (0 810 810 121) orby message to help you inyour choice of turntable.
