🎧 Turntables 101: How to Build a Great Beginner Vinyl Setup
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Getting into vinyl? Your turntable setup is the foundation of your entire listening experience. But that doesn’t mean you need to drop thousands — you just need the right pieces that work well together.
Here’s how to build a simple, great-sounding vinyl setup that won’t chew through your wallet or your records.
🪛 1. The Turntable: Keep It Simple, Skip the Gimmicks
Start with a reliable, beginner-friendly turntable that won’t damage your records. Look for something with:
- A decent cartridge/stylus (usually pre-installed)
- Switchable phono preamp (so it can plug straight into powered speakers)
- Belt-drive (for better isolation) or direct-drive if you plan to DJ
Recommended entry-level turntables in 2025:
- Audio-Technica AT-LP60X (plug-and-play)
- Pro-Ject Primary E
- Rega Planar 1
- Fluance RT81
💡 Avoid suitcase-style players — they look fun but often have cheap tonearms and tracking that can damage your vinyl.
🔊 2. Speakers: Powered or Passive?
You have two basic options:
- Powered speakers (e.g. Edifier, Kanto, Audioengine): Plug the turntable straight in. No amp needed.
- Passive speakers + amp: More flexibility, better upgrade path, and usually better sound.
For beginners, powered speakers are easier — no cables, no guessing, just plug and play.
🔌 3. What Else You’ll Need
- Slipmat (comes with most turntables — felt, cork, or rubber)
- Record brush (carbon fibre, anti-static — clean before & after playing)
- Stable surface (don’t place your turntable on top of speakers or rattly furniture)
- Dust cover (or keep it covered between plays)
🛠️ 4. Future Upgrades to Consider
Once you’re a few months in, you might want:
- A cartridge upgrade (e.g. moving from AT91 to AT95 or Ortofon 2M Red)
- External phono preamp (improves signal quality)
- Isolation feet or a proper record shelf
🎶 Want More Help?
We cover this and more in our Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Vinyl in 2025. Or jump into our next article:
👉 What Vinyl Records Should You Start With?