Music Hall is an American company that is dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-end audio components.
The record player, better known as the turntable, has been around for as long as recorded music have existed. With the decline of CDs and the rise in popularity of the digital format for music, the revival of vinyl records since the turn of the decade has surprised many music fans. There are more record shops than CD retailers in Singapore now, and turntables are making a comeback in homes. Setting up a turntable is not difficult. However, do avoid low-quality types as they would most likely damage your records.
HOW IT WORKS
The turntable has a round plate that turns clockwise. Most turntables can spin at two speeds: 331/3rpm (revolutions per minute) and 45rpm. Some brands are also able to play at 78rpm. A tone arm carrying a cartridge that holds a needle is then placed on the outer edge of the record. As it spins, the needle moves along the grooves of the vinyl. The vibrations from the record is picked up by the needle and cartridge, and are converted to electrical signals through a coil in a magnetic field. The signals are converted to sound and amplified to the speakers.
ASK BEFORE YOU BUY
You would need an amplifier and a pair of speakers for your turntable. Some amplifiers do not have a phono input that’s required. However, some turntables come with a built-in phono amp that enables you to connect it to an amplifier without phono input. If you have old records that play at 78rpm, look for turntables that are able to play at that speed. Some brands also come with USB connectivity for you to digitise your record collection.
OUR PICKS
Music Hall MMF-5.3, $1,450 (Black)
Music Hall is an American company that is dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-end audio components. With high-quality parts, the MMF-5.3 turntable sounds amazing. There is, however, no built-in phono amp or USB output, as this is an audiophile turntable, and you probably want it to be paired up with a high-end amplifier and speakers. It plays two speeds and comes with the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge properly aligned and mounted. Looks-wise, its high-gloss piano black finish is simply gorgeous.
The MMF-5.3 is distributed by Hear Records, Block 5 Banda Street #01-98, tel: 6221-3221.
Teac TN-400S, $699
This is an impressive-sounding modern turntable that comes with built-in phono amplifier and USB output, which gives you the ability to digitise your vinyl collection on a Mac or PC. It is fully manual, plays three speeds (331/3rpm, 45rpm and 78rpm) and is solidly built. To top it off, its oak wood finish is stunning to behold.
The NT-400S is exclusively available with the cartridge upgraded to the Ortofon 2M Red at Retrophonic Records, #02-08 Chinatown Plaza, 34 Craig Road, tel: 6220-8489.
Audio Technica AT-LP3, $388
Audio Technica is one of the more established brands for turntables and this is possibly its best item at this entry-level price range. Designed for casual listeners, the AT-LP3 looks elegant and sounds good. It’s easy to set up and user-friendly, as it is fully automatic. It plays two speeds and comes with a built-in phono amp to be used with any amplifier or powered speaker.
Visit http://sea.audio-technica.com/retail for store listing.
