Although digital music is convenient and often sounds good depending on the headphones or sound system it's played through, more and more people are returning to buying and listening to music on records. There's something about the careful process of placing a record on a turntable that often makes the music feel more real or immediate. In addition, many people prefer the sound of a record.

Using a record player requires a bit more work, however, and it can sometimes be a little daunting to figure out what to buy or how to use it, especially considering how fragile records themselves can be. Researching the best record player and understanding why so many people have gone back to this format can often help people decide what to shop for.

Why Choose a Record Player?

Many people believe that turntables and record players are the same thing, but they're not. Turntables are simply the part of a record player that spins the record. It includes a table, a drive system, a needle, which reads the information on the record, and a glass case, which keeps the record safe as it plays. A record player includes not only the turntable but also a built-in sound system, including speakers and an amplifier. This makes record players relatively compact and quite convenient and easy to move or set up.

Many people prefer the sound of a record player or turntable to CDs or digital music because the sound of the music is exactly as the artist intended it to be heard. The music hasn't been compressed in any way. Compressed audio, such as that of digital music, can sometimes sound slightly off, and the tone may be somewhat distorted. Records, on the other hand, usually give the music a warm sound.

Modern Record Player Improvements

Over the years, record players have become stronger, more reliable, and can usually offer better sound. Modern record players may feature a better drive system, which is what spins the record. A direct drive system can offer instant thrust, which gets the record playing at the correct speed very quickly, as opposed to a drive belt, which takes a moment to speed up.

Modern record players also often offer upgrades such as USB connectivity. Although many record players already have a sound system built-in, this gives users more options when it comes to connecting the player to additional speakers or other sound systems.

Some record players are so modern that they use a laser instead of a needle. Lasers are incredibly precise and will never wear down a record, preserving the sound quality indefinitely. However, these record players are usually much more expensive.

The Best Record Players

Which record player is best for you depends largely on how you want to use it, what your budget is, and how much space you have. However, there are a few excellent brands to consider when searching for the ideal player:

• Audio-Technica - The Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB is considered to be one of the best record players on the market thanks to its amazing sound quality, small size, and ease of use. It's reasonably priced and includes a USB port, so music lovers have options when it comes to connecting to other speakers. For a slightly less expensive option, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is a good option. Although the cartridge in this player can't be replaced, most users enjoy the ease of use, good sound quality, and compact size.
• Fluance - The Fluance brand is also a good choice. Their players are reasonably priced and well-made. The Fluance RT81 features a belt drive but offers excellent sound quality.
• Pro-Ject Debut Carbon - This record player is a great option for those who have a bit more to spend and are looking for the best in sound quality. The player is also easy to use and set up.