A Guide To Buying A Second-Hand Record Player Setup

If you are looking forward to buying a second-hand record player, you would want to get the best value for your money. And most often used turntables can provide the most benefit if you can find one in good condition. Since the technology involved in turntable setups hasn’t evolved much in the past few decades, you can find lots of used equipment available for sale. And many of these products can be as good as new ones. So how do you make the right purchase while buying a second-hand record player? This guide will help you with it.

Before You Start

Before you start looking for used record player setups, you should address the following points:

Set your budget and try to stick to it. So, it should be something you can afford. Find the best-used setup for this price.
A record player setup comprises of 3 units – turntable, amplifier, and speakers. It is recommended to spend equivalent amounts on all these three units. Follow a simple rule in this regard – look for similar quality in all three components.
If possible, test the equipment before buying. Even when buying online on platforms like eBay, it may be possible to check items if you collect them in person.
While modern postage and handling seem to have evolved to a reasonable degree, it is possible that the equipment can experience some bumps and shakes during transportation. Consider options of picking up the setup yourself.
You should be prepared to ask as many questions as you can. It is essential for two reasons. Firstly, you should be able to clarify all the things and feel comfortable about your purchase. Secondly, this should help you determine a few things about the seller. A good seller will not have any issues in answering your queries.
You should be ready to consider used setups with a few scratches here and there as long as it doesn’t interfere with the functioning. Such scratches can help you get some good bargains too.
Read reviews of the brand and models you are looking for at this time. It should somehow help you get a general idea of the sound and quality of the components. Find out if the sound quality meets your expectations.

As already mentioned, three components make up your record player setup. Consider the following points when evaluating each one of these units before buying a second-hand record player.

Turntable

While many record players can offer great value for money, you should still realize that you are buying an old one. Like anything else, the older the turntable is, the more likely it is to have issues. Consider the following points when assessing second-hand turntables:

Speed

Start with speed, and if the music seems slower or faster, it is so. If you cannot be sure about the rate with your natural sound hearing abilities, you can consider using a tool. You can use strobe discs or even apps to check speed. For example, you can open the right app and point the phone on the record player when it’s spinning.

If it is a direct drive player, you should take speed to be an essential factor. It is a common issue with these turntables that they cannot maintain a constant speed. A good test is to check if a player can spin one side of the record at 33 rpm without any changes in rate.

Then lift the needle off the platter and allow the dish to keep rotating. Now change the speed to 45 rpm and then switch back to 33 rpm. Check whether the player has the correct rate at all times.

Cartridges

Check the cartridge in the turntables. When it comes to used record players, it is often required to change the cartridges. It is recommended to purchase new cartridges too, when investing in a second-hand unit.

You should not only check the cartridge’s condition, but the type of cartridge mounting system used. For example, avoid a record player with the T4P mounting system. It is because it is difficult to find a new cartridge or needle replacement for these systems. Models of Audio Technica AT92 are, however, exceptions. At the same time, you should know that it is not possible to improve these players through a cartridge upgrade.

Automatics

When it comes to automatic, used record players, it is best to avoid them. Such units have a lot of automated features, including:

Resetting the tonearm to rest position
Automatic positioning
Repetition
Lowering the needle at the start

The more automatic features a turntable has, the more it is likely to have issues or develop issues in a shorter period. Remember that old unit can be anything from 20 to 35 years old.

Belt Drive

If you find interest in used turntables with belt drive, you should check the belt.

The belt shouldn’t be stretched
There should be no cracks in the tire

These signs mean that the belt will need a replacement and you should consider the costs.

Sub-chassis Turntables

When buying a used turntable that has a sub-chassis, check the spring’s condition. If the sub-chassis doesn’t stand right, it means that the springs are not set directly or they have failed. Keep in mind that once the spring has failed, it is not possible to set the sub-chassis to its ideal position. It means the following:

The platter cannot be set perfectly horizontally
Motor’s axis cannot be parallel to the plate’s axis
The sub-chassis cannot move freely

Upgradable Parts

Check how upgradable its parts are. Some of the arts that should be upgradable in the second-hand turntable include:

Platter: Heavier platters are better at reducing vibration
Stylus: These are easy to upgrade and make a huge difference. It is recommended to replace every 1,000 hours.
Tonearm: The condition and quality of the tonearm affect the consistency and accuracy of the record’s rotation.

Almost all components on a turntable should be replaceable.

Other Factors to consider before buying a second-hand record player

There are many other vital points to be considered when evaluating a used turntable.

Check the tonearm’s position. It should be able to move down, up, left, and right without any form of resistance. At the same time, however, it shouldn’t be too loose. You should also check the other functions of the turntable. It can include the lift system, including ‘cue’ in some record players. Also check the cover, if it stays in the up position when the record is changed.

When evaluating a used turntable, you should go beyond cosmetics. The visual aspects will not have much impact on the player’s function. It can, however, speak a lot about how the seller took care of the unit. So a good-looking record player means that it has been well taken care of and is in an excellent working condition too.

Even when the player works excellently but has certain cosmetic flaws, you should be able to negotiate and lower the price. Some of these signs include the following:

Missing hinges
Cracked cover
Greaseproof
Missing button

If possible, take the turntable to a service before purchasing. Many times, you save much more by buying a used turntable and getting it serviced than purchasing a new unit. An ideal service should include nothing more than maintenance and replacing a part or two.

The Amplifier

The next component in your record player setup is the amplifier (amp). The job of the amp is to shape the sound to your desire. Follow these tips when evaluating the amplifier in the used record player setup you will be considering to purchase.

Preamp

Check whether the amplifier requires a preamp. Preamps are necessary for raising the current and drive the speaker.

Check the amp whether it has a phono stage for plugging in the record player
Many amplifiers have a built-in preamp. It can be determined by looking for a terminal in the rear. Look for the label ‘phono’ on the back.
Some units require you to purchase a preamp and plug it into the amp for use with the record player

Sound

The sound produced by an amp can vary based on the manufacturer and model you choose. So even when checking used record player setups, you should already know which brand and model of amps match your personal listening preferences. It will require you to do more:

Visit message boards
Check reviews
Check sounds from different brands to determine which one suits you best

When buying turntable components, it is always recommended to listen before making a decision. Even when the seller claims that the amplifier or any other part is in perfect condition, you should emphasize on listening.

And even when you test it, make sure to listen at a loud volume. Look for the following problems:

Hiss
Buzz
Pops
Crackling
Fuzz
Distortion

If you hear these or any other sound, you should look for another amp. Check whether all the inputs and outputs work for the amplifier. You should also learn about the number of owners and service history of the device.

Connections

Next, you should check the amp for all the connections you require. You should also keep the future requirements in mind when evaluating this factor. You may want to add some digital components like a tuner or CD player to the setup shortly. In that case, the amplifier should have the connections to accommodate such components.

Speakers

It is the third principal component that completes that record player setup. And when buying a second-hand one, you should consider many factors to ensure that you are investing in a quality set of speakers. It should do all the justice to the turntable and the amplifier.

Design

Look for speakers that feature a design that blends into your room. Some of the different design options include:

Wall-mounted
Bookshelf
Floor-standers

These various units also feature different levels of qualities. You should do a little research to determine their sound quality and what sounds best for your personal preferences.

Cables

Usually, you should expect used speakers not to have all the cables required to connect and build the setup. It will be an excellent decision to purchase new cables. There are cables available with ‘burn-in’ that helps generate better sound quality.

Vintage Designs

Then you have the option to choose between modern and vintage speaker designs. The contemporary speaker manufacturers have created more innovative designs, but the contemporary market features more restrictive designs. It has been the case for many years now. So you are more likely to find speakers thin, tall, and frail cabinets without any personality.

But vintage designs have something more elegant and creative to offer in this regard. And this is why it can make more sense to invest in a second-hand record player setup that includes speakers from the yesteryears. Some of the key features here include:

Big, bold, and adventurous designs
Great emphasis on innovation and quality sound

When choosing the speakers, it is essential to realize that time and aging are going to affect them the same way other equipment gets affected. Speaker cabinets are mostly resilient, and you should check the drive units, rubber surrounds, and cones for any signs of deterioration. The drives can start showing signs of crumbling and cones can get punctured. Check the connections and ensure that the wiring is intact and not broken or degraded anywhere.

Final Thoughts on buying a second-hand record player!

So, make sure to view all these points when buying a second-hand record player setup. Each component should be individually evaluated. Installation cannot function effectively, even if one element has a functional flaw. So make sure to evaluate each part separately. It can be challenging to find a setup that has all three components working correctly and in good condition. It will take some time and research to find such units.