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The last five years have seen a substantial shift back to hard format styles of music.

It turns out that steaming, while convenient, lacks the romance and substance associated with vinyl, tape and CDs.
Stunning cover art, a sense of ownership and a warmer sound are just some of the reasons this format is making an epic comeback, although we personally argue these formats never left and as our long time customers will attest, they are the only true ways to enjoy the artists we love.

Vinyl records bring a sense of nostalgia and ritual to the music listening experience. Taking the record out of its sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and watching the needle drop can be an incredibly satisfying experience. It’s a ritual that has been repeated for generations, and it’s a great way to connect with music

Excitingly, we are now experiencing an influx of people keen to rekindle their relationship with vinyl and of course a younger crowd that are just now discovering all that comes with this thrilling hobby.

Naturally, with the resurgence, we are seeing a plethora of different turntable options landing on the market and it can be a confusing decision, especially for newbies.
So we want to answer a few of the questions we hear in store and give our readers as much information as we can so that you can make an informed decision and ensure your listening experience has you going back for more.

How much do I need to spend?
Simply put, you get what you pay for. There are some very cost-effective record players available and some very expensive, high-end players. Your needs (and budget) dictate where you sit in terms of spending.
As a rule we tend to steer people away from the cheaper suitcase style models. We have found they have poor quality and performance as well as a shorter shelf life. There are often issues with tracking as well and new vinyl can end up scratched. 

This is the time we see new listeners becoming disillusioned with the hobby due to poor sound.

You can usually find a decent entry level machine between $250 and $400. Mid level machines kick off from around $600 and high end turntables can be anywhere from $1500 to $15,000
The difference in price marries with sound quality. Spending a little more can mean the difference of having a counterweight, removable headshell or anti skate control.

What's Included?
Depending on the type of setup you plan to have there are a few key components you might need.

Turntable
OK, seems obvious. It houses the platter that holds (and spins) your record while it plays.

Pre-amp
Due to the low volume output of the needle and cartridge, the sound coming from the record needs to be amplified before it goes into the regular amplifier (hence the name “PRE-amp”). If you connect a turntable directly into a regular amplifier, you’ll hear the music, but you’d have to turn up the sound all the way to get it to a decent level. When you do that, you’ll hear all sorts of static and it might actually damage your amp.
Some turntables as well as some speakers have a pre-amp built in.

Amplifier
This is the stage between the pre-amp and the speakers. An amplifier can be found in various shapes and sizes and it all comes down to functionality and sound quality. Some people connect their pre-amp to their home theatre system. Others have a dedicated receiver for the smooth, vintage sound.

Speakers
Speakers are the final stage in the system. These are the ones that will connect to your ears. Do you want it loud? Get some floor-standing towers. Don’t have much room? Stick to a quality desk top speaker.

Belt drive or Direct drive?
This is really a personal preference and is well debated among audiophiles.
Direct drive turntables simply have the motor located beneath the platter, rotating it directly. Belt drive 'tables, on the other hand, have the motor offset – and wrapped around the spindle is a thin belt, almost always made from rubber, which hugs the main platter and rotates it like a pulley
Direct drive turntables obviously don't have a belt that will need to be replaced eventually and generally, direct drive turntables are stronger and are more speed-accurate, however, direct drive turntables can produce more vibration from the motor. These vibrations are dampened by the belt in belt-driven turntables.

What will you find at Rockaway Records?
At Rockaway we stock high quality Audio Technica entry level turntables between $290 and $800. 

We are always excited to chat with people about their listening needs and preferences and you are welcome to come in-store and listen to the available turntables and speakers. We can talk to you about how to set-up your machine and how to care for your turntable, stylus and vinyl records to ensure a longer life and better sound quality. 

If you need a system that we don't stock we are still happy to chat with you and recommend a reliable stockist because our main goal is setting you up with the system that is perfect for you. 

Why we choose Audio Technica?
Audio-Technica is a trusted brand in the audio industry that has been around for over 60 years. Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1962, Audio-Technica is one of the oldest and most respected audio equipment manufacturers in the world.

Audio-Technica has a long history of innovation and quality. They have developed and manufactured microphones, headphones, and other audio products for professional and consumer use. They have seen success in the music industry and have become a staple in many professional studios.

Audio-Technica has developed numerous advancements in the audio industry, such as the development of the world’s first dynamic microphone with a built-in pre-amp. They have also developed a range of affordable yet high-quality headphones and microphones for consumers, as well as professional-grade products for the studio.

The company is known for its commitment to quality and value. They have a strong reputation for producing reliable, durable, and high-quality audio products that stand the test of time. Their products are designed to last and are built with great attention to detail.

Audio-Technica is trusted by many of the world’s top musicians and producers, and their products have been used in countless hit records.

See what Turntables we sell at Rockaway