TURNTABLES: A QUICK GUIDE

Bluetooth Streaming wirelessly is convenient, but far from hi-res, although you can improve audio quality by looking for aptx which plays at 16-bit/44.1khz and is comparable to CD quality. Aptx HD is the next step and will become popular over the next few years, boasting hi-res 24-bit/48khz, which is better than CD quality.

Setup All but the most basic turntables require initial tweaking. You’ll need to adjust the counterweight to avoid skipping or unnecessary wear on your record. Some turntables come with a tracking force gauge – a see-saw scale to balance the needle on. If not, they only cost a few pounds.

Phono stage Turntables with built-in phonostage can be plugged directly into an amplifier or streamed to speakers/headphones. Without one, you’ll need a separate phono pre-amp between it and the amplifier.