In today’s vinyl renaissance, it’s tempting to grab a budget turntable and dive into record collecting without much thought. But as with most things, you get what you pay for—and when it comes to turntables, a cheap option can actually hurt your experience in more ways than one. Here’s why settling for a bargain turntable is often a mistake, especially if you care about sound quality, protecting your vinyl, and enjoying hassle-free listening.
Cheap turntables are notorious for skimping on quality parts—substandard cartridges, unstable tonearms, and inferior platters. These are all critical elements in delivering the rich, nuanced sound that vinyl is known for. A poorly engineered tonearm or cartridge on a budget model can cause mistracking, leading to distorted or thin audio that misses the depth vinyl lovers crave. For example, the SpinDeck 2 uses a quiet belt-drive system that isolates motor vibrations from affecting your music, along with a high-quality, light-tracking Audio-Technica magnetic cartridge that ensures your records sound clear and full.
Vinyl records are delicate, and cheap turntables can wear them down over time. Budget models often apply too much tracking force on the record’s grooves, leading to unnecessary wear and damage. This is a huge problem for collectors since scratched or worn records can become unplayable—and if your collection includes rare or hard-to-find albums, replacing them could be impossible. Investing in a high-quality turntable like the SpinDeck 2, which features a fully adjustable counterweight and a standard ½” cartridge mounting system, ensures you can fine-tune the tracking force and treat your records with the care they deserve.
Many low-cost turntables lack important convenience features that make vinyl listening a breeze. Take the SpinDeck 2, for instance, which kicks convenience up a notch with its automatic end-of-record tonearm lift and return feature. At the end of each side, the tonearm automatically lifts and returns to its rest, eliminating the need to manually stop the record—ideal for preventing unnecessary stylus wear. Plus, starting and stopping the turntable is simple: remove the tonearm from the arm rest to start the platter, and return it to stop. These thoughtful features make a big difference in your day-to-day use.
Many budget turntables are designed to work only with specific systems, meaning you’ll face limitations when trying to connect them to a broader audio setup. The SpinDeck 2 solves this problem with a built-in RIAA Phono preamp, making it compatible with virtually any system, even if you don’t have a Phono input. Plus, the preamp can be bypassed if your system already includes one, such as with Andover Audio’s SpinBase or SpinBase MAX. Flexibility like this is key for anyone looking to grow their vinyl setup over time.
Cheap turntables are often made with flimsy plastic parts, making them more prone to breaking or producing unwanted vibrations that interfere with your listening experience. In contrast, the SpinDeck 2 boasts a sturdy MDF plinth, available in black or white, with soft rubber vibration-isolating feet that provide stability and skip-free playback. This durable construction ensures a longer-lasting turntable that won’t succumb to wear and tear.
Budget turntables typically lack upgrade options, locking you into subpar performance from the start. Once you outgrow it, there’s little room for improvement. Higher-quality turntables, on the other hand, often allow for customization and upgrades, giving you the flexibility to improve your listening experience as your collection grows. The SpinDeck 2 features a fully adjustable tonearm and standard cartridge mounting system, making it easy to swap out cartridges or fine-tune your system as needed.
While the low price of a budget turntable may be tempting, the downsides—poor sound quality, the risk of damaging your records, limited functionality, and fragile construction—far outweigh the initial savings. A well-engineered turntable like the SpinDeck 2 offers far better value by providing superior sound, convenience, and longevity, ensuring your vinyl experience is as enjoyable as possible.
When you invest in quality, you’re not just buying a turntable—you’re preserving your records, enhancing your sound, and making sure every listening session is a joy from start to finish.
