The fourth annual Record Store Day is around the corner – April 16 – which means it’s perfect timing the perfect time to make sure you have the right equipment to jam out to your new (and, of course, old) vinyl. Check out recordstoreday.com to find participating stores in your area and to learn about the limited-edition, rare vinyl being released especially for Record Store Day the occasion. (Call your local record store to check if they’ll it will carry what you’re interested in.)
If you’re in the market for a new turntable, here are a few great options for all levels of audiophiles listeners. Even if you aren’t ready to spend, it can’t hurt to look …
Soundwagon
This little battery-powered VW van is tripping in a whole new way, and it’s journey is your destination – easy listening via its built-in speaker and needle exploring the grooves of any 33 1/3 rpm record you set it down upon. How’s that for portable?
The details: $96, soundwagon.jp
Marantz TT-15S1
You’ll be hard pressed to find a better deal on an audiophile turntable than this visual (and aural) stunner. The TT-15S1 is packed with components from Clearaudio, a high-end German audio company, that aren’t usually seen on turntables in this price range.
The details: $1,499.99, us.marantz.com
Music Hall – USB-1
Bridge the digital divide with this modestly priced entry from Music Hall. The turntable allows you to digitize your vinyl collection, so you can create mp3s of your records for easy iPod listening.
The details: $, musichallaudio.com
Crosley Revolution
Clamp this sleek, portable player down on your record of choice (33 1/3 or 45 rpm), whether you’re testing records at a store or need some tunes in the kitchen. Also features a headphone jack and a USB port for simple analog-to-digital conversion.
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The details: $149.95, crosleyradio.com