The sound of a vinyl record evokes genuine emotions in many people who are familiar with analog sound. Today it is actively being revived and occupies its former positions. It's time to get out old records or buy new ones to appreciate familiar music in a different way.
Of course, this requires a suitable player that produces deep and clear sound. For example, the Stories model from Alive Audio is perfect; we’ll tell you about all its advantages today.
High quality sound
Some people like the sound of a record with natural wear and tear running on an old device.
But still, clear and deep sound without any flaws is perceived better. Delivering maximum pleasure from listening to your favorite compositions is the mission of the Stories vinyl player. Thanks to full-range 3-inch speakers, it was possible to build into the model power that is in no way inferior to other modern audio devices. At the same time, the belt drive ensures uniform playback of melodies, so that they will not be interrupted even for a second and nothing will interfere with enjoying the music to the fullest. The diamond-coated ceramic stylus glides flawlessly across the record and allows you to enjoy the unrivaled quality of smooth sound. The playback speed can be set to 33, 45 and 78 rpm. Thanks to this function, you can even listen to the same song several times. The device, on the one hand, is vintage, but corresponds to modern canons.
One of the advantages of Stories over its competitors is the presence of a bass reflex, which improves the reproduction of low frequencies. That is, the bass will sound much clearer than in models from other manufacturers with similar characteristics. This should especially appeal to fans of hip-hop, rap and other genres where bass plays a major role. You can safely buy records by 2Pac, Eminem and other artists to diversify your collection.
Learn more about the Stories player features
Features of vinyl players
It is important to understand that a vinyl player is not one, but several devices at once. In fact, these are four different devices, which not many people know about.
- Player. This is the base. Its task is to convert the mechanical vibrations of the needle (they are needed to read the grooves of the record itself) into an electrical signal.
- Phono stage. After the player, the signal enters this device. This device is needed in order to read the audio track itself. In order for it to be recorded on vinyl, it must be distorted in a certain way. This is done so that the audio tracks are narrow and a sufficient number fits. The task of the phono stage is to compensate for distortions and restore the primary and normal sound.
- Amplifier. It is needed to drive the speakers of the speakers.
- Acoustic system. This is the last device where the signal reaches. Here a reverse transformation occurs from an electrical signal into mechanical oscillations.
A modern record player is a solid device. There is no need to buy a huge number of additional products for it. Moreover, the higher quality and modern the device, the less everything comes with it. At first glance, this may seem counterintuitive, but in reality, experienced audiophiles tend to independently select the required additions to achieve the ideal sound. As a result, a modern home player is a device that already includes everything you need. Sometimes there are digital connectors (Bluetooth or USB) for easy connection to a PC, laptop, or smartphone. The latter makes it easy to save exclusive music tracks in digital format.
Impeccable style
In principle, a vinyl player in the interior looks organic. Stories is no exception and will fit harmoniously into a room of almost any style. You can choose from several color designs, each of which will definitely create the desired mood in the room. The neat shape and minimalistic finishing elements look aesthetically pleasing and fashionable. Such a device will be an original and beautiful gift for a loved one, because the player will perfectly perform at least a decorative function.
Stories cannot be accused of being similar to other players, since it is truly different from them. This is something between a portable “suitcase” and a large stationary device. 7, 10 and 12-inch records are suitable for playback, so no size restrictions will create inconvenience.
Vintage with a modern twist – this is the visual impression Stories creates, and this combination is definitely a winning one.
Support platter diameter and material
The supporting claim must be massive and reliable. Expensive vinyl players have models that do not create additional vibrations, as this degrades the sound.
Popular materials:
- metal – durable, vibration-resistant, massive;
- plastic – weighted, vibration-resistant, more accessible than metal;
- acrylic - technologically advanced, perfect; a review of vinyl players indicates that this material is used in expensive models;
- ceramics and glass are quite exotic materials, but not in terms of characteristics, but visually.
The diameter of the disk usually reaches 300 mm. Possible differences of 30 mm in both directions. Doesn't play a special role in listening. Additionally, it is worth considering the type of pickup and the shape of the tonearm, but this needs to be understood in detail. And simply buying a household vinyl player, the rating will help.
Functionality
Modern vinyl players are not only a unity of stylus and record, but also great variability in the use of the device for playing music from a variety of media.
So, you can connect digital devices to Stories in several different ways: 1) Bluetooth. Yes, the player very quickly turns into a portable speaker; you can play your favorite playlist on it, which is important not only for parties or get-togethers with friends, but also for variety in general;
2) AUX. It is needed to connect a headset to immerse yourself in thoughts and abstract from the world, or speakers to make the sound even louder and more powerful;
3) RCA port. Through it you can connect a full-fledged home stereo system. Then all your neighbors will hear your music, but you should be careful with this. However, the connector will definitely not be superfluous.
We conclude that the Stories player will be a smart purchase, even if you don’t have a single record yet, because you can enjoy clear sound by connecting your smartphone. And you can start collecting vinyl later, the main thing is motivation.
Find out more about the characteristics of the Stories model
TUBE PLAYER
In this article we will look at changes in the circuit of the Soviet record player, which was popular in the old days. I’ve been dreaming of owning a record player for quite some time; I’ve often heard about the amazing quality of the reproduced sound, its naturalness and other advantages.
So, for 500 rubles I was sold Radiotehnika 001–stereo, although without a belt. I found the passik in a radio parts store and then successfully installed it. During the analysis of the original electrical circuit, I came to the conclusion that the filling, in addition to the control circuit, only has a built-in pre-amplifier (it is impossible to listen to the player without a power amplifier). The original circuit is assembled using an op-amp and a pair of transistors. Therefore, I decided to change the circuit diagram, turning it into a full-fledged tube player with a built-in low-frequency power amplifier using the same tubes. As a UMZCH for a record player, I used the end of a popular circuit using 6P14P lamps.
It is not enough to amplify the sound with a preamplifier; the RIAA standard was imposed on record companies quite a long time ago. In short, record companies, in order to reduce noise, lower the level in the frequency spectrum of 40-60 Hz. So all players began to be equipped with phono stages, which restored this frequency range to the desired level. As a person who has tasted tube sound, I couldn’t put together anything for my home other than this :) After analyzing a bunch of radio circuits from various sites and forums, rejecting dozens of circuits, I found the only one that I liked.
Our 6n23p is suitable as an analogue of the lamp, we leave the part values the same, the capacitors are metal film and metal paper, depending on the possibility.
For the power supply, I tried several circuits, due to the lack of space inside the player’s case, the large dimensions of the power supply went by the wayside, the main thing was the low noise level.
I tried TAN, TSA, and TShS - everything was wrong. Many will say, “What does the transformer have to do with it, the main thing is the smoothing circuit?” There is a difference. We take the same filter, and so it behaved differently on all three transformers at the same voltage.
The noise came from both the filament and the anode, I tried to power the filament from a 14-volt battery (I had to change the power supply for the filament) - the sound improved, but still the noise of the anode made itself felt, and there were a couple of uninterruptible power supplies in the stash, I decided to use one It's just an experiment, especially since you don't need to make any changes.
We take the heat from the battery (which is recharging), and we make the anode by adding a 230 volt diode bridge, 2 electrolytes and a choke to the output, according to the classical scheme, the anode turned out nice, but what is it - the noise is still there!
I connected the negative terminal of the battery to the negative terminal of the anode through a 100 ohm resistor - and lo and behold! The noise has decreased.
Then I shorted it directly - and there is no background from the player at all. We collect everything and enjoy the sound from the record. Author: fez.
Tube Audio Forum
- POCKET TUBE AMPLIFIER WITH BATTERY
- TUBE FOR HOME AUDIO SYSTEM
- PREAMP FOR RECORD PLAYER
- VINYL PREAMPLIFIER RIAA
Environmental friendliness
Yes, Alive Audio players meet modern trends.
They can even be classified as eco-friendly. For example, the body of the Stories model is made of natural wood, and eco-leather is used as finishing: animal defenders can rest easy. Also, the materials used are very pleasant in terms of tactile sensations. This is important because interacting with the player should be a positive experience in every way. You can be sure that the device will maintain its aesthetic appearance for a long time. At least you will have a year of warranty so that if something happens, you can fix a malfunction or some external defect.
The players unite eras, delighting with their design and unsurpassed analog sound, so once you take a closer look, listen and it will be difficult to look away.
Alive Audio is a young British audio brand whose philosophy is based on the desire to preserve authentic values in our fast-paced lives filled with modern technology. The company's main passion is music, which creates mood and positive emotions. This is why the team is working on vinyl players, wireless speakers and various accessories for them: to please every customer, without exception. You can view the full product catalog on the website. Using promo code BTS20 you will get a 20% discount on the entire range.
Best players
When planning to buy a vinyl record player in Ukraine, you can pay attention to the most popular models. These include:
- Denon DP-29F – automatic with built-in phono stage, budget;
- Audio-TechnicaAT-LP3 – automatic with belt drive, anti-skating, budget;
- Audio-technica AT-LP120-USB HC – manually controlled using a direct drive, average in price;
- Audio-Technica AT-LP5X – hitchhiking with direct drive, aluminum disk, average in price;
- Gold Note Valore 400 – manually controlled using a belt drive, acrylic disk, expensive;
- Rega RP8 – manually controlled on a belt-type disc, glass disc, expensive.
Overall, the best turntable is tailored to the needs of the user. Price must also be taken into account.
