Top 12 Soviet vinyl players. What we listened to “Melody” on (12 photos)

Author: Yugansk

06 March 2022 21:01

Tags: Vinyl player USSR Photos. spinner interesting  

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Free-standing vinyl players did not appear in the USSR immediately; somewhere until the mid-1970s, the market was dominated by electrophones, that is, essentially, music centers that included both amplifiers and speaker systems. However, at a certain point there was a turn towards component audio, and Soviet audiophiles and hi-fi lovers were rewarded for their long wait. This selection contains some of the best turntables of the USSR, among which there are clones, but still...

1.

Seventh place - Estonia EP 010

Excellent spinner with full automatic mincing. Why full? This is a turntable in which you can change tracks, just like a CD player. True, it does not come with a remote control, and you have to switch tracks by clicking the buttons.

Of course, this is not for everyone. Estonia EP 010 makes a very good impression - such rich, chic plastic, in general, looks cool. It is so thin, closed on top with a protective polished, dark lid. Cool!

Estonia EP 010 generally has a very, very cool design itself, this workbench looks quite interesting. It consists of two tonearms - this is a regular tonearm, where there is a needle, and next to it is a second tonearm, where there is a track tracking sensor.

​​​​​​​TOP 5 vinyl players

The five most purchased turntables from DNS from March to July 2022.

It would seem that in the 21st century there is little that can compete with the convenience of digital technology. All information fits into portable devices, and bulky media is a thing of the past. But vinyl records are timeless classics that still attract many connoisseurs. For some, this is a tribute to retro fashion, while others respect vinyl for its special “tube” sound. And we suggest choosing the best player for the warmest vinyl evenings.

5th place

The TOP opens with a compact, thin player from SONY and the only one on the list made in a modern design. Users note clear sound and smooth, even playback without jumps or jerks, even from old vinyl records. The player operates on a classic belt mechanism with a smooth, even motion. The support disk for records with a diameter of 295 mm is made of aluminum - it is much stronger and stronger than plastic, and therefore more wear-resistant. The tonearm is straight with a durable diamond stylus on the pickup, designed for 1,000 hours of quality playback.

To suppress noise and crackling, the player has a built-in sensitive phono preamplifier, which allows you to achieve detailed and high-quality sound. True, on the issue of the quality of the phono preamplifier, the opinions of buyers are divided depending on the individual perception of sound: some think that it copes with the task “with a bang,” while others note that the phono preamplifier is of rather low quality. By the way, this player is equipped with a sound digitization system to record tracks from a record in MP3 format. A very useful feature for owners of unique records.

4th place

One line above , the ION Audio Vinyl Motion is a sleek turntable housed in a retro suitcase with a conveniently portable handle. The model is quite simple in functionality and does not have a phono stage. Plays all records at three speeds: 33, 45 and 78 rpm. It works the same way as the previous one - on a belt drive. The device can be connected to a computer to digitize recordings, just like SONY. However, as buyers note, the quality of digitization depends on the quality of the recording of the record and does not always remain satisfactory.

A huge plus is that the player can work completely autonomously for 4 hours, after which it can be charged via a USB cable. This is a very convenient function for those who do not want to part with vinyl even on vacation. Additional interfaces include an RCA connector and a 3.5 mm jack.

3rd place

Crosley Executive Brown & Black is a model for true connoisseurs. A stunning antique case, trimmed with faux leather, with brass-look metal inserts and an elegant handle, instantly transports thoughts to the distant past and sets the mood for true vinyl retro parties. However, the elegant body hides a modern filling. This is a belt-driven turntable with a straight tonearm and rotation speeds of 33, 45 and 78 rpm. To suppress sound defects and noise, there is a powerful phono stage that will make even the oldest recordings sound clean in a new way. It is possible to transfer vinyl recordings to digital format, just like previous topovs. USB, RCA and 3.5 mm jack connectors are neatly located on the back of the case. The player can also work autonomously - from regular or rechargeable batteries or from USB.

2nd place

“Silver” goes to the next model of the ION . In the battle for the most original design, this player will clearly not give up its position. Instead of a blank case, there is a smooth, elegant platform made of real wood, a minimum of unnecessary parts, neatly and subtly executed functional elements and connectors hidden under a wooden panel. The model is made so well that even a plastic cover to protect fragile working components does not spoil the authenticity of the style. The design is the calling card of the model, but the functionality is similar to other models: belt drive, direct tonearm, software for digitizing sound recordings, three rotation speeds. There is no phono stage, but there are built-in stereo speakers for portable and easy music listening. They are small and cannot boast of particularly powerful sound, but if you do not have external acoustics, or you are going on a visit with the player, the speakers will come to the rescue. The connectors are the same USB, RCA and 3.5 mm jack.

1 place

The player from Crosley , which has won the maximum attention of buyers, is not inferior to its brother in third place in performance. Only now, instead of strict leather, the case is made in coffee-brown tweed - the classic London “Dandy” style, no less! The player is belt driven, and customers note smooth rotation without jerking at all speeds. The tonearm has a straight shape and fits securely into the mounting slots to prevent vibration and breakage when carrying the player. The model has built-in 3 W stereo speakers: buyers note fairly clear and loud sound even without an external connection. The built-in phono stage carefully “cleanses” vinyl recordings of sound noise. But there is no possibility of digitization. There is also no USB connector here, but only because more advanced Bluetooth is provided instead.

The best Soviet vinyl player

In the vast expanses of the post-Soviet space, the debate is still ongoing about which model of vinyl player is better. Engineers tried to create a unique analog sound. This is why vintage technology continues to be popular today. With minor upgrades to the device, you can get high-quality analog sound.

Electronics B1-01: universal model

According to many audiophiles, the best vinyl players in the USSR are Electronics B1-01. Devices B1-011 and B1-04 are almost identical in sound.

• table made of natural wood;
• excellent technical characteristics of the tonearm and anti-skating;
• aluminum switches;
• classic design;
• hard, durable drive and shell.

Model B1-01 was developed and released back in the 60s. I worked on production. The package was supplemented with an “SME” tonearm. The team of Tbilisi engineers spent a lot of time and effort to get the perfect sound.

Technical features of the device:

• playback is carried out using a belt drive;
• cast disc, entirely composed of powerful zinc;
• the engine operates at low speeds;
• unsurpassed quality of the chassis, tonearm and platter bearing;
• minimum amount of bending vibrations through the use of a cast top panel;
• The tonearm is rigid because it consists of a thick tube.

Naturally, the model is imperfect. However, with the right setup at home you can get amazing sound.

You can buy a vinyl player at a good price here: https://audiovideomir.com.ua/proigrivatel-vinila/. To ensure stable disk rotation, the device will need:

• the surface of the axle must be well polished, and the bearing bushing must remain stationary;
• the disk is static and motionless;
• the belt is polished using a special material, so it acquires the structure of thin sandpaper;
• Spindle oil lubricant is evenly distributed between the rubbing surfaces.

Vintage vinyl players are provided with a high-quality rubber mat, under which you should additionally place a circle of woolen fabric.

Electronics-012: improved model

Modern players generate perfectly accurate and powerful sound. In the model of this sample, the manufacturer uses a number of improvements:

• innovative generator and auto-stop circuit;
• tonearm design;
• external characteristics;
• more comfortable control.

Electronics EP-017: a great player

The design of the model uses a unique tonearm. It is driven by an electric motor. The device operates on feedback, which produces electrodynamic damping. The company's engineers tried to provide for all the nuances of the process, so they improved the entire circuitry.

The tonearm moves freely during operation. Its high-quality fastening can be felt when manually moving it to the left or right. It gives the complete impression that the tonearm is literally hanging in the air. The movements are so smooth, as if they are being carried out through butter.

You can feel this difference in movement with your own hands. However, you won't be able to easily see the differences in circuit design. The manufacturer uses direct drive. The tonearm reproduces high-quality sound even from a curved record that other devices cannot play.

All the vinyl players described above have excellent characteristics for producing clear sound. According to many audiophiles, the best among them is Electronics B1-01. Its technical characteristics are enough to compete with any foreign model. The manufacturer additionally left the possibility of upgrading the device during use.

By modifying any model, you can get excellent analog sound, so vintage equipment will never cease to be popular. Manufacturers have checked the quality of every detail, so the player will withstand even long-term intensive use.

JetAudio

The multifunctional JetAudio program from COWON Systems is a multimedia player with additional functions for processing media files. It easily replaces several programs for converting, transcoding and recording music for home (non-professional) use. The product is published in two versions: free Basic and paid Plus VX.

For DJs?

Some people, especially far from music lovers and everything connected with it, believe that vinyl is a relic of the past, used only by DJs. However, this is absolutely not true.

DJs don't play vinyl.

There are many reasons for this, but the most important one is impracticality. There is also the inconvenience that inevitably arises when carrying and connecting (especially older models).

Today, DJs play new generation records on turntables with a time code, which the computer uses to determine where the needle is and at what speed the record is spinning.

Basic terms

In the following picture you can see the main components of a vinyl player:

Faceplate (table) is a disk on which a record is placed when listening. As a rule, it has a large mass, which allows, due to inertia, to stabilize the speed of rotation of the plate. Usually a rubber or felt mat is placed on top of the faceplate to prevent damage to the record.

The tonearm is the lever to which the pickup head is attached.

The counterweight is an integral part of the tonearm. This is a weight that allows you to balance the tonearm and adjust the clamping force of the stylus.

Adjusting the anti-skating force compensator (or, in simple terms, anti-skating).

Pickup head (cartridge). The most important part of an analog audio system. It is the cartridge that reads the audio track, so the quality of playback mainly depends on it. I plan to devote a separate post to cartridges and needles.

It’s worth immediately understanding and remembering the main thing: a vinyl player must have a replaceable cartridge, an adjustable counterweight and an anti-skating setting

. Otherwise you can't buy it. Many very cheap players (for example, Audio-Technica AT-LP60, Denon DP-29F or Pioneer PL-990) have a cartridge as part of the tonearm, so their sound cannot be improved in the future. Some turntables allow you to change the head, but do not have an adjustable counterweight. This means that you will be forced to buy the same cartridge all the time, and if it is suddenly discontinued, the player can be thrown away.

However, there are exceptions to any rule. For example, the need for adjustable counterweight and anti-skating does not apply to players designed for T4P cartridges (more on this below).

New or vintage?

The main question that new vinyl lovers ask is: is it worth spending money on a new vinyl player or can you buy something old and inexpensive? As usual, there is no clear answer to this question.

The good thing about new equipment is that it is new and if any problems arise, you can contact the service under warranty.

Old equipment is good primarily because of its cost. For the price of a new entry-level turntable, you can buy a very good turntable from the 70s or 80s. Additionally, older players usually offer a higher level of comfort to users. This is primarily due to the fact that the maximum level of quality when playing vinyl was achieved already in the early 70s, but at the same time, manufacturers had to somehow sell new models of players. That is why turntables with auto-stop, fully automatic turntables (with auto-stop and automatic needle feed), etc. have become popular. Today, vinyl players are bought mainly by fans of analog sound, for whom completely manual control is an attractive part of the overall experience.

It should be understood that old turntables are usually already 25-40 years old, so they need at least preventive maintenance: cleaning, lubricating and replacing electrolytic capacitors. If you can do it yourself, good, but if not, then the cost of preventative maintenance/minor repairs can sometimes be comparable to the cost of the turntable itself.

One more thing: there is a possibility that when you buy an old vinyl player, you will receive a high-end cartridge in the load. True, it will almost certainly need to replace the needle, and good needles for good old cartridges are not cheap. This is also worth taking into account.

If you decide to purchase a vintage turntable, then you should pay attention first of all to the simplest models, devoid of complex automation and digital control circuits - simply because many of the chips used in old turntables have long been discontinued, so if the automation fails repairs will be almost impossible. On the other hand, later turntables, stuffed with electronics, are usually very simple from a mechanical point of view, which is also a plus.

Drive: direct or belt?

By and large, all turntables are divided into two types[^1]: with direct drive (when the table is mounted directly on the motor axis) or with belt drive (when rotation is transmitted using a rubber belt).

Direct drive turntables tend to pick up speed faster and are great for scratching and other DJ stuff. Belt drive spinners accelerate more slowly, but generally provide greater rotational uniformity (lower detonation coefficient) and less rumble.

Of course, there are exceptions to all rules, there are very good direct drive players, and bad belt drive players. But if I were to buy a direct drive turntable today, it would definitely have:

• quartz speed stabilization...
• and/or a linear motor with a large number of magnetic poles.

The main disadvantage of players with a belt drive is the need to periodically (every few years) change the belt, because the rubber loses its elasticity over time and the player begins to “howl.” In my opinion, this is quite possible to live with.

Cartridge support: 1/2" or T4P?

A standard turntable cartridge is attached to the tonearm with screws and has mounting holes spaced 1/2 inch apart:

Everything would be fine, but these cartridges have very different geometries, weights and clamping force requirements. As a result, after installing the cartridge on the player, it must be configured correctly. And if balancing the tonearm and adjusting the tracking force is an even more or less simple and understandable procedure, then aligning the cartridge according to a template is an excellent activity for people with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. In this case, incorrect alignment of the cartridge leads to a noticeable deterioration in sound quality.

As a result, in the 70s, some manufacturers, under the strict leadership of Matsushita (Technics), ran out of patience, they scratched their heads and came up with the T4P standard (aka P-mount). Cartridges of this standard have the same weight (6 grams), the same needle offset (15 mm), and the same clamping force (1.25 g). They are simply inserted into the socket on the tonearm and secured with one screw:

Thanks to this, T4P heads do not need to be adjusted; after installing such a head in a compatible player, you do not even need to balance the tonearm and adjust anti-skating. In fact, such players usually lack tonearm adjustments.

It would seem that T4P has no disadvantages, only advantages. Alas, everything is not so rosy: the range of cartridges of this standard is extremely small and includes mainly entry-level heads, although there are some very good ones among them.

As a result, in my opinion, a T4P standard player is a good choice for lazy music lovers, and a regular player with a standard cartridge is a good choice for those who plan to upgrade and improve their system in the future.

Tonearm: straight or S-shaped?

The two most common tonearm types today are straight and S-shaped. Straight tonearms are usually

have less weight and are therefore better compatible with modern entry-level audiophile cartridges, which all have low weight and high dynamic compliance.
S-shaped tonearms typically
high to medium weight and are therefore better suited for rigid cartridges that require a lot of tracking force (such as Denon's excellent MC cartridges).

In my opinion, a straight lightweight tonearm is by far the best choice.

Soviet players are available on the secondary market in large quantities and, as a rule, cost pennies compared to branded analogues. However, in general, it’s not worth buying them due to the fact that, in general, all non-military products in the USSR were made with the back left leg, and the quality of the element base is simply disgusting.

At the same time, some Soviet players, successfully copied from good foreign models, were very good. First of all, this is, of course, the “Electronics B1-01”, which is seamlessly drawn from the Thorens TD125 and is equipped with a good Soviet copy of the legendary English tonearm SME 3009. Also quite good, for example, is the “Electronics EP-060”, which was equipped with quartz speed stabilization and linear 120 pole motor. If these players are given preventive maintenance, you can get very good sound.

Unfortunately, good Soviet turntables on the secondary market cost the same as imported turntables, so I don’t see much point in buying them.

But what is quite worthy of attention are the Soviet heads, among which there were very good ones. For example, GZM-043 is a Soviet copy of the Shure M75ED (even to the point that you can use Shure needles with it). GZM-055 is a complete analogue of the excellent Ortofon VMS20E MkII cartridge, produced in Riga under license from Ortofon. At the same time, on the secondary market you can still find new fuel and lubricants “from old stocks” at quite ridiculous prices.

Indirect signs of a good vintage player

There are so many good vintage players in the world, it’s impossible to list them all. However, there are also a lot of bad ones. In my opinion, the following indirect signs allow us to distinguish a good turntable from a bad one:

Wooden plinth. Wood, especially valuable species, is a fairly expensive material; it was not converted into bullshit.

Using all sorts of clever materials. For example, some players have a base made of mineral chips filled with plastic. This material is very similar to the artificial stone used to make kitchen countertops. As a result, the player is heavy and insensitive to vibration and resonance.

Vibration decoupling. In good turntables, the platform on which the tonearm and faceplate are mounted is suspended in the housing and isolated from vibrations and engine rumble (this, of course, does not apply to direct-drive turntables, so they place special demands on the quality of the engine).

Let's take a closer look

The device I recently purchased second hand was manufactured in 1985. According to the previous owner, the player had all the necessary preventive maintenance done for normal operation. As it turned out, there are Soviet electrolytes inside, but their capacities correspond to the nominal value. Everything in the player is factory, not counting the hinges that hold the lid (the factory ones are quite fragile). There were no interventions other than replacing the pickup head, although there are many ways to get a significantly better sound from it and ways to modify it. But personally, I don’t see any point in this: the stock player sounds quite decent, and if you want better sound, there is no need to spoil equipment that is no longer produced, there is not much of it left, it’s easier to immediately buy a device of a higher class.

Let's take a closer look

The device I recently purchased second hand was manufactured in 1985. According to the previous owner, the player had all the necessary preventive maintenance done for normal operation. As it turned out, there are Soviet electrolytes inside, but their capacities correspond to the nominal value. Everything in the player is factory, not counting the hinges that hold the lid (the factory ones are quite fragile). There were no interventions other than replacing the pickup head, although there are many ways to get a significantly better sound from it and ways to modify it. But personally, I don’t see any point in this: the stock player sounds quite decent, and if you want better sound, there is no need to spoil equipment that is no longer produced, there is not much of it left, it’s easier to immediately buy a device of a higher class.

How does it turn on and work?

10 best vinyl players
Typically, an electric turntable includes 4 devices at once:

• the vinyl player itself;
• phono stage;
• amplifier;
• acoustic system.

During playback, the stylus reads the grooves of the record. The device converts these vibrations of the mechanical needle into an electrical signal, which enters the phono stage. Sound recording onto vinyl is distorted.

After this, the sound goes directly to the amplifier, which helps drive the player's speakers. This amplified signal then enters the acoustic system, which returns it back to mechanical vibrations. The influence of mechanics on the sound makes it more voluminous.

Before listening to records, you need to understand how the player turns on. But first of all, you need to find a suitable place for the equipment. Vinyl devices do not tolerate frequent movement. Therefore, it is worth choosing a permanent place, which will have a beneficial effect on both the sound of the records and the service life of the device.

Once the player is installed, you need to adjust the optimal level. The disc on which records are played must be positioned strictly horizontally. Adjustment of the correct level can be done by twisting the legs of the equipment. Next, you need to make sure that the device is properly configured and connected to the network. After this, you need to open the protective cover and place the record on the disc. You need to place the record so that it fits tightly to the disk, and the end of the disk pin is in the hole of the record.

Then the engine turns on. Different models have their own control system. In some devices, the switch has three positions.

1. Turn off.
2. Rotation 33 revolutions per minute (33 rpm).
3. Rotation 45 revolutions per minute (45 rpm).

If automatic switching is enabled, the player will turn on when the tonearm is moved. In this case, you only need to select the rotation speed. Next, you need to raise the tonearm and install it above the initial track of the record. When installed correctly, several grooves spaced apart will be located along the perimeter of the vinyl. Then you need to lower the tonearm. This needs to be done smoothly. When you hit the right track, music will start playing. After finishing listening, you need to return the tonearm to the parking stop.

Vintage USSR turntables have not lost their charm. Rich history, warm sound, the excitement of searching for vinyl records - all this makes the technology popular today. Some Soviet models can be found at various auctions or in the collections of true connoisseurs of antiquities.

Review of USSR vinyl record players in the next video.

Why did they always eat?

It's no secret that the USSR turntables produced before the 80s jammed the discs. This feature was associated with the low quality of spare parts from which the turntables were assembled.

However, after the 80s, Soviet manufacturers began to purchase the entire mechanism in Poland, thanks to which the problem was finally solved.

Which vinyl player to choose: rating from the TOP 10 vinyl players from the times of the USSR

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN SELECTING A PLAYER? PART 2 #vertakvinylcodes 1. The most important indicator is weight. In my practice, players weighing less than 7-10 kg are not worth paying attention to. The “pancake” for the turntable, if it is made of metal, should also be as heavy as possible. There is a caveat to this point: modern manufacturers also make tonearms and “pancakes” from carbon fiber. This material is close in structure to vinyl and does not create the same detonations as metal. So: if the pancake on your windbreaker is made of carbon, then it can be light, it doesn’t matter. In the 2000s, support disks from pressed sawdust (ProJect) began to be produced. In my opinion, they do not have normal alignment, so you should be more careful with such crafts.

2. The presence of adjustments for the weight of pressure on the needle and rolling force (anti-skating). Usually this is a rotating “weight” on the tonearm + a separate regulator with divisions on the player body near the place where the tonearm is attached (there are other options). If there are no such adjustments, this indicates a low or simply unprofessional class of the turntable you have chosen.

3. The presence of a removable (!) head. A good player provides the ability to change not only the stylus, but the entire head as a whole - shell, cartridge + stylus. There is also a peculiarity here: heads and shells come in different types. For example, Technics and some others have their own head standard (T4P cartridge). This means that only T4P shells and heads are suitable for such players - and no others. Therefore, before purchasing, it makes sense to ask the seller which company heads will fit this player. If the list is large, that's great. By the way, sellers usually sell turntables with the most budget or damaged (if used) heads - so plan to change the stylus immediately after purchase.

4. The presence of a built-in or switchable phono stage is an indicator. A phono preamplifier is a unit that converts sound from a vinyl record to an amplifier, tuner, etc. - that is, it transmits it to the speakers in its normal form. Lower class turntables usually have built-in phono preamps. If sound quality is important to you, then sooner or later you will want to use an external phono stage, the model of which can be changed, and for this you need a player WITHOUT a phono stage (or with a switchable phono stage).

5. Ideally, the cord coming from the player should not be tightly built into the turntable. The player should simply have connectors so that the cord can also be changed over time (but this is not the most basic requirement). 6. In the description of the player, pay attention to the signal-to-noise ratio. It is believed that the normal ratio starts at 50 dB. In my practice, normal sound starts from 75-80 dB. Although different manufacturers have different scales for this indicator.

7. Support disk (pancake) drives come in several types: Direct Drive, belt, roller. This is also worth knowing about. Straight is considered more reliable (no belt means nothing to stretch), and belt is considered smoother. Although, IMHO, for this indicator it is better to look at a specific model. Many modern turntables are equipped with a belt drive - it is cheaper to develop and manufacture. In addition, there is a roller one - many music lovers consider it ideal due to the low level of detonation (although there are those who do not like the roller). And again, here everyone is free to choose for themselves. I personally have nothing against Direct Drive.

8. For advanced users: the ability to change the MM type cartridge to MC and back is also very important. The MS cartridge is more advanced, and entry-level turntables are always sold complete with a MM head. Therefore, if you want to improve the sound over time by replacing the head from MM to MC, then you need the turntable to allow you to do this.

9. When buying a used one, be sure to take a turntable that is not worn out in appearance - the more ideal it is in appearance, the more carefully it was treated. #vinylcodes

Foobnix

Foobnix was originally developed as a free lightweight player for Linux systems, but after numerous positive reviews it was ported to Windows. It differs from its competitors in its good optimization, acceptable sound and original “Linux” style.

Based on its overall characteristics, the Foobnix player is perfect for undemanding users with a weak computer or laptop. He can read current audio and video formats, as well as convert them. The Fubnix shell has a built-in Last.FM plugin, which allows you to listen to thousands of Internet radio stations and record sound in OGG format.

Sound parameters are adjusted by an equalizer of 10 frequencies and preset effect presets. When playing, the window displays track information from tags, song lyrics and album cover. The user can create a playlist manually using Drag & Drop tracks or automatically while scanning folders.

The VKontakte service is integrated into the program, which gives access to a personal audio library on the page, music of friends and groups. There is also support for downloading and saving tracks from the Internet.

Advantages:

• functionality sufficient for home use;
• runs audio and video files in MP3, MP4, OGG, WMA, AAC, Vorbis, FLAC, WavPack, WAV, AIFF formats;
• supports Internet radio function;
• integration with VKontakte;
• viewing and editing tags;
• excellent optimization;
• free software;
• unusual and nice interface in Russian.

Flaws:

• not found.

Tape recorder for the KGB

A year has passed since Elektronika-331 stereo was developed. It was replaced by “Electronics Stereo” - a simplified version of the 331 model, which had good technical characteristics and was accessible to a wide audience. It is not known for certain where and when this player was produced, but there is a version that it was carried out at a Novovoronezh enterprise in 1986. This model differed from its predecessor in its appearance and the price of the materials used. There is a version that the audio device was completely developed, while the “Electronics-331 Stereo” was an incomplete copy of a foreign-made device. Unfortunately, the "Electronics Stereo" still has the same problems that the 331st model had. Although it should be noted that there is a big plus. Thus, the introduction of simplified mechanisms made it possible to simplify the process of using and repairing an audio device. Based on Stereo Electronics, a device was developed in 1990, called the “Device for Preserving Information “Id-0”, designed specifically for use by state security agencies. It repeated the design of the prototype in almost everything except one: “Ide-0” operated at two speeds and, as a result, had two operating frequency ranges: from 200 to 5000 Hz at the first speed and from 200 to 10,000 Hz at the second. Probably, “Electronics Stereo” and “Yaz-0” were the first tape recorders in the Soviet Union, which were accompanied by TDS-20 in-ear headphones, which were also quite good from a technical point of view.

What to look for when purchasing any model

• Player table. It must be made of quality materials. Aluminum is mainly used. In cheaper models, the table is made of durable plastic.
• Functional. All players are divided into several types: manually controlled;
• semi-automatic;
• automatic;
• full automatic.

Manual control implies the absence of any automation at all in the device. This means you will independently remove and install the tonearm to listen to the recording. But during the process, the platter can be stopped with a button or switch.

In semi-automatic you also install the tonearm yourself, but here there is already a hitchhiking system, i.e. At the end of listening, the needle will rise from the record and the disc will stop rotating.

Automatic players will make use much easier. After the start, the tonearm itself will rise from the holder, and the stylus will be installed on the track. Upon completion, the procedure will be repeated in reverse order without your participation. The only thing that will need to be done is to select the required rotation speed using a specific switch.

Full automatic has all the functions. The device will not only start and stop recording, but also determine the size and desired rotation speed of the record:

Rotary disc. This component is often cast from metal (aluminum or magnesium alloy). But there are models in which glass, acrylic, or MDF were used for its manufacture. True, if the disk is decoupled from the table, then the main role will be played not by the material of manufacture, but by the weight of the part. Cartridge. The most important component of a vinyl record player is the pickup head. The quality of playback will depend on it. The cartridge holds the stylus, which touches the record. If it fails, you will need to replace it yourself or contact a company that repairs devices of this type. The tonearm is a handle that brings the cartridge to the disc, holds it, and after playing, returns it to its place. The most popular are straight and S-shaped. The first one gives an error in the tracking angle, but is easy to set up. The S-shaped one is designed in such a way that no errors occur. There are also tangential tonearms. But these are very complex and expensive devices

The tonearm support is a very fragile element and should be given special attention. After all, it ensures contact between the needle and the record, and both of these things require special care.

Automatic tonearms are more likely to break than manual ones. But they still have their audience and provide greater comfort when using the device.

Conclusion

The review included the best vinyl players, according to buyers, for 2022 in the following categories: direct drive, belt drive, and new. Which unit is better to buy is up to you to decide. The table shows the entire list of popular models from various manufacturers.

Table – “Best vinyl players in 2022”

In tenth place - Vega 002

The best of the USSR electrophones. It has a heavy huge table, a varnished top panel, sides, and a front panel. An excellent starter for the entry level. Remember - Vega 002.

By the way, it has a very nice heavy cast disc and comes with two 10-MAS-1 speaker systems. In general, the Vega 002 electrophone had very, very many modifications.

What are the advantages of this turntable - a heavy, massive table Unitra G600V, with an excellent, classic pasik-roller drive.

Vega 002 is an entry-level phone at a low price. It was once quite expensive. Millions of audiophiles and music lovers began their introduction to vinyl with this turntable - Vega 002.

"Electronics-012"

When reviewing the best vinyl disc players, you should pay attention to the Elektronika-012 model. This device is able to please your ears with the accuracy and power of the reproduced sound.

Here are some innovations that manufacturers have provided to devices of this sample:

This device is able to please your ears with the accuracy and power of the reproduced sound. Here are some innovations that manufacturers have provided to devices of this sample:

• a new, improved hitchhiking and generator circuit is used;
• effective product design;
• more convenient and durable controls.