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Know what you're buying

Plain-English articles on buying, setting up and looking after a turntable, with the sources linked so you can check our work.

Used turntable on a workbench with a flashlight and loupe
Buying guide

How to buy a used turntable on eBay without getting burned

Reading the listing, asking the seller, paying safely, and testing on arrival.

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Brass motor pulley and rubber drive belt inside a turntable
Explainer

Belt drive vs. direct drive: which turntable should you buy?

How each works, where idler wheels fit in, and what to check on eBay.

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Phono preamp connected to a turntable with RCA cables
Setup

Do you need a phono preamp? The five-minute answer

Three questions tell you for sure, plus the three most common hookup mistakes.

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Macro of a stylus tip in a record groove
Care

Turntable stylus guide: when to replace it, and how to buy one safely

Manufacturer lifespan figures, signs of wear, and genuine vs. third-party styli.

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Turntable packed in a box with the platter wrapped separately
Shipping

How to pack a turntable for shipping, and what to ask an eBay seller

Platter off, arm secured, counterweight removed. Plus a message you can copy.

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