Music Turntables - A Great Way to Listen to Your Favorite Music on Vinyl Records
Yamaha turntables have been a beloved staple in the world of audio since the 1970s. It all started in 1972, when the company released its first turntable, the GT-750. This initial offering was part of a bigger push from Yamaha to bring high-end audio equipment to the masses. The GT-750 was designed to compete with other top-of-the-line turntables at the time, such as the Technics SL-1200 and Pioneer PL-70, and it quickly earned a reputation for its build quality and sound performance.
In 1975, Yamaha released its second turntable, the GT-2000. This model was a massive upgrade from its predecessor, featuring a direct-drive motor and a platter made from a high-inertia material called ZMC (Zinc, Magnesium, Copper). The GT-2000 was a favorite among audiophiles, and it's still sought after today for its dynamic sound quality and sturdy construction.
The early 1980s saw Yamaha continue to innovate with the release of the YP-D8 turntable. This model featured a unique floating suspension system that allowed the platter to spin almost completely free of any external vibration. The YP-D8 was praised for its ability to extract detail and nuance from records, and it remains a favorite among collectors and audiophiles.
In the late 80s and early 90s, Yamaha made a shift towards more affordable turntables with the release of the P-550 and P-450. These models were designed with a focus on simplicity and ease of use, and they were popular with casual listeners and entry-level enthusiasts.
By the 2000s, Yamaha had mostly moved away from turntables, focusing instead on digital audio equipment. However, the company returned to the vinyl world in 2017 with the release of the MusicCast Vinyl 500. This all-in-one turntable features wireless connectivity, allowing users to stream their records throughout their home. It's a sign that Yamaha remains committed to providing high-quality audio options for all types of listeners.
Overall, Yamaha turntables have been a consistently reliable and innovative choice for audiophiles over the years. Whether you're a collector looking for a vintage model, or a casual listener in search of a new turntable, there's sure to be a Yamaha option that meets your needs.
1. Belt-driven high inertia platter: The use of a belt-driven high inertia platter effectively reduces vibration, ensuring stable rotation and accurate sound reproduction. The heavy platter also means that the turntable is less prone to speed fluctuations. This design choice offers the user a higher quality listening experience, with smoother and more accurate sound reproduction.
2. DC motor: The use of a DC motor offers precise control over the rotation speed of the platter, resulting in smoother and more stable rotation. Compared to AC motors, DC motors have lower noise levels, which reduces vibration and results in quieter operation. This design choice also benefits the user by allowing for more precise control over the rotation speed, resulting in more accurate sound reproduction.
3. Static balanced straight tone arm: The straight tone arm design ensures accurate and consistent tracking, reducing distortion and improving sound quality. The static balance design also ensures accurate stylus pressure, resulting in more precise tracking of the record grooves. This design choice benefits the user by providing a more authentic and accurate reproduction of the music being played.
4. Rigid Cabinet with Large Internal Loss: The use of a rigid cabinet with large internal loss suppresses unnecessary vibration, reducing distortion and improving sound quality. This design choice benefits the user by providing a cleaner, more accurate listening experience.
5. Built-in phono preamp: The built-in phono preamp offers flexibility in connection options, allowing the user to choose between line or phono output. This design choice benefits the user by providing the ability to connect to different types of audio equipment, making the turntable more versatile and user-friendly.
FAQ About yamaha turntables
Q: Are Yamaha turntables any good?
A: Yes, Yamaha turntables are generally considered to be good quality and have a reputation for reliable performance. They offer a range of models to suit different budgets and needs, from beginner-level models to more advanced audiophile-grade turntables.
Q: What is the most reliable turntable?
A: There are several high-quality turntables on the market that are known for their reliability and longevity. Some top-rated options include the Technics SL-1200 series, Rega Planar 3, and Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. Ultimately, the reliability of a turntable will depend on factors such as build quality, maintenance, and usage.
Q: Who made the best turntables in the 70s?
A: The 1970s were a golden age for turntable manufacturing, with many companies producing high-quality models. Some of the most highly regarded turntables from this era include the Technics SL-1200 series, Thorens TD-124, and the Linn Sondek LP12.
Q: What are the hi-fi turntable awards?
A: The hi-fi turntable awards are an annual ceremony held by industry publications and websites to recognize the best turntables on the market. Awards are typically given in categories such as Best Entry-Level Turntable, Best Audiophile Turntable, and Best DJ Turntable. Some of the organizations that offer hi-fi turntable awards include What Hi-Fi?, Stereophile, and The Absolute Sound.
