Turntables from the inexpensive to the State-of-the-Art are available. ELP Corporation produces a unique laser turntable that can optically read a vinyl record. The record needs to be completely dust free (you are provided with a special record cleaning kit) and you need a lot of cash ($13,500) to own one.
Also, long time manufacturers such as NAD, LINN, Denon, Sony, Technics, and Thorens are still making traditional turntables and companies such as Audio-Technica, Shure, and Stanton are still making cartridges and styli. If you don't need a new turntable or cartridge, how about some record care products from Discwasher.
Also, many new amplifiers and receivers don't have dedicated phono inputs anymore so the need for phono preamps is increasing, these are available from such companies as, Radio Design Labs, and Rotel
Compare Prices for phono preamps.
In addition to external phono preamps, some turntable manufacturers are beginning to include on-board phono preamps in their turntables so that they can be more easily connected to modern home theater receivers that may not have the traditional-type dedicated phono-turntable input.
USB Turntables
Another new trend in turntables, that is quickly catching on with consumers, is the USB turntable. These turntables, in addition to having standard audio output connections, also have a USB output. This feature makes it very convenient in transferring your old vinyl records to CD or digital audio player using a PC. USB turntables are made by several manufacturers, including Audio-Technica, ION, Sony, Stanton, and, on the more expensive end, Sumiko/Pro-Ject. In addition, most of these turntables also come with audio editing software to remove clicks and pops, as well as allowing you to make custom playlists for your CDs or digital audio player.
Turntable Accessories
As a result in the new interest in Turntables, there are sites on the internet where turntables and accessories can be ordered, such as Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor.
In addition, you can compare prices on Turntables and Phono Cartridges.
Sources For Vinyl Records
There are also many internet sites where one can purchase both new and used vinyl recordings including, Backtrack Records, Earth Wave Record Store, Griffco Records, and even Best Buy. Out of the UK there are online outlets such as, Sweet Memories Vinyl Records, and Visual Vinyl. For more great vinyl record sources, check out the list compiled by Gary Altunian, About.com Guide For Stereos.
Integrating Vinyl Into Home Theater
Whether you have an old or new Turntable, it can easily be integrated into today's home theater systems. In addition, (although vinyl purists and two-channel aficionados will criticize me for suggesting this) with new sound processing technologies, such as Dolby Pro-logic IIx, DTS Neo:6, and Circle Surround, available on the latest generation AV receivers, listening to your old two-channel stereo vinyl records can now be heard in a full 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channel sound field. Also, if you have any old Quad QS or SQ vinyl records you can access the surround information encoded on them, albeit not in the same original mix.
Final Words...
Don't toss out those old records! Get a new turntable (or dust off your old one), connect it to that new receiver you got for your home theater system and resurrect those afternoons of sitting in front of the stereo and listening to vinyl--you'll be surprised how good those old records can still sound, and can be successfully integrated into your home theater system and experience.
For those of you that dismiss the continued fascination with Vinyl records by many, just keep in mind that Vinyl Record sales top sales of the cutting edge recorded disc technologies of SACD (Super Audio CD) and DVD-Audio combined.
Due to the impact of collectors, DJ's, and even young people that appreciate an alternative to the current digital audio age, the Turntable and vinyl record have enjoyed a deserved resurgence and will be here for years to come.
Just remember: Turntable keep on spinnin', Proud vinyl keep on singin'
Related Article: How to Setup a Turntable by Gary Altunian, About.com Guide For Stereos.
