All Things Vinyl

Vinyl covers everything you need to play records: turntables, cartridges, tonearms, phono preamps, and the care that keeps a record sounding good for years.

Analogue playback is a craft – the chain of turntable, cartridge and phono stage has to match and be properly set up so the groove gives up everything that's in it.

Why vinyl?

Because a well set-up record has a calm and physicality that many people never experience from any other source. It's not about nostalgia, it's about listening on purpose – put the side on, sit down, listen.

What you'll find here

The complete analogue programme: turntables from entry-level to high-end, matching cartridges and tonearms, phono preamps for MM and MC, plus everything for record cleaning and turntable accessories.

Who it's for – straight talk

Straight talk: vinyl isn't plug-and-play. A turntable needs to be set up properly, the cartridge aligned cleanly and the tracking force set correctly – otherwise the sound suffers, and in the worst case so does the record. That's exactly what we take off your hands: on request, we deliver the turntable fully set up and ready to play.

Our verdict

With vinyl, the price tag matters less than the right combination and setup. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we put together a chain that works, align the cartridge, and make sure it's right from the very first record.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to get started with vinyl?

A turntable with a cartridge, a phono stage (often built into the amplifier), and speakers. If there's no phono input, a separate phono stage is added. We'll put together a coherent chain that fits your budget.

Do you mount and align the cartridge?

Yes. On request, we deliver the turntable fully set up – cartridge mounted, tracking force and anti-skating aligned. That protects your records and makes sure it sounds right from the very first groove.

Do I need an external phono stage?

If your amplifier has no phono input, or only a basic one: yes. A separate phono stage often gets audibly more out of the record – especially with MC cartridges. We'll tell you whether one is worth it for you, and which.

Why buy vinyl equipment from HD Zürisee?

Because analogue lives and dies by correct setup – and that's exactly our craft. We match turntable, cartridge and phono stage to each other, align everything cleanly, and have our own technician on hand for setup and service. Advice and demos wherever possible.

Goes well with this

Continue to turntables, cartridges, phono preamps and the matching record cleaning.