Turntables

A turntable mechanically reads the groove of a record and, via the cartridge, turns that motion into a music signal.

Vinyl is slowing down, lived: get up, choose a record, put it on, listen – and that's exactly what makes the appeal.

Why vinyl?

Because analogue playback has a sound that many find especially natural and physical, and because the ritual is part of it. A good turntable is a precision device made of drive unit, tonearm and cartridge that has to work as one unit.

What matters

The drive unit, tonearm and cartridge have to match each other, and placement and set-up also play a role in the sound. You'll find turntables from Rega, Technics, THORENS and more at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, mounted and adjusted ready to go on request. So all you have to do is put the record on.

Who is a turntable suited for? (Plain talk)

For anyone who listens to music consciously and appreciates the analogue ritual. Plain talk: if you want maximum convenience and tracks at the push of a button, a streamer suits you better. But if you collect records or are rediscovering them, you'll find the right thing here, from entry-level to high-end.

Our verdict

A turntable is not a nostalgic gadget but a fully-fledged, independent source with a character of its own. Tell us your budget and whether you already have a cartridge or phono stage, and we'll put together a coherent combination for you, set up ready to go.

Common questions

Do I need a phono preamp for a turntable?

Yes, a cartridge's signal first has to be amplified and equalised. Some turntables and amplifiers have a phono stage built in, otherwise a separate one is added. Tell us your amplifier and we'll tell you whether you still need a phono stage.

Does a new turntable come with a cartridge?

Often yes, many models come from the factory with a matching cartridge, others deliberately without one so you can choose freely. We'll tell you what's included with each model, and mount and adjust it ready to go on request, so nothing's off.

Does a turntable need to be set up?

Yes, tracking force, anti-skating and cartridge alignment determine sound quality and how gently your records are treated. That's precision work. With us you get the turntable mounted and adjusted ready to go on request, so all you have to do is put the record on.

Which turntable suits a beginner?

A good entry-level model is solidly built, easy to set up and often comes with a mounted cartridge. More important than the last detail is that the overall package is right. Tell us your budget, and we'll recommend a model that's frustration-free fun with room to grow.

Why buy a turntable at HD Zürisee?

Because vinyl lives on the tuning of drive unit, tonearm, cartridge and phono stage, and on clean set-up. That's exactly what we do: ready-to-go mounting and adjustment, with delivery, installation and our own technician. Honest advice by Lake Zurich in Wädenswil, listening sessions where possible.

Goes well with

Find the matching cartridges and tonearms with us, and the necessary amplification at the phono preamps. The drive comes from the integrated amplifiers.