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All about record players

Julia16 APRIL 2026
A black vinyl record sits on a wooden turntable, placed on a brown wooden surface.

Nowadays, we often listen to music online, for example via YouTube or Spotify. In the past, programmes like these didn’t exist and people listened to music using a record player. This device was especially popular in the 50s and 60s. However, the record player is now becoming hugely popular once again. People enjoy the old-fashioned idea of “putting on a record”. Discover everything about record players on this page.

What is a record player?

A wooden record player with black vinyl on a wood table. The player has silver knobs and stripes on a black panel.

A record player is a device that plays LP vinyl records by moving a stylus over the grooves of the record. The record player was invented in the 19th century by Thomas Edison and later refined by the German inventor Emile Berliner. At that time, a record player was the only way to listen to music at home. Over the years, the record player was overtaken by cassette tapes and later CDs, which took up far less space. Even so, the record player has always remained popular. Nowadays, a modern version of the device can be found in more and more households. Playing a record has a nostalgic charm, and the sound is often warm and authentic.

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How does a record player work?

A record player works by placing a vinyl record on a turntable. This rotates using a motor. You place the tonearm – the movable arm of the record player – with the needle (also called the stylus) at the end onto the record. The needle follows the grooves in the vinyl record. This creates vibrations, which are first converted by the record player into electrical signals and then into sound. That’s how the music fills your room.

Connecting a record player

A turntable with a white record and a yellow center is on a wooden surface. The tonearm is positioned on the record.

Connecting a record player is easier than you might think. First, check whether your record player has a built-in preamp. A preamp helps the music from your record player sound lively and loud. Modern record players usually have a preamp, while older models require a separate one. You can then connect a record player as follows:

1. Connect the record player to your speakers using RCA cables or a USB cable, depending on the inputs on your equipment.

2. Check that everything is properly connected, turn up the volume, and switch on your record player.

3. Place the vinyl record on the turntable, gently lower the stylus onto it, and listen to your favourite music.

Listen to music endlessly with a Bluetooth record player

Enjoy the warm sound of a nostalgic record player with the help of modern technology. Many record players nowadays feature Bluetooth, so you don’t need wires or cables to play the music through your speakers. This allows you to send the warm tones from your record player effortlessly throughout the house.

Cleaning and replacing a record player needle

A person with headphones puts a vinyl record on a turntable. A desk with books and a lamp is nearby.

To keep your record player and vinyl records in the best possible condition, it’s important to clean and replace the stylus regularly. Be careful when doing so, as the stylus is a delicate component. Below, you’ll find more information about cleaning and replacing the stylus.

How to clean a record player stylus

The stylus of your record player attracts dirt and dust, which means the sound quality of the device will eventually deteriorate. To clean the stylus, it’s best to use a special stylus brush. You can find one among our record player accessories. Hold the brush at an angle and wipe from back to front. Don’t do this from front to back, as this may damage the stylus. You can also use a clean cloth or soft duster. Dampen it very slightly and then wipe the stylus carefully. Let the stylus dry completely before placing it on a record again.

How to replace a record player stylus

Outdoor party scene at dusk with people, drinks, a record player, and string pennants.

After around 1,000 to 2,000 hours of listening to music, the stylus of your record player will need replacing. You’ll also notice that the sound quality starts to decline. You can replace the stylus of a record player in 3 steps:

1. Switch the record player off completely.

2. Remove the old stylus by carefully pulling or unclipping it from the arm of your record player. Keep the arm fully vertical before removing the stylus.

3. Fit the new stylus by carefully placing it into the arm. If you hear a soft click, you’ll know the stylus is securely in place again.

Where should you place a record player in your home?

To enjoy the music from your record player as much as possible, it’s important to place it in a suitable spot in your home. Keep the following tips in mind:

  • Always place the record player on a stable, level and sturdy surface.
  • Make sure your record player is at least half a metre away from other devices that produce vibrations, such as speakers or subwoofers. This helps prevent your record player from skipping due to external vibrations.
  • Leave enough space around your record player so that you can operate it easily and change records without difficulty.
  • Keep the area around your record player clean and free from dust.

Our advice on record players

A room features a white brick wall adorned with framed art and a vinyl record. A record player sits on a white table.

Record players were extremely popular in the 1950s and 1960s and are now making a strong comeback. The warm, authentic sound of a record player, combined with modern technology such as Bluetooth, has once again made the device very popular among music lovers. For the best sound quality, it’s important to clean the stylus of a record player carefully and regularly. After 1,000 to 2,000 hours of listening, it’s even advisable to replace the stylus. Make sure you place your record player in a stable, uncluttered and dust-free spot in your home so that you can enjoy the sound to the fullest.

Check the best record players

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