Discovering Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) on Turntables: Why 33 or 45 RPM?

New to vinyl and wondering what RPM is? Okay, let's get right to it. RPM, or Revolutions Per Minute, is literally the speed at which the record spins on your turntable. It's key because it defines how you're going to listen to your music: whether it sounds like a gem or whether it makes you want to pull the needle off the record. And if you're just starting out, knowing when and how to use each speed is going to make the difference between a killer listening session or a "does this sound good?"

Why are there different speeds on vinyl records?

Basically, each speed is for a different type of record, and that translates into the sound quality and how much you can listen to in one go. The most common are 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM . And for the more curious, there's the 78 RPM , but that's for very old records, the kind you might only find in your grandparents' collection.

33⅓ RPM: The standard for LPs

This is the speed of LPs (Long Play), that is, long-playing records that have six, eight, or more songs per side. 33⅓ records are the ones we usually play when we want to enjoy a whole album, without having to change the record every now and then. With this speed, the groove is smaller and you can put more music on each side. However, since they are slower, the sound is deeper and warmer, ideal for enjoying those classic gems or the full albums of your favorite band.

45 RPM: For singles or EPs

45 RPM vinyl records are the “singles” type, usually smaller and with one or two songs per side. Why the faster speed? Because the faster the record, the higher the sound quality and the less compression. So if you want to hear a song in all its detail, a 45 RPM is your friend. You do have to change sides more often, but it’s worth it if you like that crisp, bright sound.

78 RPM: The rarity of the trunk

This is for older LPs, from before the 50s. These records need a special needle and a compatible turntable. It's not the most common, but if you have 78 RPM records, you're going to need a specific turntable. These vinyls have a particular charm, and the sound, although a bit raw, gives you that nostalgic touch.

Recommended turntables for beginners

If you're just starting out and have no idea which turntable to get, here are some recommendations that will make your life easier. Because, of course, a good experience with vinyl records starts with good equipment.

• Audio-Technica AT-LP60X : This is one of the best for beginners. It's easy to use, has a good sound, and lets you switch between 33 and 45 RPM with just one button. You don't need to worry about complicated settings, just put the record in and hit play.

• U-Turn Orbit Plus : For those who want something more customizable. It's manual, so you have full control, and it sounds great for its price. It's a great option if you already know a bit more about vinyl and like to tinker.

• Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO : If you can stretch your budget a bit further, this gives you a much more detailed sound and comes with a cool-looking carbon tonearm. You change the speed manually, but it gives you a more authentic vinyl experience.

Tips to improve your vinyl listening experience

Once you've figured out the speeds and the turntable, here are some tips to get the most out of your vinyl collection:

• Keep your needle clean : This is key. A dirty needle will ruin your sound and could even damage your records. Get a needle brush and give it a once in a while. Trust me, the difference in sound is dramatic.

• Keep your records neatly stored : Store them vertically, not stacked on top of each other. A good record display or rack is ideal for keeping them handy and in good condition. Plus, you can keep them in plain sight and it's nice to see your collection as part of your decor.

• Avoid moving the record player while it's playing : This sounds obvious, but trust me, many people do it and it's a recipe for disaster. Record players are sensitive, so it's best to find a good spot where it can be fixed.

• Invest in a good preamp : If you want to improve the sound even further, an external preamp works wonders. It's not mandatory, but if you want to take your experience to the next level, it's a good investment.

• Keep the lid closed while playing : This reduces the amount of dust falling on the record and stylus while playing. Less dust means better sound.

For each style, a speed

Finally, remember that each speed has its own charm and purpose. Over time, you'll learn to differentiate between the warmth of a 33⅓ RPM, the clarity of a 45 RPM, and you'll even be able to appreciate the texture of the sound of a 78 RPM. Each speed adds something different to your vinyl listening experience, and at the end of the day, it's all about enjoying the music as it was recorded.

Just getting started with turntables and need a hand getting them into tune? Let's take a look at how to adjust each turntable model we cover. From tonearm weight to connecting Bluetooth, this text is packed with handy tips to get your vinyl records sounding perfect.

1. Fluance RT85N

• Platter Assembly: Place the acrylic platter gently onto the center shaft.
• Arm Counterweight: Adjust the counterweight on the arm according to the manual. Normally, the appropriate weight for the Nagaoka MP-110 is 1.5g.
• Anti-Skate: Make sure the anti-skate is on the same number as the counterweight weight.
• Speeds: Switch between 33 and 45 RPM with the speed selector.
• Final Test: Connect to the sound system and perform a test to verify audio clarity.

2. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

• Belt Installation: Place the belt on the motor and platter wheel for 33 RPM speed. For 45 RPM, use the second slot on the wheel.
• Counterweight & Anti-Skate: Set the counterweight for the Sumiko Rainier cartridge and adjust the anti-skate to prevent skipping.
• Speed ​​Change: Change between speeds with the switch. Remember that it supports 78 RPM, although you will need a specific belt.
• Arm Height: Adjust the arm height if you notice the stylus is too low or high, ensuring proper alignment for best sound fidelity.

3. Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT

• Bluetooth and Connection: Activate Bluetooth and pair it with your speakers or headphones. You can also connect via RCA to a preamplifier.
• Counterweight and Anti-Skate: Similar to the other models, the AT-LPW50BT requires counterweight (for the AT-VM95) and anti-skate adjustments.
• Speed ​​Change: Use the switch to toggle between 33 and 45 RPM.
• Sound Setup Check: Make sure the platter is level and the signal is free of distortion on both outputs.

4. U-Turn Orbit Basic

• Simple to set up: Mount the platter and attach the belt. This turntable can be ordered with a built-in preamp, but check to see if you need an external one.
• Counterweight (on advanced models): On models with adjustable arm, set the weight and anti-skate manually.
• Shift Speed: Use the belt on the corresponding shaft to alternate between 33 and 45 RPM.
• Style and Customization: Personalize the Orbit with upgrades like the cue stick for even more precision.

5. Angels Horn H019

• Platter Setup and Fine Adjustments: Position the metal platter and adjust the counterweight on the Audio-Technica AT-3600L stylus.
• Anti-Skate and Stabilization: Adjust the anti-skate if you notice balance problems in the sound.
• Bluetooth and Additional Inputs: Connect to other devices via Bluetooth or use the auxiliary input.
• Sound Stability: Make sure the turntable is on a stable surface to avoid vibrations, especially if you use the auxiliary input for other sound devices.

Each of these settings helps to optimize the turntable's performance and ensure quality playback on any equipment.