Groovy Audio: So Much Audio Gear! Buyers Guide.
With our wide range of turntables, amps and speakers, we can help you find the right setup to fit your vibe and let the vibrations roll (Sound Wave Pun).
Note that prices and stock can change so please check the individual product pages for the most up to date info.
This blog will be split into sections on Turntables, Amplifiers, Speakers and Headphones, to jump straight to a section click one of the handy links below:
Turntables:
Entry Level:
These turntables are perfect for people just getting their start with collecting records, they won't break the bank while also giving you great sound quality and not damaging your collection (We caution against cheaper turntables from brands like Crosley as these lack proper counterweights and other mechanisms that protect your records from excess wear, lower end turntables from brands like Crosley can also struggle with playing particularly bass heavy or more detailed recordings).
Project Primary E:
The Primary E is a fantastic entry level turntable. Handmade in Europe with a high quality Ortofon stylus which delivers great sound quality at an affordable price.
This turntable comes in two versions, with and without a phono stage, if you opt for the former you’ll need to make sure either your amplifier or your powered speakers include a phono preamp (this will be a pair of RCA plugs labelled “Phono” on the back of your system).
The Primary E is also pre-adjusted right out of the box, making it super easy to get it setup!
Project Primary E Website Link
Project Primary E Phono Website Link
Project E1:
This turntable is the next step up from the primary E. Like the Primary E the Project E1 comes with an optional phono stage, as well as a Bluetooth version for wirelessly streaming your records to any Bluetooth speaker.
The Project E1 also comes with electronic speed switching meaning you can change between the two speeds that records are pressed in (33 1/3rpm and 45rpm) with the flick of a switch (on the Primary E this involves physically moving a belt).
You can also choose to upgrade the stylus later on with this turntable. Upgrading to the Ortofon HiFi 20 is an excellent way to get even better sound quality later down the line and is a direct drop in replacement making it a super easy upgrade!
The Project E1 comes in a high gloss black, high gloss white and walnut:
Project E1 Turntable Series Website Link
Project T1 Phono SB:
This turntable all the useful features of the Project E1 including electronic speed switching and an upgradeable stylus; you also get a heavy glass platter instead of the plastic platters fitted on the Primary E and E1. This results in a more consistent playing speed, guaranteeing that your records sound exactly as the artist intended.
This turntable comes in walnut and a high gloss black:
Project T1 Walnut Website Link
Project T1 Gloss Black Website Link
Rega Planar 1 & 1 Plus:
This handmade turntable from the UK is all about getting the best possible sound quality from your collection. It comes pre fitted with the fantastic Rega carbon stylus and is ready to go right out of the box no adjustment needed. Importantly the Planar 1 will require an external phono preamp whereas the 1 Plus has it built right in.
Midrange Turntables:
Audio Technica Atlpw40wn & Atlpw50pb Turntables:
If you want superior bang for your buck look no further, each of these fantastic turntables from Audio Technica are fitted with the VM95E stylus and a heavy die-cast aluminium platter for fantastic sound quality straight out of the box.
Both turntables come with built in phono stages, as well as electronic speed switches for both 33 and 45 rpm records. The carbon fibre tone arms ensure super precise tracking; they are compatible with any VM95 stylus, have counterweight and anti-skate adjustments and generally offer excellent versatility for future upgrades.
Audio Technica atlpw40wn Walnut Turntable Website Link
Audio Technica atlpw50pb Piano Black Turntable Website Link
Yamaha Tts303:
With electronic speed control, a built in phono preamp, and classic piano black Yamaha styling you can’t go wrong with this classy number from Yamaha.
https://realgroovy.co.nz/product/TTS303/yamaha-tts303-turntable
Project A1:
When given the task of making a fully automatic turntable, Project kept to their roots and took an audio first approach - creating a fully automatic start/stop mechanism where the automatic elements are completely disengaged and decoupled during the entire runtime of the record meaning that they will not cause any sonic interferance when playing your collection. This approach gives the same sonic performance as would be expected from any Project turntable along with their signature sleek minimal design.
If you are already interested in Project’s lineup but can’t live without automatic functions, this is the turntable for you.
https://realgroovy.co.nz/product/586694/project-a1-automatic-turntable
Premium Turntables:
Project Debut Carbon Evo:
If there was a gold standard for record players this would be it. The debut carbon evo from Project is truly one of a kind. With an internally damped steel platter, prefitted Ortofon red stylus, carbon fibre tonearm and super stable electronic speed control, this turntable is virtually unbeatable at its price point.
Debut carbon evo comes in a wide range of colours to fit your aesthetic.
Project Debut Carbon Evo Website Link
Rega Planar 2:
The Rega Planar 2, similar to its little brother the Planar 1, is handmade in England and engineered for the best possible sound quality. The Planar 2 moves to a 10mm floating glass opti-white platter for super stable playback speed and effectively eliminates all unwanted vibrations. The counterweight design also allows for tracking force adjustment, opening up the ability to upgrade your stylus down the line.
The Planar 2 comes in high gloss black, white and red so it can seamlessly fit into your space.
Rega Planar 2 Black Website Link
Rega Planar 2 White Website Link
Rega Planar 2 Red Website Link
Audio Technica ATLP120:
Based off of the legendary Technics 1200, this turntable is built like a tank and performs equally well in professional or home HiFi settings. With a direct drive heavy metal platter, a quick release head shell, and electronic speed/pitch controls, this turntable sits in a class of its own.
The ATLP120 comes in black and silver finishes along with optional Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio Technica ATLP120 Silver Website Link
Audio Technica ATLP120 Black Website Link
Audio Technica ATLP120 Black Bluetooth Website Link
Thorens TD101a:
This fully automatic record player is fantastic for anyone who wants to do away with manually queuing up their records or worries that their needle, if left unattended, is wearing away in the runout groove of a record that finished playing long ago.
Thorens td101a Black Website Link
Thorens TD102a:
Like it’s little brother the 102a is fully automatic but adds some very welcome improvements. For example, the aluminium tonearm to carbon fibre for better tracking ability. The stylus has also been upgraded to an Audio Technica VM95E, providing much improved sonic performance along with greater versatility for future styli upgrades in the VM95 range.
The 102a comes in black and walnut:
Thorens td102a Black Website Link
Thorens td102a Walnut Website Link
Thorens TD202:
The TD202 is much like the TD102a, minus the automatic features. This design makes it a perfect fit for those who prefer a more tactile approach to records.
The TD202 adds a damping ring inside the aluminium platter for super stable speed as well as a detachable headshell and counterweight / anti skate adjustments for even more future upgrade options.
Thorens td202 Turntable Walnut
Super Premium Turntables:
Thorens TD402DD:
Thorens answer to direct drive brings home hifi sensibilities to a DJ dominated field, with a damped aluminium platter for incredible speed stability and a carbon tube tonearm with detachable headshell; this turntable delivers everything a home hifi setup requires. It also adds an autostop function for those times you forget that you put on an album. It is factory fitted with the Audio Technica VM95E allowing plenty of upgrade possibilities.
The 402DD is available in black and walnut finishes:
Thorens TD402DD Gloss Black Website Link
Thorens TD402DD Walnut Website Link
Project Debut Pro:
The 30 year anniversary turntable from Project sits in the super premium class while still being incredible value for money. It builds on the incredible Debut Carbon Evo and elevates the entire experience to new heights. The damped aluminium platter is swapped to damped steel for unparalleled stability, the carbon fibre tonearm is upgraded to a carbon fibre and aluminium sandwich design giving incredible tracking ability while also delivering unmatched rigidity.
The stylus is upgraded from the Ortofon red to the new Pick it PRO (exclusive to this turntable) and delivers a more lively and robust sound with incredible dynamic range. The nickel finish of the aluminium components throughout the turntable results in a hard, resistant surface finish that is visually striking and will allow the Debut Pro to truly stand the test of time.
Project Debut Pro Website Link
Project X1 and X2:
These turntables build on the rest of Project’s lineup with thoughtful and truly impactful sonic upgrades. They both sport Acrylic Platters effectively eliminating resonance and static interference along with carbon fibre and aluminium sandwich tone arm designs (8.6" and 9" respectively). They come factory fitted with an array of incredible stylus options and have fully adjustable azimuth and VTA for advanced stylus upgrades. Their motors are also decoupled from the rest of the turntable body with a revolutionary suspension system resulting in sonically silent operation.
If you are interested in these models please contact us for more information so we can find the perfect match for you.
Rega Planar 3:
Building on the rest of their lineup the planar 3 continues Rega’s devotion to sonic performance above all else. With a 12mm floating opti-white floating glass platter and the option for the Rega Elys 2 or Rega Exact stylus and a double braced design for superior rigidity the Planar 3 is an incredibly compelling turntable that will delight and impress for years to come.
The Planar 3 also supports the optional NEO PSU unit for electronic speed switching with incredible accuracy.
The Planar 3 is available in black and white finishes along with your choice of the Rega Elys 2 or Rega Exact stylus.
Rega Planar 3 White With Elys 2 Website Link
Rega Planar 3 Black With Elys 2 Website Link
Rega Planar 3 White With Exact Website Link
Rega Planar 3 Black With Exact Website Link
Rega Planar 6:
The Planar 6 has one goal, to reproduce your vinyl as accurately as possible. Every aspect of this turntable has been engineered to extract the most sonic performance capable from your collection. With a dual layer floating glass platter and the Ania moving coil cartridge factory fitted, this turntable will not disappoint. The Neo PSU supplied in the box offers electronic speed change, advanced anti-vibration control and user adjustable electronic fine speed adjustment.
Rega Planar 6 With Ania Cartridge Black Website Link
Rega Planar 8:
With a striking and revolutionary plinth design the Rega Planar 8 takes the audio first approach of Rega’s turntables to the extreme. The Tancast 8 foam core plinth and double brace design give unrivalled rigidity with shockingly low mass for its performance tier. The super flywheel triple layer glass platter and neo psu for electronic speed switching the planar 8 redefines speed accuracy and exists in a class of its own. Factory fitted with the Apheta cartridge this turntable truly makes no compromises.
Rega Planar 8 With Apheta Cartridge Website Link
Stereo Amplifiers / Integrated Amplifiers:
Because your amplifier choice mainly relies on how much power your speakers require and the feature set / subjective sonic tone of the amplifier, this section will be divided by brand rather than performance tier.
Cambridge Audio:
The definition of classic British HiFi, with a refined sound signature that is punchy in its mid and low end without obscuring any of the high end detail Cambridge Audio amplifiers are a perfect sonic match for the Cambridge Audio SX50 or SX60 Bookshelf speakers as well as Q Acoustics Range of Speakers.
Cambridge Audio AXA25:
This 25 Watt (into 8 Ohms) amplifier punches well above its price point, with 4 RCA inputs as well as an AUX in on the front with tone controls for treble and bass to really help you dial in the sound you want this is the perfect amplifier for small to medium sized bookshelf speakers and will match well with any turntable that has a built in phono stage.
Cambridge Audio AXA25 Amplifier Website Link
Yamaha:
Yamaha amplifiers aim to be almost invisible in your audio setup; they deliver robust powerful amplification without colouring the music at all, staying as neutral as possible. A perfect match for Yamaha’s bookshelf and tower speakers best paired with Yamaha’s CD player and turntable.
Yamaha AS301 & AS501:
These two stereo amplifiers are ideal for any classic hifi setup boasting 60 watts and 85 watts respectively; they will pair effortlessly with most bookshelf or even tower speakers imparting essentially no tonal colouring. Both feature optical, coaxial and many analog inputs including a MM phono stage for turntables along with dual zone speaker outputs and a subwoofer output.
Their monolithic yet refined style along with physical tone and selection dials give a refined functional characteristic to these amplifiers.
Yamaha as301 Integrated Amplifier Website Link
Yamaha as501 Integrated Amplifier Website Link
Yamaha RN602:
If versatility is what you want this amplifier has it in spades, with optical, coaxial, analogue, turntable mm phono, Bluetooth, usb and wifi inputs if you have music you want to play this amp will play it and power any speakers at 80 Watts into 8 ohms without even breaking a sweat. All this while maintaining Yamaha’s signature detail oriented neutral sound.
Yamaha rn602 Integrated Amplifier Website Link
Rega:
Much like their turntables rega’s amplifiers focus on getting the most out of your record collection, with a clean precise sound these are the perfect match for Rega’s turntable lineup.
Rega IO:
Driving 30 Watts into 8 ohms with a phono preamp and two line level inputs this compact amplifier is the perfect match for a Rega turntable and a pair of bookshelf speakers, it also features a headphone out for private listening.
Rega Brio:
The Rega Brio builds on the IO adding two extra line inputs and bumping the power up to 50 Watts into 8 Ohms. A perfect pairing for a Rega turntable and some larger bookshelf or standmount speakers.
Encel:
Encel Brains:
The perfect match for Encel’s Gelati speakers, this amplifier is a fantastic all rounder and sonically pairs perfectly with the Encel Gelati speakers delivering a rich full sound. With a phono input, three line inputs, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth aptX HD this amplifier will fit right into your setup. The Brains delivers 30 Watts into 8 ohms ideal for bookshelf speakers and also features a headphone output for private listening.
The brains comes in both a matte black and matte white finish:
Encel Brains Black Website Link
Encel Brains White Website Link
Speakers:
We sell two types of speakers, powered/active speakers and passive speakers. Passive speakers will require one of the amplifiers listed above as they do not contain any inbuilt amplification. Powered/active speakers have their amplification built in so they don’t require an external amplifier instead your audio sources plug right into them.
Powered Speakers:
Kanto Yu6:
The Canadian designed Kanto Yu6 are a super compelling pair of powered bookshelf speakers, with 5.25” Kevlar main drivers they deliver punchy mids and plenty of bass which can be extended even further through their sub out. They feature an inbuilt phono preamp so they can be paired directly with any turntable that doesn't have a mm phono preamp built in.
They also feature two optical inputs for connection to TVs as well as a 3.5mm aux input and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Kanto Yu6 comes in Matte Black, Matte White, Walnut and Bamboo.
Kanto Yu6 Matte Black Website Link
Kanto Yu6 Matte White Website Link
Q Acoustic M20:
Q Acoustics' entry into the powered speaker market continues the trend set by their passive speaker line up with clear, expressive and balanced sound that punch well above their size. They feature Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity, an RCA and AUX line level inputs as well as optical and usb inputs for digital sources.
They also feature a sub out if you wish to extend the low end capabilities of these speakers with a sub like the Q Acoustic 3060s 3060s Subwoofer Website Link
The M20’s come in a gorgeous matte black colourway:
Elac Debut ConneX:
An incredibly versatile pair of speakers, the Elac Debut ConneX packs a ton of sound and inputs into a remarkably small package. With a phono preamp, USB computer connectivity, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC for TVs, as well as optical and High Res Bluetooth these speakers will take almost every audio input there is and turn it into a punchy lively sound. Their soundstage is far larger than their size would imply and they are truly a fantastic value for money offering.
The Debut ConneX come in Black, Orange, Blue and Walnut colourways:
Elac Debut ConneX Black Website Link
Elac Debut ConneX Orange Website Link
Elac Debut ConneX Blue Website Link
Elac Debut ConneX Walnut Website Link
Presonus Eris 3.5BT and 4.5BT:
These compact powered studio monitors deliver a clean sound in a small package, perfect for a bedroom or office setup. Featuring a 3.5” and 4.5” driver respectively the Presonus Eris are designed to deliver a balanced and detailed sound reproducing your music as accurately as possible. They both feature RCA and AUX line inputs as well as wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
Presonus Eris 3.5bt Website Link
Presonus Eris 4.5bt Website Link
Passive Speakers:
Q Acoustic:
Q Acoustics’ range of speakers deliver a classically British sound with full mids and bass along with a detailed yet not fatiguing high end. They are incredibly versatile speakers with a sound signature that fits almost any type of music, their unique decoupled impregnated coated paper speaker cones give an incredibly fast and snappy bass and mid response resulting in more dynamic bass and drum hits.
Q Acoustic 3020i:
These medium sized bookshelf speakers are a fantastic option for small to medium sized spaces delivering a full and engaging soundstage; their 5” decoupled impregnated coated paper speaker cones give full impactful mids and a satisfying yet not overpowering bass response. If you wish to extend the low end capabilities of these speakers they pair perfectly with the Q Acoustic 3060s Subwoofer. 3060s Subwoofer Website Link
The 3020i speakers come in Black, White and Walnut Colourways:
Q Acoustic 3020i Black Website Link
Q Acoustic 3020i White Website Link
Q Acoustic 3020i Walnut Website Link
Q Acoustic 3030i:
These oversized bookshelf / standmount speakers sit in a class of their own, inheriting the gigantic 6.5” driver of their floorstanding older brother the 3050i they deliver a full and incredibly engaging bass response along with super detailed highs and mids. Perfect for RnB, HipHop, Dub, Jazz and any genre that benefits from a full and dynamic low end you truly will not be disappointed with these speakers. They achieve all this while only demanding a reasonable 25-75 Watts from an amplifier making them incredibly easy to drive.
The 3030i speakers come in Black, White and Walnut Colourways:
Q Acoustic 3030i Black Website Link
Q Acoustic 3030i White Website Link
Q Acoustic 3030i Walnut Website Link
Q Acoustic 3050 and 3050i:
Q Acoustics’ Floorstanding speakers double up on the 6.5” drivers found in the 3030i delivering room filling sound for even the largest living spaces with their large cabinets allowing their bass frequencies to extend well into sub-bass levels reproducing every ounce of detail of your music exactly as the artist intended. The 3050i features improved cabinet bracing compared to the standard 3050 for less unwanted frequency disrupting vibrations along with a more dynamic driver that will deliver more snappy bass and mid response.
Q Acoustic Concept 30:
The Concept 30 speakers from Q Acoustic sit in their premium speaker range. They feature a unique Gelcore cabinet construction designed to minimise high-frequency noise along with mounting their 5” driver to a super stiff 3mm aluminium baffle plate to further minimise unwanted vibrations. This all results in an incredibly accurate yet dynamic and fun bookshelf speaker that will be sure to impress.
Q Acoustic Concept 30 Website Link
Encel Gelati Bookshelf Speakers:
These colourful passive bookshelf speakers designed in Aussie are a perfect match for Encel’s own Brains amplifier and have a wide variety of optional colourful magnetic grilles to suit your aesthetic. Despite their compact size they have a wide open soundstage and generous bass extension with a perfect crossover between their tweeter and bass drivers that was designed with advanced computer software and refined through extensive listening tests. Delivering a smooth, warm and enjoyable listening experience.
The Gelati speakers come in Birch Black, Vanilla White, Caramel Walnut and Pistachio Walnut “Flavours”:
Encel Gelati Birch Black Website Link
Encel Gelati Vanilla White Website Link
Encel Gelati Caramel Walnut Black Website Link
Encel Gelati Caramel Walnut Pistachio Green Website Link
Rega Kyte:
Handmade in the UK these bookshelf speakers from Rega are a perfect sonic match for their range of turntables and amps, they feature a custom designed phenolic resin cabinets with a unique ceramic plate & cross brace construction. They are incredibly easy to position and will give a balanced and wide soundstage so you can truly get immersed in your records.
Yamaha:
NS-333 Bookshelf and NS-555 Floorstanding:
These signature Yamaha Piano Black speakers use their waveguide horn technology to deliver rich punchy classically Japanese sound. They are a perfect match for Yamaha’s range of amplifiers both requiring a fair bit of oomph to drive their Polymer-injected Mica Diaphragm cones that deliver their signature punchy Yamaha sound.
Cambridge Audio:
SX50:
Perfect for small rooms the SX50 can create a super wide and immersive soundstage even when space is at a premium. With their treated paper cones they have a super tight and responsive low end to give accurate and engaging reproduction of your music. The perfect pairing for one of Cambridge Audio’s own amps such as the AXA25.
Cambridge Audio sx50 Website Link
SX60:
These stand mount bookshelf speakers are large and pack a punch to justify it. Their 6.5” treated paper drivers deliver full and dynamic sound so you hear every nuance of your music, the perfect pairing for Cambridge’s own lineup of amplifiers. They are front ported meaning they can be placed far closer to walls or corners than most bookshelf speakers making them super easy to integrate into your setup. Their clean black monolithic design makes them blend in seamlessly with any home hifi system.
Cambridge Audio sx60 Website Link
PSB:
PSB Alpha T20 Tower Speakers:
These tower speakers are big and bold with full bodied bass and mids, the T20’s cabinet has been specifically designed to extract every ounce of performance from its dual 5 and a quarter inch drivers. Their cabinet size and carefully tuned crossover means they can effortlessly create a perfectly centred yet expansive soundstage even in larger rooms.
PSB Alpha P3:
These compact bookshelf speakers are perfect for smaller rooms where space is at a premium. Their 4 inch woofers utilise waveguides to disperse sound and optimise the transition between high and low frequencies. The rear bass port helps to extend their low end abilities increasing their bass output without adding distortion.
PSB Alpha P5:
These speakers perform equally well as bookshelf or stand mount speakers delivering excellent stereo sound with excellent performance for its size. The P5’s large 5 and a quarter inch woofers deliver striking bass and mids; these midranger drivers have been positioned above the tweeter to create a uniform sound field regardless of the listening height.
Headphones:
Sometimes you can’t or don’t want to listen out loud, in these cases we stock a range of headphones perfect for when your flattie is telling you to keep it down or when you wanna just enter your own audio nirvana that no one else is allowed in.
Audio Technica:
ATHm20x:
The entry into Audio Technica’s range of professional grade headphones the m20x deliver fully punchy sound with their 40mm drivers and over ear noise isolating design. Pair these with the integrated headphone amp of the Presonus Eris speakers or any amplifier with a headphone out and you can turn your record collection into your very own private concert for one.
ATHm20xBT:
This Bluetooth version of the outstanding m20x adds wireless Bluetooth connectivity with 60 hours of battery life and an optional cable if you still want to listen wired.
ATHm50x:
The m50x builds on the m20x retaining a closed back noise isolating design while upgrading to a 45mm driver for even deeper bass response and moving to a more neutral sound profile recreating your music as the artist intended. They also come in a Bluetooth version with 50 hours of battery life.
Meze 99 NEO:
For the discerning audiophile these headphones deliver incredible soundstage and detail, with memory foam earpads, a self adjusting headband and super lightweight design for ultimate comfort. These headphones stand in a class of their own and offer a truly excellent private listening experience.