How We Test Turntables | Darkside Vinyl Methodology
Darkside Vinyl tests turntables and vinyl gear in real listening rooms. We do not sell rankings. Affiliate links may appear after a verdict; commissions do not change scores.
What “hands-on” means
A typical deck review includes unboxing or equivalent setup, cartridge/tracking-force checks when the product allows it, listening on familiar records, and a comparison against at least one relevant alternative we already know.
Scoring
Displayed scores are editorial, on a 1–5 scale, weighted toward setup sanity, sound for the price, and who should skip the product. A 4.6 is not a lab measurement.
Samples and affiliate relationships
Some products are retailer purchases; some are review units. We disclose unusual access when it matters. We do not accept payment for a positive review.
Updates
Guides are dated. Specs and prices are checked around publish or last-updated dates, not continuously scraped unless we say so.
FAQ
Do you buy every product?
No. We mix owned gear, long-term loans, and current listings. We still refuse pay-for-rank.
Can a brand buy a higher ranking?
No.
How often do buying guides change?
When a pick is discontinued, a better option lands at the same job, or a spec we relied on is wrong. We do not reshuffle lists for commission.
Where do I send a correction?
Corrections policy and the contact form.