Vinyl records have made a major comeback in recent years, with sales rising steadily since 2006. While some are collecting records just for the retro appeal, true audio enthusiasts appreciate analog sound and the warm, natural quality of vinyl. To get the most out of your record collection, you need a proper turntable. The right turntable can accurately reproduce all the details etched into your records‘ grooves.
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a turntable:
Drive Method
The motor that drives the platter where the record sits is either belt-drive or direct-drive. Belt drives isolate vibration better and produce less low-frequency noise. This makes them preferable for listening to records. They do require occasional belt replacement. Direct drives generally offer strong torque and faster starts/stops, making them favored by DJs.
Manual vs Automatic
Manual turntables require lifting the tonearm and placing/removing records manually. Automatic models do this for you with the push of a button but cost more.
Adjustable Components
Better turntables allow you to customize components like the tonearm, tracking force, and anti-skate based on your cartridge for optimized performance.
Built-in Preamp
A phono preamplifier applies the RIAA equalization curve to heighten low frequencies and attenuate highs. Some turntables have this built-in, but audiophiles prefer choosing their own external preamp.
Special Features
Modern conveniences like USB output, Bluetooth streaming, and auto stop add flexibility but should not come before sound quality.
Below are 10 of the best turntables for playing your vintage vinyl, covering a range of price points and features.
1. Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO
[insert photo]With its minimalist design and precision engineering, the Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO is a superb midrange turntable that punches above its weight.
Key Features:
- Belt drive with electronic speed control
- 8.6" carbon fiber tonearm
- Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge
- Precision CNC‘ed chassis/platter
- Manual speed change
- No USB/Bluetooth
The Carbon EVO produces a wonderfully transparent sound with great separation and imaging. Its carbon tonearm articulates complex passages while avoiding resonant coloration. An Ortofon 2M Red cartridge comes pre-mounted, offering excellent tracking ability.
At just over $500, the EVO costs more than basic entry-level turntables but offers Reference Class performance that justifies the price for serious vinyl listeners. With adjustable feet and tonearm components, it excels at minimizing noise and interference for rich, musical playback.
Pros: Terrific sound quality, sleek aesthetic, easy setup
Cons: No auto-stop or digital outputs
2. Audio Technica AT-LPW50PB
[photo]A high-torque direct drive model with wireless convenience, the AT-LPW50PB turntable by Audio-Technica melds listening pleasure with modern demands.
Specs:
- Direct drive with anti-resonance controls
- Built-in switchable phono preamp
- Dual magnet phono cartridge
- Fully manual operation
- 33/45 RPM speeds
- Bluetooth output
- USB digital output
Its precise direct drive system provides excellent speed stability along with damped isolation to reject vibrations. An AT95EX Dual Moving Magnet cartridge articulates the grooves with detail and warmth. The removable plug-in headshell permits easy cartridge changes. Occupying a sweet spot around $400, the well-built LPW50PB sounds fantastic while offering the convenience of digital outputs.
Pros: Strong, accurate sound; helpful digital connectivity; manual control
Cons: No dust cover; setup requires adjustment
3. Fluance RT85
[image]The Fluance RT85 brings towering performance with deluxe components in an elegant package for under $500.
Features:
- Belt driven with speed control
- Beautiful walnut finish
- Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge
- Adjustable counterweight and anti-skate
- Integrated preamp
- Includes dust cover
An elliptical stylus on the acclaimed Ortofon cartridge traces intricate grooves with care as Fluance‘s trademark belt drive ensures smooth, even spinning. The high-density MDF platter minimizes vibrations for black backgrounds. Adjustments like the counterweight and anti-skate optimize tracking ability while auto stop disengages when a record finishes. At this price, the RT85 provides uncompromising fidelity to transport listeners to captivating new worlds encoded within their vinyl.
Pros: Superb clarity and imaging; smart adjustable design; striking appearance
Cons: Manual speed change only
4. U-Turn Audio Orbit Special
[pic]For the budget-conscious looking to dip their toes in the turntable waters, U-Turn offers the impressive Orbit Special for just over $200.
Details:
- Belt driven with optional upgrades
- 8" aluminum tonearm
- Ortofon OM5E cartridge
- Solid hardwood plinth
- Single pulley drive method
- No auto start/stop
Despite its low cost, niceties like the gimbaled tonearm, raised platter, and high-traction drive result in clear, balanced sound belying its price tag. While lacking modern interfaces, the simple, fuss-free Orbit Special focuses solely on the analog experience – and executes its mission beautifully.
Pros: Warm, inviting sound; stylish appearance; low cost
Cons: Manual operation; no phono stage
5. Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
[image]For connectivity meets classic turntable charm, consider Cambridge Audio‘s aptly-named Alva TT (V2 model).
Attributes:
- Direct drive with electronic speed control
- Detachable Bluetooth transmitter
- Gold-plated MM phono stage
- Auto start/stop
- 3.5mm aux input
- USB audio output
Alva TT nails combining vinyl and contemporary devices. Its direct drive system lowers noise while aptX HD Bluetooth streams wirelessly to speakers and headphones with increased bitrate. Gold-plated analog connections ensure clean signals when plugging into an amp. Marginally over $500, the Alva TT V2 salutes both analog loyalists and digital-savvy listeners.
Pros: Slick modern interfaces; accurate speed stability; integrated connectivity
Cons: Stylus lacks fine detail; collects dust
6. Music Hall Classic
[pic]When used equipment and vintage appeal beckon, the Music Hall Classic answers that call for under $600.
Details:
- Belt drive with electronic speed control
- Includes detached dual-speed pulley
- Goldring GR1.2 moving magnet cartridge
- Felt slip mat
- Manual lift lever and arm
- Solid MDF construction
The Classic channels the spirit of vintage units with its dual-pulley motor and manual lever operation while delivering impressive musicality. Its high-quality parts like the GR1.2 cartridge and ultra-low friction tonearm wires grant transparency and dynamics reminiscent of far costlier turntables. Factor in charming retro touches like the machine feet, rounded headshell, and detachable RCA plugs and the Classic oozes rich, invigorating analog magic.
Pros: Robust, musical sound; period-authentic design
Cons: No dust cover; belt changing difficult
7. Rega Planar 1
[image]Hailed for their musicality and value, British stalwart Rega offers the stellar Planar 1 turntable for just over $400.
Specs:
- 24V motor-driven belt drive
- RB110 tonearm
- Factory fitted Rega Carbon cartridge
- Phenolic resin flywheel effect platter
- Manual speed change
Everything about the Planar 1 focuses on extracting utmost fidelity from vinyl. Its zero play bearing assembly and tighter tolerances reduce vibrations while keeping rumble low. The tonearm‘s patterned armtube increases rigidity. An elastomer-suspended motor and main bearings banish feedback. Factor in excellent ergonomics allowing smooth cueing and anti-skating, and the Planar 1 sounds eminently more dynamic than its modest price implies.
Pros: Lively, toe-tapping sound; smart engineering
Cons: No dust cover or onboard phono stage
8. Pro-Ject T1
[pic]Pro-Ject consolidates essential hi-fi turntable features for an accessible figure with the T1.
Highlights:
- Belt driven with electronic speed control
- 8.6" aluminum tonearm
- Ortofon OM10 cartridge
- Multilayer MDF chassis
- Manual operation
- No USB or auto stop
The T1‘s elegant plinth suspension utilizes a base of sorbothane and thermoplastic elastomers for effective decoupling. Its low-friction tonearm bearing allows undamped movement while the Ortofon OM10 cartridge provides excellent tracking for a stock model. Without excessive coloration or resonance, the T1 supplies warming musicality from a thoughtfully engineered package costing around $350.
Pros: Non-fatiguing sound; sophisticated isolation
Cons: No upgrades offered; lacks modern conveniences
9. Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB
[image]Djembe players and club DJs craving that crisp direct-drive torque need look no further than Audio Technica‘s AT-LP120XUSB at $250.
Specs:
- High torque direct drive
- S-shaped aluminum tonearm
- AT-VM95E Dual Magnet cartridge
- Switchable phono/line output
- Reverse play
With excellent start/stop response, the USB-equipped LP120XUSB also considered home listening. Its carbon steel bearing shaft and shock damping provide speed consistency while reducing low-frequency feedback. An adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control enable proper tracking. With rich musicality belying its friendly cost, the sturdy LP120XUSB doubles as a hi-fi turntable and a DJ‘s best friend.
Pros: Strong, authoritative bass; built-in preamp; fits DJ needs
Cons: Noisy motor; lacks fine detail
10. Denon DP-400
[pic]For the diehard automatic enthusiast, Denon‘s DP-400 with integrated preamp retails around $400.
Attributes:
- Belt drive turntable
- Fully automatic operation
- Moving magnet cartridge
- Aluminum diecast platter
- Built-in phono equalizer
- Auto start/stop
A high precision DC servo motor rocks LPs at exact speeds while ultimate tracking accuracy comes courtesy of an optimized S-shaped tonearm. Switching between 33 and 45 RPM takes only the push of a button with auto start/stop making enjoying albums fuss-free. An advanced suspension design and rigid plinth construction reject feedback and distortion. With lively dynamics and detail conveying the artist‘s emotion, the DP-400 gratifies both control freaks and analog devotees.
Pros: Great musical insight; true set-and-forget ease
Cons: Mediocre supplied cartridge; no adjustment
Additional Turntable Considerations
Cartridges and Styli: The cartridge and diamond stylus tracking your record‘s grooves largely determine the perceived sound quality. Serious listeners invest in upgraded cartridges like the Ortofon 2M Bronze (~$700) for even finer resolution. Styli also wear over time, needing replacement after 400-600 hours to prevent undue groove damage.
Speakers/Electronics: A high-performance turntable deserves an equally capable audio system and speakers to realize its full potential. Plan on dedicating $500+ for electronics like amplifiers and phono stages that grant the fidelity vinyl‘s capable of. Bookshelf or floorstanding speakers require equal consideration.
Record Care: Keep your vinyl collection and stylus in prime shape with cleaning accessories for the best listening experience. An antistatic record brush ($20) clears dust before playing records while wet cleaning fluids (from $30) dissolve stubborn contamination. Stylus brushes safely channel junk away from the diamond.
Conclusion
As vinyl continues its renaissance, there‘s never been a better time to revisit analog sound. Today‘s best turntables build upon decades of audio knowledge to extract mesmerizing musical nuances and ambience. Whether your budget allows just dipping a toe or taking the final plunge into the delectable depths of vinyl, rest assured high-fidelity sonic rewards await. Let the record spin!
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