So, you’re intrigued by vinyl and eager to dive into the experience. However, turntables can be expensive, and finding a quality one can be challenging. Should this cut short your dream of owning one?
No. Fortunately, several brands offer high-quality turntables at very affordable prices. Join me as I explore some of the best vinyl record players to help you make an informed choice.
Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Fully automatic
Cartridge type/mode: Integral Dual Magnet phono cartridge
Phono preamp: Yes
Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM
Drive method: Belt
Pros
- Decent sound performance.
- Good-looking.
- Multiple connectivity options.
Cons
- Some materials feel cheap.
This turntable is a delightful piece of equipment. It relies on the belt-drive mechanism, which ensures vibrations and motor noise don’t interfere with your listening experience. Unlike some decks that retain the manual feature when it comes to cueing the tonearm, Audio-Technica opts to automate this task. Therefore, the tonearm moves automatically onto the record at the start of playback and returns to its original position when the music ends.
Generally, the stereo turntable is pleasing to look at with its black, brown/black, gunmetal/black, and red/black finishes. It’s also very light, given that most components are plastic. The platter, however, is made of die-cast aluminum, so you don’t have to worry about resonance.
The unit features a built-in phono preamp and RCA outputs, meaning it can connect directly to amplifiers, speakers, or receivers. As for sound, it is warm and inviting, which is quite common for vinyl. However, if you prefer music with more emphasis on treble frequencies, you might desire a bit more flavor.
Popsky 3-Speed Turntable Bluetooth
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Semi-automatic
Cartridge type/mode: Classic ruby cartridge
Phono preamp: No
Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM
Drive method: Belt
Pros
- Portable
- Many connectivity options
- Good sound
Cons
- Light materials used
Popsky is one of the vinyl players with speakers. It spins the turntable using a belt attached to the motor and platter to ensure a smoother and quieter listening experience.
The unit’s operation mode is semi-automatic. While you still need to place the tonearm on the record manually, the automatic stop function is a thoughtful touch that prevents unnecessary wear on your vinyl.
“Beautiful” perfectly describes Popsky. It has a vintage-inspired design with a solid light brown wood finish that you will love. The deck also features wireless technology and lightweight construction, making it easily portable.
When it comes to connectivity, this deck includes Bluetooth for wireless music streaming and an RCA output, which you can use to connect to external speakers. A 3.5mm AUX input is also available to play music from non-Bluetooth devices.
Want to digitize your vinyl into MP3 files? This is also possible. Most Popsky users are impressed with the audio quality, a sign that the cartridge tracks records well to deliver a warm, balanced sound.
AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-LP120XUSB
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Fully manual
Cartridge type/mode: Dual Magnet phono cartridge
Phono preamp: Yes
Speeds: 33/45/78 RPM
Drive method: Direct
Pros
- Easy to use
- Budget-friendly
- Good sound
Cons
- Not great looking
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a direct-drive turntable, and I understand you may be concerned about motor noise interfering with its sound quality. Don’t be. The DC servo motor that drives it is high-torque, so you can expect it to deliver consistent speed with minimal wow and flutter.
I love that the deck is entirely manual. There’s something satisfying about manually cueing the tonearm and engaging with the vinyl playback process. AT-LP120XUSB may not be the best-looking turntable, but it includes some cool features. When I say this, I’m referring to the S-shaped tonearm and stroboscopic aluminum platter that enhance performance and accuracy.
You can connect the deck to external speakers or amplifiers of your choice, thanks to the built-in preamp. And if you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of wires, the Bluetooth feature comes in handy.
A USB is also available to digitize vinyl records. The turntable offers good sound for the price. But if you want the best possible sound quality, you may have to invest in slightly more expensive options.
Fluance High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Semi-automatic
Cartridge type/mode: Moving magnet cartridge
Phono preamp: Yes
Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
Drive method: Belt
Pros
- Offers value for money
- Good sound
Cons
- Plastic tonearm
Like some of its counterparts, Fluance features a belt-drive system that separates the motor from the platter to minimize vibrations and provide cleaner playback. The motor isolation setup utilizes a 3-point rubber isolation design that reduces noise and unwanted vibrations.
When it comes to operation mode, this turntable is semi-automatic. You need to move the tonearm from its rest to start the platter and return it after the music stops playing. The only help you get is that the auto-stop function turns off the turntable once the stylus finishes tracking grooves.
As for the design, Fluance is classic and modest. It arrives with a solid MDF plinth that sits on 4 feet. The walnut finish gives the system a vintage look while still being modern, though there are two other finish options—piano black and piano white. The tonearm is made of plastic, and its bearings are not silky or smooth compared to higher-end models.
Standard RCA outputs and a built-in phono preamp are available for connections, as well as a grounding wire to prevent hum. The sound is relatively good, with a nice amount of detail, though it may not blow audiophiles away.
REGA PLANAR 1
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Manual
Cartridge type/mode: Carbon moving magnet cartridge
Phono preamp: No
Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 RPM
Drive method: Belt
Pros
- Excellent sound production
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Limited connectivity options
I would be doing a great disservice to you if I didn’t include Planar 1 as one of the best record players for newbies. It’s among my favorites, and despite having a higher price tag than the rest, you won’t regret acquiring it.
The build quality is extraordinary. Although it weighs a mere 9.26 lbs (4.2kg), the thermoset, gloss laminated plinth, and vibration-damping feet provide an assuring level of stability.
Rega’s design is as minimalist as it can get, with the on/off switch located at the bottom of the plinth, so you only have the platter and tonearm structure on the surface. In case you think this design is mundane, you are mistaken. Whether you opt for the Walnut effect, matte white or matte black version, the deck will still add a touch of class to your space.
Planar 1 runs on the drive belt mechanism, and the motor is surprisingly quiet. Changing speeds is manual and involves lifting the platter to access the belt. Why not include a control knob instead? It’s more convenient. Cueing the tonearm is also by hand.
For connectivity, the turntable provides standard RCA outputs but doesn’t feature built-in Bluetooth, USB, or a phono preamp. Moving on, I must say the turntable doesn’t sound entry-level; it’s powerful, punchy, and accurate.
PRO-JECT A1
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Fully manual
Cartridge type/mode: Ortofon OM5e Phono Cartridge
Phono preamp: No
Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 RPM
Drive method: Belt
Pros
- Nice looking with multiple color options
- User-friendly
Cons
- Unsatisfactory sound
- Extremely light
Pro-Ject A1 features a belt-drive motor, which aims to isolate some vibrations from the motor. The deck is fully manual, so it’s up to you to control the tonearm movement; no automatic features are available to help.
Also, switching the speed from 33 1/3 to 45 RPM requires you to remove the platter and move the belt to the suitable pulley on the motor. This can be tiresome, especially when lower-priced units feature a speed button.
I am sure you’ll appreciate the turntable’s aesthetic appeal. The design is also simple, with no frills. You have an elegant CNC-machined plinth available in Satin White, High Gloss Black, and Walnut finishes. Seated on it is a heavy glass platter with a zero-resonance design to prevent unwanted vibration. However, the unit is extremely light at 8.4 lbs (3.8kg), so it may not dampen vibration as effectively as other models in the price range.
Might interest you:
While Pro-ject A1 offers the basic RCA outputs, it doesn’t have a built-in preamp, which is a bummer. The sound from this unit is pleasant, but can fail to capture the details from your records. This isn’t surprising, given it uses an entry-level Ortofon OM 5e cartridge. The good news is that you can always upgrade the cartridge to have a more enjoyable listening experience.
AUDIO-TECHNICA LP5x
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Manual
Cartridge type/mode: Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge
Phono preamp: Yes
Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM
Drive method: Direct
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Solid construction
Cons
- No Bluetooth support
Audio-Technica LP5x is a direct-drive turntable that guarantees low motor noise. In my opinion, the deck doesn’t look stunning, but I have to give credit to its engineering. It’s pretty solid.
The unit features a matte-black plinth and 4 pliant feet to provide stability. An aluminum platter occupies a significant part of the base and is topped with a hefty rubber slipmat. There’s a nicely weighted speed/power switch on the far left surface of the plinth and the “Audio-Technica” logo on the other end. You also have a J-shaped arm that looks remarkable and purposeful. LP5x is fully manual, so you have to cue the tonearm by hand.
The turntable includes a phono stage switchable for moving coil and moving magnet cartridges. If you want to digitize your vinyl records, a USB is provided. Switchable RCA outputs are present to ensure you can easily connect the deck to speakers and amplifiers.
LP5x’s overall sound is good enough to categorize it as a class leader. You’ll love how it extracts details from recordings, presenting a well-organized and composed soundstage. Even during complex musical passages, the turntable handles the information with finesse, never sounding strained or overwhelmed.
FLUANCE RT83
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Semi-automatic
Cartridge type/mode: Ortofon 2M red cartridge
Phono preamp: No
Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM
Drive method: Belt
Pros
- Gorgeous design
- Great sound
- High-quality build
Cons
- No built-in phono preamp
The Fluance RT83 is a visually stunning turntable with a classic design. Its high-mass MDF plinth and adjustable resonance-damping feet provide a solid foundation for the turntable, ensuring minimal vibrations and a cleaner listening experience. There’s an aluminum platter and an S-shaped tonearm next to it. A dust cover is also included to prevent dirt and acoustic feedback.
Fluance is one of the many vinyl record players that integrates a belt drive. The setup isolates the platter from the motor, preventing some of the vibrations from reaching your records. You can regulate speed through the power/speed control knob situated on the plinth. While the automatic stop function featured is convenient, I prefer the tactile experience of manually cueing the tonearm. It adds a sense of ritual and control to the listening experience.
No internal phono preamp is featured in the turntable, meaning you have to supply an external model. No Bluetooth or USB, either. All you have are gold-plated RCA outputs for traditional wired connections to external speakers and amplifiers. “Lively, detailed, and exciting” are the words that I would use to describe Fluance RT83’s sound. You won’t be disappointed.
PRO-JECT DEBUT EVO
Technical specifications
Turntable operation: Manual
Cartridge type/mode: Sumiko Rainier phono cartridge
Phono preamp: No
Speeds: 33 & 45 RPM (78 capable)
Drive method: Belt
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Attractive design
- Supports 3 speeds
Cons
- No wireless technology
- More expensive than other models
Being last on this list of the best turntables 2024 doesn’t mean Pro-Ject Debut Evo is the least recommended. It has almost the same characteristics as the other turntables but comes at a higher price point.
The mechanism applied in this deck is belt-drive and supports 3 speeds, including 33, 45, and 78 RPM. In case you are wondering, the motor is relatively quiet, and you can expect a cleaner sound. In terms of operation mode, Debut Evo is manual with a smooth manual cueing setup.
The turntable boasts a simple, elegant appearance with 9 color options to choose from. I particularly love the high gloss red finish; it can add a stylish touch to any space. Debut Evo doesn’t include any logos, control buttons or graphics on the base, a sign Pro-Ject was going for a minimalist look.
A semi-balanced RCA phono is provided to connect the deck to different audio setups. No Bluetooth connectivity is supported, though. The sound won’t disappoint you; it’s clear, warm and good. I can attribute this to the phono cartridge that ensures detailed and dynamic audio production.
FAQ
What are turntables called now?
Also known as phonographs, units, or decks, turntables are used for listening to music. But unlike the modern audio setups that rely on technology to produce sound, these devices use a belt-drive or direct-drive mechanism to spin records and extract music. They can play LPs (large flat discs) which store sound recordings in grooves.
Turntables have been around for a while now, with some models dating back to the early 20th century. These early versions were quite basic, with manual cranks to power them and simple mechanical designs to play records at fixed speeds. The resurgence of vinyl has brought these decks back into the limelight, normally with a touch of technology like Bluetooth capability, USB, and built-in preamps.
What is the difference between a turntable and a vinyl player?
Although the term turntable may be used interchangeably with vinyl player, there is a distinct difference between them. In the actual sense, a turntable is a component of a vinyl record player; it’s that part that houses the platter on which the record is placed.
The turntable also includes a tonearm, a cartridge, and needle that tracks a record’s grooves as it rotates. The sound vibrations produced are then captured by the cartridge which turns them into electric signals. Unfortunately, a deck lacks a phono preamp to magnify the signals from the cartridge to a level that most audio equipment can use. You may also be required to get external speakers or an amplifier to play records.
A vinyl player, on the other hand, is a standalone unit. It comes with a turntable, along with the components you need to play music, such as speakers, an amplifier, or even a phono preamp. So, no extra equipment is needed before you can use it.
What are the significant parts of a turntable?
A turntable mainly focuses on the mechanics of rotating the record and reading the grooves. Therefore, one of its vital parts is the platter. It looks like a large round plate and can be made of different materials, including aluminum, acrylic, glass, etc. The platter normally holds the record and ensures stable and consistent rotation for effective sound reproduction.
Another component is the tonearm, which carries the cartridge and stylus (needle). It comes in various shapes and sizes just to help the stylus follow the grooves and ensure tracking accuracy.
Next, we have the cartridge, which contains the stylus. There are 2 main types of cartridges—Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). The former utilizes a magnet attached to the needle to produce signals, while the latter uses a small coil fixed to the stylus for the same. MC cartridges are usually more expensive as they have lower distortion, provide higher sensitivity and more detailed sound.
Is it worth buying a cheap turntable?
The answer is yes. Some turntables can be quite expensive and lock out individuals who may want to experience the joy of vinyl in this era. Cheaper turntables are thus a viable option, especially for newbies or casual listeners. These devices are capable of generating exceptional sound, with some performing even better than higher-end models.
Sure, several decks may feature cheap materials, but that doesn’t always compromise their quality. With a proper design and sturdy construction, many offer a worthwhile listening experience. Not to mention the aesthetic appeal they provide.
However, you have to be careful when choosing the ideal turntable. It’s easy to come across a deck that’s very cheap and looks nice on the outside but may disappoint you in the end. Be sure to go for models from trusted brands like Fluance, Rega, Audio-Technica, Pro-ject, etc.
What’s better, direct drive or belt drive turntable?
Both the direct and the belt drive turntables are good in their own way. It all depends on your needs and preferences.
If you are a DJ or a vinyl fan who just wants to benefit from quick start-up times, speed stability and longevity, the direct drive option may be ideal. By connecting directly to the platter, the motor ensures there’s consistent rotation to play your records. The direct drive also has fewer moving parts and lacks belts, making maintenance easier.
In contrast, if you desire quieter operation or better sound quality, a belt-drive turntable may provide that. The belt acts as a buffer, separating the platter from motor vibrations and noise. This way, you can experience cleaner and more detailed sound. However, you may have to accommodate the slight inconvenience of slower start-up times.
Does it matter what vinyl player I get?
Yes, it does. Vinyl players have different features and qualities. Some include substandard materials and don’t put much effort into the design. In the end, the deck doesn’t perform as effectively as you would expect.
Others invest in high-quality components and ensure sturdy construction, which goes a long way in producing satisfactory sound. And it doesn’t mean that expensive turntables are better than cheaper ones. It all depends on the materials used and the design. It’s very possible to get a vinyl player that generates excellent sound at a cheap price.
The brand you choose also matters. In any case, it’s advisable to go for turntables from reputable companies that have been on the market for a while.
What are the best record players?
That depends on your definition of the best, but there are some key parameters to look for. These may include but are not limited to build quality and design, drive mechanism, cartridge type and stylus, connectivity options, sound performance, and materials used. If you are a newbie looking for the best vinyl players, you are in luck. We have compiled a list of the turntables that you can choose from:
- Best Bluetooth: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
- Best for automatic operation: Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
- Best for wireless convenience: Popsky 3-Speed Turntable Bluetooth
- Best high-quality construction: Fluance High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player
- Best high-fidelity sound: REGA PLANAR 1
- Best aesthetics: PRO-JECT A1
- Best advanced features: AUDIO-TECHNICA LP5x
- Best build quality: FLUANCE RT83
- Best high-end performance: PRO-JECT DEBUT EVO
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