Listening to your favorite records and artists on vinyl just feels different. Vinyl has a distinct sound that takes you back in time to another era of music. Whether you’re just getting into vinyl records or you’ve been listening to those old records sitting on your shelf for years, it’s always a good idea to have one of the best turntables for listening to your favorite records.
So, which turntables are considered top notch on the market today? StudyFinds did the research, consulting nine consumer review sites to bring you a consensus list of the best turntables. Our list comprises the seven most frequently listed turntables from across these sites. Think our expert sites missed one of the top turntable models on the market? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The List: Best Vinyl Turntables, According to Music Fans
1. Audio Technica LP60X
The top spot on the list of the best turntables belongs to the Audio Technica LP60X Turntable. Audio Technica is responsible for producing some of the top turntables available and its LP60X is a shining example of its success. This turntable is an excellent option for both the beginner vinyl enthusiast and seasoned listeners, explains Tech Radar. Setup is pretty straightforward and anyone with vinyl listening experience should be able to get up and spinning quickly.
Audio Technica’s LP60X is a complete line of fully automatic, belt-drive turntables and comes in various models including one with Bluetooth, the LP60X-BT, that automatically pairs with your Bluetooth speakers, notes Wired. Although the digital Bluetooth might distort your intended vinyl sound a bit, this model offers several user-friendly features that make it too good to ignore when shopping for a new turntable.
If you’re just starting with vinyl turntables, then this is probably your best option, according to Digital Trends. If you’re timid about lowering the tonearm onto a spinning record, then you’ll love the automated, press-of-a-button feature that lowers the arm for you and shifts it into place. You can also do this manually without hurting the system, so it’s a win-win for all levels of users. You can also connect this turntable to older stereo amplifiers and speakers with the 3.5mm RCA cable that comes with the unit.
2. Fluance RT81
Next up on the list of the top vinyl turntables is the Fluance RT81. This is another entry-level turntable but it’s worth noting that this model has a classic, quality look and feel to it, explains CNET. The fiberboard base is extraordinarily designed with a stunning real-walnut grain design. The auto-start makes it easy to get your favorite tunes spinning as soon as you walk in the door from a long day at the office.
People agrees that this turntable is great for all levels of vinyl listeners, regardless of where you’re at in your journey. The semi-automatic tonearm means you won’t risk ruining your coveted vinyl albums as you go to start your turntable. You simply move the tonearm in place and it automatically and gently moves the needle in place so you don’t damage your record. The solid base reduces vibrations and gives you a smoother, cleaner listening experience.
This turntable sounds excellent out of the box, but if you wanted, you could upgrade the key components later on, notes Tech Hive. You can upgrade components such as the cartridge and stylus down the line but the factory components sound great. This model also comes with a built-in phono preamp and an auto-stop feature that protects the stylus after the music ends.
3. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo
Pro-Ject produces a range of turntables and audio accessories. If you want to enjoy the rich sound of vinyl, then this turntable is what you need, explains Tech Radar. It doesn’t matter what type of music you’re listening to, the Pro-Ject Carbon Evo produces crisp, clean tunes for your listening enjoyment. This model changes from 33 rotations per minute (rpm) to 45rpm with the press of a button.
The Pro-Ject is built with the highest quality components arranged simply to produce the best sound, notes Wired. It is important to remember that this model doesn’t come with a built-in preamp, so you’ll need to consider the extra investment. However, if you’re looking for a great turntable with a high-end factory cartridge, then this Pro-Ject is the perfect option.
The only drawback of this turntable is the phone preamp will cost you a little extra, furthers Digital Trends. This is an excellent choice whether you’re just starting or you’ve been listening to vinyl for years. This is Pro-Ject’s newest version of the Debut Carbon series turntables. It’s loaded with new features including adjustable sound-dampening aluminum feet and a heavier steel platter complete with a thermoplastic dampening ring designed to reduce flutter, or the tiny distortions caused by vibrations and other interferences.
4. U-Turn Orbit Turntables
The fourth spot on the list of the top turntables belongs to the U-Turn Orbit Turntables. U-Turn turntables are assembled by hand in Massachusetts and are 100 percent made in the U.S. with parts sourced from the U.S., notes CNET. These turntables come in an assortment of colors and come thoroughly tested with a 15-point inspection before arriving to you.
New York Magazine agrees that the U-Turn Orbit Turntables not only look great but sound just as excellent. These turntables are great for your favorite rock albums and when you pair them with U-Turn’s analog speakers, these turntables transform your environment. You can upgrade the cartridges down the line and truly achieve the sound you’re looking for in a turntable setup.
U-Turn produces several Orbit models including the Theory, Special, Plus, and the Basic. You can even create a custom Orbit turntable on the U-Turn website. The Orbit Theory is one of the most affordable high-end turntables you can find, notes Tech Hive. It comes with a magnesium tonearm and a machined pulley for the silicon belt that drives the turntable. U-Turn hand builds a turntable that can hold its own against any of the high-end models on the market.
5. Rega Planar 1
The quality of the Planar 1 is in the components and the build, notes Trusted Reviews. Rega refined the RB110 tonearm, which includes a Rega Carbon cartridge, and upgraded the aluminum pulley in the Planar 1 to make this an even more powerful and noteworthy turntable option.
Rega went out of its way to create a turntable that eliminates unwanted sounds and dampens vibrations. The Planar features a phenolic resin platter designed to lessen vibrations and provide a crisp sound, explains Tech Radar. When listening to this turntable, the vocals are prominent and you will clearly perceive the instrumentals. This is the perfect place to start for an audiophile on a budget.
Wired compares the Rega Planar 1 to the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo in terms of cost and structure, but the Rega has even more components. Rega designed this turntable with a special motor that reduces those pesky vibrations that muddle music as well as a high-mass platter to keep your music rumble-free. This is easily one of the best turntables for less than $1,000.
6. Technics SL-1200
The sixth spot on the list of the best turntables for your vinyl collection belongs to the Technics SL-1200. As Pitchfork explains, this is one of the go-to turntable choices for DJs all over the world. This turntable is tough, rugged, and pumps out some of the best vinyl sounds of any turntable you can find.
Technics produced the world’s first direct-drive turntable in 1970 and the SL-1200 has actually been around since 1972, explains CNET. The company produced these incredibly durable and popular turntables for more than three decades and redefined the meaning of quality turntables along the way. Today, these turntables go for more than $1,500 and are more of a collector’s item than a sought-after turntable. Still, you can’t deny the legacy of the SL-1200.
These classic turntables were discontinued in 2010 and have been brought back in a resurgence of sorts, adds New York Magazine. Although these turntables don’t come with as many of the built-in options as other brands, these are classic turntables that can’t be denied as some of the best around. DJs everywhere protested these turntables being discontinued, which is why they’ve been brought back. You can find SL-1200 GR and MK7 models available.
7. Monoprice Monolith
Rounding out the list of the top vinyl turntables is the Monoprice Monolith Turntable. The Monolith is an affordable turntable with all the capabilities you need to jam out to your favorite vinyl records. This simple-looking turntable system features Bluetooth compatibility as well as a USB output for anyone who loves ripping their favorite albums to a computer, explains Tech Hive.
The Monolith is a great turntable for beginners because it’s affordable, but it’s built with some quality parts. As Wired points out, the Monolith features a carbon-fiber tonearm and an Audio Technica cartridge and the built-in phono preamp makes it easy to connect it to any system with RCA inputs.
The Monolith clearly exceeds expectations with its performance and construction, notes Trusted Reviews. Although you’ll need to do some tinkering before you are up and spinning, you’ll love the sound of this machine. The Monolith comes in a couple of different finishes and has all the options you need to connect it to a system of your choice. From Bluetooth to the ability to bypass the phono stage, the Monolith’s diversity and solid build make it a great turntable choice.
What is the difference between a record player and a turntable?
It’s important to know that turntables and record players are not the same thing. A turntable, in its simplest form, is just the rotating table that spins the vinyl record. A turntable is a standalone unit that extracts sound from the record but lacks the amplification and speakers needed for playback, or listening to the music. Turntables alone require connecting to external components like a preamp, amplifier, and speakers to hear the music. This type of setup offers greater control over sound quality and allows you to truly customize your vinyl listening experience.
On the other hand, a record player is an all-in-one system that includes a turntable. It integrates the turntable with a built-in preamp, amplifier, and speakers, making it a plug-and-play vinyl listening solution. This user-friendly approach is ideal for casual listeners who prioritize convenience and don’t require the level of customization offered by separate components. However, the built-in speakers and factory components of record players may not be the same quality as those in a custom setup, potentially impacting your overall listening experience. And that’s where having some of the best stereo components comes into play.
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Sources:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.t
The vast majority of turntables mentioned in this article are, to put it nicely, starter turntables. It has nothing to do with being the best turntables, unless you by “best” mean the best you can buy for $300 to $1000.
This is a parody right?
Agreed. Utterly pathetic article. The Pro-ject and Technics are reasonably worthy, the rest are toys.
C’mon people. The Best? There’s no mention of VPI, SOTA, LINN. Maybe the best under $600.
You know very little about good turntables. Why do you impersonate being an expert? Real audiophile turntables cost at least $2000 and they go much much higher, and the cartridge for a good turntable costs more than most the turntables you reviewed. Any true audio enthusiast would laugh at your review. Audio Technica #1? Still living in the 1970s?
These are not really audiophile turntables, they are good entry level players!
I would add, depending on budget,
1) Music Hall Classic turntable
2) Fluance RT85
both of these are over $500 but offer good value and features not found on even more expensive turntables.
Pathetic.
With the exception of the Rega–which is the bottom-of-the-line model–none of these is a high-end audio device.
You people have no clue about audio equipment.
Agreed, David. The title should have been “10 good turntables on a budget”. These are not audiophile-level units.
No linn Sondek or Pink triangle? Lol
The turntable puctured at the head of the article doesn’t feature in the article, so why include it.
And out of interest, what is it?
Thanks.
If these are your 7 best turntables, I hesitate to think how your 7 worst tt’s will look like. The only one worth mentioning will be the Rega. I visited LINN outside Glasgow in 1988 as well as Rega in Essex(Southend-on-Sea). I met Ivor Tiefenbrun of Linn in person and we stayed with Roy Gandy in his farmhouse for 3 days enjoying his and Pam’s hospitality and the joys of Essex. I even tried out the ancient pipe organ in the huge cathedral in Thaxted.
In the Rega factory each of us in the group had to assemble a RB250 arm.
This guy that compiled the “so called” 7 best turntables does not have the slightest clue what a top turntable looks like. What about SME, Thorens, Clear Audio, Music Hall, Oracle, Elac, Gyrodec by Michell Engineering and vintage Bang & Olufsen 4002. I have a newer vesion, the Beogram 3300 with Soundsmith Smmc4 cartridge. I built my own “Prisma” abou 5 years ago, based on 3 different Michell Transcriptor models. I wish i can add a photo on this post, tt sounds beautiful with a Shure V15-V-xMR cartridge with boron cantilever Jico stylus.
I think I said enough for now.
Kind regards
Kobs Bender.