The tables have turned, and now turntables are some of the most-wanted tech gadgets of this year. Thanks to a reassurance of vinyl, which is now considered cool again, there has been an increase in the number and variety of turntables for sale. In fact, many vinyl fans that are serious about listening to music with high-quality sound reproduction then they need to invest in a turntable because vinyl is the way to go.
A great feature of turntables is that you can tailor them to produce sound just how you like it by upgrading the cartridge, tone arm, platter, or even the power source. By looking out for the ideal turntable and then tweaking and playing with its components, eventually, you will be able to find the sound you are looking for which is an impossibility with CD players.
Another great factor of turntables is that it is an industry standard to include a digital download of an album with the vinyl record which means that you can have the vinyl copy to listen to on your turntable at home and then you can have the digital copy to listen to when you are on the go. Read our Top 10 Best Turntable Reviews to decide which suits you best.
Things to Consider
However, there are loads of different turntables on the market and therefore to ensure that you get the best turntable on the market you should consider a number of important factors which will help to ensure that you find the turntable that you have always wanted. To help you out, check out the following 4 factors that you should consider before buying a turntable:
1. Upgradability
Typically the cheaper the turntable, the less chance you have of being to upgrade it. This is mainly because the cheaper turntables have been designed as entry-level gadgets that are supposed to be ready to play as soon as they are taken out of the box. Whereas, the more expensive, higher-end turntables have been designed with keen vinyl users in mind and so they have been made with a number of possible upgrade options. Therefore considering whether or not you want to be able to upgrade your turntable can affect what turntables you look at when shopping. There are some things that can be changed on all turntables and these things include; the platter which is where the record sits and can be changed to reduce vibration, the tone arm which is what swings across the record and can affect sound accuracy and finally, the needle or stylus which is the easiest thing to replace and can affect sound detail.
2. Rotational speed
Speeds are measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and most vinyl play at one of two speeds. Typically, the smaller seven-inch records, which are called singles, play at 45 RPM whereas the larger, 12-inch records, which are called albums or EPs, play at 33 RPM. Every turntable can support both sized records.
However, there are turntables that are capable of playing at a third speed which is typically 78 RPM. The third speed is specifically for the oldest records which are 10 inches and have wider grooves. If you collect old vinyls, then you will want to consider getting a turntable with the third speed capability, but otherwise, you shouldn’t worry about 78 RPM.
3. Manual or automatic
Turntables can be automatic or manual, and that is in terms of the method used to place the needle on, and remove it from, the vinyl record. It is a matter of preference, but automatic turntables are typically easier to use as the vinyl record is played at the push of a button whereas with a manual turntable, you have to lift the arm and place it on the record yourself to play the record.
Typically, the higher end turntables are manual as that is most traditional and the cheaper turntables are typically automatic as they have been made for the general public who look for ease of use when buying items. To be honest, it is not really a big deal either way, but if you are concerned that your hands are not steady then it may be better to consider opting for an automatic turntable in order to prevent scratching the record.
4. Price
Typically budget turntables are retro-styled with a plastic casing and built-in speakers. These budget turntables do have everything you need to give vinyl a try but these budget turntables will not produce the warmer, richer sound that vinyl’s are capable of. In order to get the most from your vinyl records you’ll need to spend more so as a result, consider pushing your budget up to get noticeable improvements in terms of sound quality.
In order to get the most from your vinyl records you’ll need to spend more so as a result, consider pushing your budget up to get noticeable improvements in terms of sound quality.
However, it is important to realize that as turntable prices go up, there may also be a need for you to fork out for additional things such as speakers as the more expensive turntables are unlikely to come with a set.
If you don’t want to shop around, but do want the best product available, then check out the Editors Pick based on features, quality, functionality, and value.
EDITORS PICK
After reviewing various Power Towers, we found that the Sony PSHX500 Hi Res USB Turntable is The Best Turntable in the market right now.
Sony’s high-quality audio technology ensures the best possible analog playback.
Integrated amp or external phono EQ support through phono and line output.
Digitally archive the music from your favorite vinyl recordings in Hi-Res.
Uses the latest techniques to deliver extremely stable rotation for optimal and natural delivery of your music.
Amazing build quality with highly stable belt drive system, 0.20-inch rubber mat, and aluminum die cast platter
Best Turntable Under $50
10. Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable with Built-in Speakers
This Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable with Built-in Speakers is a great entry level turntable for those who are just starting to explore the possibilities that vinyl records have. This model boasts a USB Port with cable included so that you can easily convert your favorite vinyl records to digital format. The turntable even has software included so that you can convert the vinyl, as well as for editing and recording audio in MP3 format.
This Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable with Built-in Speakers has an auxiliary input jack so that you can connect your digital audio player directly to it. Also, the turntable has RCA Line-out jacks as well as a stereo headphone jack so that you can enjoy the sounds that your vinyl make.
Other great features of this Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable with Built-in Speakers is that it has pitch control capabilities so that you can adjust record speed, there are also record speed, volume and tone controls. The turntable comes with a specially fitted dust cover to keep the device clean and dust free.
Best Turntable Under $100
9. Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
With this Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, you can rediscover your classic 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. The turntable won’t set you back by much as it is under $100 and therefore you will be able to really enjoy your records affordably.
The turntable is fully automatic and belt-driven. It features a built-in switchable phono preamp which is sure to produce a great sound from your favorite vinyl records. What is more, the AT-LP60 turntable can be easily connected directly to your computer, home stereo, powered speakers and other components so that you can enjoy the sounds of your vinyls digitally and so you have the option of converting the vinyls to digital format for listening to at a later time.
Other great features of this turntable are that it is supplied with an integral Audio-Technica Dual Magnet phono cartridge, has a replaceable stylus and boasts an anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter.
Best Turntable Under $150
8. Sony PSLX300USB USB Stereo Turntable
The Sony PSLX300USB USB Stereo Turntable is sleek, cool and compact. With this turntable, you can not only listen to your favorite vinyls, but you can also transfer the vinyl albums to your digital music player. T
he PS-LX300USB USB Stereo turntable from Sony has been designed so that you can use the USB connection to import all of the vinyl music into your computer and create MP3 files. By converting your vinyl music to the digital format, it means that you can store it on a PC or upload it to you favorite portable player.
The Sony PSLX300USB USB Stereo Turntable features 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speeds so you can play singles and albums. What is more, the turntable is fully automatic in its operation so there is no need for you to worry about setting things up. Furthermore, the turntable boasts a static balance tonearm for music quality.
Best Turntable Under $200
7. Crosley C100A-SI Turntable with S-Shaped Tone Arm with Adjustable Counterweight
With this Crosley’s C100 Turntable with an S-shaped tone arm with an adjustable counterweight, you will be able to take your vinyl listening to the next level. The turntable also features an adjustable strobe pitch control, and a built-in phono preamp, all in a super cool, sleek and classic black and silver case. As this turntable not only look great, but is also seriously good quality, it would make for the perfect accompaniment to any current home speaker system.
Thanks to the Crosley’s C100 Turntable design with its adjustable counterweight and anti-skate adjustment on the S-shaped tonearm the turntable can protect your valuable vinyl records, as well as tune out skipping and distortion so that you can listen to your vinyl music in the best way possible.
What is more, the turntable is powered by a belt mechanism which can play 2 speeds 33 1/3 and 45 RPM and as a result singles and albums can be played with this turntable. What is more, the turntable has a high-tech ABS construction with transparent protective lid and anti-skate adjustment so that you can enjoy your vinyl records in the best quality possible.
6. Electrohome EANOS700 Signature Vinyl Turntable Natural Wood
The Electrohome EANOS700 Vinyl Turntable is their signature classic retro inspired record player that delivers room-filling sound with a perfectly tuned acoustic cabinet and four speakers for high-fidelity audio performance.
Some of its distinguished features include a Diamond tipped ceramic needle which provides better audio performance with a warm and natural tone that preserves the natural sound of the vinyls. Electrohome’s has over 100 years of experience developing analog audio systems but don’t let the looks fool you.
This turntable is as modern as any of its counter parts with advance features like AM/FM radio, CDs, MP3s through USB and includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input for music from your iPhone, iPad, Android or any other smartphone or tablet. Now that is what you call a complete package.
Best Turntable Under $300
5. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable
The Audio-Technica’s AT-LP120-USB direct-drive, a high-torque professional turntable is ideal for those who are seriously into music. The turntable would make a great addition to the music technology set up of DJs and other music enthusiasts. With this turntable, you can release your inner DJ thanks to the ‘table’s pitch-adjustment feature, with variations ranging from either +/-10 percent or +/-20 percent.
With this Audio Technica ATLP120 turntable, you can connect the turntable to your computer via a USB output so that you can digitize your old LPs and enjoy them when you are out and about. USB cable and adapter cables are included. The turntable also includes a selectable internal stereo phono preamplifier and a USB output.
The AT-LP120 turntable boasts a number of great features such as an S-shaped tone arm, an adjustable counterweight, an antiskate adjustment, a tone-arm height adjustment and lock, a tone-arm lift with hydraulic action and lift lever, and even a tone-arm rest with a locking mechanism to keep the arm stable during transport.
Best Turntable Under $400
4. TEAC TN-300 Analog Turntable with Built-in Phono Pre-amplifier & USB Digital Output
The TN-300 is a Turntable with Built-in Phono Pre-amplifier & USB Digital Output. The turntable is a belt-drive analog record player that has a stylish chassis and built-in MM Phono equalizer amplifier with USB output. This turntable also includes both Phono and Line outputs so you can play vinyl with a stereo that isn’t equipped with Phono input. A great feature that is not available in most other turntables.
The TN-300 turntable has aUSB Digital Output transfer music from vinyl records to your Mac or PC, using the USB digital output and optional recording software. This means that you can preserve your vinyl record in CD-quality digital quality.
This will allow you to enjoy vinyl records with a smartphone or Digital Audio Player. Further to this, the turntable features audio-technica’s AT95E VM cartridge, which lets you enjoy high accuracy tracking sounds as soon as you set the turntable up. Furthermore, the turntable has an aluminum die-cast, high inertia platter also contributes to solid playback quality.
All the features of this turntable make it the perfect item for any music lover who wants to be able to appreciate the high-quality sounds of vinyl combined with the turntables sturdy yet stylish design.
Best Turntable Under $500
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB Direct Drive DJ Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB Direct Drive DJ Turntable is cool, compact, and highly functional. It would make for an awesome addition to any music lovers kit pack as it has been superbly made and is of professional quality. In fact, this turntable has been designed specifically for DJ’s to use in nightclubs, but it could also be used by music lovers who would love to play their vinyl record collection.
The turntable is sleek, elegant and glossy and as a result, it would fit in with any home entertainment system. The Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB Direct Drive DJ Turntable has a built-in switchable phono preamp which enables it to be used with a wide variety of receivers, powered speakers and other A/V components.
What is more, the turntable comes with a USB output that allows direct connection to a computer for easy LP-to-digital conversion. This turntable also offers all three speeds (33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM) and as a result, you can listen to any vinyl disk that you like.
Best Turntable Under $750
2. Sony PS-HX500 turntable
The PS-HX500 is a seriously high quality and a cool looking turntable that has been equipped with a high-quality A/D convertor. This means that you can connect the turntable to your PC with a USB cable and record your vinyl as High-Resolution Audio tracks- ideal if you want to backup your vinyl collection or take your favorite tracks with you.
The PS-HX500 from Sony combines all the advantages of digital audio, including a frequency response in excess of 100 kHz and ample dynamic range, but with the natural sound of an analogue recording.
The Sony turntable has a super high-quality audio component system which will allow you to enjoy all your vinyl records with all the raw realism that they can offer. Finally, the dust cover the shape of the turntable has been designed for minimal vibration so that you can get top quality audio even when played with the cover on.
Best Turntable Under $1000
1. Pro-Ject – 1Xpression Carbon Classic
The 1Xpression Carbon Classic turntable has a classic design that would look amazing in any home. Brilliantly, this turntable is ready to use right out of the box. The turntable features an 8.6″ carbon fiber tone arm which boasts the new gimbal design that offers a resonance damping counterweight for the best performance from any cartridge. What is more, the 1Xpression turntable has an amazing improved belt-drive design which uses a low-noise AC motor with effective motor decoupling to help keep vibration out of the signal chain.
The 1Xpression Classic turntable has a number of features that reduce vibrations to improve music quality. Also, the plinth is very effectively decoupled from structure-born vibration and other noise through Pro-ject’s use of special absorber feet that employ TPE technology and also reduce the risk of acoustical feedback. This turntable would be an amazing investment for any music lover
Conclusion
Finding the right turntable can make all the difference in terms of what your vinyl records sound like. As vinyl is becoming more and more popular, now is the perfect time to get into vinyl and to buy a turntable. As vinyl records are a great asset, it is important to find a turntable that will allow you to enjoy them as they should be enjoyed. In order to help you find the perfect turntable, we put together this list of considerations for you to look over. Happy shopping!
*All prices mentioned above were at the time of publishing.
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