Turntables are essential for playing vinyl records, and they come in a wide range of prices and features. The best turntable for you will depend on your budget, your experience level, and your listening preferences.
| PRODUCT NAME | BUYING LINK |
|---|---|
| 1. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, Audiophile Turntable with Carbon Fiber tonearm | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 3. Cambridge Audio ALVA TT V2 Direct Drive Turntable | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 4. Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 5. Marantz TT-15S1 Manual Belt-Drive Premium Turntable with Cartridge Included | BUY ON AMAZON |
If you’re a beginner, a good option is to look for a turntable that is easy to set up and use. Some turntables also come with built-in phono preamps, which can save you money on additional equipment.
For more experienced listeners, you may want to consider a turntable with more advanced features, such as a manual tonearm or an adjustable platter. You may also want to invest in a separate phono preamp to get the best possible sound quality.
No matter what your budget or experience level, there is a turntable out there that is perfect for you. Here is a brief introduction to some of the best turntables on the market in 2023:
1. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, Audiophile Turntable
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is an excellent turntable that offers superb sound quality and build quality at an affordable price. It is a great choice for both beginners and experienced listeners alike.
Key Features:
- 8.6″ one-piece Carbon Fiber tonearm, integrated headshell
- Electronic Speed Selection for 33&45 RPM (78 capable)
- Low-friction precision sapphire tonearm bearings
- Sumiko Rainier phono cartridge, factory mounted and precision aligned
- Heavy 1.7kg Stamped Steel Platter w TPE Damping
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable price
Cons:
- None that I can think of!
2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK is a great entry-level turntable that is easy to set up and use. It is also one of the few turntables on the market that offers Bluetooth connectivity, making it a good choice for people who want to listen to their vinyl records on wireless speakers.
Key Features:
- Fully automatic operation with 2 speeds: 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm
- Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter
- Redesigned tonearm base and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance
- Integral Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600L)
- High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Fully automatic operation
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Sound quality may not be as good as some more expensive turntables
- Not upgradeable
3. Cambridge Audio ALVA TT V2 Direct Drive Turntable with Bluetooth aptX HD
The Cambridge Audio ALVA TT V2 is a high-end turntable that offers superb sound quality and a variety of features, including Bluetooth aptX HD wireless streaming, a built-in phono stage, and a direct drive motor. It is a great choice for both experienced listeners and beginners alike.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth aptX HD – Switchable Hi-Res wireless streaming
- Built-in Phono Stage with switchable phono pre-amp and a direct connection to amp – keep your setup simple
- Direct Drive allows consistent drive speed with pitch-perfect audio reproduction
- Easy setup with pre-installed high-output MC Cartridge
- New lightweight and strong tonearm with removeable headshell tracks your records flawlessly
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Versatile with both wired and wireless connectivity
- Easy to set up and use
- Pre-installed high-output MC Cartridge
- Lightweight and strong tonearm
Cons:
- Expensive
4. Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player
The Fluance RT81 Elite is a great mid-range turntable that offers excellent sound quality and a variety of features at an affordable price. It is a good choice for both beginners and experienced listeners alike.
Key Features:
- Belt-driven turntable
- Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with diamond elliptical tipped stylus
- Balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm
- High mass MDF wood plinth
- Built-in Texas Instruments preamp
- Gold-plated RCA line outputs
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable price
- Upgradeable cartridge and preamp
Cons:
- None that I can think of!
5. Marantz TT-15S1 Manual Belt-Drive Premium Turntable
The Marantz TT-15S1 is a premium turntable that offers excellent sound quality, superb build quality, and a stylish design. It is a great choice for experienced listeners who are looking for the best possible sound quality from their vinyl records.
Key Features:
- Floating motor mount construction for low-vibration and low-resonance
- Solid plinth belt-drive
- Precision AC asynchronous motor
- Heavy platter
- Reference class anodized aluminum manual tonearm
- Clearaudio Virtuoso MM cartridge with ebony wood body, diamond stylus, and lightweight aluminum cantilever
- 3 height-adjustable solid aluminum feet
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Superb build quality
- Stylish design
- Includes Clearaudio Virtuoso MM cartridge
Cons:
- Expensive
Final Verdict
The best turntable for you will depend on your budget, your experience level, and your listening preferences. However, if you are looking for a turntable that offers excellent sound quality, is easy to use, and is affordable, the Fluance RT81 Elite is a great option. It is also a good choice for people who want to upgrade their turntable in the future, as it has a standard headshell and built-in phono preamp.
If you are looking for a high-end turntable that offers the best possible sound quality, the Cambridge Audio ALVA TT V2 is a great option. It is also a good choice for people who want a turntable with Bluetooth connectivity.
If you are looking for a turntable with a unique design and excellent sound quality, the Marantz TT-15S1 is a great option. It is also a good choice for people who want a turntable with a Clearaudio cartridge included.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a turntable is to read reviews and compare different models. Be sure to consider your budget, your experience level, and your listening preferences when making your decision.