A Guide To Find The Best Turntable – Search Turntables

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Struggling with finding the perfect turntable that aligns with your love for vinyl music?

Welcome to our blog at SearchTurntables, where we share in-depth reviews and insights on the best turntables for every type of vinyl enthusiast. From classic, vintage-style turntables to modern, feature-packed models, we cover a comprehensive range of options to suit different tastes, needs, and budgets.

If you’re new to the world of turntables and wondering, “What is a turntable?” we’ve got you covered.

With our extensive 25 years of passion and expertise in the world of turntables and audio equipment, we’ve guided countless music lovers—from novice record collectors to audiophiles—in navigating the diverse and sometimes overwhelming world of vinyl playback. Each product featured on our site has been personally tested and evaluated in real-world scenarios, ensuring our recommendations are based on actual performance and user experience.

For instance, check out our Fluance RT85 Reference Turntable Review or our Yamaha TT-S303 Review to get a sense of our thorough approach.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your vinyl journey or an experienced collector seeking to upgrade your setup, our expert reviews and tips are designed to help you make informed decisions and find a turntable that resonates with your unique audio preferences and lifestyle.

If you’re unsure about what makes a good record player, our post on “What is a Good Record Player?” can provide some guidance.

And if you’re curious about the different types of turntables, you might find our post on the two types of turntables useful. For those specifically interested in direct-drive models, we have a detailed explanation of what a direct drive turntable is.

Finally, if you’re looking to enhance your listening experience, you might want to consider investing in some comfortable bone conduction headphones. Happy listening!

Beginners Guide to Turntables of 2024

Guide-To-Turntables

How To Choose the Best Record Player In 2024

Criteria
Editor’s Choice
Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable...
Budget Option
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, Audiophile Turntable...
Premium Pick
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-RD Fully Automatic...
Sound Quality
Speed Control
Compatibility with External Devices
Reviews
-
-
-
Editor’s Choice
Criteria
Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable...
Sound Quality
Speed Control
Compatibility with External Devices
Reviews
-
Price
Budget Option
Criteria
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, Audiophile Turntable...
Sound Quality
Speed Control
Compatibility with External Devices
Reviews
-
Price
Premium Pick
Criteria
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-RD Fully Automatic...
Sound Quality
Speed Control
Compatibility with External Devices
Reviews
-
Price

Choosing the best turntable that will play your records without damaging them is very important. There are many cheap turntables available on the market. But many of these will scratch your record. To some, it may not be a big deal but if you have a collection of rare turntables and do not want even a scratch on them, you must choose a perfect turntable.

Here are some important factors you need to keep in mind before buying a turntable:

1. Price Range

Turntables and record players are available in different price ranges. You can get turntables for as little as $100, but they can also cost more than $500.

Depending on your budget, you can go for turntables. But remember this:

If you want a turntable with good sound quality and features, it will cost you some money. So first, fix your budget, and then take a look at the next factors.

Here are some of the best turntables under $200.

2. Belt Drive Vs Direct Drive

The next important step is to choose between a belt-drive and a direct-drive turntable. Belt-drive turntables have their motor located off to the side, while indirect drive is mounted under the platter.

Turntable-Belt-Drive-vs-Direct-Drive

Audiophiles consider belt drives to be much better because they absorb shock, prevent vibrations generated by the motor from reaching the platter, and also result in less noise transmission.

Direct-drive turntables are preferred by DJ’s because they offer more constant speeds, less noise distortion, and higher torque. You can spin direct-drive turntables to produce different sound effects, which many disk jockeys do.

So I would recommend you go for a belt-drive turntable because it’s a better option if you’re a novice and want to get good sound quality.

3. Automatic Vs Manual

Turntables come in two different forms: automatic and manual.

Turntable-Manual-Operation-Vs-Automatic-Operation

On an automatic turntable, you can play records with the push of a button.

In a manual turntable, you will have to lift the tonearm and then return the tonearm to the starting position.

If you’re new to turntables, then an automatic turntable is a good option for you. Because while using a manual turntable, you might scratch your records. But still, it’s not a big deal. After a few attempts at using a manual turntable, you will get used to it.

4. USB Vs Non-USB

Having a USB port in a turntable is very important because, with its help, you can connect your turntable to your computer and also digitize your records by converting them into MP3 format.

So before buying a turntable, make sure it has a built-in USB port.

5. Upgradable

Even after looking at the above factors, this is very important. Why?

Some parts of a turntable get worn off after use, which results in bad sound quality. These parts include cartridge, tonearms, etc.

Before buying a turntable, check if these parts are upgradeable. Although many brands provide turntables whose parts can be upgraded, it’s better to check before buying.

Best Record Players 2024

Top 4 Best Turntable Reviews of 2024

1. Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Professional Turntable

Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 is a professional turntable that has been designed to meet the needs of DJs and club owners who want to get the most out of their vinyl collection. It features an innovative new design, high-quality components, and a range of useful functions. The PLX-1000 comes with a built-in phono preamp and headphone amp so you can plug your headphones directly into it for listening to music on the go.

The PLX-1000 also includes a USB port, which allows you to connect your mobile device or laptop computer directly to the turntable via its USB connection.

The PLX-1000 turntable can also be used as a portable CD player and MP3 player. Its USB port can be used to connect an iPod touch or iPhone. It also supports SD cards and USB flash drives.

The PLX-1000 is equipped with a powerful motor system that delivers smooth rotation at speeds up to 45 RPM. Its speed control knob makes it easy to adjust the speed from 33 1/3 to 45 RPM. A direct-drive belt system ensures accurate tracking and long life. The PLX-1000 also features a large platter surface area that provides plenty of room for playing records.

The PLX series is all made from aluminium alloy and finished in a black powder-coated finish. They have a compact size and lightweight design, making them ideal for traveling DJs and club owners.

What We Like

  • Compact size and lightweight design
  • Built-in phono preamp and headphone amplifier
  • Direct-drive belt system
  • Large platter surface area
  • Speed control knob
  • USB port

What We Don’t Like

  • No manual included

2. Audio-Technica ATLP1240USBXP Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable

The AT LP1240 USB XP is a direct-drive turntable that features the same high-performance motor as our professional models but in a smaller package. It has an integrated USB port for digital playback of your favorite music files on any computer or device with a standard USB connection. This model also includes a built-in analog output so you can connect it directly to a mixer or amplifier for use with vinyl records.

With the AT LP1240 USB Xp, you can enjoy smooth and quiet operation with a belt-driven direct drive system. Its precision bearing system ensures long life and accurate tracking of the record. A special low-torque start-up feature allows you to easily set up the unit without having to manually turn the platter by hand. The AT LP1240 is designed to be used with all types of vinyl records, including LPs, EPs, singles, and even 7″ discs.

The AT LP1240 USB XP is available in black only.

What We Like

  • Belt-driven direct drive system
  • Precision bearing system ensures long life and accurate tracking of records
  • Special low-torque start-up feature allows you to easily set up unit without having to manually turn it by hand
  • Includes built-in analog output so you can connect it directly to mixer or amplifier for use with vinyl records
  • Comes equipped with audio technica’s premium anti-vibration mat
  • easy-to-read led display shows current speed, time remaining, record mode, playback mode, power on/off status, battery level, and other information

What We Don’t Like

  • No consoles are available

3. Fluance RT85 Reference High-Fidelity Turntable

With the Fluance RT85, you get the best of both worlds when it comes to high-fidelity vinyl turntables. It’s built to last and it sounds great! This player has been designed for those who want an affordable turntable without compromising on quality or performance. With its solid construction, this player will be around for years to come.

In comparison to previous models, the RT85 has a new motor design that provides more torque. This means you can play your records at higher speeds and still get the same sound as before. The RT85 also comes equipped with a new cartridge that uses a blue Ortofon 2m stylus. This cartridge produces a wider range of frequencies than other cartridges available today. In addition, the RT85 includes a speed control motor that allows you to adjust the playback speed from 33 to 45 RPM. You will therefore be able to listen to all your favorite music, regardless of where you are.

The RT85 is made using premium materials such as aluminum, brass, steel, and wood. It was chosen because these materials are durable and high-quality. The platter is constructed out of acrylic so it won’t warp over time. The platter is also coated with a special finish that protects the record surface from scratches.

This model comes with a black piano-finished plinth and feet. You can choose between two different finishes: white, black, or red.

What We Like

  • Solid Construction
  • Durability
  • Great Sound Quality
  • Affordable Price

What We Don’t Like

  • No Cons

4. Gemini TT-1100USB Belt-Drive DJ Turntable

The Gemini TT-1100 is a belt-drive turntable that features an adjustable counter weight, anti-skating controls, and classic USB connectivity. It has a built-in speaker system for use as a portable audio player or to connect to your computer via the included USB cable. This model of the Gemini TT-1100 comes with a free copy of Audacity software.

Users of all levels can use the Gemini TT-1100. Beginners will find it easy to set up and operate, while more experienced users can fine-tune the settings to get the most out of their music collection.

What We Like

  • Easy to Use: The Gemini TT-1100 includes all the basic functions you need to start using it right away. You don’t have to worry about setting up any additional equipment, such as speakers or cables. Simply plug in the supplied USB cable into your computer and turn on the Gemini TT-1100.
  • Portable: With its compact size, the Gemini TT-1100 is perfect for traveling. It’s small enough to fit easily in a backpack or suitcase but big enough to hold a large number of CDs or vinyl records.
  • Sound Quality: The Gemini TT-11000 provides high-quality sound reproduction at 44.1 kHz/16-bit resolution. From the low frequencies to the high frequencies, it delivers clear, crisp sound.
  • Built-in Speaker System: The Gemini TT-1110 includes a built-in speaker system so you can listen to your music without having to purchase separate speakers.
  • USB Connection: The Gemini TT-1100 allows you to play your CD or record collection directly from your computer. The USB cable included with the Gemini TT-1100 allows you to transfer files to and from your computer.

What We Don’t Like

  • No Power Supply Included: The Gemini TT-1100 does not include a power supply. If you want to use this unit outside of your home, you’ll need to bring along a battery pack or AC adapter.

FAQs on Turntables

The Crosley and Victoria brands are entry-level. For the price, they make good record players, but their quality will not impress. They have poor sound quality and limited features. Still, they're decent.
Crosley record players are a good place to start for vinyl collectors. Crosley record players are ideal for casual collectors as they are among the high-end record players available online.
The sound quality of a Victrola is better than that of a Crosley, so the brand is the better option. Even so, Victrola offers a wide range of design options, so it is worth the slight premium.
Its features and, most importantly, its sound quality make the Lenco L-400 stand out among the competition at that price point. It will keep your vinyl collection in good shape. It also looks great.
If a needle hasn't been introduced to the record player, you can't tell how old it is. New needles have an average lifespan of 500 hours. Make sure your records are not damaged. New needles are costly. They will eventually need to be replaced.
Check for general condition, ensure it has all necessary parts, and be prepared to possibly replace the belt or cartridge. Prioritize the quality of the cartridge, as it directly contacts your LPs.
The cartridge is crucial, as it's the component that reads the vinyl. Even with a modest turntable, a good-quality cartridge can significantly enhance sound quality.
Always ensure the stylus is in good shape. A worn or damaged stylus can quickly harm your records. It's better to have a modest cartridge with a good stylus than a high-end cartridge with a worn stylus.
Yes, even a modestly priced turntable can provide a good vinyl listening experience. Proper setup and maintenance, like careful cartridge alignment and record cleaning, are key.
Regular cleaning, proper storage, avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, and ensuring correct setup (such as balancing the tonearm and aligning the cartridge) are essential for maintaining a turntable's performance and longevity.
While temporary fixes like gluing are possible, they're not ideal. The headshell is crucial for accurate tracking and sound quality. It's generally better to replace a cracked headshell. Compatible parts or similar models can usually be found online or through a turntable repair service.
Some level of noise is inherent in vinyl playback, but a well-maintained turntable with a good cartridge should minimize this. The cleanliness of the vinyl record also plays a significant role in noise levels.
Yes, if your turntable doesn't have a built-in pre-amp, you'll need an external phono pre-amp to match the turntable's signal level to your active speakers.
Within a budget of $1,000 to $10,000, consider turntables like the Technics SL-1200 or Rega Planar series and phono pre-amps like the Channel D Lino C 2.0. The specific choice depends on your listening preferences and system compatibility.
Vinyl offers a unique listening experience with a certain warmth and depth. It often involves a more engaging ritual and can provide a different appreciation of music compared to digital formats.
If you value the vinyl listening experience and seek high-quality audio, investing in a higher-end turntable can be worthwhile. The improvement in sound quality can be significant compared to entry-level models.
Yes, you can integrate a turntable into a high-end digital system. You'll need a phono pre-amp and possibly adapters or converters depending on your system's inputs.
Consider factors like drive type (belt drive or direct drive), cartridge quality, tonearm construction, and ease of setup. Also, think about whether you want a manual or automatic turntable and if you need features like USB connectivity.

So this was all about the Best turntables that you can get, If you are looking to know more about record players, then you can check out our other articles where we reviewed the best turntables under 100, Best Turntables Under $300, Turntables, Best USB Turntable for Recording Albums in 2024