Best Turntables Buying Guide: Welcome to TheIndianSubcontinent's round-up of the best turntables (also known as record players) you can buy in 2018.Turntables, it turns out, make for great investments.
Not only is the vinyl revival movement here to stay, but the players themselves last for ages.While the idea of a turntable might call images of the 60s and 70s to mind, you'll find that most modern turntables are pretty well-equipped with the latest tech.
It's not uncommon to hear of turntables with Bluetooth built-in or USB output that allows output records straight to your PC.One downside that as a result of all of these new products and tricky naming conventions, the market for the best turntables can be more confusing than a college cover band, but stick with us and well find the best turntable for you.To start, we'll walk you through all the little details that go into choosing the best turntable for your listening needs and budget.
Do you want to go on the high end with a belt drive Or how about a more user-friendly direct drive turntable What about phono preamps Do you need oneAll of these questions will be answered right here, so dont worry, youll be absorbed in all of your favorite albums before you know it.1.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USBThe best starter turntable with all the features youll ever needDimensions: 450.0 mm (17.72") W x 352.0 mm (13.86") D x 157.0 mm (6.1") H | Motor: Direct drive | Platter: Die-cast aluminum | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: Yes | Speeds: 33 , 45, 78 rpm | Stylus: AT95EGreat sound quality for the priceGreat for newbies and pros alikePlastic buildMediocre USB outputThe Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB is the best introductory turntable for aspiring vinyl enthusiasts.
Out of the box, it features the ability to play 33 , 45 and 78 RPM, this means there will never be an album you cant play.
Theres also a built-in phono preamp so you never have to worry about finding one on your own.New record collectors will love the easy setup and features while more vetted users will love the option to dial in the vertical tracking angle, tracking force and easily replaceable headshell.
Sure, it looks like a Technics SL-1200 ripoff but at a fraction of the price, its entirely worth it.The AT-LP120-USB also comes with a USB output that allows you to record your record collection if you want.
To put it simply, this deck strikes the perfect balance of ease of use for beginners while still including some more advanced features for you to grow into.2.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60Dummy-proof automatic turntable for beginners on a budgetDimensions: 360.0 mm (14.17") W x 97.5 mm (3.84") H x 356.0 mm (14.02") D | Motor: Belt drive | Platter: Die-cast aluminum | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: No | Speeds: 33 , 45 rpm | Stylus: ATN3600Fully automaticExcellent valueCant replace cartridgePassable soundIf youre not looking to drop a fortune on the best turntable in the world and dont necessarily care about squeezing every last drop of fidelity from your LPs, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is a perfect starting point.
Its portable, can play most vinyl and is by far the most inexpensive turntable we have on this list.
Its also totally automatic, meaning itll queue a record and return the arm to resting position without requiring a manual lever.The only caveat with a turntable this cheap is that it wont grow with you as your vinyl collection expands.
The built-in phono preamp means youre stuck with it, however you can replace the needle once it wears out.While there are cheaper, poorly engineered turntables on the market, its not worth it, as you risk damaging your precious records with poorly aligned and improperly weighted tonearms.
Vinyl is expensive so we recommend the AT-LP60 for beginners just looking to get started.3.
Denon DP-300FA gorgeous, full automatic turntable that doesnt break the bankDimensions: 17-3/32 x 4-51/64 x 15" (434 x 122 x 381 mm); (WxHxD) | Motor: Belt drive | Platter: Die-cast aluminum | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: No | Speeds: 33 , 45 rpm | Stylus: DSN-85Fully automaticGreat sound for the pricePlastic buildButtons feel cheapThe Denon DP-300F is a gorgeous turntable that sounds just as good as it looks.
The included DSN-85 cartridge isnt the most accurate but it nevertheless manages to make your music sound airy and reasonably detailed, especially for its price.Youll need to spend a lot more cash to hear more detail.While the DP-300F lacks the USB outputs of some of the turntables listed here, its still a great starting turntable for anyone who doesnt want to manually queue their albums or have a habit of falling asleep while listening to music.
The Denons automatic start/stop feature means your needle wont be worn down at the end of the record as the arm immediately returns when an album is done.Build quality is decent for an all-plastic turntable, but its buttons feel cheap a minor problem but shouldn't be a deal-breaker for you.
If the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB doesnt fit your aesthetic, consider the Denon DP-300F instead.Read the full review:Denon DP-300F4.
Fluance RT81An alternative to the AT-LP120-USB for those who dont need USBDimensions: 16.5 x 5.5 x 13.75 | Motor: Belt drive | Platter: Aluminum | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: No | Speeds: 33 , 45 rpm | Stylus: ATN95EGreat sound for the priceDecent sounding phono preampPoor vibration dampingNo auto returning tonearmThe Fluance RT81 is an excellent starter turntable for the enthusiast.
Its simple to set up and use for newbies but you can switch out the cartridge to squeeze out more performance later on.
Newbies also wont have to worry about getting a separate phono preamp, as one is built in.
However, you can turn it off if you want to use a better external preamp.The only downside is that Fluances advertised auto-off feature simply turns off the platter, preventing excessive needle wear but youll still have to return the arm to its resting place yourself.
Youll also have to manually queue records, which isnt a deal breaker by any means but is something to consider for those looking for a fully automatic turntable.
The Denon DP-300F is a great choice for those looking for a fully automated record listening experience.Read the full review:Fluance RT815.
Pro-Ject Debut CarbonAn excellent entry-level turntable for vinyl enthusiasts Dimensions: 415 x 118 x 320mm (WxHxD) | Motor: Belt drive | Platter: Aluminum | Phono preamp: No | USB: No | Speeds: 33 , 45 rpm | Stylus: Ortofon 2M RedExcellent value for a hi-fi turntableEasy to setupManual speed changeRequires a phono preampFrom here on out things start to get a little bit more real: The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is in the runnings to be the best entry-level hi-fi turntables you can buy.While vinyl newcomers may cringe at the price, the Debut Carbon is really an incredible bargain.
For the money, you get an very well made deck thats damped properly for fantastic sound quality.
The carbon fiber tonearm is lightweight and stiff, and is usually reserved for turntables costing much more.The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is for the budding enthusiast thats committed to the record collecting hobby and because of that commitment, it doesnt feature niceties like an auto-returning tonearm, buttons for changing speed or an included phono preamp.
Newbies may be turned off by the manual changing of the belt position to change speeds and the lack of an included preamp.
However, if you want to extract more detail and resolution from your records than the cheaper options on this list, or if you want to get started on the path of being a true vinyl collector, the Debut Carbon is probably your best bet.Read the full review:Pro-Ject Debut Carbon6.
Rega Planar 1 One of the best entry-level hi-fi turntables for tinkerersDimensions: 17.5" (450mm) W by 4.5" (115mm) H by 15" (385mm) D | Motor: Belt drive | Platter: Phenolic resin | Phono preamp: No | USB: No | Speeds: 33 , 45 rpm | Stylus: Rega CarbonExcellent sound qualityEasy to setup, even for newbiesManual speed changeNo phono preamp includedTheres a lot of debate whether the Rega Planar 1 or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is the best entry-level hi-fi turntable.
Its a close match and there are no clear winners, each providing an excellent starting place for audiophiles on a budget.While the Rega may lack the fancy carbon tone arm of the Pro-Ject, the Planar 1 still sounds excellent and is well damped with its phenolic resin platter.
And for newbies, the Rega Planar 1 is still easy to setup, though youll have to provide your own phono preamp.Ultimately, the Rega Planar 1 just sounds so good that its hard to fault it too much.
Vocals are revealing and you can hear the texture from instruments like the violin.
The included Rega Carbon cartridge isnt anything special but manages to be a great match for the turntable.
Its a tough choice between the Planar 1 and the Debut Carbon but you cant go wrong with either.7.
Marantz TT-15S1Go pro with this high-end turntableDimensions: 440mm x 350mm x 110mm; (W x D x H) | Motor: Belt drive | Platter: High-Density Acrylic | Phono preamp: No | USB: No | Speeds: 33 , 45 rpm | Stylus: Clearaudio VirtuosoGorgeous designExcellent attention to detailPrice is an investmentThe Marantz TT-15S1 costs a serious bit of change, but youre actually getting a killer bargain.
The Clearaudio Virtuoso included with the turntable is $1000 when purchased separately.
Additionally, you get a killer tonearm and gorgeous turntable at a price thats definitely an investment, but not unreasonable.So what does the Marantz TT-15S1 get you over the competition Attention to detail.
Just about every part of the turntable has been poured over to be the best it can be for the price.
The fit and finish are excellent and its a pleasure to handle the high-quality components.
This is a turntable youll find yourself admiring its visual and audible qualities.Newbies should not get this turntable as it requires more knowledge to set up properly than the entry-level turntables on this list.
But if youre ready to take your record collecting and listening to the next level, the Marantz TT-15S1 is the perfect place to start.Read the full review:Marantz TT-15S18.
Clearaudio ConceptA stunningly beautiful mid-range hi-fi turntableDimensions: 16.54 x 13.78 x 4.92; (W x D x H) | Motor: Belt drive | Platter: Polyoxymethylene | Phono preamp: No | USB: No | Speeds: 33 , 45, 78 rpm | Stylus: Clearaudio Concept MCExcellent build qualityDetailed, rich soundExpensive (but still a bargain)If the Clearaudio Concept and Marantz TT-15S1 seem familiar, thats because the Marantz was built by Clearaudio to Marantzs specifications.
This means everything about the excellent build quality of the Marantz carries over to the Clearaudio Concept (i.e.
this is a turntable that is as gorgeous as it sounds).One small but notable difference between the Marantz and the Clearaudio is the ability to play 78 rpm records.
While most people will never come across 78s, its nice to know that the Clearaudio Concept is capable of playing them.
The Concept also has a handy speed dial on the plinth, meaning you dont have to swap the belt position manually.As for negatives, the Clearaudio Concept has no notable flaws.
Yes, its expensive but youre still getting a bargain in this price range.
The included Clearaudio Concept moving-coil cartridge costs $1,000 by itself.
Yep!Read the review:Clearaudio Concept9.
Sony PS-HX500A well-rounded beginner turntable with some nagging flaws Dimensions: 16.54 x 13.78 x 4.92; (W x D x H) | Motor: Belt drive | Platter: Aluminum Diecast Alloy | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: Yes 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 96kHz / 192kHz (16bit / 24bit) | Speeds: 33 , 45 rpm | Stylus: Sony 9-885-210-05Hi-Res audio USB recordingGood sound quality for the pricePlastic build feels cheapForgettable designThe Sony PS-HX500 is a great entry-level turntable for those just getting started with record collecting.
Its standout feature is its ability to record Hi-Res audio from its USB output in 96kHz/24bit resolution.
This is an excellent feature for those looking to digitize their records.In terms of sound quality, the Sony PS-HX500 sound spacious and provides good detail.
However, the included needle sounds a bit harsh and sibilant at times and lacks the resolution of more expensive cartridges.While some may like the minimalist design of the Sony, its utterly forgettable and its plastic build leaves a lot to be desired.
Handling the turntable on a daily basis leaves us wanting more premium materials that dont rattle.Whats the best turntableNow that vinyl is now comfortably back in the mainstream, the best turntables approach this classic music format armed with the latest technologies and aesthetics.
The best turntables come in all shapes and sizes, and can vary wildly depending on the type of configuration they feature.
So, if youre looking to pick up the best turntable, you need to consider the motor configuration, building materials and whether or not you need any secondary functionality like USB recording.On of the most vital components to look for when youre shopping for the best turntable is how well damped it is.
Damping is essentially the method by which manufacturers combat vibrations whether internal or external.
They do this through the use of different motor configurations, and through the use of various components.
Most of the time, belt-driven turntables are going to be a lot quieter and offer higher fidelity than their direct drive brethren as direct drive turntables have a motor that is directly connected to the platter.
However, there are some great direct drive turntables out there, so dont write them off quite yet.Your own personal needs are important too, though, so dont forget about them.
If youre just starting out, you probably dont need to be fooling around with a complex turntable with an adjustable vertical tracking angle, anti-skate and azimuth.
Do you want to rip your vinyl to your digital library If so, look for a turntable with a USB output and reliable software to get the job done.Want to listen to digital music instead Check out our list of the best MP3 players.rHRjcv5BNEZ5tcoVtmtnzJ.jpg#