If you are in the market for turntables, you should consider buying bargain rate models instead of making a big splash. Turntables can get quite expensive and you just don’t know if you’ll be fully committed to this hobby for the long haul. So go for a cheaper model to test the waters. It will give you some time to determine whether you want to invest more money in the hobby. It will also provide you with the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of turntables so that you can determine exactly what you’d like to hone in on when you go shopping for more expensive models in the future. Let’s take a look at some of the best choices in today’s market.
Table of Contents
Turntables – what you need to know
Here you can find the basic knowledge about turntables. If you’re new to record players reading this section is a good idea as it’ll give you most of the knowledge needed to read and understand specifications and customer reviews. If you have some experience with turntables feel free to skip this section and proceed to lists of best devices in given price range.
Components
Here’s a list of the most common components of a turntable. Descriptions are fairly short so you won’t get caught in technical details yet you’ll understand everything when reading reviews online.
- Plinth – the base of a turntable, often with feet that provide stability to the base (and therefore the turntable itself too).
- Platter – that’s the spinning part that you put the record on. Often there’s a mat between the platter and the record to reduct friction, better the grip and overall make the sound quality better.
- Motor – causes, directly or indirectly, that the platter spins.
- Needle (stylus) and cartridge – the stylus (often referred to as the needle) is the part that touches the record. The cartridge supports the needle. To get the best sound quality you need a turntable with a good cartridge. In most cases both components can be replaced with a new/better model.
- Tonearm – the arm that hold the cartridge wtih the stylus over the record.
Turntable speeds
Turntable speed is measured in the number of spins that the platter with the record does in a minute’s time. When reading a turntable specification, you will find its speeds with the RPM (revolutions per minute) symbol. There are three basic turntable speeds – 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM. The first two are the standard speeds that pretty much all modern turntables support while the 78 RPM is an older one and only some of the turntables support it. Please note that some devices don’t support 78 RPM out of the box but sometimes you can find instructions online on how to adjust them so they could. The speed at which the platter spins has to match the cut of the record for the turntable to play the track correctly so when buying records make sure your record player will support them.
Belt-driven vs direct-driven
Drive system is an essential part of the turntable as it controls the speed of the turntable (discussed above). The speed needs to remain consistent at all time so the music is played at the right pace. Modern turntables utilize belt-driven or direct-driven systems. A belt-driven system (as the name suggests) uses a belt made from elastomeric material to connect the motor to the platter. A direct-driven system doesn’t use any intermediate components to drive the platter. Generally speaking, you can get great sound quality from both belt and direct driven turntables. Cheaper models often utilize the belt-driven system as it allows the turntable to use a cheaper motor and still do its job.
Manual and automatic cueing system
Cueing system is the way lifting the tonearm and lowering it onto the record is done. In a manual system you do that by hand yourself (preferred way by seasoned turntable users) while an automatic system does that for you. While obviously the automatic system is more convenient, it also requires a sophisticated machinery to do that properly, without any scratches across the record. So sometimes you will find people complaining that the cueing system of their device damaged the record. That’s why audiophiles choose manual cueing as they don’t have to worry that the cueing maching will scratch their records.
To read more about turntable construction please visit Wikipedia.
Choosing your first turntable
Since you’re likely searching for your first turntable, here are a few things you need to know. The first thing to remember is that if you’re just starting out your adventure with turntables and vinyl record, start small. There’s no need or reason on splurging on your first record player. Plus I’m pretty sure you don’t know yet if turntables are something you’ll be interested for a long time so it’s not really worth paying top dollar for a device for an audiophile. If record players turn out to be your thing you’ll have plenty of time to buy a better model.
That brings another thing – don’t get caught up in technical details. Spending a dozen hours reading about various technical aspects isn’t really worth it if you’re just starting out (unless you’re a huge geek who loves that kind of stuff then of course feel free to do a ton of research). Just check out a few products and read a bunch of reviews. that will help a lot with making the first choice. Later on you’ll have time to learn about the technicalities and in case you decide to buy a more powerful device you’ll have the knowledge to make an informed choice.
Last thing important for first-time buyers – choose a ready-to-use turntable. Many turntables out there need a bunch of other equipment to be able to use them, things like preamps, speakers, etc. That’s okay but for starters I’d choose something that I can just connect to the power supply, find a vinyl I want to play and be ready to go. Keep it simple.
Oh, and don’t forget to buy a couple of your favorite albums on vinyls when buying your first record player. You don’t want a brand new device that sits on the shelf and gathers dust. If you’re buying a turntable for someone else, make sure you learn what kind of music they enjoy and what are their favorite bands so you’ll be able to buy a couple vinyls to get them started.
Best Turntables under $100
This price range seems best for anyone looking to start their journey in the world of vinyl records. Buying one of the devices listed below isn’t a huge commitment yet it’ll allow you to listen and enjoy vinyl records. If you’re not sure yet if turntables and vinyls are your thing, this price range is ideal. If you’ll find yourself buying more and more records and listening to vinyls on a regular basis, you can always buy a better device later on and give this one to one of your friends or colleagues so they can start their adventure too.
Audio Technica AT-LP60 Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable
- quick and easy setup
- really great music quality for the price
- just connect your speakers and you’re good to go
Here’s what reviewers wrote about this turntable on Amazon.
Love this turntable. So easy to use, attractive and sounds great. What a find! All of my 33LP albums have new life.
You really can’t get a better turntable for this price. It wasn’t broken or cracked when it arrived, it was easy to assemble, and it sounds great. For under 100 bucks that is more than I expected.
Here’s a short video presenting AT-LP60:
Jensen JTA-222 3-Speed Turntable
- ready to use out of the box
- features built-in speakers but also allows to connect your own stereo system
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and ready to use out of the box turntable, Jensen JTA-222 might be the one you’re looking for. It supports all 3 turntable speeds so you’ll be able to use it to enjoy all your old records. It features built-in speakers but it also has external RCA speaker output jacks so if the built-in speakers aren’t enough for you, you can use your own stereo system. A headphones jack is there as well in case you’d like to listen to music privately. It has a very classic and antique feel – the antique wooden case will fit well with wooden furniture. When it comes to additional features, it has an AM/FM radio included.
While the sound quality it offers is really good for the price, few reviewers complained about it. Please note that it’s a model meant for people who are just starting out with vinyl records, so expecting it to be as good as devices that cost 3 or more times more is simply unrealistic. If you would like to get more out of this turntable, consider buying a replacement needle and using external speakers.
Here’s a quote pulled from Amazon from reviews of this turntable.
Overall this is a great little system. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves to hear their old records in a nice simple fashion. Obviously if you’re an Audiophile you’ll use a more proper turntable (Audio Technica, Pro-Ject, etc.) to fully enjoy the richness and depth of vinyl, but for those wanting to hear their old 45’s and those classic garage sale LP’s in a basic no-frills manner, this is a quality choice.
Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable
- allows vinyl to MP3 convertion
- supports 3 record speeds
- stylus for 78 RPM records not included
Here are some quotes from reviewers on Amazon:
This thing is awesome. It’s like the old record players most of us probably had in our bedrooms to listen to records. About the only thing it doesn’t have is the ability to put a stack of records on and let them automatically drop, and the arm doesn’t automatically reject and go back to rest on the home position. You can switch it to either keep going in the end-groove, or for it to stop once it gets there.
As a music lover and a vinyl collector, this is one of the best record players I have ever owned. Jensen is a reliable brand. The speakers are great for what they are. They are not the loudest, but they get the job done. I recommend getting some bigger speakers if you want to make the neighbors mad. If you listen to rock and guitar wailing records then the pitch adjust is a life saver.
Spectra Studebaker Wooden Turntable
- retro-feel
- all-in-one, but allows for external speakers
This is great though, for total vinyl beginners (like myself) who, having just started buying records, are intimidated by talk of pre-amps and terrified of Crosley turntable horror stories, or for, er – vinyl veterans who have been collecting longer than I have been alive.
There are more expensive turntables out there that would probably blow this one away as far as sound quality goes, but this one really isn’t bad for the price. So if you’re someone who is just looking for a simple and decent turntable to play your old vinyl collection, this is a good choice. This probably won’t satisfy an audiophile though, or anyone who is looking for superior sound quality.
Best Turntables under $200
There aren’t that many good choices when it comes to turntables in the $100 – $200 price range. If none of the mentioned turntables seems like a good choice for you, you will probably have to choose whether you would like to go with a less expensive one or maybe invest in a new device a little more and get an even better device.
Audio Technica AT-LP60 USB Fully Automatic Belt Driven Turntable
- USB-enabled version of the great AT-LP60
- RCA plugs (attached, not a port) are really short
Other criticisms include the fact that the RCA plugs are actually connected to the table, which irks many users. There are no ports on the turntable and the wires are quite short (about 3 feet). This means that if your turntable isn’t positioned by the receiver, the cords won’t reach. Others have complained that the “stop” button doesn’t consistently work. While this is not a common problem, if it happens to your unit, it can be fixed. You’ll have to unhook the player, flip it, remove the bottom section and realign the rods.
Here’s what reviewers wrote about this product:
For under a hundred bucks the quality seems great. The manual for setup of the system and software is well done with step by step pictures.
I have mine connected to both the computer and external speakers. I’m able to listen to the music while recording thru the external speakers and listen to playback of the downloaded music thru head phones on the computer.
I was a little concerned about buying it because one user complained of a humming noise from not being grounded properly, but it worked great. I’ve recorded a dozen albums and am very happy with the purchase. Lots of options on the software that I am still figuring out, but overall, I am very happy with this.
Electrohome SignatureTM Retro Hi-Fi Stereo System
- all-in-one type of device
- great vintage feel
- built-in speakers you can use to play music from MP3 players, smartphones, etc.
- can’t attach external speakers
Those who’ve purchased this turntable are quick to point out how unique its retro style appears. It doesn’t look tacky like many other players that attempt to pull of the vintage aesthetic. Some even compare its sound to that produced from Bose audio systems. If you are looking for a trustworthy and affordable player, look no further.
In terms of complaints, there aren’t that many to note. A handful of shoppers have stated that their units arrived in non-working condition. Some have mentioned that certain records skipped and that the AM/FM radio does not work. Others have stated that the player loses its proper speed and that records eventually play too slowly. Yet these are scattered complaints that aren’t representative of the typical buyer.
Let’s read what buyers wrote about this turntable:
It is an absolutely lovely piece. This player caught my eye because it is styled differently than most of the “retro” players that are out there. It looks like a vintage piece…not like some of those cheesy all in one record players that you typically see. The player has a wonderful warm sound..
The turntable, as mentioned by others, is NOT going to have the same performance level as a $400 Teac turntable, so let’s talk reality. I play mostly 78s from 1900 through 1955 (10″ and 12″), some 45s from the 60’s and 70’s and once in a while a 33rpm album from the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s. I have had NO SKIPPING at all since I bought the unit. Although I would, at times like a little more low end out of the speakers (bass) when I play records..
Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable
- automatic cueing and stopping
- only supports 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM records
Quality entry-level turntable. I am just getting back to vinyl after a 30 year hiatus, so naturally I am rebuilding both my library and my equipment. I just needed a decent turntable for low-hassle set-up and play experience while I eventually aquire better gear, and this turntable fit that bill.
Best Turntables under $500
Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable
- great quality for a good price
- plays all three speeds
- hardwired RCA cables that are quite short
In terms of criticisms, some have said that the audio cables are too short, the assembly is a bit of a hassle and the tone arm adjustment can be tedious. A handful have reported that their units arrived with faulty tonearms and platters. Yet these are the exceptions to the standard for Audio-Technica players. It’s a high quality turntable that most will love.
Here’s what people wrote about this device:
Couldn’t be happier with this turntable. So far it has performed perfectly and seems to have great build quality. I won’t go over everything that’s been stated by other reviewers. It’s simply a fine piece of equipment and looks awesome on the shelf. We actually purchased two as my son also bought one.
Overall I’m fairly satisfied with this turntable. It has a nice strong motor, a decent solid metal platter, and an okay factory cartridge.
Take a look at the AT-LP120 in use
TEAC TN-300 Analog Turntable with Built-in Phono Pre-amplifier & USB Digital Output
- phono and line outputs
- supports only 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM records
I do really like the build quality of the TEAC and the look…all parts are aluminum and feel solid. The sound is great and utilizes the AT95E cartridge which is pretty much a standard in the industry. It is warm with surprising good bass and tight highs.
Additional equipment
Here you can find a few things you should consider buying when you’re buying a turntable.
SPIN-CLEAN – Starter Kit Record Washer System MK2
- ideal for reviewing your vinyl collection
- bit pricy
In my experience, the Spin Clean removes all visible dust and dirt and leaves the record surface looking clean. It also reduces static, even after you put the LP away and take it back out again. With very dusty LPs, I notice a nice reduction in noise. The Spin Clean doesn’t remove anything really challenging – the kinds of things I’ve successfully removed with a sponge and warm water – so you may want to clean those spots before [..]
Turntable Toys TC-8 Cork Audiophile Turntable Mat 1/8-Inch thick
- great upgrade for less than $15
Worth the money. Cork is a wonderful surface for your vinyl. It helps reduce static and vibration. In addition, it looks great. I replaced the thin felt mat that came with my Pro-ject Debut Carbon 2M-R turntable with this 1/8″ mat and it’s a drastic improvement.
