Are you looking for a best turntable? Thinking of buying a turntable, whether for the first time or to replace an old one, it can be a bit confusing to decide which one to get and at the right price.
Don’t worry we will help you. We have been dealing in turntables for the last 10 years, so we can definitely help you. We have checked out various turn tables to make it easy for you to choose the best one. Our list of the best turntables includes all kinds of turntables, suitable for every budget. Whether you’re a new record listener or an old lover, this list will serve you both.
Now think, What kind of player do you want? The simple one where the records play automatically, or the one you can control yourself? Do you like the one with a built-in “phono stage” to connect to any stereo system, or the new “Bluetooth” streaming one? Or a plain old player that’s easy to handle?
Our list of the Top 5 Best Turntables of 2024 has something for every kind of record listener. And the best part is that we’ve tested every type of turntable, so you can be sure that what we’re talking about is great. So scroll down and pick your favorite turntable.
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1. Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is the best turntable that offers great sound. This turntable comes with a built-in “phono stage,” so you can connect it directly to an amp or speaker. The “phono stage” can also be turned off if you are already using another audio setup.
Thanks to the Bluetooth connection, you can also connect this turntable to wireless headphones or speakers. And it comes with high-quality aptX HD technology that helps you capture the finer details of music.
The “tone arm” of this turntable is specially designed so that you can easily change the stylus (cartridge). It also comes pre-installed with an excellent quality “moving coil”.
Our testing revealed that it has a Bluetooth connection, but you should use it wired for the best sound. Even through a Bluetooth connection, the Alva TT V2 delivers the rich and true sound of vinyl recordings, and is clearer and more accurate than cheaper Bluetooth turntables.
The Alva TT V2 is an excellent turntable that highlights the finer points of music. And delivers a balanced and appealing sound.
It’s certainly the best turntable in terms of high-performance audio, but it’s not the most visually appealing. Its design is focused on simplicity and efficiency, but it is sturdy and strong. It has a beautiful aluminum “plinth” and the overall build quality is very good.
The Alva TT V2 is hardly the best choice for those who like a lot of bass. However, it is easy to use and its performance is also very impressive.
If you want a turntable packed with advanced technology that will appeal to most music lovers, this is the perfect investment for you.
2 – Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT : Best Turntable For Tight Budgets
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT An affordable Bluetooth record player. It’s perfect for people who listen to old recordings infrequently or don’t want to spend a lot of money.
The best part is that it requires no wires. You can connect it with your favorite bluetooth speaker. This is especially good for rooms where you don’t want the clutter of wires.
But, if you want the original great in-log sound of the recording, you can also put it on a normal stereo.
There’s a special thing that makes this possible (called a phono preamp!) Note that the sound in a Bluetooth connection is digitized first, so it won’t sound as good as stereo.
But, the good thing is that for most people who just want to enjoy their recordings, this Bluetooth record player is good enough.
This record player is also easy to use. All you have to do is hold the record, and it will start playing automatically (unlike some record players where you have to move the arm yourself).
It also has a shutter that automatically rises when the record ends, so your precious recordings are not damaged.
With a Bluetooth connection, this record player gives you an easy and comfortable way to listen to old recordings, no matter which room you are in!
3. Denon DP-300F
The best turntable with fully automatic operation
The Denon DP-300F is a great record player that’s as good to look at as it is to listen to. This is perfect for those who are thinking of buying a record player but don’t want to mess with complicated settings.
It is very easy to use. it does not require any special skills to record. Just place a record and press a button, then the player will start automatically and the song will start playing.
The best part is that when the record ends, the needle automatically rises, so that your precious record is not damaged.
It’s true that the cartridge that comes with it isn’t the best, but it’s good enough for normal record listening and works well for the price. If you are a fan of high-quality sound, you can even replace it later with a better cartridge.
It doesn’t have a USB option. Which means you can’t use it to copy your records to a computer. But, this won’t be a problem for those who just want to listen to their favorite records and don’t want to worry about lifting the needle every time.
It’s also perfect for those who sometimes fall asleep while listening to a record as the needle automatically rises as the record ends.
4 – Fluance RT81 : Best Turntable For Beginners
The Fluance RT81 is a great turntable for beginners because it is so easy to use. It’s like learning to ride a bike and this turntable makes it easy for you to handle. The great thing about it is that you can make it even better as you learn.
It’s like adding new lights to your bike to make it even cooler. It comes pre-installed with a sound-correcting element so that the record sounds clear and crisp, and you can add an even better element later if you want an even bigger sound.
We really liked the sound of this turntable, but there were a few small things that caught our attention. Like a shutdown object, the record stops playing, but you still have to manually put the record back into place. It’s like putting your bike on a stand after riding it. You have to record yourself.
It’s not a big deal, but if you want something that does everything automatically, then the Denon DP-300F is a better choice for you. It’s like driving a car that starts and shifts gears by itself instead of riding a bike.
And yes, if you want the record to sound great right from the start, look at the Pro-Ject Carbon Evo, but the Fluance RT81 is a great and affordable choice, it’s like you’re buying a simple but reliable bike that Later you can decorate as you wish.
As we said in our review: “If you want a turntable that’s easy to use, looks good, and can be upgraded later, the Fluance RT81 is for you!”
5 – Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
If you like to listen to new recordings with more bass and crunch, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO turntable is perfect for you. It doesn’t sound quite as clear as our first suggestion, but it still delivers great sound.
EVO combines deep and punchy bass with clear sound, plus it creates a room-wide sound experience as if a band or orchestra is performing right in front of you.
It’s also easy to set up and looks great. The presets sound great and you can easily change the record speed between 35 RPM and 47 RPM. It can also play 74 RPM records but you will need another belt for that.
Pro-Ject offers the option to purchase many more accessories for this turntable separately so you can make it even better over time. But, like our first suggestion, the EVO doesn’t have a built-in phono preamp, which is necessary for connecting to normal speakers.
HOW WE TEST THE BEST TURNTABLES
How to find the best record player is very easy! We used different players to test them. To find out if the record player is good or not, we put on our records, set up the player, and adjust its needle (as needed) then play the music.
For **beginners and cheap players** we have some special considerations in mind. First of all, the setup should be simple so that you can install and use it easily. The other important thing is whether it has a built-in “phono stage,” a type of device that amplifies the record player’s signal so that you can hear it on normal speakers.
The third thing that is very common nowadays is wireless connections like Bluetooth. With Bluetooth you can listen to the recorded sound on your wireless headphones, which is very convenient especially when you want to listen to music at night without disturbing anyone. Also, good tracking and a robust player are essential so that your records are preserved for a long time.
Also consider whether the record player has an auto-shutdown feature, which automatically shuts off when the record ends, preventing the record needle from ghoom-spinning the record. Life gets longer.
In the case of **expensive and high-end record players**, we look closely at its structure and construction. In general, more expensive players are made of stronger and more elegant materials, such as a solid wood or metal chassis (Chassis – frame).
It can play records at different speeds, such as 33 RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM. In addition, it can play both new and old records as well as work with other devices such as computers. Another important thing is that this record player plays the sound of the record without any loss and some expensive players also have a USB port that allows you to save the sound of the record to your computer.
Whether the best record player is cheap or expensive, sound quality is paramount. To be on our list, a player must produce clear and detailed sound from your records, as well as the warm, deep sound that record players are known for. Also, some people prefer a more flat (Flat – even) and sharp sound, while others prefer a warm sound with more resonance (Goonj – echo). It depends on your personal preference!
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST RECORD PLAYER FOR YOU
Thinking of getting a record player? Do you want a manual or electric (button) method for changing the record playback speed?
In a manual record player you have to turn the turntable by hand so that the record plays at the correct speed, usually 33.3RPM or 45RPM. This is not a problem if you only listen to 33RPM records and don’t need to change the speed.
But if you have a large collection of records of various sizes (LPs and 45s), an electric speed player is more convenient. In this you select the speed by pressing a button. This method is more comfortable and faster, especially when you change speeds frequently.
Also, consider if you have old 78RPM records? Because not every record player can play them. Usually only manual speed record players support 78RPM, requiring the strip to be set separately for 78RPM.
Finally, one can also think of an automatic record player, which usually automatically places the needle on the record and then raises it back when the record is finished. This is especially convenient for beginners as it reduces the risk of damaging the record or stylus.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about manually lifting the needle and stopping the record every time. However, automatic record players can generally be a bit more expensive than manual or electric speed players.
Self-lifting stitch: The stitch should automatically retract when the record is finished so that the record is not damaged and you do not have to touch it again and again. This is the part that reads the small grooves made in the record while playing and turns it into music.
Budget considerations: There’s no point in getting a very expensive record player if your speaker systems are cheap, and a cheap record player won’t play well with expensive speakers either. Think of your entire audio setup, speakers and record player, together so that the two sound best together. For this you can also visit a good electronics store for advice.
A little maintenance: A record player may be a little more difficult to turn on and handle than a Bluetooth speaker, but it sounds great, especially for old records. Just be careful not to touch the stitching and always hold records by the edges to avoid fingerprints. Also check that the stitching is in the correct position before turning on the record player.
Care of Records: Keeping records clean is very important. Clean them with a soft cloth and store them in their inner slipper when not in use. Always place records in a vertical stand rather than upright so they don’t warp. All this care will keep your records looking like new and sounding great.