Table of contents
Introduction
Turntables are one of the most popular categories again in 2024, but the reality is that we are reaching a saturation point; there are at least 200 high-end turntables available for sale right now and whilst that’s remarkable at a time when digital streaming represents 85% of the market — consumers are generally confused in regard to what’s actually worth buying.
The vast majority of turntable sales are below $500 USD and that’s where you are going to find most of the deals this year.
If you were hoping to find a a high-end VPI, Kuzma, or Clearaudio table for 35% off its retail price — keep dreaming.
If you are getting into vinyl for the first time, there are wide range of great options from Pro-Ject, Dual, Andover, Cambridge Audio, Technics, and Audio-Technica worth considering if you come across a good sale.
Why Spend More on a Turntable?
Every turntable might have the same function, but there is a world of difference between entry-level, mid-tier, and ultra high-end designs.
Whilst there are some rather good turntables in the $500 to $2,000 range — the quality of analog playback climbs significantly when the build quality improves and the quality of the tonearm warrants using a better quality phono cartridge.
Build quality and mass affect the overall performance of a table from the perspective that both can have a significant impact on the isolation of the cartridge from external vibration.
Platter material also plays a role in the overall sound quality and tonal balance of the turntable as well; less expensive tables tend to use MDF platters versus more expensive models that utilise metal, glass, and resin.
More expensive turntables also provide better isolation of the motor, platter, and tonearm from the plinth to minimize the impact of vibration.
Every part of the design impacts the speed accuracy which is one of the most important aspects of better quality vinyl playback; consumers have the option of belt-driven or direct drive motors and there is a general belief that direct drive technology now provides the most consistent speed accuracy.
Does it make sense to spend more on the table or cartridge?
Buying the best turntable you can afford provides a better long-term platform as you move up the cartridge ladder. Spending more on the cartridge does not make a lot of sense as you will never hear what it is capable of on a lesser quality deck.
Best Turntable Deals Under $300
JBL Spinner BT
Released in 2023, the JBL Spinner BT is a belt drive turntable with built-in Bluetooth so it easily connects to wireless headphones or speakers. Plus it has a switchable phono stage for wired setup and plays 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
Released in 2021, the Audio-Technica LP120XBT-USB is featured packed direct-drive manual turntable with USB, Bluetooth, and switchable phono stage. Plus it plays 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records.
Best Turntable Deals Under $500
Pioneer DJ PLX-500
The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is a direct drive turntable for DJs with an inside dust cover for displaying album covers. It features phono, line, and USB outputs and works with a variety of sound mixers.
Best Turntable Deals Under $1,000
Dual CS 429
Released in 2021, the Dual CS 429 is a fully automatic turntable which sits in the middle of their product line. It comes with an Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge and includes a switchable phono stage.
NAD C588
Released in 2021, the NAD C558 is a belt-drive turntable that lets you hear deep into every recording. It comes with a pre-installed Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge, carbon fiber tonearm and offers electronic speed control
Best Turntable Deals Under $2,000
Technics SL-1200M7B (Lamborghini Edition)
This is a Special Edition model from Technics in partnership with Lamborghini. The SL-1200M7B Lamborghini Edition turntable offers decorative touches with a very stable coreless direct-drive motor and a two-layer platter for vibration damping. Also DJs should take note of its reverse play function.
Cambridge Audio ALVA TT V2
Released in 2022, the ALVA TT V2 is a versatile direct drive turntable with wired or wireless connectivity. Use Bluetooth to easily connect to wireless speakers or its switchable phono stage to connect to any amplifier, powered speakers, or to a different phono preamp.
Need more ideas? Check out our Vinyl Lovers Gift Guide.
