Top 10 Best Turntables in 2024
Despite living in the digital age, turntables are still fairly popular. The audio quality is simply superior and vinyl records are still available in most record stores. However, in order to enjoy a genuine experience, it is advised to spend some extra money on a high-quality turntable model. There are plenty of models available but only 10 managed to stand out. Here are the top 10 best turntables in 2024.
Best Turntables in 2024
Table of Contents
10. Numark PT01USB | Portable Vinyl-Archiving Turntable
Numark is a well-known brand, making premium audio equipment. The PT01USB turntable brings new technology to a classic record player. It has a class-compliant USB connection, pitch control and can be battery powered. The turntable comes with an AC adapter but can also run on six “D” cell batteries. The USB port can be used to convert records into digital audio files. In terms of compatibility, the turntable works with 45s and 78s records as well as 12-inch LP records. Lastly, the model is compact, has a built-in speaker, and uses a belt-drive system.
Features:
- Belt-drive system
- USB output, RCA and headphones output
- Built-in speaker
- Powered by batteries or AC adapter
Reasons to buy:
- Being able to power the turntable via the provided AC adapter or “D” cell batteries makes it a portable device. It is also compact and easy to transport if needed.
- The turntable has plenty of outputs, making it ideal for the ones that wish to convert their old vinyl records into digital files or it can be used to enjoy listening to tracks in their original format.
- The belt-drive system is superior compared to old direct-drive ones. What makes it better is the flexibility of the belt which can absorb shocks and prevents the vinyl from skipping.
9. Crosley C100 Belt-Drive Turntable
Crosley C100 turntable is one of the more affordable professional-grade models with the reliable build quality. It has a belt-driven system that is meant to absorb vibrations and prevent the record from skipping. The turntable can play at either 33 1/3 or 45 RPM vinyl and features a hydraulic lift control. It also has an adjustable pitch from -10 to +10 and 2 RCA audio outputs. The body of the turntable is made mostly from die-cast aluminum and steel while the feet are covered with anti-slip rubber.
Features:
- Belt-drive system
- RCA output cables
- Die-cast aluminum platter
- Plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records
Reasons to buy:
- The build quality of the Crosley is anything but disappointing. Being a professional record player it also delivers excellent audio quality and can be connected to any external receiver.
- The belt-drive system will ensure that the record does not skip. It can absorb shocks and protects the electric motor, ensuring the turntable will last for thousands of hours of use.
- Having a built-in preamp allows the turntable to be connected to small stereo speakers. It can also be bypassed and connected to a regular receiver or amplifier.
8. U-Turn Audio – Orbit Plus Turntable
U-Turn is a well-known brand amongst audiophiles. The American company released its Orbit Plus turntable following a modern design and improved technology for better audio fidelity. The gimbal tonearm delivers very minimal distortion while the adjustable counterweight prevents record skips. Like any other turntable, it supports 33 and 45 RPM records and uses a belt drive system that reduces motor noise and vibration. The turntable is available in 3 different colors, black, white, and lime green.
Features:
- Low distortion system
- External belt drive system
- Anti-skid plate and adjustable counterweight
- Acrylic platter
Reasons to buy:
- The sound fidelity of the turntable is far superior to regular models. It is a device made for enthusiasts and the higher price tag is fully justified and worth the money.
- Looking at the build quality of the turntable it becomes clear that it is a premium device. Even if the platter is made from acrylic is has a polished finish and feels quite heavy.
- The motor used for the turntable is completely silent. Paired with the belt drive system, it becomes immune to vibrations, offering the smoothest playback possible.
7. Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable
Sony PS-LX310BT if a great choice for someone that is looking to improve their home audio system with a turntable. It is reasonably priced and delivers high fidelity audio. The turntable uses a belt-drive system to reduce vibrations and an aluminum arm. It also has some modern features such as Bluetooth which can be used to connect it to any modern, Bluetooth capable audio system. The turntable has a premium finish great attention to detail and very minimalistic design.
Features:
- Slim design with a premium finish
- Belt-drive system
- Aluminum die-cast platter
- Bluetooth connectivity
Reasons to buy:
- Having Bluetooth connectivity allows the turntable to be connected to any modern sound system including a soundbar. It will not require any special setup to use the turntable.
- The fit and finish of the turntable makes it very appealing to look at and will easily fit along with modern audio equipment.
- Sound quality is not compromised and the Sony turntable will appeal to even the most demanding audiophiles. To get the best possible audio quality, it should be connected to an audio system over the RCA outputs.
6. Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
Fluance RT80 is a great turntable for both audiophiles and the ones that need something practical to play their collection of vinyl records. The turntable is built with high-quality components and an Audio-Technica cartridge for improved sound fidelity. It uses a belt drive system and an aluminum platter to reduce vibrations and interferences. The turntable also uses Texas Instruments components for the preamp and has just standard RCA outputs. Lastly, the model works with 33 and 45 RPM vinyl records and has a pitch control knob.
Features:
- Premium Audio-Technica and Texas Instruments components
- Built-in preamp
- Aluminum platter
- Belt-drive system
Reasons to buy:
- The turntable has a very modern and stylish design with a glossy black finish. It looks, feels, and sounds premium and for not a lot of money.
- Sound quality is important. Cheap turntables can be quite disappointing. The Fluance TR80 uses components from Texas Instruments and Audio-Technica which ensure high sound fidelity.
- The turntable has a built-in preamp and RCA output. It can be connected to any regular pair of powered speakers or it can be connected to an external receiver or amplifier.
5. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC turntable is the ultimate piece of hardware for audiophiles. Not only that it has a great design but it also offers excellent sound fidelity. The turntable is made with a wooden finish and an increased platter size to add some extra weight. The tonearm is made from carbon fiber while the RCA outputs are gold plated. To better handle vibrations, the turntable has been fitted with a belt drive system and asynchronous motor.
Features:
- Gold plated RCA outputs
- Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
- Carbon tonearm
- Wooden finish
Reasons to buy:
- The minimalist design of the turntable makes it very appealing. It is very modern and stylish, being able to fit alongside any modern audio system.
- The Ortofon 2M Red cartridge along with the synchronous motor will ensure the optimal audition quality with no compromises. It is a rather expensive device but it will be worth the spend, especially for audiophiles.
- If the wooden finish might not seem appealing enough for some, the record player can be found in several other colors ranging from a vibrant yellow to dark red.
4. ION Audio Air LP Vinyl Record Player
ION Audio Air LP turntable is a modern device, designed to be practical and inexpensive. The turntable has a minimalist design with a glossy black finish and a see-through rounded cover. All of its controls are placed on the right side including a headphone jack. Like with most other turntables, the model is using a belt-drive system to reduce vibrations and has autostop. Lastly, the ION Audio features two RCA outputs, an AUX input, and Bluetooth capability, allowing it to be connected to audio systems without using any cables.
Features:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Jack headphones output
- Plays 33, 45 and 78 records
- Media conversion over USB
Reasons to buy:
- The turntable makes it very easy to convert vinyl into digital formats. It has a USB port that can be used to connect the device to a PC or Mac. Conversion software is supplied with the turntable.
- Connectivity options are plentiful. The turntable has two classic RCA outputs but it also features a USB port, a headphones jack, and even Bluetooth connectivity.
- For the price, it is difficult to find a better deal. Certainly, it is not a turntable for audiophiles but everyone else, it is a very decent option.
3. Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
Fluance RT81 Elite is a high fidelity turntable, recommended mostly to audiophiles. It offers a superior sound fidelity using an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge and a belt-drive motor. The model has a glossy wooden finish with a minimalistic yet modern design. The platter is made from aluminum and comes with a rubber felt mat that prevents the vinyl from skipping. Lastly, the model uses a Texas Instruments preamp and has gold plated RCA outputs.
Features:
- Gold plated RCA outputs
- Audio-Technica cartridge
- Texas Instruments preamp
- Premium walnut finish
Reasons to buy:
- The premium walnut finish makes the turntable standout. With its modern design and genuine wood construction, it will be quite easy to find a place for it next to a modern sound system.
- Sound quality matters. Cheap turntables make it seem that the vinyl may be damaged but in reality, it is the sound quality of the turntable at fault. Fluance RT81 does not disappoint in terms of sound quality.
- Fluance RT81 uses a belt drive system and a rubber slip mat covering the aluminum platter. These two elements ensure that the turntable will not skip due to vibrations.
2. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-SV Direct-Drive Turntable
Audio-Technica AT-LAP120X is one of their most popular turntables offering a good balance between price, build quality, and audio fidelity. The turntable is made with a brushed stainless steel housing and large cover. It is a manual turntable with dynamic anti-skid control and variable pitch. Unlike most other turntables, it is a direct-drive system and can play 33, 45, and 78 RPM records. Lastly, the turntable features RCA outputs, the required cables, and a USB output that can be used to convert vinyl records into digital audio files.
Features:
- USB and RCA outputs
- Can play 33, 45 and 78 RPM records
- Includes a free copy of Audacity
- Direct-drive system
Reasons to buy:
- The turntable is capable of playing 33, 45, and 78 RPM records. Most other models only play 33 and 45 ones. 78 RPM records still exist and it would make much more sense to get a turntable that can play them.
- Having a USB output can be a very useful feature. The turntable includes a free copy of Audacity that can be used to convert vinyl records into digital files.
- While most turntables use a belt-drive system, Audio-Technica still prefers direct drive. Belt-drive systems are not perfect. They can absorb vibrations better but they can slip.
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60BK-USB Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60BK is the ideal choice when it comes to value for money. It is not very expensive and offers superior sound fidelity. The model has a fully automatic belt-drive that can play records at 33 and 45 RPM. It has a USB output along with an included cable that can be used to convert old records into digital files. This can be done using the free copy of Audacity shipped with the turntable. The turntable has a built-in preamp that allows it to be connected to powered speakers or receivers.
Features:
- USB and RCA outputs
- Includes a free copy of Audacity
- Built-in preamp
- Can play 33 and 45 RPM records
Reasons to buy:
- The turntable is the ideal choice for most users that need something functional, easy to use, and without having to spend a fortune.
- Having the free Audacity software and the included USB cable will make it so much easier to save old vinyl records into a modern-day digital format without compromising on audio quality.
- The record player was made to work with any type of audio system. With the aid of the preamp, the turntable can be connected to regular powered speakers or it can be used with more advanced audio systems.
Buying tips:
Belt-drive or direct-drive turntable? Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Usually, direct-drive systems are present in more expensive models as they are more complicated to build and have a satisfying level of reliability. Belt-drive, on the other hand, is very good at absorbing vibrations.
Outputs. RCA outputs are standard on all turntables. What makes them different is that some models may have a headphone jack output. Also, some may even have a USB output that can be used to connect the turntable to a computer and convert vinyl records into digital formats.
RPM. The vast majority of turntables can play 33 and 45 RMP records. These are the most popular standards. However, 78 RPM turntables are a bit uncommon and much more difficult to find.
Conclusion
Turntables are fairly similar with only marginal differences setting them apart. More expensive models do offer a bit more control in terms of pitch and rotations per minute but it all resumes to individual needs, expectations, and available budget. Overall, our top 10 list offers a large enough diversity of turntables that anyone could find exactly what they are looking for.
