Author: Andrew

Most turntables have one tonearm. However, you might also notice that some turntables have two, three, or even *gasps* four tonearms! How is this exactly, and why do some turntables have two (or more) tonearms?

Tonearms are crucial to developing a specific tone whenever a vinyl record is played on a turntable. As such, some people may have two or more tonearms for the sake of convenience, sound quality, or both.

In the article, we will be taking a deep dive into why some turntables have two tonearms and try to answer if you need more tonearms than what you already have. Let’s get tuning!

What Is a Tonearm? Why Is It So Important?

Before discussing how some turntables have two or more tonearms, let us first discuss what a tonearm is. After all, we can only talk about something we truly understand. If you already know what a tonearm is, you can skip directly to the appropriate sections.

A tonearm is functionally a supporting part of a turntable that helps hold the cartridge in the correct position of a vinyl record. The tonearm is very important as it maintains the cartridge and the needle at the perfect height at the right angle. Without a properly functioning tonearm, it would be virtually impossible to use your record table. (1)

Many people, even some audiophiles, may not know this, but the tonearms play an integral part in creating a unique signature within a record player’s output. We will later discuss the undeniable changes observed within different tonearms when discussing the two tonearm situation within the higher-end turntable units. 

Why Do Turntables Have Two Tonearms?

A turntable having two or more tonearms is not unusual, especially when surrounded by an avid audiophile community or especially if that person is an audiophile themselves. However, to the newbies to the audiophile community or the casual listeners out there, having a turntable with two, three, or even four tonearms is undoubtedly a spectacle! This section of the article will answer the question: “Why do turntables have two tonearms?”

The Sound. It All Boils Down to the Sound.

If you ask any audiophile what the most crucial aspect of a turntable, an instrument, or audio technology in general, most of the time is, they would answer “the sound quality.” With that in mind, it is no surprise to know that one of the primary reasons some turntables have multiple tonearms is due to an audiophile’s particular attitude to sound quality. So why is this actually, and how does a tonearm have such a drastic effect on the sound quality?

First, let us understand that there are many types and genres of music. While some musical pieces may have many trebles, vocals, and an unspeakable amount of stringed instruments, some musical genres, especially the pop, EDM, and dance genres, rely on synthetic sounds and heavy booming bases. Moreover, while most modern songs include vocals, some music tracks and pieces, especially classical and instrumental music, do not contain any vocals.

What does this imply? It means that it would be tough to make a “one for all” outstanding audio equipment that would produce music at all those varying genres and still provide the best output possible. Notice how speaker systems have tweeters, woofers, and subwoofers for different sound frequencies, which are required to produce the best audio quality possible.

This analogy can also be replicated within turntables and tonearms. Some tonearms and cartridges are more functional or create better-sounding audio with a specific range of music genres or frequencies. So instead of swapping the cartridges and the tonearms whenever using a track, by using multiple tonearms, this work of switching and turning is significantly reduced. (2)

Some tonearms and cartridges are also attributed to the decade or era when a music style came out. For example, while “tonearm A” performs better on ’90s disco-pop, “tonearm B” might work better in the ’20s and ’30s jazz eras. Fascinating, isn’t it?

The next time you find yourself asking why turntables have two tonearms, remember: “sound quality is key.”

A Choice of Convenience

While some audiophiles will willingly do the “multiple tonearm situation” for the sake of sound quality, some do it for the sake of convenience. As said earlier, some cartridges and tonearms perform better under different musical genres and musical styles. So instead of switching the cartridges every time you pull up a vinyl record, you would have to use the other tonearm. (3)

However, this is not the only use case though. Some tonearms, needles, and cartridges are very expensive. It would mean that it would be unwise to use them often or on old or possibly damaged vinyl.

In this type of scenario, having two tonearms– a cheaper, older one and a newer, more premium one, can help preserve the integrity of your new and superior needles, tonearms, and cartridges. It allows you to use the subpar tonearm on possibly damaging tracks while using the delicate tonearms and vinyl records on the newer setup.

Mono vs. Stereo Debate

For this topic, let us back up a bit and take a history lesson. First, you must realize that the “all too normal” stereo audio was not “so normal” back in the day. Stereo didn’t even exist for the vinyl records. The structures of the grooves on the vinyl records were much simpler and less complex than the stereo technology we take for granted today.

Indeed, stereo arguably does sound better. However, this is not for all situations. Despite stereo offering a more immersive experience, some songs and vinyl records sound better in mono audio format.

We must first understand that mono and stereo vinyl records have different structures. As such, when songs recorded in mono are made a much more “better” stereo version, it ends up being worse (like non-spatial audio native music is repurposed and reformatted for spatial audio formats).

In these situations, it would be better to have two tonearms, one specializing in stereo, the other specializing in mono. It is so that when mono native songs are played, they can utilize the specialized mono tonearm. (2)

However, this does not mean that stereo cartridges and tonearms do not play mono vinyl records. The catch is that since they are not made for mono, they will indeed sound worse. The mono and stereo debate is undoubtedly one reason why turntables have two tonearms (or more).

“Do I Need the Extra Tonearm?” and Other Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Do I Need The Extra Tonearm?

If you find yourself very particular with the sound quality, then the additional tonearm might be worth it. However, if you are very content with what sound output you have on your current setup, you might not need the extra tonearm. Save yourself some bucks, as when you start hearing better audio quality, you will never go back. 

Why Do Different Tonearms Have Different Sound Signatures?

The reason why most tonearms have different sound signatures is less of the tonearm itself but because of the cartridge used. However, the tonearm does play a function, such as its length.

It has been said that longer tonearms are less susceptible to distortions within the inner grooves. However, shorter tonearms have a lesser mass which can be beneficial as well. (2)

How Many Tonearms Can A Turntable Hold?

It depends. However, we do recommend you do your research when expecting multiple tonearms. For example, some turntables do not allow multiple tonearms.

Another point of contention is that you must also consider the space available within your turntable. Moreover, the angles needed for proper tonearm positioning must also be taken into consideration.

Sources

1. https://magazine.vinylmeplease.com/magazine/hows-whys-and-whats-tonearms/
2. https://www.vinylchapters.com/turntables-two-tonearms/
3. https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/multiple-tonearms.2007/

Do turntables require subwoofers? Let’s find out. Turntables or record players are types of audio equipment renowned for their crisp sound, lossless audio, and most important of all, the vintage experience. However, a turntable is nothing if paired with speaker systems that have subpar capabilities and configurations.

Subwoofers are not a required purchase for vinyl record players. However, we highly recommend you buy one because you’ll enjoy the rich bass tones of your record’s audio.

If they are not required, then why exactly are subwoofers recommended? This article will answer all those questions, and to ensure peak experience, we delve into the unknown and try to answer the question, “Do turntables require subwoofers?”

Do Turntables Require Subwoofers? Here Are The Answers.

There is a chance that you might have seen it on your friends’ setup, and they swear to the audio gods that a subwoofer is worth it– worth every cent. You’ve seen the articles saying the same thing as well, but still, as critical as you are, you are making sure that you will not be making hasty, impulsive purchases. So what is the deal, really, and do your turntables require subwoofers, or are they just a fad?

Subwoofers are not a fad, and they generally bring fantastic value to your whole audio setup. However, determining if that value is worth it for the price is generally more complicated. Many reasons may stop or discourage you from buying subwoofers.

You have a system tailor-made for your preferences, a perfect treble, the right amount of bass, and the crisp mids and vocals. If you find yourself ideally in line with your current setup, then, by all means, we recommend you to keep your money and spend it on something else. Subwoofers generally help your system sound better, but if your tweeters and woofers are already fulfilling that gap, to begin with, then there is no good reason for you to buy one. (1)

You might need to know that subwoofers are extensive audio equipment, more prominent than your woofers, and even more extensive than your tweeters. I am sure that you already know this for a fact, but still. If you find your listening room (if you have one) already cramped as it is, it may be better not to buy a subwoofer.

However, it is pretty unfair to only talk about the reasons why you might not consider buying a subwoofer. The reasoning behind this is because subwoofers do offer unreplaceable value to you, your ears, and your audio equipment! Your woofer may finally love you like the deep ends of audio will now be redirected to a piece of more suitable equipment.

If you like listening to bass-heavy music, especially modern pop music and jazz music, I must tell you that buying a subwoofer is especially recommended. Subwoofers help flaunt the deep bases and well-rounded lows. They can significantly help your sound system provide a more holistic sound, and generally, bases are fun to listen to.

If you find your current system lacking those deeper ends, then we suggest you buy a subwoofer for your setup. On the contrary, if you prefer classical music or more music focusing on acoustic guitars, strings, and pianos, buying subwoofers may be a waste of your most essential resources: time, space, and money.

We suggest that you think about things thoroughly before buying them. When you are ready, answering the question: “Do turntables require subwoofers?” should be more straightforward.

What Is A Subwoofer Exactly? And Is It Important?

Subwoofers are precisely like a Doberman’s “woof.” Not only are they humongous, and some even take up twice the size of a regular woofer, but they also make big, deep sounds. The sound they make is what the Beats earphones lineup would like to copy (although failing horribly at it). For short, they are all about the bass.

There are three major divisions in a speaker system: the tweeters, the woofers, and the subwoofers. You may be tempted to say that the subwoofers are redundant if you have woofers because they are practically the same. I will have to tell you that such conjecture is incorrect politely, and we will explain why that is the case later.

What Is A Tweeter? Do I Need One For My Vinyl Record Player Setup?

If you came to ask me if you need a tweeter for your setup, the answer is a quick and resounding yes. Unlike the subwoofer, getting the tweeter is a no-brainer. There isn’t much to say about this.

To explain why that is, let us first understand what a tweeter is. A tweeter is the exact opposite of the subwoofer; not only are the tweeters small, but they are also in charge of the high-frequency audio in comparison to the subwoofer’s low-frequency tones.

They are very critical as most vinyl record player owners typically prefer vintage, classical stringed music with fantastic vocals. The common denominator between most vintage music, classical music, stringed instruments, guitars, and great vocals is that they heavily rely on the tweeters.

That’s right! All of that music is handled mainly by the small, minuscule tweeters! So if you are thinking of skimping your budget on tweeters– well, just don’t! 

The tweeters are mainly in charge of audio frequencies ranging from 2 kHz to 20 kHz for the technicalities. So if you are a full-on audiophile, you may want to consider buying excellent tweeters for superb audio reproduction! (3)

Subwoofers Vs. Woofers: The “Woofing” Comparison!

Now we are finally here: what’s with all this “woofing?” Is there a difference between a woofer and a subwoofer? Well, let us discuss that, shall we?

First, let us get their similarities before comparing them with each other. Both woofers and subwoofers focus on the basses, and both are relatively large (the tweeters are dwarfed next to them). 

However, despite their similarities, if you ask me, “do turntables require subwoofers, or do they need woofers more?” I would likely side with the woofers on this one.

Subwoofers offer narrower ranges of sound frequencies. While woofers may produce 20 Hz to 2 kHz sound frequencies with a hitch, a subwoofer may only be comfortable with frequencies up to 200 Hz. Although the woofer may not necessarily sound better than subwoofers, woofers have more flexibility. 

As you can see, their ranges are starkly different. As a recap, a woofer is a specialized speaker for lower frequencies, while a subwoofer is a specialized woofer. (4)

If Subwoofers Are So Inflexible, Why Recommend Them Then? 

It seems that we have circled back to the original topic, “Do turntables require subwoofers?” Well, the thing is, since subwoofers are specialized, they are not of great value in all situations. However, they do offer great importance to those who need them.

Despite woofers also covering the ranges of the subwoofers, the subwoofers are so specialized with the lower range that they practically produce significantly better lower range outputs than woofers do. As said earlier, if you have many low-ends on your vinyl music tracks, then subwoofers become an easy recommendation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Turntables Have Speakers?

No. Most turntables do not have speakers built-in. Because of this, we recommend hooking up high-quality audio systems to provide justice to your vinyl speakers.

If you want a very convenient experience, you can also buy Bluetooth speakers, as they are more versatile and easier to set up! However, do note that some speakers do not have built-in amplifiers, so you may also need to consider that.

Do I Need Two Subwoofers For My Record Player Setup?

No. Buying one was already a stretch for some people. Although some may benefit from it, “need” is a pretty strong word if you ask me.

Is It Better To Have A Separate Subwoofer?

Of course! If you find money not a huge issue and would like to invest in your audio equipment, buying a subwoofer should be a no-brainer. 

Sources

1. https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=54588
2. https://www.klipsch.com/blog/what-are-subwoofers-and-why-do-you-need-one
3. https://soundcertified.com/what-are-tweeters-what-do-tweeters-do/
4. https://wooferguy.com/difference-between-woofer-and-subwoofer/

Thorens is a renowned brand that produces an extensive range of phonograph models (turntables). However, does its products hold up to its name, or does its reputation precede it? This article will talk about a general review on Thorens turntables: are they good?

Thorens is an old brand, so it would be proper to assume that reviewing their whole lineup in a single sentence does not grant justice as to what they are worth. However, they are a reliable brand, albeit the price.

To get a holistic view of Thorens’ lineup, we have viewed community opinion as well as detailed reviews. Let us see how they hold up then.

A Review On Thorens Turntables: What Do The Experts Have To Say?

Thorens have made such a wide range of products up their catalog that it would be virtually impossible to finish this article if I had looked up every single one of their lineup. First of all, they started in the early 1900s and had their first electric turntable product up by 1928. Just thinking about reviewing all their products from 1928 makes me dizzy. (1)

In this section of the article, let us look at what the experts have to say. Moreover, we will also be looking back at memory lane and getting you a general overview of their lineup.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

As stated earlier, Thorens had produced and released their first electric turntable way back in 1928. However, the truth is that they had started the Thorens brand as a family business way back in 1883 and had produced musical boxes before they started with the phonographs. They had only started producing turntables in 1903. (1)

However, when they started producing these electric record players, they were so successful that even until today, their vintage record players are still rated as high-end record players. Imagine the prestige of being called high-end even after more than 50 years after release. That is a true legend out there, I tell you.

However, for Thorens, life wasn’t a rosy path. Instead, it was a quite thorny one, as, despite their cost-reduction efforts in 1997, their debts were too big to ignore, forcing them to be absorbed into a more prominent company.

Now, let us talk about the Thorens in the current time. How are their products holding up? Let’s ask the experts. 

What Do the Experts Have to Say?

When it comes to product reviews, who is the best to ask other than the audiophiles– or the experts themselves? In this section of the article, let us talk about what the experts had to say and what their Thorens turntables review.

First, I had to look up “What Hi-Fi?” had to say regarding Thorens turntables. To debrief you on “What Hi-Fi?” really is, first founded in 1976, “What Hi-Fi?” is a leading website that helps consumers select the highest grade hi-fi products.

While reviewing one of Thorens’ products, “What Hi-Fi?” has mentioned how the company has been a trusted manufacturer, having their origins be more than a hundred years in the past. This heritage, according to them, makes Thorens’ products highly reliable while also commenting on their excellent build quality as well as their innovative design. (2)

Thorens’ turntables are known to have a classic design, no alien-like form factor, no highly unique features. Still, they are exemplary at things that a turntable or record player considers as the most essential. They give you the basics, without the unnecessary fuss, but all the creamy basics.

As a high-end brand, expect Thorens’ turntables to be much more expensive than your usual 300-dollar threshold. However, with the reliability and peace of mind they bring, you surely won’t regret it.

When looking at their vintage and new models, you might be shocked to look at the pricing. More or less, your bank may call you after a “suspicious” purchase on your credit card. After all, a 3000-dollar purchase is quite a hefty one. (3)

Unless if you are an extreme hardcore audiophile, shelling out more than $300 on a turntable may not be worth it. First of all, untrained ears will get highly diminished returns as the prices of the turntables go higher. However, if you consider yourself to be quite the audiophile, then in more words than one, be my guest too but a Thorens turntable.

Thorens is known for its unique sound mix, and for sure, they will sound more than better than the turntables you can buy at less than $300. However, you can also try to search for other cheaper alternatives with the same drive or quality of sound as Thorens.

A Review on Thorens Turntables: What the Community Has to Say

Although individual expert opinions have unbeatable value and reliability, nothing beats community opinion. In this section of the article, we will be looking at what the community thinks about Thorens record players and how they fare in terms of pricing, design, and sound. In particular, for this section, we have researched our findings by using a plethora of community forum-style posts from Quora, Reddit, and Stack Exchange to find out the consensus of enthusiasts such as you and me.

Finding Consensus

After rigorous reading through community comments, we have found out the consensus for Thorens isn’t so “general,” and the community cannot seem to find an agreement per se. However, we have seen some patterns that may help you understand what the community thinks of Thorens.

To understand this phenomenon, let us first understand that Thorens is an old company, and as a long-running company, it is tough to create an all-successful lineup. As a result, the opinions of their old, vintage record players differ significantly, especially compared to their newer lineups.

The Divide

The divide in public opinion is defined when we look at their vintage record players. The vintage Thorens turntables are most often viewed as top-tier choices while also giving the ’60s and ’70s look, feel, sound, and vibe. (4)

For the newer models, however, the consensus seems to get bleaker and bleaker. For example, a community post called their models “trash” and “expensive,” implying that their products are too expensive for their quality, or in layman’s terms, “glorified pieces of trash.” (5)

To conclude, the community review on Thorens turntables seems to be that their vintage turntables are of high class, premium quality. In contrast, their newer ones seemed to have suffered a steep decline in quality despite having more or less similar pricing. However, the future appears to be bright for Thorens, as in 2012, they received the EISA Award “best product 2011 / 2012” for the TD 309 (one of their record players). (2)

Questions Frequently Asked About Thorens

Is Buying A Cheaper Old Thorens A Better Deal Than Buying More Expensive New Ones?

Definitely! Especially if the “older” Thorens record player is a vintage one, it is a no-brainer to buy the older one, albeit sparing money for some possible needed upgrades. 

Is Thorens German?

Yes and no. Originally, Thorens was a Swiss company. However, due to debts, they were absorbed by a German company by the year 2000.

What Is An Audiophile?

An audiophile is a person that has an exemplified interest in audio equipment, most especially the high-fidelity ones. Most of them seek to experience the raw live performance under reproduced methods through analog means such as vinyl and digital lossless, primarily through .flac files.

Audiophiles most often obsess on speakers, headphones, turntables, and more. Unfortunately, the regular folk does not fully appreciate most audiophile equipment, as some can be pretty expensive with diminishing gains. To the audiophile, however, these incremental improvements can be worth it.

Sources

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorens
2. https://www.whathifi.com/thorens/td-203/review
3. https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2020/10/23/thorens-td-1601-turntable-review/
4. https://www.reddit.com/r/vinyl/comments/5zvlbz/does_anyone_here_have_experience_with_the_modern/
5. https://www.reddit.com/r/vinyl/comments/gpgcx/thinking_of_getting_this_thorens_td150_as_my/

It seems like you only hear about two kinds of record turntables. There’s the vintage model you come across in a thrift store. It’s pretty battered on the outside and only costs a couple bucks. There’s a 50-50 chance that it sings like an angel… or screeches like the lead in a Hair Metal band.

On the other hand, there’s that sleek modern machine advertised with all the accessories and smart capabilities you could dream of. You’ve been drooling over it for a while now… but it costs two months’ rent.

There’s some good news here. Thanks to the resurgence in vinyl’s popularity, you don’t need to break the bank or risk your eardrums. The market has some quality record players at a decent price, if you know where to look. All of the devices on this list have 33 and 45 RPM capability. Many of them also include the same features as top-end turntables, like:

• Bluetooth compatibility
• upgradeable cartridges and other components
• curved S-type tonearms
• automatic operation
• vibration-dampening design
• gain controls
• anti-skate systems
• a variety of aesthetics, from playfully retro to classic wood to sleek metal

What’s the catch? If you’ve gotten bit by the vinyl bug, you probably want it all. For under $250, you’ll probably need to pick your priorities and let a few extra features go. That’s why this isn’t a Top Ten-style list that ends on the absolute ‘best record player under 250’. However, there’s a good chance that you’ll find the best turntable under 250 for you somewhere down below.

The record players on this list were drawn from a variety of review sites. Some were more tech-oriented, focusing on advanced features and fine-tuned control.  Others focused more on beginner-friendly options that were durable and easy to operate.  I took a look at buyers’ reviews as well to get some insight on real user experiences.  Finally, I chose a mix of devices to cater to every kind of user.  In the list below, you’ll find recommendations for everyone from beginners who just want to play their favorite records to techies itching to fiddle with the controls and get that perfect sound.  Let’s take a look.

10 of the Best Turntables for Under $250

U-Turn Orbit Basic

Best for: Vinyl beginners willing to save a little by learning manual controls.

U-Turn designed the Orbit for beginners who’ve gotten a taste for vinyl but don’t want to break the bank. You won’t see all the high end features here or a lot of automatic controls. What are you getting instead?  A simple set up, manual operation, and the option to upgrade certain components in the future. Overall, the U-Turn Orbit Basic incorporates a quality build with great sound for your investment.

As we mentioned, the turntable’s manual. Users need to set the needle by hand. You also need to manually adjust between 33 and 45 RPM speeds. This can take a little practice and may be difficult for people with poor grip strength or finger dexterity. The advantage of manual over automatic is price, and there’s one less component that might get damaged and need replacing.

The U-Turn uses a midrange cartridge with a conical diamond stylus. This can be upgraded later, if you’re interested. The cheapest version of the Orbit doesn’t have a preamp, but you can find the model with this feature and still fall within the budget for this list.

Features:

• a precision OA2 gimbal tonearm
• Audio-Technica AT91B cartridge
• adjustable counterweight
• low-noise motor
• powdercoated MDF acrylic platter for clearer playback
• a cue lever, available separately

1byone High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable

Best for: People looking for an easy-to-use device that’s compatible with even complex music systems.

1byone’s High Fidelity Turntable is compact and unobtrusive, keeping the focus on the music. At just 7 ½ inches high and a touch over 17 inches wide, it’s also a great space saver.  You’ll be able to slot the record player into your media tower or the corner of your desk without sacrificing another part of your sound system.

1byone isn’t marketing this as a turntable so much as an all-in-one music system. In today’s world, that means Bluetooth compatibility. You’ll be able to go analog with your records and then transition smoothly to streaming music from your phone, PC, or other compatible devices. However, that has a limit as the Bluetooth connectivity is input only. You can connect it with devices like tablets but not Bluetooth speakers. On the plus side, the High Fidelity also features an AUX input, addingflexibility to your music setup.

Features:

• manual start
• switches for pitch correction and shifting speed
• a universal head shell
• diamond-tipped MM Phono Audio-Technica stylus
• adjustable counterweight
• manual start
• built-in preamp
• analog Phono and Line outputs
• Bluetooth

Fluance RT81

Best for: Users who are willing to give up some features for a machine that doesn’t cut corners on quality.

Fluance is one of the bigger names at this price point, so it was tricky to narrow the options down. Their RT81 turntable rises to the top of the pack by offering a solid and usable set of features at a reasonable price.

The appearance may be a little on the plain side, but every part of it was designed with function in mind. First of all, this record player has a real wood plinth, not veneer. Who cares?  Well, the combination of solid wood and sound isolation feet dampens vibrations throughout the machine. This helps the needle transmit a more accurate sound. Meanwhile, the aluminum platter is lightweight yet sturdy. This helps it keep a steady pace and further reduces the vibration.

Fluance is offering an upgraded elliptical stylus as well as a curved S-type tonearm. The curve, plus 2.0 grams of tracking force, doesn’t just echo the sleek design of more expensive turntables. It also increases accurate music tracking by keeping the needle centered in the groove. There are semi-automatic controls for the tonearm. You get a switch to engage or disable auto-stop, but no auto-return.

Features:

• built-in Texas Instruments pre-amp
• gold-plated RCA line to protect sound quality
• a pre-balanced and adjustable counterweight
• an advanced anti-skate system
• reverb-controlling rubber slip mat
• AC power adapter for 100V and 240V

Crosley C100 Belt-Drive Turntable

Best for: Those who want a modern aesthetic with modern tech as they enjoy classic sound.

Instead of the usual understated fare and dark woods on the list, Crosley’s C100 has a sleek and modern design incorporating bright aluminum, black accents, and an S-shaped tonearm. It’s a departure for this list and for Crosley itself. The brand used to stick to a retro-replica aesthetic and suitcase style machines.

However, the C100 isn’t just good looking. It’s also highly adjustable and customizable. The adjustments give you a lot of control over your final sound. Meanwhile, customization options mean that the device can be grown into as you upgrade features along the way.

This turntable gives you stop-start controls and an adjustable strobe pitch. The arm itself offers a lockable rest, height adjustment, a counterweight, and hydraulic lift control. All of this is calibrated to keep the needle in position and reducing skipping. This means moment by moment control for people with turntable experience. Raw beginners may have a bit of a learning curve as they learn how to coax out the best analog sound.

However, it isn’t the most feature-heavy item here. There’s no Bluetooth receiver, which somewhat limits your setup options.

Features:

• AT3600L cartridge and NP5 needle
• adjustable counterweights
• a preamp ready to plug and play
• detachable RCA output cables
• felt slip mat
• die-cast aluminum platter

Sony PS-LX310BT

Best for: Those with the space for a large, solidly built machine that offers quite a bit of audio control.

The Sony PS-LX310BT belt drive turntable is heavier and has a larger footprint than many on the list. It’ll take up more space in your media center or audio tower. On the plus side, this size and mass can help keep vibrations to a minimum.

You’ll be able to fine tune your audio experience with a smartly thought out control scheme, no manual fumbling involved. This includes switches to adjust the speed, accommodate 7” and 12” records, and lift and lower the needle.

The PS-LX310BT has a preamp like many others here. It stands out from the competition by featuring three gain control settings. For added versatility, you can also switch the preamp off and connect to other devices with Bluetooth.

Always wanted to digitize your vinyl collection? This turntable can connect to your PC via its USB port. You can use this to record digital files. If that’s a priority for you, check the specifications carefully to make sure your system’s compatible.

Features:

• easy-to-replace cartridge and stylus
• toggle for speed control
• a built in preamp
• one-step audio playback
• a thick dust cover
• Phono and line output

House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable

Best for: People who want an eco-friendly device with a rustic look.

There’s a growing concern about the environmental impact of the electronic gadgets we love so much. People are looking for that middle ground between enjoying their favorite hobbies while minimizing their carbon footprint. House of Marley’s Stir It Up is a record player designed to fit neatly in that market space.

This turntable is crafted from multiple sustainable and eco-friendly materials. House of Marley uses bamboo for the wood top. This highly sustainable source of wood offers an elegant natural grain, a clean look, and visual warmth. Here, bamboo is paired with recycled fabric, a solid aluminum platter, and a slipmat of recycled silicone. The Stir It Up turntable has a simple, brighter presence than the dark hardwood or polished steel bricks of some devices. This makes it a comfortable fit for more rustic or casual homes.

It may seem homey, but this record player offers users a host of modern features. There’s a preamp, making it a snap to integrate with speakers and stream to other devices. The base model doesn’t have Bluetooth, but you can get an upgraded model with pairing capability. You can also take advantage of its USB port to back up your favorite albums on your PC or MAC. This uses Audacity as the recording software. You may want to check out our review of the AT-LP60 (see below) for device compatibility.

Features:

• Audio-Technica MM ATN3600L stylus with replaceable cartridge
• adjustable counter balance
• volume control
• a switch for shifting playback speed
• belt drive with auto start and stop
• multiple options for connectivity
• RCA and Phono line

Audio-Technica AT-LP60

Best for: Vinyl enthusiasts with some technical knowledge, looking for a feature-rich device on a budget.

Looks-wise, the AT-LP60 is not that impressive. It’s a simple black and grey with boxy lines and a plastic frame. So what’s it doing on this list?

You may be giving up a certain style factor, but in return you’ll be gaining a record player with many of the bells and whistles of more advanced and expensive models. It gives you a lot of direct control, with 33/45 RPM toggle, start and stop, and buttons and switches to precisely position the tonearm at the start of the single or album.

Complete newbies might be overwhelmed by this array of controls. Audiophiles with more experience will appreciate the convenience.

Looking to connect your Audio-Technica record player with the rest of your setup? There’s a built-in preamp that’s compatible with powered speakers. You can also connect via RCA cables to your stereo, or through the USB to your computer.

You can use the AT-LP60’s USB connection to make high quality backups on your computer… maybe. The system requirements are fairly basic: a PC or Mac with a USB port of USB 1.1 or higher, running OS X 10.1, Windows 98, or later versions. Most computers have that. The included software itself, Audacity, has been somewhat fiddly for reviewers to use. Backing up music on this device may be better suited for tech-minded people who are already passingly familiar with Audacity.

Note that you’ll need a CD-R or CD-RW drive for burning the files onto the CD. If your computer doesn’t have one (nowadays, many laptops don’t), you can get a portable CD-R drive and plug it into a second USB port.

Features:

• dual magnet ATN3600 cartridge with a replaceable needle
• a 7” adapter
• fully automatic belt drive
• compatible with Mac and PC
• aluminum platter that dampens resonance and vibration
• 120V AC only

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X

Best for: Users who liked the specs on the Audio-Technica LP60 but want crisper sound.

Audio-Technica earns another spot on this list with the AT-LP60X. This is technically a newer model of the LP60 that we already covered. However, it isn’t so much an across-the-board upgrade as it is a moderate redesign.

You’re getting a budget, fully automatic turntable that offers quality sound. The LP60X has many of the same features of the LP60 including:

• built-in preamp for your powered speakers
• fully automatic playback with play, stop, and autostop capability
• multiple switches for device control
• quality components
• USB output and Audacity software for archiving your discs to the computer
• compatibility with 7” and 12” discs

So what’s different? Audio-Technica has made a number of tweaks to improve the sound experience. The tonearm was redesigned with a new headshell and base to improve needle tracking and reduce vibration. The power cord includes an AC adapter that reduces possible interference. The cable output has been switched from non-removable RCA to removable AUX, allowing you to upgrade the cable or replace it if it gets worn.

Can a casual ear tell the difference between this and the earlier model? It’s hard to say. Both devices are solid in the mid-range and have decent bass. True beginners may want to choose whichever unit is on sale at the time. People with a trained ear may benefit from the LP60X’s audio fine-tuning.

The overall look has also gotten an overhaul. The compact design has been squared off a bit. It comes in a choice of classy colors. Overall, it has a more subtle look that would be right at home with other electronic devices. This turntable will fit easily into smaller setups and tight gaps in the media tower.

Features:

• upgradeable line and phono outputs
• adapter for RCA cable

Pro-Ject Primary E

Best for: People willing to sacrifice bells and whistles for a quality build that will last for years.

Pro-Ject has earned a solid reputation on the market with their midrange devices. However, they’ve also dipped their toes into the more budget friendly edge of the scale. The Pro-Ject Primary E is a great introduction to the brand. It’s also a good choice for people who may work up to more expensive record players.

The Primary E doesn’t offer USB recording. It doesn’t have a built-in phono stage. What it does have is a seriously sturdy build and quality components. These all tie together to create great sound without the hassle of a finicky setup and multiple buttons and switches.

This device’s overall look is understated. It has a simple top in solid colors, available in white, red, or black. This keeps the focus on the record itself. Note that this unit is designed with three feet, and some users have struggled to keep it stable.

Features:

• Ortofon OM cartridge pre-set with tracking force and anti-skate
• tonearm with durable sapphire bearings to improve needle tracking
• Made in Europe with a 230V motor
• acrylic lid and felt mat
• manual speed control
• gold-plated RCA Phono cable
• 7” singles adapter
• stylus pressure gauge

Lenko L-85

Best for: Those looking for user-friendly operation in a budget-friendly package.

The Lenko L-85 has had a polarizing entry into the budget-friendly turntable market. It is lightweight and includes a lot of plastic. It’s available in a variety of vivid colors that might be at home among Crayola crayons. The rounded appearance has been compared to old-timey school lunch boxes. In short, if you love the classic elegance of hardwood and aluminum, look elsewhere on this list.

However, the Lenko L-85 is a great choice for the right user. This petite record player is one of the most affordable we cover. It also offers a very user-friendly music experience. The turntable is essentially plug and play. Buyers can be enjoying their favorite vinyl within minutes of unboxing. It may not have the crispest sound, but it handles voices and the midrange well.

This is a semi-automatic device with a built in phono stage. You can get started right away with the RCA cables and a stereo amp. Sadly, your other devices will languish because it doesn’t offer Bluetooth. As a pleasant surprise, there is an included USB port. That’s a feature missing from some turntables twice the price.

Features:

• integrated stereo preamp
• USB port
• MM cartridges
• mechanical arm lift
• auto return
• removable plastic dust cover