Category: Turntable

Are you curious about the Marley Turntables? Possibly you heard of them, and you are wondering if they are as good as they seem. Despite what one may think, turntables are different and sound different from each other.

Inexpensive and poorly made turntables can sound screechy and have limited bass power and definition. It is not enough to just spin the platter; the same record played on two different turntables can sound different.

This article will uncover all the details about Marley Turntables, so you can figure out if they are high-quality products or not.

Marley Turntables Overview

The House of Marley, which produces the Marley turntables, was founded based on Bob Marley’s vision, love for music, and respect for the planet. Its founder, Rohan Marley, is the one working to bring forward this vision by creating a product that forwards that respect for the environment but that at the same time provides quality.

One of the main things that differentiate Marly’s turntables from the rest is the materials used to build them. They come from ecological elements and recycled materials mindfully crafted and put together.

The design and the color make one of those turntables look fashionable and handsome. In addition, it has all the features that it should have, such as RCA stereo output jacks, USB ports, and an external wall-wart DC power supply (to reduce self-noises).

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Marley turntables:

Pros:

• Low self-noise
• Eco-friendly
• High-quality sound
• Good looking minimalist design
• Upgradeable cartridge
• Great packaging
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• Wall wart can be annoying
• Missing dust cover lid
• Sometimes the arm doesn’t automatically return back

Let’s see in detail the main features and qualities of Marley turntables.

Marley Turntables Materials

Marley Turntable Design

The design is another strong point of Marley Turntables. When you look at it, you can see that the top is made from eco-friendly bamboo, while a fabric made of organic cotton and hemp cover the sides and bottom.

The platter consists of recycled aluminum which looks nice, together with the slips mat made of recycled plastic and rubber. When all those parts go together, the general look is a minimalist and fashionable piece of equipment.

To make it even more attractive, House of Marley has made sure that each turntable has meticulous details. For example, the logo impressed in each turntable looks beautiful, and so the three rasta stripes placed on the headshell to pay tribute to Bob Marley’s legacy.

The only negative note reported by many users is the lack of a plastic dust cover, but instead, you can use a hemp dust cover.

Marley Turntable Features

Although Marley turntables have a minimalist look and are very compact, they still have a lot of features and functionalities. Here are the things you can expect to find in one of those turntables:

• USB for registration on a pc
• Pre-amplifier (with a switch to deactivate the outgoing audion)
• RCA
• Adjustable counterweight
• Belt drive
• Anti-skating control
• Replaceable head
• Aux out (3.5 mm)
• Speed 33 and 45 rpm
• Bluetooth for wireless connection

Marley turntables are manual belt-driven; no automatic device does it for you. So suppose you want to get a record playing; you have to do it in the old way. You are responsible for raising and lowering the tonearm to get music playing.

While some consider it an inconvenience to raise and lower the tonearm, remember that in the past when turntables were the only way to play a record, the concept of automatic did not exist. So it is a bit like going back to the past and enjoying records in the old way.

The RCA output situated at the back is there to connect a speaker or a receiver, and there is also a headphone jack located in the front for those who do not want to use the speaker o wish to play music late in the night.

Some versions of Marley turntables have Bluetooth capability, so one can use headphones without cables and move around. In addition, it is possible to rip music and place it in digital form on a pc through the USB port.

An additional thing that you can do with a Marley turntable is the possibility of upgrading, which means it is possible to replace the cartridge and improve the sound quality. In addition, those turntables can play 33 or 45 rpm and have an anti-skate control system that helps protect the vinyl from damage.

Finally, the belt drive offers stability and better sound quality with the automatic start function.

Marley Turntable Performance

Marley turntables sound as good as most entry-level turntables on the market. They aren’t great, but they aren’t the worst either.

In other words, if you are looking for an audiophile turntable, this one may not meet your expectancies. But, although it is a perfect product for beginners, it provides a superior sound compared to similar turntables.

Very high volumes can lead to hearing minimal tonal distortions, but otherwise, there are no visible situations. The good news is that Marley turntables leave some space for an upgrade that can improve the quality of music without spending tons of money for another turntable.

House Of Marley Projects To Help The Environment

What makes House of Marley so different from other turntables and sound companies is its work to protect the environment and build sustainable products. Each turntable construction occurs with sustainable materials, using entirely recyclable and organic elements.

In other words, the House of Morley respects the environment in building its products. They actively seek to prevent the waste from their products from becoming harmful once the product requires disposal. The company follows Bob Marley’s legacy centered on love, peace, and environmental respect.

For this reason, they have a partnership with One Tree Planted and the Surfrider Foundation. One Tree Planted works to plant trees worldwide and combat deforestation. House of Marley has worked with them since 2017 and has helped grow over 240.000 trees.

Instead, the Surfired foundation works to protect the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches. House of Marly works with them to raise awareness worldwide and help them carry out their mission.

Buying from the House of Marley means supporting those initiatives and helping support the ecosystem.

Marley Turntable Typical Price For 2021-2022

Marley turntables are considered entry-level products, with an excellent sound, many features, and an affordable price. There are two types of turntables one can buy from the House of Marley:

• Stir it Up turntable – $199
• Stir it Up Turntable Wireless – $249

The version without wireless is the cheapest one but has the same functionalities as the other one besides Bluetooth. For example, both have the anti-skate control system, the belt drive, USB port, preamp, RCA, etc.

Marley turntables cannot be considered cheap but are not expensive either. On the contrary, their quality, materials, and features place them amongst the top turntables but with an advantageous price range.

There is a vast difference between a cheap and an expensive turntable. Higher quality devices have a better sound that lets you think it is more authentic and engaging. Specifically, you do not find other turntables made of rich materials like the Marley’s.

What makes turntables good and thus more expensive is the quality of the more sensitive components, such as the cartridge, motor, platter, and tonearm. For example, the engine is a sensible and central turntable part and can significantly impact the overall sound.

Turntables Price Ranges

The quality and precision of its elements can make the difference in how a record is playing and the price. On average, a low-quality turntable costs under $150, but you will not get the best sound in this case.

Turntables averaging between $150 and $300 can be suitable for beginners, and you can find premium brands with such an investment with a good quality sound. However, those who want a top-quality turntable and are real vinyl lovers and audiophiles need to be ready to invest between $300 and $600.

With such an investment, one can get turntables with a premium cartridge and high-quality elements to make the sound clearer and very detailed.

If Not Sold On Marley, Here’s What To Look At When Buying A Different Turntable

How do you know if you are buying a good turntable? There are various factors to consider if you want to get a suitable device according to your budget and necessities.

Here are some of the things you should take into account:

1. Price Range And Budget

The price range is one of the first considerations. If you have at least $200, you can get a good quality entry-level or beginner turntable. If you want a high-end model, you have to consider a higher budget, but in that case, you need to appreciate the perks of a more advanced device.

If you are using a turntable infrequently and are not an enthusiast or an audiophile, it is better to consider a lower-budget device with the basic features.

2. Sound Quality

The quality of sound should be the next consideration. The choice of the needle (the stylus), the materials, and the quality and precision of the audio components determine the type of experience you will have.

Cheap turntables are made of poor materials and are not so stable. So verify what types of materials are used to build it and if there is a chance of upgrading to better quality cartridges.

3. Is It Portable Or Wireless?

Needless to say that even with turntables the wireless capabilities are essential in these modern times. Although vinyl records bring people back to the old times, connecting devices such as speakers and headphones over a distance is still crucial.

Or even the possibility to transform music played through the turntable into digital tracks to be used later on a computer or other device is essential. Wireless functionality can add value to a turntable and make it look modern.

4. Levels Of Automaticity

You can check if a turntable has a manual, automatic, or semi-automatic tonearm. Then, depending on your needs, you can choose the one that best fits them. For example, an automatic tonearm moves towards the record alone, without you doing anything, and moves back to the beginning.

You have to place semi-automated tonearms on the record manually, but they can return automatically to the beginning. A person must operate a manual tonearm to begin and end the playback.

5. Audio Input & Output

The audio input and output are essential if you listen to music through headphones. In addition, if you want to play music from a digital device through your turntable, you should know if it has an aux-in function.

This last function also allows you to connect external speakers. In this way, you can get extra options for listening to your music.

6. Design

Design is possibly not one of the top considerations for listening to music. But, it helps to have a nice-looking turntable matching the house furniture. Many turntables construction is designed to look retro, modern, or unique. Therefore one can choose between many options based on how it fits better.

7. Possibility To Add Accessories

Many turntables producers also provide accessories to complete the setup and add extra functionalities. For example, you can get additional spare parts such as needles or a dust cover to protect the record player.

Some provide matching speakers, headphones, cables, cleaning materials, and more. It is crucial to verify that you will not run out of spare parts and that the turntable components are replaceable in case something happens.

Final Take

Marley turntables are a good investment for those who like to listen to vinyl records moderately and are beginners. People can listen to good music and buy a quality product that can last for a long time for a moderate and affordable price.

Those who are not ready to make a considerable investment in a turntable can start with a Marley product and then, with time, move on with more advanced turntables.

Frequently Asked Marley TurntableQuestions

Is A Marley Turntable Any Good?

Marley turntables are good because they provide a high-quality device packed with functionality and built with quality materials for an affordable price. However, it is best to think of them as beginners and turntables for medium users.

Does The Marley Stir It Up Turntable Have Built-In Speakers?

Marley Stir Up turntables do not have built-in speakers, but the House of Marley provides matching speakers for sale. The speakers range from $149 to $ 279, with various power and sound levels.

In addition, each speaker is portable and can connect via Bluetooth. Finally, even if Marley turntables do not have built-in speakers, they have a built-in preamp that you can use to connect speakers and even USB ports.

Do Vintage Turntables Sound Better?

Vintage turntables sound better because of the higher quality in construction. However, some modern ones are made with cheap materials and not manufactured with the same care—for example, some of the “made in China” products are constructed in bulk with poor elements.

If you do proper researches and find quality turntables, you can have a similar, if not better, sound than a vintage one. In fact, modern turntables, appropriately manufactured and made with the full use of existing technology, can be way better than those made many years ago.

Do Expensive Turntables Sound Better?

In general, expensive turntables sound better because they are made with superior materials and constructed with care and precision. In addition, they have a lot of extra features that cheap devices do not have. A more expensive turntable can play music way better, and the difference is quite noticeable.

Sources

1. https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/can-one-turntable-sound-better-than-another/
2. https://youtu.be/xNLKSx2efSQ
3. https://www.thehouseofmarley.com/materials/
4. https://www.greenhomeguide.com/know-how/article/5-benefits-of-building-a-home-with-bamboo
5. https://recordsoundpro.com/why-are-turntables-so-expensive-and-why-they-are-worth-the-price/
6. https://recordsoundpro.com/keep-this-in-mind-when-buying-a-record-player-and-what-to-avoid/

There is nothing more nostalgic than popping a vinyl into a turntable and allowing the music to take you back in time – back to memories of your grandparents and their favorite records playing in the background while you play a board game. Thankfully, we’ve found some affordable modern turntables to help you unlock those memories without breaking your bank. 

The best turntable for under $500 is the Fluance RT85. This turntable has the Ortofon 2M Blue, which provides excellent sound. It also comes with an Acrylic Platter that’s heavy and dense, contributing to a more consistent speed and reducing vibration. The Fluance RT85 is well designed and superb. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through the difference between a turntable and a record player. We’ll also chat about what to look out for and expect from one priced at under $500. We’ll also discuss each of these affordable turntables, along with their pros and cons.

Turntables vs. Record Players

A turntable and record player are pretty much the same thing; however, a few differences set them apart.

A turntable makes up a record player. It’s the part of the record player that spins and holds the record. A turntable in itself has a plinth, platter, tonearm, motor, stylus, cartridge, and sometimes a preamp. A pure turntable doesn’t have speakers or an amplifier, but it does have the ports for you to connect external components to it. 

Most vinyl record enthusiasts prefer a turntable to a record player because it’s customizable, and you can add high-quality components to it. 

A record player is a convenient all-in-one audio system. It doesn’t need external components to be added to it because it’s already got everything it needs, from the turntable to its built-in speakers. A record player also has many more features than a turntable and can read various audio files, not just the vinyl records.

Record players aren’t customizable like pure turntables are, and the components used in them aren’t typically as high of a quality as the external component that you’d plug into your turntable. They’re also bigger, heavier, and less portable than turntables.

Turntables aren’t superior or inferior to record players. They both have their pros and cons and appeal differently to different people. What you intend to use your turntable or record player for will determine which is best for you. 

What To Look Out for When Buying a Turntable

Although turntables under $500 are still considered “budget” turntables, there are a few key questions that you need to ask yourself when making your buying decision.

Replacing the Parts

If you buy a turntable that has a stylus with a needle that can’t be replaced, your whole turntable will no longer be operational when it wears, breaks or bends. You’re also stuck with that same needle when newer ones are released, and you won’t be able to upgrade your turntable. Not all turntables on the lower price allow you to replace the parts, but lookout for the ones that do because it’ll benefit you in the long run and keep your turntable operational for years to come.

Speed Options

If you get a turntable that only has a one speed option, you’re going to be limited with your records and won’t get the correct sound that you desire. Lookout for turntables with more than one speed option because your records are made to be played at different speeds.

High Quality Components 

If you’re going to buy a turntable for under $500, you will not get the highest quality, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for the worst either. Playing a turntable made up of poor components will affect the sound quality, and you’ll hear buzzing, crackling, and distortion. You may even end up with damaged vinyl. The Ortofon 2M Blue elliptical cartridge is an excellent quality component that you can find in this price range.

Are Turntables Under $500 Worth It?

Turntables under $500 are worth it. Depending on where your budget falls, turntables under $500 perform well, produce a beautiful and rich sound, and will be enjoyed by vinyl record enthusiasts starting out in this hobby.

I would not recommend spending less than $200 on a turntable because turntables found in that price range typically produce poor sound, are made up of poor quality components, fail quickly, and can damage your vinyl records.

7 Best Turntables Under $500

The Fluance RT85 is well-loved, popular, and value for money, but it won’t meet the needs of every person. You can find all the products I’ve listed in this article on Amazon.com.

• If you’re looking for a more affordable Fluance turntable, the Fluance RT81 will suit your budget just fine.
• If you’re looking for a less traditional turntable, the Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 has many features to enjoy.
• If you’re looking for a traditional turntable design, the Sony PS-LX310BT boasts a stunning one.
• If you’re looking for a turntable for DJing purposes, the Yamaha TT-S303 is the best option.
• For a fantastic sound worth more than its price tag is the Pro-Ject T1 turntable. 
• The Music Hall MMF-1.5 Turntable allows you to change and replace various pieces so that you can upgrade your turntable without having to buy a brand new one.
• For something completely different from the other turntables on this list is the Denon DP-400.

Fluance RT85

The Fluance RT85 from Amazon.com is one of the best turntables on this list. If you’re looking for a beautiful turntable to match the aesthetics of your well-designed house, look no further because the Fluance RT85 is stunning. Plus, you have a variety of color options to choose from to best suit you!

Two key draw points to this turntable are that it comes with an Ortofon 2M Blue elliptical cartridge and an Acrylic Platter. The Ortofon 2M Blue is a great quality piece that adds to the resolution and dynamics of the sound produced. You can expect a warm, natural, and rich sound from this Fluance RT85 turntable.

The Acrylic Platter is denser than the MDF, weighing around 3 pounds (1.36 kg). This heavier density and weight results in a better speed consistency, producing a clean and detailed sound without vibrations. Thanks to the Acrylic platter, a turntable mat isn’t necessary.

For more on the benefits of the Acrylic platter, check out this YouTube video:

Another factor that reduces vibration is the three adjustable rubber feet under the turntable. The S-shaped tonearm and belt motor feel good and are solid.  

The auto-stop on this turntable is a useful option. You can choose to use this feature or not, thanks to the switch on the back. One thing that is missing from this wonderful model is a preamp.

Setting up your Fluance RT85 will be a breeze if you follow the instructions provided. Make sure to use the gloves that accompany your turntable so that you don’t leave fingerprints all over it when you set it up.

The Fluance RT85 will have you questioning if you have a live band playing right in your home!

Pros

• Beautiful aesthetic design
• A range of colors are available
• Ortofon 2M Blue
• Acrylic Platter
• A turntable mat isn’t necessary
• Adjustable rubber feet to absorb vibration
• Great quality
• Auto-stop option
• Easy to set up
• Comes with gloves

Cons

• It doesn’t have a preamp

Fluance RT81

Another excellent but more affordable turntable is the Fluance RT81 from Amazon.com. This model is from the same brand as our previous turntable but doesn’t have some factors that made it rank as our best turntable. However, for the price and what it has to offer, the RT81 is impressive.

Unlike the RT85, the RT81 has a good-sounding built-in preamp. This semi-automatic turntable stops turning the record when it has completed the side. 

Not only does this Fluance RT81 look fantastic, but the tonearm is excellent, the Audio Technica AT95E is clear, it comes with a high-quality rubber mat, and the base is solid and heavy. The wooden materials and the isolation feet absorb the vibrations.

The Fluance RT81 has an aluminum platter and S-type tonearm, resulting in a lovely clear and precise analog sound to bring back all your nostalgia. 

The setup of this turntable is quick and simple, and you’ll be able to do it in a few minutes if you follow the video guide on their YouTube page.

An issue with the Fluance RT81 is that the speed isn’t consistent as I’d like it to be, and this is another area where the Fluance RT85 comes in first with its consistent and stable speed. 

The RT81’s speed fluctuates and slightly distorted when playing orchestral pieces. Most people probably wouldn’t be too bothered by it, but it does distract me. Another issue is the inconvenience placement of the RPM adjuster. It’s underneath the turntable, making it hard to access with ease.

Pros

• Affordable 
• Built-in preamp
• Fantastic design
• High-quality
• Solid wood
• Clear and precise analog sound
• Easy setup

Cons

• Inconsistent speed
• Inconvenient placement of the RPM adjuster

Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1

Another “budget-friendly” category turntable is the Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 from Amazon.com. Not only is it one of the more affordable options on our list, but it’s ready to impress with its versatility.

The Kingston 7-in-1 is a turntable that beautifully plays vinyl records, has an AM/FM radio, and can play CDs. Thanks to its Bluetooth option, you can connect your phone to the turntable and play your music through it, transforming it into a Bluetooth speaker. 

The turntable also features both AUX-in and USB, and although it has four high-quality built-in speakers, it has RCA outs, allowing you to plug in your stereo system for an even better sound.

Although already quite impressive, this turntable also boasts a stunning vintage, retro design. It’s well built and has a real wood veneer cabinet. It’s heavy, has a plastic platter and a sapphire needle, and produces a warm, analog sound. It also has EQ options.

With this Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 able to play so many different audio files, I’m disappointed that it doesn’t have a cassette player. 

Pros

• Well-priced
• Versatile
• Four built-in speakers
• Stunning design
• Well built
• EQ options

Cons

• No cassette player

Sony PS-LX310BT

If you’re all about connectivity and flexibility, the Sony PS-LX310BT is a turntable you’re going to enjoy! The PS-LX310BT is a fully automatic, quality Bluetooth turntable that has been made to last and is worth every penny!

The platter of the Sony PS-LX310BT is aluminum, along with the tonearm. It comes with a polyester mat and a nice dust cover. The rest of the turntable is mostly made from plastic, which isn’t great. The speed is pretty consistent, and the sound is decent.

I love this turntable because you have control over almost every aspect of it. You’re able to change or replace both the cartridge and the stylus. There are also two speed options (33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm) that you can choose from. All you have to do is move the switch to the speed you want, and you’ve got it. 

This turntable has a built-in preamp, although you can choose to turn it off and use your external amplifier instead. You can even choose the volume for the built-in preamp. There are three options available – low, medium, and high.

The connectivity options are where this turntable outshines many of its other low/mid-range competitors. Thanks to its USB options, you’re able to connect to your computer and rip the vinyl records onto it.

Thanks to its Bluetooth option, you’re able to connect your wireless headphones or soundbar. And with the RCA cable, you can directly connect your turntable to your stereo system.

Pros

• Various connection options
• Flexible
• Fully automatic
• Two speed options
• Built-in preamp
• Volume choices

Cons

• A lot of the turntable is made from plastic which isn’t great for combatting vibration

Yamaha TT-S303

A popular turntable is the Yamaha TT-S303. Yamaha is known to make great-quality equipment that produces excellent sound, and this turntable is no exception. 

Although this turntable is on the higher side of our “under $500” list, it looks and sounds exceptional and is worth the money!

The Yamaha TT-S303 has a clean, elegant look, an aluminum platter, a built-in phono preamp, and it produces detailed, deep, and lifelike sound. 

You don’t have to tiptoe around this turntable, thanks to its isolating feet. The belt drive, located underneath the turntable, also reduces vibrations. Unless you’re deliberately jumping in front of the turntable, the stylus won’t be affected by movement and will play smoothly.

The Yamaha TT-S303 is a manual turntable, which means that you’ll have to lift the tonearm and move it to its cradle once the record has finished playing. It’s a wired turntable and doesn’t have Bluetooth or USB.

The setup is fairly easy except for the tonearm balancing. However, there are YouTube videos to guide you through the process.

Pros

• Clean, elegant look
• Built-in phono preamp
• Detailed, deep, and lifelike sound
• Isolating feet
• Pure, manual turntable

Cons

• The setup of the tonearm balance is tricky

Pro-Ject T1

I’m in love with the Pro-Ject T1 turntable just from the way it looks. It boasts a clean and minimalist look that will stand out in any room of your house or studio. It doesn’t only look amazing, but it’s also plastic-free, which is better for the environment and better for sound.

The Pro-Ject T1 Turntable sounds like it should be more pricey than it is. It has a full-bodied sound that is natural and warm. The model has no hollow spaces, which decreases vibration. Another piece that contributes to the lack of unwanted vibration is the heavy glass platter.

The tonearm on this turntable is made from aluminum, and it has the OM 5E Moving Magnet cartridge. It also has an excellent elliptical diamond stylus tip. Unfortunately, this model’s tonearm isn’t height-adjustable, so you’re not going to be able to change out your cartridge.

The tonearm and cartridge come already set up. You just need to place the platter onto your turntable. This easy setup is ideal for those who hate the construction process or are just starting out.

There are three different Pro-Ject models in this line, with different prices. The T1 doesn’t have a phono preamp, but the more expensive model does. Unfortunately, the T1 doesn’t have speed control either. If you need to adjust the speed, you’ll have to remove the platter and adjust the belt’s height. This is both frustrating and inconvenient.

All of the Pro-Ject T1 models are handmade and well built.

Pros

• Clean and minimalistic design
• Plastic-free
• No hollow spaces
• No vibrations
• Full-bodied, warm, and natural sound
• It comes already set up
• Handmade and well built

Cons

• No speed control
• The tonearm isn’t height adjustable
• No built-in phono preamp

Music Hall MMF-1.5 Turntable

A very affordable and user-friendly turntable is the Music Hall MMF-1.5 Turntable. It’s a beautiful turntable that has a classic style. 

Although this turntable only has one color option on Amazon.com, the real cherry wood veneer stands out as a statement piece. The tonearm is aluminum. The S-shaped tonearm aids in tracking that is accurate and smooth. It also has a tonearm lift lever.

The Music Hall MMF-1.5 Turntable has a Music Hall Melody Moving Magnet cartridge that is easy to replace. Being able to replace components of your turntable is necessary to keep it running for years to come and to upgrade your turntable without having to buy a whole new one. I recommend upgrading the stylus on this turntable because it’s quite basic. You may appreciate an elliptical stylus more.

The platter is aluminum, and it has a thick turntable mat to go on top of it to decrease vibration. The vibration dampening feet also help with this.

You can plug your turntable in and play it without extra bits and pieces because it comes with a built-in phono preamp. However, it doesn’t have the best preamp, and you may benefit more by using an external preamp instead.

I’m happy to tell you that this turntable has three different speed options – the 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM. 

The Music Hall MMF-1.5 Turntable is not automatic and doesn’t have AUX, but it does have RCA ports. It also doesn’t have a USB output, so you won’t be able to convert your vinyl records to MP3 files.

The turntable comes with a dust cover for protection and is made of excellent quality.

Pros

• User-friendly
• Tonearm lift lever
• Built-in phono preamp
• Three speed options
• RCA ports
• Dust cover

Cons

• Poor preamp
• No Aux or USB

Denon DP-400

For something a little more unique, we’ve added in the Denon DP-400. Although it hits the high end of our price range, we thought it was worth mentioning.

Thanks to the dust cover, this turntable has a whole different look when compared to other turntables. The dust cover can come off and can even be used as a vinyl record cover stand so that everyone who comes into the room will know which band or musician is playing on the record. 

Thankfully, the good features don’t stop there. The sound produced by this turntable is high-end, warm, and sophisticated. There are three speed settings to use, giving you freedom with your vinyl records. The speed is consistent.

The Denon DP-400 comes in black or white and has an S-shaped tonearm that enhances its sound. It also has a built-in phono equalizer. This turntable is sturdy and durable, and it can be seen throughout, right down to the knobs.

The turntable is semi-automatic and has an auto-stop feature. It’s easy to set up and a well-rounded user-friendly turntable. The only issue that may bother some people is that it’s pretty heavy. Weight is great for stabilization; however, it makes moving the turntable around difficult. 

Pros

• Unique design
• Dust cover can be used as a vinyl record cover stand
• High-end sound quality
• Durable
• Various speed settings
• S-shaped tonearm
• Built-in phono equalizer
• Auto-stop feature
• User-friendly

Cons

• Weight makes moving the turntable difficult

Key Takeaways

Although many of the turntables on this list are excellent for the price range, the Fluance RT85 still comes out on top. The Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge and Acrylic Platter are two factors that stand out with this model, as well as its superb design.

You have a range of colors to choose from, and you don’t even need a turntable mat. It has a convenient auto-stop option and boasts great quality. The gloves that come with, to avoid leaving fingerprints on your new turntable, are another nice touch.