Best Record Player for Every Price Range
Table of Contents
Buying Guide Record Players for Every Price Range: Welcome to Virgin Vinyl’s round-up of the best record players for every price range you can purchase in 2019.
Whether you have a series of old albums, or you’re an active follower of the revival movement, investing in a new record player can be a worthwhile investment.
Although the idea of a turntable might make you think about the ’60s and ’70s, you’ll be surprised to find the most modern turntables are well-equipped with the most recent technology. USB outputs and in-built Bluetooth, which allow you to output tracks straight to your computer, a clear sign that you can listen to your record anywhere.
For this reason, sales of record players for every price range have grown steadily around the world since 2012, and there has never been a better time to invest in the best record player than now. With new releases slated soon from Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Leonard Cohen, you don’t want to miss out on the best that this year has to offer.
The downside is there are many new products and complicated features, purchasing the best turntable can be very confusing. But read on, and we will help you find the best record player for every price range.
Let us start by taking a look at the little essential details of record players for every price range that you must always consider when choosing a record player for your budget and listening needs. Do you want a more user-friendly direct-drive record player? Or do you need phono preamps?
All these questions will be answered here, and you’ll be enjoying all your favorite records in no time with one of these record players for every price range.
What Makes it one of the Best record players for every price range?
One essential component that you must look for if you are shopping for the best turntable is whether it damped perfectly?
Damping is the technique used by manufacturers to combat internal and external vibrations. Manufacturers use different motor configurations to do this and` accomplish it with various components.
However, most of the available belt-driven record players are quieter and are more reliable as opposed to the direct-drive turntables. Nevertheless, there are stunning direct drive record players out there, and you should not write them off yet.
Your personal needs are paramount, and this is what matters most when looking for a record player. If you are a beginner, you probably do not want to be struggling around with a complicated record player with an azimuth, anti-skate, and adjustable vertical tracking mode. Do you want to add your vinyl to your digital playlist? If yes, a record player with reliable software and USB output will be perfect for you.
What’s the Best Record Player?
This is a great record player with great features that you will need.
Features:
- Stylus–AT95EX dual MM
- Speeds: 45, 78 RPM
- USB–yes
- Phono Preamp–yes
- Platter–die-cast aluminum
- Motor–direct drive
- Dimensions -15.7 x 45 x 35cm (HxWxD)
- Finish–Black
- Tracking force–1.6g
- Bluetooth–no
Pros (+)
- Lots of features
- Great to use
- Loads of details
- Great for pros and newbies alike
- Great quality considering the price
Cons (-)
- Mediocre USB output that is noisy
- Plastic build
Performance
Are you an aspiring vinyl enthusiast looking for the best introductory record player? If so, Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB is what you need. It comes with the capacity to play 78, 45, and 33.3 RPM, a clear message that there is no record in this world that you will not play. Furthermore, it features an in-built phono preamp to make sure you do not have to worry about having to buy one yourself.
Build
New vinyl collectors will be thrilled by the great features and easy setup. Professional users will be fascinated by the easily replaceable headshell, tracking force, and the alternative to play in the vertical tracking angle. Sure, it does not match the Technics SL-1200, but considering the price is only a fraction, it is entirely worth the price. This record player is built with a headshell that is both changeable and removable. The stylus can also be adjusted.
Sound
AT-LP120-USB features a USB output, which allows vinyl enthusiasts to record their album collection. To put it straight, this record player strikes a good balance for novices while at the same time, including highly advanced features for a beginner to become a pro. Digital copies streamed through the USB output are tentative, with more surface noise than that generated by AT-LP120-USB through loudspeakers.
Verdict
However, this does not change the fact that Audio LP120USB is a sturdy player that comes at a very reasonable price as compared to other available record players.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT comes with all the fantastic features of the re-designed AT-LP60X automated belt-drive stereo record player with an added convenience of wireless connectivity. That means that you can easily set up your record player in one room and listen to your favorite tracks from another room without having to go through the stress of connecting wires. This is a great record player that pairs with headphones, speakers, and other wireless devices since it is Bluetooth enabled. With a fully functional CSR Bluetooth chipset, this record player can easily connect to other gadgets that support the APTX codec that provides a highly improved sound quality as opposed to the standard SBC codec.
Nevertheless, Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT is operated in the same way as a regular record player with a conventional wired connection. That should not be an issue because either way, wireless or wired, you still get perfect audio with automatic elementary operations that are controlled by the tonearm lift, stop, and the front panel start.
Pros: (+)
- Fully automatic
- Bluetooth & phono stage
- Decent balance
- Music hangs very well together.
Con: (-)
- Cheap build
Technics SL 1500C record player is more deserving of the Technics name than anything else that the company has developed in a while.
Like other classic Technics designs, this is an incredible direct-drive record player, using a high-precision motor to rotate the plate, which in this case, is the die-cast aluminum. The direct-drive motor easily sets at a single push of the button to either of the two speeds 33rpm or 45 rpm. If you press both the buttons at the same time, you will be spinning at precisely 78 rpm.
There are very few products in the AV lore that are more iconic than this Technics SL-1200 record player that has been in constant production from 1972 – 2002, and now in 2019, vinyl enthusiasts are being treated with the best variant in the form of an SL-1500C.
The incredible design of this device is something that any turntable enthusiast will love, including the fact that it has a subdued and mature design in comparison to the previous SL-1200 version.
Pros: (+)
- Remarkable clarity
- Easy to install and use
- Solid build quality
Con: (-)
Still slightly expensive
This is a great device that encapsulates the very best of new and old technologies based on its capability to record from the vinyl to DSD Hi-Res Audio. Fitted with the Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC), where Sony plugs into a PC or laptop through the USB, where the discs are recorded in very high resolution. With a fascinating file quality of up to DSD 5.6MHz or PCM 192kHz/24-bit, all your stored records will sound as good as the best quality digital audio.
With this turntable, you can enjoy all your favorite albums at any time, whether you are at home or on the go. Once the vinyl has been recorded to the Hi-Res audio files, you can enjoy them in different places. Furthermore, you have an option to upload to your Walkman or another premium Hi-Res portable player, and you can take your music with you with the ability to play it even via your vehicle stereo. Alternatively, you can store the music on the Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, and you can effortlessly gain access to all your albums through a wide variety of network-connected wireless music devices like Heos or Sonos.
Pros: (+)
- Upgradable
- Nice build quality
- A very intuitive recording software
Con: (-)
The in-built phone stage holds it back.
Analog recording is alive and kicking. The good news is that quality turntables are still in very high demand. Clearaudio Concept Marantz TT-15S1 has simply set new performance standards that can only be met by the highly-priced turntables. Good record players are now more critical than ever before. Clearaudio Concept Marantz TT-15S1 embraces an audiophile quality record player with low-coloration tonearm and AC servo belt-drive to provide answers to the needs of the high-performance source components for the analog records.
Marantz TT-15S1 is an outstanding turntable to just look at. The plinth is crafted from a single piece of the frosted acrylic with three beefy feet for dampened vibration from the footsteps and speakers. The acrylic plinth comprises two cutouts for the motor and the tonearm.
Costing $$$$, this is a high-end device whose performance is expected to be nothing but the best. However, this turntable is not a letdown when it comes to performance with a dynamic range and dark backgrounds that will help you rediscover your record collection.
While it is true to say that Marantz TT-15S1 is slightly expensive, if you consider its audio and design fidelity, you will realize that this is a fantastic device that is worth every dime you spend.
Pros: (+)
- Excellent value
- Incredible clarity and range
- Gorgeous design
Con: (-)
No dust cover
The new Rega Planar 1 is a very user-friendly Rega Turntable. Now with the preset bias force on the new RB110 tonearm, this turntable is very easy to install in only a few seconds after unpacking. All you need to do is slide the weight on the tonearm’s rear.
Every aspect of this fantastic Rega Planar 1 has been perfectly designed to enhance performance. For the first time, the turntable now runs a low noise motor to reduce vibration transfer. Alongside the brand new RB110 tonearm equipped with Rega’s high-end zero play bearings that only share the dust cover, sub-platter, and drive belt from the RP1; this is a perfectly designed record player from the ground up.
Do you want to get back into vinyl and desperately need serious performance to last you a lifetime? If so, look no further! Rega Planar 1 is the device is the turntable that you should have.
Pros: (+)
- Classy feel and look
- Exceptional timing
- Vibrant and detailed sound
The project debut carbon record player is, without a doubt, one of the bestselling listening record players in the $300 to $500 price range. This is technically the first audiophile–style record player that buyers often consider.
The Project Debut Carbon record player is an ideal value for any person that wants to get an incredible audiophile style audio kit. That is because if you check the audiophile market, most of the available turntables usually cost $1000; therefore, the Project Debut Carbon comes at a very reasonable entry price.
If you are a beginner considering a $100 – $300 turntable, there may be a lot of choices available, most of which might seem similar to you. Nevertheless, Project Debut Carbon is not just any other record player; it comes with clear upgrades that are better than other devices available in the market.
Project Debut Carbon is a precision record player with custom and high-quality components, particularly where it counts: motor system and tonearm. It is carefully designed, making it an excellent device for its price range.
Pros: (+)
- Easy to install
- Well damped against vibrations
- Gorgeous design
Fluance RT81 is a perfectly priced record player that produces the highest quality sound; nevertheless, there are a few things that you need to know before you make up your mind to purchase this impeccably designed turntable.
The low-end lifestyle market is quite unique with regard to how it performs since the sound quality is essential, but money is equally important. As a result, Hi-Fi buyers in this industry are frequently faced with harsh budget limits. Technically, the Fluance RT81 provides an imperfect platter/plinth, and the tonearm designed has been successfully glued together through the AT-95 cartridge. AT-95 has a fair history of turning fair-sounding turntables into impressive ones.
For this reason, the performance of low-end lifestyle design is the best in the market for its kind. However, the most crucial thing that makes a low budget customer consider the Fluance RT81 is because of the AT-95 cartridge and its affordable price.
Pros: (+)
- Best value for money
- Install to install with features made for improved convenience
- Built in-phono stage
- Heavy solid build
Con: (-)
Speed can be an issue at times.
The Denon DP-330F is an automated and scarce feature among budget turntables, making it a perfect choice for any serious audiophile. However, for the people who grew up back in the 1970s, there is some kind of nostalgic magic to seeing the tonearm move via the air without any help, before it quietly drops on that rare vinyl edition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
Do you think that makes Denon DP-330F seem old fashioned? Worry not! This incredible record player is quite a sleek beast with a perfectly crafted metallic black finish, which ensures it looks and feels at home when placed in the listening room or on the flight deck of the most modern spacecraft’s.
If you are working on a busy schedule and just want something that you can easily deal with without having to deal with the complicated aspects such as anti-skate setup and tracking weight, this Denon DP-330F will be an excellent turntable for you. Although if you prefer to go for the convenience features, then you must have to sacrifice some sound quality; you can always change the cartridge for improved sound quality.
Pros: (+)
- Beginner-friendly
- In-built phono preamp
- Fully automated playback
Con: (-)
- Average sound quality
While the vinyl revival could be in full swing, Audio-Technica is not a newcomer to this party! They are a renowned company that has been producing high-end phono cartridges for over 50 years. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is a fully-featured record player featuring a clear plastic dust cover, a metal platter, an in-built phono preamplifier, and a premounted phono cartridge. And all this is available for an affordable price.
The LP60 is an excellent starter record player for newbie audiophiles or other veterans looking for ways to get back into playing their favorite records. We highly recommend this turntable to folks who may be having some hard time getting accustomed to multiple hands-on factors of manual turntables. That is because, with Audio-Technica AT-LP60, you only have to press a button and can enjoy all your favorite tunes.
Pros: (+)
- Easy to use
- A balanced, clear and articulate sound
Con: (-)
Average sound quality
Features
- Stylus–elliptical
- Speeds: 78, 45
- USB–no
- Phono Preamp–no
- Platter–polyoxymethylene
- Motor–direct drive
- Dimensions – 17.12” x 14.48” x 5.47”; (W x D x H)
- Bluetooth–no
Pros (+)
- Impressive midrange
- Clear and detailed presentation
- Solid build to last
- Easy to set up
Cons (-)
- sound lacks drive and a little dynamism
New meets old in this stunning wireless Hi-Res Record player. The price tag for this turntable is expensive regardless of the brand, and this is the company’s most expensive record player by far. For that price, you get a uniquely built record player that is compatible with many vinyl formats without compromises.
The fact that it can wirelessly stream to a 24 bit/48kHz aptX HD standard makes it #1 in that subject matter. The Alva TT offers functionality and features that are rare at that price, including Bluetooth connectivity, direct-drive, and an in-built phone stage.
Lately, Bluetooth record players have become very fashionable, picking up this popularity from the revival of vinyl. It might seem like an awkward integration of new and old technology, but it’s undisputedly convenient. Instead of investing in a costly hi-fi system, all that you need is a record player, wireless headphones, or a Bluetooth speaker. With this, you can lose yourself in the warm fuzzy radiance of vinyl.
The Cambridge Audio Alva TT does not come fitted with ordinary Bluetooth. Interestingly, it is among the top turntables that feature aptx HD support. That means you can easily stream your vinyl to harmonious wireless products in the hi-res 24-bit/48kHz.
Build
There is no doubt that the Cambridge Audio Alva TT certainly has the presence and looks of a $$$$ turntable. The record player features a solid aluminium piece at the top plate, which feels like silk. The smoky grey finish gives this player a striking, but purposeful appearance.
Performance
While wired connections seem to perform better regarding quality as compared to wireless devices. This is a turntable that is worth being called a real Alva TT than many other similar products that you will find in the market today. Considering that the signal output from the vinyl does not have to go through the conventional analog-to-digital conversion to get the sound. You can expect the sound quality to be on top of the range.
Verdict
Ordinarily, turntables in this price are judged on the unconditional terms, and if we judge this player in absolute terms, we might find it to be fractionally wanting. However, judging Cambridge Alva TT would be choosing to ignore the player’s unique and significantly elegant talent. Technically, it has a quality build designed to last; moreover, its ease of use and installation is laudable.
What we learned after comparing RECORD PLAYERS FOR EVERY PRICE RANGE
If you are an enthusiast who intends to invest in a great record player, then the Cambridge Audio Alva TT is the best bet for you. While the price tag may be a determining factor, this modern and greatest record player from Cambridge Audio is worth it; they have not left anything to chance.
However, if you are a beginner who wants to enjoy some great records and at the same time, stay within a budget, Audio–Technica AT- LP120- USB fits the bill. It is a good player with amazing features that comes at a reasonable price.
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