Recently, vinyl records are again gaining popularity among music lovers, largely due to the high sound quality. Even well-known artists are starting to release their albums in this format again. Accordingly, turntables for vinyl records are coming into vogue. The choice of such products is quite wide, so acquiring the optimal device is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. In this article, we will tell you about the key characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying such equipment, but also analyze the most popular models so that you can choose the most suitable player for yourself.
How to choose a vinyl player?
The principle of operation of this unit is to convert the uneven tracks of the plate into a high-quality sound signal. Contrary to the opinion of many people, the principle of operation of the product is largely different from the gramophone or gramophone. All modern designs are part of the audio system, which consists of a large number of various components. On sale you can find models equipped with an amplifier, speakers and a large number of connectors.
The main elements of a vinyl player are the following details: a faceplate, which is a special platform on which the record itself fits. There is also a tonearm — it houses a cartridge with a needle, in modern models a technology has been implemented that allows you to adjust its height and maintain it at a certain level. The counterweight is responsible for the force of the needle pressing on the vinyl. One of the most important parts is the cartridge that reads and converts the audio signal.
The most expensive and high-quality devices are assembled by hand, and there is always the opportunity to install any other parts, for example, released later and which are more modern. A fairly heavy device should be purchased. If the mass of the player is less than 8 kg, then you can hardly expect high quality sound from it. The faceplate weighs quite a lot.
Be sure to pay attention to the cartridge — in modern products they are half-inch or T4P. The first type has higher sound characteristics and is much easier to update, but it must be tuned, which not everyone can handle. The second option is simpler and much easier to use. The sharpening of the reading needle should ideally be in the form of an ellipse. To obtain the highest quality sound, preference is given to models with a belt drive — with its help it is possible to achieve perfect sliding and minimal vibration. Direct turntables are more suitable for DJs. Roller drives tend to have the most vibration and should be avoided if you don’t want to ruin expensive vinyl.
When choosing models to include in our ranking of the best turntables of the year, we were guided by all of the above principles. However, we did not ignore the value for money products, so that most of our readers would find these products quite affordable, in addition, we relied on user reviews. We hope that the information we have collected will be enough for you to decide on the product that is best suited for you.
The best turntables
10. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USBHC
Most lovers of quality music speak very positively about the vinyl players released by this company. First of all, they note the original design of the pickups, due to which the sound is very deep and full-sounding, and they also talk about headphones belonging to the premium class. The design is assembled on a turnkey basis — just take it out of the package, plug it into the network, put the record on and start enjoying the music. The design is reminiscent of classic Soviet products. Despite the minimalistic appearance, the device will fit perfectly into any interior of the room. The case is made in black or silver colors. All buttons are quite pleasant to the touch, they are pressed smoothly, LED backlighting is provided, which allows you to comfortably use the device even in the dark.
There is a reverse rotation that allows you to return to the track or section of the composition you like the most. The tonearm lowers the stylus onto the vinyl rather slowly, which helps to prevent damage to the tracks. The stylus supplied with this turntable helps smooth out sharp corners, so even fairly heavy and hard tracks will feel with a high degree of softness. Regardless of the style, the music will sound as realistic as possible. The device is equipped with rubberized legs, so even with active dancing, the needle will not jump from one track to another. The player can be connected to a laptop or personal computer. No interference was found.
Advantages:
- The presence of a direct drive, facilitating rotation;
- Optimum tonearm height;
- High-quality counterweight is provided;
- High quality regular cartridge.
Flaws:
- The wires are not shielded enough, but this does not affect the sound quality in any way.
Audio Technica AT-LP120-USBHC
9. Crosley Cruiser Deluxe CR8005D
The model is distinguished by quite acceptable cost and classic appearance, which is stylized after old players. Setting up the design is quite simple, so it is quite suitable even for beginners who are just beginning to comprehend the beauty of the sound of vinyl records. The drive has three speeds and can be used for 7″, 10″ or 12″ records. The body is made in the form of a small suitcase, lined with fabric materials that are very pleasant to the touch. There are not too many connectors for connecting third-party devices — one jack for the power cable, two inputs and one for connecting headphones. Using the input, the device can be connected to a music center, personal computer and other similar devices. The sound quality is quite acceptable.
On such a player, it is optimal to listen to hard rock, since its pickup allows you to get a metallic sound. Vocals sound the brightest, high notes are felt very well. The melody will have both bass lines and mids clearly visible. The sound in the headphones directly depends on them. The model is equipped with two built-in speakers of average power, if you do not twist them to full power, then they will play music of various styles quite acceptable. The needle is pressed against the plate quite strongly.
Advantages:
- Attractive appearance and original finish;
- Very easy to use even for a beginner music lover;
- Acceptable number of connectors;
- Quite reasonable cost.
Flaws:
- The playback itself could have been more detailed.
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe CR8005D turntable
8. Technics SL-1210GR
The player is versatile, as it can be used by both DJs and ordinary lovers of high-quality sound. Like all the models discussed above, this design is characterized by a standard appearance — it is difficult to determine from the design when exactly this unit was released. The electric motor rotates as evenly as possible, which was achieved largely due to the installation of a coreless motor, and the rotor is equipped with a single magnet. The rotation chassis is made as rigid as possible. The platter has two layers — the top coating is made of high-strength rubber, which perfectly resists abrasion, under it there is an aluminum wheel, additionally reinforced with special stiffeners. The side of the disc adjacent directly to the vinyl is also made of two layers. Materials such as rubber, aluminum and filler made on the basis of polymeric materials are used here.
The tonearm is made in the shape of the letter S, it is equipped with an aluminum tube, which has a small mass and an increased level of strength. All connectors for connecting external devices are gold-plated, and this applies even to the ground terminal. The device itself in a fully assembled form has a mass of over 14 kg. The relaxation and softness of sound characteristic of most vinyl players are not found here. Rather, on the contrary, the device lays out all the sounds, tones and notes as evenly as possible, the rhythm is heard perfectly. The speed and accuracy of issuing notes does not depend on the range at all: this is optimally implemented both in high and low frequencies.
Advantages:
- A very technological device;
- Decent mass;
- Good sound quality;
- Long service life;
- The optimal combination of quality materials, assembly and playing melodies.
Flaws:
- High price.
Technics SL-1210GR
7. Rega Planar 1
The players of the British company have long been enjoying well-deserved popularity, but engineers are constantly developing more and more new models. This product was able to retain the signature sound of vinyl, however, a higher rendering of both high and low frequencies was achieved largely due to the installation of the latest RB110 tonearm, equipped with precision bearings. In addition, it has intelligent offset angle adjustment, which allows you to extract absolutely all frequencies from the track. The downforce here is optimal, there is a special mark on the scale for its selection, which allows you to choose the most suitable parameter, which, in turn, greatly facilitates setting up the equipment before direct use. The tabletop is made of thermosetting plastic, which has not only an attractive appearance, but also a decent weight, which positively affects the sound quality.
The power button of the device is rubberized, located on the left side, directly under the table. The player is available in black or white. In order to optimize the rotational speed as much as possible, the mass of the platter has been made as large as possible. Here is the Rega Carbon cartridge, which ensures the fullness of the extracted sound. This model is equipped with a synchronous motor which has an aluminum pulley. Due to such a constructive solution, it was possible to significantly reduce the amount of noise emitted and stabilize the speed. The sound here is closer to professional than amateur. Especially users note the clarity of the vocal line. The sound of melodies here is dense and juicy, regardless of the genre of music.
Advantages:
- Ideal for both new records and products that are more than a dozen years old;
- The melody is heard quite clearly, despite the bright emphasis on the vocal line;
- The case is well protected from dust penetration to the rotating disk thanks to a special plastic cover.
Flaws:
- The tonearm, if necessary, will be quite problematic to replace.
Rega Planar 1
6. Ion Max LP
This design optimally combines good musical characteristics and a very interesting design. The upper part of the body is finished in traditional light wood, while all other panels are made in a minimalist style. Such a player will fit perfectly into a laconic interior. However, on sale you can find a model made in black, covered with piano lacquer. In general, this design was originally designed to play records at a speed of 33 rpm, but the manufacturer decided to add the speed of the old vinyl — 45 and 78 rpm. The internal filling allows you to digitize the melody from fairly ancient records, and the final sound of the melody is as clear as possible. If necessary, the player can be connected to a personal computer — a USB connector is provided for this, as well as a special ION application. With its help, the sound is not only digitized in the required format, but also divided into separate tracks.
The design includes a pair of built-in stereo speakers. For an average user, the volume and quality of such speakers will be quite enough, however, if necessary, external acoustics can be connected in order to fully unlock the potential of this player. The quality of playing melodies is quite high — no distortion or extraneous noise was found.
Advantages:
- Very convenient location of connectors;
- Stylish and original appearance;
- Microlift provided;
- Automatic stop;
- Comes with a set of replacement needles;
- You can digitize vinyl.
Flaws:
- Too light construction;
- No duster for records.
Ion Max LP
5. Pioneer PL-30-K
Quite a budget design, which at the same time is characterized by users as very reliable and distinguished by acceptable sound quality. The device is designed simply, there are not too many functions — start / stop playback, two speeds (33 and 45 rpm, respectively), a phono stage is provided, which can be turned off if necessary. The main disc is made from an aluminum plate, with a rubber gasket between it and the vinyl. The player has a microlift and a straight tonearm. It is equipped with MM-Audio-Technica AT3600L game. The device has a dust cover made of transparent plastic. In use, the player is elementary — even a child can figure it out. It is equipped with a DC motor drive. Lowering the needle is done as smoothly as possible.
The control is fully automatic. The center of gravity of the player is lowered, which has a positive effect on the stability of playing a melody, regardless of its style. There is a built-in equalizer, and it is quite acceptable to use an external equalizer. Rubber gasket allows the record to fit snugly on the disc, anti-slip type disc regulator. The contact connector of the device is shielded with gilding. The power cord can be disconnected if necessary. The motor is mounted with a belt drive, which ensures uniformity and stability of the plate rotation.
Advantages:
- Possibility of adjusting the clamping mechanism;
- Comes with a dust-proof lid
- Pretty thick rubber mat;
- Power cable disconnected;
- Microlift provided;
- High sound quality.
Flaws:
- The user cannot adjust the speed;
- No ground terminal provided.
Pioneer PL-30-K
4. Sony PS-HX500
This product went on sale a little over a year ago. This model is interesting both in itself and due to the presence of a built-in ADC — this function allows you to record in DSD format. The design is distinguished by an increased level of strength, all nodes are reliable, there is not a single flimsy among them. The case has compact overall dimensions, the weight is not very large. It is made from MDF panels, painted with matte paint. Despite the fact that it looks quite simple, the whole finish looks very neat. Almost all elements are made in black, the lines of the form are thin and clear, no extra details were noticed. The legs are made of thick rubber and are not adjustable in height. From the bottom side you can see the metal casing. There are also tuning elements for the possibility of adjusting each speed.
The main rotational bearing is non-separable, fixed with a ring, exactly according to the same principle, a belt-type drive is attached. The disc is made from cast aluminium. The power supply is remote, which does not seem convenient to all users. You can control the drive and the player itself with the help of a single handle located on the front side. It has four positions — off, standby mode and two rotation modes for 33 and 45 revolutions. No LED indicator is provided. The tonearm is made of high quality metal, balanced, its effective length is 221 mm.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Recordings can be archived;
- Interesting design;
- Very high sound quality;
- Long service life;
- It is possible to change the selected speed using fine tuning.
Flaws:
- Poor power supply.
Sony PS-HX500
3. Pioneer PLX-1000
In third place in our review of the best turntables is a professional product that belongs to the premium class. It is suitable for both home and professional use. The design is equipped with a direct-type quartz drive, characterized by high torque — even at the start it is capable of delivering a minimum of 4.5 kg / cm. This makes life much easier for scratch DJs. The tonearm is made in the shape of the letter S, it has anti-skating, and is also equipped with insulation. It is made of thick rubber, which ensures precise control, the tonearm during playback has the smallest error. The chassis of the player is made of zinc — this material reliably protects the sound from vibrations and resonances. The lower part of the device has a rubber reinforcement with a layer thickness of 8 mm. This allows you to minimize not only your own vibration, but also successfully cope with the external one.
The player itself has two speeds — 33 and 45 rpm. The kit comes with everything you need for professional DJ work. The support disc is aluminum, there are counterweights that change the force with which the needle presses on the record. There is also a dust cover. The device does not have a phono stage, so you will have to connect it either to an external phono stage, or use a mixer or amplifier.
Advantages:
- Excellent quality;
- Really professional equipment;
- Excellent assembly — there are no backlashes or extraneous squeaks that can affect the sound.
Flaws:
- There is no own phono stage;
- Pretty high cost.
Pioneer PLX-1000
2. Onkyo CP-1050
A unique product that combines traditional sound reproduction techniques with state-of-the-art technology and an original retro look. Most music lovers were able to appreciate this product. These products are made in Japan, which already indicates the high quality of the production of the model. The turntable has a smooth-running direct drive motor, thanks to which it is possible to minimize any low-frequency noise that occurs during playback to a large extent. The basis here is a reliable MDF panel, which has additional protection against the occurrence of various kinds of vibrations. The rubber gasket prevents resonant vibrations from forming. The rotation of the plates is smooth and stable, even at start-up no tremors are observed.
The kit comes with a special adapter that allows you to use records with a diameter of 7 inches. The design is made in the style of turntables made in the middle of the last century. Tonar has an S-shape, it can be replaced if necessary. To further combat vibration, four more special supports are provided, and depending on the conditions of use of the device, the user can adjust the height of the game. The case has a connector for grounding, as well as outputs to the right and left speakers.
Advantages:
- Direct drive provides smooth start and reliable fight against vibration and runout;
- Attractive appearance, stylized antique;
- Tonar with the possibility of replacement;
- There is a plastic cover to protect against dust;
- Deep and clear sound.
Flaws:
- High price.
Onkyo CP-1050
1. Denon VL12 Prime
Professional design that can be used for playing records, DJing, scratching, and a host of other possibilities. The case has increased strength and good stability, it has an all-metal palm rest. The controls are matte to prevent slipping of the fingers. Largely due to these characteristics, the tool is very reliable and convenient during operation. It provides a direct drive with a quartz-type stabilization system. The tonearm is S-shaped and additionally equipped with original locking features. The platter, like all the models in our ranking of the best turntables, is made of aluminum, its diameter is 13.1 inches. The drive has two torque modes — Low and Hi.
The backlight of the platter is provided, and its brightness and color can be changed. There are two rotation speeds, the key can be changed within plus or minus 8, 16 and 50%. The legs are vibration-isolated, the equipment is rich — there are all the necessary cables for connecting third-party devices.
Advantages:
- Truly professional product;
- Top quality workmanship;
- Excellent sound;
- Long service life.
Flaws:
- Except for the high price is not found.
Denon VL12 Prime
In conclusion, a useful video
In our today’s review, we tried to collect as much information as possible on each model. If it turned out to be not enough for you, then write to us in the comments — we will promptly respond to your message and provide additional data so that you can evaluate whether the model you like suits you or you should choose some more suitable one.