How to Choose the Right Turntable: What to Know & Our Best Sellers
June 05, 2025
Vinyl is back and better than ever! Whether you’re a lifelong audiophile or just beginning to explore the warm, analog world of records, choosing the right turntable is key to unlocking your best listening experience. From cartridge types to motor drives and build quality, understanding what makes a great turntable can help you invest wisely and enjoy your collection for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential features to consider, compare belt-drive vs. direct-drive turntables, and showcase some of our best-selling models for every budget and experience level.
A quality turntable isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a finely tuned machine designed to deliver accurate sound reproduction. Here are the key components and features that matter most:
The cartridge houses the stylus (needle) and is responsible for converting the grooves in your records into audio signals. Most entry-level turntables come with moving magnet (MM) cartridges, which are user-replaceable and deliver excellent sound quality for the price. High-end turntables may support moving coil (MC) cartridges, known for their detail, but usually requiring a phono preamp with higher gain.
Tip: If you’re serious about sound upgrades, look for turntables with easily upgradeable cartridges or removable headshells.
The tonearm guides the stylus across the record’s surface. A poorly designed tonearm can result in tracking errors or unwanted vibration. Look for features like:
Higher-end tonearms often offer smoother operation and better cartridge alignment, which means better fidelity.
The platter affects rotation stability and vibration damping. Heavier platters made of acrylic or metal offer better inertia and reduce unwanted noise. Meanwhile, the plinth should be sturdy and isolated to minimize resonance. Materials like MDF or layered composites absorb vibration better than lightweight plastic.
Many modern turntables include a built-in phono stage, making them plug-and-play with powered speakers or AV receivers. This is great for beginners, though more advanced listeners often prefer using external phono preamps for greater control over sound.
Turntables can be:
Manual turntables give users full control, while automatic turntables offer convenience and can be ideal for casual listening.
Both types have their place, and the choice largely depends on how and where you plan to use your turntable.
In belt-drive systems, a rubber belt connects the motor to the platter, helping isolate motor vibrations from the stylus. The result? Quieter operation and better sound quality, particularly for home listening.
Pros:
Cons:
In direct-drive models, the platter sits directly on the motor shaft. This results in more torque, faster start/stop times, and consistent speed—features favored by DJs and professional users.
Pros:
Cons:
We carry a curated selection of turntables that deliver across a range of budgets and use cases. Here are some of our best sellers:
A favorite among audiophiles, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO 2 offers high-end sound and sleek European design at an approachable price point. It features a carbon fiber tonearm, heavy steel platter, and pre-mounted Sumiko Rainier cartridge—a combination that punches way above its class.
Ideal for serious music lovers looking to level up their analog setup.
The Technics SL-1500C is a premium direct-drive turntable that bridges the gap between performance and convenience. Known for its rock-solid speed stability and classic design, it also includes a built-in phono preamp and comes with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge pre-installed.
It’s a perfect choice for users who want audiophile sound with everyday usability.
One of the most popular entry-level turntables on the market, the AT-LP60X offers unbeatable value. It’s fully automatic, comes with a built-in phono stage, and works well with just about any system.
Great for vinyl newcomers who want a no-fuss, plug-and-play solution.
A longtime audiophile favorite, the Rega Planar 3RS brings incredible refinement and simplicity to your turntable experience. Featuring Rega’s celebrated RB330 tonearm, float-glass platter, and minimalist design, it’s a turntable built to last and sound phenomenal.
Perfect for discerning listeners looking for reference-quality analog playback.
The Sony PS-LX310BT blends vintage sound with modern convenience thanks to Bluetooth output—streaming your vinyl directly to wireless speakers or headphones. It also has a built-in phono stage, making it a smart option for modern households.
Ideal for listeners who want the warmth of vinyl and the ease of wireless.
Simple, compact, and affordable, the Denon DP-29F is a great starter turntable. With fully automatic operation and a built-in phono preamp, it's a plug-and-play solution for casual vinyl lovers.
Best for vinyl beginners who value convenience and simplicity.
A step up from the DP-29F, the Denon DP-300F features a die-cast aluminum platter, replaceable cartridge, and automatic operation, all while retaining its easy-to-use approach.
A fantastic mid-tier option for vinyl enthusiasts upgrading from an entry-level setup.
Whether you're building your first setup or upgrading to audiophile-grade gear, choosing the right turntable means balancing your priorities: sound quality, ease of use, upgradeability, and design.
Key takeaways:
Want expert advice or to try a few in-store? Visit a ListenUp store or chat with one of our AV specialists today. We’ll help you find the perfect turntable to match your music, your space, and your lifestyle.
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