Latest release on our site: a fantastic assortment of turntables for various financial plans
Swinging Back to Analog: A Modern Guide to Turntables
Vinyl might have seemed like a dying format back in the '90s, but boy, were they wrong! Despite compact discs stealing the show, the charms of the good old record player simply refused to fade away. Fast-forward a few decades, and it appears the analog is still staying strong in the heart of the second quarter of the 21st century.
Let's ride this wave of nostalgia together and explore our top picks for modern turntables. We've got you covered, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey into the vinyl world.
A Vinyl Resurgence: What's Hot in Affordable Turntables
The sweet spot for 'affordable' turntables begins around the £300 mark and goes up to about £1000. Spend more, and performance and quality will significantly change for the better. In this price band, a few worthy contenders have earned themselves five-star reviews. Let's take a look at some of our favorites:
- Rega RP6 - With a price tag of roughly £800, this model offers remarkable sound quality and a solid build, worth every penny.
- Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO - This budget-friendly option, approximately priced at £300, offers an exceptional balance of sound quality and affordability. As an evolution of earlier Pro-Ject designs, it has caught the attention of vinyl enthusiasts around the globe.
- Teac TN-303DB - Another excellent contender in this price range, the TEAC TN-303DB is a direct-drive turntable with built-in speakers for a more compact setup.
- Audio-Technica AT-LP5 - For around £700, you can't go wrong with this high-performance direct-drive model. Its impressive build quality and sound quality make it a favorite among vinyl listeners.
- Clearaudio Concept - While slightly over your budget, the Concept is an outstanding performer for under £1,000. It boasts a custom tonearm and a high-quality cartridge, making it a great investment for serious audiophiles.
Wireless Vinyl: The Freedom of Bluetooth Turntables
Who said you needed a mess of wires to enjoy the warm analog sounds of vinyl? Say hello to Bluetooth turntables, which combine the retro charm of a record player with the convenience of wireless connectivity.
Consider these models for a wireless vinyl experience that promises both flexibility and, of course, great sound:
- Fluance RT85 and Fluance RT81 - Both models are notable for their excellent sound quality and sleek aesthetics, coming in at prices around the £250 and £200 marks, respectively.
- Sony PS-LX310BT - This wireless turntable is accessible for those on a smaller budget, priced around £250. While it compromises slightly on sound quality compared to higher-end models, the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity makes it a popular choice for vinyl newcomers.
- U-Turn Orbit Plus - This fully manual turntable comes with a pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, and with an adjustable external or internal RIAA preamp, you can customize the sound to your liking. Priced just under £500, the Orbit Plus offers fantastic value for money.
Want to dive deeper into the world of Bluetooth turntables? Check out our latest issue for a comprehensive review of the top Bluetooth models on the market!
Join the Conversation: Turntable Designers Share their Favorite Vinyl Albums
If you're looking for a fresh playlist to spin on your new turntable, why not consider the favorites of industry-leading turntable designers? In our latest issue, we interviewed some of the biggest names in the business to learn more about their choice vinyl albums and the tales behind their love for these timeless records.
Don't miss out on these exclusive insights when you pick up our current issue!
And there you have it - whether you're looking for a classic turntable or a modern marvel, the world of vinyl is filled with endless options for the discerning audiophile. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest in hi-fi and home cinema technology, right here at our esteemed publication.
- For those interested in affordable turntables, the Rega RP6, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, Teac TN-303DB, Audio-Technica AT-LP5, and Clearaudio Concept are worth a look, each offering exceptional quality within their respective price ranges.
- If you're in the market for a Bluetooth turntable, the Fluance RT85, Fluance RT81, Sony PS-LX310BT, and U-Turn Orbit Plus are great options, each balancing retro charm with wireless convenience.
- In our latest issue, we've interviewed leading turntable designers to learn about their favorite vinyl albums, providing readers with a unique playlist to enjoy on their new turntables.
- Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, the resurgence of vinyl continues to offer numerous choices for enthusiasts in the worlds of hi-fi, home cinema technology, and lifestyle.
- With a price tag of roughly £800, the Rega RP6 turntable offers remarkable sound quality and a solid build, making it a wise investment for many vinyl lovers.
- The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, priced around £300, offers an exceptional balance of sound quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious audiophiles.
- For around £700, the Audio-Technica AT-LP5 delivers impressive sound quality and build quality, cementing its place as a favorite among vinyl listeners.
- The Clearaudio Concept, priced under £1,000, is an outstanding performer, featuring a custom tonearm and high-quality cartridge, making it an attractive option for serious audiophiles.