10 Best Turntables

The Audio-Technica LP120XBTUSB is a versatile turntable suitable for both casual listeners and those beginning to explore vinyl. It features a direct-drive motor, ensuring the platter spins reliably and with good consistency—important for stable playback and DJ use. The aluminium platter offers solid build quality and a smooth feel, and the turntable supports 33, 45, and 78 RPM speeds, accommodating a wide range of record types, including older shellac discs.

This model includes a built-in preamp, allowing direct connection to powered speakers or sound systems without the need for an additional amplifier, which adds convenience. It also supports Bluetooth wireless audio, enabling music playback through Bluetooth speakers or headphones. A USB connection is provided for converting vinyl records to digital files using free software, making it easy to preserve your collection. The adjustable tonearm holds the included cartridge securely, helping maintain sound quality.

The turntable is reasonably lightweight at 800g and comes with useful accessories such as a dust cover and a felt mat. While it may be lighter than some heavier audiophile models, which can affect vibration reduction, it offers a strong balance between modern features like Bluetooth and USB and classic vinyl playback capabilities, making it a solid choice for beginners or those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use setup without complex installation.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSBGM is a user-friendly, fully automatic belt-drive turntable that caters to both vinyl enthusiasts and those looking to digitize their record collections. Its belt-drive design is ideal for minimizing motor noise, contributing to the improved sound quality and smoother playback. The integral Dual Magnet phono cartridge with a replaceable diamond stylus offers decent audio quality, ensuring that your records sound crisp and clear. The plastic construction, while perhaps less durable than metal alternatives, keeps the turntable lightweight and manageable at 4.3 kilograms.

The turntable supports two speeds, 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, making it versatile for various vinyl formats. A notable feature is the built-in USB connectivity, allowing users to easily convert vinyl to digital formats, which is perfect for those wanting to preserve their music digitally. Additionally, the AC adapter handles AC/DC conversion externally, which helps reduce noise interference in the audio signal.

However, the turntable's construction from plastic may not offer the robustness and premium feel of higher-end models. While it comes with a dust cover, indicating some protection for your records and stylus, users seeking advanced features like adjustable tonearm weight or anti-skate control might find this model lacking. Ideal for beginners or casual listeners, it offers a combination of ease of use and functionality at an accessible price point.

The Audio-Technica LP120XUSBBK is a versatile and reliable turntable that is well-suited for both vinyl enthusiasts and those looking to digitize their records. Its direct-drive mechanism, which uses a DC servo motor, ensures stable and consistent playback, eliminating issues often associated with belt-drive systems. The die-cast aluminum platter with a felt mat is professional grade, offering excellent anti-resonance properties for clearer sound quality. Additionally, the turntable supports multiple speed settings (33, 45, and 78 RPM), making it compatible with a wide range of vinyl records, including older 78 RPM records. This feature is supported by adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, which helps to maintain consistent sound quality and reduces wear on the records and stylus.

The built-in preamp is a notable convenience, allowing for easy connection to various audio systems without requiring an external preamp. The USB connectivity is another significant advantage for those who want to convert their vinyl records to digital files, providing a straightforward way to preserve music collections. However, weighing in at 8 kilograms, the turntable is relatively heavy, which could be a downside for users who need to move it frequently or have limited space. Additionally, while the manual operation gives users more control, it may not appeal to those who prefer automated systems.

The tonearm is designed for precision and durability, further enhancing the audio experience. In summary, the Audio-Technica LP120XUSBBK excels in delivering high-quality sound and versatility, making it an excellent choice for both casual listeners and serious audiophiles, though its weight and manual operation may not suit everyone.