Turntables for audiophiles and record collectors come in all shapes and sizes. Modern manufacturers like Pro-Ject, Rega, and Music Hall offer a range of popular products with different levels of performance, price points, and compatibility with less traditional listening spaces. But how do you choose?
One option is to look at the various technical considerations such as tonearm construction (pivot point elevation, effective mass), arm height (compliance), or cartridge type (moving coil or moving magnet). These differences can have a substantial impact on sound quality.
Alternatively, if you put a high value on aesthetics there are tables that allow you to incorporate your hi-fi components into a design that matches your contemporary home décor.
Hence in this guide we present you with the best audiophile turntables.
Table of Contents
FAQs
1. Is the table adjustable?
For some of the models discussed below, this is a major consideration.
2. Does the cartridge easily replace your existing cartridge?
Some models are compatible with your existing cartridge, but if not you can expect an upgrade in sound quality.
3. Is the table height adjustable?
If you listen to vinyl on your turntable often, having height adjustment will allow you to make fine adjustments to optimize sound quality without needing to move the table after every change in album art or album speeds.For some of the models discussed below, this is a major consideration.
4. Is the turntable compatible with your receiver and amp?
Some turntables use a turntable switch, which bypasses the turntables electronics and sends signal directly to your receiver or integrated amplifier. These turntables can offer a significant upgrade in sound quality over cheaper models with an analog signal path. But remember this may not be compatible with your gear setup.
3 Best Audiophile Turntables
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1. Clearaudio Concept Turntable with Concept MM V2 Cartridge (Silver)
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The Clearaudio Concept turntable is a high quality turntable with a minimalist design and performance to match.
It utilizes an Ortofon OM5e moving magnet cartridge and features an adjustable static (hung) bearing suspension and a static (fixed) bearing suspension. This allows the table to rotate without generating any lateral movement, which in turn decreases rumble.
It also has a heavy-duty aluminum platter that measures 44mm in diameter and is perfectly optimized for vinyl playback, offering outstanding response time and faithful sound reproduction.
Pros:
- Ideal for vinyl enthusiasts as it is designed to offer outstanding performance with a minimalistic design.
- It has a static (fixed) bearing suspension and a static (hung) bearing suspension which reduces rumble.
- The table also utilizes an Ortofon OM5e moving magnet cartridge and a heavy-duty aluminum platter.
Cons:
- The Clearaudio Concept turntable does not come with an arm, so you will need to purchase this separately, although the included LM-50B phono cartridge is compatible with most arms.
2. Pro-Ject Classic EVO 3-Speed Turntable with Ortofon Quintet Red (Walnut)
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This turntable offers exceptional value for money and it comes with an Ortofon Quintet Red cartridge which is compatible with most tonearms. This turntable will offer a significant upgrade over a cheaper turntable as it features a hybrid-suspension construction and a very effective DC motor.
The Pro-Ject Classic EVO 3-Speed offers exceptional value for money and it comes with an Ortofon Quintet Red cartridge which is compatible with most tonearms. It also offers a high quality belt drive 3 speed turntable system.
Pros:
- The table also features a lifting device for the tonearm, which gently raises and lowers the tonearm for you at the touch of a button. This allows you to switch albums without needing to use your hands.
- It has an upgraded Acryl-IT platter that is highly durable and helps to reduce unwanted resonance from the turntable.
- The Ortofon Quintet Red is a quality moving magnet cartridge that is compatible with most arms.
Cons:
- This turntable comes at a premium price, which negates the value for some customers.
3. Pro-Ject – X2 (Satin Walnut)
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The Pro-Ject X2 turntable is a compact turntable with a highly effective motor system, which offers an outstanding value for money. It comes with a moving magnet cartridge that pairs perfectly with your existing tonearm or if preferred you can upgrade to the Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge.
The Pro-Ject X2 turntable is a compact turntable with a highly effective motor system, which offers an outstanding value for money. The turntables motor features dual DC motors that are optimally designed to minimize vibration and resonance. This leads to exceptional sound quality, especially when using high quality records.
Pros:
- The Pro-Ject X2 turntable includes a lifting device for the tonearm, which gently raises and lowers the tonearm for you at the touch of a button. This allows you to switch albums without needing to use your hands.
- The turntable comes with a moving magnet cartridge, which is known for its exceptional sound quality and performance.
- The X2 turntable also has a highly effective motor system that reduces vibration and resonance.
Cons:
- This turntable does not come with an arm as standard, you will need to purchase this separately if you do not already own one. Some customers may be put off by the additional cost of the arm.
Conclusion:
Choosing the “Best Audiophile Turntables” can be a daunting task especially if you don’t know much about them and their interchangeable parts and components. This guide should provide you with a better understanding of what you should consider when looking for a new turntable.
If you are unsure of the best type of turntable for your personal needs, we recommend going with a standard belt drive system in a medium sized record player. This will give you the best value for money and ease of use. The Clearaudio Concept turntable is our “Best Audiophile Turntables” pick, but you may prefer one of the other two models depending on your needs.
FAQ:
Q: How to set up your turntable to sound its best?
A: Its carbon tone arm keeps the needle perfectly aligned with the grooves of your LP, and the included Sumiko cartridge ensures your records sound their best … 2024. Turntables take up far …
Q: How to select the best turntable?
A: Weight. A high-quality turntable must have a considerable weight. … Adjustable Features. If the turntable’s pressure and anti-skating force can be adjusted,that says about its high quality. Cartridge And Needle. There are two main types of cartridges: with MM and MC heads. … Drive. … Turntable Base. … Operation Type. … Needle. …
Q: What’s the best, affordable turntable?
A: The Best Record Players Under $100: Budget Turntable Reviews for 2024 Luker AT-2. The Luker AT-2 Suitcase Style Turntable may be one of the cheapest options on the market but it feels like a far more expensive option and has some … Victrola V50-200. … Audio-Technica AT-LP60. … Victrola ITUT-420. … Popsky Vintage. … Lauson CL502. … ClearClick TT54. … 1byone Briefcase Turntable. …
Q: What is the best turntable brand?
A: Rega Research. Personal Favorite! … Audio-Technica. Personal Favorite! … Denon. The Japanese brand Denon has made high-quality audio equipment for over 100 years and has a very good reputation in the world of home stereo and high-end … Sony. … Fluance. … U-Turn Audio. … Pro-Ject Audio Systems. … Thorens. … Pioneer. … Linn. …