Table of Contents
- What to Spend on a Turntable
- What You Already Have
- What Do You Want to Play?
- Used vs. New Turntables
- Belt Drive or Direct Drive?
- Do You Want a Fully Featured Turntable?
- Manual or Automatic Turntable?
- Who to Trust
What to Spend on a Turntable
You can spend a lot of money on a turntable, but you don't have to. Our current budget pick, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT, is less than $200 / £200 AU$300.
What You Already Have
Do you already have an amplifier and speakers, or are you starting from scratch? If you're starting fresh, consider a turntable with Bluetooth connectivity, such as the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2.
What Do You Want to Play?
Do you want to play vinyl records or other formats like CDs or cassette tapes? Make sure your turntable can play the formats you need.
Used vs. New Turntables
Used turntables can be a cost-effective option, but be wary of the quality. If you're new to turntables, consider buying new to ensure you get a warranty and customer support.
Belt Drive or Direct Drive?
Belt drive turntables are quieter and more affordable, while direct drive turntables are more durable and produce less vibration.
Do You Want a Fully Featured Turntable?
Do you want a turntable that can do everything, like play CDs and cassette tapes, or just focus on vinyl records?
Manual or Automatic Turntable?
Manual turntables require you to lift the tonearm, while automatic turntables do it for you. Consider a semi-automatic turntable for a balance between convenience and cost.
Who to Trust
For more turntable advice, check out our guide to the best turntables, updated regularly with expert insights. You can also find helpful communities on Reddit's r/turntables and r/budgetaudiophile subreddits.
Disclaimer:
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links. This does not affect our editorial content or opinions. We appreciate your support and hope you find the perfect turntable for your needs!
