New to vinyl? These top 5 record player reviews are for you

Here is the post we promised on our five favorite phonographs for people new to vinyl playing.

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB — Best for most

2. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC — Great sound

3. U-Turn Audio – Orbit Plus — Stunningly modern

4. Fluance RT81 High Fidelity — Classic wood

5. Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK — Fully automatic

What are you looking for in top record players?

First of all, what are your interests and what are you looking for?

We understand that you are pretty new to analog record playing equipment. That you see that to buy at the bottom of the dollar barrel is not the best idea because of quality concerns. That you deserve something that is not only wonderful, but safe, for playing your expensive and loved vinyl records.

You are not an expert ( yet ) and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on the perfect audiophile’s system, because you don’t know if you are that interested. Plus, naturally, it’s a lot of money, even if you are spending only a few hundreds out of your pocketbook.

Recall that you also have to get a receiver and speakers (or powered speakers), and need to preserve some cash, or credit card ability, for those essentials.

Consider our favorites: here are their attributes

We looked for what we’ve found most people are concerned about when about to purchase their first quality phonograph, and we found shared features with much of what we ourselves value.

We’ve only picked out the cream of the crop already. Qualities all these top rated record players have in common are:

• good deal for the money spent
• quality for solid home use (not pro level nor commercial)
• durable
• cost less than 400 dollars (even under 300, if possible)
• has been around for long enough to have been tested out a lot (several years at least)
• popular: purchased by a lot of people already
• this model and company (major manufacturer) well-respected
• has today’s wanted current (up-to-date) features
• important features upgradable, or acceptable as they are
• easy to set up
• easy to use
• good sound quality
• good looks!
• joy factor (may be particular to the choice)
• lots of benefits for you

How does all this translate into goodness for you?

You’ll still have some dough in your pocketbook afterward and not feel stress and strain over having made such a purchase.
You won’t be tearing your hair out trying to set up the darn thing.
When you want to hear your record, you can just play it and not have to go through frustrating checklists and altered steps. To get an advanced and obscure machine to run as you want it to.
You won’t have to fear that your favorite vinyl is getting scratched or damaged by inferior machinery.
You’ll be able to listen to your favorite sounds and truly enjoy what you are hearing.
It will look good in your home setting and you will be proud to show it off.
You will have the confidence that your purchase will be good for years. You can upgrade to something even more wonderful, for more bucks, in a few years, or just stay with this level indefinitely. It’s good enough!

What we checked for

These are important quality points and features that we looked for and valued:

• high caliber cartridge and stylus
• sturdy, lightweight tonearm
• anti-skating methods
• counterweight system to balance the tonearm
• solid heavy duty platter, most commonly metal
• usable turntable slipmat
• multiple methods to reduce vibration

Optional features that we (and many others) prefer

Adjustable turntable speed —

Although some turntables lack adjustment capabilities, customers often say they have never needed to do this, so don’t value it much.

Belt driven (versus direct driven) platter —

In our post about the features of a record player, we did discuss the difference between belt and direct drive. As a generalization, belt driven is felt to usually result in the most steady record performance. With direct drive being more liable to transmit vibrations to the platter.

Of course, there are exceptions to that, and some manufacturers can do direct drive better than others. (DJs can work with direct drive better, however.) On the other hand, direct drive may be a little faster.

Witness the success Audio-Technica has had with its best-selling direct drive turntable, the lp120, which is actually our favorite, too, despite this potentially limiting step.

Preamplifier included —

If it is not, you buy an external phono preamp or be sure your receiver has one included. (Three of our five machines in this post had this property included.) As you can recall from our earlier article, modern turntables do tend to have this component inside. As opposed to vintage and some modern turntables that lack it.

Automatic —

Tonearm shifts itself over and onto the vinyl disk to start and then offs itself and the machine. Surprisingly few high-level machines have this! We actually had to add the particular fifth choice we did to have one manual on our list.

We felt it important that you have that choice. Note, to review, “manual” means that you must place the tonearm’s cartridge with its needle onto the record with your hand.

The arm has no inbuilt device to do that for you. If you shake at the thought of damaging your vinyl by doing that, go back and check out “how to” video in our post.

USB out —

It’s the modern thing to do, and you’ll find it more and more on modern phonographs. Yes, we like vinyl the best by far, but sometimes you gotta get in that car and drive, so you need a file that is mobile.

It is not essential, but it is nice to be able to carry your music to your computer or other digital playing device for storage or on-the-go playing. Only one of our group lacked this; in some systems it is an option and we chose that when we could.

P.S. You may note that we have not made mention of other wireless, specifically bluetooth {italics} and have not picked out a bluetooth turntable. That is because of the limited range and the fact that the quality in current systems does just not seem to be there yet. And sound quality is the most important factor to us; otherwise, why bother? Just hook up your digital system and forget vinyl play.

Our #1 choice — Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Turntable

Having found what we feel is the best phonograph record player for most folks just starting out, we feel that may include you.

Why we call this #1

Why does this player look familiar to you, as it does to so many? Hum, partly because it is so popular that you might have read about it in a number of articles about top or top rated record players.

Or you might have seen it at a friend’s home in the past. But also because it bears quite a resemblance to the Technics SL-1200 of the 1970s. This was a beloved classic design, a major player throughout the 1970s.

The look of this player is modeled on it. So even though it is not a vintage machine, you can see why we think of it as a classic record player.

It heads almost everybody’s designation of best record player under 300, or best turntable under 300. Interesting enough, an AT lp120 review also appears on many lists that include higher priced pieces (example: best turntable under 500).

Why does it rate so highly?

Audio-Technica has done a good job of making a phonograph that clicks most people’s buttons for doing everything (or almost everything) right. Or, at worst, pretty well.

We mentioned the familiar design. This gives it considerable vintage appeal to baby boomers who remember it fulfilling their original vinyl dreams. And all those kids of boomers who have heard so much about “those days” that they feel they were there and want back in.

It plays 78s!

This piece is also unique among the lower priced set in that it accommodates all 3 sizes of records. All players can do 33 1/3 RPM (so-called “lp turntable”), and almost all can do 45s.

But it is unusual to be able to play 78s. Of course, most people do not have that much interest in the oldtime records. But the few who do need this machine. (Note you have to get a particular cartridge with stylus to play 78s.)

It has a series of substantial findings

The cartridge is the well-respected AT95E. This replaceable unit is widely used on our manufacturer’s turntables, showing the good reputation it has.

The tonearm is s-shaped. This is somewhat less commonly seen that straight ones. However, it isn’t clear that one type is superior over the other. The debate over whether a straight or s-shaped tonearm is better has never been resolved.

The counterweight at the proximal end of the tonearm helps control skipping and distortion of the resulting sound you get. You have to calibrate it: the vertical tracking force (VTF). This sounds ultra complicated. However, the company assures all that it is not.

Here is a company video that shows what turns out to be a simple, procedure for doing that:

“How to set tracking force on AT-LP120-USB and AT-LP1240-USB turntables”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZZsCg2dgks

There is a cast aluminum platter. Most companies put out some variation on this part. The point is to have some heft to reduce shake, and also smoothness.

On top, as with all of them you need a turntable platter mat. Usually the phono maker will include one. Felt is commonly considered preferable, so we are glad the one included here is made of that material.

Direct drive motor attracts the budding DJ turntablist

A less common finding among home phonographs is the direct drive motor. Most machines employ the smoother belt drive. Again, which is better is in the eyes of the beholder. Or ears, to be more accurate. Some simply will buy only the variation they have heard is better. So it goes with belt driven.

However, a presumed advantage of direct drive is its usefulness to DJs. So the AT is unique on our list because of this.

Good miscellanea included

Although it is a manual, the presence of the cue lever helps you get that stylus onto the record’s surface; you are not entirely on your own trying to do this.

There is a helpful light, not obtrusive that is positioned on the plinth (the base of the turntable) so you can see to place your stylus on the vinyl, if the light in the room is low.

This is a fairly heavy weight phonograph, coming in at upside of 23 pounds. There is a method in this: It serves to help decrease transmission of vibration, and that is a good thing.

Only occasionally will someone find that too big a burden for moving around. Although all the other turntables are considerably lighter, often under 15 pounds.

Four feet underneath also are there to decrease the vibration transmitted.

This AT has a couple of features that you may like, or feel neutral toward. We do like it when the turntable has a preamplifier in it, as this one does. You save money since you don’t have to buy it as an additional external piece and don’t have to worry about whether one is provided as part of the receiver. If the latter is the case, you can turn it off here.

RCA cables are hard-wired. That does not seem helpful to us. However, the company tries to turn this into a plus because there are adapters so you can plug them into a variety of outputs, including receivers, powered speakers, aux outputs.

We do advise choosing a turntable that has a USB out to computer so you can put your vinyl in digital form to store and play on other devices. No, it is not the first thing to think of, and may not be a deal maker or breaker. But, once you have bought, you will be glad to have that extra potential.

People always ask about a dustcover. Yes, in this case you can see it in the standard photos. But each phono on our list has one. Of course you need this simple thing.

Colors? We’ve pictured the black so that each phono choice we describe in this article is similarly with the most common and compatible black. But you can specify the lp120 in silver, instead. Each looks quite nice.

It’s affordable!

Over the years, the price of this AT has come down a bit, so it is at the head of the class for best affordable record player.

P.S. The Fluance (our fourth choice) comes in at about the same price.

Set up your new phonograph

It can be intimidating, not just fun and exciting, to set up a turntable for the first time, even a pretty simple one. We appreciate this video from the company on how to get that right:

“AT-LP120-USB turntable setup”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBD8yO13-DI

Pros and Cons – AT LP120-USB

Here’s a summary of our major findings on the Audio-Technica LP120-USB:

Is the LP120 the one for you?

You want reliability and the confidence that you are getting what you paid for and that your happiness-potential is high all-round. You will not go wrong if you opt for this goodie.

Our #2 choice — Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable

There is much interest in this turntable, the Project Debut Carbon DC by Pro-Ject Audio Systems, because it has major good sound for a relatively low price.

True, you can pay about a Ben Franklin more than for the AT-LP120, but a number of the interested feel it worthwhile to do so. If your ear is not quite so finely attuned, to invest in this may not be the decision you make.

Cost wise there is another factor that may keep you away from an otherwise, enticing player: You need to pay out for a preamp (unless it is in your receiver).

Colorful beauty

On the other hand this is also a beautiful sight to behold. People tend to forget to bring that up, with all the “oohing” and “aahing” over the superior audio.

So much fun: We love the multiple choices of body (plinth or deck) colors: black, white, blue, red, purple … and more!

For our formal picture we’ve picked black, to be consistent across all the record machines in this review. But we almost can’t resist the bright alternatives.

The overall presence is just gorgeous, modern, and minimalist.

Here is a video by an enthusiast, so you can see the red version in action. (The music is “Breezin’ ” by George Benson.)

“Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC demo”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vIMZt1qzg

The manufacturer has included several features usually reserved for higher priced machines, while trying to balance in a somewhat lower cost. Like the classy upgraded Orton 2M red magnetic cartridge. It is generally valued as a higher quality option.

Also chief among these efforts is the carbon-fiber tonearm. This material is pricey, but its light weight combined with rigidity approximates the ideal for anybody’s tonearm. It is prized because of its low weight and superior stiffness. It has the highest quality in this group.

Operation of the tonearm is manual , like several of this group, but with an easy-to maneuver cue lever that helps get the stylus to the record surface smoothly.

Several methods to reduce vibration

A striking looky-looky property is the large weighty metal platter: very smooth. The function here is to enhance balance and accuracy. They do include a felt mat, which you should use.

The “DC” in the name refers to the power supply to which they have given special attention. Their point is to reduce vibration and interfering motor noise to the max.

Good solid construction

The base is constructed of medium density fiberboard (an engineered wood). This doesn’t sound as cool as solid wood, but it is a material noted to be excellent for the construction of turntables, and so that is a good finding here.

Underneath are heavy feet that cushion and reduce reaction to vibrations.

Several almost awkward findings

We like that Ortofon cartridge and stylus. However it is housed in the tonearm in a shell that is not itself removable. Now that is not a sin! But it is a little difficulty that, we think, doesn’t need to have been made that way. Just make it so you can take off the shell (the cartridge housing); then it is easier to remove the cartridge itself for changing.

Speed bumps

In order to change speed from 33s to 45s you have to go under the platter and move the belt. This speed changeover is variously awkward in many phonographs, not just this one. But we are a bit more content when the company makes it easy for us, like with a switch on the top or side of the platform. (sigh)  

On the other hand, this may be part of the minimalist design, to keep everything off the splendid topside. Similarly, they don’t demo the included dust cover, probably because they want to show off the pure view of the top of the player.

It is not surprising to find no USB connections. That is not obligate. It is good to have and we like it so that we can easily make digital archives and transfers to mobile media.

Pros and Cons – Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

Here are some points concerning the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC:

Is the Debut Carbon DC the one for you?

If you are a budding audiophile and the best sound you can afford on a budget (stretched a little bit) is number one in your universe, here is your answer.

If looks are something you also highly prize, and some great alternative fun colors, we think you will be pleased.

To get these, you have to put up with some minor inconveniences (see Cons, above). You just have to determine if they bother you; many folks are not phased.

We don’t like the absence of USB out. This is a little point, but can be a deal breaker if that is high on your must have list.

Our #3 choice — U-Turn Audio – Orbit Plus Turntable

The Orbit record player looks to us like it is significantly under-appreciated. The manufacturer, U-Turn Audio has created an unusually nice piece of equipment.

It may not be truly undervalued, however, because it is on the pricey side, being just a bit less than the Pro-Ject Debut that was our second choice. Like all but one in this review article, it is entirely manual.

It’s funny how the lack of a cue lever makes the job of getting the needle to the vinyl a little hard. Of course, that’s just a trial for beginners: once you get the hang of it, you don’t really mind or notice. Wait! Whew – you can buy one separately.

Upgraded elements included

Look at what you get in upgraded features:

The Ortofon OM5E cartridge has been around for a while and is pretty dependable. Especially for clearing the general sound profile.

The acrylic platter may outshine the more usual metal plates you find in most turntables. The material has the possibility of been more stable, decrease vibration and unwanted sounds, while being speedy. There is a provided felt mat to go between it and the vinyl, of course. The acrylic platter makes the turntable look stunning.

Sharp looking machine in brilliant colors

We are getting a bit more with it, valuing some bright colors, not only our favored black: you can have black, green, blue, or red. Anyway, it is definitely sharp. I think looking through the semi-transparent turning platter gives it an unusual appearance.

The whole thing also has a strikingly modern appeal, although not completely minimalist. On the body (plinth), besides the round acrylic sheet and the straight tonearm, are an easily reachable on/off switch and a unique component: an external drive belt that wraps across the stage. You would think this would look unsightly, but it does not. It gives a bit of an exotic air to what you see.

Adjustments to tracking

You can adjust the tracking force of the tonearm. However, here is a potential slight inconvenience: it adjusts via a sliding weight. This is a little harder to move than the continuous threaded weights that we found on other models, resulting in it being awkward to make small incremental changes.

There isn’t a way to adjust the anti-skating mechanism, but it doesn’t seem to need one, with few adverse comments about skipping due to this omission.

Some usual pieces you are familiar with most record players providing: dust cover and included RCA cables (as all ours do), elevation slightly on four base feet to dampen vibes, and the ability for playing both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records.

Options not automatically included

Yes, we are partial to finding an included phono pre-amplifier built in. U-Turn has offered this in the past, but currently is an option only.

We do not find an option or built in USB out. For us this would limit our interest in the U-Turn record player, since we like to be able to copy vinyl to digital files to keep a safe copy or to play in the automobile. For you, you have to decide if this is something that you want or need.

Good set-up instructions and follow-up

The manufacturer has some nice pages on how to set up. There are diagrams to walk you through connecting to a receiver or powered speakers. Nice.

A special notice to end our Orbit turntable review, is that U-Turn has a solid reputation for good customer service and also advertises continuing technical support.

Pros and Cons – U-Turn Orbit Plus

Here are some elements to consider related to the Orbit Plus:

Is the U-Turn Orbit Plus the one for you?

If you want a modern feel, particularly like the special look of the acrylic platter and a colorful plinth, or want to buy American-made, the Orbit can be just right for you.

We also love the assurance of good ongoing customer help by the manufacturing company. You don’t always get that from every equipment provider.

Our #4 choice — Fluance RT81 High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

This is a very nice vinyl setup. Fluance has given it a lot of features that we prize, that we have mentioned in our earlier descriptions (above).

The cartridge Fluance has put in this machine is the same one that our number one turntable, the Audio-Technica LP120 has in it. The AT95E is a well made, and obviously popular item. Called “entry-level”, it is good for the long haul. You can “upgrade” to another along the way, if your budding audiophile nature tells you to.

S-shaped adjustable tonearm

Another characteristic it shares with the top-rated, is the fact that the aluminum tonearm is S-Type. Those who prefer, feel this shape allows the needle to rest more solidly in the vinyl groove. Again, whether straight or s-shaped is better or makes any difference in sound or function has not been resolved among major makers. So we think either appears to be okay.

The main thing is that there be something on the opposite end of the tonearm to “counterweight” the cartridge and its connections. The way it is done here appears to be good and is adjustable. No real complaints from longterm users.

Also, skip reduction and anti-skating: There are many opinions about what is needed and what can be done with each company’s equipment. Fluance makes it pretty easy to address this for a beginner.

Useful setup video

They have a good straightforward setup video that emphasizes balancing the tonearm, adjusting the tracking force, and setting the anti-skating dial. Without quick visual input like this, you could be confused. With it, you can progress in your understanding pretty quickly.

“How to set up the Fluance RT80 & RT81 turntable – Properly balance the tonearm”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01IZfGKfs5E

The platter is aluminum. The only frequently mentioned adverse thought relates to the rubber turntable mat. You place it on the platter under your record. Most companies are supplying slip mats, and most are felt. There is a frequent expression that rubber is not quite as good in the task of vibration reduction. But that is not a major issue at all. Simply get a felt turntable platter mat to substitute. They are commonly available and are not expensive.

This is a manual type with a variant: there is a “auto stop” but no pick up of the needle nor automatic return to the side.

Classy wood chassis

The outstanding “wanna buy” of the Fluance is that it is a striking wooden record player. Wooden turntables are not common, and this one is really beautiful. When we started looking around for this review article, we were hoping to come up with a vintage-looking opportunity.

There really were none, with most modern record players, as you’ve seen, tending toward a modern look. This one is the closest, because of the wood look, to an old-fashioned style. Yet it’s really modern at the same time!

MDF and walnut finish

Note: of course the whole plinth (base) is not from a wood slab. It is solid engineered (MDF) wood at its core. And the outer “cabinet” or surface is made of a walnut finish. Why? Well, the cost will be a factor.

But also, there is a regiment that feels that the fiberboard is better at this level (the base or platform). It definitely feels solid.

Quality standard features

The usual additional notables: raised feet to help isolate sound interference and a dust cover attached via hinges are included. It plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records. It is belt driven, a drive type that tends to preference over direct drive. They have provided good quality RCA cables to output.

We are glad there is a preamp included. That is convenient. Should your receiver also have one, simply bypass this one.

We mourn the lack of USB out. Is this something that is a key feature for you? It is if you find importance in storage of a digital copy of your vinyl record, or if you want to transfer the music to other devices for portable play. Otherwise it is of minor use.

Pros and Cons – Fluance RT81

Read the list of more or less useful features of this Fluance component:

Is the Fluance the one for you?

It is a good choice all around. The main reason you might want to grab it is that creamy gorgeous wood surface, rare without spending a wad, and classic retro look.

Our #5 choice — Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable

If it is an auto return turntable that you want, this is it. It is offered by Audio-Technica, also the maker of our first choice (above).

In this at-lp 3bk review we’ll contrast some of the features to those of the at-lp120.

To begin with, it sports a straight tone arm and belt drive. Also, and this would be a make or break decision for some folks: it is fully automatic.

A fully automatic turntable

Automatic means there is a button-controlled tonearm that moves itself up and over the record and goes down appropriately onto the vinyl. You don’t have to do it. At the end of the play, it lifts up by itself and returns to the side. Then the machine shuts off. (If you prefer, you can also do it manually, with the arm lift/cue lever.)

It includes an AT91R cartridge. This is well-regarded.

It has a cone-shaped stylus, versus the elliptical-shaped stylus, such as the AT95E that is installed on the AT LP120. The latter shape seem, in general, to reproduce better sound. But, there is much variance between the actual individual products, and this one does well.

It, you know, is removable, and can be swapped out for another.

When, and if, you want to improve your equipment to better, more audiophile-approved potential, the first easiest step is to upgrade the cartridge.

Certain useful attributes to cushion unwanted vibs

It has cushy feet to further dampen vibrations, the bane of the vinyl phonograph lover. The aluminum platter and rubber mat are further help.

It plays either 33 1/3 or 45 RPM records.

The built-in (phono) preamp can be switched off if you already have a receiver that contains the preamp.

Like all the others we have discussed, it has RCA cables out to connect to your components (stereo receiver or powered speakers most commonly). Unusually, there are 2 such outs.

Good-looking, but not ultimately modern

It is quite a good-looking component, with a modernist traditional look. Less common in appearance than the LP120, but not so ultramodern as our #2, the Pro-Ject, or our #3, the U Turn record player.

We do favor it in black, but the white alternative is equally fine.

Several minor issues may not bother you

There is no pitch control, but there doesn’t seem to be a need for it, and that is not unusual in a lower price range like this.

Some speed variance may persist after a “breaking in” period. Use a small screwdriver under the carriage to adjust this.

No USB. Again, we feel the need for this. But it may not be essential to you. It wasn’t available on turntables until recently, anyway, so why should we complain?

How to carry out the initial setting up

Here is a set up video by Audio-Technica:

“AT-LP3 Turntable Setup”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYbXYdyQx8A

We really appreciate the detailed and careful instructions, from how to identify and pull over the belt (this is, after all belt driven). Down to removing tape and ties and including just how to set the tracking force for the particular stylus. This makes the whole thing straightforward to put together and actually get started using.

Near the end of 7 minute plus instructions, there is a good visual on connecting to receivers with and without preamps. This is really good info. It’s also a good general setup video, regardless which unit you have.

Pros and Cons – AT-LP3

Review several contrasting details:

Is the AT-LP3 the one for you?

If you are among those (a minority?) who must have automatic button driven play, this is likely the best instrument for you in a quality vehicle that is not high-priced.

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To sum up

We’ve just reviewed our favorite beginner’s phonographs with you. They are so-called “entry” level = hardly! These are all products that are good enough to carry you for a long time, maybe indefinitely. So be ok, whichever you decide upon.

In general, the Audio-Technica LP120, our top suggestion, will suit most folks. Is that you?

Which has the particulars that you need?

For your particular wants, one of them may be better for you:

The AT-LP120 is unusual in being able to play 78s. In case doing so is a necessary capability in your mind, spring for this machine.

If audio quality is important enough to you that you are willing, and able, to pay a bit more, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC is right for you.

When American made is what you want to buy, find the U-Turn Orbit Plus.

Does the look of wood make your day? It does, ours! Seriously consider the Fluance RT81.

If your must is an auto return turntable, the AT-LP3BK is the only one for you.

Before you go

Thank you for reading our work! We hope you have liked it and it has been useful to us. Also, please see our other posts on the world of vinyl at home, such as looking at vinyl records or the history of record playing.

Now we are on to our next concern: your new turntable needs a receiver and speakers, or powered speakers. We’ve got reviews of powered speakers that will likely be of interest to you!