7 Turntables to Scratch Your Audiophile Itch
If you’re a vinyl lover, chances are you have a favorite stock answer for, why vinyl? Maybe it’s that it offers a higher fidelity sound, or that it’s warmer, or that you like to physically own your favorite music. All great reasons, of course. But my personal favorite is that it’s something that requires physical interaction. You don’t just hit play on a playlist and go on about your day. You actually have to be present. You have to flip through your record collection to find what you want to listen to. Then you put the record on the turntable and drop the needle. And then, 15-20 minutes later, you’re back at the turntable to either flip the record over or put on a new record. It’s a tactile, analog process. And it’s a way to just be present with the music.
Streaming, while it has its clear advantages, has largely turned music into background noise. That’s how we’ve reached the age of A.I.-created “mood” music. Something to soften the edges of work, or chores, or whatever it is that’s occupying your attention. Which is all well and good. But if you really love music, you should seek out occasions when it can become the focal point, and not simply the background filler. And that’s what vinyl is all about. It’s both a sonic and a tactile experience that puts music front and center. It allows you to not just listen to an album, but to enjoy the experience of listening to an album.
So for those who’ve already taken the plunge on vinyl and are maybe looking to upgrade their equipment, or for those who want to get into it but don’t know where to start, here are 7 great turntables — from entry level to all-out audiophile obsessive — to get you where you need to go.
U-Turn Audio Orbit Basic
Getting into vinyl can be intimidating. First you need the turntable, then the amplifier, and then a set of decent speakers. And the costs can start to add up quickly. Luckily, on the turntable front, U-turn audio makes this great entry-level model to keep from breaking the bank. With features like an anti-skate, one-piece tone-arm, a low-resonance MDF platter, and an external belt drive for better speed stability, this thing stacks up against a number of turntables that come in at nearly twice the price.
Fluance RT85 Reference
Fluance is easily one of the most popular names in audio equipment, and their Reference line is a huge hit among both casual vinyl collectors and veteran audiophiles. And while you can’t go wrong with the more affordable RT82 and RT83 models, the best bang for the buck in terms of features is the RT85. It includes an Ortofon 2M Blue stylus, which offers better clarity than the 2M Red used on the lower-tier models, plus it features an acrylic rather than aluminum platter for a smoother spin. While that won’t have a massive effect on sound quality, it’s certainly a worthwhile upgrade for the price.
Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2
Like Fluance, Pro-Ject is a highly trusted name in the world of vinyl. Offering up everything from entry-level turntables to ultra high-end spinners, Pro-Ject is a quality choice. And the sweet spot in their lineup, at least in terms of price-to-features ratio, is the Debut EVO 2. With an improved tonearm bearing block & counterweight over the original EVO, the EVO 2 offers effortless tracking that draws away any unwanted resonance. Further clarity and sound quality comes courtesy of an improved moving magnet cartridge, and a heavier CNC-machined aluminum platter. For a high-end turntable that comes in under the $1,000 mark, this is about the best you’re going to find.
Rega Planar 3
There’s a point where one transitions from enthusiastic vinyl collector to all-out audiophile, and the Rega Planar 3 represents that point. While the previously mentioned turntables are nice BMWs, this is a Porsche 911. Or, since Rega is a U.K. company, an Aston Martin DB12. One thing that sets Rega apart is that their turntables are handmade, and have been since the company opened its doors in 1973. They also put a heavy emphasis on engineering, which shows in features like the low-mass rigid core base with internal bracing for a more dynamic sound. There’s also the precision RB330 tonearm, the Elys 2 moving magnet cartridge, and the 24-volt, low-torque motor driving a thick glass platter, all of which help achieve incredible high fidelity. Though pricey, the Planar 3 is actually a reasonable investment considering the quality of engineering, not to mention the many features included.
Technics SL-1500C-K
While Rega’s Planar 3 is an incredible tool for the obsessive audiophile, it can be a little hard to come by if you live in the U.S. For something more accessible, Technics’ SL-1500C-K Direct Drive turntable is a high-quality alternative. Though based in Japan, Technics has been exporting quality audio equipment to the U.S. since the mid-1960s, and they are a trusted name in the world of vinyl. Featured on the SL-1500C are things like their coreless direct drive motor for increased stability, a high-sensitivity tonearm for increased clarity, and a built-in phono equalizer to reduce external noise (a.k.a. power supplies, dimmer switches, old home wiring, etc.). While it may not offer you the boutique-y, hand-made bragging rights of the Planar 3, the SL-1500C is a solid workhorse for high-fidelity sound.
MoFi Electronics Ultradeck
Longtime vinyl collectors might recognize the name MoFi, a.k.a. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab. The Michigan-based company first started pressing high-quality reissues of classic albums during the late ‘70s. In 2016, they decided to jump into the audio electronics game with their high-end Ultradeck turntable. Design elements of the Ultradeck include a base built with three separate layers (called Constrained Layer Dampening) to help block vibration from reaching the platter, a platter made of Derlin with the bearing sleeve attached underneath to allow the platter to spin freely without using a subplatter, and a longer tonearm to reduce tracking error. All in all, it’s an engineering marvel, and receives high praise from the audiophile community for its incredible clarity and high fidelity sound.
McIntosh MT10 Precision
If you’ve spent any time in the world of audio equipment, you’ve likely heard the name McIntosh. And when you heard it, it was probably said with either a hushed whisper or a groan. Because while brands like Rega and MoFi exist as the Rolex of the audio world, McIntosh is more like the Patek Philippe or Peterman Bédat. Ultra high-end, ultra exclusive, and ultra-expensive. Sure McIntosh is famous for their incredible audio engineering capabilities, but what really drives the price and desire behind these turntables is their combination of audio engineering and lust-worthy aesthetics. You can find just as high quality audio equipment at half (or even 1/3) the price, but you will never find a more beautiful piece of audio equipment than the MT10 Precision. It’s basically a work of art that also happens to play works of art.