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In recent years, vinyls have been making a comeback, delighting all audiophiles, collectors and music lovers. Renowned for the pure quality of the sound offered, unlike digital formats, little appreciated by connoisseurs, their market continues to grow. Not a musician releases an album without offering a vinyl version, moreover much more aesthetic. Only, to appreciate the discs as it should be, it is essential to enjoy good equipment. To help you, here is a selection of the best turntables to choose in 2023, so you can enjoy an incomparable sound reproduction.

The selection of the 7 best turntables to choose in 2023:

  • Audio-Technica AT-LP60 USB: affordable audio and vinyl conversion
  • Pro-Ject Primary E Phono: one of the easiest to use
  • Rega Planar 1: one of the best value for money;
  • Victoria Empire: the vintage 6-in-1 turntable
  • Pioneer PL-30-K: the high-end fully automatic device
  • Technics SL-1210 MK7: the high-tech turntable to satisfy DJs
  • Mersoco Portable Turntable: the compact turntable at a very low price

Audio Technica AT-LP60 USB: affordable audio and vinyl conversion

Audio Technica offers here a turntable ideal for beginner audiophiles as well as purists. This automatic belt-driven device offers, in fact, a high-quality vinyl listening experience at an affordable price. Thanks to its integrated phono preamplifier, it easily connects to any device with an analog audio input, but also with a USB cable, allowing you to digitize your records, while listening to them. In addition, it also exists in Bluetooth version to connect wirelessly to an audio system or a mobile speaker. In summary, here is a turntable that is a wise choice if you want to learn about the world of vinyl with equipment as reliable as it is efficient, which is, in addition, at a very affordable price.

The most:

  • USB connection for scanning;
  • The integrated phono preamplifier;
  • Easy to use and install;
  • Available in several colors and in wireless Bluetooth version;
  • A really interesting price.

Cons:

  • The phono cartridge is irremovable;
  • It lacks the presence of a screen, very practical;
  • A turntable not designed for DJ (belt drive) use.

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Pro-Ject Primary E Phono: one of the easiest to use

Pro-Ject is a reference brand in the field of audio accessories, and this is felt with this E Phono turntable. Indeed, we are dealing here with a perfect alliance of performance, ease of use, at a really affordable price for the brand. Equipped with a preamplifier as well as the synchronous motor, this belt-driven turntable can read both 33 rpm and 45 rpm. The sound reproduction, already good by this system, will in no way be hindered by the movement of the plate: insulating feet ensure an absorption of these, which also benefit from the aluminum shell. Add to that a sleek design and almost childlike use: you have the perfect turntable for new vinyl lovers.

The most:

  • Great ease of use;
  • Excellent sound reproduction quality;
  • The price is very affordable for this reference brand;
  • The preamplifier is integrated;
  • A design made to optimize the quality of the sound (insulating feet, aluminum shell ...).

Cons:

  • Manual gear shifting;
  • The reading arm is not automatic (the return is done manually).

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Rega Planar 1: one of the best value for money

24V synchronous motor with noise reduction, hand-assembled RB110 reading arm, low friction bearings, antiskating, carbon cartridge supplied... These could be the characteristics of a very high-end turntable at a very high price. The Rega Planar 1 is a high-quality turntable, which offers exceptional performance in terms of sound, but at an unbeatable quality/price ratio. If we add its 23 mm thick tray designed for good reading stability, its elegant design available in several colors (walnut, black, white ...) as well as its ease of use, its price may even seem ridiculous.

The most:

  • Easy to use and install;
  • High-end sound quality at a low price;
  • Elegant design and several colors available;
  • Rega Carbon MM cartridge included;
  • A thick tray for excellent reading stability.

Cons:

  • Perhaps a little too light (subject to movement despite the thick tray);
  • 100% manual.

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Victoria Empire: the vintage 6-in-1 turntable

The Victoria Empire isn't just a turntable: it's also an ultra-versatile 6-in-1 stereo with a nostalgic design. Indeed, it can play vinyls at 33, 45 and 78 rpm, CDs, cassettes, while offering FM radio, Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm input to connect various devices. It is equipped with built-in stereo speakers for clear and detailed sound, and has RCA connectors to connect any additional speakers. On the design side, its LED lighting highlights the golden dial, while the removable acrylic cover protects the tray. Ideal for vinyl lovers, this turntable is a tasty mix between technology and charm of yesteryear.

The most:

  • A really successful vintage design;
  • The plethora of features (vinyl, radio, Bluetooth, CD...);
  • Built-in stereo speakers;
  • The ability to connect other speakers;
  • LED lighting on a beautiful golden dial.

Cons:

  • The built-in speakers are a little perfectible for sound quality;
  • Seems a bit fragile.

See the price on Cdiscount

Pioneer PL-30-K: the high-end fully automatic device

Here we are dealing with a high-end turntable, which will appeal to both beginners and record enthusiasts. Fully automatic, it is very easy to handle, thus avoiding any possibility of not using it correctly. This Pioneer turntable offers a perfect balance between performance and stability. This is particularly the case thanks to its belt drive system, its aluminum record player, its straight reading arm or its two layers of chassis, which destroy any vibration. Many vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate its 45 rpm adapter, as much as its reading head with MM cell included. This turntable will ensure you a hearing experience of another dimension, as sharp as it is precise.

The most:

  • Exceptional sound reproduction quality;
  • The 45 rpm adapter;
  • Interchangeable heads;
  • Easy to use and fully automated;
  • Stable, efficient and precise.

Cons:

  • The tray cover is made of plastic that is quite sensitive to shocks;
  • A really expensive turntable.

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Technics SL-1210 MK7: the high-tech turntable to satisfy DJs

Technics lives up to its brand reputation by offering a state-of-the-art turntable, suitable for audiophiles and DJs alike. Equipped with a latest-generation coreless motor and direct drive, it also has a universal S-arm and an aluminium tray. All these elements offer incomparable stability and precision. For connoisseurs, this device is customizable at will: you will have, indeed, the possibility to adjust both the starting torque and the braking speed, in addition to the three available speeds. If you add to all this a modern and elegant design, you can only be satisfied with this high-end turntable.

The most:

  • Perfect for DJs and audiophiles alike;
  • Its "S" arm and coreless motor;
  • Easily adjustable controls for maximum customization;
  • 3 rotational speeds.

Cons:

  • A rather expensive turntable;
  • Some features are addressed to purists or connoisseurs.

See price on Amazon

Mersoco Portable Turntable: the compact turntable at a very low price

Practical, lightweight, connected and at a very low price: this is a perfect summary of this Mersoco turntable. Even for such a compact device, the sound quality is still really interesting, whether in analog or digital mode via a Bluetooth connection. Even if the mechanism is manual, you will still be able to take advantage of the auto-off function once the last groove of the disc is reached. Being lightweight, it moves easily, making it an ideal device to enjoy vinyl, even when living in small spaces.

The most:

  • A qualitative sound despite the ridiculous price;
  • Compact, mobile and convenient;
  • The automatic shutdown function;
  • Analog or digital broadcasting (Bluetooth).

Cons:

  • It will not be enough for the most demanding audiophiles.

See price on Amazon

What is the difference between a turntable and a record player?

The confusion between the terms "turntable" and "record player" is common, but the distinction is actually made in a very simple way. The turntable generally refers to the mechanical and electronic device for reading vinyl records, in particular thanks to its playback arm accompanied by a phono cell. The record player, on the other hand, is a more complete system that includes the turntable, but also an amplifier, speakers, or even a radio tuner, all integrated into a single box. Thus, a record player is an "all-in-one" solution, while the turntable needs to be connected to an external audio system.

Now you're ready to enjoy exceptional analog sound to enjoy the slightest note and voice of your favorite artists.

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