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Best turntables for 2024

We help you choose the right player to make your vinyl sound groovy

In this article: Our list of best turntables for 2024...

  1. Best value — Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
  2. Best for beginners — Sony PS-LX310BT
  3. Best for ripping vinyl —Audio-Technica LP-120XUSB
  4. Best for audiophiles — Mobile Fidelity UltraDeck +M
  5. Best-looking — Fender x MoFi PrecisionDeck
  6. Best for streaming — Victrola Stream Carbon
  7. Best direct-drive turntable — Technics SL-1500C
  8. Best fully automatic turntable — Dual CS 429

... with links to hundreds of customer reviews.

L

istening to records is a nostalgic pastime for me. I grew up spinning discs on my dad's classic turntable (when I was allowed to touch it), and I've played vintage vinyl on-air as a public radio announcer. Heck, I'm listening to an Art Blakey album while I write this. Vinyl has always been with me.

For some, owning a turntable is a new experience as the analog format enjoys a renaissance in the 21st century. A great first 'table will go a long way toward building a lifetime of warm musical memories for them, too.

No matter where you fall on that spectrum, there's a perfect turntable for you. I've researched the questions turntable customers ask online, and found the best ones we sell here at Crutchfield that meet those needs.

Now, let's find your next turntable!

Our top turntable picks for 2024

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) Manual belt-drive turntable with pre-mounted cartridge

Best value — Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

The original Debut Carbon was my go-to for this category for years, but Pro-Ject has introduced the Debut Carbon EVO, and it's the new "best value" champ. EVO stands for "evolution," and that's a good description of what's happened. They kept everything that was great about its predecessor — reasonable price, good looks, and high quality — and added some upgrades.

The biggest, and most welcome change, is the inclusion of a pre-mounted Sumiko Rainier moving magnet cartridge. It offers a nice, wide frequency response in the 15-25,000 Hz range, which ensures that you can hear every note in your favorite recordings. And they added sound-damping material to the platter, improved the motor and suspension, and added a convenient switch for electronic speed change from 33-1/3 to 45 rpm.

The Debut Carbon EVO is relatively easy to set up. It's a little old-school, in that it requires manual operation, and must be hooked up to an external phono preamp, but I kind of like that.

Budget-friendly alternative

Music Hall offers great value throughout their range of sleek-looking turntables, and I favor the Music Hall MMF-1.3 as a solid stand-in for the Debut Carbon if you want similar features and performance for a little less money.

What our customers say about the Debut Carbon EVO

Sony turntable

Best for beginners — Sony PS-LX310BT

The Sony PS-LX310BT is a great gift idea for a family member who's looking to get into the wonderful world of vinyl. It's fully automatic, so you don't have to hover around waiting to lift the tonearm when a track ends. Which lets you play invigorating background music while you engage in busy tasks like cooking or housework, without worrying about being available to lift the arm when the needle hits the final groove.

It also has Bluetooth output, so you can play records wirelessly through portable speakers and headphones. Should you prefer to hook it up to a conventional stereo system, the built-in preamp will simplify things. It even has a USB output if they want to turn their favorite records into digitial files. And it comes in at a very reasonable price point.

Budget-friendly alternative

The TEAC TN-180BT-A3 lets you get into record playing without a huge investment. It's even suitable for a teen's first record player, or perhaps a graduation gift for an older child who's headed off to college.

What our customers say about the PS-LX310BT

Audio-Technica LP-120XUSB Manual direct-drive turntable with USB output and built-in phono preamp

Best for ripping vinyl — Audio-Technica LP-120XUSB

The hardy, convenient Audio-Technica LP-120XUSB offers a wealth of fun features — like variable pitch control and a built-in USB port for digitizing albums — and it's also relatively easy to set up and use. It ships with a factory-installed Audio-Technica AT-VM95E moving magnet cartridge, and it features a switchable built-in phono preamplifier that lets you connect to just about any sound system you have in place. It includes all of the cables and accessories you'll need to get started, too.

Budget-friendly alternative

House of Marley's Stir It Up turntable has quickly become a customer favorite. Its convenient feature set includes a USB output for digitizing albums, plus Bluetooth, sustainable materials, and a very cool connection to the legacy of the great Bob Marley.

What our customers say about the LP-120XUSB

Mobile Fidelity UltraDeck +M Manual belt-drive turntable with pre-mounted MasterTracker cartridge

Best for audiophiles — Mobile Fidelity UltraDeck +M

There are so many reasons to love the Mobile Fidelity UltraDeck +M — let me list a few.

  • a rock-solid plinth made from MDF and three bonded aluminum plates for added stability
  • a seriously dense, anti-resonant 1-5/16" Delrin® polymer platter
  • high-quality Cardas Audio wiring for pristine signal purity throughout the signal path
  • a MoFi MasterTracker moving magnet cartridge with precise Micro-Line diamond stylus
  • a 300 RPM stepped-pulley AC motor that provides excellent speed stability

And the kicker: it's made right here in the U.S.A. It's a very natural-sounding turntable, for a price that's super-reasonable when compared to other audiophile-quality 'tables. In looks and sound quality, it's a real beauty.

Budget-friendly alternative

The Pro-Ject X2 B features solid build quality and an excellent factory-installed Sumiko Rainier cartridge. I also love the heavy acrylic platter, and it offers a variety of finishes so you can match it to the decor in your listening room.

What our customers say about the UltraDeck +M

Fender x MoFi Precision Deck

Best-looking — Fender x MoFi PrecisionDeck

Everyone has their own idea of what looks best, but I've never seen anything like this — the Fender x MoFi PrecisionDeck easily gets the nod from me. It takes the stylish visual hallmarks of two great companies — Fender and Mobile Fidelity — and blends them perfectly to create a work of art that can play works of art.

This 'table's beauty is not just finish-deep, either. The underlying construction is essentially that of my audiophile pick above — the UltraDeck +M. It includes a rigid, lightweight aluminum tonearm with a pre-installed MasterTracker moving magnet cartridge that reads record grooves with extreme precision. And it runs very quietly, thanks to a 6.8-pound Delrin® platter, isolated belt motor system, and anti-vibration feet.

Budget-friendly alternative

The Music Hall Classic is built on a solid plinth with a warm, burnished dark walnut finish that soothes my soul when I look at it. It adds a touch of sophistication to any listening session.

What our customers say about the Fender x MoFi PrecisionDeck

Victrola Stream Carbon semi-automatic belt-drive turntable with Sonos streaming

Best for streaming — Victrola Stream Carbon

For years, vinyl lovers had to make a wired connection to a "middle man" component in order to stream music from a turntable to a Sonos system. In 2022 Victrola partnered with Sonos to create the Victrola Stream Carbon — the first turntable with Sonos built in.

It's a good-looking 'table, with a solid black and silver plinth with rounded edges. There's a handsome illuminated dial on the front that lets you control system volume directly from the 'table. And you can always use the intuitive Sonos app for added convenience.

The lightweight, rigid carbon fiber tonearm and vibration-resistant die-cast aluminum platter are marks of quality design. And the included Ortofon 2M Red cartridge reads record grooves with impressive accuracy.

There's an Ethernet port on the back, so you can connect to your existing network, or use the turntable's built-in Wi-Fi. And there are gold-plated RCA outputs for making a wired connection to an existing hi-fi system. It's been a no-brainer best-seller for Sonos fans.

Budget-friendly alternative

The Yamaha TT-N503 is a very modern wonder — it features built-in Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Apple AirPlay®, and Spotify® Connect, so it can double as a streaming music source when you're not listening to records. It's also equipped with Yamaha's MusicCast technology, which frees you to put the player anywhere you like and build a wireless multi-room system around it.

What our writer (me) said about the Victrola Stream Carbon

echnics SL-1500C Semi-automatic direct-drive turntable with built-in phono preamp

Best direct-drive turntable — Technics SL-1500C

For the past decade-plus, our inventory has been dominated by belt-drive turntables. Technics — who introduced the first direct-drive turntable to the market in 1970 — were one of the first to return to direct-drive technology, and they've curated a peerless lineup that's favored by DJs and audiophiles alike.

As other manufacturers have begun to introduce their first-ever direct-drive turntables, the tried-and-tested SL-1500C remains one of our most popular sellers. Technics' signature coreless direct-drive motor delivers high torque and reliable rotational stability, and eliminates an audible effect called "cogging" that troubled old-school 'tables. The 1500C is also beloved for its steady static-balanced tonearm, built-in phono preamp, and factory-installed Ortofon 2M red cartridge. It sits solidly in the sweet spot of performance and affordability for fans of direct-drive technology.

Budget-friendly alternative

The TEAC TN-4D-SE offers a direct-drive motor in a chassis that features some attractive design elements. The 'table's static-balanced s-shaped tonearm was designed in collaboration with SAEC, a respected tonearm manufacturer.

What our customers say about the SL-1500C

Dual CS 429 Fully automatic belt-drive turntable with built-in phono preamp

Best fully automatic turntable — Dual CS 429

As vinyl experiences a resurgence, we've seen a lot of vintage brands return to prominence. The renowned German turntable company Dual is one of those names we've welcomed back with open arms. I got a chance to demo the Dual CS 429 at home, and it was a delightful experience.

I've been using a manual turntable for years, but I have to admit, my needle-placement skills are deteriorating a bit as I get older. I like that this player's automatic function will place the tonearm at the start of a side with exact precison. Then, I can cook, write articles for Crutchfield's website, or even wander off to walk the dog on a moment's notice, secure in the knowledge that the tonearm will return to rest, and the motor will shut off on its own, even if I'm engrossed in another task. And there's a switch to defeat the automatic functions if you find you prefer it that way.

With a nice Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge included, it sounds great, too. Dual has a well-earned reputation for producing 'tables that stand the test of time, and this latest offering has that same solid feel.

Budget-friendly alternative

Our customers love the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT for its smooth automatic operation and great sound. It has a built-in phono preamp so you can connect it to almost any sound system. It also works with Bluetooth, so you can play your music wirelessly to a compatible speaker or headphones.

Note: If you don't need or want the fully automatic experience, there are a number of great semi-automatic turntables on the market, too.

What our customers say about the CS 429

Klipsch R-15PM turntable bundle

How do I make sure I get everything I need?

Have questions about home stereo gear? Our Advisors can help you put together a system that matches your unique listening requirements, as well as your budget.

Contact us today.

And don't worry if you need a little setup help when your turntable arrives. Free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase.

Popular questions customers ask

If your turntable has a built-in preamp, or your receiver has an input marked “phono”, the answer is no. You do need a separate preamp if you don’t have one built-in, or if you want the freedom to change your cartridge in the future, which may require some fine adjustments to the amplification. In addition, a high-end component preamp can definitely improve overall sound quality.

Yes. Many turntables have a built-in USB output that allows you to create digital files in your computer as you play an album. You’ll also need software that’s designed for the purpose – some turntables include it, but you may need to download a program if not.

Each type of drive has its proponents. Direct-drive motors start and stop on a dime, and maintain speed reliably, so they’re very popular with DJs and radio announcers. The belt that connects the motor to the platter on a belt-drive turntable helps keep noise to a minimum, and many listeners feel the sound is warmer. It’s all a matter of personal preference, though!

Moving magnet (MM) cartridges are most common. They’re durable and easy to make, and typically require less amplification from the preamp. Moving coil (MC) cartridges are more lightweight, which allows them to read record grooves with extreme accuracy. Some deliver very low output voltage, and require a little extra amplification to sound their best. Many component preamps offer variable cartridge loading, which allows you to adjust to just about any cartridge you wish to use.

Yes, they’re becoming very common, in fact. A turntable with built-in speakers may have a Bluetooth receiver, so you can stream tunes when you’re not spinning vinyl. And many have built-in Bluetooth transmitters, so you can play your album wirelessly through compatible speakers and headphones. Some ‘tables even have features like Wi-Fi and MusicCast built in, so they can be incorporated into a whole-home audio system.

  • Michael

    Posted on 10/23/2023

    I have a Technics SL-BD20 turntable if I was to swap out the cartridge what would be the best replacement, at the moment it has a Technics P34

    Commenter image

    Ned O. from Crutchfield

    on 10/23/2023

    Hi Michael, We have several great choices for a replacement cartridge for your turntable. I've asked one of our Advisors to get in touch with you to learn more about your setup and help you choose the best option.
  • tony arsmtrong

    Posted on 7/28/2023

    How can a Linn Sondeck not be mentioned in this listing. It is one of the finest turnttables ever built?

  • Jeff Fleck from Michigan

    Posted on 5/31/2023

    I have a Rega with a Bias 1 cartridge retipped to be an Exact. I have a B&O with a handmade Soundsmith. I have a Sansui linear track with an AT cartridge, and my oldest, a Pioneer PL-10, Shure M91ED. If you're looking to convert vinyl to digital, it is a complicated, time-consuming process, but if done properly is very rewarding. Network browsing is important, and use a high fidelity codec.

    Commenter image

    Eric A. from Crutchfield

    on 6/1/2023

    Jeff - that sounds like an amazing system. Thanks for sharing!
  • Stacy from Fort Lee

    Posted on 5/14/2023

    I really love my U-Turn Orbit. Suprised it didn't make the list. Affordable entry model. Great sound and look. They are up and comers.

    Commenter image

    Eric A. from Crutchfield

    on 5/15/2023

    Stacy - Many people have told me this. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, we haven't been able to strike a deal with them to carry their products, so I haven't had the opportunity to use them yet.
  • Charles from Hazlehurst

    Posted on 4/17/2023

    Value of. mint Garrard SL 95?

    Commenter image

    Eric A. from Crutchfield

    on 4/17/2023

    Charles - Thanks for the question, but I'm afraid I don't have any resources for appraising the value of a turntable. I suspect anyone who could tell you its value would want to see it first. Sorry I couldn't help!
  • JD Dutch from Denver

    Posted on 4/12/2023

    I have a Marantz TT-15S1 that I absolutely love. It's definitely not the cheapest out there but the cartridge itself costs nearly as much as the entire turntable if you were to buy it separately. The Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge is worth the price of entry itself. Anyway, did you test the Marantz and, if so, where did it fall in the ratings and what kept it from making the list?

    Commenter image

    Eric A. from Crutchfield

    on 4/13/2023

    JD - That does look like a very fine turntable. You guessed right: it's not in our assortment of products we can sell, so I wasn't able to review it. This article is limited to ones we sell, which is honestly kind of a relief, because it was already hard to make some of these choices with so many good options. Thanks for the question!
  • Keith W

    Posted on 4/5/2023

    Why are there no prices with the reviews?

    Commenter image

    Eric A. from Crutchfield

    on 4/6/2023

    Keith - Good question. We don't have a dynamic way to include the price that would automatically reflect sale prices, closeouts, or any kind of running price change, so we just link to it so you can see what it costs at the time you read the article. Hope that explains it!
  • mart from VA

    Posted on 2/4/2023

    Agree with Arthur Russell from West Haven, the Rega is rated one of the best, I know, I own one. You'd do yourself good Crutchfield to start carrying them.

  • Arthur Russell from WEST HAVEN

    Posted on 1/18/2023

    Rega is rated one of the best turntables. Do you have plans to sell it at Critchfield?

    Commenter image

    Eric A. from Crutchfield

    on 1/19/2023

    Arthur - We are always in various stages of negotiation to bring in as many vendors as we can. I'm not sure what the status is on Rega, but if we get an opportunity, we'd certainly be interested. Thanks for the question!
  • ASHOK from Peoria

    Posted on 1/13/2023

    I enjoy reading/hearing Eric's analyses; a Univ of Kansas alumnus, nevertheless :-)

    Commenter image

    Eric A. from Crutchfield

    on 1/17/2023

    Well, you know, we bloom where we're planted, right? Thanks for the positive words!
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