Buying a turntable can be daunting for some as there are so many of them available, especially ever since vinyl exploded in popularity in 2007 after they were deemed obsolete once cassettes and discs hit the scene. If you are enthusiastic about vinyl, a $500 budget for a turntable is a nice limit you can work with since that’s when you have a choice between multiple high-quality machines. So, what are some of the best turntables for under $500?
The best turntable under $500 is the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. It’s manual-belt driven, has carbon tonearm, and is easy to set up. The Audio Technica AT-LP120XP is also a great option and will work well if you are into DJing.
We have a lot to go over today regarding the best record players under $500 and what you should look for when shopping for one. Making the best decision for your budget will be important in ensuring you get precisely what you want and don’t feel buyer’s remorse later on.
What Is the Difference Between a Turntable and a Record Player?
It is important to understand the distinction between a turntable and a record player. Many people use the two terms interchangeably without knowing the real differences.
If you are considering buying a $500 turntable, there is a good chance you already know what you are doing, but since $500 is no small change. Some people want to get into vinyl for its uniqueness but don’t necessarily know where to start. It is worth going over the core differences so nobody ends up being surprised after the device arrives.
Turntable
A turntable is a component of the overall vinyl record player, which is why it can be a little confusing when using the term turntable to describe the entire device as a whole if you aren’t familiar with vinyl. It would be like calling a car a “wheel.”
The turntable plays a major role in how vinyl works. You probably know that a vinyl rotates as a needle glides along the grooves to produce the famous sound that vinyl records are known for.
There are three types of turntables, and this will come into play when deciding on which one you want (more on this later):
- Belt-driven
- Idler wheel
- Direct drive
Each of these has its own pros and cons, but overall, these systems are what power a turntable in the first place.
A turntable is essentially a record player without the amplifier and speaker, and so you will have to buy those separately. However, most vinyl enthusiasts prefer a turntable since dedicated amps and speakers can be much higher quality than those that come with a record player, which is important because one of the major reasons why vinyl is so desirable these days is its sound.
When shopping for a turntable specifically, ensure that it isn’t an all-in-one record player if you plan on using your own speakers and amplifier.
Record Player
A record player usually refers to an all-in-one turntable. It already includes the speakers and amps out of the box, making for a very easy setup process. A lot of these are surprisingly cheap, can be bought for as low as $100, and come with neat features such as Bluetooth capabilities and mp3 conversion. This is a decent option for people new to vinyl or who just don’t want to break the bank.
Now that we have gotten this potential confusion out of the way, let’s discuss what to look for in a quality turntable.
What to Consider When Buying a Turntable (Buyer’s Guide)
Below, you will find the factors that you need to consider when buying a turntable.
Budget
Since we will be discussing turntables under $500, we are already working with a budget with a nice price ceiling, and thus you can’t go wrong with a lot of models. It is probably best to explain the differences between cheaper turntables and the ones that start creeping towards $500. We will recommend some turntables that are around $300, so this will be a good distinction to understand.
First off, $300 will get you a nice turntable considering they can be as cheap as $50. Some people will balk and say you must spend at least $400-$500 for good sound, but that simply isn’t true. If you are here and would rather spend $300 rather than go all the way to your absolute max budget of $500, you’ll have to evaluate how often you’ll be listening to vinyl.
If it’s practically every day, then it would be worth it to splurge and go with something that will offer a cleaner sound. Not to say a $300 turntable will sound bad, but the more expensive you go, the heavier they are to absorb vibration and the better built they are to ensure the smoothest operation possible.
While a good set of speakers helps tremendously in audio quality, the turntable itself is the entire foundation of what you will hear in reality.
A good middle-ground for your budget would be $400; as we said, many people would say this is where you want to start with a very high-quality sound. Many of our recommendations will be around this budget simply because many of the best turntables under $500 hit $400.
Type of Turntable
Possibly, one of the biggest distinctions between turntables is how the turntable itself is powered. As we mentioned above, there are three main types of turntables: belt drive, idler wheel, and direct drive.
Belt Drive
These are perhaps the most popular of the three types of turntables. A belt drive uses an elastic belt attached to the turntable’s motor, spinning the platter on top. Belt drives are known for their precision as they are very predictable and resistant to vibrations. They are ideal if you want to ensure the longevity of the platter and ensure clean sound.
Belt-driven turntables also produce very little motor noise, which is a high priority for many vinyl enthusiasts. The goal is to hear the vinyl itself and not the device’s inner workings, much like how someone wouldn’t want a computer’s cooling fan to kick into overdrive during a movie.
The key drawback with belt-driven turntables is that they produce lower torque, which is a deal-breaker for some.
Why is low torque such a big deal for certain people? It simply means that belt-driven turntables are slightly less accurate at playback speed, which means the music’s overall timing isn’t originally intended. Will you notice this? Likely, no, not unless you compare the original version of the song side by side. However, if this aspect bothers you, then you should look into the other turntable types.
You should also be aware that belt-driven systems will need to be replaced over time as the elastic starts to wear down and eventually break. However, higher-quality turntables will use higher quality elastic, and thus you won’t run into this issue anytime soon.
Direct Drive
The direct-drive turntable is the more straightforward system of the bunch where the platter sits directly on top of the motor. This result is quick to start times and ensures that the playback speed is accurate to how it was originally intended. They are also more durable than a belt-driven turntable, and so you will not have to worry about any elastic eventually breaking.
However, much like other turntable types, direct-drive turntables have their own drawbacks that will steer certain people away. The high torque can cause unwanted vibrations during playback, which results in diminished sound quality. On high-end turntables, this won’t be very noticeable, if at all, since, as we stated above, expensive turntables can get quite heavy to absorb the vibrations.
Additionally, many people like to use shock absorbers like these IsoBlock Silicone Isolation Feet to mitigate audio quality loss. Be wary of cheaper turntables using a direct drive system since they may not try as hard to account for this flaw. For this reason, many budget and mid-range models will opt for a belt-driven system to preserve audio quality and a lighter form factor.
Idler Wheel
These days you don’t see these too often as they were largely replaced by the previous two mentions, but they still find their audience even today.
An idler wheel turntable consists of a rubber tire and a motor shaft that connects to the platter. It’s an older method of powering the platter, but despite that, and the fact that manufacturers have gravitated towards belt-driven and direct-driven turntables, some prefer an idler turntable over the other two.
The reason why some still prefer an idler wheel turntable is due to their unique sound. When maintained, they produce a pleasant low-frequency sound (otherwise known as high rumble), low flutter, and insensitivity to stylus drag effects. All allow for accurate timing within the song and a very energetic presentation.
However, there is a reason why many people started to prefer other turntable systems. For one, idler wheel turntables are very high maintenance. To get the benefits we stated above, the platter rim and the pulley will need to be kept perfect. We mean perfect condition, or else the sound output will sound quite bad compared to a moderately maintained belt and direct-driven system.
A poorly maintained idler wheel system will produce unwanted and very noticeable rumble, which ends up defeating the point of the clean sound that vinyl is known for. We can recommend an idler system for only certain people; they are great, but certainly not for everyone.
Additional Factors to Consider
There is a bit more to consider when buying a turntable, such as Bluetooth, port selection, and whether you prefer a manual or automatic needle. Still, we wanted to get the biggest deciding factors out of the way.
At the end of the day, what makes a turntable “good” is that it produces a nice sound and is priced accordingly. These are the two main factors that we will be largely focusing on when recommending turntables.
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide, even among this hand-picked selection. So, if you need even more help deciding, don’t be afraid to ask around on what they recommend and what they think is the best value overall. We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase, after all!
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
We will be starting off with the maximum budget; if you are looking for a turntable for $500 and not a penny more, this is the one to get, in our opinion.
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo is a sequel to the Debut Carbon DC, which was incredibly popular in the price point it was at, and it was also the company’s best selling turntable.
So, how did they improve on an already stellar turntable? They have added various features to allow for superior sound quality before, such as adjustable TPE and well aluminum feet. It also comes with a TPE damped platter and an improved motor mount that can isolate electrical and mechanical energy.
The Carbon Evo also has the Sumiko Rainier as its cartridge, which provides a warm sound that is incredibly immersive.
Not to mention that this turntable looks absolutely stunning. It is very clean looking and will fit in pretty much any home decor. The one we linked to above is in satin yellow, but you have a total of 9 colors to choose from.
Overall, this is an easy recommendation if you are on a $500 budget. This belt-driven turntable offers excellent value for the price, and very few other turntables can match it in value.
Pro-Ject Essential III
If you would prefer to spend less than $500, then the Pro-Ject Essential III is an excellent option for $100 less than the above mention.
There are 3 models of this particular turntable. The basic version starts at $400, the one with a built-in phono preamp for $450, and lastly, one with Bluetooth for $500.
Like the Carbon EVO, the Essential III is a belt-driven turntable that lends itself to a very smooth sound experience. The cartridge that comes with it is an Ortofon OM10, which leads the turntable to have great sound quality at this price point.
It doesn’t end there, however. The high-density MDF platter combined with a highly adjustable tonearm allows the turntable to provide consistent playback quality; the platter bearing is made up of stainless steel, Teflon, and bronze, which minimizes friction.
You also get semi-balanced interconnect cables as well as gold-plated connectors. The cables are very high-quality, which further cements this turntable as one of the best in its price range if you are after good sound quality for the dollar.
Denon DP-300F
If you are looking for a turntable that is fully automatic on a budget, then the Denon DP-300F is a good option to consider.
Even though it hits a relatively low price point, this turntable is constructed well. It has a nice weight to it at 12 pounds (5.4 kg), which allows the unit to avoid vibrations during playback. If you plan on setting the unit down in one place, you’ll appreciate the solid construction very much.
The turntable being fully automatic means that you can put in minimal effort to get your music going. Simply press a button after placing your vinyl onto the platter, and the unit will do the rest. When the vinyl has gone through all its content on one side, the needle will automatically lift back up, and the unit will shut off.
The DP300F comes with a pre-mounted moving magnet cartridge, meaning that setup is minimal, and you can enjoy your music literally minutes after unboxing the device.
In addition, it comes with a built-in phono preamp, meaning you can connect it to powered speakers rather than having to purchase a separate amplifier. If you are starting from scratch, then this is an economical option to get into vinyl.
Rega – Planar 1
Rega makes great turntables in general. Their quality is consistent, and combined with their simple naming scheme to differentiate models, they are also great to shop for.
The Planar 1 is the first in the Planar lineup, and from there, it goes to the Planar 2 and Planar 3, each being more high-end than the other. They can get pretty expensive, but the Planar 1 offers excellent value for the money.
For one, the minimalist, classy aesthetic gives off a very premium vibe. Still, what would a turntable be if not for functionality? The Planar 1 is very easy to set up, even if it isn’t as automatic as the above-mentioned process.
From there, you can enjoy the Rega Carbon MM cartridge, which is pre-mounted on the Rega RB110 tonearm. You can also enjoy the smooth playback with next to no sound interference from the 24 volts synchronous AC motor and low-noise aluminum pulley.
Even though this turntable is already great out of the box, Rega has a performance package if you choose to decide to upgrade later. This route is much more effective than buying an entirely new turntable, and it makes for a very future-proof unit for someone looking for a starter turntable.
Pro-Ject RPM1 Carbon
This is possibly one of the unique suggestions on this list. Let’s address the elephant in the room: the appearance of this turntable. It’s unique, cool-looking, and a showpiece as much as it is a quality turntable. This is a manually operated unit, so if you love the feeling of dropping the needle yourself, then you are going to love this.
The RMM1 Carbon was built to be a no-compromise turntable in terms of sound quality at the price point. The inverted MDF platter bearing combined with a low resonance chassis and a ceramic ball was taken into account when designing the product to reduce as much rumble as possible.
This, combined with the 15-Volt AC motor driven with an ultra-precision AC generator with a DC power supply, provides better stability when the platter is spinning.
In addition, the turntable includes an “s-shaped” tonearm that is made out of aluminum, Carbon, and resin. The unit also comes with a pre-mounted Sumiko Pearl Cartridge.
If you like the design and the fact it requires manual operation, it’s a great turntable for the price. It will certainly be a conversation starter in the best way possible.
Sony PS-LX310BT
The Sony PS-LX310BT is an actual entry-level model.
While your $500 limit can afford you higher-end turntables, this is a good example of what you can get if you want to save money on a turntable and perhaps invest in other equipment such as better speakers needing an upgrade in that department.
For $200, this thing is chock full of features. You have Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in preamp, two operational speeds of 33 ⅓ rpm and 45 rpm, and a USB output port in the back.
The turntable is belt-driven like with most turntables, so even at this low price, you will get a great, smooth sound. The platter is quite stable and is made up of an aluminum die-cast to reduce vibration. If you are worried about there being too much vibration due to how lightweight it is, you can pick up shock absorbers for peace of mind.
We should also mention the design. It is very reminiscent of a Sony product: black, sleek, matte, with sharp corners and a (mostly) minimal design. It definitely looks quite awesome as a display piece.
Another thing that is great about this turntable is that it is fully automatic; just place the vinyl on the platter, press a button, and sit back.
There is a lot of value crammed in here, so consider if you really want to spend $400 – $500 on a turntable if you are new to the hobby. This specific unit is well-reviewed across the board and has excellent customer feedback, which says a lot considering how picky the vinyl scene can be. It may not be the best option on this list, but it is one of the most impressive in what it can do at an entry-level value price point.
Frequently Asked Questions When Buying a Turntable
Those were our picks for the best turntables at their respective price points. We hit various price points ranging from hitting $500 to going as low as $200. We also included options that were full-on manually operated and direct-driven to ones that were autonomous and belt-driven.
If you are looking for something specific and still can’t decide or need more insight, we recommend checking this video below:
How Much Does Sound Quality Differ on Expensive vs. Entry-Level Turntables?
Since we talked about models in wildly different price ranges, we might as well address this question that many of you might be asking.
First off, the difference between a $60 turntable and a $500 turntable will be astronomical. In fact, many people advise against units that are cheap since they can actually destroy vinyl records. However, once you go over $200, the differences become noticeable if you pay attention, but they start to close the gap pretty quickly.
It’s worth noting that some people can pick up sound quality better than others. For some, there is a point where it is good enough while others (who commonly refer to as audiophiles or at least very enthusiastic about sound) will want the best because they can detect the difference.
We would recommend going to a record shop and testing various turntables at different price points to see how much you want to pay for a unit.
You also have to consider that high-end turntables will require better amps and speakers to get the most out of them. If you are buying a $700 turntable, for example, then you are going to need audiophile-grade equipment to go along with it. It also works the other way around; less expensive turntables can get away with less expensive equipment.
How Can I Get the Most Sound for the Dollar?
If you want to go all out in audio quality and are willing to sacrifice some features, going with a manual turntable without the fancy bells and whistles from an established brand is generally the way to go. Next, consider a cartridge upgrade, but remember that you’ll need a good set of stereo speakers in order to hear a noticeable difference.
If you have good speakers but not necessarily the highest end of them, you are generally going to be fine with using the cartridge the turntable already comes with, especially if it’s a $400-$500 model.
Conclusion
Those were our six recommendations for turntables under $500. There are certainly many great ones at multiple price point levels. As we stated earlier, $500 is a great budget ceiling to work with since you can get some very high-quality units at the price that are wonderfully crafted to get the most out of your vinyl records.
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