6 Cheapest Record Players And Turntables, Per Audiophiles

Enjoying quality sound from vintage vinyl doesn’t require breaking the bank. Several turntables on the market offer top-notch audio performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal without a premium price. Many top brands try to woo you with features like USB ports, preamps, and Bluetooth, but these can inflate costs. Focus instead on a player with the best sound and not one with extraneous features.

Direct-drive turntables are ideal for those who value stability and performance. Belt drive turntables, conversely, excel in reducing motor noise, offering a purer sound. Both types present affordable options, ensuring quality doesn’t have to be compromised for cost. We’ve done the research and have a list of the cheapest record players recommended the most by audiophiles across eight websites. Are you spinning records on one you love that we missed? Comment below.

The List: Best Affordable Record Players and Turntables, Ranked by Audiophiles

1. Sony PS-LX310BT

This fully automatic belt-driver turntable from Sony also includes Bluetooth! According to Louder, this player marries “old-school hi-fi with new-school cool.” And you won’t find anything as good that offers a wireless connection to speakers or headphones. The player also offers two speeds and a built-in phono stage.

If you want a turntable that’s easy to use and is “stress-free” out of the box, What Hifi recommends this player. While some may say the sound isn’t as “detailed” as it should be, the turntable provides “an entertaining sound with a healthy dose of drive and attack.”

American Songwriter loves all the added features this turntable has, without the added price. In addition to Bluetooth, it has a USB port, so you can digitize all your records if you so desire. The Sony ATN3600L cartridge also comes pre-aligned so you don’t have to adjust it.

2. Rega Planar 1

This manual, belt-driven player doesn’t have all the bells and whistles the Sony has, but it gets high marks for sound quality. Louder believes with these players you’ll hear your “much-cherished vinyl records just the way the artist intended.” It’s easy to set up, but since it doesn’t have a built-in phono preamp, you’ll need an amplifier with one.

What Hi-Fi? believes the player stands out for its “detailed, spacious sound and lifelike vocal reproduction.” While it’s a little more expensive than other brands on our list, it is easy to set up and has a nice design.

If sound is the most important thing, this is the best affordable player for you. According to The Audiophile Man, this player offers an “excellent tonearm.” Don’t expect many other features, however, it has a very manual experience.

3. Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB

This direct-drive turntable not only sounds like a dream, but it will also convert your records to digital files. Louder still thinks you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck, even though it doesn’t have wireless capabilities. It does have three speeds and a built-in phono pre-amp.

The Audiophile Man agrees saying this player offers “the best cartridge” and has a “felt platter mat which sounds much better than the usual cheapo rubber freebies.” You’ll get quality parts in addition to quality sound.

If you want a “versatile” and “reliable” player, don’t count this one out. American Songwriter recommends it for beginners, audiophiles, and DJs.

4. Crosley Cruiser Deluxe

If you want a retro suitcase-style player, Crosley is the name of the game. Not only is it easy to move around, but it’s also packed with features such as three speeds, and a headphone jack and it comes in more than two dozen colors and prints. Popular Mechanics is wowed by the one-year warranty on all materials and workmanship defects.

You can’t go wrong with this player. Rolling Stone says you can listen to your records right away thanks to the turntable’s speakers. You can also upgrade with a pair of bookshelf speakers.

If you don’t want a suitcase-style player, Crosley also offers the C6, a manual belt-drive turntable. It still has a vintage look thanks to its wooden base and has a built-in preamp and an adjustable tonearm counterweight. Audiophile On says it’s a “solid choice for those wanting to explore the vinyl hobby.”

5. Pro-ject Primary E

This is a great turntable model for beginners based on a few reasons. What The Hi-Fi? recommends the The Primary E because it is perfect for those buying their first turntable. It “nails all the basics” and has an even “tonal balance.”

The Audiophile Man agrees this “performs well” for the price, saying it puts sound ahead of everything else. It’s a great model if you’re just beginning your vinyl journey.

6. Fluance RT82

The Fluance is a great model if you’re looking to upgrade to a player with more features. According to American Songwriter, it has a built-in phono stage and an Ortofon OM10 cartridge. It comes in two finishes, black or walnut, and has a dust cover to match.

The RT80 may be an entry-level machine, but it doesn’t look like one thanks to its “glossy finish” and “elegant design.” Audiophile On says while it offers “good sound quality”, it does lack automatic operation. You may choose this one if you’re just getting your feet wet into vinyl collecting.

Audiophile Man prefers the RT83 version, which offers a better sound presentation. The website says the player features “a hot swaddle headshell” and “easy-to-use controls.” But, any of these three is great for beginners.

Sources:

• Louder Sound
• Rolling Stone
• Popular Mechanics
• What HiFi
• American Songwriter
• Audiophile On
• The Audiophile Man
• Best Product Reviews

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.