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10 Best Entry Level Turntables 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Pro-Ject Dark Side of The Moon Turntable

The Pro-Ject Dark Side of The Moon Turntable is a stylish and high-quality option for entry-level turntable enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the 8.6″ acrylic tonearm with a pre-adjusted Pick it PRO Special Edition cartridge, which ensures smooth and precise playback. The turntable features a heavy glass record platter supported by a precision aluminum sub-platter, contributing to stable and accurate speed control. The precision belt drive with electronic speed control allows for both 33 and 45 rpm playback, although it requires a manual belt change to switch speeds, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Built-in Preamp
A great product with standout quality, though it's manual and lacks an analog output for the preamp input.
Automatic vs. Manual Operation
A great product with standout quality, though it's manual and lacks an analog output for the preamp input.
#2
10.0 score

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black

The Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable is a solid choice for those entering the world of vinyl records. It's fully automatic, making operation simple with its one-step auto start, stop, and return functions. This is great for users who prefer a hassle-free experience. The turntable supports two speeds, 33⅓ and 45 rpm, and includes a 45 rpm adaptor tucked neatly beneath the deck, catering to different vinyl formats.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Platter Material
Records lay flat without wobbling, eliminating skips that were common with cheaper players. The build quality supports a smooth and stable playback.
Automatic vs. Manual Operation
This turntable offers a hassle-free experience with automatic operation. Just place the record, push a button, and let it do its thing.

Top 10 Best Entry Level Turntables 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Pro-Ject Dark Side of The Moon Turntable

Drive Type: Precision belt drive
Cartridge and Stylus: Pick it PRO Special Edition
Platter Material: Heavy glass, precision aluminum
Speed Settings: 33 and 45 rpm
Automatic vs. Manual Operation: Manual

Chosen by 1205 this week

Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Professional Turntable

Drive Type: Direct-Drive
Platter Material: Zinc
Built-in Preamp: No
Speed Settings: 3 tempo ranges
Automatic vs. Manual Operation: Manual
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Buying Guide for the Best Entry Level Turntables

Choosing the right entry-level turntable can be a rewarding experience, especially if you're new to the world of vinyl records. The key is to find a turntable that suits your needs and preferences while providing good sound quality and ease of use. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting an entry-level turntable, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Drive TypeThe drive type refers to how the turntable's platter is powered. There are two main types: belt-drive and direct-drive. Belt-drive turntables use an elastic belt to spin the platter, which helps reduce motor noise and vibration, making them ideal for home listening. Direct-drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter, providing more consistent speed and torque, which is preferred by DJs for scratching and mixing. For most entry-level users, a belt-drive turntable is a good choice for its quieter operation and better sound quality.
Cartridge and StylusThe cartridge and stylus are the components that read the grooves on your records and convert them into audio signals. The quality of these parts can significantly impact sound quality. Entry-level turntables often come with a pre-installed cartridge and stylus, which are usually sufficient for beginners. However, some models allow for upgrades, which can be beneficial as you become more experienced. Look for a turntable with a replaceable cartridge and stylus to give you the flexibility to improve your setup in the future.
Platter MaterialThe platter is the rotating surface on which the record sits. Platter materials can vary, with common options including plastic, aluminum, and acrylic. Plastic platters are lightweight and affordable but may not provide the best sound quality. Aluminum platters offer better stability and reduced vibrations, resulting in improved audio performance. Acrylic platters are even better at dampening vibrations and can enhance sound clarity. For entry-level users, an aluminum platter is a good balance between cost and performance.
Built-in PreampA preamp boosts the audio signal from the turntable to a level that can be played through speakers or a stereo system. Some turntables come with a built-in preamp, which simplifies the setup process and allows you to connect directly to powered speakers or an amplifier. If your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you will need an external one. For beginners, a turntable with a built-in preamp is convenient and easy to use, making it a great choice.
Speed SettingsTurntables typically offer two or three speed settings: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and sometimes 78 RPM. These speeds correspond to different types of records. Most modern records play at 33 1/3 RPM, while some singles and older records play at 45 RPM. 78 RPM is less common and is used for very old records. Ensure the turntable you choose supports the speeds you need. For most entry-level users, a turntable with 33 1/3 and 45 RPM settings will cover the majority of their record collection.
Automatic vs. Manual OperationTurntables can be either automatic or manual. Automatic turntables have mechanisms that start and stop the record and return the tonearm at the end of playback, making them user-friendly and convenient. Manual turntables require you to place the tonearm on the record and lift it off at the end, which can provide a more hands-on experience and greater control. For beginners, an automatic turntable can be a great choice for its ease of use, while those who enjoy a more interactive experience might prefer a manual turntable.

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