The Turntable Guide: From Budget to High-End

Choosing the right turntable can be a challenge, given the wide range of options and price ranges. In this blog post, we'll help you make an informed choice by discussing three excellent turntables in different price ranges: a budget option, a model offering the best value for money, and a high-end turntable. For more information on what to look for when buying a turntable, we recommend reading our previous blog post, where we discussed this in detail.

Here's what to look for when buying a record player

1. Budget option: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Why this record player

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT is an excellent choice for beginners looking to take their first steps into the world of vinyl. This turntable offers superb sound quality at a very affordable price. It's fully automatic, meaning you only need to press a button to play your records. This makes it very easy to use and accessible to everyone.

About the brand

Audio-Technica is a renowned brand in the audio world, known for its reliable and high-quality products. The brand has a long history of producing high-quality audio products, from microphones to headphones and turntables.

For which target group

This turntable is ideal for beginners looking for an affordable and user-friendly option. It's also a good choice for those who want a second turntable for another room or office.

Average sales price

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT costs on average around €160.

Point of sale

Cooblue (not an affiliate)

2. Best Value: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Why this record player

The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO offers an excellent balance between price and performance. This turntable is equipped with a carbon fiber tonearm, which provides improved sound quality and less resonance. It also has a heavy steel platter that helps reduce vibration and improves stability. The Debut Carbon EVO is manual, meaning you have to position the tonearm yourself, but this also gives you more control over your record playback.

About the brand

Pro-Ject is an Austrian brand known for its high-quality turntables. The company focuses on delivering excellent sound quality at an affordable price and has built a strong reputation in the audio industry.

For which target group

This turntable is perfect for hobbyists who want to take their vinyl experience to the next level without breaking the bank. It's also a great choice for those who already have some experience with turntables and are looking for an upgrade.

Average sales price

The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO costs on average around €450.

Point of sale

Doublepoint (not an affiliate)

3. High-end option: Rega Planar 3

Why this record player

The Rega Planar 3 is one of the best high-end turntables on the market. It offers exceptional sound quality thanks to its precision design and high-quality components. The RB330 tonearm and glass platter ensure accurate and stable playback of your records. The Planar 3 is manual, meaning you have complete control over your vinyl playback.

About the brand

Rega is a British brand that has been producing high-quality audio products for over 40 years. The company is known for its innovative designs and dedication to sound quality. Rega's turntables are acclaimed by audiophiles and music lovers worldwide.

For which target group

This turntable is ideal for the seasoned music fanatic who only settles for the best. If you're looking for a turntable that brings your vinyl collection to life with unparalleled sound quality, the Rega Planar 3 is the perfect choice.

Average sales price

The Rega Planar 3 costs on average around €850.

Point of sale

HiFi (not an affiliate)

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or a seasoned music fanatic, there’s a turntable out there that’s perfect for your needs. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X offers a great entry-level option for beginners, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO delivers the best value for money for hobbyists, and the Rega Planar 3 is the ultimate choice for audiophiles seeking the highest sound quality. Don’t forget to check out our previous blog post for more tips on what to look for when buying a turntable. Happy listening!