Music can and should be enjoyed in various formats, from digital to analog supported on vinyl. For that, we have selected the best turntables you can buy, from the simplest to the most advanced with a good quality / price ratio.
We choose good buying options for those who want to buy a turntable in Portugal and enjoy vinyl music, without entering the audiophile sector to keep the lowest price and the simplest turntable option.
1. Audio-Technica Record Turner AT-LP120X
speeds: 33/45/78 RPM
Connection: RCA and USB
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 229 on Amazon.ES
The best turntable to buy in 2021 is the AT-LP120X by Audio-Technica keeping in mind the balance between price, features and product quality. Its operation is manual, but it is equipped with all the necessary adjustments and connections.
With analog (RCA) and digital (USB) connection, you can convert vinyl records to MP3 by connecting them to your Windows computer, or Mac. Plus, it has a pre-amplifier to connect directly to passive speakers and modern amplifiers.
The construction of the Audio-Technica turntable is excellent, with an aluminum turntable, padded base, and direct-drive motor, as well as non-slip adjustments. It has a dust cap, AT-VMN95E needle / capsule and AT-HS6 head.
2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT Record Turner
speeds: 33/45 RPM
Connection: RCA and USB
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 179 on Amazon. IT IS
OR AT-LP60XBT from Audio-Technica is the best budget option for anyone looking for a vinyl record player capable of delivering good quality audio. It also allows the conversion of vinyl into digital files in MP3 format and Bluetooth connection.
The construction is simple, but with damping and lower resonance for clearer sound and less noticeable signal noise. It has a preamp that allows you to connect this turntable to passive speakers and new amplifiers.
As an entry-level option, it’s the cheapest option that won’t let you down. It has a dust cover, DC motor with belt drive and aluminum plate. Features replaceable ATN3600L head with diamond needle / cap.
3. Spin the Denon DP-300F discs
speeds: 33/45 RPM
Connection: RCA
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 309 on Amazon.ES
The vinyl record player Denon DP-300F it’s automatic, just insert the disk and hit the “Start” button. At the end, the arm is raised automatically and returns to its resting position. Ease of use is the highlight.
Build quality is very good, with reinforced aluminum and heavy base to increase stability and reduce vibrations. The design is minimalist, with simple lines, suitable for beginners who want to buy a good modern turntable.
It has a traction belt, to absorb possible vibrations from the engine, being an excellent option in this entry segment, closer to the mid-range. Includes the DSN-85 head, which supports other heads and capsules for further customization.
4. Sony PS-LX310BT Disk Manager
speeds: 33/45 RPM
Connection: RCA, USB and Bluetooth
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 165 on Amazon.ES
The turntable PS-LX310BT Sony’s is one of the best to buy today, especially for those looking for an automatic vinyl record player. Simply press the “Start” button to start playback, and at the end, the arm goes up and comes to rest again.
The highlight is the Bluetooth connection, in addition to RCA and USB, to pair with Bluetooth speakers or mobile devices and play music wirelessly. This player has a built-in preamp, with various music playback settings.
It has belt drive, aluminum plate, extremely sleek and modern design, as well as a well-built arm in which, unfortunately, it is not possible to change the head, only the capsule (MM). It is one of the best modern turntables.
5. Record Turner Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500
speeds: 33/45 RPM
Connection: WiFi, Ethernet, AirPlay, Bluetooth and RCA
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 549 on Amazon.ES
the Yamaha turntable MusicCast VINYL 500 It combines the modern and the classic in one excellent device, capable of delivering high-fidelity audio wirelessly. It can be connected to any MusicCast device and has a Wi-Fi connection on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.
The construction is solid reinforced aluminum and the base with adjustable feet to minimize vibrations. It has a traction belt, control of various parameters through the mobile application, a straight arm, as well as a modern and minimalist design.
Packed with connectivity, the Yamanha turntable is one of the best to buy for its great convenience. The audio reproduction quality is very good, equipped with a good interchangeable MM type capsule.
6. Drive Pioneer PLX-500 discs
speeds: 33/45/78 RPM
Connection: RCA, USB and Bluetooth
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 309 on Amazon.ES
The Pioneer record player PLX-500 It is suitable for professional mixing or listening to music at home. It has an electronic brake system, direct drive motor, and solid aluminum construction, like the plate, for added stability.
It has a universal S-shaped arm, with various settings from needle pressure to rotation and reduced Wow and Flutter values ​​(<0.15% WRMS). It has RCA and USB connection that allows you to connect this player to your Windows or Mac computer.
It is equipped with an interchangeable VM capsule, as is the included head. This vinyl turntable gives the user more manual control and offers very good quality audio.
7. Rotate the Thorens TD 190-2 discs
speeds: 33/45 RPM
Connection: RCA, USB and Bluetooth
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 479 on Amazon.ES
The Torens vinyl player TD 190-2 It is suitable for those who want to buy a turntable close to the audiophile sector. The reputation of the brand is excellent, this product being a truly entry-level market. cousin.
It is an automatic turntable, with direct drive and non-slip adjustments, among other adjustments. The highlight is its 12 ” aluminum plate with 0.7 kg, non-magnetic, for greater stability and less resonance.
Within the Thorens turntable range, this model stands out for its quality / price ratio, in addition to its classic design. For those who want to buy a more advanced vinyl player, this is our suggestion with a minimalist design.
8. Rotate Planar Watering 1 Plus Discs
speeds: 33/45 RPM
Connection: RCA
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 389 on Amazon.ES
The turntable Planar 1 Plus Rega’s is the cheapest and most up-to-date input option with a built-in phono preamp, plus a low-noise 24V synchronous motor for cleaner sound. It has a straight arm, adjusted and calibrated at the factory.
Among the various offerings on the market, Planar stands out not only for the build quality of its turntables, but also for the minimalism of its design. For those looking for an easy-to-use vinyl player, we recommend this Planar 1 Plus.
It has a direct drive motor, high precision construction and a Rega Carbon cartridge, with good weight for greater stability and less resonance. The quality / price ratio of this turntable is really excellent.
9. Spin Technics SL-100 discs
speeds: 33/45/78 RPM
Connection: RCA
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 899 on Amazon.ES
The Technics SL-100 vinyl player stands out for its base stability, aluminum build quality, and direct drive system. It has an automatic needle lift system at the end of play, with all the fine adjustments.
It should be noted that this turntable comes with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95 stylus or cartridge already installed, a nice addition to this hi-fi set. The design is understated and minimal, with no unnecessary frills on this brand name vinyl player.
The highlight of this turntable, already close to the audiophile sector, is the coreless direct drive motor for stable rotation with high precision. Also, the included cartridge is of very good quality and the automatic lifting system is a bonus.
10. Convert Thorens TD 103 A Records
speeds: 33/45/78 RPM
Connection: RCA
Additional features: preamp
Price: given that € 1.041,69 on Amazon.ES
For those looking for one of the best turntables on the market, we recommend the Thorens TD 103 A Glossy black finish. It is an exclusive product from one of the best brands of vinyl players, with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge / needle included.
It stands out for its internal belt transmission system, with fully automatic functions such as lowering and raising the needle to start and end the audition. It has electronic speed control, with Thorens TP 19-1 arm.
The glossy black finish gives it a distinguished look, worthy of a high-end product. It weighs a total of 6.4 kg with aluminum construction, with a particularly stable base and plate, also in aluminum.
The 5-point vinyl guide
1. Avoid portable turntables, especially in the form of a suitcase. There are various brands with these models, but not only is the audio quality bad, you can also damage your vinyl records due to bad needles with too much pressure on the record.
2. The record player is only part of the equation. Depending on your budget and quality requirements, invest in a good amplifier and speakers to maximize the potential of each element. Quality will vary depending on the performance of each component.
3. The quality of the cartridge / needle.as well as the main module, will have a great impact on the quality of your vinyl music playback. At any time, on good turntables, you will be able to swap out these components and customize the sound signature.
4. vinyl records, like the cartridge “needle”, are components subject to wear and degradation. It is important to calibrate the turntable well before use for best results and you should periodically change cartridges.
5. Store your vinyl records vertically, under penalty of deformation when remaining horizontal for long periods. Also, invest in a cleaning kit and, before each play, try to remove dust and static electricity.
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