Whenever you hear something about turntables, the idea of something retro with exceptional sound surely comes to mind. And it is so, because retro never goes out of style, and if you want to enter the world of turntables, or renew the one you already have to enjoy music at home just as you know, this article will interest you because we are going to tell you the key points and the most recommended models of digital turntables today.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America , vinyl music sales records continue to be broken year after year. It is even more surprising that it is young people who buy this type of product the most. In 2020, the revenue from vinyl sales exceeded the turnover of the main streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music, while in 2021, the growth of sales soared even more, 108% in the first months.
Retro never dies
And of course, now the most famous turntable brands are launching some of the most impressive vinyl players and turntables that have ever existed because they see an important vein in that market niche. So retro never dies!
Since the first appeared in the 19th century, it has become a device that does not weigh the years. Today, in the midst of the digital revolution, the turntable is still a highly appreciated piece for any music lover. If you are one of those who wants to introduce yourself or buy a good device, this article will interest you, we will tell you the key points and the most recommended models of digital turntables today.
Keys when buying a digital turntable
- Design . Special attention must be paid to the ergonomics of the reading arm , to the design of the device, and also to its weight and height, as well as to the materials from which it is made. The latter are the ones that most influence sound quality, as they try to achieve good stability and prevent both resonances and vibrations. Do not get carried away only by the first appearance, and look at its more technical details when looking for it. There are many brands that give it a nice retro touch, but after that its construction leaves a lot to be desired. So be very careful with the design, which can captivate us, but be a real blunder.
- Main components. Knowing well the main components of digital turntables before going out to buy one is very important. Especially if you are seriously thinking of spending a couple of hundred euros.
- Plinth: it is the base , and performs the relevant function of providing stability, especially when the vinyl record is spinning. It must be in as good condition as reasonably possible over time.
- Plate – This is another key component and is the area where the vinyl will stay. Heavier chainrings are of higher quality than lighter ones because they have greater stability and less vibration. The printing plate rotates through two transmission methods: through a belt or a direct drive system.
- Arm: it is the cartridge and needle system, it must be in perfect working order and should move easily and effortlessly, either manually or automatically.
- connectivity. Most digital turntables use RCA cables to connect the speakers. With the jack, you can connect a smartphone or headphones. Some models have a USB port for converting your vinyl. You also have to keep in mind that it is worth nothing to spend a fortune on good digital turntables and then install cheap speakers. You have to find the balance as a whole and look for components according to what you are buying.
- Budget. In the market you will find turntables in almost every price range , from €20 or €30 to €10,000 or more. This is like cars. There are all kinds of turntables for sale. There is the one who for decoration wants something retro in his living room and then there is the lover of music and good sound. Therefore, if you are more of this second type of audience, it is best that you have carefully noted down all the points in this article, because it does not matter how much you want to spend, since, like most things in life, the quality of the player is going to be related to what you are willing to pay.
As a recommendation, you should focus on buying a digital turntable for less than €100 if what you want is to get started in this world, this way you can try it without making a large investment. In general, turntables in this low price range don’t have great sound quality, but at least you’ll get a taste of what it means to change vinyl.
For less than 100 euros
Victrola Suitcase Turntable
With Victrola briefcase design. A true classic renovated with all kinds of current features. Includes Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream songs from any Bluetooth-enabled device; a 3-speed turntable (33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM); one 3.5mm jack aux port and one RCA output port.
PRIXTON VC400 turntable
Enjoy your vinyl wherever and however you want thanks to this turntable with a vintage suitcase design that, for its price, is also one of the best sellers in the entire Amazon catalogue. But let’s go to the important thing: you will be able to digitize your vinyl, through the USB port or the TF slot of the turntable, converting them to WAV. Also, if you don’t have a disc you can listen to music from your device via bluetooth. Take advantage of all its possibilities, it has RCA output, USB port and headphone/line in input. Listen to your music loud and clear thanks to its two 3W speakers each.
Digitnow turntable
We continue with the base of this list, with somewhat cheaper turntables . We can buy this one in particular for less than 50 euros, and it has all kinds of facilities: it has a speed selector with the 3 standard speeds (33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM), to play any vinyl, a point in favor already that has built-in speakers and also comes with software to connect it to your computer.
Voksun turntable
We return to that classic style, shaped like a suitcase . This one in particular has 3 rotation speeds at 33, 45 and 78 in formats of 7, 10 and 12 inches. In addition, you can convert your vinyl into MP3, and it also has the new Bluetooth function. Also, you will not need to connect speakers because it has 2 built-in stereos. Retro and portable design at a good price.
ION Audio Max LP Turntable
Max LP is an all-in-one turntable that makes it easy to enjoy your records and convert them to digital music files on your computer. With Max LP, transferring your 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records to Mac or PC is easy: simply connect Max LP to your computer with the included USB cable and exclusive software. It is one of the best sellers in all of Amazon, so we have the reliability that the platform provides us to know that it is a safe purchase. It is also possible to connect the music via USB to PC/Mac. Very complete, safe purchase for this price on Amazon.
For more than 100 euros
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Turntable
This Crosley Cruiser Deluxe model, in an elegant and modern turquoise color but available in the market with different designs and prints, its shape is one hundred percent transportable thanks to the fact that it can be stored in a container case.
auna TT-Play Plus turntable
Another turntable that never goes out of style. It has two powerful stereo speakers and a bluetooth connection with other devices. vintage vinyl turntable. Its speed of rotation is 33 and 45 RPM, and it has LED lights to indicate the connection. It is the most complete we can find for this price. Oh, and of course, elegant.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120X Turntable
We raised the bar with this turntable. Professional analog stereo turntable equipped with a USB output for direct connection to your computer for transferring your albums to digital files; It features a DC servo controlled direct drive motor, along with adjustable dynamic anti-spin control and a phono preamp.
Auna Belle Epoque record player 1909
If you want to raise the level and you are a lover of vintage and retro , this is for you, look no further. It has a wooden casing and fabric covers that protect the speaker. As if it were the 1900s. The Belle Epoque 1908 sold by auna combines a retro design with modern, yet traditional functions: it plays vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, MP3s and tunes radios. In addition, its stereo speakers allow you to enjoy the best sound.
Sony PSHX500 turntable
Sony‘s highest quality turntable , with built-in phono equalizer amplifier, capable of original conversion from analog records to 5.6 MHz DSD just by connecting to your PC. Two-speed operates at 33-1/3 and 45 rpm so you can enjoy your LP albums and EP singles. This works by a belt transmission system.
The recommendation
Now, if after reading this article you have any doubts about which one to choose, we will help you: our recommendation, for value for money, would be the auna TT-Play Plus Turntable . With a very nice design for your living room or bedroom, you can enjoy all kinds of vinyl, built-in speakers and, today, one of the most important things, a Bluetooth connection in case you want to use it with your mobile. Oh, and at a cheap price!