Digital Turntables: How to Choose and the Best Models

Whenever you are told something about record players , the idea of something retro with an exceptional sound will surely come to mind.

Whenever you are told something about record players, the idea of something retro with an exceptional sound will surely come to mind. If you are one of those who wants to enter or buy a good device, this article will interest you, we are going to tell you the key points and the most recommended models of digital turntables today.

Digital Turntables

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, last year the income from the sale of vinyl exceeded the turnover of the main streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music.

Now the most famous turntable brands are releasing some of the most impressive vinyl players and record players ever.

Since the first appeared in the 19th century, it has become a device that does not weigh the years. Today, in the middle 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 enter or buy a good device, this article will interest you, we are going to tell you the key points and the most recommended models of digital turntables today.

Retro never dies

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According to the Recording Industry Association of America, last year the income from the sale of vinyl exceeded the turnover of the main streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music. This happens because more and more the premium becomes special, and that is what the turntable has become, it is a synonym for sound quality.

Now the most famous turntable brands are releasing some of the most impressive vinyl players and record players ever. And that’s despite the fact that vinyl records haven’t been the primary format of music for the past 40 to 50 years.

Keys when buying a turntable

Design

Special attention must be paid to the ergonomics of the reading arm , the design of the device, and also its weight and height . As well as 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 its construction it leaves much to be desired.

Main components

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Knowing the main components of a turntable well before going out to buy one is very important. Especially if you are seriously thinking about spending a couple hundred euros.

  • Socket: it is the base , and performs an important function of providing stability. Especially when the vinyl record is spinning. It must be in as good condition as is reasonably possible.
  • Plate – This is another key component and is the area where the vinyl will stay. Heavier plates are of higher quality than lighter 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 be moved easily and effortlessly, either manually or automatically

Rest of the equipment – connectivity

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Most turntables use RCA cables to connect the speakers. With the connector, you can connect a smartphone or headphones. Some models have a USB port to convert your vinyl. Also keep in mind that it is useless to spend a fortune on a good turntable 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. There are all kinds of turntables for sale. There is the one who wants something retro in his living room for decoration and then there is the lover of music and good sound. It doesn’t matter how much you want to spend. 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 be guided by buying a record player for less than € 100 if you want to start in this world, in 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 vinyls.

Best digital turntables

ION Audio Max LP turntable

Max LP is an all-in-one turntable that makes it easy to enjoy your records and converts 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 – just connect Max LP to your computer with the included USB cable and exclusive software

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Audio-Technica AT-LP120X turntable

Professional stereo turntable, usyanalogical, 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-skid control and a phono preamp.

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Dual DTJ 301.1 USB turntable

With this dual disc player, you can enjoy your old and new records in the usual quality and digitize them through the built-in USB port on the back of the device. The unit has a cast aluminum tray with antistatic felt, a magnetic pickup system and a separate needle illumination.

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Sony PSHX500 turntable

Genuine turntable with built-in phono equalizer amplifier, capable of original conversion from analog records to 5.6 MHz DSD just by connecting to PC. Two-speed runs at 33-1 / 3 and 45 rpm so you can enjoy your LP albums and EP singles.

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PRIXTON VC400 turntable

Enjoy your vinyl wherever you want thanks to this turntable with a vintage suitcase design. You will be able to digitize your vinyls, through the turntable’s USB port or TF slot, converting them to WAV. Also, if you don’t have a disk, 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.

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Audio-Technica AT-LP5 turntable

The Audio Technica AT-LP5 turntable is convincing proof that an affordable turntable can deliver the performance, design, and reliability expected of hi-fi models. Direct-drive with its precision chainring made of cast aluminum, equipped with the exclusive high-performance capsule and double moving magnet AT95EX mounted on a lightweight AT-HS10 head, shows that the LP5 has no compromises when it comes to materials and components.

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Sunstech PXR3 turntable

Wooden turntable with excellent finishes and encoding function, convert analog files into MP3 files without the need for a computer, so you can enjoy your favorite discs.

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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon SB Esprit turntable

The design of this Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB isn’t the only thing it shines with. The hardware also matches the elegance of this turntable. We have a beautiful 8.6 ″ carbon tonearm with Ortofon’s 2M magnetic cartridge. This setting will allow you to run 33 1/3 and 45 RPM registers.

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Victrola Suitcase record player

With Victrola briefcase design A true classic renewed with all kinds of current features. Includes Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly play 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.

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 patterns, its shape is one hundred percent transportable thanks to the fact that it can be stored in a container.

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