Best Turntable

Buying the best turntable can be a difficult task with all the alternatives that exist in the market. With the 4 best turntables.
If you are a newbie, this guide will help you learn all the essential concepts of turntables (parts, terminology, configuration, and set-up) and the world of vinyl in general. However, In no time, you will become an expert.
I also warn you that if you expect to find the typical turntables with old aesthetics that are so fashionable here, you will not do it.

1.Lenco L-3808

best turntable

 

  • Dimensions: 450 x 350 x 139 mm
  • Weight: 5.36 kg
  • Operation: direct drive
  • Speed: 33/45 rpm, manual
  • Voltage: 220 to 240 V
  • Capsule: Audio Technica AT-3600
  • Jitter and tremolo: <0.15% Frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz Integrated phono preamplifier: Yes Signal
  • / noise level: > 55 dB
  • USB port: Yes

I like it

  • Easy to use
  • Precise
  • Manufacturing quality
  • Sounds good
  • It’s a gift for what it costs

I do not like

When it starts, it takes a little while to adjust the speed:

  1. I wasn’t expecting anything from this Lenco L-3808. It had all the ballots to be a turntable of the lot, of the heap of bad guys cheap and direct drive, a brand that does not go through its best moment, Chinese manufacture, a very typical design.
  2. Well, the reality is that I could not be more wrong because it is a gem for the price it has. Even made of plastic, this is of quality and does not feel like a Chinese trinket.
  3. It is very stable and has a motor that rivals much more expensive turntables high torque and low vibrations. Incredible in this price range! As an extra, bring a dust cover, something that is always appreciated.
  4. Plus, it includes a pretty decent cartridge: an AT-3600 with a tapered needle.
  5. Surprisingly, Lenco tells us to adjust the tracking force to a slight 2g. To give you an idea, Dual uses this same capsule on some of its turntables.
  6. Such as the MTR-75, and indicates a set of about 3.25g. It gives us a hint: the arm of the Lenco L-3808 is very good.
  7. Even so, I think it is a turntable from which you can get a little more “chicha” and change the capsule for a better one. For example, an Ortofon 2m Red would improve the sound a lot.
  8. I understand that changing the capsule is a significant outlay. Don’t worry. The standard turntable sounds like a vice for the price.
  9. It offers a full and quite detailed sound, delightful. Although you already know that your speakers, amplifier, and the rest of the equipment will play a fundamental role in the final result.

2.AT-LP120XUSB

best turntable

  • Dimensions: 450 x 352 x 157 mm
  • Weight: 10.7 kg
  • Operation: Direct drive
  • Speed: 33/45 rpm, manual
  • Voltage: 115/230 VAC
  • Capsule: ATN95E
  • Fluctuation and tremolo: <0.2% Frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz Integrated phono preamplifier: Yes
  • Signal / noise level: > 50 dB
  • USB port: Yes, USB 1.1

I like it

  • Speed and pitch control (perfect for DJs)
  • 33 and 45 rpm with the included capsule
  • Compatible with 78 rpm by changing the capsule

I do not like

Manufacturing material. Non-removable cables:

  1. The Audio-Technica LP120 has always been the turntable that I have recommended the most for beginners. It had it all: a good motor with excellent torque, special DJ features, it was well built, a right arm, a pretty good cartridge.
  2. Not long ago, Audio Technica decided to retire the AT-LP120 and replace it with the AT-LP120XUSB. In general, as we will see now, it is an improvement, so I continue to recommend it to everyone.
  3. Among the most significant changes are:
  4. An improved phono preamp.
  5. Improved arm and structure to reduce vibrations.
  6. The torque is lower (sorry DJs!).
  7. It is lighter and more compact.
  8. Removed reverse playback function (this was also DJ oriented)
  9. The capsule has also been updated, from the AT-VM95 to the new AT-VM95E.
  10. It is cheaper and, therefore, much more competitive

3.Audio-Technica AT-LP3

best turntable

  • Dimensions: 434 x 128 x 353 mm
  • Weight: 5.2 kg
  • Operation: belt drive (belt)
  • Speed: 33/45 rpm, automatic
  • Voltage: 220 to 240 V
  • Capsule: ATN91R
  • Fluctuation and tremolo: <0.2% Frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz Integrated phono preamplifier: Yes Signal
  • / noise level: > 60 dB
  • USB port: No

I like it

  • Easy to use
  • Automatic operation
  • There is an excellent quality-price relation
  • Integrated phono preamp
  • Nice sound

I do not like

The arm does not have safety support. Although it has an option for MC capsules, the turntable does not measure up:

  1. The Audio Technica AT-LP3 is another cheap alternative to the previous two, with a belt drive and not direct drive (direct drive).
  2. The design and structure are the same as the Dual MTR-75 and many other cheap turntables made in China.
  3. Of course, Audio Technica has done an excellent job in the structure’s damping and stability, much better than other manufacturers. Also, it works fully automatically, which is a convenience.
  4. Audio Technica’s AT91R capsule includes, which adjusts to 2g, which is pretty little, suitable for not damaging your records. Indeed, it is not the best capsule of the brand, and it has a conical tip that is usually worse than ellipticals, but it is passable, and you can always change it.
  5. I prefer the Lenco L-3808 or the Audio-Technica LP120XUSB, but if for some reason you prefer belt turntables, you love that it is automatic or you have just found it in a great offer, I will not tell you that you have chosen evil. It’s an excellent cheap turntable.

4.Audio-Technica AT-LP5X

best turntable

  • Dimensions: 450 x 352 x 157 mm
  • Weight: 7.3 kg
  • Operation: Direct drive
  • Speed: 33/45 rpm and 78 rpm (with adapter), manual
  • Voltage: 220 – 240 V
  • Capsule: AT-VM95E
  • Fluctuation and tremolo: <0.2% Frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz Integrated phono preamplifier: Yes
  • Signal / noise level: > 50 dB
  • USB port: Yes

I like it

  • Bombproof built
  • Very easy to assemble and use
  • Includes a phono preamp valid for MM and MC capsules
  • Bring a good tablet as standard

I do not like

It is in a price range where the competition is very tough:

  1. The Audio Technica LP5X is the updated version of the AT-LP5, a natural winner. To this day, I believe that few turntables offer so much for so little.
  2. Audio Technica has been very conservative with the changes. Nothing more than the capsule has been updating to an AT-VM95E, and support has been adding to play 78 rpm discs. For this, you will have to purchase a unique pill, such as the AT-VM95SP.
  3. It is a metallic and bulky record player, more than 7kg, let’s go rock. However, it has an arm that works fine, no jumps and jerks, the bearings it mounts must be fantastic. It is also beautiful, sober, and straightforward.
  4. Its installation has no mystery, and before you know it, you will have it working.

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