items - The B&H Record Player Buyer's Guide
If we were to claim that listening to music on vinyl records is more popular than ever, it wouldn't be historically accurate. However, the sustained popularity of record players continues to impress us here at B&H. Many people are rediscovering their fondness for the sound and feel of vinyl records, and droves of new people are encountering it for the first time. Whether you're interested in purchasing your first record player, or if you're ready to upgrade from the one your uncle handed down to you in 1973, this guide is for you.
We've arranged the following record players in order of price, starting with the least expensive. If you're on a tight budget, obviously you should stick to the beginning of the list. However, investing a little bit more into your player will give you years and years and years of better-sounding music. Keep an eye out for players with the ability to play 33, 45, and 78 RPM records. This way all of those lost polka classics on 10" 78 RPM discs won't be lost to you. Some record players are not sold with needles. We've clearly labeled which players don't come with needles and which ones do. The players that don't have needles will have links to the needles you need to purchase in order to operate each player.
This guide uses a few icons to help simplify the details of each turntable. The following key explains what each icon means:
The disco ball icon means that the turntable features tools for DJ'ing.
The computer icon means that the record player has a digital output. This makes it really easy to transfer your vinyl records into a computer. B&H has created a complete step by step guide to help you with the process of transferring your vinyl records into a computer available for free at this link.
The crossed out record needle icon means that the record player does not come with a needle. Needles are also referred to as "cartridges".
The polka guy icon means that the record player can play 78 RPM vinyl.
The stereo receiver icon requires a bit more of an explanation. First let's make clear the difference between "line level" and "phono level." When "line level" is mentioned, imagine a faucet with the water running at full blast. The strong blast of water represents a louder audio signal. When "phono level" is mentioned, imagine a faucet with just a tiny trickle of water dripping out. The tiny trickle of water represents a weak audio signal. In the past, most record players only had weak "phono level" outputs, so most stereo receivers featured a dedicated "phono input" for the record player that would boost the signal up to the louder "line level" internally. When you see the stereo receiver icon, it means that the record player only has a "phono level" output, so you will need to use a stereo receiver with a dedicated "phono input," or a phono preamp.
A few notes about phono preamps
We just established that in the past record players traditionally only outputted a weak "phono level" signal. If you've ever played a record with the speakers turned off, you may recall that you can still faintly hear the music in the vinyl, just from the needle passing over the grooves in the record. Think of that tiny sound as "phono level." When that weak signal gets plugged into a dedicated "phono input" on a stereo system, a phono preamp is built into the circuitry of that input that boosts the signal up to "line level." The "line level" signal is then sent to the amplifier of the system, and the amplified signal is sent out to the speakers. Modern day stereo equipment will often not feature dedicated "phono inputs," that's why many of today's turntables have "line level" outputs. When a turntable features a "line level" output, that means that it has a built-in phono preamp.
Helpful hints for better sound!
One surefire way to greatly improve your sound is to upgrade the needle that comes with the turntable. While the included needles usually sound pretty decent, a more carefully designed needle cartridge will really open up the beauty of sound and detail that these turntables are capable of (re)producing. Also, if you have a turntable with a "line level" output, and you also happen to have a stereo that features a "phono level" input, you should audition it using both the "phono level" input on your stereo with the "phono level" output on your turntable, and then try the "line level" input on your stereo (such as CD, Tape, or AUX) while using the "line level" output on your turntable. It's likely that one method may sound better than the other. All phono preamps are not created equally, and sound quality will improve with a nicer preamp.
What am I paying for?
The quality of a preamp is one of the many factors that drive the price of turntables from $80 to over $1000. It's beneficial for a record player to be heavy. Additional mass helps to deter vibration. Vibration can cause a record to skip, and it can interfere with the tonal quality of the sound. Better quality turntables will usually have metallic and rubber components that add to the overall girth of the unit. The design of the tonearm and the care put into the circuitry all adds up to a higher sound quality. Like most electronic equipment, with turntables you get what you pay for.
Okay! Let's get to it!
Sony PS-LX250H Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable $79.95 B&H# SOPSLX250H
The PS-LX250H from Sony is a really inexpensive way to get into the world of vinyl. It features push-button operation, so you don't have to drop the needle manually onto the record. It comes with a dust cover and the ability to play 33 and 45 RPM vinyl. It also features a built-in phono preamp, which means you can plug it into a regular input on your stereo or home theatre (if your system doesn't feature a dedicated record player input, it's not an issue). As with most new record players, it requires a little bit of assembly, but it's easy to accomplish. The PS-LX250H comes with a needle.
Numark TT1600 MKII Belt-drive Turntable $99.95 B&H# NUTT1600MK2
The TT1600 MKII is an entry level manual-control turntable with some DJ-friendly functionality. The manual-control aspect means that it's up to you to put the needle on the record. It can play 33 and 45 RPM records, and the pitch can be sped up or slowed down by 10%. Some DJ's will also appreciate its multiple start and stop buttons. Belt-driven record players are not the best option for all DJ'ing styles, so it may be worth it to bump up to a model that features a direct-drive motor. The TT1600 comes with a needle, so it's ready to play straight out of the box. Dust cover not included.
Numark PT01 Portable Turntable $99.95 B&H# NUPT01
The PT01 is a battery-powered manual turntable that offers you the freedom and portability to listen to records anywhere you travel. Preview vinyl at the thrift store and take home only what you want. Featuring tone, gain, and pitch control with the ability to play 33, 45, and 78 RPM records, you'll have everything you need to play vinyl on-the-go. It has a line level output, so you can connect it to a stereo system that doesn't feature a dedicated phono input. It also features a built-in speaker so you don't need to plug it into anything. It comes complete with a needle, dust cover, carrying handle, and an AC power adapter. It's the same size as a 12" record, so you can file it away with your collection when not in use.
Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable $104.95 B&H# PIPL990
The strengths of the PL-990 from Pioneer are that it's easy to set up and operate. It features a line level output so you can just plug it into a regular input on your stereo system. Its platter is belt-driven and it features fully-automatic, push-button operation. This attractive-looking record player can play 33 and 45 RPM vinyl and comes with a dust cover. The built-in preamp cannot be bypassed, so if your stereo system has a dedicated "phono input," you should skip it and plug the PL-990 into a CD, Tape, or AUX input instead. Needle is included.
Vestax HANDY TRAX Portable Turntable with Speaker $129.00 B&H# VEHT
The Vestax Handy Trax is a portable battery-powered manual record player that's ready to travel. Featuring an integrated carrying handle and dust cover, it plays back 33, 45, and 78 RPM records with a dynamically-balanced tone arm that stays in the groove even on non-horizontal surfaces. It also includes an 1/8" line level input and a speaker, so with a short cable you can connect and listen to another device like a CD or MP3 player. Its line level output allows you to plug it into a system that doesn't feature a dedicated phono input. Needle and AC adapter are included.
Sony PS-LX350H Manual Stereo Turntable $149.95 B&H# SOPSLX350H
The Sony PS-LX350H is a manual-control turntable with some built-in DJ tools. The advantage of manual control is that there are fewer moving parts in the unit, so it's less likely to break. The belt-drive motor isn't optimal for DJs, but it does feature pitch control and a start/stop button. It plays 33 and 45 RPM vinyl and comes with a dust cover. The output is "phono level," so it requires a system with a dedicated phono input, or a phono preamp.
Numark TTUSB Belt-drive Turntable with USB Output $169.95 B&H# NUTTUSB
The TTUSB simplifies the process of transferring vinyl records into a computer. With a dedicated USB output and PC and Mac software included for audio recording and sweetening (you can remove pops and clicks), you'll have everything you need to properly digitize your record collection. It even has an 1/8" input so you can connect the outputs of a cassette player to it and capture cassettes to a computer as well. It's a manual turntable that plays 33 and 45 RPM vinyl, has a built-in preamp with line level output, and comes with the needle and necessary cables. Dust cover not included.
Numark TT1650 Direct-Drive Hi-Torque Turntable $169.95 B&H# NUTT1650
The TT1650 is a DJ-ready manual turntable with some pro features at an inexpensive price. It ships with a needle cartridge, so you can start spinning records right out of the box. Its s-shaped tonearm and ergonomic layout make it suitable for both club and battle style DJ'ing. With multiple start/stop buttons and a pitch fader that's adjustable from +/- 10%, you'll have the tools you need to keep the music flowing. This is not a belt-driven turntable. It features a powerful direct-drive motor. It plays 33 and 45 RPM vinyl, and it requires a system with a dedicated phono input, or a phono preamp. It comes with a slipmat and a stereo RCA/grounding cable. Dust cover not included.
Numark TT200 Professional Direct-Drive Manual Turntable $199.95 B&H# NUTT200
The physical design of the TT200 may closely resemble the other Numark turntables covered so far, but the differences are great. This is a heavier player with metallic components and a rubber base, making it more resistant to vibration. It's got a powerful high-torque direct-drive motor, perfect for DJ'ing. It features an instant reverse button, it can play 33, 45 and 78 RPM vinyl. It needs to be plugged into a system with a dedicated phono input, or a phono preamp. It comes with a slipmat and a stereo RCA/grounding cable. This model doesn't come with a needle cartridge or a dust cover. For needles click this link and look under the accessories tab in the lower portion of the screen.
Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Direct-Drive Turntable $252.50 B&H# AUATPL120
If you're shopping for a record player with an allotted budget of $100 to $200, and you're curious what $50 more gets you, then you've found the answer. The AT-PL120 is somewhat of a standout among the lower-priced turntables. It's got nice features like a dust cover and a built-in preamp so you can connect it to a stereo without a dedicated phono input. It can play 33, 45, and 78 RPM vinyl. It has a cue light (illuminates the area where the needle meets the record) and it comes with a needle. It's got a nice weight to it so it won't be sensitive to vibration nor prone to skipping. It features manual control, so you have to put the needle on the record yourself, but it will last much longer because of it. The design is very much like the ever popular Technics 1200, but the price tag is not. The AT-PL120 comes highly recommended.
Numark TT500 Direct-Drive Ultra Hi-Torque Turntable $299.95 B&H# NUTT500
Featuring the identical ultra-high torque direct-drive motor that's used in the more expensive TTXUSB, the TT500 offers top-quality manual operation for the DJ who doesn't require digital outputs. Numark's pro features are all here, including adjustable start and brake speeds, reverse, interchangeable s-shaped and straight tone arms, and a selectable pitch range of +/- 50%. Its dense rubberized base and powdered steel top ensure immunity to vibration. It plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM and reverse, and features a line level output. It comes with a slipmat and a stereo RCA cable. Dust cover not included. For a choice of needles for the TT500, click this link and look under the accessories tab in the lower portion of the screen.
Vestax BDT-2600 Belt-Drive Turntable $399.00 B&H# VEBDT2600
For those of you out there looking for an excellent-sounding and beautiful-looking record player for your home, the BDT-2600 was made for you. It comes complete with a dust cover and everything else you need, and it includes a high-quality built-in phono preamp, so you can plug it into a system that doesn't have a dedicated phono input. Its chassis has a good amount of weight to it, which makes it less likely to skip and improves the sound quality. It plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM records, and the internal preamp can be bypassed if you want to use a different preamp. The BDT-2600 comes in black or white.
Vestax PDX-2000 MKII Direct-Drive DJ Turntable $399.00 B&H# VEPDX2000MK2
The PDX-2000 MKII is the result of an exhaustive effort to provide DJ's with the most fine-tuned and responsive tools available. There are two pitch sliders, fine and ultra. Its speeds are a force to be reckoned with, with what is likely the quickest reverse play button in the industry. The tonearm incorporates a unique anti-skipping technology which really propelled this turntable's popularity in DJ'ing community. Its output is phono level, so you will need a system with a dedicated "phono input" or a phono preamp. It does not include a dust cover or a cartridge. For a choice of needles for the PDX-2000 MKII, click this link.
Numark TTXUSB Ultra High-Torque Turntable USB Output $399.95 B&H# NUTTX
The TTXUSB is a manual vinyl turntable with powerful high-tech capabilities. It features an adjustable ultra high-torque motor, as well as adjustable startup and brake times. It has a Key Lock feature, which allows you to change the tempo of the record without affecting pitch. It comes complete with a USB output and vinyl converting software that allows you to transfer your records to a computer easily. It plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM vinyl, its output is switchable between phono and line level, and it includes EZ Vinyl Converter software for digitizing records. It comes with a slipmat, cue light, and cables. Dust cover not included. For a choice of needles for the TTXUSB, click this link.
Technics SL-1200MK2 Professional Turntable $449.00 B&H# TESL1200MK2
Of all the record players in production today, the manual-control Technics SL-1200MK2 is the most well known of them all. A pillar of the dance music community since 1978, the SL-1200 has built a solid reputation for being an incredibly durable piece of equipment. Its heavy aluminum body and thick rubber base make it impervious to vibration. The platter itself is an integrated component of its direct-drive motor, increasing its resiliency and making speeds more accurate. It plays 33 and 45 RPM vinyl and the needle (cartridge) is not included. For a choice of needles for the SL-1200MK2, click this link. The output is phono level, so you will need a system with a dedicated "phono input" or a phono preamp. A plastic dustcover is included.
Vestax Guber CM-02 Belt-Drive Turntable $499.00 B&H# VECM02
The Vestax Guber CM-02 is built on the idea that you and your record player share a lot of time together. A record player often resides in the living room of your home, so it may as well be a beautiful-looking, and a beautiful-sounding machine. While its components are interesting to look at, their form has an intended function. The five weights on the underside of its clear acrylic platter ensure a balanced rotational spin for optimal speed and sound quality. It's got an internal preamp so you can plug it into a system without a dedicated phono input. For a choice of needles for the CM-02, click this link. It does not come with a dust cover.
Vestax PDX-3000 Straight Tonearm Turntable $599.00 B&H# VEPDX3000
With the PDX-3000, Vestax set out to build on the popularity of the PDX-2000 by creating a manual turntable with even more flexibility and control. This is the first turntable to feature a MIDI input, enabling you to connect a MIDI controller and control the pitch remotely. With the same anti-skipping technology and other unique features that made the PDX-2000 a standout, the 3000 also includes a variable torque control, and an improved fader for more fine-tuned pitch control. This model features a straight tonearm, preferred my many scratch DJs. For a choice of needles for the PDX-3000, click this link. It does not come with a dust cover.
Technics SL-1210M5G Professional Turntable $599.95 B&H# TESL1210M5G
The manual-control SL-1210M5G incorporates all of the classic characteristics that have made the 1200 the standard for DJ's worldwide, while adding a few more useful improvements to the original. The pitch is controlled digitally, insuring accuracy from deck to deck. The brake speed is adjustable, the cue lamps have been replaced with long life blue LED's, and the black brushed-steel body is easy on the eyes. The tonearm and cabling produce a higher quality of sound, and if you wear out the pitch fader, it's easy to replace. An easily removable hinge-free dust cover is included. For a choice of needles for the SL-1210M5G, click this link.
Vestax PDX-3000MIX S Tonearm Turntable $649.00 B&H# VEPDX3000MIX
The PDX-3000Mix has all of the features of the PDX-3000 described above, except that this model has an S-shaped tonearm, sometimes preferred by DJ's who mix more and scratch less. The tonearm is made from high-quality aluminum and delivers optimal sound quality. For a choice of needles for the PDX-3000Mix, click this link. It does not come with a dust cover.
Vestax Guber CM-01 Direct-Drive Turntable $699.00 B&H# VECM01
With a very similar design to the CM-02, behind the elegant appearance of the Guber CM-01 lies a powerful direct-drive motor, the same variety that Vestax installs on its high-performance professional DJ turntables. While its presence will fit nicely in your home, you can also use the CM-02 to mix DJ-style. You can speed up or slow down the pitch by 10% and start or stop the platter with the push of a button. It has a built-in, high-quality preamp and EQ and so you can plug it into any input on your stereo system. The CM-01 is available in black or white. For a choice of needles for the CM-01, click this link. It does not come with a dust cover.
Numark X2 Professional Turntable and MP3/CD Player $849.95 B&H# NUX2
The X2 has answered the call for an integrated DJ deck featuring both a professional vinyl turntable and a CD/MP3 player with looping and scratching capabilities. It features beat detection for CD, full MP3 support with scratching, looping, and pitch control, adjustable start and brake, storage for 3000 cue points, instant forward & reverse, and an anti-shock buffer for continuous playback. It has the ability to play vinyl and CD's at the same time, and you can scratch CD's and MP3's with the vinyl platter simultaneously. It comes with a slipmat, cue light, and cables. Dust cover not included. For a choice of needles for the X2, click this link and look under the accessories tab in the lower portion of the screen.
Vestax QFO-LE Turntable + Mixer Instrument $999.00 B&H# VEQFOLE
For those you out there that enjoy spinning records, but hate being trapped behind the DJ booth, the QFO-LE is for you. This turntable features locations for strap holders (not included) and a stabilized tonearm system that enables DJ's to strap on this turntable, get up from the booth and boogie down with the crowd. Yes, you read that correctly. A DJ mixer is integrated into the unit itself, a first in the industry. You can plug in a second turntable or a CDJ and mix all within the QFO-LE. The faders on each side control the level for the external input (CDJ, etc.) and the level of the QFO's turntable. It features a totally unique pitch controller that's right beside the platter. Records can be sped up or slowed down by 60%. Controls are placed on both sides of the unit to accommodate different DJ'ing and dancing styles. Keytar players of the world, beware. The QFO-LE is on the loose.
If you have any more questions about vinyl turntables, or if you need more information about recording vinyl into a computer/MP3 player, we encourage you to contact us on the phone, online, or in person at our SuperStore in New York City.
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