Buying the best turntable can be a difficult task with all the alternatives on the market.

If you are a newbie, this guide will help you learn all the essential concepts of turntables, including parts, terminology, configuration, and setup, as well as the world of vinyl in general. In no time, you will become familiar with the basics and be able to choose a turntable that suits your needs.

Vinyl records remain an important part of recorded-sound history, and the Library of Congress maintains a large recorded-sound collection covering formats including 78, 45 and 33⅓ rpm discs.

A turntable is often just one part of a home entertainment system. If you are also planning to upgrade your television, you can explore this guide to the best TVs for ideas on choosing the right screen for your setup.

I also warn you that you will not find the typical turntables with old-fashioned aesthetics that are so fashionable here.

This Article Belongs to Smart Devices

1. Lenco L-3808

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
  • Good manufacturing quality
  • Good sound
  • Excellent value for the price

I do not like

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

I wasn’t expecting much from this Lenco L-3808. It had all the characteristics of a turntable that could easily be overlooked: inexpensive, direct drive, a brand that has faced some challenges, and a very typical design.

The reality is that I could not have been more wrong because it is a gem for its price. Even though it uses plastic components, the build quality is good and it does not feel cheap.

It is very stable and has a motor that rivals much more expensive turntables, with high torque and low vibration.

As an extra, it comes with a dust cover, which is always appreciated.

It also includes a decent cartridge: an AT-3600 with a conical stylus.

Lenco recommends adjusting the tracking force to around 2g. Even so, I think this is a turntable from which you can get a little more performance by changing the cartridge for a better one. For example, an Ortofon 2M Red could improve the sound.

Of course, changing the cartridge represents an additional expense. The standard cartridge still provides a detailed and enjoyable sound for its price.

However, your speakers, amplifier and the rest of your audio equipment will play a fundamental role in the final result.

2. AT-LP120XUSB

Dimensions: 450 x 352 x 157 mm

Weight: 10.7 kg

Operation: Direct drive

Speed: 33/45 rpm, manual

Voltage: 115/230 VAC

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

  • Speed and pitch control
  • 33 and 45 rpm support
  • USB connectivity
  • Suitable for beginners

I do not like

  • Some of the manufacturing materials
  • Non-removable cables

The Audio-Technica LP120 has always been one of the turntables recommended for beginners. It had a good motor with excellent torque, useful DJ features, solid construction, a good tonearm and a capable cartridge.

Audio-Technica eventually replaced the AT-LP120 with the AT-LP120XUSB.

In general, it represents an improvement, so it remains a useful option for people getting started with vinyl. However, some DJ-oriented features were removed, making it more focused on home music listening.

Among the significant changes are:

  • An improved phono preamp.
  • An improved tonearm and structure to reduce vibrations.
  • Lower torque.
  • A lighter and more compact design.
  • Removal of the reverse playback function.
  • An updated AT-VM95E cartridge.
  • A more competitive price.

If you are building a modern connected home, you can also look at Google Home Mini features to understand how smart-home devices can complement other entertainment equipment.

3. Audio-Technica AT-LP3

Dimensions: 434 x 128 x 353 mm

Weight: 5.2 kg

Operation: Belt drive

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
  • Excellent quality-price relationship
  • Integrated phono preamp
  • Good sound

I do not like

  • The tonearm does not have safety support
  • Limited suitability for MC cartridges

The Audio-Technica AT-LP3 is another affordable alternative to the previous two, with belt drive rather than direct drive.

The design and structure are similar to many affordable turntables, but Audio-Technica has done an excellent job with damping and stability.

It also works fully automatically, which makes it convenient for beginners.

The AT91R cartridge is included and adjusts to around 2g, making it suitable for everyday record playback.

It is not the best cartridge in the Audio-Technica range and uses a conical stylus, but it is perfectly usable and can be upgraded later.

I prefer the Lenco L-3808 or Audio-Technica LP120XUSB, but if you prefer belt-drive turntables or want automatic operation, the AT-LP3 remains a solid affordable option.

4. Audio-Technica AT-LP5X

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

  • Solid construction
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Built-in phono preamp
  • Includes a good cartridge

I do not like

  • Strong competition in its price range

The Audio-Technica LP5X is the updated version of the AT-LP5. Few turntables offer as much functionality in this price range.

Audio-Technica has been conservative with the changes. The cartridge has been updated to an AT-VM95E, and support has been added for playing 78 rpm records with a suitable stylus.

Otherwise, the company has retained much of what worked well in the previous model.

It is a substantial metallic record player weighing more than 7kg. It has a well-designed tonearm that operates smoothly, while the overall construction gives it a solid feel.

Its installation is straightforward, so you can have it ready to play without much difficulty.

Building a Complete Home Entertainment Setup

A turntable can be the centrepiece of a traditional vinyl listening setup, but modern entertainment systems often combine several types of technology.

For better audio throughout your home, you can also explore these best premium smart speakers. Smart speakers can complement a dedicated turntable setup by providing another way to listen to music, podcasts and other audio content.

Likewise, combining good audio equipment with a quality television can create a more complete home entertainment experience.