Finding Your First Turntable
Finding the right turntable doesn't require spending thousands. A solid turntable that will bring years of listening pleasure can cost under £300.
Budget: £100-200
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X (around £120) is where most people start. Fully automatic, built-in preamp, reliable performance. The Sony PS-LX310BT (around £180) adds Bluetooth.
Mid-Range: £200-400
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120X (around £270) offers direct drive, adjustable controls, and upgrade potential. The Rega Planar 1 (around £300) focuses purely on sound quality with British engineering.
Match your turntable to your speakers. Balance matters more than flagship models.
Complete turntable comparison Read Full Guide
Gear Referenced
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Audio-Technica
Fully automatic belt-drive turntable with built-in phono preamp. Perfect entry-level choice with rel...
View on Amazon UK →Sony
Sony PS-LX310BT
Sony
Belt-drive turntable with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless playback. Combines traditional vinyl e...
View on Amazon UK →Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-LP120X
Audio-Technica
Professional-grade direct-drive turntable with adjustable pitch control and removable headshell for ...
View on Amazon UK →Rega
Rega Planar 1
Rega
British-made audiophile turntable focusing purely on sound quality. Handmade tonearm from Essex, phe...
View on Amazon UK →Best Turntables Under £200
Under £200 gets you a turntable that sounds good and treats records well.
The AT-LP60X at £120 is the top budget pick. Automatic operation, decent sound, reliable. The Sony PS-LX310BT adds Bluetooth for £180.
Avoid suitcase players under £80 - they damage records with heavy tracking force.
Budget options compared Read Budget Guide
Gear Referenced
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Audio-Technica
Fully automatic belt-drive turntable with built-in phono preamp. Perfect entry-level choice with rel...
View on Amazon UK →Sony
Sony PS-LX310BT
Sony
Belt-drive turntable with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless playback. Combines traditional vinyl e...
View on Amazon UK →Turntable Setup Basics
Setting up properly makes the difference between good sound and frustration.
Place on a level, stable surface away from speakers. Balance the tonearm. Connect to the right input (phono or line-level depending on your preamp).
Most issues trace to improper setup, not equipment quality.
Step-by-step instructions Setup Guide
Gear Referenced
Edifier
Edifier R1280T
Edifier
Powered bookshelf speakers with built-in amplification. Classic wood finish, dual RCA inputs, and ro...
View on Amazon UK →Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject Phono Box E
Pro-Ject
Affordable MM phono preamp offering significant upgrade over built-in preamps. Clean sound, low dist...
View on Amazon UK →