If you love music, this is a product that has the ability to change the way you listen and feel music forever. Once you enter the world of vinyl music listeners, there is no going back. If you do not know what they are, they are a piece of equipment with a flat, round surface that turns a record around while it is being played.
Important features of a Turntable
- Platter
The platter is the rotating plain surface on which vinyl discs are placed. It better for them to be heavy as it reduces the vibrations.
- Slipmat
A slip mat is a soft surface for resting the record and grip it while spinning. It also helps reduce vibrations.
- Tonearm
The tonearm is the arm that moves over the record to help contact the stylus with vinyl. It is designed to maintain a constant speed over the record.
- Anti-skate dial
It is found on the tonearm and its purpose is to reduce distortion prevent the cartridge from scratching the record surface.
- Strobe light
It is used to adjust the pitch. If you are new to this product it is recommended to buy one that has this feature already built in.
- Speed switch
Speed switch helps in changing the speeds at which your record is being played if your turntable has the feature of multiple speeds.
- Plinth
The base or plinth of the turntable is designed to reduce vibrations and provide solid support so it is better if it is heavy.
HOW TO CHOOSE A TURNTABLE?
The key to these features is to choose a product that gives you a good return. Well, the main point is to find a balance between cost, quality, and performance. Here are some things to check out and keep in mind before purchasing a vinyl recorder/turntable-
- Its belt turntable speeds are important. Check out which speed your existing records need to play with and compare it with the speeds the product has to offer. Usually, they have important three speeds included but not all.
- To check its cartridge and needle is very important. Cartridges are mainly of two types- MM and MC head. Normally people prefer MC heads because it produces a more soft and smooth sound. You should prefer one with a superior cartridge and a replaceable needle.
- Another most important aspect for a turntable to have is a good turntable base. Make sure it is resistant to vibrations and base. The heavier it is, the better is its quality.
- Its connecting features are also something that should be considered. Check out which all devices they can help you connect with, their Bluetooth strength, if they have an audio jack, or if they possess in-built speakers.
- Their weight is another important aspect. Powerful turntables which are called high-quality are supposed to have considerable weight. Well to check it out machines that weigh less than 5 kg aren’t such powerful machines. Heavier the main turntable part is, it can somewhat confirm its quality.
- Their design structure is also important. Check out if their look is (edgy, contemporary, metallic, retro wooden, or maybe even car-like) suitable for your room interior and if their size is enough for the place where you have decided to keep it.
- The last but most important is price. It is no secret that its audio quality is supposed to go up as the price increases, but some products cost less than what their product has to offer.
Top Turntables in Canada under 1000
1) Fluance RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
This amazing piece of equipment provides you with an opportunity to listen to your tracks at unparalleled quality. It has been carefully prepared to make sure the music is produced the way its creator intended it to.
Specifications:
Brand: Fluance
Connectivity technology: RCA
Material: Wood
Dimension: 34.93 x 41.91 x 13.97 cm
Weight: 7.6 kg
Features:
- It gives you the opportunity to listen to music played from the Ortofon nude elliptical 2M Blue cartridge.
- It has a high density and greater mass in acrylic which leads to increased inertia which further leads you to achieve a consistent speed and dampen unwanted vibrations.
- Acrylic also has an analogous resonant frequency for vinyl records to aid in the cancelation of undesirable reverberations resulting in a 3-dimensional soundstage with a richer midrange, improved bass definition, and better signal clarity.
- It is made up of a beautiful solid wood cabinet and adjustable resonance damping feet to prevent micro-vibrations.
Pros:
- It has a high-density acrylic platter.
- It allows you speed control for precise playback.
- It has perfect leveling feet.
Cons:
- The arm is not adjustable for heights and by that we mean it does not work well with cartridges of other brands.
2) Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable
The Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable is designed with a heavy-based construction that improves performance and lowers vibrations. It also has a newly designed tonearm with a removable headshell which makes cartridge replacement simpler.
Specifications:
Brand: Denon
Connectivity technology: wired
Material: Aluminum
Dimension: 38.1 x 43.43 x 12.19 cm
Weight: 5.49 kg
Features:
- This rigid die-cast aluminum comes with a standard mount headshell, MM Cartridge, and DC servo motor.
- This turntable has two rotation speeds – 33 1/3 or 45 rpm.
- This sleek and slim device is designed with a heavier base construction that helps decrease vibrations.
- This turntable also has an automatic startup feature that allows it to play automatically. you can also lift the tonearm gently at just the touch of a button.
Pros:
- It is easy to install and set up.
- It has a built-in phono equalizer.
- It has lower vibrations for smooth, gentle sounds.
Cons:
- Change the cartridge to improve the quality even further.
3) Crosley CR6232A-BR Nomad Portable Record USB Turntable
The Nomad USB Portable Turntable from Crosley has a vintage briefcase design that takes you on an amazing musical journey. This three-speed portable turntable has the feature of stereo speakers, auxiliary input, headphone jack, and RCA outputs.
Specifications:
Brand: Crosley
Connectivity technology: wired
Material: _
Dimension: 61 x 14 x 33 cm
Weight: 4.8 kg
Features:
- It is a belt-driven turntable with a diamond stylus needle to provide you with smooth and powerful music.
- This portable turntable is USB enabled to allow it to connect to windows equipped in personal computers and mac.
- This belt-driven turntable plays at three different speeds-33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records.
- This piece of equipment comes with a software suite for ripping and editing audio content.
Pros:
- It has full-range audio speakers.
- It provides you with multiple output options.
- The design is great for decorative purposes.
Cons:
- The sound does not do justice to its price.
4) DJ TECH SL1300MK6USB-ORA Direct Drive Turntable
The DJ TECH SL1300MK6USB-ORA Direct Drive Turntable is a visual treat that provides you with amazing sound. If you are a vinyl lover this is a product that is a must-buy!
Specifications:
Brand: DJTech
Connectivity technology: USB
Colour: orange
Dimension: 52.07 x 43.18 x 19.05 cm
Weight: 11.79 kg
Features:
- This turntable supports three different playback speeds: 33 1/ 3, 45, and 78 RPM playback speeds.
- This turntable has features that won’t let you down. It has a USB output option for the REC function.
- You would not have to worry about any mishaps with this one because it has anti-skating control for increased stereo balance.
- This product also has additional features. The DJTech direct drive turntable has an RCA phono/line output.
Pros:
- It has a good stereo balance.
- It has an RCA output.
- It comes with anti-skating control.
5) Rega Planar 1 turntable
The Rega Planar 1 turntable is one of the most successful products of the company modified to sound even better. Their engineers have added a custom-designed, high-quality, moving magnet phono stage based around the multi-award-winning 5 Star Fono Mini.
Specifications:
Brand: Rega
Connectivity technology: Auxiliary
Colour: black
Dimension: 37.41 x 44.7 x 11.71 cm
Weight: 4.2 Kilograms
Features:
- This vinyl turntable has the feature of a built-in phono stage that is a high specification pre-amplifier.
- The brand new RB110 tonearm is built with the new Rega-designed, bespoke, zero play bearings with ultra-low friction performance.
- This product has a 23mm, high mass, phenolic platter with an improved flywheel effect to contribute by giving improved speed stability.
- The Rega Planar 1 plus comes with a synchronous AC motor with a new motor PCB and aluminum pulley offering low noise and better speed stability.
Pros:
- It offers good connectivity.
- It does not require an external standalone phono stage.
- It has a stunning disc stage.
Cons:
- It has no USB interface.
6) Audio-Technica AT-LPW30TK Belt-Drive Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LPW30TK Belt-Drive Turntable is completely manual and is designed to give you optimal high-fidelity audio reproduction from vinyl. It is also equipped with a built-in selectable phono preamp and a detachable dual RCA output cable to enable direct connections with or without any dedicated phono input.
Specifications:
Brand: Audio Technica
Connectivity technology: wired
Material: MDF
Dimension: 40.64 x 35.56 x 20.32 cm
Weight: 3.9 kg
Features:
- This product has a straight adjustable tonearm with adjustable tracking force and an AT-HS4 universal ½”-mount headshell with an AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge.
- The AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge comes with a 0.6 mil conical stylus which is also replaceable with any VM95 Series replacement stylus.
- This product has an anti-resonance medium density fibreboard plinth with a teak simulated wood veneer.
- It also includes a dual RCA (male) to dual RCA (male) stereo cable, rubber mat, 45 rpm adapter, and removable hinged dust cover.
Pros:
- It is fully manual.
- It has adjustable dynamic anti-skate control.
- The sound it produces is clean and crisp.
7) Denon DP-450USB Semi-Automatic Analog Turntable
The Denon DP-450USB Semi-Automatic Analog Turntable is a hi-fi turntable with a USB port that helps you in digitalizing your vinyl collection in mp3 or WAV file formats. This product has firm yet solid features and construction which makes it a very desirable purchase.
Specifications:
Brand: Denon
Connectivity technology: wired
Material: vinyl
Dimension: 40.64 x 35.56 x 20.32 cm
Weight: 3.9 kg
Features:
- This state-of-art turntable supports 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, or 78 rpm which help in covering a large variety of speeds.
- It has a lot of features. It is equipped with a weighted belt-driven platter, MM & MC cartridge support, speed auto sensor for more accurate sound, one-touch recording via a USB-A output, MusiCut Software (PC) for editing ripped vinyl records, etc.
- It also has a horizontal tracking angled tonearm with auto lift and playback stop which helps in preserving the records without damaging them by reducing harmonic distortion and giving clear sound.
- It has a built-in phono equalizer that provides you with an open and enveloping sound stage that enlivens your vinyl collection while making it stay true to its core.
Pros:
- It has easy installation and setup.
- It has a unique curved tonearm design.
- It has a lot of impressive features.
Cons:
- For labeling it as semi-automatic the tonearm does not return on its own but the record does stop playing.
8) Pro-Ject – Essential III, analog record player
The Pro-Ject – Essential III has a very simple setup and has an included Phono RCA cable and it produces the sound as if blessing your ears. Essential III delivers lively, balanced, and highly involving sound that will delight every vinyl lover.
Specifications:
Brand: Pro-Ject
Connectivity technology: Wired
Material: Engineered Wood
Dimension: 33 x 43 x 11.2 cm
Weight: 5 kg
Features:
- It comes with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge that is pre-mounted which helps it give you a clean and crisp sound.
- It has a belt drive with a synchronous motor and silicone belt along with a diamond cut pulley for the effortless playing of the record.
- It also has an integrated DC-powered motor that control minimizes motor vibration and guarantees speed stability.
- It has a low tolerance platter that is bearing with stainless steel spindle and a chassis and platter made of resonance in-sensitive MDF.
Pros:
- It is easy to install.
- It has minimum motor vibrations.
- It has high-quality three-speed Bluetooth parts.
Cons:
- It can not be directly attached to external sources.
9) Reloop RP-7000-MK2 Direct Drive DJ Turntable
The Reloop RP-7000-MK2 Direct Drive DJ Turntable is a product that caters to all demands of professionals and music lovers both. It allows good precise control over its features and gives you a clean crisp sound. It is definitely a must buy.
Specifications:
Brand: Reloop
Connectivity technology: RCA, USB
Colour: Black
Dimension: 53.34 x 43.18 x 17.78 cm
Weight: 11.2 kg
Features:
- This turntable is very dependable and accurate. It has power-torque direct drive with precise motor control and stable rotation.
- This product has an extra-heavy body design with high-rigidity for excellent damping, isolation and sound.
- This direct drive turntable is made of very good quality. It has a height-adjustable tone arm base (vta) and anti-skating control.
- This product comes with multiple components included like turntable, slipmat, LED needle light, counterweight, phono RCA cable with grounding, USB cable, power cord, and operating instructions.
Pros:
- It has anti-skating control.
- It has precise motor controls.
- It has an amazing body design.
Cons:
- It kind of hums when connected to a pre-amp.
10) Fluance RT82 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
The Fluance RT82 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable allows you to experience unparalleled vinyl music playback. The beautiful and warm sound it produces makes you feel as if you are sitting in the center of the performance.
Specifications:
Brand: Fluance
Connectivity technology: RCA
Material: Wood
Dimension: 34.93 x 41.91 x 13.97 cm
Weight: 6.8 kg
Features:
- It has an isolated motor that prevents unwanted vibrations and noise while the speed control mechanism ensures a consistent platter velocity.
- It has a balanced s-shaped tonearm for accurate tracking of the record groove and no electronics for clean and detailed sound.
- It has the Ortofon OM 10 cartridge. The OM 10’s elliptical diamond’s facets smoothly trace the grooves of a record to provide precise and accurate playback.
- It has a mass-loaded multi-layered wood chassis that inhibits the transfer of unwanted resonance throughout the system.
Pros:
- It has spectacular signal clarity.
- It provides speed control for precision playback.
- It is made with a solid wood plinth.
Cons:
- It is not fully automatic.
11) Sony Electronics Inc, PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable
You can enjoy the high-fidelity vinyl with the help of a modern wireless turntable. It has the feature of connecting you to Bluetooth devices, it has simple controls, and has a high-quality build that provides a smooth listening experience with the help of modern technology.
Specifications:
Brand: Sony
Connectivity technology: wireless, Bluetooth
Material: Aluminum
Dimension: 36.83 x 43.18 x 10.92 cm
Weight: 3.58 kg
Features:
- It is very easy to operate. It allows you to easily enjoy your favorite tracks with a very simple process of using your start, stop, and return buttons.
- It works with two different speeds 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM and has a 45 RPM adapter that is stacked neatly in a slot beneath the deck.
- It has high-quality audio with a built-in switchable phono outlet preamp and three gain settings.
- This wonderful piece of equipment has a power requirement of AC100-240 V 50 / 60 Hz.
Pros:
- It is very simple and efficient.
- It is easy to assemble.
- Good sound quality for its price.
Cons:
- It has no built-in speakers.
12) Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) Turntable
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) Turntable has been launched with the hopes of introducing quality vinyl players back in the market. It has got a high-end polished finish which makes it a great addition to any room.
Specifications:
Brand: Pro-Ject
Connectivity technology: wired
Material: Aluminum
Dimension: 32 x 41.5 x 11.8 cm
Weight: 5.6 kg
Features:
- The debut carbon turntable is extremely easy to put together and install. There are no complicated instructions to follow.
- This product has an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge pre-mounted. It provides you with clean, top-quality sound.
- It also has a Precision belt drive with a synchronous motor for the better and quality playing of your vinyl discs.
- This product has a 6” carbon tonearm, Turntable dust cover, and felt mat included for quality work and keeping the turntable clean.
Pros:
- It is easy to install.
- It produces clean music.
- It is stylish and very well built.
Cons:
- It produces a faint hum even when the wires are connected.
CONCLUSION
With the list of top 12 record vinyl players, choosing one of them is still a daunting task. To help you even further in the process here are the top 3 vinyl records-
Fluance RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
Denon DP-450USB Semi-Automatic Analog Turntable
Reloop RP-7000-MK2 Direct Drive DJ Turntable
These three product options, provide great service which somewhat exceeds the quality as compared to their prices and the cons are also those which are doable. Do give these a try!