9 Best Turntables Under $1000 for 2020

Music is peace. Music is soothing. It is more soothing to ears when it is played in the right record player. Some of us live for vintage stuff, and vinyl is not only aesthetic but also vintage. We love to play old vinyl records reminiscing the memories. Therefore, we have listed the best turntable under 1000 dollars in 2020, where you can play your best vinyl and relax.

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Best Turntable Under 1000 dollars in 2020

1. Rega Planar 2

First, in the list of best turntable under 1000 dollars, we found Rega Planar 2. It has an extraordinary build quality. If you are looking for a turntable that is perfect for playing your records, nothing is better than Rega Planar 2. This turntable has great longevity and clarity. The record plays smoothly in this turntable. 

Build and Design

The Rega Planar 2 has a beautiful build. It has an acrylic-laminated plinth. The power switch is underneath the plinth. The turntable sports a modish black glossy finish. The lid hinges are dust cover and consist of plastic molding and a drive belt. The new Rega Planar 2 is hardly distinguishable from the original Rega Planar 2. It has an underrated design and a solid build. Therefore, it surely has a mark of the Rega brand at this price range. This is one of the best turntable under 1000.

Features

It has a new “Optiwhite” design. Rega Planar 2 has a new central design bearing and an upgraded platter. To make the deck sturdier and more stable, it has designed and added new feet. It also includes a 24v low-noise motor.

The turntable has the RB220 tonearm. The tonearm has an automated bias setting, a rigid bearing house, and a new extremely low friction ball bearing. Hence, this makes it a virtual plug and play turntable.

This turntable does not have a built-in phono-stage. Therefore, you will need to plug in an amplifier. It has a no-nonsense set-up and needs minimal effort to ensure the speed change and set the weight to stabilize the tonearm. Moreover, the speed change of Rega Planar 2 is manual.

Sound

The Rega Planar 2 has a sonic stamp and a punchy bassline. It has a natural musicality. The turntable is accurate at tying the musical strands and then paint them on the canvas precisely. The soundstage of the turntable is great. Hence, it gives you an overall musical experience.

Price

The Rega Planar 2 is priced at $675. And, it is surely the best turntable under 1000 dollars at this price range. 

Pros

• Firstly, it has a pre-installed MM Cartridge offering you great sound quality.
• Secondly, automatic cooling function with a 24-volt low noise motor.
• Thirdly, the glossy laminated plinth gives sturdiness to the turntable.
• Lastly, the feet reduce resonance and buzz.

Cons

• The dust cover looks a bit cheap.

2. Audio-Technica AT-LP5x

The original AT-LP5 was absolutely a winner. With its fine design, solid engineering, great features, and sound, it was a highly recommended turntable. But, with time, Audio-Technica has refined the old AT-LP5 and released the new AT-LP5x.

Build and Design

In this refined and new AT-LP5x, you will find a new cartridge- AT-VM95E. Audio Technica has also upgraded the speed and added 78rpm speed. It also included the usual 45 and 33.3rpm.

The new cartridge features a lower and a rigid resonance. Hence, it results in a better and extended high-frequency response. The frequency response is controlled. Captive nuts are used in the housing, making the cartridge easier to fit. 

The built-in phono stage can cope with the moving coil cartridges as well as the magnetic cartridges. You can change between the cartridges with the switch on the back.

The power supply of the turntable is to the main plug, unlike the original AT-LP5x. The sensitive deck structure is saved from mechanical and electrical noises. Hence, providing sonic benefits.

Features

The quartz-locked DC motor on the deck is quiet, and the speed is quick because of the spinning of the aluminum platter. The arm bearings are smooth. And, the speed selector is crisp.

If you wish to swap the cartridges, then the headshell makes the swapping smooth. It is lucid to improve the sound because of the six stylus options. You can digitize your record with the USB output. The sonic ability is great as well. 

Sound

The new AT-LP5x is a classic leader when it comes to sound. It almost mirrors its predecessor. The sound is clean and superior.

The deck doesn’t compromise or struggle even when complex music is played. It is always smooth and refined. You can locate specific instruments as the imaging is precise and layered. 

Price

Audio-Technica AT-LP5x costs $430. It offers much more than its pricing and hence is a must-buy for the budding vinyl enthusiast.

Pros

• AT-LP5x has a robust and composed presentation.
• It is very easy to set-up and uses.
• Highly impressive phono-stage.

Cons

• As per its features, it has mighty rivals to compete with.

3. Sony PS-HX500

Sony PS-HX500 is the best turntable under 1000 concerning the top-notch high-resolution audio quality. The performance of this turntable is king, and it does not compromise at all. The turntable easily hooks up with your computer or laptop’s USB. Then, via Windows-friendly software or Sony’s Mac, records a vinyl. You can record the vinyl as a DSD or WAV. Moreover, the turntable is well-known for ripping vinyl to excellent audio quality.

Build and Design:

The design of the turntable is simple and plain, unlike the colorful Sony’s walkman. The angle-cornered, straight-edged black rectangular plinth is understated. On the left side bottom of the plinth, you will get the dial tuck. With that, you can change the speed from 33.3rpm to 45rpm. The low-sitting is simply aesthetic.

You can raise the height with the four feet fixed to the plinth. Assembling the Sony turntable is super-easy and hassle-free. The tonearm has an integrated headshell. Hence, this limits the rotational movement as it locates the stylus at the center. Therefore, it produces a stable and precise trace.

Features

Sony PS-HX500 is a record-ripping turntable. It can rip the records from your vinyl and record them digitally so that you can carry it around. Sony claims it to be a “hi-res” turntable, and we totally agree with it. 

The process of recording is quite simple. All you have to do is select your desired format and then hit “record.” Consequently, after the recording is completed, hit “stop,” and you are all set.

Those who are looking for a typical turntable, Sony PS-HX500, will not disappoint you. It is just like the typical turntable with just contemporary features. 

Sound

There’s no doubt that this turntable produces great sound. The texture is neat, and the sound is clear. It has a rhythmic as well as a dynamic pattern and produces music purely refined. The turntable has a slight inclination towards the light tonal and has a bit issue with the sanguine tunes. It has spacious and big soundstage.

Price

Sony PS-HX500 costs $499 and is an absolute must buy with the sound quality it offers.

Pros

• Firstly, the turntable has a simple setup.
• Secondly, it rips vinyl to high-resolution audio in DSD and WAV files.
• Lastly, it has a transparent and lively sound.

Cons

• People looking for a stylish turntable may be disappointed with the simple design.

4. Rega Planar 1

Another one from the Rega brand. Rega has built its name over the years with its outstanding gadgets and service. The Rega Planar 1 delivers detailed and dynamic sound. 

Build and Design

The plinth is gloss-laminated. The on/off switch is located at the beneath front left corner. The turntable is rigid and has a simple design. It is available in black and white colors. The design is ergonomic and has sharp lines. Therefore, its design has a high chance of impressing you.

For improved speed stability, the turntable has an increased flywheel effect and a higher mass.

Features

The carbon cartridge standard fitting. The turntable features a 24 volts AC motor. The motor has an aluminum pulley. Rega promises that Rega Planar 1 offers low noise. But, better speed stability.

The speed is changeable from 33.3rmp to 45rmp. Unfortunately, it does not have a phone preamp. It has a phenolic resin platter that makes the turntable sound excellent. Moreover, it is very easy to set up, and even amateurs can easily set up.

Sound

Now, let’s talk about the excellent sound of the Rega Planar 1. The turntable separates every part of music into a thread and makes it distinguishable. You can hear the guitars as well as the vocal clearly. 

Rega Planar 1 is accurate at separating the threads and making them clear even during group vocal. It also beautifully knits together the whole music. The combination of solidity and energy is also well-displayed by the turntable in music.  You will be able to hear the textures of the instruments clearly. That’s how good the sound quality of Rega Planar 1 is. The carbon cartridge is equally a great match for the turntable.

Price

The Rega Planar 1 comes at $595. You must go for it if you want the sound to be refined and excellent.

Pros

• Firstly, the turntable can be easily set up by amateurs.
• Secondly, it has outstanding sound quality.
• And, lastly, Rega Planar 1 is expressive and rhythmic.

Cons

• It does not have an in-built phono preamp. 

5. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

This turntable has been rated as the best Hi-Fi level turntable at entry-level. It has fantastic sound at an affordable rate. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is a real shot at a bargain and worth the deal.

Build and Design

This is one turntable that can offer colors according to your mood. It offers a myriad of colors- yellow, black, green, gray, blue, purple, red, and white. The rubberized feet that support the turntable protects it from vibration.

It has a belt drive motor. The design ensures that the motor’s vibration doesn’t pass on to the needle, platter, or your record. The platter is made up of metal and is heavy. Hence, it protects the turntable from vibration and noise. It also features an acrylic dust cover.

Features

The set up of the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is very lucid. Its defining feature is the carbon fiber tonearm. The turntable fights resonance with its sturdy and carbon fiber and damping abilities. You will be able to switch from 33.3rpm to 45rpm with a little effort. It has no in-built phono-preamp or USB. But, the turntable has a beautiful cable to which you can connect your phono preamp. 

Sound

When you are spending a large amount behind a record player, it must sound great. And, Carbon Debut sounds spectacular. The turntable does an admirable job of neutralizing footsteps. The Ortofon 2M Red does a considerable job of pulling threads or details out of records. The tracks are dynamic and sound great. The turntable also sounds lively and smooth. 

Price

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon costs $400 and is the best turntable under 1000 concerning glamorous design and spectacular sound. 

Pros

• Firstly, the turntable is quite easy to set up.
• Secondly, it has a gorgeous design.
• Thirdly, the turntable gives you full sound with the dynamic range.
• Lastly, it is very well damped against vibration.

Cons

• It requires a phono preamp.

6. Fluance RT81

This is an excellent turntable for amateurs and newbies. There is no need for an external phono preamp as it has one in-built. And, if you want to use an external phono preamp, you can easily turn it off. It’s that easy.

Build and Design

The design and build of the Fluance RT81 are absolutely understated and classic. The turntable has a retro look because of the walnut. The plinth is MDF with a glossy finish. 

The tonearm is plastic. But, the finish isn’t smooth as expected in high-end models. The platter, on the other hand, is aluminum, topped with a mat of rubber. 

Features

You have a metal knob with this turntable where you easily switch from 33.3rpm to 45rpm. Hence, this makes playing records lucid. It is easy to plug and play in Fluance RT81 with the in-built preamp. When the turntable is on, it makes playing the record easier. Also, the platter will automatically stop once the record is over.

You have the option to use an external phono preamp instead of the built-in preamp. This can be done with the switch that toggles the existing preamp in the turntable.

Sound

The plastic tonearm does a great job of tracking records. Therefore, the sound quality of the Fluance RT81 is great. The built-in preamp sounds neat and good. It has great isolation from vibrations and footballs. The turntable is good at canceling at vibrations. 

Price

This absolutely amazing turntable costs $350. Hence, this makes it to the list of best turntable under 1000.

Pros

• It has an easy setup as well as great features.
• The sound is great and neat.
• It is an excellent value for money.

Cons

• It somewhat lacks the detailing of high-end turntables.

7. Sony PS-LX310BT

If you are a newbie into the world of records and vinyl and want a fuss-free entry, this is the best turntable under 1000 dollars for you. The setup is as easy as pie. The Bluetooth connectivity and built-in phone preamp are like the cherry on the top.

Build and Design

Sony PS-LX310BT is a light-weight and no-nonsense model. It features a black finish. The build is absolutely perfect for the price it comes. It has a user-friendly design and builds. You do not have fret anymore about the technicalities of a turntable when you have Sony PS-LX310BT. The tonearm is simple. Therefore, you do not need to work on that. The tonearm is automatic and does not need to lift manually.

Features

This model has the easiest set up of all the models. You just have to set the belt to drive the platter. And, that’s it. You do not have to settle or set up anything else. When you have set the belt around the pulley and set the platter on the bearing, you have to press “Start.”

You can pair the turntable up to 8 Bluetooth devices, and it also has an in-built phono preamp. This turntable is a great example of just “plug and play.” You can walk away for 15 meters and still listen to music from the turntable. But, there is only a small score of upgrading the cartridge later because of the delicate stylus design.

Sound

The turntable sounds great. The bass is clear, crisp, and tight. The rhythm flourishes very well. Each music strand is methodically handled. The dynamic is great as well; it echoes the emotions. Hence, it gives you an overall sound experience.

Price

The price of Sony PS-LX310BT is $198, and it is the best turntable with decent and nice quality at a very affordable rate.

Pros

• It surely has an entertaining sound quality.
• Comes with Bluetooth connectivity.
• Lucid to set up and use.

Cons

• The stylus can be a bit sturdy.

8. Denon DP-300F

Denon DP-300F is a fully automatic turntable and is gorgeous. It is a great turntable for beginners. It looks not only great but also sounds great. The build quality is decent and is a must checkout turntable at this price range.

Build and Design

Denon DP-300F is an all-black aesthetic looking turntable. The plinth is relatively damped and picks up vibrations. The plastic tonearm is a simple design and has a replaceable hardshell. Hence, this makes cartridge swapping super-easy.

Features

When it comes to features, the turntable is impressive. You can switch between the speeds with a button beside tonearm. There are buttons to switch from 7” and 12” records. This can also be done manually with the tonearm lever. It has an in-built preamp and a belt drive motor.

Sound

Denon DP-500F is an outstanding confident-sounding turntable. Even when brutally challenging music is played, it keeps its composure and sonic stable. It smoothly separates every stride. Therefore, it makes the music sound great and stable. It does not mess up the sound. The vocals are warm and intricately detailed. The stereo imaging is impressive as well. Bring anything, and DP-500F will make everything sound soothing for you.

Price

Denon DP-500F costs $329 and is super affordable and a must-buy for every newbie record collecting lover.

Pros

• Firstly, it is fully automatic. No manual work is needed.
• Secondly, great sound compared to the price.
• Lastly, it has an in-built phono preamp.

Cons

• It is made entirely of plastic, and the buttons feel cheap.

9. U-Turn Orbit Plus

The last turntable to feature is the U-Turn Orbit Plus. This turntable is worth the competition and money. It is well-constructed. Also, it features bright colors and acrylic platters.

Build and Design

The heavy acrylic platter reduces vibration and is the most favorite part. The motor is completely separate from the platter and has a belt drive. The tonearm is metal. Hence, it is well-constructed and quite stiff. The turntable features bright colors and may not suit everyone.

Features

It is a fully manual turntable. It has great vibration resistance. The turntable is fully manual and hence is somewhat not user-friendly. It does not have a cueing lever. Therefore, you have to move the tonearm to the right position and place it gently on the record. This isn’t difficult, but it could be a bit tough for a newbie. It has no in-built phono preamp as well. 

Sound

The overall clarity of the sound is at par. The dynamic is compressed compared to other models. But, it is wide enough to give space and emotional resonance to loud notes. Overall, the soundstage of the U-turn is great. It is vibration resistance and therefore produces an impressive sound. This is one of the best picks. Therefore, we can put it on the list of best turntable under 1000 dollars. 

Price

This model is priced at $380. Therefore, it is a must-have for all who love colors with an impressive sound.

Pros

• Firstly, it has high-quality construction.
• Secondly, U-turn has good sound quality.
• Lastly, it has great vibration resistance.

Cons

• It is completely manual.

Buying Guide for Turntable under $1000

When you are in the world of vinyl, you want everything perfect. And, being perfect starts from a perfect turntable. Hence, your turntable must top-notch and prime that will soothe you in the coming days. At the same time, some things must be considered while buying a turntable. Read below to find the best turntable under 1000 dollars. 

1. Budget

You must obviously decide the budget first. While there are turntables of $3k, there are also turntables that cost $99. You must choose wisely according to the features it has. The low-end budget turntables won’t have an in-built phono preamp. You won’t want something to rip up your records into shreds.

2. Features

The features of a turntable define itself. From an in-built phono preamp to a USB input, these aspects define how well the preamp is. Also, whether the speed is manual or automatic, or the preamp has Bluetooth connectivity, or it has direct-drive or belt-drive turntables, must be considered.

3. Cartridge

The cartridge is a hidden salient aspect of a turntable. It is the cartridge that tracks the groove. All good turntables have a fitted cartridge. The stylus is also an important part. It is because of the stylus that you get to hear varied frequencies and volumes. There are moving coil and moving magnet cartridges. Moving magnet cartridges are consistent, and manufacturers prefer it.

4. Setup

You do not want to have a hard time setting up a turntable. You want it to be easy and hassle-free. While some are super-easy to set, some are hard to set. Therefore, always read the guidelines and check on how to set up a particular turntable. Some turntables are plug and play and are great and lucid. While some still need manual help.

Concluding

I hope this article helped you to sort your choices for your turntable. So, choose the best turntable under 1000 dollars from the list. And, take out your favorite record, put it on the turntable, and groove to the music.