Our audio expert Chris Haslam looks into some of the best budget turntables and affordable hi-fis on the marketplace
How to choose the best budget turntable
The sharp rise in vinyl record sales has been nothing short of astonishing.
Many of us are discovering or rekindling our love for analogue and, while records are impractical and expensive, the tactile connection and warmth makes it a beautiful way to listen to music. And yes, you could blow the kids’ inheritance on equipment, but there are plenty of affordable turntables. When searching for the best budget turntables, you just need to know what to look for.
Before we delve into specifics, we need to discuss the trend for all-in-one suitcase turntables with speakers that you can find on the high street for as little as £60-£80. They’re cute, and if you don’t have a penny more to spend, they’ll serve a purpose. However, the sound quality is generally atrocious and the lack of weight adjustability and quality stylus could damage your records.
There are a couple of exceptions, including the Lenco LS-430 (£249, pictured top) which combines a good entry-level spec turntable with Audio Technica AT-3600 cartridge, four built-in speakers, pre-amp, pitch-control and Bluetooth. It’s loaded with features and doesn’t require a separate amplifier or speakers to get you listening. Among the very best budget turntables, in short.
Alternatively, the brilliant but budget-stretching Pro-Ject Juke Box E (£399) has an amplifier built-in and just needs speakers.
Great turntables for under £300
Assuming you do have an amplifier and speakers already, there are some wonderful sub-£300 turntables from established brands including Rega, Pro-Ject, Sony and Audio Technica. If you have a high-end hi-fi, I’d speak to your specialist dealer about suitable pairings, because sound quality should be your biggest priority.
In terms of features, to count among the best budget turntables, your turntable requires a few essentials. It needs a solid platter (acrylic is excellent) and plinth (most are made from MDF). It also has to be able to play the records you own, whether that’s 33 1/3, 45 or 78 rpm.
It’s important to be able to replace and upgrade the cartridge and stylus and adjust the counterweights for accurate set-up. Most importantly, it has to be able to connect to your amplifier.
Many turntables have a built-in phono stage (amplifier) that boosts the audio enough for a standard stereo amplifier to work with. You simply plug into your amplifier’s phono port or, with Bluetooth designs, stream directly to wireless speakers.
Do I need a separate phono stage with my turntable?
For some, such as the Rega Planar P1 and Pro-Ject T1, you will need to invest in a separate phono stage – the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo Preamplifier (currently £129 from £199) is superb. It’s an added cost, but value turntables sound better if they use a separate phono stage. Some let you turn off the built-in phono stage, allowing you to upgrade in the future.
How to set up your turntable
Setting up any turntable correctly will have a massive impact on sound quality. It needs to be placed on a solid, level surface away from vibrations such as speakers and footsteps. Spring-loaded or rubber feet can help reduce vibrations. However, some is inevitable at this level, especially if there’s rambunctious dancing.
Adjusting the weight and tracking of the tonearm is your final job. Happily, this is much easier than many imagine, with clear instructions from all the brands I’ve tested. Some even supply a tiny set of scales for added accuracy. Experiment with the weight of the needle, as even the slightest change can make significant improvements to the sound.
Best bargain turntables
Here is our selection of some of the best budget turntables currently on the market.
Rega Planar 1 // £299
A legendary turntable with countless awards, the manual, belt-driven Rega Planar 1 doesn’t have a phono stage, Bluetooth or any new-fangled extras, but it does sound exceptional. The pre-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge and RB110 tonearm also makes set-up a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your expanding vinyl collection.
Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT // £199
Possibly the cheapest turntable I’m prepared to play my records on, this two-speed (33 1/3, 45 rpm) fully automatic belt-drive player has a built-in switchable phono/pre-amplifier and replaceable (OK, upgradable) ATN3600L cartridge. The Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT even has Bluetooth for convenient wireless streaming to any portable speaker. One of the best budget turntables you'll find.
Fluance RT81+ // £262
With all the key boxes ticked – built-in phono preamp, solid MDF body, excellent entry-level AT-VM95E cartridge, auto-stop function, vibration-reducing feet and classic good looks – the Fluance RT81+ is a robust, stylish and reliable first turntable. They also have all-in-one deals, including active 90W bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth, for a very respectable £460. // fluance.com
