The Beginner's Guide To Buying A Turntable
From sleek belt-drives to plug-and-play classics, this is where you need to start
In a world where your entire music library can fit into your back pocket, and where algorithms know your taste before you do, the return of vinyl is almost comically unlikely.
And yet, it’s happening — everywhere.
From basement record shops in Mumbai to chic living rooms in London, people are dusting off crates, dropping needles, and surrendering to music’s most analog form.
Maybe it’s part nostalgia, or rebellion. Either way, the vinyl is coming alive – and here’s what you need to know before you buy one.
Why the Turntable Matters
Now, here’s the thing. Choosing a turntable isn’t exactly the easiest task ever. You’re spending all this money, and there are all these complicated terms like “plinth” and “drag” being thrown at you – especially when all you wanted was to walk inside a record store pretending like you’re in a movie and walk out with sexy looking turntable.
So before you know it, you’re feeling stupid and looking at the sales staff and then slowly walking away and asking ChatGPT to give you a lowdown on what it is.
So here’s the thing.
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The romance of vinyl doesn’t end with the record — it’s also about the machine that makes it sing.
The turntable isn’t just a playback device; it’s the stage, the lighting, the acoustics, and the performance all rolled into one. Which is why choosing the right one matters.
So, How Do We Pick One?
One of the first decisions is whether you want belt-drive or direct-drive. Belt-drives use an elastic belt to separate the motor from the platter, keeping noise low and delivering a warm, smooth sound that’s perfect for home listening. They’re a little slow to start, but once they’re spinning, they’re steady. Direct-drives, on the other hand, have the motor built right into the platter. That means instant start-up, bulletproof durability, and the torque DJs need for scratching and mixing — though you might pick up a touch more motor noise.
Then there’s how hands-on you want to be. Manual turntables require you to lift and place the tonearm yourself, and to lift it again when the record ends. It’s deliberate, ceremonial, and strangely satisfying. Automatics do the whole thing for you with the push of a button, lowering and lifting the tonearm on their own. Somewhere in the middle are semi-automatics, where you cue the record yourself but the machine lifts the arm at the end.
Another small but important choice: whether to go for a turntable with a built-in phono stage (preamp) or not. Without one, you’ll need an external preamp to connect to most speakers. Built-in versions are perfect for plug-and-play ease, while external ones give you room to fine-tune your sound.
Finally, remember that setup matters as much as the machine. Even the most expensive turntable will sound average if it’s wobbling on a flimsy table or sitting next to your speakers. Put it somewhere stable, balance the tonearm, and you’re set.
A Lifelong Love or Just a Fling?
The question to ask yourself before buying is whether you’re committing for life or just flirting with the idea. If you know this is going to become a passion — the kind where you start alphabetising your collection and debating pressings on internet forums — then it’s worth stretching for something built to last, like a Technics SL-1200 or a Pro-Ject Debut. If you’re testing the waters, you can get excellent, affordable models like the Audio-Technica LP60 or Denon DP-29F that are simple to set up and easy to love. Either way, the right turntable should make you want to keep playing records late into the night, not just as background music but as the main event.
Anyway, I know you’re at the point where you’re just scrolling through the nonsense to get to the point: which one to buy?
So here they are, my top 5 recommendations for which turntable you should buy.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120X
If you want a turntable that’s built like a tank without costing the price of one, the AT-LP120X is your middle-ground hero. Inspired by the legendary Technics 1200, it offers direct drive reliability, three playback speeds (33⅓, 45, 78), and even the option to digitise your collection via USB and Audacity software. The built-in switchable preamp means you can plug straight into most systems, while the strobe monitor lets you fine-tune pitch with satisfying precision. This is definitely a durable all-rounder: sturdy, accessible, and utterly trustworthy. For many, this will be the turntable that sticks around for years.
Denon DP-300F
Not everyone wants to hover over a tonearm like a surgeon. The fully automatic DP-300F takes care of the heavy lifting: press a button, the arm lowers itself, plays, and gently returns at the end. That simplicity makes it ideal for first-time vinyl listeners, especially those wary of damaging their records or needles. It’s belt-driven for reduced motor noise, has switchable playback speeds, and even allows cartridge swaps if you want to upgrade down the line. While its stock cartridge is serviceable rather than spectacular, the DP-300F’s ease of use and understated design make it a beginner-friendly gem.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo
For many, this is where vinyl turns into a love affair. The Debut Carbon Evo takes Pro-Ject’s beloved formula and refines it: a carbon-fibre tonearm, upgraded motor suspension, damped adjustable feet, and a hefty steel platter lined with a thermoplastic ring for quiet operation. It comes pre-fitted with a quality Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, meaning it’s ready to sing out of the box. Its nine finishes — from satin blue to walnut — seal its status as the deck you’ll proudly leave on display.
Fluance RT85
The RT85 is the kind of turntable that makes you lean in closer. Its Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge extracts impressive clarity and depth from your records, while the high-density acrylic platter and isolated motor work together to keep vibrations at bay. The result is a smooth, open sound that feels more expensive than it is. Fluance also nails the aesthetic: real wood veneers in four finishes that make the deck feel like part of your furniture rather than just another gadget. It’s a sweet spot for listeners who want more refinement than entry-level decks offer.
Rega Planar 3
A mainstay in the turntable world for over four decades, the Planar 3 is Rega’s greatest balancing act: affordable enough to be attainable, refined enough to delight seasoned ears. Its lightweight plinth design, signature RB330 tonearm, and upgrade-friendly layout make it endlessly customisable. You can buy it bare or with cartridges like the Ortofon 2M or Rega Elys, and a good dealer will often install for free. The sound is lively, rhythmic, and infectiously engaging — the kind of presentation that has you listening to “just one more side” until 2am. Elegant, tactile, and endlessly tweakable, the Planar 3 is proof that some classics never fade.