Direct-drive turntables have many advantages that users appreciate. Especially those who are planning to become or have already become a DJ. I will tell you how one thing is related to another before you start reading my review of the best direct-drive turntables, in which I have collected interesting and different models, both for their purpose and price category. For those who are completely unfamiliar with the concept of direct-drive, a short explanation awaits. Let’s get started.
direct-drive turntables comparison table
| Name | Drive type | Operation type | Speeds | Phono Pre-Amp | Bluetooth | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technics SL-100C best overall | direct | manual | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | no | no | Review |
| Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USBXP mid-price option | direct | manual | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | no | Review |
| Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB budget | direct | manual | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | no | Review |
| Pioneer PLX-500 | direct | manual | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | no | Review |
What is a direct-drive turntable?
Direct-drive vinyl turntables are devices with the motor located in the cabinet directly under the record. In belt-driven record players, the motor is located to the side. Thus, the record and the motor (platter to begin with, because the record is mounted on it) have direct contact and almost no resistance. This fact is the most attractive for DJs. But consider a few more advantages.
Benefits of direct-drive
The main advantages are as follows:
Consistent speed – provide precise speed control. This is important for DJing because controlling the acceleration (slowing down or speeding up) is exactly what you need. You have complete control over the speed of one or two records you’re mixing, which is even easier since these turntables usually have a range of speed controls. Also, these turntables are usually semi- or fully automatic and are easy and quick to operate at home and on stage. All of this also contributes to high-quality sound reproduction.
Torque – high torque. Direct-drive turntables pick up speed almost instantly. This means quick startup, which is also useful for DJs who often need to change from one record to another. As you spin the record in different directions to create your tracks, your motor remains unharmed. This also means smoother playback.
Durability – a direct-drive mechanism is more durable than a belt-drive. The belt can break when actively working with the record. But even if you use your vinyl turntable at home, the belt will still wear or stretch over time. That’s why direct-drive maintenance is much easier. Or rather, you won’t have any problems with it, except for the occasional lubrication of the parts with special oil.
Best direct-drive turntable reviews
Technics SL-100C – best overall
Technics SL-100C review is logical to start with the fact that the company has been producing turntables since 1960. This amazing experience affects the quality of vinyl turntables, the design and equipment of which are copied by many other brands. This particular model is a bright representative of the middle category. SL-100C has excellent initial data, and with some modification and investment, you can get more than you bought. This also applies to the preamplifier, which is not built-in, so selecting an external preamplifier will determine the result.Design
At first glance at the SL-100C turntable, you can assume that it belongs to the category of expensive turntables. The chassis has a beautiful matte finish and a nice texture. The weight of the turntable is very important because it has to keep the balance so that the record spins as smoothly as possible. So, the greater the weight, the better resistance to vibrations. The model in question weighs 21.82 pounds; add a heavy aluminum diecast platter (4.4 pounds), and you get very good stability. Additional damping is provided by the anti-resonance feet. The shape of the tonearm is very important to the turntable's sound. The SL-100C has an S-shaped tonearm. This type is considered optimal for the needle to extract sounds from the record's grooves. The integrated direct-drive housing-less brushless motor (single-rotor motor) provides the necessary stability for the record rotation, and the unevenness of rotation is reduced by the rubber used all over the rear surface of the platter. With this, I want to explain what I meant by "has excellent initial data". Features
The SL-100C record player has 3 speeds, and the owner will not have to think when buying, "Will this record fit my Technics?". In addition, the speeds are switched by buttons on the chassis. This is a semi-automatic model, and control will not be difficult even for novice music lovers (unless you are ready for an expensive purchase right from the doorstep). There's an electronic brake and autolifting. The latter is quite slow; it can take about 60 seconds before it starts working. But it works well, so it's up to you to decide if it's an important drawback or an interesting feature. Nevertheless, I recommend it to those who have no experience with vinyl. It will keep you from damaging records, which is important if you want to embrace the tradition of analog sound. Experienced users with frayed nerves probably won't use it (it's not fun to stand around waiting for the tonearm to rise). The Audio-Technica AT-VM95C pre-installed cartridge is not the highest quality, although it is quite common in the mid-range segment. And that's exactly the point I attribute to the modification. If you have the opportunity, immediately or over time, buy a better cartridge. It will unlock the full potential of the SL-100C.Sound
I almost always mention that a turntable of this brand can be found in the movie Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. That's because the professionalism of the manufacturing is amazing, as well as the sound of the brand's models, even in the mid-range segment. Right out of the box, the turntable was well set up, and I could start testing immediately after a simple installation. But you must realize that half of the success depends on the phono stage. With the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C cartridge, the sound is good, but with the Ortofon, the turntable sounded much more detailed, extracting nuances that were not heard in the first version. Nevertheless, I can say that the vinyl turntable has a wide, rich sound picture with balanced frequencies and stability that many similar models can envy. Vibrant, bright, very close to what I hear with more expensive turntables. Just what I need for my 70's collection and Jefferson Airplane Surrealistic Pillow in particular. But don't forget to pick up an acoustic worthy of this sturdy fellow. Key specs
- Drive type: direct.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78.
- Phono Pre-Amp: no.
- Speakers: no.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: no.
- AUX: no.
Technics has been at the forefront of turntable manufacturing since 1960. Therefore, despite the highest price in the rating, it is Technics SL-100C that gets the title of best direct-drive turntable. I have already mentioned that the turntable of this brand can be found in the movie Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Well, that’s saying a lot, don’t you agree?
The turntable has a brushless DC motor (important for direct-drive), a starting torque of 1.8 k/cm, and a robust vibration-resistant design (21.82 lbs). You don’t have to think about picking up records because the SL-100C has three push-button speeds, auto-lift, and electric brakes, making it easy to operate even for a beginner. Although auto-lifting works with a delay of 1 minute – this is not a disadvantage. This model is designed for home use; it is unlikely that you will be able to DJ on it. Even the S-shaped tonearm speaks of belonging to a high class (it is more accurate than a straight one). But I would eventually replace the removable cartridge Audio-Technica AT-VM95C to unlock the full potential of the turntable. The turntable doesn’t have a preamplifier, which will also incur costs at an already high starting price. But it’s worth it, as its sound is wider, richer, more nuanced, and fuller than the other competitors.
Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USBXP – mid-price option
In this Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USBXP review, I want to introduce you to a low-cost mid-range turntable designed for DJing. It doesn't mean you can't use it at home because the company is famous for creating budget and mid-range turntables characterized by reliability, style, and multitasking, and that's why they are so popular among users. AT-LP1240-USBXP results from respectful work that considers all the shortcomings of the previous generation of turntables.Design
The design used for the AT-LP1240-USBXP turntable is often used by other brands as if it were meant to signify club life. The details are bright, with light-colored buttons, tonearm on a black background, and a platter finished with light-colored dots in several rows. There is backlighting on some of the details to help you navigate in limited light conditions. The dust cover is completely removable, as working with the cover ajar is extremely uncomfortable. When it comes to DJing, certain features are needed. The controls are manual: Start/Stop buttons, electronic brake, speed shifters, pitch control with quartz lock, and a button to spin the record backward. Basically, everything you need for full-track mixing. The design is solid and heavy (27.6 pounds), though it has a fairly thin chassis. Nevertheless, the AT-LP1240-USBXP performed admirably in terms of resistance to external vibrations. Just look at those wide, resilient feet. According to user reviews, the turntable lasts for years without any problems. I think I agree with them on that aspect. Features
The type of motor is very important for DJing because it must be incredibly stable. And here, as expected, the Direct-drive, high-torque, multipole motor (16-pole, 3-phase, brushless) is pre-installed. Acceleration, torque (>4.5 kgf . cm), and rotational speed (by the way, there are 3 of them) fully meet the needs of a disk jockey and, during testing, show stable results. Frankly speaking, I am not a DJ, but my profession obliged me to know and understand the principle of work of these chips. The S-shape is the most optimal. This type of tonearm adapts more easily to rotation and helps the stylus to stay clearly within the soundtrack of the record. Secondly, the AT-HS1 universal ½"-mount headshell pleasantly surprised me. Even when replaced with the more expensive Ortofon 2M Red, the difference is there, but not that noticeable, especially for the unassuming listener. Perhaps this cartridge will not be as durable. Still, the advantage of Audio-Technica is that parts for their turntables are easy to find on the market, they are inexpensive, and even an inexperienced user can replace them. I found the anti-skating function a bit weak, but it's more a matter of taste, how you customize your vinyl record player. And, by the way, the tuning didn't cause me any difficulties either; it was quite easy to level the VTA. The built-in preamplifier also does a pretty good job with sound processing. Still, I will always make the point that an external phono stage is a necessity if you are serious about analog sound. That leaves me to tell you about the USB function. I don't like and don't understand them in classic turntables, but when it comes to mixing and creating tracks, it is simply necessary. After all, you will definitely want to record your music on digital media. Get a good cable; it will give you a more stable recording.Sound
AT-LP1240-USBXP sounds great. Even with the factory presets (cartridge and built-in preamplifier). Still, the sound picture is much richer with the external one. The turntable has great channel separation, deep bass, and clear treble. It just shines with vocals; I can hear much nuance. The balance is excellent, and extraneous noise is just not there (of course, this depends on your whole system, including the speakers). The motor is quiet, and I just didn't hear any vibrations (sure, the turntable is new, but I leaned over it at the risk of cutting my cheek with a spinning record). It sounds extremely fine for its money, and I think it's a great investment with the possibility of upgrading. Key specs
- Drive type: direct.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78.
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes.
- Speakers: no.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: yes.
- Aux input: no.
The representative of the middle segment and the winner in this category is a great direct-drive record player, Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USBXP. The company produces excellent, inexpensive turntables, borrowing the design from the already mentioned Technics, and this model has just been created for DJs. The manual turntable is equipped with all the functions for mixing tracks. You’ll find start and brake control on the deck, pitch control with quartz speed lock, strobe plate with speed indicator, and even a Removable stylus target indicator for easy pointing in low light conditions. You’ll be the coolest in the clubhouse.
The factory ATN-XP5 cartridge with AT-HS1 universal ½”-mount headset does a great job of extracting sound, and even the built-in phono stage is quite good (but always opt for an external one for optimal effect). Sindestage is powerful and rich with proper brightness and dynamics. Add an S-shaped tonearm, 3 speeds, forward and reverse operation, and an impressive weight of 27.6 pounds, and you’ll see that it can handle serious loads. I would single out the weak anti-skating, but your professionalism is more important in the harsh conditions of DJing.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB – budget
In this Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB review, I'll take a look at an inexpensive but interesting deck from the famous Tokyo-based company, which has been making turntables for a long time. The AT-LP120XUSB is a replacement for the original popular model, first released in 2009. The new version not only retained the advantages of the first model but is also equipped with many additional functions, including those for DJs.
Design
The AT-LP120XUSB record player has a modern style design. The matte black or silver plinth stands on four legs. It is stable and has all the control buttons: start/stop, record rotation speed change, switch the built-in preamp to external, variable pitch control with quartz speed lock. Precisely these features make it easy to control and will be useful to DJs.
An anti-resonance cast aluminum disc with a professional-grade felt mat can dampen any motor vibration. It is an important factor that affects the final result of the played music. And the balanced metal S-shaped tone arm with a hydraulically damped lift regulator and lockable stop, though heavier than the carbon one, is easy to use.
Additional bonuses will be a dust cover and a removable plug-in target indicator for easy aiming in low light.
Features
The AT-LP120XUSB is a fully manual vinyl turntable with a direct drive DC servo motor as well as adjustable dynamic anti-skate control and selectable phono preamp. You can always set the preamp externally, just toggle the control. The AC adapter provides AC/DC conversion outside the plinth, reducing noise in the signal circuit.
The player can play records at 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm. The AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with the elliptical stylus is very good and also, if necessary, adaptable for replacement. It comes with an AC adapter, an adapter for 45 rpm, and a counterweight.
As you can guess from the name, the vinyl player has a USB output, which you can use to connect directly to your Mac and PC and digitize your recordings without any help. A USB and a removable RCA output cable for dual RCA male output are included.
Sound
The sound was satisfactory when testing the AT-LP120XUSB turntable, as it was clear and pronounced. I purposely listened to the records at different speeds. There are almost no defects typical for vinyl. The tonal balance is even, detailed, and with deep bass. The player is stable, and no vibrations are felt. So I think the results will be very good whether you set up your own system or connect to a computer.
Key specs
- Drive type: direct.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78.
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes.
- Speakers: no.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: yes.
- AUX: no.
Yes, the best budget direct-drive turntable of my selection is another representative of Audio-Technica. The AT-LP120XUSB is priced in the under $500 category, and the turntable is very well suited for non-professional DJs in the early stages of learning. Give such a turntable to a person who has started to get into music and DJing, and there will be no limit to their happiness, I promise.
Its built-in phono stage is somewhat inferior to the AT-LP1240-USBXP in terms of sound. It is quiet and loses nuances, but it generally produces a confident wide range of sounds, sufficient at the entry level. The main thing is that the balance of frequencies is maintained, and tracks are played brightly. Here is manual control, as it should be for a turntable intended for a DJ console, but the speeds are switched by buttons. Actually, this is a simplified version of the more expensive AT-LP120XUSB, similar to its appearance and pitch control with quartz speed lock. It even has backlighting. Just what you need in a club! The cartridge here is also simpler (AT-VMN95E) but can be easily replaced by a more expensive one in time. The only things that give away its budget-class status are the amount of plastic in its construction and its light weight (only 17.6 lbs.). It’s the perfect option for training.
Pioneer PLX-500
Suppose you are interested in DJing but are still in the beginning stages of learning. If your budget is limited to buying a popular mid-segment Audio-Technica or Technics, this Pioneer PLX-500 review has a worthy alternative. Let me say right away that the manufacturer is Hanpin but under the supervision of Pioneer. So, the quality is not at the highest level, but it is good for a budget segment turntable. In addition, you can modernize the vinyl turntable over time by investing in it. In general, if you choose the PLX-500 as your first mixing device, as a gift for your child interested in DJing, or even take the turntable for home use, it will be well worth the money spent.Design
As for an inexpensive record player, the construction is pretty decent. It weighs 27.9 pounds, which means it will be vibration-resistant. This is important in a club environment, where both the speakers and the dance floor create external conditions that are not favorable to the stability of the setup. Weight (and stability) is added by the cast aluminum platter. The design speaks of belonging to the DJ category. The styling is very reminiscent of the Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USBXP and Technics SL-1200MK7. Light chrome details, including the S-shaped tonearm and buttons, finished with light platter dots, and the presence of features for DJing and backlighting of some elements (red color) - make it easy to operate the turntable in conditions of limited light. The dust cover is completely removable, and it is very convenient when you are scratching or other manipulations. Of the unpleasant but expected for a budget unit, I don't like the tonearm bearings. They are unreliable and come apart quite quickly. But this is quite solvable. VTA adjustment was also a bit of a hassle. Most likely, you'll just have to replace the mat (take a thicker one) because the factory one doesn't correspond to the parallel placement of the cartridge over the record; the position is too high. Features
The PLX-500 turntable is the owner of a 3-phase brushless DC motor with direct drive. This is well suited to the needs of DJing. But I won't lie; you can get a turntable with better data by investing a couple hundred bucks. This motor provides >1.6 kgf・cm of torque, which may not be enough for professional use, but it's enough for entry-level use. This is not bad data. For the speed at 33⅓ rpm, the acceleration is 1 second. You have 3 spin speeds, so you can choose any records in the store. It's great for mixing too. The tonearm is equipped with a silver PC-HS01-S headset (cartridge and stylus included). This is one of those parts that makes a big difference in the sound level, so I would change it. In its original state, the sound isn't as good as it could be. A Tempo slider with a pitch range of +/- 8, 16 or 50%. Very easy to operate, smooth, and no clicking at zero. The pitch can be reset with a button. There is also an electronic brake, and changing speeds is also done with buttons.Sound
No offense. With the built-in preamplifier, the turntable sounds rather muddy and a bit smeared. You can be satisfied with this sound if you are an inexperienced user. But for the future - replace the cartridge and buy an external phono stage. Just by comparing, you will understand what I mean. Such an upgrade (requiring cost) will give you the detail and layering that you need and that the author had in mind. Still, the Pioneer PLX-500 is a good start for a budget model. At the beginning of the review, I said that I see it as a great device for your mixing-crazed teenager. But it's also good for home use if you're not too picky. Play around with its features, and maybe it will change your life. Key specs
- Drive type: direct.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78.
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes.
- Speakers: yes.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: yes.
- Aux input: no.
And another budget model, Pioneer DJ PLX-1000, completes my review. The cost is almost identical to the AT-LP1240-USBXP, and the appearance is indistinguishable. So your choice is all down to personal preference. And I will tell you what you can pay attention to.
To begin with, the DJ PLX-1000 weighs an impressive 27.9, which is at the level of more expensive models. Vibration resistance is excellent. But the quality of construction feels cheap. This is all because the real turntable manufacturer is not Pioneer but Hanpin. I couldn’t align the tonearm with the VTA during installation and setup, so I had to find another mat. The built-in preamp and cartridge are not the highest quality (as expected with a budget turntable), so I suggest splurging on better components. This will unlock the potential of the Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 and make it sound brighter (with the original data, the sound is flat and dull). But the turntable has good data. Take at least 45 kg/cm torque with acceleration in 0.3 seconds. Impressive for an inexpensive device, isn’t it?
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