You are probably here because you have decided to get serious about upgrading your audio system. Or you are looking for your first vinyl record player and want to buy a decent deck right away. In that case, this brief review of the best turntables under $500 will be very useful for you. Because in this category, you can find a lot of worthy models on the market today that will last you a long time. They can also be upgraded over time. Anyway, they are initially a good starting point and you don’t have to look for models from 2024 only. Many devices that were released earlier have stood the test of time and are just as good as modern models.
Of course, the cost of the turntable depends on many factors, including the brand. And it, in most cases, guarantees the quality of the device. But along with such record players, some companies on the market produce decent alternatives in the same price range, although not as famous. Believe me, they are also worth our attention. So in this article, I will consider different models that, in my opinion, are top turntables under $500.
Turntable under $500 comparison table
| Name | Drive type | Operation type | Speeds | Phono Pre-Amp | Bluetooth | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluance RT85 best overall | belt | manual | 33 1/3, 45 | no | no | Review |
| Sony PS-LX310BT budget | belt | fully-automatic | 33 1/3, 45 | yes | yes | Review |
| Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB also a great choice | belt | manual | 33 1/3, 45 | yes | no | Review |
What to expect from a turntable under $500?
When investing in a turntable under $500, you’re positioning yourself in a sweet spot that bridges the gap between entry-level and high-end models. These turntables offer a balanced array of features catering to newcomers and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Drive systems: You’ll find both direct-drive and belt-drive systems. Direct-drive is often preferred by DJs for its torque and speed accuracy. Belt drive turntables are favored for their ability to produce cleaner sound by isolating the motor vibrations from the platter.
Decent cartridge and stylus: The package usually includes these accessories, which can be updated. This ensures better sound reproduction and offers you the flexibility to enhance audio quality down the line.
Design and build: Expect a more robust and aesthetically pleasing design compared to budget models. Materials like aluminum and high-quality plastic are commonly used.
Ease of use: Many models come with user-friendly features like built-in preamps, pitch control, and even auto-stop functions, making them accessible to both beginners and experts.
USB output: A notable feature in this price range is the inclusion of a USB output. This allows you to digitize your vinyl records, preserving them for the future or for digital playback.
In summary, turntables priced under $500 offer a satisfying blend of quality and features. They’re an excellent choice if you want something that goes beyond basic functionality without breaking the bank.
Best turntable under $500 reviews
Fluance RT85 – best overall
Today in the Fluance RT85 review, I suggest getting to know the Canadian record player made in Taiwan in detail. On the manufacturer’s website, it has a long name: Fluance RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable. And I will share my opinion about this great worth of your attention device.
Design
There are four colors in the Fluance RT85 line. You can choose the one that fits your interior: Natural Walnut, Piano Black, Piano White, or Lucky Bamboo. Each comes with an acrylic dust cover and gloves to keep the glossy surface clean. The MDF case is strong and solid, standing on three adjustable rubber feet, and that means assured balance on uneven surfaces and maximum absence of vibration. Its weight is 17 pounds.
The 12-inch diameter acrylic solid (3 pounds) platter is also designed to dampen vibration and speed stability. All in all, every detail is thoughtfully designed to save you the hassle of setting up and using the turntable. All control is performed with a single knob on the cabinet, designed to change speeds and turn the record player off.
Rounding out the image is a static-balanced, S-shaped aluminum tonearm with anti-skating adjustment. So, in general, nothing extra, only restraint, without superfluous details, but so elegant.
Features
First of all, it is a manual Fluance turntable with a belt drive and insulated motor, so it does not create additional noise during operation. The RT85 has two rotational speeds (33 ⅓ rpm and 45 rpm), which can be switched with a simple knob on the plinth and also has an auto-stop function.
The Ortofon M2 Blue Moving Magnet cartridge with a diamond stylus deserves special attention. It is the true advantage of this model, which is half its price. It will not leave you indifferent because it is accurate and long-lasting.
It is important to know that this model does not have a built-in phono stage. This is more of a plus, as it will allow you to set up your stereo in the best way possible. But it is an additional cost to your budget. The system is connected to the turntable via the two standard RCA outputs on the back panel and the gold-plated RCA cables that come with it.
Sound
You will surely appreciate the clean, undistorted bass and spacious soundstage, the stylish retro design, and the quality of the individual parts of the Fluance RT85. The manufacturer has really tried to eliminate all extraneous factors that can affect noise and vibration as much as possible. The cartridge captures sound in detail and clarity, so you can enjoy the clean analog sound.
Fluance RT85 is the best turntable under $500. It proved to be better than all the rivals on my list. You will appreciate the clean, undistorted bass and spacious soundstage, the stylish retro design, and the quality of the individual parts of the Fluance RT85. The manufacturer has really tried to eliminate all extraneous factors that can affect noise and vibration as much as possible. The cartridge captures sound in detail and clarity, so you can enjoy the clean analog sound.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45.
- Phono Pre-Amp: no.
- Speakers: has stereo outup.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: no.
- AUX: no.
Pros
- The S-shaped aluminum tonearm with anti-skating adjustment is better than the straight one.
- Diamond stylus cartridge.
- Dust cover and gloves.
Cons
- No built-in phono stage.
Sony PS-LX310BT – budget
Today I bring to your attention the Sony PS-LX310BT review. It is a mid-priced player that takes into account all the needs for easy installation and use. Moreover, Sony has long been a mark of quality in modern technology production, which means you are supposed to hope for a really good product. Let’s see if this is true.
Design
Weighing approximately 7.7 pounds, the record player is a rather elegant device made of black plastic. An understated style, suitable for any room. All the buttons and controls are also located on the cabinet, so you don’t have to look all over the enclosure for the needed controls. Everything is simple: start, stop, gear shift, as well as switching the size of the used records (7″ and 12″) and the tonearm control button. I don’t see the difficulty in controlling the tonearm manually, but full automation means you don’t do anything by hand (except set the record).
To the touch and appearance, the deck doesn’t look cheap, though it rather gives the impression of having been produced somewhere in the 90s of the last century. It’s even nice. An 11.65-inch cast aluminum disc and a dust cover complete the design.
Features
The Sony turntable is simple not only in exterior design but also in setup. All you have to do after taking it out of the box is install the belt, motor pulley, and platter. All settings are already in order, including anti-skating and downforce of the already built-in cartridge as well. The Moving Magnet cartridge is easy to replace or install – it’s removable. Records can be played at 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm. I should point out that the materials for this model are inexpensive and fragile, so handle them gently.
The PS-LX310BT comes with a built-in phono stage. Of course, for this price, you shouldn’t expect something fantastic from it, but the manufacturer tried to make a fully automatic “plug and play” vinyl player. So the phono preamp is more of a plus. The more so is that you can always connect an external one with the RCA cable, which is included in the package, through the phono output on the deck’s rear panel.
I consider the USB Type-B output jack and the Bluetooth feature to be a nice bonus. Although I’m not a fan of digitized sound, it’s still a plus for those who prefer to listen to music on headphones but don’t want to be tethered to the source by a wire.
Sound
As for the sound, as you have guessed, you should not expect anything supernatural or highly professional. The parts on which the sound depends are inexpensive and not of the highest quality. But if you know about sound and want to improve its detail, it is worth spending a little money on upgrading, and the system will sound in a new way. For example, a good external phono preamp and a more advanced cartridge will change the situation beyond recognition.
On the other hand, if you are not a professional, you will be satisfied with the sound in the standard package. In fact, the PS-LX310BT produces a tight, rich, clear performance. I did not hear any noticeable perceptible crackling or buzzing. The sound is stable, with a wide range of musical colors. As a musician, I missed the detail, but I think the turntable is up to the task for its segment.
Having analyzed its capabilities and financial component, I can say that this is the best budget record player with the preamp. The parts on which the sound depends are inexpensive and not of the highest quality. But if you know about sound and want to improve its detail, it is worth spending a little money on upgrading, and the system will sound in a new way. As standard, the PS-LX310BT produces a tight, rich, crisp, stable sound with a wide range of musical colors.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: fully-automatic.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45.
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes.
- Phono out: yes.
- Speakers: no.
- Bluetooth: yes.
- USB: output port Type-B.
- AUX: no.
Pros
- The built-in phono stage saves money at the start.
- Bluetooth feature.
Cons
- The sound lacks detailing.
Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB – also a great choice
The mid-price segment of turntables offers a very wide range of choices. Unfortunately, it is very easy to get confused or make the wrong choice in such an abundance of models. So you should pay attention to the details that can distinguish a particular device, putting it at a level worthy of your attention. In this Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB review, I will tell you about a model of good build quality, sound, and straightforward operation, as well as a detailed examination of its features.
Design
The lightweight and portable Pro-Ject T1 weighs only 8.4 pounds and measures 415x100x335 mm without a single plastic part. The medium-density, cavity-free fiberboard deck is available in three colors: Gloss Black, Satin White, and Walnut Veneer, so you can choose to match your interior. Its very discreet, elegant design is not overloaded with anything. The only On/Off switch is on the bottom left – you don’t
have to look for it. It’s very handy.
Although the manufacturer compensated for the lightness of the turntable with a heavy 8mm abrasive glass plate with a felt mat, and it is quite capable of handling vibration problems, unfortunately, the feet are not adjustable, so you better set the turntable on an as flat surface as possible.
The 8.6″ straight aluminum tonearm is also very lightweight but sturdy and will last a long time. The overall visual impression of the deck is very nice and doesn’t look cheap. It comes with a dust cover, and a high-quality Connect it E RCA Phono cable.
Features
The Phono SB is an upgraded version of the T1, so it has some bonuses. Such as the Precision Belt Drive with precisely adjustable speed stability and 33/45 RPM electronic speed changeover.
The deck also has a built-in preamp, so you don’t have to splurge to buy one. But thanks to the RCA Phono/Line output switch, you can always connect an external preamp to enhance your audio system.
The tonearm has a very good built-in Ortofon OM5e moving-magnet cartridge. It is pretty expensive separately, but it’s qualitative and durable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it in years to come. In general, the tonearm’s design inspires confidence with its anti-resonance action, thanks to the low-friction bearing of the tonearm and the absence of vibrations. The Wow and Flutter provide a range of 0.23% – 0.25%. Considering the price and the handmade European assembly, this is great functionality!
Sound
The T1 Phono SB turntable produces a very warm, enveloping sound. It won’t probably satisfy the sophisticated audiophile’s needs because its bass is not the cleanest and most detailed, but it is quite compensated by the low and midrange frequencies. The upper frequencies are also quite good, without any outright flaws, creating an overall pleasant picture. I did not hear any outright shortcomings, noise, or blurring, which means that T1 Phono SB copes with its task, suppressing noise and vibrations. And taking into account its elegant appearance, functionality, and ease of setup – I would conclude that it is worth its money.
The T1 Phono SB automatic turntable is perfect for those who like plug-and-play devices. Its bass is not the cleanest and most detailed, but the low and middle frequencies compensate for it. The upper frequencies are also quite good, without outright flaws, creating an overall pleasant picture. And given its elegant appearance, functionality, and ease of setup – it is worth its money.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45.
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes.
- Speakers: no.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: no.
- AUX: no.
Pros
- Fully automatic.
- Easy setup.
Cons
- Not much in the way of upgrades.
1byone H009
In this 1byone H009 review, I want to tell you about a nice retro-style entry-level turntable. The turntable is inexpensive but has features that many people might like. It’s more of an out-of-the-box audio system, so you also get rid of the extra spending and hookups. Let’s go!
Design
Well, the turntable’s plinth is made of wood and metal in a streamlined shape with rounded corners. It is very transportable as it weighs only 13,3 pounds and measures 14.57×17.32×7.56 inches. The H009’s natural wood veneer finish is pleasant to the touch, and its retro-style design is eye-catching.
On the front of the case, there is a speaker with a sleek 1byone logo. The control buttons are located on the top panel and are a playback speed switch, a switch to Bluetooth, and a start button, which must be pressed and held for the system to turn on.
A 30 cm diameter Aluminum die-cast platter that weighs about 1.2 pounds, a slip mat, a dust cover, and an instruction manual are included.
Features
1byone is an all-in-one audio system that includes a turntable, receiver, and speakers. What about speed control? The manual belt-driven control ensures that records rotate at 33-1/3 and 45 RPM and dampens vibration well. Stable operation is ensured by a DC motor and an anti-skating function.
The 8.6″ long static balanced straight tonearm has a very good Audio-Technica Moving Magnet AT3600L cartridge with a diamond tip needle. It glides precisely over the groove and extracts a clear, crisp sound.
The H009 has a built-in switchable phono preamp that will allow you to connect external powered speakers. The proprietary speaker has four speakers, and you can not only listen to vinyl records with it, but you can pair and play music from any device, be it an iPhone and Android smartphone, tablet or PC through the player speakers using Bluetooth connectivity as well as through the Aux-in port.
Sound
Regarding the sound, I think that for its price, the turntable sounds pretty good. I would even say it is more a speaker with a vinyl playback function than the other way around. However, that doesn’t make the 1byone a bad choise. In principle, it does its job. The manufacturer has saved money on materials, but the technical parts are of quite good quality. For example, the cartridge really does half the job when extracting sound. Thus, I can conclude that the sound is stable and clear, with no obvious flaws. If you are not a professional musician and don’t want to bother with connections, settings, and so on – this H009 may satisfy your desires well.
It’s a ready-to-use audio system with an attractive design, so you get rid of extra costs and connections. There is a Bluetooth function. For its price, the 1byone H009 sounds good and copes with its duties. The manufacturer has spared some materials, but the important technical parts are of good quality, so the sound is stable and clear, with no obvious flaws.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45.
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes.
- Speakers: yes.
- Speakers power, W: 36.
- Bluetooth: yes.
- USB: yes.
- AUX: yes.
Pros
- Wood and metal body.
- Easy to use.
- A classy interior attribute.
Cons
- Some parts look cheap.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
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.
This device can play records at 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm. The AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with the elliptical needle 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 AT-LP120XUSB 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.
This model has developed the success of its predecessor and can be considered an entry-level audiophile turntable. It is versatile and suitable for both home audio systems and professional DJs. I want to mention the detailed and even tonal balance, which is organically complemented by deep bass.
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.
Pros
- The S-shaped tonearm is more accurate than the straight one.
- Variable pitch control with quartz speed lock.
Cons
- Not the easiest to use.
Automatic vs manual turntables: Which is right for you?
The choice between automatic and manual turntables often comes down to your interaction level with your vinyl collection, as well as what you prioritize in your listening experience. Let’s break down each type to help you decide.
Manual turntables
Pros
- Purist experience: For many vinyl enthusiasts, the tactile nature of manually placing the stylus onto the record amplifies the overall listening experience. The ritualistic aspect adds a level of engagement that you simply won’t find in automatic systems.
- Simplicity: Fewer automatic parts usually mean fewer mechanical problems over the long term.
Cons
- Requires attention: You need to be present to start and end each side of the record, which might not be ideal for everyone.
- Risk of damage: Incorrect handling can lead to scratches or damage to either the record or the stylus.
Automatic turntables
Pros
- Convenience: Ideal for those who want a more straightforward, hands-off listening experience.
- Safer for novices: Less room for human error means a reduced risk of damaging your records or stylus.
- Peace of mind: If you tend to fall asleep or get distracted, the automatic return feature ensures the stylus won’t stay stuck in the runout groove.
Cons
- Fewer upgrade options: The more automated parts you have, the fewer opportunities for future upgrades.
If you’re the type who sometimes wants to be actively engaged with your records but also enjoys a laid-back listening session, semi-automatic turntables offer a middle ground. These models lift the tonearm at the end of a record side but require manual setup at the beginning. This allows you to have the best of both worlds, giving you flexibility based on your listening preferences.
FAQ
How much should you spend on a turntable?
If you’re the type who sometimes wants to be actively engaged with your records but also enjoys a laid-back listening session, semi-automatic turntables offer a middle ground. These models lift the tonearm at the end of a record side but require manual setup at the beginning. This allows you to have the best of both worlds, giving you flexibility based on your listening preferences.
It is important to remember that too cheap turntables can damage your record, as well as not allow you to improve the system over time. On the other hand, models in the under $500 price range usually have good basics and will not damage your records at first. And over time, some important parts (cartridge, stylus, platter, or phono preamp) can be replaced and, in some cases, to better ones.
Can I find a really good turntable under $500?
How can I upgrade the record player for under $500?
Do I need a built-in phono preamp in my turntable?
You also can consider other decent turntables in the different price segments:
best turntable under $400
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