Entering Vinyl World? Check My Best Turntables Under $500 List

Finally, after a lot of research, taking advice from vinyl enthusiasts and my friends, I purchased my first good-quality turntable.

Well, these were my words when I purchased my first ever good-quality turntable in 2013.

If you follow me, you might know that I am from a family of vinyl enthusiasts where my father and grandfather are hardcore vinyl lovers. My grandfather prefers only gramophone whereas my father owns a Technics SL-1200MK7 turntable.

When the time came to buy a turntable for my room, I asked my father to recommend a turntable and he told me to research everything on my own. I instantly got his POV behind his answer.

So, I started researching on the internet, visited record shops, met many vinyl enthusiasts, and at last, I bought a Denon DP-300F which turned out to be an amazing turntable.

Fast-forward to 2025. I purchased and sold many turntables, ranging from $200 to $2000. I did intensive research in these years, which helped me develop a deep knowledge and understanding of turntables and their components. Now, I know what components a turntable must have to produce the perfect sound quality that every vinyl enthusiast wants.

Two months back, a very close friend asked me to find a good-quality turntable. Well, his budget was just $500. His question triggers an idea behind the article.

So, my research process started again, and I created a list of 10 units. But, the list creation was not enough; I needed to test these units before recommending him and you.

But, purchasing each unit seemed like a very difficult task. So, I started contacting people in the vinyl community and asked them to let me test their turntables. As you know, how passionate people in the vinyl world are, nobody said no.

While testing, I made sure that the setup was perfect, the stylus was not worn out, and each unit used similar records.

After two weeks of testing, I got the results and out of 10 units, only 4 are worth mentioning here.

Now, I will first share a brief comparison between the selected units. Then, we will discuss everything in detail, and I will share my test results.

Comparing Best Turntables Under $500:

Now, let me share my testing results and reviews of each turntable separately.

1) Fluance RT85

Fluance RT85 is the best unit that you can find in our $500 price segment. It is a belt drive fully manual turntable and yes, it does have the auto stop feature.

Looking at this turntable’s features and performance, I assure you that your hard-earned money is perfectly valued here.

Well, this unit comes with a 3 lb acrylic platter, which surprised me. I don’t think any other turntable in the market offers a similar platter at the same price. It also has an Ortofon 2M blue MM cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus which is known for its detailed and crisp reproduction of the sound as close to an artist’s vision as possible.

Well, these two things combined with the build quality of RT85 can beat any turntable in sound quality in a similar price segment.

The turntable is even owned by popular vinyl enthusiasts like Jarrett (@VinylEyes), and Frank Landry (@Channel33RPM). It also received positive feedback from @AndrewRobinson.

Now, let’s proceed with the testing results and my thoughts on this unit.

Things I like:

1) Sound quality is impressive (crisp & detailed)

I am totally satisfied with the sound quality.

As I already told you, this unit has an Ortofon 2M blue which is one of the most loved cartridges by audiophiles because of its sound reproduction and tracking abilities.

The cartridge has a nude elliptical stylus, which means the whole shank and the tip are made from a single piece of diamond. The elliptical shape’s amazing tracking abilities allow this cartridge to output detailed sound with great accuracy and richer mid-range and low frequencies.

The vertical tracking angle (VTA) is 20° (non-adjustable), which is the recommended setting. This angle helps the stylus track the grooves better and boost the sound quality.

The 3 lb acrylic platter dampens the vibrations and makes the sound more richer. That’s one of the reasons you mostly see me recommending acrylic mats for better performance.

I have also experienced one more thing about the turntable’s sound: there is no coloration added, i.e., no high frequencies or low frequencies are boosted which means you will be hearing the real reproduction of sound.

2) Build quality is amazing

The plinth is made up of MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which is the preferred material for turntable plinths.

The aluminum s-type tonearm, better-isolated adjustable turntable feet, and good-quality DC motor speak for the build quality itself.

3) Speed is accurate and consistent

The results of the speed test are also amazing. Thanks to its DC motor with servo controller, we got wow/flutter under 0.07%, which shows that the turntable speed is consistent.

To keep the speed consistent for longer durations, the motor’s servo controllers analyze the speed 500 times per second and make adjustments automatically to maintain it.

4) Auto-stop feature

This is a must have feature otherwise, your stylus won’t last long.

5) Upgradable

The unit is completely upgradable and customizable.

Things I don’t like:

1) You can’t play 78 RPM records:

Sadly, you can’t play your 78RPM records or shellac records.

2) No built-in phono preamp

Despite being a good budget turntable, it doesn’t come with a built-in phono stage. You need to make an additional purchase for the external phono stage, or you can also use the phono input of your receiver or powered speakers.

Verdict:

While testing this turntable, I found out that this turntable is offering way too much value that no other turntable is providing under this price segment. Out of its total cost, the cartridge and acrylic platter themselves cost around $350 (retail price), which shows how much value you are getting.

With that much value, I won’t mind spending $100 extra for a good-quality phono stage. You can always use phono input from powered speakers or stereo receivers.

I have been using this turntable for many years and I recommend everyone to go for this unit.

2) Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB

The Pro-Ject T1 phono SB is one of the few variants that Pro-Ject has launched in this price segment. This is a fully manual belt drive turntable that comes with a pre-adjusted tracking force and cartridge alignment, so you can listen to your records within a few minutes of setting up.

It is more suitable for beginners or people who want to listen to records without diving deeper into the technical stuff such as balancing the tonearm, adjusting tracking force, cartridge alignment, etc.

Now, let’s talk about its performance, sound quality, and other important aspects.

Things I like:

1) Tonearm is unique and better

This turntable offers a unique, super-light one-piece aluminum tonearm with low friction bearings, which improves accuracy and tracking abilities. So, you will get better sound reproduction.

2) Sound quality is very good (well-balanced)

The sound quality is very good, you will hear a balanced reproduction of the sound. Well, I have compared the sound quality with other turntables that also have an Om 5e cartridge using the same phono stage and speakers, and guess what? Project T1 does sound better.

As I said above, the turntable has an Ortofon Om 5e moving magnet cartridge with an elliptical diamond tip stylus. This stylus is normally found in turntables in a similar price range, but the combination of the Om 5e cartridge with the lightweight one-piece aluminum tonearm allows the stylus to track the record grooves more accurately.

Normally, other cartridges like Ortofon 2m red or Nagaoka mp110 optimize the sound to boost the lows or highs, but the Om 5e cartridge outputs a very balanced sound, i.e., no other frequency is compromised to boost another one, which I liked a lot.

You will get a heavy glass platter, which is much better than the plastic and aluminum platters that you get with other turntables. This platter dampens the vibrations further and improves the sound quality.

Well, the in-built phono stage is good, but an external phono stage easily beats the internal phono preamp sound quality very easily. Although beginners won’t notice a major difference, a seasoned audiphone will.

3) Build quality is amazing (handmade unit):

This is a handmade unit built in Europe, and the build quality has amazed me. You won’t find any plastic on this turntable. The plinth is made from a combination of MDF and foil wrap to reduce resonance.

4) Speed is accurate and consistent:

This turntable supports 33/45 RPM, and the only Phono SB variant offers an electronic speed change. In other T1 variants, you need to manually change the belt position to change the turntable speed.

While testing, we got wow and flutter under 0.23%, which shows that the turntable offers a consistent speed. Although the motor doesn’t have a servo controller like the RT85 and AT-LP120XUSB, it still offers accurately regulated speed stability to get consistent speed for longer durations.

5) Attractive design:

The design is very minimalist and attractive. Although the unit is available in different colors, I fell in love with the walnut plinth. It is just amazing. Normally, I like thick plinths, but I am amazed and totally satisfied with the design of this turntable.

Things I don’t like:

1) No auto-stop feature:

You won’t get an auto-stop feature, which is a major con of this turntable, but you can encounter this problem by using an additional device, the AT6006R safety raiser. This device will work exactly as an auto-stop feature and will lift the tonearm as it reaches the end of the record.

2) Inner groove distortion:

While testing, I noticed a slight inner groove distortion.

3) Non-adjustable feet:

The unit doesn’t have adjustable feet. So, if your surface isn’t flat, then you need to add some packaging under the feet to level it using a bubble leveler.

4) Tonearm rest:

The tonearm rest doesn’t give me the feeling of owning a premium turntable, and I don’t like it.

5) Can’t play 78 RPM records:

Sadly, you can’t play your 78RPM records or shellac records.

Verdict:

The only thing that affects the sound is inner groove distortion. I got it tested by a friend who is an occasional vinyl listener, and he didn’t notice any distortion, so I think it’s my trained ears. But yes, Project T1 is an amazing choice for an upgrade from the low-end turntable or even starting your vinyl journey.

3) Denon DP-300F

Denon DP-300F is the only fully automatic belt-drive turntable that has made its place on our list. Unlike other turntables in this list, this turntable has a fully automatic auto-stop feature i.e. after the records are finished, the mechanism will lift the tonearm and send it back to its resting position.

Just like RT85 and AT-LP120XUSB, you need to balance the tonearm, adjust tracking force, and anti-skate yourself but once you are done with technical stuff, this turntable is super easy to operate.

And, this easy operation is one of the main reasons for its popularity among beginners.

Now, let me share our testing results of this turntable.

Things I like:

1) Sound quality is good (clean sound with good dynamics):

Well, the cartridge looks like AT-3600L but the manufacturers haven’t shared much information so I can’t say much but it is indeed an MM cartridge with a CN-6518 stylus.

The sound is very detailed and clean, with good dynamics. I didn’t face any sort of tracking issues, and I heard no inner groove distortion. The headshell is easily removable, and you can replace or upgrade the cartridge in no time.

Well, to improve the sound quality further, I recommend you upgrade the cartridge to Ortofon 2m blue, Ortofon 2m red, Shure M97xE, or Grado Green 1 with a nude elliptical stylus.

The in-built phono stage does a wonderful job. but just like other turntables, a $100 external phono stage or the phono input of an old receiver can output a better sound quality.

2) Speed is consistent but a little inaccurate

I am satisfied with the platter speed. I got wow and flutter under 0.10% testing but there is one thing that I noticed: the platter is spinning a little faster than the selected speed, i.e., I am getting 33.37RPM on 33(1/3) RPM mode and 45.05RPM on 45RPM mode.

After that, I did some research online and found out that many users are facing similar problems but it isn’t a major one. You won’t be hearing any noticeable difference in output and you can even totally ignore it.

Regardless of the difference between the expected speed and the speed we are getting, the speed consistency is perfect. Thanks to its DC servo motor, you will get a consistent speed for longer durations.

3) Automatic operations:

This feature is the deal maker for this turntable. I didn’t find a turntable with automatic operation that performs better and outputs good sound quality.

With this turntable, you don’t need to manually place the tonearm over the platter every time. You just need to press the button and the internal mechanism automatically lifts the tonearm and places it on the record itself. Similarly, when the record ends, the same mechanism lifts the tonearm from the record and sends it back to its armrest.

I really liked this feature a lot.

4) Build quality is amazing:

The turntable weighs around 12 lbs and has an amazing plinth with good-quality adjustable feet.

Things I don’t like:

1) Aluminium Platter:

The unit has an aluminum platter that can transfer the vibrations to the stylus. Although the manufacturer has supplied a felt mat that does an amazing job, I still recommend you replace it with either a cork mat or an acrylic mat to further dampen the vibrations.

2) Can’t play 78 RPM records:

Sadly, you can’t play your 78RPM records or shellac records.

Verdict:

This is a great turntable for people who are looking for a fully automatic belt-drive turntable with good-quality sound and amazing performance. But, looking at the price tag, except for the automatic operations and in-built phono preamp, the Fluance RT85 beats this turntable in every aspect, i.e. sound quality, platter, cartridge, etc. So, the choice is yours at the end.

4) Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a good choice for people who are more into a fully manual direct-drive turntable. Compared with turntables in a similar price range, this turntable is the most affordable direct-drive turntable with cool features.

With manual operation, you need to adjust everything yourself, from balancing the tonearm to cartridge alignment, which I think is the most loved task for any vinyl enthusiast.

Things I like:

1) Sound quality is impressive:

The sound quality is quite impressive. The turntable comes with an AT-VM95E dual MM cartridge with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, which is a really good addition. The cartridge outputs 4.0 mV and offers excellent channel separation and low distortion, which means you will get deep and crisp sound quality.

The cartridge is upgradable to any VM95 series, so you can upgrade it to VMN95EN (elliptical nude), VMN95ML (Microline nude), and VMN95SH (Shibata nude) and boost your sound quality to a whole new level.

The built-in phono preamp is of good quality, but according to our test, I’m able to achieve better sound quality by using a high-end external phono stage instead of a built-in one. Trust me, there was a huge difference in sound quality when I started using an external phono preamp.

2) Speed is instant, consistent, and accurate:

According to the speed test, we got wow and flutter at around 0.08 to 0.12, which is amazing. The unit has a perfectly dampened DC servo direct-drive motor with a sensor that checks and adjusts the motor speed up to 500 times a second and ensures that the turntable is spinning at a consistent speed without any need for manual adjustments.

So, with the motor’s high torque, advanced features, and wow/flutter under 0.12%, I assure you that you will be getting instant and consistent platter speed.

3) Design is amazing:

I loved the design a lot. It reminds me of my old, legendary Technics SL-1200 turntable, which is a nostalgic feeling for me.

4) Can play 78 RPM records:

Well, 33(1/3) RPM and 45 RPM are common speed options available on all the turntables, but the capability of playing 78 RPM old shellac records is not a common feature. But don’t forget to replace your current stylus with one made to play shellac records.

Things I don’t like:

1) No auto-stop feature:

The biggest disadvantage of this turntable is not having an auto-stop feature. But I found a tweak to solve it. You can buy the AT6006R safety raiser, an additional device that will raise your tonearm when the record ends. This device will work exactly as an auto-stop feature.

But still, I think the auto-stop feature is a must-have feature on any turntable.

2) Built quality (mostly plastic):

Although the build quality is good, The turntable weighs around 17.5 lbs, which is heavy, but the whole turntable is built with plastic except for the tonearm and platter. The plastic plinth doesn’t give the feeling of a premium turntable, which I don’t like about it.

3) Aluminum platter:

It comes with a die-cast aluminum platter, which can transfer vibrations to the stylus. The manufacturer supplied the felt mat, which dampens the platter well, but still, I recommend you use a cork mat or acrylic mat for better results.

Verdict:

In the tests, the AT-LP120XUSB turntable delivered an amazing performance, and it is way above the entry-level turntables. The turntable has only three cons, of which we found tweaks to encounter two of them. Talking about the price, this turntable is listed at an amazingly lower price depending on the features it offers. Normally, other turntables offer similar features at double or even triple the price. Well, you can go for this unit without thinking twice.

The list ends here. So now, let’s discuss how to select which turntable will be good for now under this price segment.

How to select the perfect turntable for you (Buying guide):

Well, a list of units can save you time and research hassle but sometimes, the same list can cause a lot of confusion.

Previously, I just shared the list but I got some feedback from users that they were confused and wanted me to guide them based on their expectations and requirements.

So, I have added this buying guide which will help you narrow down the list and help you make a better decision.

Note: I have made this buying guide for the $500 price segment only.

Types of records

Well, there are three types of records: 33⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM but most turntables in the market support only two record types: 33⅓ and 45 RPM.

So, if you own some old 78s and want to play them on your new unit, you should look for a turntable that supports 78RPM. You can go for the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB.

Automatic, Semi-automatic, and manual

There are three types of turntables:

Automatic

In the automatic turntable, after pressing the start button, the turntable automatically lifts the tonearm from its resting position, moves it over the record, and gently lowers it down on the spinning records.

Similarly, when the record is finished, the turntable automatically lifts the tonearm off the record, places the tonearm at its resting position, and turns off the turntable.

Semi-automatic

In semi-automatic, the turntable just lifts the tonearm when the record is finished, and turns off the turntable.

Manual

In manual turntable, everything needs to be done manually. You need to use the cueing lever to lift the tonearm, move the tonearm over the record, and then lower the cueing lever to lower the tonearm over the record.

Your turntable won’t lift the tonearm when the record is finished and it won’t turn off automatically either. So, you need to pay close attention when your record is about to end. Otherwise, your stylus will keep spinning at the record resulting in irreversible damage to the stylus.

In my opinion, a manual turntable providers a better experience while playing records. To prevent your stylus from spinning on the record when it ends, you can always use the AT6006R safety raiser.

You can select the turntable type according to your needs.

Drive mechanism

The drive mechanism refers to a mechanism that spins your platter. There are two types of mechanisms:

• Belt drive
• Direct drive

In belt drive, the motor’s drive shaft is connected to the platter through a belt and you will find the motor either under the platter or at the side whereas in direct drive, the motor’s drive shaft is connected to the platter directly underneath.

The belt drive helps restrict motor noise and vibrations from reaching the platter which means better sound quality. However, it lacks the torque, i.e.,  your platter will take some time to reach the selected RPM. You might also face inconsistent playback speed and you also need to check the belt’s maintenance on time.

On the other hand, the direct drive mechanism offers high torque and consistent playback speed. However, as the motor’s drive shaft is directly connected to the platter, the motor’s vibrations can easily reach the platter and cause vibrations that affect the sound quality.

Well, DJs mainly prefer direct drive for its high torque and consistent playback speed whereas audiophiles prefer belt drive.

So, if you don’t want to do the DJ stuff, you should go for a belt drive unit.

Setup Needs

Well, there are different types of turntable setups:

Without Turntable’s built-in phono stage:

There are different setups with different equipment:

With the external phono stage:

• Turntable > phono preamp > receiver (without phono) > passive speakers
• Turntable > phono preamp > active speakers (without phono)

With stereo receiver or amplifier:

• Turntable > receiver (with phono) > passive speakers

With active speakers with built-in phono stage:

• Turntable > active speakers

With Turntable’s built-in phono stage:

• Turntable > receiver (without phono) > passive speakers
• Turntable > active speakers (without phono)

So, these are a few setup types that you might consider if you want to make your purchase cost-effective. Well, I recommend you select the setup first that you will follow and plan your further purchase accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1- How much do you need to spend on a good turntable?

Well, $500-$1000 is a very good budget to start your vinyl journey or upgrade from entry-level records player or turntable.

Q2- Is it worth buying a cheap turntable?

No, it’s not worth buying a cheap turntable. You won’t be able to enjoy the real experience vinyl offers.

Q3- What is the best project turntable to buy?

According to me, the Pro-Ject debut carbon EVO turntable is the best one but it’s a little expensive. If you have a lower budget, you can go for Pro-Ject T1 phono SB.

We have shared unbiased reviews of each turntable after testing their performance, sound quality, speed consistency, and other important factors and then comparing these with each turntable. If you have any queries or want to know some additional details about any turntable then please comment below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.