Darkside Vinyl · Updated July 2026

Honest turntables and vinyl reviews & buying guides

Hands-on testing, ranked picks, and no fluff — so you can buy gear you will actually love.

Reviewed by Cassie Hart

Independent testing · Unbiased editorial

Hands-on reviews Ranked buying guides No paid placements

★ Featured Review

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Discover why the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is a must-have!

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Editor's picks

What's hot

Featured reviews and buying guides our team is reading right now.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB

Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB

Discover why the Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB rocks in 2025!

LOFT + IVY Record Player Stand

LOFT + IVY Record Player Stand

Discover why the LOFT + IVY Record Player Stand is a must-have in 2025!

U-Turn Orbit Plus Turntable

U-Turn Orbit Plus Turntable

Discover why the U-Turn Orbit Plus is the must-have turntable of 2025!

Rega Planar 2

Discover why the Rega Planar 2 is a must-have for 2025!

Speakers for Turntables

Speakers for Turntables

Discover the top speakers for turntables in 2025!

Rega Planar 78

Discover why the Rega Planar 78 is a must-have in 2025!

Latest posts

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1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Turntable

1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Turntable

Discover the 1byone Turntable: classic vibes, modern features!

1byone Bluetooth Turntable HiFi System

1byone Bluetooth Turntable HiFi System

Discover the 1byone Bluetooth Turntable—your HiFi upgrade!

1byone High Fidelity Turntable

1byone High Fidelity Turntable

Discover why the 1byone Turntable is a must-have in 2025!

1byone Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth

1byone Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth

Discover why the 1byone Vinyl Record Player is a must-have in 2025!

ABRAMTEK X20 Bluetooth Speakers

ABRAMTEK X20 Bluetooth Speakers

Discover why the ABRAMTEK X20 speakers are a must-have!

Denon DRA-900H Stereo Receiver

Denon DRA-900H Stereo Receiver

Discover why the Denon DRA-900H is a must-have!

Why trust us

Why trust Darkside Vinyl?

We test turntables and vinyl in real listening rooms — not just on paper.

1589

Products reviewed

22

Buying guides

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Independent editorial

Our editorial standards

1

Hands-on testing

Every product we recommend gets real-world use before we publish.
2

Independent rankings

Our picks reflect testing results — not who pays the most commission.
3

Transparent reviews

We disclose affiliate relationships and update guides when gear changes.

Editorial team

Our passionate experts live and breathe turntables and vinyl. We're here to help you make informed decisions.

✦Expert reviews

✦Thorough testing

✦Unbiased opinions

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The team

Meet our turntables and vinyl experts

With over 6 decades of collective experience, we're here to share our knowledge and help you make informed decisions.

Amber Mitchell

Calvin Reese

Cassie Hart

Derek Holt

Jazz Monroe

Mara Chen

Marcus Webb

Sofia Ruiz

Victoria Hayes

Turntables

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1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Turntable

1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Turntable

Discover the 1byone Turntable: classic vibes, modern features!

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono Turntable

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono Turntable

Discover why the Pro-Ject Primary E Phono is a game-changer!

Rega Planar 1

Discover why the Rega Planar 1 is a must-have in 2025!

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT Red Bundle Review: Turntable + Monitors

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT Red Bundle Review: Turntable + Monitors

See if the AT-LP60XBT red bundle gets vinyl playing tonight with matched Bluetooth monitors—or when turntable-only saves money.

Accessories

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Brown Cork Turntable Mat Review: Budget Recessed Fit

Brown Cork Turntable Mat Review: Budget Recessed Fit

A brown cork turntable platter mat with recessed center reviewed for LP60 fit, static control, grip, and value…

Turntable Cartridge Alignment Kit Review 2026: Is the $20 Bundle Enough?

Turntable Cartridge Alignment Kit Review 2026: Is the $20 Bundle Enough?

See if the ~$20 alignment kit dials in VTF, overhang, and azimuth on your first cartridge install—or when…

Fosi Audio Box X1 Review: Buy or Skip?

Fosi Audio Box X1 Review: Buy or Skip?

Fosi Audio Box X1 phono preamp review for MM turntables without a built-in stage. Learn setup, compatibility, pros,…

ATN-3600L Cartridge Stylus Headshell Review 2026

ATN-3600L Cartridge Stylus Headshell Review 2026

ATN-3600L headshell kit review for Technics SL-D1, SL-D2, SL-D3, and SL-D5. Learn install steps, kit contents, and when…

Turntables Under 1000 Dollars

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Rega Planar 1

Discover why the Rega Planar 1 is a must-have in 2025!

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Essentials Bundle Review 2026

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Essentials Bundle Review 2026

AT-LP120XUSB-BK essentials bundle review: direct-drive USB deck with preamp, platter cover, and cleaning kit. Worth it vs standalone?

Pro-Ject T1 Evo

Pro-Ject T1 Evo

Discover why the Pro-Ject T1 Evo is a game-changer!

Pro-Ject T2

Discover why the Pro-Ject T2 is a must-have in 2025!

Turntables Under 100 Dollars

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Victrola Journey+

Victrola Journey+

Discover why the Victrola Journey+ is a must-have!

Victrola Vintage

Victrola Vintage

Discover the charm of the Victrola Vintage 2025!

Victrola Revolution GO

Victrola Revolution GO

Discover the must-have features of the Victrola Revolution GO!

Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable

Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable

Discover the top turntables of 2025!

Suitcase Turntables

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Victrola Journey+

Victrola Journey+

Discover why the Victrola Journey+ is a must-have!

Victrola Vintage

Victrola Vintage

Discover the charm of the Victrola Vintage 2025!

Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable

Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable

Discover the top turntables of 2025!

Arkrocket Curiosity Turntable

Arkrocket Curiosity Turntable

Discover the Arkrocket Curiosity Turntable in our 2025 review!