Finding the right turntable can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. I understand the struggle of wanting great sound quality without breaking the bank.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best turntables under $1500. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect match for your vinyl collection!
Want to skip our guide? Here's all our picks:
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Turntables Under 1500 Dollars
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The Best Turntables Under 1500 Dollars At A Glance
| Product | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB | $399.00 | 4.7 |
|
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO | $599.00 | 4.7 |
|
Rega Planar 78 | $745.00 | 4.5 |
|
Rega Planar 2 | $699.00 | 4.8 |
|
U-Turn Orbit Special | $569.00 | N/A |
|
Pro-Ject T2 | $649.00 | 4.5 |
|
Pro-Ject T1 Evo | $599.00 | 4.2 |
|
Pro-Ject Debut PRO B | $1,099.00 | 4.7 |
The Best Turntables Under 1500 Dollars | All Our Picks
Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB
Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB
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4.7
$394.51
Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB - Professional USB turntable with direct drive.
Pros:
- Professional features
- USB connectivity
- Sturdy build
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy
- No built-in speakers
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03/24/2025 08:35 pm GMT
Pros
- Professional features
- USB connectivity
- Sturdy build
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy
- No built-in speakers
Key Features
- Professional USB Turntable: Ideal for DJs and audiophiles, providing high-quality sound and performance.
- Direct Drive System: Ensures quick start-up times and consistent playback speed for enhanced audio fidelity.
- Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with USB output for easy connection to computers and digital recording software.
Summary
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB is a fantastic professional USB turntable that I love using for its direct drive capabilities, which provide quick start-up and accurate playback. I appreciate the built-in USB output, making it super easy to digitize my vinyl collection and share my favorite tracks online.
One of the standout features is the adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control, allowing me to customize my listening experience. While it’s a bit heavier than some portable options, its solid construction ensures stability during playback, making it a great choice for both beginners and serious audiophiles alike.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
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4.7
$599.00
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO - Carbon tonearm for superior sound.
Pros:
- Carbon tonearm
- Great sound quality
- Minimalist design
Cons:
- Manual speed change
- Dust cover not included
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03/24/2025 09:10 pm GMT
Pros
- Carbon tonearm
- Great sound quality
- Minimalist design
Cons
- Manual speed change
- Dust cover not included
Key Features
- Carbon tonearm for enhanced sound quality and reduced resonance.
- High-quality acrylic platter for improved speed stability and reduced vibration.
- Adjustable tracking force and anti-skating for optimal performance with different cartridges.
Summary
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO features a high-quality carbon tonearm that elevates sound performance to a whole new level. I'm impressed by its ability to deliver rich, detailed audio that brings my vinyl collection to life.
One of the standout benefits is its sleek design, which not only looks great but also minimizes vibrations for a cleaner sound. However, I do find that it might require a bit of setup for optimal performance, so be prepared to tinker a little to get everything just right!
Rega Planar 78
Best 78rpm Turntable
Rega Planar 78 Turntable
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4.5
$745.00
Pros:
- High-quality build
- Precise speed control
- Minimalist design
- Durable components
Cons:
- Limited to 78 RPM
- No anti-skating adjustment
- Manual operation
- Separate cartridge purchase required
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03/24/2025 10:34 pm GMT
Pros
- High-quality build
- Precise speed control
- Minimalist design
- Durable components
Cons
- Limited to 78 RPM
- No anti-skating adjustment
- Manual operation
- Separate cartridge purchase required
Key Features
- High-Quality Build: Crafted with precision engineering, ensuring durability and optimal performance.
- Specialized Cartridge: Designed to play 78 RPM records, featuring a dedicated cartridge for superior sound quality.
- Simple Setup: User-friendly design allows for easy installation and adjustment, making it accessible for all users.
Summary
The Rega Planar 78 is a fantastic turntable designed specifically for playing 78 RPM records, which is perfect for those of us who love vintage vinyl. It boasts a high-quality construction with a lightweight design, ensuring smooth playback and minimal vibration, making each listen an enjoyable experience.
One of the standout features is its precision-engineered tonearm and cartridge, delivering crisp, clear sound that brings your old records back to life. However, keep in mind that while it excels with 78s, it won't play other speeds, so if you're looking for versatility, that could be a potential drawback.
Rega Planar 2
Rega Planar 2
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4.8
$775.00
Rega Planar 2 Turntable - Sleek design with premium components.
Pros:
- Glass platter
- High-quality tonearm
- Excellent speed stability
Cons:
- Pricey upgrade options
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03/25/2025 03:48 am GMT
Pros
- Glass platter
- High-quality tonearm
- Excellent speed stability
Cons
- Pricey upgrade options
Key Features
- Sleek Design: The Rega Planar 2 boasts a modern and minimalist aesthetic that complements any audio setup.
- Premium Components: Built with high-quality materials and precision engineering for superior sound reproduction.
- Easy Setup: Designed for user-friendly assembly, making it accessible for both beginners and audiophiles alike.
Summary
The Rega Planar 2 turntable boasts a sleek design that not only looks great but also incorporates premium components for an exceptional audio experience. I love how its minimalist aesthetic complements any space while delivering impressive sound quality that truly enhances my vinyl collection.
One of the standout features is its precision-engineered materials, which contribute to stable playback and reduced vibrations. However, I have to mention that it might require a bit of a learning curve for those new to turntables, but the effort is totally worth it for the rich, warm sound it produces.
U-Turn Orbit Special
U-Turn Orbit Special
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Pros
Cons
Key Features
- Compact Design: The U-Turn Orbit Special features a space-efficient design, making it ideal for small living spaces and easy to transport.
- High-Quality Sound: Equipped with premium components, the turntable delivers exceptional audio performance, ensuring a rich and detailed listening experience.
- User-Friendly Operation: Simple setup and intuitive controls make it accessible for both beginners and audiophiles alike, enhancing the overall user experience.
Summary
The U-Turn Orbit Special is a true game-changer for anyone who loves vinyl. With its sleek design and high-quality components, I immediately notice how it enhances my listening experience, delivering rich sound and deep bass that makes my records come alive.
This turntable also features a user-friendly setup, which I appreciate as it allows me to jump right into my favorite albums without any hassle. However, I have to mention that it might require a bit of fine-tuning for those who are particular about audio settings, but that’s part of the fun for me!
Pro-Ject T2
Pro-Ject T2 SuperPhono
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4.5
$749.00
An audiophile entry-level turntable featuring a built-in phono preamp and Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Built-in phono preamp
- Stylish design
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Limited bass depth
- Fixed anti-skate setting
- No VTA adjustment
- Upgrade limitations
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03/25/2025 03:56 am GMT
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Built-in phono preamp
- Stylish design
- Easy setup
Cons
- Limited bass depth
- Fixed anti-skate setting
- No VTA adjustment
- Upgrade limitations
Key Features
- Audiophile Quality: Designed for entry-level enthusiasts seeking high-quality sound reproduction.
- Built-in Phono Preamp: Convenient integrated preamp allows for easy connection to various audio systems without additional equipment.
- Sumiko Rainier MM Cartridge: Equipped with a high-performance moving magnet cartridge for exceptional audio fidelity and clarity.
Summary
The Pro-Ject T2 is an impressive entry-level turntable that brings audiophile quality to my vinyl experience without breaking the bank. With its built-in phono preamp, I can easily connect it to a variety of audio systems, making setup a breeze.
Equipped with a Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge, this turntable delivers rich, detailed sound that enhances my favorite records. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, its straightforward design and performance make it a fantastic choice for both newcomers and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts.
Pro-Ject T1 Evo
Pro-Ject T1 Evo
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4.2
$599.00
Pro-Ject T1 Evo Turntable - High-quality turntable with Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros:
- High-quality sound
- Bluetooth enabled
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Manual operation
- No built-in preamp
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03/25/2025 03:56 am GMT
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Bluetooth enabled
- Stylish design
Cons
- Manual operation
- No built-in preamp
Key Features
- High-Quality Sound: The Pro-Ject T1 Evo delivers exceptional audio performance, ensuring clear and detailed playback of your vinyl records.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Easily connect to wireless speakers and headphones, allowing for a versatile listening experience without the hassle of cables.
- Sleek Design: The turntable features a modern aesthetic with a durable build, making it an attractive addition to any audio setup.
Summary
The Pro-Ject T1 Evo Turntable is a sleek and stylish option that brings the joy of vinyl listening right into your home. With its Bluetooth connectivity, I can easily stream my favorite records to compatible speakers without the hassle of wires.
This turntable features a high-quality build that delivers excellent sound performance, making it a great choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners alike. However, if you're looking for advanced features or customization options, you might find it a bit basic.
Pro-Ject Debut PRO B
Pro-Ject Debut PRO B
Get it from Amazon
4.7
$1,099.00
An advanced turntable featuring a carbon-aluminum tonearm, balanced connections, and a new Pick-IT PRO Balanced cartridge.
Pros:
- High-quality sound
- Balanced connections
- Advanced tonearm
- Elegant design
Cons:
- No built-in preamp
- Manual speed change for 78 RPM
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03/25/2025 04:15 am GMT
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Balanced connections
- Advanced tonearm
- Elegant design
Cons
- No built-in preamp
- Manual speed change for 78 RPM
Key Features
- Carbon-Aluminum Tonearm: Combines lightweight carbon fiber and rigid aluminum for improved tracking and reduced resonance.
- Balanced Connections: Provides superior signal integrity and reduced noise for optimal audio performance.
- Pick-IT PRO Balanced Cartridge: Delivers high-fidelity sound reproduction with enhanced clarity and detail.
Summary
The Pro-Ject Debut PRO B is an impressive turntable that stands out with its carbon-aluminum tonearm, providing both durability and precision for a superior listening experience. I love how it comes equipped with balanced connections, which enhance sound quality and reduce interference, making every note crystal clear.
One of my favorite features is the new Pick-IT PRO Balanced cartridge, which delivers rich, detailed sound that's perfect for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. While the advanced features may seem overwhelming for beginners, the overall design and functionality make it easy to enjoy your vinyl collection with minimal hassle.
Top Turntables Under 1500 Dollarss of 2025 | Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect turntable under $1500 can elevate your vinyl listening experience without breaking the bank. With options that offer exceptional sound quality, build, and features, you're sure to discover a model that fits your needs and style.
Whether you prioritize aesthetics, sound fidelity, or functionality, there's a fantastic selection available. Happy listening!
The Top Turntables Under 1500 Dollars of 2025 | Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Turntables Under 1500 Dollars
What features should I look for in a turntable under 1500 dollars?
Look for features like a high-quality cartridge, adjustable tracking force, and a solid build to reduce vibrations.
Are belt-drive or direct-drive turntables better in this price range?
Both have advantages; belt-drive is typically better for sound quality, while direct-drive offers faster start-up times and durability.
Do I need a separate amplifier for turntables under 1500 dollars?
It depends; some models have built-in phono preamps, while others require a separate amplifier for optimal sound.
Can I upgrade components on turntables in this price range?
Yes, many turntables allow for upgrades like cartridges, mats, and even tonearms for improved performance.
What maintenance do turntables under 1500 dollars require?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the stylus, checking the alignment, and ensuring the platter is level to maintain sound quality.
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