There are many reasons to love vinyl records. Of course, there's the sound of a good quality LP, but there's also the pleasure of rummaging through the shelves in the hope of finding a lost classic, an unknown curiosity or an absolute bargain.
There's the joy of getting a brand new reissue of an old favorite, its heavy-duty vinyl allowing you to listen to it as if it were the first time.
There's the art of a good cover, and the seduction of an interesting cover, and the anticipation between putting the needle down (hopefully on one of the best turntables TechRadar recommends) and the music starting.
And with independent and small label artists, there's also the certainty that some of the money is actually going to the artist rather than some shareholders somewhere, so it's good for your conscience too.
In other words, vinyl is brightSo how do you get started?
While entering the world of vinyl is a little more complicated than entering the world of streaming, it is not. very Complicated: All you need is a turntable, an amplifier, and some speakers, and sometimes you can get all of that in one device. There are plenty of really good, very affordable, and very simple turntables out there that are absolutely perfect for both beginners and music lovers returning to vinyl.
At Techradar we test all kinds of turntables, from budget models to those that cost more than you'd spend on a car. That means we know which turntables require the least work and offer the best music quality for your money.
Whether you're buying your first turntable or returning to vinyl after years of digital downloads and streaming, the following three turntables come highly recommended.
Buy now, enjoy forever: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon
We know that the most important thing is how your turntable sounds, but there's also value in a turntable that makes your heart beat every time you see it. And that's definitely the case here, because the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon comes in a variety of colors and looks great in all of them. It's a bit like having a really cool design on a really cool record.
The Debut is one of Pro-Ject's most user-friendly and affordable turntables, and it sounds fantastic. As we said in our review: “The Debut Carbon Evo is a plush, full-bodied sound, but that's not to say it's languid in any sense. It has plenty of the warmth and richness that's so often considered an undisputed virtue of vinyl, but it doesn't sag or drag. It's easy to listen to, but it doesn't fail to involve you… Like any turntable worth its salt, it's very slick and ties everything together.”
We know this model is at the higher end of many beginners' budgets, but the sound it delivers is truly amazing, and while this particular model doesn't have features like Bluetooth, that's not a problem when it does what it does so well.
If that's a bit pricey or you want Bluetooth, we recommend checking out the same company's recently updated E1 range – it's available with or without Bluetooth, and the non-Bluetooth version is cheaper than the Debut.
Read our full review of the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon
A brilliant and inexpensive buy: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
If your budget doesn't stretch to the Pro-Ject, this sub-$200 turntable (street prices are typically $149, £179 or AU$299) is a great alternative – it's our current best budget buy. That's because it does a commendable job on all fronts, including Bluetooth streaming to wireless headphones and speakers.
The materials aren't as attractive as the Pro-Ject, but it's very well made and looks pretty good; the tonearm feels a little flimsy, so you'll want to be careful with that. But we're really being picky here – the sound you get for the money is really good, and this is an excellent choice for a starter turntable that you won't outgrow too quickly.
Read our full review of the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
A powerful multifunction: Lenco LS-410
We're not snobs about all-in-one gear – if you're short on space or money, or both, an all-in-one system can be a great way to get started in vinyl without too much effort or expense. We wouldn't recommend it as an audio source for a very specific hi-fi system, but for around $230 or £220, you get a lot of gear for not too much money, including Bluetooth streaming from other audio sources such as your phone. It's got 50W of power through four speakers, and as a Bluetooth speaker, it's really quite good.
Inevitably, though, the low price means some corners have had to be cut. We found a few flaws compared to competing turntables – the tonearm and lifter feel insubstantial, so this might not be a model for the faint of heart, and the sound is decent rather than amazing. In our review, we found that the platter's rotation speed varied audibly, and once we noticed it, we couldn't un-noticed it. It's not a bad turntable by any means, but it's not up there with the best.
If you're looking to take the first steps toward building a truly amazing hi-fi system, we wouldn't start here. But if you're looking for a player for the bedroom, something for a small apartment, or just aren't sure if you'll get the vinyl bug, this is a good, affordable and portable option.
Read our full review of the Lenco LS-410
