Best DJ Turntables for Intermediate 2026

Perfect dj turntables for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Technics SL-1200MK7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Technics SL-1200MK7

Scratch DJing Vinyl DJing Traditional DJing
Key Feature:
• Essential for scratch DJing
✓ PROS
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup
  • • Expensive quality turntables

Technics SL-1200MK7DJ Turntable with Direct DriveDie-cast aluminium housingAdjustable starting and braking torquePitch...

4.9/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set white - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set white

Turntablism Vinyl DJing Hip-Hop
Key Feature:
• Essential for scratch DJing
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode
  • • Heavy and less portable

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set whiteSet of Record Player and SpeakersConsisting of Juke Box E and 2x speaker...

4.6/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Thorens TD 101 A black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thorens TD 101 A black

Scratch DJing Hip-Hop Vinyl DJing
Key Feature:
• High torque for quick starts
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Expensive quality turntables

Thorens TD 101 A blackFully Automatic Record PlayerWith integrated phono amplifierAluminium tonearm with Audio Technica...

4.8/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Thorens TD 102 A walnut HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Thorens TD 102 A walnut HG

Vinyl DJing Turntablism Hip-Hop
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Thorens TD 102 A walnut HGRecord playerFully automaticWith integrated MM phono preamplifierDrive: Flat belt driveDC...

4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Technics SL-1210MK 7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Technics SL-1210MK 7

Vinyl DJing Hip-Hop Turntablism
Key Feature:
• High torque for quick starts
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality turntables
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Technics SL-1210MK 7Direct Drive DJ TurntableDie-cast aluminium housingAdjustable start and stop timePitch adjustment...

4.9/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Reloop Turn 7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Reloop Turn 7

Traditional DJing Hip-Hop Turntablism
Key Feature:
• Authentic vinyl DJing experience
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic vinyl DJing experience
  • • High torque for quick starts
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality turntables
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed

Reloop Turn 7Belt-Driven Premium HiFi TurntableWith Ortofon 2M Red stylus (elliptical)20 mm acrylic platter (1.7 kg)...

4.9/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Thorens TD 1500 black HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Thorens TD 1500 black HG

Traditional DJing Turntablism Vinyl DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Professional DJ standard
  • • Authentic vinyl DJing experience
✗ CONS
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup
  • • Heavy and less portable

Thorens TD 1500 Black HGSubchassis TurntableWith balanced XLR outputsDrive: Belt driveDC motorSpeeds: 33-1/345...

5.0/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II walnut

Vinyl DJing Traditional DJing Turntablism
Key Feature:
• Professional DJ standard
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality turntables
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II WNAudiophile Turntable for HiFi and Audio Transfer to PC/MacPrecision belt drive with...

4.8/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II black

Turntablism Vinyl DJing Traditional DJing
Key Feature:
• High torque for quick starts
✓ PROS
  • • Professional DJ standard
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Expensive quality turntables

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II blackAudiophile Turntable for Hifi & Audio Transfer to PC/MacPrecision belt drive...

4.6/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Pro-Ject Primary E Phono red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono red

Turntablism Vinyl DJing Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Professional DJ standard
  • • High torque for quick starts
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono redAudiophile "Plug & Play" TurntableIntegrated phono stagePhono and line output...

4.9/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Thorens TD 402 DD black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Thorens TD 402 DD black

Vinyl DJing Scratch DJing Hip-Hop
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup

Thorens TD 402 DD blackDirect Drive Record PlayerReady to play ‘out-of-the-box’Very smoothly running direct...

4.8/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Pro-Ject Primary E Phono white - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono white

Scratch DJing Vinyl DJing Turntablism
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono WhiteAudiophile "Plug & Play" TurntableIntegrated phono stagePhono and line...

4.8/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Reloop RP 8000 MK2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Reloop RP 8000 MK2

Scratch DJing Traditional DJing Hip-Hop
Key Feature:
• Essential for scratch DJing
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
  • • Authentic vinyl DJing experience
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality turntables
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup

Reloop RP 8000 MKIITurntable with Direct DriveQuartz-controlled hybrid turntable with upper-torque direct...

4.6/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II red

Traditional DJing Turntablism Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
  • • Authentic vinyl DJing experience
✗ CONS
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II redAudiophile Turntable for Hifi & audio transfer to PC/MacPrecision belt drive with...

4.8/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Thorens TD 1600 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Thorens TD 1600 black

Hip-Hop Scratch DJing Turntablism
Key Feature:
• Essential for scratch DJing
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup

Thorens TD 1600 blackManual Turntable with Sub-chassisExternally very close to the earlier 160 series with classic...

4.5/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best DJ Turntables

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced dj turntables typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more