AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Turntables 2026
The top pick is Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamp ($73). Technics SL-1200MK7 Turntable leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 39 models across 15 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
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All TurntablesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight0.3 kg
The Phono-Box E is a surprisingly competent little preamp for the price. It's a great entry point for vinyl enthusiasts or DJs needing a budget-friendly solution to boost their signal. Don't expect audiophile-grade performance, but it’s a clean and functional option that gets the job done.
Pros
- Solid metal shielding effectively reduces hum and interference from external sources.
- Gold-plated RCA connectors offer reliable signal transfer and resist corrosion.
- Compact size makes it ideal for tight spaces and portable setups.
Cons
- Limited gain range restricts compatibility with very low-output moving coil cartridges.
- External power supply adds to clutter and limits true portability.
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Reloop RP-7000 MkII Professional Upper Torque Direct Drive DJ…
RP 7000 MK2 silver · Reloop
16 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight11.7 kg
The RP 7000 MK2 silver is a workhorse turntable built for the modern DJ. It's got the features you need for serious scratching and beatmatching, plus the robust build quality to withstand the rigors of the road. If you’re a battle DJ or someone who likes to push the limits, this is a seriously capable and affordable option.
Pros
- Solid direct drive motor delivers consistent, powerful torque.
- S-shaped tonearm minimizes tracking errors for better sound.
- Quartz lock ensures rock-solid speed stability, crucial for mixing.
Cons
- Stock tonearm may benefit from a higher-end cartridge upgrade.
- The heavy weight makes portability a significant challenge.
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$618 now$618€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight9.6 kg
The SL-1200MK7 is a modern classic, built for DJs who demand ultimate reliability and precise control. It's a serious tool for seasoned turntablists and aspiring professionals alike—if you value build quality and raw performance above all else, this is your turntable.
Pros
- Robust die-cast aluminum chassis provides exceptional stability during intense mixing.
- Direct drive motor delivers instant torque and rock-solid platter speed accuracy.
- Adjustable torque and braking allow precise customization for varied DJing styles.
Cons
- Premium-priced, placing it beyond the reach of many beginner DJs.
- Lack of built-in effects or digital connectivity limits modern workflow integration.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,123 now$1,123€998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Reloop RP8000 Mk2 Advanced Hybrid Torque Turntable with Digital…
RP 8000 MK2 · Reloop
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight11.8 kg
The RP 8000 MKII is a seriously capable turntable geared toward the discerning DJ or vinyl enthusiast. Its robust build, accurate motor control, and thoughtful features like the hydraulic lift make it a joy to use, especially for those wanting a versatile machine for scratching and beatmatching. It's a great option for those wanting pro-level functionality without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Die-cast aluminum platter delivers exceptional stability and sonic clarity
- Hydraulic lift and anti-skating offer precise tracking and ease of use
- Quartz-controlled motor minimizes wow and flutter for accurate playback
Cons
- Cartridge/stylus not included; requires a separate, potentially costly, purchase
- Relatively heavy build might pose challenges for portable setups or smaller spaces
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- Size8.6"
- Weight5 kg
The Debut RecordMaster II is a well-thought-out entry point for vinyl enthusiasts wanting to digitize their records or enjoy a clean, simple hi-fi setup. Its ease of use and integrated USB make it ideal for beginners or those seeking a convenient recording solution, though seasoned audiophiles might desire more advanced features.
Pros
- Walnut plinth adds warmth and a premium aesthetic appeal
- Pre-mounted Ortofon OM5e delivers respectable detail and tracking
- Built-in phono preamp & USB simplify recording to digital formats
Cons
- Tonearm, while adequate, isn't upgradeable for serious audiophiles
- Limited pitch control restricts DJing capabilities significantly
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8.6"
- Weight4 kg
The Primary E Phono is a solid entry point into vinyl for those wanting a complete, hassle-free package. The integrated phono stage and pre-set cartridge make it easy to get spinning, and the build quality is surprisingly good for the price point – it's perfect for someone just starting out or wanting a no-fuss, reliable turntable.
Pros
- CNC chassis minimizes resonance, delivering a clean sound
- Ortofon OM NN cartridge offers respectable tracking and detail
- Integrated phono stage simplifies setup for beginners
Cons
- Limited upgrade path for tonearm and cartridge
- Composite fibre chassis, while effective, lacks the premium feel of metal
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$314 now$314€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.55 kg
The Optical Box E is a clever little preamp, especially if you're looking to get your vinyl into a digital audio workstation. The optical output is a real time-saver, and the sound is clean and relatively neutral – a great starting point for DJs or anyone wanting a simple, functional phono stage without a ton of bells and whistles.
Pros
- Excellent optical output simplifies digital recording workflows.
- Solid metal shielding effectively reduces hum and interference.
- Compact size makes it ideal for tight studio spaces.
Cons
- Limited gain range might struggle with low-output moving coil cartridges.
- External power supply adds clutter and potential for cable management issues.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$123 now$123€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight8 kg
This turntable feels like a solid workhorse for any DJ set. The quartz motor keeps the beat locked in tight, and the heavy counterweight on the tonearm tracks records smoothly. It is a great value for someone who needs reliable control without the complexity of modern digital decks.
Pros
- Quartz-driven motor ensures rock-solid speed stability.
- Brushless DC motor delivers high starting torque.
- S-shaped tonearm offers smooth tracking and low friction.
Cons
- No specific cartridge model is listed in specs.
- Platter material and size are not described.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$494 now$494€439 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight5.7 kg
This turntable feels solid thanks to its brushless motor and built-in power supply. The tone arm sits well with standard cartridges, but you need to buy the needle yourself. It's great for DJs who want steady speed and clean audio without extra clutter.
Pros
- Brushless DC motor ensures zero latency and smooth speed control.
- Integrated rubber damping on the tone arm cuts unwanted resonance.
- Gold-plated outputs deliver clean, low-noise audio signals.
Cons
- Pitch fader lacks detent for precise manual control.
- No Concorde system support limits cartridge compatibility.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$595 now$595€529 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size12"
- Weight11 kg
The Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnut is a beautifully crafted, high-performance turntable built on a solid foundation of Thorens’ legacy. It’s perfect for serious vinyl listeners who value a classic aesthetic and refined sound quality, offering excellent detail retrieval and a warm, inviting character. This is a turntable you’ll want to keep around for a long time.
Pros
- Walnut plinth provides exceptional resonance damping and visual appeal.
- Sub-chassis isolation system minimizes external vibrations effectively.
- Internal strap drive ensures consistent speed and minimizes wow/flutter.
Cons
- Premium-priced, positioning it out of reach for budget-conscious buyers.
- Manual operation may require a learning curve for some users.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,499 now$4,499€3,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 39 turntables
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
ART Precision Phono PreampART54Stable$109€97$109€97Check ↗
- 12
Pro-Ject Phono-Box E BT 5Pro-Ject54↑ 7.2%$151€134$151€134Check ↗
- 13
SPL Pro-Fi Phonos blackSPL54Stable$2,137€1,899$2,137€1,899Check ↗
- 14
SPL Phonos Duo BlackSPL54Stable$3,262€2,899$3,262€2,899Check ↗
- 15
Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive TurntableAT-LP140XP Black · Audio-Technica · 2 finishes53↑ 7.8%$528€469$528€469Check ↗
- 16
Thorens TD 204 walnutThorens53↓ 2.7%$764€679$764€679Check ↗
- 17
Thorens TD 403 DD matt oakThorens · 3 finishes53Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 18
Thorens TD 101 A blackThorens52Stable$448€398$448€398Check ↗
- 19
Thorens TD 202 blackThorens52Stable$500€444$500€444Check ↗
- 20
Thorens TD 402 DD blackThorens52↓ 1.3%$854€759$854€759Check ↗
- 21
Reloop RP 2000 MK4 SilverReloop · 2 finishes51Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 22
Rodec BUNK 01 Elm BlackRodec51Stable$708€629$708€629Check ↗
- 23
Technics SL-1210MK 7Technics · 2 finishes48Stable$1,123€998$1,123€998Check ↗
- 24
Thorens TD 1500 walnut HGThorens46↓ 5.0%$2,136€1,898$2,136€1,898Check ↗
- 25
Korg handytraxx playKorg41↓ 2.9%$413€367$413€367Check ↗
- 26
Technics SL-1200MK7 TurntableSL-1200MK7 Case Bundle · Technics41Stable$1,250€1,111$1,250€1,111Check ↗
- 27
ART DJ Pre IIART40↓ 2.7%$82€73$82€73Check ↗
- 28
Korg handytraxx tubeKorg39Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 29
Dual DTJ 301-1 USBDual38Stable$258€229$258€229Check ↗
- 30
Stokyo Record Runner cherry redStokyo · 2 finishes37Stable$107€95$107€95Check ↗
- 31
Sonifex Redbox RB-PA2Sonifex36Stable$611€543$611€543Check ↗
- 32
Millenium PHP 2Millenium34↑ 4.7%$22€20$22€20Check ↗
- 33
Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set redPro-Ject · 3 finishes32Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 34
IMG Stageline SPR-6IMG Stageline31↑ 11.5%$33€29$33€29Check ↗
- 35
Technics 2x SL-1210MK 7 Mix SetTechnics · 2 finishes29Stable$2,407€2,139$2,407€2,139Check ↗
- 36
Reloop 2x RP 7000 MK2 Club SetReloop27Stable$1,529€1,359$1,529€1,359Check ↗
- 37
Reloop 2x RP 8000 MK Club SetReloop26↑ 4.1%$1,754€1,559$1,754€1,559Check ↗
- 38
Technics 2x SL-1200MK7 Mix SetTechnics26Stable$2,407€2,139$2,407€2,139Check ↗
- 39
Behringer Microphono PP400 Phono PreampPP400 · Behringer24Stable$16€14$16€14Check ↗
Turntables by the numbers
Measured across all 63 models we track, not a sample.
Median $618 — half of all turntables here cost less.
median of 49 models · 0.55 kg–11.7 kg
median of 17 models · 7"–12"
How to choose the best turntables
Gain
This is the obvious one - how much the preamp boosts the signal. Too little and you'll be cranking your gain stages, adding noise. Too much and you're clipping. Different cartridges need different gain levels, so check the specs and consider adjustable gain if you swap cartridges often.
RIAA Equalization
This is critical. The RIAA curve is how records are mastered - bass is cut, treble is boosted. Your preamp needs to accurately reverse that process. A botched RIAA curve will sound thin, muddy, or just plain wrong. Listen for accurate imaging and a natural low-end response.
Noise Floor
A quiet preamp is a good preamp. Any hiss or hum introduced by the preamp will be amplified along with your music. A low noise floor lets the subtle nuances of your vinyl shine through - the crackle, the warmth, the detail. This is especially important for quieter genres like jazz or classical.
Loading
Cartridge loading affects the frequency response and damping. Some preamps offer adjustable loading (capacitance and resistance) allowing you to fine-tune the sound to match your cartridge's specifications. It's a tweak that can really improve the articulation and bass definition.
Output Stage/Headroom
A clean, powerful output stage is key. You want headroom to avoid clipping, especially when tracking loud music or playing live. A preamp with a solid output stage will drive your downstream gear cleanly and without introducing distortion, even at higher volumes.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're spinning vinyl? Awesome. But that signal coming off your cartridge is tiny - we're talking millivolts. You need a phono preamp to boost it to line level so your mixer, interface, or receiver can actually hear it. Don't just plug that cartridge directly into your gear; you'll be missing a huge chunk of the sonic potential, and likely adding noise. Let's break down what to look for in a phono preamp, whether you're tracking a session or just vibing in your studio.
Don't fall for the hype. A $500 preamp isn't automatically better than a $100 one - it depends on your cartridge and your ears. Cheaper units often cut corners on power supply filtering, leading to hum and noise.
More expensive units can offer better components and more flexibility (like adjustable loading), but only if you know how to use those features. For most home users, a well-regarded unit in the $100-$300 range will do the job beautifully.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 63 turntables from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between an integrated phono preamp and a standalone one?
Integrated preamps are built into receivers or amplifiers. They're often convenient, but usually compromise on quality. Standalone preamps are dedicated units, designed solely for phono amplification, and generally offer significantly better performance.
Do I need a 'powered' phono preamp?
No. 'Powered' just means it has its own power supply. Most preamps are passive, relying on the power from your receiver or amplifier. A powered preamp can be useful if your amp doesn't have enough headroom or a suitable phono input, but isn't always necessary.
My turntable has a built-in preamp. Should I still use an external one?
Probably. Those built-in preamps are often a compromise to keep the turntable's price down. An external preamp will almost always offer better sound quality, lower noise, and more flexibility. It's a simple upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.
What does 'cartridge loading' actually do?
Cartridge loading affects how the cartridge interacts with the preamp's capacitance. Changing the loading can subtly shift the frequency response, tighten up the bass, or reduce sibilance. It's a tweak, not a magic bullet, but can improve the overall sound.
How do I know if my preamp is introducing noise?
Listen closely! Turn up the volume (but not too loud) and listen for any hiss, hum, or buzz. It should be very subtle, if audible at all. If you hear noticeable noise, it's a sign that the preamp isn't up to the task.
