AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Turntables 2026
The top pick is Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamp ($73). Reloop RP8000 Mk2 Advanced Hybrid Torque Turntable with Digital… leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 36 models across 14 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Narrow the chart
All TurntablesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Weight0.3 kg
You get a small MM phono preamp that fits easily on a shelf. It has internal metal shielding and gold plated RCA connectors, and the external power supply comes in the box. It suits you if you want a simple, compact way to connect a turntable to your system.
Pros
- Internal metal shielding helps keep hum and noise out of the signal
- Gold plated RCA connectors for the phono input and output
- Compact housing measuring 120 x 32 x 106 mm, easy to fit on a shelf
-
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
If you DJ and want a turntable you can start quickly and control precisely, this one is worth a look. It has direct drive, a quartz lock, a start brake, reverse and a battle position, which are the features DJs use most. Just remember the cartridge and stylus are not included, so plan to buy those too.
Pros
- Direct drive with high torque for quick, stable starts
- S-shaped tonearm with a satin, low-resonance material
- Height-adjustable tonearm base for easy setup
Cons
- Cartridge and stylus are not included, so you need to buy them separately
- At 11.7 kg, it is heavy to carry between gigs
-
Reloop RP8000 Mk2 Advanced Hybrid Torque Turntable with Digital…
RP 8000 MK2 · Reloop
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight11.8 kg
You get a direct drive turntable with a die-cast aluminum platter, three speeds, and a pitch fader that reaches plus or minus 50 percent. It suits you if you want a sturdy deck for DJ work and need to change speed or pitch on the fly. Remember that you have to buy your own cartridge and stylus before you can play records.
Pros
- Upper-torque direct drive with a quartz-controlled hybrid motor
- Precision machined die-cast aluminum platter, static balanced
- S-shaped tonearm with hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism
Cons
- Cartridge and stylus are not included and must be bought separately
- Weighs 11.8 kg, so it is not very portable
-
- Weight9.6 kg
If you are a DJ or a serious vinyl player, this turntable gives you plenty of control. The direct drive, adjustable starting and braking torque, and pitch range let you handle records the way you want. Just remember you need to buy a stylus, and plan for a heavy, large machine on your table.
Pros
- Die-cast aluminium housing gives the turntable a sturdy base
- Direct drive with adjustable starting and braking torque for precise control
- Pitch adjustment range of ±8%/±16% and a reverse play function
Cons
- Stylus is not included, so you must buy one separately
- At 9.6 kg and 453 x 169 x 353 mm, it is a large, heavy unit to move around
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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$333 now$333€298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8.6"
- Weight4 kg
You get a complete turntable here, with an Ortofon OM NN cartridge already fitted and an integrated phono stage. It uses a belt drive with a synchronous motor and a lightweight aluminium tonearm with sapphire bearings. It suits you if you want to set up vinyl quickly without buying extra parts.
Pros
- Integrated phono stage with switchable phono and line output
- Belt drive with synchronous motor for steady playback
- Ortofon OM NN cartridge included, ready to play out of the box
Cons
- Weighs 4 kg at 420 x 112 x 330 mm, so it needs a fixed spot
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$312 now$312€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight5.7 kg
You get a 7-inch direct drive turntable with a brushless DC motor and a straight tonearm that has rubber damping to minimise resonance. It suits you if you want a turntable with a pitch fader, three speeds and gold-plated outputs, and you already have or plan to buy a headshell cartridge and needle. Keep in mind the pickup and needle are not in the box.
Pros
- Brushless DC motor drives the platter for direct drive operation
- Straight tonearm with integrated rubber damping to minimise resonance
- Non-detented pitch fader with selectable ±8%, ±16% and ±35% control range
Cons
- Pickup system and needle are not included and must be bought separately
- Tonearm connection is made for headshell cartridges and is not suitable for Concorde systems
59AudioFu
Index↓ 4.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$591 · Aug 17$563 now$563€504 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.55 kg
You get a small black box that connects a turntable to your system. It has a phono input and a line input, plus RCA and optical digital outputs that you can use at the same time. It suits you if you own an MM cartridge turntable and want a compact, simple way to hook it up.
Pros
- Optical digital output runs alongside the analogue RCA output at the same time
- Internal metal shielding inside a compact housing
- Two gold-plated RCA inputs: one phono and one line
Cons
- Phono input is MM only, so moving coil cartridges are not supported
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight8 kg
You get a direct-drive turntable with a quartz-driven motor and three speeds: 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM. It has a balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulic lift and anti-skating, plus pitch control up to +/-50%, which makes it a practical pick if you want to adjust speed while playing records. Because it weighs 8 kg, plan on giving it a steady spot on your table.
Pros
- Quartz-driven high-torque direct drive with a brushless DC motor
- Starting torque of approx. 2.5 kg/cm gets the platter moving quickly
- Pitch control with selectable ranges of +/-8%, +/-16% and +/-50%
Cons
- At 8 kg and 450 x 354 x 143 mm, it takes up a good amount of table space
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$490 now$490€439 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.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,464 now$4,464€3,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 36 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$108€97$108€97Check ↗
- 12
Pro-Ject Phono-Box E BT 5Pro-Ject54↑ 7.2%$150€134$150€134Check ↗
- 13
SPL Pro-Fi Phonos blackSPL54Stable$2,120€1,899$2,120€1,899Check ↗
- 14
SPL Phonos Duo BlackSPL54Stable$3,237€2,899$3,237€2,899Check ↗
- 15
Thorens TD 204 walnutThorens52↓ 2.7%$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 16
Technics SL-1210MK 7Technics · 3 finishes52Stable$1,114€998$1,114€998Check ↗
- 17
Thorens TD 403 DD matt oakThorens · 3 finishes52Stable$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 18
Reloop RP 2000 MK4 SilverReloop · 2 finishes51Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 19
Thorens TD 101 A blackThorens51Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 20
Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive TurntableAT-LP140XP Black · Audio-Technica · 2 finishes51↑ 7.8%$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 21
Thorens TD 402 DD blackThorens51↓ 1.3%$847€759$847€759Check ↗
- 22
Korg handytraxx playKorg41↓ 2.9%$410€367$410€367Check ↗
- 23
ART DJ Pre IIART40↓ 2.7%$82€73$82€73Check ↗
- 24
Technics SL-1200MK7 TurntableSL-1200MK7 Case Bundle · Technics40↓ 1.4%$1,223€1,095$1,223€1,095Check ↗
- 25
Korg handytraxx tubeKorg39Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 26
Dual DTJ 301-1 USBDual38Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 27
Stokyo Record Runner cherry redStokyo · 2 finishes37Stable$106€95$106€95Check ↗
- 28
Sonifex Redbox RB-PA2Sonifex37↓ 0.7%$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 29
Millenium PHP 2Millenium34↑ 4.7%$22€20$22€20Check ↗
- 30
Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set redPro-Ject · 3 finishes32Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 31
IMG Stageline SPR-6IMG Stageline31↑ 11.5%$32€29$32€29Check ↗
- 32
Technics 2x SL-1210MK 7 Mix SetTechnics · 2 finishes29Stable$2,388€2,139$2,388€2,139Check ↗
- 33
Reloop 2x RP 7000 MK2 Club SetReloop26↑ 4.4%$1,584€1,419$1,584€1,419Check ↗
- 34
Reloop 2x RP 8000 MK Club SetReloop26↑ 4.1%$1,741€1,559$1,741€1,559Check ↗
- 35
Technics 2x SL-1200MK7 Mix SetTechnics26Stable$2,388€2,139$2,388€2,139Check ↗
- 36
Behringer Microphono PP400 Phono PreampPP400 · Behringer24Stable$16€14$16€14Check ↗
Turntables by the numbers
Measured across all 61 models we track, not a sample.
Median $608 — half of all turntables here cost less.
median of 47 models · 0.55 kg–11.7 kg
median of 16 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 61 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.





