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AudioFu Chart · November 2026

Best Turntables for Beginner 2026

The top pick is Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamp ($73). Behringer Microphono PP400 Phono Preamp gives you the most for the money at $16. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 36 models across 14 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: November 8, 2026

36models in this chart
14brands
$608median price
11price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Turntables Showing: For Beginner · clear

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamp

    Phono-Box E · Pro-Ject

    1 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • 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
    92AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand100
    • Lineup100
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$73 now
    $73€65 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  2. Pro-Ject Optical Box E Phono Black

    Pro-Ject

    Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann

    • 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
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$122 now
    $122€109 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  3. ART Precision Phono Preamp

    ART

    Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann

    • Weight0.86 kg

    This is a phono preamp, so it boosts the weak signal from your turntable to a level your mixer or amp can use. You can switch the input between moving coil and moving magnet cartridges, and you can choose how much gain it adds. It suits you if you run a turntable into a DJ mixer or hi-fi system and want control over the signal.

    Pros

    • Input switches between Moving Coil and Moving Magnet, so it works with both cartridge types
    • Freely selectable signal preamplification lets you set the gain to suit your cartridge
    • Switchable Low Cut Filter and Signal / Clip indicator help you set things up

    Cons

    • Only two phono or line inputs and two line outputs, so few sources can connect at once
    54AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker68
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$108 now
    $108€97 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  4. Pro-Ject Phono-Box E BT 5

    Pro-Ject

    Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann

    • Weight0.3 kg

    This is a compact phono preamp that lets you send your record player to Bluetooth and stream it wirelessly. It has two inputs and an analogue mini-jack output, and you can use that output and Bluetooth at the same time. It suits you if you want to play records wirelessly and still keep a wired connection available.

    Pros

    • Bluetooth 5.0 streaming with aptX HD support for wireless connection of your record player
    • Two inputs: one phono cinch and one 3.5 mini-jack line input
    • Analogue 3.5 mini-jack output and Bluetooth can be used at the same time
    54AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup63
    • Price28
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    ↑ 7.2%since Aug 17
    $140 · Aug 17$150 now
    $150€134 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  5. Millenium PHP 2

    Millenium

    Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann

    The Millenium PHP 2 is a stereo phono preamp that lets you connect a turntable to Aux or Line inputs. It has RCA inputs and outputs and comes with its own power supply unit. If you want a small box to hook a turntable up to your existing gear, this is a simple choice.

    Pros

    • Stereo phono preamp connects a turntable to Aux or Line inputs
    • RCA inputs and outputs make hookup to common gear straightforward
    • Integrated equalising stage handles the turntable signal in one unit

    Cons

    • Its compact 95 x 73 x 40 mm body needs a spot on a crowded rack or shelf
    34AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup63
    • Price36
    • Specs0
    • Maker43
    ↑ 4.7%since Aug 17
    $21 · Aug 17$22 now
    $22€20 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  6. ART DJ Pre II

    ART

    Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann

    If you want to play records through a mixer, sound card, or tape deck, this small box can do the job. It adds the RIAA equalisation a turntable needs, so you can plug straight into a normal line input. The input control and clip LED help you set the level, and the switchable low cut filter helps cut rumble.

    Pros

    • Built-in RIAA equalisation lets a turntable connect to a standard line input
    • Switchable low cut filter helps cut unwanted low-end rumble
    • Input amplification control with signal/clip LED helps set the level

    Cons

    • Uses RCA input and output connections only, so other connector types need adapters
    40AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup63
    • Price58
    • Specs0
    • Maker68
    ↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $84 · Aug 17$82 now
    $82€73 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  7. IMG Stageline SPR-6

    IMG Stageline

    Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann

    This small metal box lets you connect a turntable to a hi-fi system, mixing console, or amplifier. It follows the RIAA standard, so your records get the right equalization. It suits you if you want a simple way to bring a record player into an aux or line input.

    Pros

    • Stereo phono preamp built to the RIAA equalization standard
    • Low hum thanks to its metal housing
    • Enclosed plug-in power supply is included

    Cons

    • Needs a 230 V mains outlet to power the included plug-in supply
    31AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup63
    • Price15
    • Specs0
    • Maker43
    ↑ 11.5%since Aug 17
    $29 · Aug 17$32 now
    $32€29 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  8. Stokyo Record Runner cherry red

    Stokyo

    Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann

    This cherry red player looks like a real car but runs on batteries. It plays standard 33 rpm records with a built-in amp and comes with a stylus. Great for quick jams in a car or small room, but the short battery life means you must keep charging it.

    Pros

    • Officially licensed Volkswagen design looks cool
    • Built-in amplifier handles playback directly
    • Replaceable needle for long term use

    Cons

    • Battery life lasts only 90 minutes
    • Pitch control range is limited to 8 percent
    37AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup68
    • Price50
    • Specs0
    • Maker39
    Stablesince Aug 17
    $106 · Aug 17$106 now
    $106€95 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  9. Behringer Microphono PP400 Phono Preamp

    PP400 · Behringer

    0 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    The PP400 is a shockingly capable phono preamp for the price. It's a solid entry point for DJs or anyone just getting into vinyl, especially if you're using moving magnet cartridges. Don't expect miracles, but it gets the job done without adding a ton of noise.

    Pros

    • Clean signal conversion, surprisingly effective for budget vinyl setups
    • Compact size makes it easy to integrate into tight DJ booths
    • Robust build for a product in its price bracket – feels solid

    Cons

    • Limited headroom; struggles with higher-output moving coil cartridges
    • Plastic enclosure feels budget, lacks premium feel of higher-end units
    24AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand0
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs0
    • Maker43
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$16 now
    $16€14 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  10. Pro-Ject RecordMaster II walnut

    Pro-Ject

    Not on Reverb yet4 finishes at Thomann

    • 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
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup100
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker85
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$333 now
    $333€298 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

All 36 turntables

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

  1. 11
    Pro-Ject Primary E Phono whitePro-Ject · 3 finishes
    Index 60Stable
    60
    Stable$312€279
    $312€279Check ↗
  2. 12
    Dual DTJ 301-1 USBDual
    Index 38Stable
    38
    Stable$256€229
    $256€229Check ↗
  3. 13
    Reloop RP-7000 MkII Professional Upper Torque Direct Drive DJ…RP 7000 MK2 silver · Reloop · 3 finishes
    Index 80↑ 5.5%
    80
    ↑ 5.5%$646€579
    $646€579Check ↗
  4. 14
    Reloop RP8000 Mk2 Advanced Hybrid Torque Turntable with Digital…RP 8000 MK2 · Reloop
    Index 67↑ 4.9%
    67
    ↑ 4.9%$725€649
    $725€649Check ↗
  5. 15
    Technics SL-1200MK7 TurntableSL-1200MK7 · Technics
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$1,114€998
    $1,114€998Check ↗
  6. 16
    Reloop RP 7Reloop · 4 finishes
    Index 59↓ 4.7%
    59
    ↓ 4.7%$563€504
    $563€504Check ↗
  7. 17
    Reloop RP 5000 MK4Reloop · 4 finishes
    Index 57Stable
    57
    Stable$490€439
    $490€439Check ↗
  8. 18
    Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnutThorens · 2 finishes
    Index 56Stable
    56
    Stable$4,464€3,998
    $4,464€3,998Check ↗
  9. 19
    SPL Pro-Fi Phonos blackSPL
    Index 54Stable
    54
    Stable$2,120€1,899
    $2,120€1,899Check ↗
  10. 20
    SPL Phonos Duo BlackSPL
    Index 54Stable
    54
    Stable$3,237€2,899
    $3,237€2,899Check ↗
  11. 21
    Thorens TD 204 walnutThorens
    Index 52↓ 2.7%
    52
    ↓ 2.7%$758€679
    $758€679Check ↗
  12. 22
    Technics SL-1210MK 7Technics · 3 finishes
    Index 52Stable
    52
    Stable$1,114€998
    $1,114€998Check ↗
  13. 23
    Thorens TD 403 DD matt oakThorens · 3 finishes
    Index 52Stable
    52
    Stable$1,450€1,299
    $1,450€1,299Check ↗
  14. 24
    Reloop RP 2000 MK4 SilverReloop · 2 finishes
    Index 51Stable
    51
    Stable$390€349
    $390€349Check ↗
  15. 25
    Thorens TD 101 A blackThorens
    Index 51Stable
    51
    Stable$444€398
    $444€398Check ↗
  16. 26
    Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive TurntableAT-LP140XP Black · Audio-Technica · 2 finishes
    Index 51↑ 7.8%
    51
    ↑ 7.8%$524€469
    $524€469Check ↗
  17. 27
    Thorens TD 402 DD blackThorens
    Index 51↓ 1.3%
    51
    ↓ 1.3%$847€759
    $847€759Check ↗
  18. 28
    Korg handytraxx playKorg
    Index 41↓ 2.9%
    41
    ↓ 2.9%$410€367
    $410€367Check ↗
  19. 29
    Technics SL-1200MK7 TurntableSL-1200MK7 Case Bundle · Technics
    Index 40↓ 1.4%
    40
    ↓ 1.4%$1,223€1,095
    $1,223€1,095Check ↗
  20. 30
    Korg handytraxx tubeKorg
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$725€649
    $725€649Check ↗
  21. 31
    Sonifex Redbox RB-PA2Sonifex
    Index 37↓ 0.7%
    37
    ↓ 0.7%$602€539
    $602€539Check ↗
  22. 32
    Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set redPro-Ject · 3 finishes
    Index 32Stable
    32
    Stable$892€799
    $892€799Check ↗
  23. 33
    Technics 2x SL-1210MK 7 Mix SetTechnics · 2 finishes
    Index 29Stable
    29
    Stable$2,388€2,139
    $2,388€2,139Check ↗
  24. 34
    Reloop 2x RP 7000 MK2 Club SetReloop
    Index 26↑ 4.4%
    26
    ↑ 4.4%$1,584€1,419
    $1,584€1,419Check ↗
  25. 35
    Reloop 2x RP 8000 MK Club SetReloop
    Index 26↑ 4.1%
    26
    ↑ 4.1%$1,741€1,559
    $1,741€1,559Check ↗
  26. 36
    Technics 2x SL-1200MK7 Mix SetTechnics
    Index 26Stable
    26
    Stable$2,388€2,139
    $2,388€2,139Check ↗

Turntables by the numbers

Measured across all 61 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $608 — half of all turntables here cost less.

3
8
1
13
19
10
7
<$50$50–150$150–300$300–500$500–1k$1k–2k$2k+
Weight6.8 kg

median of 47 models · 0.55 kg–11.7 kg

Size8.6"

median of 16 models · 7"–12"

How to choose the best turntables

Gain

Beginners need enough gain to get a healthy signal without cranking it so high you introduce noise. Too little gain, and you'll be chasing volume. Too much, and you're inviting hiss and distortion.

RIAA Equalization

This is non-negotiable. It's the standard curve used when vinyl is mastered, and a preamp must apply it correctly. Otherwise, your records will sound hilariously wrong - muffled and lifeless.

Noise Floor

A low noise floor is crucial, especially when you're learning to listen critically. Any hiss or hum will mask the subtleties in the music and get old fast. You don't want to hear the preamp, you want to hear the record.

Connectivity

Consider what you're connecting to. Most beginners will want RCA outputs, but check if you need something else like balanced XLR for a more serious setup down the line.

Simplicity

You're just starting out. Don't get bogged down in tone controls or complex features you won't use. A clean, transparent signal path is what you want right now - let the record speak for itself.

Buying guide

So, you're diving into vinyl? Awesome. But plugging that turntable directly into your receiver is like feeding a starving amp sawdust - you'll get something, but it won't be good. A phono preamp boosts that tiny signal from your cartridge to a line level, and for a beginner, picking the right one can make all the difference between a rewarding listening experience and a frustrating one. Let's cut through the noise and find something that'll make your records sing.

Don't fall for the hype - a flashy preamp with a million knobs isn't going to magically make your records sound better. Cheaper models often cut corners on components, which manifests as a grainy noise floor or a muddy low-end. Spend a little more for something that prioritizes clean gain and accurate RIAA equalization.

It's a small investment that will pay dividends in enjoyment.

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 RIAA equalization, and why do I need it?

RIAA is the standard curve applied during record mastering to make them fit on the vinyl. Your preamp needs to reverse that curve to make the music sound right - without it, the record will sound awful.

Do I need a powered phono preamp?

If your receiver or amplifier doesn't have a built-in phono stage, then yes. Otherwise, a passive preamp won't work without an external power source.

My turntable has a built-in preamp. Do I still need an external one?

Maybe. Turntable preamps are often basic. An external preamp can often provide a cleaner signal and better performance, especially with higher-quality cartridges.

What's the difference between RCA and XLR connections?

RCA is the standard unbalanced connection you'll find on most home audio gear. XLR is a balanced connection, offering better noise rejection - useful for longer cable runs or more serious setups.

How much should I spend on a phono preamp?

For a beginner, $100-$250 is a sweet spot. You can find decent performers in that range that won't break the bank. Spending significantly less means accepting compromises, and spending a lot more might not yield a noticeable improvement yet.

Related charts

#1 · AudioFu Index 92Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamp · $73€65
Check price ↗
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