AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Turntables for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Reloop RP-7000 MkII Professional Upper Torque Direct Drive DJ… ($618). Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamp gives you the most for the money at $73. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 39 models across 15 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- 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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Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive Turntable
AT-LP140XP Black · Audio-Technica
8 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
This AT-LP140XP is a solid entry into the DJ turntable world, offering a lot of bang for your buck. The direct drive is a must for beatmatching, and the pitch control gives you serious creative options. It's perfect for aspiring DJs or anyone wanting a versatile, reliable turntable for mixing and playback.
Pros
- Direct drive motor provides consistent speed and torque for mixing.
- Cast aluminum platter minimizes resonance, improving clarity and bass response.
- AT-XP3 cartridge delivers a surprisingly detailed and balanced sound signature.
Cons
- The included AT-XP3 cartridge is a good starting point but upgradeable for critical listening.
- Manual operation requires learning cueing and speed selection techniques.
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- Size12"
- Weight4.2 kg
The TD 204 walnut is a fantastic entry point into vinyl, offering a warm, engaging sound and a beautifully crafted walnut plinth. It's perfect for someone building a first system or looking for a reliable, ready-to-play turntable with a touch of classic Thorens charm – not a serious audiophile’s endgame, but a joy to use.
Pros
- Solid walnut plinth offers excellent vibration damping and a premium feel.
- The Audio-Technica AT95E provides a surprisingly detailed and balanced sonic signature.
- Thorens TP 120 tonearm is well-balanced and allows for cartridge upgrades.
Cons
- The acrylic dust cover can be prone to scratching with regular use.
- Limited upgrade paths compared to more modular, higher-end turntables.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$785 · Aug 17$764 now$764€679 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 ↗ -
- Size12"
- Weight5.4 kg
The Thorens TD 101 A is a great entry point into vinyl for folks who want the classic experience without the fuss. It's beautifully simple, sounds surprisingly good thanks to the AT-3600, and the fully automatic nature makes it perfect for someone just starting out or wanting a nostalgic, hands-off vibe.
Pros
- Solid die-cast aluminum platter provides excellent stability and damping.
- Integrated phono preamp simplifies setup for beginners and casual listeners.
- Audio Technica AT-3600 cartridge delivers a surprisingly detailed and balanced sound.
Cons
- The included AT-3600 cartridge is entry-level; an upgrade will significantly improve sound.
- Limited speed options (33 1/3 and 45 rpm) restrict versatility for DJs or serious collectors.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$448 now$448€398 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
Thorens TD 202 blackThorens52Stable$500€444$500€444Check ↗
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Reloop RP 2000 MK4 SilverReloop · 2 finishes51Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
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Rodec BUNK 01 Elm BlackRodec51Stable$708€629$708€629Check ↗
- 14
Korg handytraxx playKorg41↓ 2.9%$413€367$413€367Check ↗
- 15
Korg handytraxx tubeKorg39Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 16
Sonifex Redbox RB-PA2Sonifex36Stable$611€543$611€543Check ↗
- 17
Pro-Ject Phono-Box E BT 5Pro-Ject54↑ 7.2%$151€134$151€134Check ↗
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Pro-Ject Optical Box E Phono BlackPro-Ject57Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
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Dual DTJ 301-1 USBDual38Stable$258€229$258€229Check ↗
- 20
Technics SL-1200MK7 TurntableSL-1200MK7 · Technics68Stable$1,123€998$1,123€998Check ↗
- 21
ART Precision Phono PreampART54Stable$109€97$109€97Check ↗
- 22
Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnutThorens · 2 finishes57Stable$4,499€3,998$4,499€3,998Check ↗
- 23
SPL Pro-Fi Phonos blackSPL54Stable$2,137€1,899$2,137€1,899Check ↗
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SPL Phonos Duo BlackSPL54Stable$3,262€2,899$3,262€2,899Check ↗
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Thorens TD 403 DD matt oakThorens · 3 finishes53Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 26
Stokyo Record Runner BT cherry redStokyo · 2 finishes37Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
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Thorens TD 402 DD blackThorens52↓ 1.3%$854€759$854€759Check ↗
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ART DJ Pre IIART40↓ 2.7%$82€73$82€73Check ↗
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Technics SL-1210MK 7Technics · 2 finishes48Stable$1,123€998$1,123€998Check ↗
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Thorens TD 1500 walnut HGThorens46↓ 5.0%$2,136€1,898$2,136€1,898Check ↗
- 31
Technics SL-1200MK7 TurntableSL-1200MK7 Case Bundle · Technics41Stable$1,250€1,111$1,250€1,111Check ↗
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Millenium PHP 2Millenium34↑ 4.7%$22€20$22€20Check ↗
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IMG Stageline SPR-6IMG Stageline31↑ 11.5%$33€29$33€29Check ↗
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Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set redPro-Ject · 3 finishes32Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
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Technics 2x SL-1210MK 7 Mix SetTechnics · 2 finishes29Stable$2,407€2,139$2,407€2,139Check ↗
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Reloop 2x RP 7000 MK2 Club SetReloop27Stable$1,529€1,359$1,529€1,359Check ↗
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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 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 should I look for when buying turntables?
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.
How much should I spend on turntables?
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.
Are expensive turntables worth the investment?
Higher-priced 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.
What are the best brands for turntables?
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.
Should I buy turntables online or in-store?
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.





