AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Turntables Under $800 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 23 models across 12 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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
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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
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
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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
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- Size8.6"
- Weight5 kg
You get a turntable with a belt drive, a 300 mm metal platter, and an Ortofon OM5e cartridge already fitted. It has a built-in phono preamplifier and a USB output, so you can move your records onto a PC or Mac. It suits you if you want to play vinyl at home and also digitize your collection without buying extra gear.
Pros
- Precision belt drive with a synchronous motor for steady playback
- Electronic speed control with 33/45 rpm and 78 speed change
- Built-in MM phono preamplifier with USB output for PC and Mac transfer
Cons
- Outputs are limited to RCA and USB-B, with no other connections listed
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 ↗ -
- 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
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- 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
All 23 turntables
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Thorens TD 204 walnutThorens52↓ 2.7%$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 12
Reloop RP 2000 MK4Reloop · 2 finishes51Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 13
Thorens TD 101 A blackThorens51Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 14
Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive TurntableAT-LP140XP Silver · Audio-Technica · 2 finishes51↑ 6.8%$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 15
Korg handytraxx playKorg41↓ 2.9%$410€367$410€367Check ↗
- 16
ART DJ Pre IIART40↓ 2.7%$82€73$82€73Check ↗
- 17
Korg handytraxx tubeKorg39Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 18
Dual DTJ 301-1 USBDual38Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 19
Stokyo Record Runner cherry redStokyo · 2 finishes37Stable$106€95$106€95Check ↗
- 20
Sonifex Redbox RB-PA2Sonifex37↓ 0.7%$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 21
Millenium PHP 2Millenium34↑ 4.7%$22€20$22€20Check ↗
- 22
IMG Stageline SPR-6IMG Stageline31↑ 11.5%$32€29$32€29Check ↗
- 23
Behringer Microphono PP400 Phono PreampPP400 · Behringer24Stable$16€14$16€14Check ↗
Turntables by the numbers
Measured across all 40 models we track, not a sample.
Median $390 — half of all turntables here cost less.
median of 29 models · 0.3 kg–11.7 kg
median of 10 models · 7"–12"
How to choose the best turntables
Gain & Loading
This is the big one. Different cartridges need different impedance and gain to really shine. Look for adjustable loading options (multiple settings) to dial in the best sound for your specific cartridge. A preamp with only one setting might sound decent, but it's likely leaving sonic potential on the table.
Noise Floor
You're pulling a tiny signal from a groove - any noise introduced by the preamp is going to be amplified. A low noise floor means more detail and a quieter listening experience, especially when working with older or more delicate vinyl.
Dynamic Range & Headroom
Good dynamics mean you hear the nuances of the recording - the subtle shifts in volume, the transient response of the drums. Headroom prevents clipping and distortion when things get loud, vital for recording or playing live.
Sonic Character
Some preamps are neutral, aiming for transparency. Others impart a certain color - a warmer low-end, a sweeter top end. This isn't necessarily bad; it's about finding a preamp that complements your turntable, cartridge, and overall system. Don't expect a $200 preamp to sound like a $1000 one; trade-offs are inevitable.
Build Quality & Connectivity
Let's be real, this price range isn't going to get you gold-plated connectors. However, a sturdy chassis and reliable connectors are important for long-term use and minimizing noise. RCA connections are standard, but some offer balanced XLR outputs - a nice upgrade if your mixer or interface has them.
Buying guide
So, you're spinning vinyl and want to do it right? A decent phono preamp is absolutely crucial - plugging straight into a line input is just a crime against sound. But dropping a grand on a preamp? Not everyone's there yet. This list is for those of us who want serious improvement without emptying the bank account - we're talking quality phono stages under $800 that actually deliver the goods.
At this budget, you're balancing performance and cost. Don't expect audiophile-grade silence or absolute neutrality - there will be compromises. Adjustable loading is a must; a fixed-loading preamp is a significant limitation.
Look for reviews that specifically mention cartridge compatibility; what sounds great with a Grado might be terrible with an Ortofon. And remember, a good preamp won't magically fix a bad turntable or cartridge.
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 40 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 RIAA equalization and why do I need it?
RIAA is the equalization curve applied to vinyl during mastering to make records fit on the vinyl. Your phono preamp needs to reverse that curve - without it, the bass will be thin and the treble will be muddy. It's non-negotiable.
I have a moving coil (MC) cartridge. Do these preamps work with it?
Most of the preamps listed are designed for moving magnet (MM) cartridges. MC cartridges require more gain. You'll need a dedicated MC preamp, or a preamp with a 'MC' setting, which often has lower input impedance. Those are generally more expensive.
What does 'loading' actually do?
Loading, or impedance, affects how the cartridge interacts with the preamp. Too low, and the bass can become boomy and indistinct. Too high, and the high frequencies can sound dull and rolled off. Experimenting with different loading settings can dramatically alter the sound.
My system already has a 'phono' input on my receiver. Do I still need a dedicated preamp?
Those built-in phono stages are often a compromise - they rarely offer adjustable loading or the sonic performance of a dedicated preamp. Think of it like the difference between a stock amp in a car and an aftermarket unit - you'll hear a noticeable improvement.
Can I use this preamp for recording?
Absolutely! As long as you have sufficient gain and headroom, a good phono preamp can make a huge difference in your recordings, bringing out details and dynamics you wouldn't otherwise hear. Just be mindful of noise floor, especially when tracking quiet passages.





