Top 14 Best Turntables Under $1000 in 2023

Jorge Sawyer
  Sep 29, 2023 2:55 AM

Picking the right turntable is essential for a strong and clear sound, which is why we’ve gathered the 14 best turntables under $1000 to help you make a wiser decision. While there are many options that are under this price range, most of the best turntables vary between $500 and $1000, and that’s where we are going to go through today.  

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-cast Aluminum Platter

Overview

You’ll find a variety of great turntables in the $500-$1000 range.  Even with rudimentary audio equipment, you should be able to distinguish between the turntables we're mentioning about here and a typical turntable.Although we've seen turntables that cost up to $10,000 and even more, the normal listener is fine with a table that costs less than $1,000.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-cast Aluminum Platter

Our team has developed a list of the best turntables under $1,000 using our years of experience. If you're wanting to invest in your first serious turntable or simply want to get a turntable that will last a lifetime, then read on for more information.  

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In-depth Reviews

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP7 Turntable

PRODUCT DETAILS: 

  • Brand: Audio-Technica
  • Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Included Components: Turntable, headshell, cartridge, replacement stylus, power cord, dust cover, stereo cable, adapter.
  • Material: Engineered Wood
  • Item Weight: 20.28 pounds
  • Style: Turntable

SHOPPING LINK:

Audio-Technica has built itself into one of the most highly-rated companies in the entertainment industry. They have a broad range of turntables at different prices. And although their most highly-valued tables have lower prices, these are premium, superior quality tables. The AT-LP7 is fantastic for individuals looking for brilliant sound.

The issue of uneven playback speed has been solved by this turntable using a highly precise speed sensor. It also comes with a supreme quality cartridge, which is extremely simple to install, and its beautiful design makes it seem more pricey than it actually is. In general, multiple blogs have regarded this turntable as one of the top ones available for a reason. 

A small drawback is that it does not have many innovative features, such as a USB out port. So this turntable is generally a good option for novices. 

2. Pioneer PLX-1000 DJ Direct Drive Turntable

PRODUCT DETAILS: 

  • Brand: Pioneer DJ
  • Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Included Components: Turntable sheet, slip mat and sheet, balance, sub and shell weights, dust cover, head shell, ground wire, audio cable.
  • Color: Black
  • Item Weight: 31.5 pounds

SHOPPING LINK:Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Professional Turntable

Belt-drive turntables are more commonly seen in many turntables than direct drives. Belt-drives prevent you from hearing any motor noise since the belt mechanically separates the motor from the platter. Professional DJs used to be huge fans of direct drives until recently.  Audiophiles have immediately adopted the Pioneer PLX-1000 as their favorite model.

The die-cast zinc chassis prevents any vibrations or resonance while the high-torque direct drive allows for stable rotation, so you’re receiving clean and crisp sound all the time. It also comes with quick-disconnect power, RCA output jacks, quick-disconnect power, VTA tonearm adjustment, etc. 

Keep in mind, though, that the arm bearings are a little loose due the table’s DJ-oriented design.  

3. Rega Planar 2 Turntable

PRODUCT DETAILS: 

  • Brand: REGA
  • Motor Type: DC Motor
  • Signal Format: Analog
  • Color: Gloss Black
  • Material: Plastic
  • Item Weight: 12.12 Pounds

SHOPPING LINK:Rega Planar 2 Turntable with RB220 tonearm, Glass-platter and Carbon Cartridge (Gloss Black)

In 1978, the first Rega Planar 2 was developed. The table has undergone a wide range of alterations during the last 40+ years. The drive belt and dust cover lid hinges are the only components from the original table that still exist. A central bearing, an improved platter, and a 24v low-noise motor are among the new additions.

A turntable with these high-end adjustments will have an outstanding scale, sharp, deep bass, and clean sound.  You won't want to stop listening if you improve the experience with a new cartridge and well-matched phono preamp. You'll be up and running within 5 minutes of opening the box because setup is likewise a breeze.

A little shortcoming is that it lacks an integrated phono stage, so you will have to attach it to a stereo that has a built-in one, or you’re going to buy it separately. 

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4. Denon DJ VL12 Prime Turntable

PRODUCT DETAILS: 

  • Brand: Denon DJ
  • Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Model Name: VL12 Prime
  • Material: Plastic
  • Item Weight: 27.3  pounds
  • Color: Black

SHOPPING LINK:Denon DJ VL12 PRIME | Professional Turntable with True Quartz Lock & RGB LED Light Ring,BLACK

With the exception of pitch range settings and an LED ring around the platter, the Denon DJ VL12 turntable will appear identical to every other table on the market upon first impression. But if you get down to eye level, you'll see that there are a ton of variations that make for a distinctive encounter. Inset feet and orientation are two of these differences.

This turntable is built of high-quality metal and weighs a heavy 27 lbs. As soon as you turn it on, you'll realize that it easily qualifies as the best DJ turntable in the business. Denon has done a remarkable job of isolating vibrations, so you can be sure that every use will result in high-quality music.

Note that a pre-amp or cartridge isn’t included. 

5. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Espirit Turntable

PRODUCT DETAILS: 

  • Brand: Pro-Ject
  • Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Motor Type: DC Motor
  • Material: Plastic
  • Item Weight: 12.34  pounds
  • Color: White
  • Signal: Analog
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 19 x 15 x 9 inches

SHOPPING LINK:Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Esprit SB Gloss White Turntable with Ortofon 2m Red

One of the best-selling turntables under $1000, especially among new turntable users, is the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Espirit. You won't ever have to worry about wrestling with belts and pulleys again thanks to the carbon tonearm, electronic speed control, and  great-sounding phono cartridge.

Despite its basic appearance, it’s a flawless piece of equipment. The acrylic base is clean and glossy. It’s worth every dime as for overall quality. It’s intuitive and delivers wonderful sound and a perfect performance. 

However, no built-in pre-amp is provided, therefore an external pre-amp is required.

The Best Turntables Under $1000

TOP Choice
1
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Victrola
TOP Choice
2
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    9.4
  • Brand
    Audio-Technica
TOP Choice
3
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    9.4
  • Brand
    Audio-Technica
4
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    9.4
  • Brand
    Audio-Technica
5
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Audio-Technica
6
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Victrola
7
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Sony
8
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Victrola
9
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Victrola
10
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Pro-Ject Audio Systems
11
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Retrolife
12
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    9.0
  • Brand
    1 BY ONE Rock
13
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    8.8
  • Brand
    Kedok
14
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    8.6
  • Brand
    Udreamer

Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bottom Line

Vinyl music listening has become incredibly popular. Having the appropriate gear is crucial if you long for the sensation of listening to the sound of music in its original context. There are many different turntables available, ranging in price from cheap to expensive. You will need to pay a little more money if you want to obtain the highest quality and sound.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

These are the best turntables under $1000 that are worth every dime and will immensely alter the way you enjoy music for a lifetime. But if you want our recommendation for the top one among the above, then the Audio-Technica AT-LP7 Turntable is definitely the best overall. It’s the best value on our list thanks to its highest quality with the most reasonable price.