How to Choose a Turntable and Where to Buy One
There’s something satisfying about putting on a record: choosing an album, lowering the needle and letting a whole side play. But choosing the turntable itself can feel rather less relaxing.
Belt drive or direct drive? Built-in phono stage or separate box? Something simple, or a setup you can upgrade over time?
The best turntable is the one that suits your records, your room and the way you listen. Here’s how to narrow down the options, plus some worthwhile places to shop in the UK.
Start with your whole setup, not just the turntable
Before falling for a beautiful deck, work out what you’ll connect it to.
A typical vinyl system needs a turntable, a phono preamp, amplification and speakers. Some products combine these functions, so you won’t necessarily need four separate purchases.
A turntable with a built-in phono preamp can simplify things, particularly when connecting to compatible powered speakers or an amplifier without a dedicated phono input. If you already own equipment, check its connections before buying anything new.
Budget for the complete system rather than spending everything on the deck. A well-matched setup is a better starting point than an expensive turntable with nothing suitable to plug it into.
Choose convenience or hands-on control
Think about how much involvement you want.
An automatic turntable handles the movement of the tonearm for you. It’s an appealing choice if you want a straightforward way to enjoy records without much fuss.
A manual turntable puts you in charge of placing and lifting the stylus. If you enjoy the ritual of playing vinyl, that involvement can be part of the attraction.
Also consider setup. Some beginner-friendly models arrive with tracking force preset, while more adjustable designs require you to balance the tonearm and set it correctly. Neither approach is automatically better for every listener. The right choice is the one you’ll feel comfortable using.
Belt drive or direct drive?
Both designs can make an excellent foundation for a record-playing system.
Belt-drive turntables use a belt between the motor and platter. They’re a natural starting point for home listening, with designs that help isolate motor vibration.
Direct-drive turntables connect the platter directly to the motor. Their quick starts and torque make them particularly relevant for DJ use, though they’re also worth considering for home listening.
Don’t choose by drive type alone. The quality of the complete deck, its features and its suitability for your system matter more than winning a belt-versus-direct-drive debate.
Look at the stylus and your upgrade options
The stylus is the part that touches your records, so replacement availability deserves attention.
Check whether you can replace the stylus easily and whether the turntable allows cartridge upgrades. These are different things: a deck may accept replacement styli without allowing you to swap the whole cartridge.
Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate can be useful if you want more control or plan to change cartridges. For a simpler setup, factory-preset tracking force may be preferable.
Whatever you choose, follow the manufacturer’s setup guidance. Lighter tracking force isn’t automatically gentler on records, and the correct setting depends on the cartridge.
Pay for features you’ll actually use
Bluetooth may be useful if wireless listening is important to you, but check compatibility with your intended speakers or headphones. USB connectivity is worth considering if you want to digitise records.
Otherwise, keep your priorities simple: dependable playback, suitable connections, straightforward setup and a clear route to replacing worn parts.
A long feature list isn’t much use if it makes everyday listening more complicated.
Where are the best places to buy a turntable?
For UK buyers, I’d start with a hi-fi retailer that can help match the deck to the rest of your system. The best place to buy isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest headline price.
Richer Sounds: a useful starting point
Richer Sounds is worth shortlisting if you’re comparing beginner-friendly turntables with more ambitious hi-fi options. Its turntable guides cover different listening needs, and it advertises demonstration facilities.
Contact your local branch before visiting to ask whether your shortlisted models are available to hear. Bring a familiar record if you arrange a demonstration: it’s easier to judge equipment using music you know.
Analogue Seduction: worth a look for specialist advice
Analogue Seduction offers a broad turntable range and is particularly worth considering if you want to explore a more specialist vinyl setup.
It also offers demonstrations by appointment at its listening room in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire. An appointment gives you a chance to discuss the whole system rather than choosing a turntable in isolation.
An independent local hi-fi shop: ideal for a conversation
A nearby specialist can be a good choice if you value face-to-face advice. Ask what setup support is included, whether you can audition your shortlist and how the shop handles servicing or replacement parts.
The useful question isn’t simply “Which turntable is best?” It’s “Which turntable works best with the equipment I own and the way I listen?”
Second-hand sellers: buy condition, not just reputation
Used equipment can be tempting, but inspect it carefully. Ask to hear the deck playing, check that both channels work and find out what is known about the stylus’s age and condition.
If you can’t establish the stylus’s history, allow for a replacement in your budget. When buying remotely, ask how the turntable will be packed for transport and check the seller’s returns terms before paying.
The final verdict
For a first turntable, prioritise simplicity, compatibility and a replaceable stylus. If you’re upgrading, focus on what your current system lacks rather than buying more features for their own sake.
My recommendation is to shortlist two or three decks, check the complete setup cost and arrange a demonstration where possible. Choose the one that makes playing your records easy and enjoyable.
The best turntable is the one that leaves you thinking about the next album, not the next upgrade.