Editors’ Choice: Best Turntables Under $2,000

This belt-drive turntable includes a nice Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge and a built-in phono preamp. The finish is also nice. The removable headshell makes cartridge re-installation (the cartridge is installed at the factory) relatively easy. And because the phono preamp is built in, the Fluance will work with any amp, preamp, or receiver with a spare line input. At this price, we’d normally be worried about sound quality, so we were full of trepidation as we began our listening tests. Yet we were pleasantly surprised. The RT81 does the analog “thing” of sounding both lively and relaxed, and we think the choice of this particular Audio-Technica cartridge is genius. We’ve tested a bevy of turntables under $600 and none are hands-down better. TAS YouTube

The Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB is an attractive entry-level turntable with important ease-of-use upgrades and a high level of fit and finish. It includes a defeatable, built-in phono preamp that sounds very solid, electronic speed switching between 33rpm and 45rpm, and a cartridge pre-mounted and aligned. Unusual at this price, the T1 features a glass (rather than plastic) platter, and the included felt slip mat is simple but effective. Set-up is as easy as it gets, and sound is fantastic—especially at this price point. Overall tone is warm-to-neutral with lively dynamics and a lot of heft, particularly in those more upbeat tunes. It’s a fun deck and a fantastic starting point. DK, 339

The Rega Planar 1 Plus is Rega’s entry-level turntable and includes a factory-aligned Carbon cartridge and a built-in phono preamp. Setup couldn’t be easier; most people will have it unpacked and spinning records in a matter of minutes. It plays both 33s and 45s, though the upper platter must be removed in order to switch the belt to change speeds. The stock built-in phonostage is the real star here, however. It sounds particularly good, with tight midrange details and a treble that just about sparkles. It’s truly a step up from other built-in preamps. A fantastic entry-level option. DK, 295

The Technics SL-1500C is a direct-drive turntable with a built-in phonostage. Its shiny aluminum top plate sits on a matte black body of ABS mixed with fiberglass, which Technics says helps with rigidity. The tonearm is the same S-shape version found in the 1200 Series, with adjustable height and an extra counterweight for use with heavier cartridges and headshells. On the back is a switch to defeat the auto tonearm lift, two sets of RCAs, and a switch to change between the built-in phono preamp and straight line output. Sound is fantastic for this price point, especially through a separate phonostage rather than the internal phono preamp. Overall, an absolute bargain and a pleasure to use. DK, 308

When Mobile Fidelity decided to create a line of hardware it wisely brought in Allen Perkins of Spiral Groove to design the turntables, and those tables deliver a lot of bang for the buck. Setup is simple, especially with the “+” option, which comes with the Japanese-made UltraTracker mm cartridge preinstalled. The belt-driven ’table features an isolated AC synchronous motor, a hefty Delrin platter, and a constrained-layer-damped chassis with feet designed by Mike Latvis of HRS. Smoothness, imaging, musicality, pitch stability, and presence emerged as strong themes. The UltraDeck is a smartly conceived and finely honed design that’s already earning its place as an instant classic. JM, 284

The belt-driven unsuspended P6 doesn’t deliver the ultimate punch, detail, or transporting emotional thrill of the very finest vinyl playback gear money can buy, but that’s hardly the point, or the design goal. The point is that like all the best and longest-lived audio gear, the P6 compels us to play record after record, to revisit music we love, and explore music we have yet to discover. To say that the P6 sets a new standard for Rega ‘tables at this price point is not damning with faint praise; it’s instead high praise for what Rega has accomplished—and continues to. WG, 313

The RPM 5 Carbon turntable from Pro-Ject is possibly the first and last turntable you’ll ever need. The aesthetics are gorgeous but also functional: the heavy, detached motor and minimalist yet still substantial plinth mean fewer potential vibrations. Pace and timing are spot on, while the surprisingly quiet backgrounds and the depth of soundstaging elevate playback to that next level. Music flows in an incredibly precise and pleasant way, never lagging or falling behind. The RPM 5 will accommodate solid upgrades down the signal path for years to come. It’s an easy and obvious step above the rest and highly recommended. DK, 295