The Best Turntable for Beginners: Budget-Friendly Options and Key Features

Introduction

Choosing the right turntable can be overwhelming, especially for beginners who are looking to rediscover vinyl music without breaking the bank. This article will guide you through the factors to consider, recommend cost-effective options, and provide insights into why a turntable might be a better choice than an integrated record player.

Consider Your Goals and Budget

The first step in selecting a turntable is to define your objectives and budget. Are you looking to relive vinyl nostalgia, improve your music experience, or simply enhance your home entertainment system? The cost also plays a crucial role. Some budget-friendly options like the Bush BP2 can offer a charming vintage experience, while higher-end models like the Audio Technica AT-LP6USB and Sony PSLX310BT provide better performance and convenience.

Budget-Friendly Options

Bush BP2 (Banpa BP2ATC cartridge)

For those with a collection of old LPs stored in the attic and a desire for a nostalgic vinyl experience without spending too much money, the Bush BP2 is an excellent choice. Despite not being a premium model, it offers a cost-effective solution for casual listeners. The turntable, priced at under ￡35 GBP (May 2023), shares the same mechanism as more expensive models, up to 3-4 times the cost. Additionally, it comes with a set of Line Out sockets, allowing users to connect to a better set of powered speakers, rewarding them with improved sound quality.

Upgrade Options

For users looking to enhance their experience a bit further, upgrading to a ceramic cartridge, such as the Banpa BP2ATC for approximately ￡15-20, can significantly improve sound quality. However, due to the lack of adjustability in the turntable unit, this is one of the only meaningful upgrades possible.

Novelty Factor

It's worth noting that many of these budget-friendly turntables are bought by individuals for a short-term novelty, with the ￡35 price point being comparable to the cost of a single family takeaway meal. For those with a more substantial budget, the Audio Technica AT-LP6USB (around ￡150-170) and the Sony PSLX310BT (around ￡229) are recommended next steps.

Understanding the Difference: Turntables vs. Record Players

A critical aspect of choosing between a turntable and a record player is understanding their distinctions. While a turntable provides a signal that requires external amplification and speakers, a record player includes built-in speakers and amplification, which can impact both cost and sound quality.

Audio Quality

While integrated record players can produce decent audio quality, they generally don't match the audio quality offered when using a turntable with an external system. External amplification and speakers can significantly enhance the listening experience, and you may end up spending more on a turntable with separate speakers, but the quality of sound will be significantly better.

Conclusion

Choosing the right turntable is a matter of balancing your budget and requirements with the desired quality. Whether you're a budding vinyl enthusiast or just looking to add a vintage touch to your home, the options discussed here offer a great introduction to the world of vinyl. Happy listening!

Banpa BP2ATC Cartridge

The Banpa BP2ATC cartridge, priced at around ￡15-20, is a worthwhile upgrade for those looking to improve the overall sound quality of their turntable setup. This ceramic cartridge enhances the clarity and depth of the sound, offering a noticeable improvement for listeners wanting a little more detail and richness from their vinyl records.

Audio Technica AT-LP6USB

The Audio Technica AT-LP6USB is well-regarded as an entry-level turntable that delivers a good balance of convenience and performance. At a price range of ￡150-170, it offers an automatic start and stop feature, which is user-friendly for beginners and those looking for a hassle-free experience. The lightweight and flimsy appearance might be off-putting for some, but it compensates with its reliability and user-friendliness, making it a decent choice for someone new to vinyl.

Sony PSLX310BT

The Sony PSLX310BT, priced at around ￡229, brings a more modern look and improved construction to the table. However, its functionality is similar to that of the Audio Technica AT-LP6USB, with the added advantage of Bluetooth transmission. This feature offers a convenient way to stream music wirelessly, making it a more versatile option for those who want both vinyl and modern audio connectivity in their home.

Important Note

It's crucial to remember that these turntables (Audio Technica, Sony, Denon) are primarily turntables and not record players. Record players come with built-in speakers and amplification, making them simpler and more accessible but often at the cost of audio quality. A turntable allows for the integration of external audio equipment, providing the best audio experience for audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts alike.

For those interested in high-quality audio, the Banpa BP2ATC cartridge and Audio Technica AT-LP6USB are recommended starting points, while the Sony PSLX310BT is an excellent next step for those looking to incorporate modern connectivity features.