Turntable under €300 with automatic 33 - 45

hooplah

Hi folks,

I'm looking for a turntable recommendation.


Ideally I would get something with decent build quality and good sound. Maybe it will be upgradable but I don't want to be looking to replace it for a long time.

I was thinking about the rega platter 1, or the project essential 3 -> both seem to be very well regarded. However I want to be able to switch between LPs and 7" singles without a big to-do, or spending another ~€120 on a speed box.

Bonus points for something that has an auto turn off or arm raise at the end of the records.

Slaphead07

Ok, just to clarify a few things here... a "speed box" isn't an extra, some designs use an external one and some, most even, will change speeds at the push of a button. It's not something you'll add on later at extra cost.

"auto turn off or arm raise at the end of the records" is something generally found on cheaper, and frankly "non hifi" decks. The money should be spent on on parts that guarantee quality of sound rather than niceties. It's simply in the nature of vinyl use to lift the arm at the end of a side - most arms have a little lever which makes this safe and foolproof. There are exceptions of course, some decks will have an auto return but I would humbly suggest that's not a serious factor in choosing a quality deck.

Of the two you mentioned I'd go for the Rega Planer 1. Purely personal preference but they are quality with no question marks over them. As for upgrading... you'll have years of hassle free playing with that deck and, if you really want, you can in future upgrade the cartridge. Given that Rega arms are the basis for so many great arms you'll never really have to consider upgrading that... of course you can if you want.

muppetkiller

I'd add another 100 euro to your budget and get something like http://www.hifihut.ie/turntables-ireland/turntables/audio-technica-at-lp5-direct-drive-usb-turntable-black.html
Built like a Tank and good starter deck.

hooplah

In the end I went for the Rega Planar 1 from hifi hut. Based on reviews it seemed like a decent dead. Really enjoying it.