The 10 Best Turntables Under $500 Reviews 2019

If you are into vinyl, a high-quality record player is a must-have. While there are turntables that are below $50, often, they are novelty items and will be frustrating in terms of their quality. If you want the best performance without going too broke, a budget of at least $500 will do. Although, there are also some under $300 and under $200 that can be equally impressive.

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What is the best turntable under 500? If you are asking this question, this post has the answer. Our team collated a list of the ten best products to consider, which are guaranteed to deliver the highest level of satisfaction. They will produce a warm and rich sound that is way better than music in digital formats.

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Top 10 Best Turntable Under $500 Reviews 2019
Wrap Up

Top 10 Best Turntable Under $500 Reviews 2019

With $500, you will have an endless selection of top-notch turntables, including those that are briefly mentioned below. However, if money is an object and if you want nothing the best, check out our list of the best options for those that are under $500.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC

If elegance and minimalism excite you, this record player is a great pick. More than its sophisticated design, it is also feature-packed. It is one of the best-sellers within the product category, and it is easy to understand why. It comes with carbon tube tonearm and Ortofon Red phono cartridge, which used to feature exclusive to the products that are in the higher end of the market.

The player also comes with a DC power supply and precision belt drive. The low-noise motor has also been praised by many, which preserves the best sound quality from the record being played. The turntable is equipped with excellent suspension and support, making it possible to keep vibration at a minimum.

Denon DP-300F Fully-Automatic Analog Turntable

The heavy base construction of this model might not make it excellent in terms of portability, but this is exactly what makes it great when it comes to durability. Plus, the base makes it possible to significantly reduce the vibrations. The tonearm will start and stop on its own with a gentle lift, making it possible to prevent damaging your precious records.

The moving magnet cartridge is already pre-installed, so it is almost ready to be used right after being taken out of the box. It is also a good thing that it comes with a manual filter despite the fully-automatic operation. This way, you can easily skip to the song that you want to play.

Audio Technica AT-LP120BK-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable

Made by one of the most trusted names in the market for record players, this model features a high-torque direct-drive motor, which allows it to get started in an instant. There is also a USB output for direct computer connection, making it quick and easy to digitize your music.

When it comes to versatility, this is also a great option as it plays music in three speeds – 33, 45, and 78 RPM. Meanwhile, the die-cast aluminum platter comes with a slip mat and has an anti-resonance property. There is also a switchable phono amplifier and outputs for your speaker of choice. Lastly, it has Audacity software, which can be used for both PC and Mac.

Pioneer PL-30-K Audiophile Stereo Turntable

Ease-of-use is one of the best things about this model as it comes with a fully-automatic operation, making it the perfect choice for novices. Looking at its components, one that makes it impressive is the aluminum die-cast tonearm, which is static-balanced.

To ensure durability, it is constructed with dual-layered chassis that is equipped with a metal plate with a thickness of 4 mm. It has a belt drive motor with a DC-servo control, which will also be contributory to its superior performance in playing your vinyl records. The dust cover is also a good thing, which provides protection from external elements that could speed up its wear and tear.

Audio-Technica AT-LP5 Direct Drive Turntable

The sleek design of this product is one of the first things that you will notice, but there is more than what meets the eyes. It has an on-axis rotation, which can play your records at two speeds – 33-1/3 and 45 RPM. The J-shaped tonearm is also a good feature, which is inspired by the company’s vintage record players released in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Meanwhile, the materials used have anti-dumping properties, which will positively influence the quality of the music that is produced. There is also a built-in phono/line preamp that is also switchable, which will allow you to have it easily connected to the computer or speaker you are using.

Sony PSHX500 Hi-Res USB Turntable

You can easily go from vinyl to digital with the use of this record player under 500. It records music in high-resolution, so you can be confident that when it plays, it will be nothing short of impressive. It can capture analog in its purest form, making it quite hard to rival within its price range.

It is also packed with advanced features, such as DSD Native AD converter, which is user-friendly. It has an integrated shell for enhanced durability while also making the cartridge more stable. There are also phono and line outputs for exceptional connectivity. With the innovations that are equipped in this model, you can be confident of its ability to provide the best bang for the buck.

Pioneer Pro DJ Black PLX-500-K

For premium vinyl sound without going broke, this is one of the best products to consider, especially because it is made by an established brand. It has a USB output, which will make it effortless to digitize your music. If you are an aspiring DJ, you will have another good reason to choose this record player as it allows you to mix and scratch.

With the phone/line output, meanwhile, you can have it connected to an external sound system for improved listening. The sleeve stands in the cover is also a good thing, making it possible to display your vinyl.

Music Hall MMF 2.2 Belt-Driven Turntable with Cartridge

With the plug-and-play functionality of this record player, you will enjoy its simplicity. Even novices will not have a hard time making the most out of this product. It has a fully manual belt-drive, which is the one responsible for its quiet operation. With this, you will hear even the smallest details from the music being played, including the instruments.

It has two-speed record support, allowing it to play at 33 and 45 RPM. Users were also happy with the one-piece alloy tonearm that is beneficial when it comes to tracking. In terms of its design, it comes with a high-gloss finish, which provides it with an elegant appeal. It can even make an excellent decorative piece at home

Project Essential II Turntable

Vinyl starters will love the simplicity of this record player, yet you can be confident that the sound quality is not compromised in any way. It comes with DC-powered motor control, which allows it to eliminate vibration for better sound quality. The tonearm is made of 8.6-inch aluminum and has sapphire bearings for unmatched durability and functionality.

To add, it is equipped with an Ortofon OM5E cartridge that is pre-installed, which means that it is ready to be used out of the box. The cartridge can also be replaced as desired. There are also performance-upgrades that are available if you are willing to spend more for improved performance. Lastly, it is also well-loved by vinyl aficionados because of its low friction-design, which is because of the Teflon bottom.

Rega RP1 Turntable

The slick and minimalist design of this turntable will surely make it turn heads. Nonetheless, you can expect more to it than its stylish appearance. It has the Rega RB101 tonearm, which comes with a non-resonant shell. It also comes with a manual speed change, which is against others that have a fully automatic operation.

This is actually a good thing because it gets rid of the inconsistencies in speed while also minimizing wear and tear. Plus, you will also appreciate the low-vibration motor to minimize distortion and ensure the best quality of the sound output.

Wrap Up

In this age of digital technology when you can listen to music straight out of your phone, record players are still in. With the best turntable under $500, including those that have been mentioned above, you will have a more authentic listening experience from your vinyl! It is indeed a must-have investment for true music aficionados.

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10 Best Turntables Under $500 Reviews 2019