In such cases, a good turntable with exceptional quality and looks is very important. Such good quality turntables do not ruin your records no matter how long you keep using them. Most of these turntables fall under the $150-$300 range. Going above this range will give you much better choices but it’s not necessary because there are some really fantastic turntables that will cost you less than $300. In this list, I’ve mentioned the very best automatic turntables under $300.
Best Turntables Under $300 Reviews 2021
1. Stanton T92USB
Stanton T92USB is not far behind the race when it comes to the best quality turntables under $300. It has a direct-drive operation and sturdy construction for ultimate durability.
It comes with USB and S/PDIF outputs that let you connect this turntable to your computer and convert your records with ease. It includes a Stanton 300.v3 cartridge premounted on the headshell for excellent sound quality.
The turntable under $300 weighs lighter than Audio-Technica AT-LP120. Some cool features of this turntable include a built-in DSP with a keylock which helps in controlling tempo without affecting pitch and a dust cover for protection.
Perfect for professional DJs, audiophiles, and beginners.
- Great build quality
- Easy setup
- Pitch control
- Quiet
- USB connection
- No cueing lever
- Short USB cable
- No optical digital output
It has a few cons but the pros totally outweigh them. The turntable is good for everyone and your money will not be wasted. If you’re not getting AT-LP120, then buy this one. It’s the best choice for you.MY REVIEW:
2. Pioneer DJ Direct Drive DJ Turntable
Perfect for audiophiles and is very cheap compared to the previous turntables we discussed. It is fully automatic with dual-layered chassis with a 4mm-thick metal plate.
It also has a built-in phono equalizer. A high-performance MM cartridge is also included which gives a nice sound quality.
Some more features of PL30 include a detachable AC power cord, acrylic dust cover with removable hinges, and gold-plater RCA connectors.
- High quality
- Nice aluminum platter
- Fully automatic operation
- No USB port
If you’re not bothered about the USB port, then go for this turntable for under $300. It’s cheap compared to others and since it’s made by Pioneer, you can’t question the quality and sound of this turntable.MY REVIEW:
3. Pro-Ject Essential II
Pro-Ject Essential II is a belt-driven turntable under $300 that comes with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge. It is also compatible with a wide variety of cartridges. The DC motor minimizes any unwanted vibrations and plays records smoothly.
A big drawback of this turntable is that it has no USB connection. You can get the USB model of Pro-Ject Essential II but it will cost you an extra hundred dollars.
Also, there is no digital output in this version of the turntable.
- Sleek design
- Sounds great
- Good performance
- No USB
If you want the same turntable with a USB connection, it will cost you a lot. So it’s better to stick with this one. The sound is great and so is the design. But if you still want a turntable with a USB, consider other options available in the list.MY REVIEW:
4. Audio-Technica AT-LP120
I like to call it the unrivaled turntable. Yes, it’s so great that you can’t really compare this to any other turntable.
AT-LP120 is a direct-drive turntable which means it’s also suitable for DJ’s both newbies and professionals. It has a high-torque motor, a very professional cartridge that brings all your records back to life.
It can play 3-speed records and also convert them by connecting the turntable to your computer via a USB connection. You get Audacity software compatible with Mac and PC that will help you digitize your records.
Other features include tonearm height adjustment, anti-skating adjustment, an adjustable counterweight, and lock. It also comes with a switchable built-in phono preamplifier with line-level RCA output.
This is one of the best turntables under $300 and is perfect for both personal use and professional use. Whether you want to listen to your old records at home or take impress your friends by showing your DJ skills, this is one of the best turntables under $300 will never disappoint you.
You can choose from two colors; black and silver.
- Extremely inexpensive (Something like this would have cost you more than $500)
- Beautiful looks
- Easy 5 minutes set up
- Many adjustment options
- No automatic return
Ask anyone about this turntable and you will hardly find any bad review. This turntable exceeds all others in terms of quality, price, design, and features. This is why many people (including me) call this the best turntable under $300 in the world. I recommend AT-LP120 to everyone.MY REVIEW:
5. Reloop RP-2000M
This quartz-driven turntable under $300 has a direct-drive operation and is a good choice for DJs who want to scratch their records.
The black metallic finish makes this turntable look elegant and simple. It is also capable of connecting a remote starter and beat control which makes it a better option for professional DJs.
The electronic motor is very powerful and it also has an electronic brake. It can play 2-speed records and is fully manual.
- Capable of connecting a beat counter
- Capable of connecting a remote starter
- Metal chassis
- Heavy construction
- Fully manual
- No height adjustment for the tonearm
Since this should be operated manually, I would not recommend this to beginners. It’s better to get an automatic turntable. But if you’re a professional or have knowledge about turntables, then you can go for it.MY REVIEW:
6. TEAC TN-300
This manual belt-drive turntable looks great and the sound is just amazing. It plays 33 and 45 RPM records smoothly and also has a USB output that lets you convert your records.
It has Audio-Technica’s MM-type cartridge AT-95SE. It includes both line and phono outputs with a high inertia platter which gives a much better sound quality.
Its design is good and it looks stylish anywhere. You can choose from many different colors.
- Quality build
- Nice design
- Great sound quality
- Built-in preamp
- USB connection
- No auto-stop mechanism
- Cannot play 78 RPM records
This is one of the best TEAC turntables and is really worth buying. You will never be disappointed by this one as it has everything and does everything you want.MY REVIEW:
7. Numark TT250 USB
It plays records very smoothly and sounds great. The quartz-controlled direct-drive DC motor provides amazing speed accuracy and can play 2-speed records.
The USB connection lets you connect it to your computer and digitize your records. The high torque motor also provides an ideal amount of resistance perfect for DJs who want to use it for scratching.
A really cool feature is the light that illuminates the records under dim light indication record’s speed.
- Lighting
- High torque motor
- Great looks
- Direct Drive operation
- USB connection
- Cannot play 78 RPM records
It is good for new DJs who are just starting out. I would not recommend this turntable to professional DJs because it lacks many features professionals would want to use.MY REVIEW:
List of the Best Vintage Turntables Under $300
Product Name | Price | Reviews |
---|---|---|
Audio-Technica AT-LP120 | $$$ | (4.5 / 5) |
Stanton T92USB | $$$ |
(4.2 / 5) |
Pioneer DJ Direct Drive DJ Turntable | $$$ |
(2.9 / 5) |
Reloop RP-2000M | $$$ |
(4 / 5) |
Pro-Ject Essential II | $$$ |
(4 / 5) |
TEAC TN-300 | $$$ |
(4.1 / 5) |
Numark TT250 USB | $$$ |
(4 / 5) |
First of all, you should know that turntables are only able to produce a weak electrical signal. Of course, it is possible to process this signal as it is. To this end, be aware that some turntables already include a preamplifier while others do not. For your purchase, we do not recommend choosing a vinyl turntable on its own, unless of course you intend to use it specifically for decorative purposes. Turntables, whatever the model, require careful installation, especially when it comes to connecting to the Hi-Fi system. USB turntables have been on the rise in recent years. This is explained by the fact that they can be connected to a computer or a laptop PC. Both are equipped with a straight arm, a qualitative cell and display better performance on hardware and electronics. The price of a turntable will depend on several parameters such as design, operating principle, accessories as well as sound quality. Either way, the price range is quite wide. Finally, you have the top-of-the-range models which are close to 1000 euros for renowned brands.Best Turntables Under $300 – FAQs
Why use a pre-amplifier?
What is the difference between a single turntable and an all-in-one turntable?
How to properly connect your turntable?
What are the best USB turntables?
How much does a turntable cost?
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