Help Choosing a Turntable for under $550

Morien on 28/02/2022 - 02:10

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to get into vinyl. Don't want to go super cheap, so I've narrowed it down to a few options under $550.

1) REGA Plantar 1 - Currently $549 at KlappAV

2) Audio-Technica LP120XBT - Currently $545.30 at JB Hi-Fi

3) Audio-Technica ATLPW50PB - Currently $524.30 at JB Hi-Fi

Some important details:
- The bluetooth on the LP120XBT is nice, but not an essential feature. I don't think I'll use it very often (if at all).
- It will be plugged into an AVR at first. Will I need anything else for the above models or will it be good to go?

Out of the three, which offers the best build quality and upgradeability?

Thank you in advance

Poll Options

  • 5
    REGA P1
  • 7
    A-T LP120XBT
  • 3
    A-T ATLPW50PB
Electrical & Electronics Audio Technica Bluetooth Turntable USB

Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 28/02/2022 - 04:01

    I think the LP120XBT looks beast aesthetically, it looks like an actual old record player. The other two look like current designs that are mass produced cheaply. The LP120XBT looks more like a design that actually existed in the vinyl era. Plus it has bluetooth built in.

  • Jo-dan on 28/02/2022 - 04:45
    +5

    Another option that might be worth considering is second hand. Quite often you can pick up really solid stereo gear from the 70s or 80s for a lot less money. If you're got at fixing stuff it's even easier to find a bargain as most broken turntables just need a new belt.
    Definitely understand if you're wanting to go with new gear for warranty and more guaranteed reliability though.

    • harro112 on 28/02/2022 - 10:44

      yeah +1 for this - Technics 1200s are obviously thru the roof these days, but you can find other lesser-known models in really good nick for sub-$200.

  • AThousandMistakes on 28/02/2022 - 07:36
    +1

    It's not clear on the website but the REGA probably also needs a preamp (can be had refurbished/secondhand for around $100). The Audio-Technicas both have built in preamps. I'd lean towards the LP120 just because it gives you the option for 78rpm even though it's unlikely you'll ever need to use that speed, better to have it than not.

    Someone else already mentioned but the secondhand ones from the 70s/80s are built really well and can be had for cheap.

    • EightImmortals on 28/02/2022 - 08:51

      Can you still get parts/needles for older models?

      • AThousandMistakes on 28/02/2022 - 09:16
        +1

        Generally you can, although it can take a bit of searching through eBay etc unless you have a good audio store nearby. I resurrected an old one a few years ago and it hasn't skipped a beat since.

        • EightImmortals on 28/02/2022 - 09:40

          Thanks for that. I've been tempted for a while as I have a lot of records from the 70's/80's in the cupboard. Finding room for a turntable is the hard part. :)

    • trippy on 28/02/2022 - 10:56

      Yes, you will need to spend some more money on a preamp if you get the Rega.

  • Meho2026 on 28/02/2022 - 10:10

    The ATLP2X is on special at JBHifi right now for $300 which is very good value https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/audio-technica-lp2x-fully…

  • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2022 - 10:19
    +1

    Might also wanna have a look at the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and certain Music Hall turntables. Excellent value for money in a similar price range.

    • harro112 on 28/02/2022 - 10:57

      Sounds like the debut carbon is out of his price range, but the T1 or Primary E line could be a go.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2022 - 11:09

        Could be. I bought a display model Music Hall MMF 2.2 for $425 a couple of years ago, which is basically a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon clone, so there are certainly ways to get a decent turntable for under 550.

    • caitsith01 on 01/03/2022 - 22:24
      +1

      +1 for Music Hall, I chose one over a Pro-ject or Rega and after a cartridge upgrade I couldn't be happier with it.

  • the Unforgiven on 28/02/2022 - 15:06

    have a look here for all your needs
    https://www.selby.com.au/electronics/turntables.html
    this one is a direct drive for $549, down from $699
    https://www.selby.com.au/brands/audio-technica/audio-technic…
    or how about this little baby for $5,999
    https://www.selby.com.au/brands/mobile-fidelity/mofi-fender-…

  • payless69 on 01/03/2022 - 15:53

    Wow I am blown away. Owned a HIFi store once and played many years with top audio gear. I am also in regular contact with recording studio owners as well as classical artists.
    Can conserved music be resurected with vinyl as a medium over more modern technologies? I could have a screwed perception but the believers are fading once a double blind test is carried out.

  • the Unforgiven on 07/03/2022 - 00:52

    Hey OP, both of your Audio-Technica turntables are now over $700, the one I linked to is still $549

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