The Best Turntables Under 2000 – Buyer’s Guide 2022

If you are interested in music production whether as a hobby or your full-time job, then there is no doubt that one of the most important tools in your arsenal is a turntable. This of course is entirely digital nowadays and is the weapon of choice of DJs who create music and sounds which can then be played at events. These digital and electronic CD players are used to get the iconic scratchy sound effects among other musical creations.

However, finding the right one for your use can be tricky especially if you are a beginner in the industry. You have to be sure you purchase the right kind of turntable with features that you will find useful and also fits your budget. That’s where we come in since today’s review is going to be listing down the best turntables under 2000. Without further ado, let’s dig in!

What are the Best Turntables Under 2000 for 2022?

For more information, refer to the buying guide at the end. If you are pressed for time, then we recommend that you check out the Cambridge Audio Alva Turntable which has both a built-in Bluetooth feature and integrated phono stage capabilities. However, if you need more information, keep reading our review and check out this comparison guide.

1. Marantz TT-15S1 Belt-Drive Turntable

The first product that we have for the best turntables under 2000 is called the Marantz TT-15S1 Belt-Drive Turntable and the best feature of this product is that it is made with only the best and most premium quality materials that get the best music listening and creation experience.

This product comes with other incredible features which include an anti-skating system that makes use of magnetic functions for compensation. This grants the user the perfect amount of precision adjustment that is needed. Among other features, there is also an adjustable counterweight for easy set-up.

The device has a phono cartridge and this is another premium component as it is made with an ebony wood body along with a polished diamond stylus and a lightweight aluminum cantilever. Finally, for complete stability and support, the turntable has 3 aluminum feet which can be adjusted in terms of height.

2. Music Hall 2-Speed Turntable – Best Audiophile Turntable Under $2000

The Music Hall 2-Speed Turntable is such a versatile device thanks to its 2-speed belt driven settings that has been manufactured using a Music Hall dual-plinth construction.

However, that’s not all when it comes to the main features as the motor speed controls come entirely decoupled from the turntable. The Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge that it comes with has been aligned to perfection and the inclusion of a nude fine line stylus is appreciated.

Another cool addition is the inclusion of adjustable tip-toe feet which ensure that there is complete stability during playback. These feet are placed at the bottom and make the positioning of the device and the overall performance optimum.

3. Cambridge Audio Alva Turntable – Best Turntable Setup under 2000

For our next pick for the best turntables under 2000, we have the Cambridge Audio Alva Turntable which comes at just the right kind of weight and this ensures that the audio output will be stable and smooth when it comes to playback. This is also accentuated by the inclusion of its direct-drive motor.

Other than this there is a built-in Bluetooth aptX HD capability which means this device is compatible with any Bluetooth receiver that can manage up to24 bit/48kHz Hi-Res quality. This makes the dependency on wires or Wi-Fi limited.

Finally, this turntable is fitted with a custom and integrated phono stage which makes the set up super simple and also calls for fewer storage boxes.

4. Pro-Ject RPM5 Carbon DC Turntable

Up next, we have the Pro-Ject RPM5 Carbon DC Turntable which is another impressive device in this list for the best turntables under 2000.

One of the coolest features is the inclusion of a chassis with a low resonance which has been fitted with an inverted platter bearing. There is also a ceramic ball included in this modern-looking product. The one real drawback is that there aren’t as many features included.

The carbon fiber Evo tonearm is excellent as it is compatible with all high-quality MM or MC cartridges. Other features include reduction of unnecessary resonance and this is thanks to the TPE-damped counterweight. Finally, you can also choose to get this device in 3 stylish versions.

5. Rega RP3 Turntable – Best Turntable Below 2000

With the Rega RP3 Turntable, you can be sure that you are getting some of the best features that any turntable has to offer on this list. From being user-friendly to having great construction, this is a device that gets the user it all.

One of the best features is that the core is super lightweight and the addition of the rigid phenolic resin skin ensures that it has what it takes to become one of the best turntables that money can buy under the 2000 dollar range.

Finally, one of the coolest features is the inclusion of both 3D CAD/CAM technology which makes the device’s tonearm a very resilient and versatile device.

6. Technics SL-1200GR Turntable

The Technics SL-1200GR Turntable is our next contender for the best turntables under 2000 since this is a device which is meant to be used by more expert professionals which isn’t so much of a disadvantage as a word of caution to beginners.

It has a direct-drive motor which comes fitted with an exact motor control technology. This is accentuated by the inclusion of a high-sensitivity tonearm and a low-vibration platter. These are some of the main features that make this device exceptional in every way.

To increase the accuracy of the motor, this device makes use of rotation control with the aid of the motor control technology. Another benefit of purchasing this turntable is that you get to work with ROM stored sine waves which ensures that you get more stability in your rotations.

7. Rega RP6 Turntable

Next for our list of the best turntables under 2000, we have the Rega RP6 Turntable which comes with an impressive array of accessories that includes a dust cover, a manual, a TTPSU power supply, and more. However, there is no cartridge included.

This device is also quite compact which means that it can be fitted anywhere and is easy to transport. It is made of excellent build quality. This means that not only is the device durable but it is also quite easy to use.

Finally, thanks to the inclusion of the hand-assembled tonearm and its low vibration 24v motor assembly, the device becomes more precise especially when it comes to reducing vibration.

8. Technics SL1200MLK2 Turntable

The Technics SL1200MLK2 Turntable is another strong contender for the best turntables under 2000 since it comes with an array of interesting is useful features. The first of which is a new LED stylus illuminator for ease of use. There is also a strobe light indicator and detachable power and phono cables on the rear end.

Another new update is the Reverse Play feature which reverses the direction of the deck once the user holds a speed button-down and taps on the power button. This is a smart function that makes the device easier to use.

The braking speed can also be adjusted due to the inclusion of the motor technology, however, this is slightly more technical as you have to remove the platter to make adjustments.

9. Audio-Technica Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable

Next up, we have the Audio-Technica Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable which comes with a lot of additional accessories that users will love including a dust cover, a counterweight, 2 output adapter cables, a USB cable, a dual RCA output cable, and of course a 45 RPM adapter.

Thanks to the inclusion of its multi-pole motor, this device will get users only the best direct-drive performance and there are even easy to use start and stop controls added in. with this product, you will get to make use of its S-shaped tonearm. Users will also make use of the selectable RPM speeds of 33/45/78.

Other features include a stroboscopic platter that comes fitted with a removable stylus and a speed indicator for easier application and use. If you were worried about having to buy an amp, you will be pleased to know that this device comes with a built-in phono pre-amplifier. Finally, it has Audacity software which is both Mac and PC compatible and this is definitely what makes it one of the best turntables under 2000.

10. Denon DP-450USB Analog Turntable

Finally, to end this review, we have the Denon DP-450USB Analog Turntable which is a very versatile device that makes it a great option as one of the best turntables under 2000. The best part is that it is super compact so it can fit just about anywhere. Another excellent feature is that this device comes with a durable and solid construction which means it can withstand the test of time.

Not only is this a great addition to your current Hi-Fi system, with the addition of the dual removable dust cover which can also be used as a display stand, but you will also be making a great investment. The device is super easy to setup and can be operated just as easily. All you have to do is plug and play with this one and it is fully compatible with most amplifiers.

The DP-450USB comes fitted with an integrated USB-A output which allows you to record your vinyl onto a USB drive in audio file formats. This means that not only can you play your records in real-time but can also play them as recordings whenever you want.

Thanks to the addition of its S-Shape curved tonearm that has an optimized tracking angle, it is very simple to use as it automatically lifts and stops once the record is finished. This also ensures that you get a really clear and immersive sound experience as the harmonic distortion will be reduced.

Top-Rated Best Turntables Under 2000 Buying Guide

Today’s review has been an insightful journey into the top 10 best turntables under 2000 and now that you have gone over all of these products, you might feel like you are ready to make a decision. However, to make things even clearer, we suggest that you keep reading on to see our detailed buying guide ahead. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the kind of features you should be looking for.

The kind of record player that you will purchase will make all the difference in the creation of your unique sound. So no matter what kind of speakers you attach to your device or whether or not you get a new amplifier, the interaction that you will have with your turntable will be the most crucial.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Turntables Under 500: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

To begin this review, we will take a look at the main questions that you should always consider, and then we will answer a few of the most frequently asked questions that you should know before you buy a turntable.

To start with, here are the main questions you should ask:

How much can you spend?

The first question to ask when you are purchasing any product is how much money you can and are willing to spend. Of course, a good sub-question to add into this is what kind of product is most advantageous for you. With turntables, this is a very important question because it just depends on the kind of product you need.

If you value a decent turntable in terms of features over an expensive one, then you shouldn’t have to spend a huge amount of money on one in the first place. This means that you can get a moderately priced piece of equipment and all the other necessary add-ons if you plan this smartly. This is why it is never a smart move to over-invest in any one component over the other.

Does it need a cartridge?

The next question you need to ask is whether or not your device needs a cartridge and this depends on the kind of turntable you have already bought. The important thing to remember is that nowadays most products you will look at will already have one installed. Therefore this might not even be a serious concern initially and you might want to worry more about investing in an overall great package instead.

If you’re confused about needing a separate cartridge then you should know that with a cartridge, it becomes easier to keep a track of the sound that is being produced. The reason why these can sometimes be expensive is because of the material the stylus top might be made out of. If it is an expensive material, then this can be an expensive buy but most are made from an industrial hardened diamond material which is budget-friendly, contrary to popular belief.

Is it easy to set up?

Since your turntable will be the tool you work most closely with, you have to be sure you organize and set it up properly. This means that the kind of positioning it has when it is first assembled is crucial to its overall performance. One of the main considerations here is that your device should provide you with low resonance and good output when placed on a level surface.

As an advantage, users will find that most turntables come with a fairly easy to manage design as all you have to do is plug them in and play them. As far as the adjustments and various settings are concerned, users can be sure that there will be a manual or guide that will make it far easier to manage this.

Now that we have the buying guide out of the way, we are moving onto our main FAQs:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do more expensive turntables sound better?

To classify any turntable as being good at what it does, it needs to bring 4 main points to the user. These include; a good quality phono-cartridge, a motor with low vibration settings, a free moving low resonance tonearm, and of course a motor that gets you both lower noise and a decent amount of speed. If you are sure that the product you are getting is equipped with all of these features, then the fact whether it is expensive or not shouldn’t matter.

However, if one or more of these features is lacking, then there might be a difference in the quality and production of the sound. Of course with a greater price point, you will get more detail and rhythm in the kind of sound you produce, however, most normal priced products have the technology to cover up for their lack of premium quality features.

What is the best all in one turntable?

The main reason behind buying an all-in-one turntable for your use is because they are cost-effective as they contain all the main equipment inside their system. There are quite a few options in this category but our top pick is the Fluance RT81.

This is an upgrade of their previous RT 80 model. It comes with a ton of interesting features including an Audio Technica AT95 cartridge, a built-in preamp, and of course a sturdy plinth.

What is the best turntable on the market?

While there are a ton of excellent features available on the market, the Yamaha VINYL 500 Wi-Fi turntable is our choice for the best turntable as it comes fitted with Wi-Fi ability as opposed to Bluetooth and this makes it excellent for authentic high fidelity.

This device is also just the right size in terms of weight as it only weighs 12 pounds. The design of this turntable is also nice since it comes with a glossy black finish and is super easy to set up. You also get to use it with both phono and line outputs which means that you can get the authentic traditional sound or make use of applications to begin streaming existing music.

Should I have an amplifier for my turntable?

Buying an amplifier for your device is purely situational since many will come with an amplifier in-built into the device itself. The need behind an amplifier is to increase the signal quality and producer louder results. You may purchase a pre-amp like many people do, however, some alternatives will already have built-in amps.

This includes powered speakers or an A/V receiver. The biggest question when buying an amplifier for your turntable should be your range since they can be pretty expensive and you also need to consider whether the product you choose matches the specifications of the turntable you have.