If you are a music fan but would give anything to go back in time so you can own that turntable that played your records as it did back several decades ago. However, there is good news. You most definitely can get a high-quality turntable that will be a lot more evolved than the one you had decades ago.
However, a turntable regardless of how modern and advanced it is will help bring back those memories of when you had one as a kid. Unfortunately, though, many new turntables that are sold nowadays are extremely costly. Although, there are some that are quite affordable with excellent quality. Let’s now take a look at 8 best turntables that are under $500.
Pro-Ject – Debut Carbon DC (Best Turntable Under $400)
If you are looking for a turntable that is of high quality, then you must check out the Pro-Ject model. The Pro-Ject turntable comes with an 8.6-inch carbon tonearm, and the belt drive is built in a precise manner, and the motor is synchronous. It also features a DC power supply for maintaining speed stability.
The platter size is increased, and it can hold more weight. The motor is quiet, and the Debut Carbon DC are protected from vibrations by the stable isolation feet. The Pro-Ject turntable also features a New Sorbothane motor suspension and an Ortofon. This is most definitely one of the better turntables that you can purchase under $400.
Another bonus about this product is that it comes in a piano-gloss finishing, which also comes in multiple high-gloss color options, and this is what makes this product attractive. The product dimensions are 12.6 inches x 16.3 inches x 4.7 inches and weighs 12.35 pounds.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB Turntable
This product features a USB output which can connect right to your PC. The internal stereo phono preamplifier is selectable, and it lets the turntable to plug into other components. This is why this product comes with adapter cables, a USB cable, and are compatible with a PC or Mac.
Another best turntable under $500 that allows you to convert your LPs through the Audacity software to a digital form, and it also allows you to play forward or go in reverse. The platter is made with cast aluminum, and it features a slip mat to keep the product protected. There is also a start and stop button, and you can set the turntable at any of the 3 speeds which are 33, 45, and 78 rpm.
The pitch lock is selectable, and it also features a removable hinged dust cover, and it comes with a pitch-change slider control feature. The dimensions of this product are 3.9 inches, x 17.7 inches x 6.1 inches, and weighs 21.2 lbs.
U-Turn Audio – Orbit Plus Turntable (White)
This turntable is made in the USA and is a high-performance product made with a precision tonearm. Included is an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge and it has a manual belt drive that is set at 33 or 45 rpm and has a machined acrylic platter as well.
The set up is also really easy, and you will receive technical support for a lifetime, and the dimensions are 5 inches x 17 inches x 13 inches, and weighs 12.5 lbs. The info for the wow and flutter is at 0.125 percent, and it features a -63dBA rumble and -79dBA S/N ratio. RCA cables, a dust cover, and a felt mat are included.
Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable
This Automatic Analog Turntable is created with base construction that is heavy in order to keep the vibration down in order to keep its performance high quality. The action of the tonearm will automatically start and stop as it lifts and lowers gently so that the vinyl is protected from any damage. The MM (moving magnet) cartridge headshell can be removed, and the thickness of the sheet of the turntable is at 5mm, and the way the ability to hold a record is improved is through hologram vibration. If you are looking for a best automatic analog turntable under $500 then see this product.
It also comes with a belt drive system that features speeds of rotation of 33, 1/3, or 45 rpm and it also comes with a DC servo motor. Included is a dust cover as well, and the dimensions are 15 inches x 17.1 inches x 4.8 inches, and weighs 12.1 lbs.
Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB DJ Turntable Under $500
This best turntable is unique as it is meant to be used by DJs at nightclubs or events, and it also features a high-torque, and multipole motor setting so that DJs can use it effectively. This Audio-Technica model also has a direct drive as well as mobile and touring applications.
This product also has a USB output so that it can connect directly to a computer and the digital conversion from an LP through Audacity software that is included is easy. The switchable phono preamp is built-in, and it can be used with different types of receivers. It also features A/V components and powered speakers.
It is made with a damped die-cast aluminum stroboscopic platter and it features a professional anti-resonance. The slipmat and speed indicator are designed for DJs, and it is operated manually. The rpm speeds are 33, 45, and 78, and are easily selectable, and it comes with start and brake control adjustments.
The height can also be adjustable and it comes with a lockable rest, anti-skate features, hydraulically damped lift control, and the tonearm is S-shaped which keeps it balanced.
The dimensions are 17.7 inches x 6.6 inches x 13.9 inches, and it weighs 27.6 lbs.
REGA – Planar 1 (Black)
The Rega Planar 1 turntable is a durable and elite product. Rega has a new design, and this product is built with it, and it also features a new RB110 tonearm. Additionally, the performance is extremely low-friction and has zero play bearings.
The design is new due to the fact that the performance from previous models had to be improved, and it is working. It runs on a low noise, 24v, and a motor that is synchronous so that vibration can be reduced. The outside of it is made of brass, and the fit is improved.
The phenolic platter is new and has a higher mass, and it features a better flywheel effect. That is why the speed stability is excellent. The new on and off switch is on the underside, and the appearance of the product has improved as you can get it in gloss white or gloss black.
The Rega Planar 1 is on the pricey side but still under $500 and it is an excellent deal based on how high-quality this turntable is, and the dimensions are 15 inches x 17.5 inches x 4.5 inches. This product is also only 9.2 lbs.
Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK Fully Automatic Turntable
This automatic turntable has some features that are advanced that are not usually found on this type of turntable. A mount universal headshell that is 1/2 of an inch comes with the straight tone arm which keeps it balanced. Additionally, the performance is much better due to the AT91R Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge.
The lift control is hydraulically damped which is why the stylus can be raised and lowered in a safe and precise way. All you have to do is press the start button and it starts to play, and the stop button will cause it to stop safely by lifting the tonearm and it shuts off.
The materials that are used to make this turntable are damping and are vibration-resistant. That puts a tight limit on the frequency feedback that is low. The platter is made of die-cast aluminum and the rubber damping mat measures at 4mm. Constructed of anti-vibration damping materials that limit low-frequency feedback.
This best-rated turntable under $500 can play records that are on 33-1/3 and 45 rpm and the switchable phono preamp is built-in. It also features a dual PRCA output so that a home stereo can be connected to it. The speakers are also powerful, and the dimensions are 21 inches x 9 inches x 19 inches.
Roland TT-99 3-Speed 909 Special Edition Turntable
The 3-Speed 909 Special Edition turntable is one of the best out there as it has a brushless DC motor, and the driving method is direct for a stable torque. It also features a static balanced S-shaped tonearm with speeds that include 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm. The wow and flutter is 0.15 percent, and the platter is made of die-cast aluminum.
It also features a built-in phono preamp, and a slipmat that is the 909 special edition! It also features a tracking error angle of 3 degrees or less than that. The start and brake time are only one second each, and has an anti-skating range from 0 to 7g.
The 3-Speed 909 Special Edition turntable’s dimensions are 21 inches x 21 inches x 8 inches and weigh 26 lbs. Another best turntable under $500 mark.
Final Words
Now that you are aware of the variety turntables around and even better, you have been presented with the best turntables that are under $500. All you need to do is determine which model and make works best for your needs. Additionally, if you are familiar with any of these makes due to owning other products made by them – then you will likely stick with the make that is the most familiar to you.
Either way, now you can go back in time by getting one of the best turntables, and listen to music from your record player like you did when you were a kid!