Due to the digitization of music, analog equipment for music mixing and production has seen less use (and sales) compared to their digitally capable counterparts over the past few years. This includes the DJ turntable, which has become somewhat unnecessary in this new world of laptops and controllers. But in the eyes of a purist, having the ability to use a turntable and scratch and mix by ear remains to be the benchmark of a good disc jockey in the eyes of audiophiles. Thus, more and more people are looking to learn turntabling to further enhance their technical skills as a DJ.
In this article, we have compiled our recommendations for the best DJ turntables on the market. But before we talk about that, here are some of the things you should consider in buying a DJ turntable for your DJ equipment needs:
Factors to consider when choosing a DJ turntable:
1. Belt Drive or Direct Drive
There are two kinds of turntables: belt-driven or direct-driven. The former works with an elastic belt absorbing the motor noise and vibration so that it doesn’t get passed on to the audio system. The latter, on the other hand, has a rod connected to the motor that holds the platter. This allows for the platter to be more efficient at holding pitch and gives it the ability to be spun backwards. This feature also increases torque and allows for simpler operation.
Both have their pros and cons, so just choose based on your needs and preferences.
2. Cartridge
DJ turntables can either have a moving magnet cartridge or moving coil cartridge built into them. The former is often cheaper compared to its coil counterpart, but is touted to still deliver comparable performance. However, if you’re after sonic clarity, moving coil cartridges are often better in that area—just be prepared to shell out more.
These cartridges can also have either of these two types of needles fitted into them: elliptical or spherical. Spherical needles reportedly have better tracking and less chances of skipping.
3. Tonearm
This is the part that stabilizes the cartridge while it glides across the album. They come in two types: S-shaped and straight. The latter often produces better tracking but the former produces better sound. Whichever you choose, make sure to get one that is stiff and durable, yet light. Usually, tonearms made of materials like aluminum or carbon fiber have these properties.
4. Phono Preamp
The phono preamp is a feature necessary to amplify the signal generated by your turntable needle when it is in motion, so that the sound volume will be lough enough to be heard through a speaker. This is why selecting a turntable with a built-in phono preamp is crucial. Another option is to buy an external preamp and add it to your system.
As always, both have its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Add-on preamps are said to be superior in terms of sound quality, but built-in phono preamps are more affordable and require no setup or installation.
5. Manual or Automatic
When using manual turntables, you’ll have to move the tonearm to your desired position and turn the device on and off by hand. With an automatic turntable on the other hand, you’ll only have to push a button or two, and the tonearm will go to where it last left off.
Tips for buying a DJ turntable:
Consider your budget
How much you are willing to shell out? Shop around for something that fits your budget and your needs without compromising quality. If you have a much smaller budget, make sure to adjust your expectations accordingly.
Determine your purpose
Where are you planning to use your turntable and how do you plan to use it? For instance, if you want to learn scratching and beat mixing, you might consider getting a device that is optimized for said functions.
Your purpose will also determine whether to get just one turntable or two for your DJ setup.
Figure out which features you need
Turntables are packed with features, but try to pinpoint the ones you really need. Do you need a turntable that has built-in USB connectivity for you to be able to transfer, convert, or archive your vinyl record collection? Or do you want one that has RCA so you can easily sync it with various electronic devices? You might also want to get a turntable with a built-in light so you can easily find the grooves in the vinyl you’re playing.
The Best DJ Turntables
- Pioneer Electronics PLX-1000 Professional Direct Drive Turntable
- Reloop RP-8000 Straight Advanced Hybrid Torque Turntable
- Stanton T.62 Direct-Drive DJ Turntable
- Audio-Technica AT-LP60 Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable System
- Roland TT-99 3-Speed Direct-Drive DJ Turntable
- DJ Tech SL1300 MK6 Quarz Direct-Drive DJ Turntable with USB Output
- Numark TT250USB Professional DJ Direct Drive Turntable
- Reloop RP-7000 Direct Drive High Torque Turntable
- Numark PT01USB Portable DJ Turntable
1. Pioneer Electronics PLX-1000 Professional Direct Drive Turntable
Adorama Price:
Using a high-torque direct drive motor and a traditional layout, the Pioneer PLX-1000 is a useful device that can be used for personal or professional use. It has a minimum of 4.5 kg/cm of torque and a maximum rotational speed of 33 ⅓ rpm in 0.3 seconds.
Constructed with a heavy-mass zinc die-cast chassis and a sturdy 8mm resin bottom, this turntable can withstand the abuse that comes with regular use. And with its built-in 9mm vibration dampening material, you can be assured of stable playback.
Howling is also significantly reduced due to the rubber insulation built into this DJ gear. You can also expect enhanced sound quality and lower impedance due to the gold-plated, machine-cut RCA jacks.
Managing your turntable’s setup is also much easier with its detachable power and RCA audio cables.
Key Specs:
- Drive Method: Quartz lock serve type direct drive
- Tonearm type: S-shape tonearm (Universal); gimbal, static type balance
- Stylus: 0 to 0.14 oz (1 scale 0, 0.03 oz)
- Flutter and Wow measurement: 0.1% or less (in watts rms)
- Start Time: 0.3 seconds (at 33 1/3 rpm)
- Motor Type: 3-phase DC motor (brushless)
- Turntable Aluminum Die-Casting Diameter: 13.07 in.
- S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratio: 70 dB
- Brake Type: Electronic
- Rotation Speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 rpm
- Torque: 4.5 kg/cm or higher
- Pitch Adjustment Range: ±8%, ±16%, ±50%
- Effective Arm Length: 9.05” (23.0 cm)
- Height Adjustment: 0.23” (5.8 cm)
- Overhang: 0.59″ (1.50 cm)
- Cartridge Weight: Single Cartridge: 0.12 oz to 0.45 oz (13.1 to 12.8 g)
- Shell weight: 0.12 to 0.22 oz (3.40 to 6.24 g)
- Balanced Weight: 0.21 to 0.35 oz (5.95 to 9.92 g)
- Sub Weight: 0.33 to 0.45 oz (9.36 to 12.8 g)
- Power Requirements: 110 to 120 vac or 220 to 240 vac, 50/60 hz
- Power Consumption: 9 watts
- Audio Connector: 2x RCA (left and right stereo pair)
- Dimensions: 17.83” (width) x 6.25” (height) x 13.89″ (diameter) or 45.29 x 15.88 x 35.28 in cm
- Weight: 28.88 lbs (13.10 kg)
2. Reloop RP-8000 Straight Advanced Hybrid Torque Turntable
Adorama Price:
With its ability to communicate with any MIDI compatible software, having the RP-8000 Straight Advanced as one of the components of your DJ setup is convenient if you want to do away with purchasing an additional controller. And as its name implies, it has a straight tonearm which is virtually skip-proof, allowing you optimum playing and scratching.
A set of fully-customizable MIDI trigger buttons and Serato Scratch Live mappings is built into the device, allowing you to use the turntable as your controller. Its Dual Performance mode also allows you to assign trigger buttons for cueing and looping with the push of a button.
There’s also the Turntable Link Mode, which allows you to sync four turntables together using USB connection.
Key Specs:
- Drive Method: Quartz driven upper-torque direct drive
- Motor Type: 3-speed DC motor, fully manual
- Rotation Speeds: 33-1/3, 45, 78 rpm
- Pitch Adjustment Range: ±8%, ±16%, ±50%
- Torque: 1.6 to 4.5 kg/cm
- Start Time: < 0.2 sec
- Brake Type: Electronic brake
- Flutter and wow measurement: 0.02% (in watts RMS)
- S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratio: >-55 dB (1 kHz, 4 mV input)
- Cartridge Weight: Admissible Range: 0.1 to 0.3 oz (3.5 to 8.5 g)
- Shell weight: 0.4 to 0.6 oz (13 to 18 g)
- Stop Time: 0.2 – 6 sec
- Power Input: 14 W
- Power Supply: 115 / 230 VAC, 60 / 50 Hz
- Dimensions: 18.0 x 5.7 x 13.9″ (458.0 x 144.6 x 354.0 mm)
- Weight: 21.4 lb (9.7 kg)
- Material: Aluminum die casting
3. Stanton T.62 Direct-Drive DJ Turntable
Adorama Price:
Budget-friendly yet functional, the Stanton T.63 Direct-Drive DJ turntable has a basic layout and easy-to-use controls, which makes it the ideal DJ equipment for beginners. It boasts of a DC direct-drive that ensures high torque and consistent operation and utilizes a straight tonearm, which is often prefered for scratching purposes.
This DJ turntable also has a detachable target light which allows you to see the map of the tune so you can find particular parts of a song for mixing. This is useful when playing in a place where there is limited to no source of light.
Key Specs:
- Drive Method: Direct Drive
- Output Connectors: RCA Phono
- Motor Type: 8 pole, 3-phase DC motor (brushless)
- Rotation Speeds: 33-1/3 & 45 rpm
- Start Time: Less than 1 sec with 33-1/3 rpm
- Braking Time: Less than 1 sec with 33-1/3 rpm
- Pitch Adjustmentl Range: +/- 10%
- Flutter and wow rate: Less than 0.2% (in watts RMS) (JIS WTD) with 33-⅓ rpm
- S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratio: < -65dB; Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.01% at 1 kHz
- Power Requirements: 120VAC , 60Hz (US, CA, MEX); 7.5W
- Dimensions: 17.79″ (width) x 14.56″ (diameter) x 3.42″ (height) (452 x 370 x 87mm)
- Weight: 13.89 lb (6.3 kg)
4. Audio-Technica AT-LP60 Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable System
Adorama Price:
Audio-Technica’s AT-LP60 belt-drive turntable is fully automatic so it can be easily connected to any existing audio setup. To operate, all you have to do is lift the tonearm and watch the platter rotate on its own. To brake, you can just position the spindle on its frame.
This particular DJ turntable has an integrated phono preamplifier which allows you to transmit sound to amplifiers even without turntable inputs. This turntable can also be used for home entertainment systems, so you can enjoy quality sound in the comfort of your own home.
Key Specs:
- Tonearm: Straight
- Rotation Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 rpm
- Motor Type: Belt-Drive
- Flutter and wow rate: Less than 0.25% (WTD) @ 3 kHz (JIS)
- Drive Mechanism: DC servo-controlled
- Cartridge Type: Internal
- Stylus: Replacement Stylus: ATN3600L
- S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratio: >50 dB (DIN-B)
- Power Output: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 3 W
- Connectors: RCA Phono and RCA Line (preamplifier)
- Dimensions: 14.17” (width) x 3.84” (height) x 14.02″ (diameter) (36 x 9.75 x 35.6 cm)
- Weight: 6.6 lbs (2.98 kg)
5. Roland TT-99 3-Speed Direct-Drive DJ Turntable
Adorama Price:
This particular turntable is designed like the Roland 909, but is packed with modern features like a 3-speed motor and a phono equalizer. It is also built to be a direct-drive, which results in better and more consistent torque.
Without a belt to interfere with the record spinning, scratching is also more likely to be successful with this device. The vinyl will still move at the right speed despite the attempt of the DJ to scratch it.
For extra protection, the Roland TT-99 comes with its own dust cover. It also has a slipmat to prevent the device from slipping on any type of work surface.
Key Specs:
- Motor: Brushless DC motor; direct drive
- Turntable Platter: Die-cast Aluminum
- Rotation Speeds: 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm
- Flutter and Wow rate: 0.15 % or less (watts RMS (JIS WTD))
- S/N Ratio: 50dB or more (DIN-B)
- Starting Torque: 1 kgf.cm or more
- Braking System: Electronic brake
- Starting Time: 1 sec. or less
- Braking Time: 1 sec. or less
- Pitch Controls: +/- 10 %
- Tonearm Type: Static balanced S-shaped
- Effective Arm Length: 230.5mm (9.07″)
- Overhang: 16mm (0.63″)
- Tracking Error Angle: 3 deg. or less
- Tracking Force Adjustment Range: 0 – 4g
- Applicable Cartridge Weight: 3.5 – 8.5g (0.12 – 0.30 oz)
- Anti-skating Range: 0-7g
- Connectors Output jacks (L, R): RCA phono type
- GND terminal
- Dimensions:17.72 (width) x 13.78 (diameter) x 5.91″ (height);450 x 350 x 150mm
- Weight: 9.8 kg (21.61 lbs)
6. DJ Tech SL1300 MK6 Quarz Direct-Drive DJ Turntable
Adorama Price:
A standout in the sea of turntables due to its bright colors and fun design, the DJ Tech SL1300 MK6 Quarz Direct-Drive will serve as a welcome addition to any audiophile’s DJ setup.
This turntable has a USB built-into the unit, allowing you to connect it to your device of choice and record or transfer music to it. This device is also compatible with a lot of playback speeds, and has a pitch control that you can adjust up to 50%.
Key Specs:
- Motor Type: Direct-Drive
- Playback Speed: 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM
- Effective Arm Length: 230.5mm (9.07″)
- S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratio: more than 60 dB
- Dimensions: 17.67 x 14.56 x 5.70″ (44.9 x 37.0 x 14.5 cm)
- Weight: 10kg (22.04lbs)
7. Numark TT250USB Professional DJ Direct Drive Turntable
Adorama Price:
With anti-skating control and damped cueing built into its S-shaped tonearm, the Numark TT250USB turntable allows you to see the grooves in your record accurately so you can produce good audio quality. It also comes installed with a magnetic cartridge that is positioned with precision, without the need for additional setup.
You can also easily transfer and convert your manual audio recording to digital files via digital transfer, as it comes equipped with the necessary USB ports, cables, and software, needed to perform this action.
Key Specs:
- Tonearm type: No interchangeable tube system, 4-Bearing Construction
- Height Range: 0.0 – 6.0 mm / 0 – 0.24″
- Starting time: less than 0.7 seconds
- Cue System: Dampened Lift Lever, Arm Rest and Arm Clip
- Counterweight: 115g / 4.06oz, 0.0 – 3g / 0 – 0.11oz
- Effective length: 230mm / 9.06″
- Overhang: 15.2mm / 0.60″
- Offset angle: 22 degrees
- Vertical friction: 7mg
- Turntable platter: Aluminium die cast(material), 332mm / 13.07″ (diameter), 740g / 26.10oz
- Rotating Speeds: 331/3 rpm, 45 rpm
- Pitch Range: +/-10%
- Rumble: -40dB (IEC 98A Unweighted); -55dB (IEC 98A Weighted)
- Starting Torque: 2.0 kgfcm
- Constant Torque: 1.2 kgfcm
- Flutter and wow range: < 0.09%
- Power supply230 V – /50Hz/24 VA
- Power Consumption:15 Watts
- Dimensions:450 x 152 x 352mm / 17.72 x 5.98 x 13.86″
- Weight: 16.5lbs / 7.48kg
8. Reloop RP-7000 Direct Drive High Torque Turntable
Adorama Price:
With three pitch ranges to choose from, the Reloop RP-7000 allows you to achieve the most accurate pitch resolution possible for your audio needs. It also has a divergence of 0.02%, which is helpful if you’re trying to learn how to beat match or shift the record’s pitch when mixing audio.
It also comes with a button that allows you to shift from “classic” to “hi-torque” in an instant, when necessary. You can also vary the start/stop time from 0.2 to 6 seconds, giving you more freedom in creating your mix.
Key Specs:
- Drive Type: Quartz-driven upper-torque direct drive
- Motor Type: 3-speed brushless DC Motor;Fully Manual
- Speeds: RPM33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
- Material: Die-cast aluminum
- Flutter and Wow Range : 0.02% (watts RMS)
- Pitch: +/-8%, +/-16%, +/-50% (adjustable)
- Torque: 1600 – 4500g/cm (adjustable)
- Starting Time: Less than 0.2 sec
- Brake System: Electronic
- S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratio: More than -55dB (1 kHz, 4mV input)
- Admissible Cartridge: Weight Range: 3.5 – 8.5g / 0.12 – 0.30oz (incl. headshell 13 – 18g / 0.46 – 0.63oz)
- Anti-Skating Range: 0 to 3g / 0 to 0.11oz
- Start/Stop time: 0.2 to 6 seconds (adjustable)
- Power Input: 13W
- Power Supply: AC 115/230V, 60/50Hz (EU/US), AC 100V, 50/60Hz (JP)
- Dimensions: 18.03” (width) x 5.69” (diameter) x 13.94″ (height); 458 x 144.6 x 354mm
- Weight: 9.5 kg / 20.94 lbs
9. Numark PT01USB Portable DJ Turntable
Adorama Price:
For something more compact and portable, there is the Numark PT01USB. It can be powered either using an AC outlet, or with batteries. Despite its size, it has a precise belt-drive motor which allows you to perform the functions typically done with a regular size DJ turntable. It comes with a built-in USB port, which allows you to easily connect it to your computer.
The Numark PT01USB also has a speaker integrated into it, so you can track your mixes directly from the device itself. It also has built-in RCA output connections which allows you to use it with various kinds of line level input. This also allows you to connect your turntable to soundcards in desktop computers, portable PA systems, and other devices.
Key Specs:
- Output Connectors: L/R RCA Line Level; 1/4″ Phone and 1/8″ (3.5mm) Mini Headphone Outputs; USB Output
- Motor Type: Belt-drive
- Speeds: 33, 45, 78 RPM
- Brake Type: Tone Arm Auto Start/Stop
- Pitch Control Range:+/- 10% Pitch Control
- Flutter and wow range: Not Specified
- S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratio: Not Specified
- Power Requirements: D-Cell Batteries x6 not included
- 12VAC Transformer
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 3.875″ (304.8 x 304.8 x 98.43mm) (WxDxH)
- Weight: 4.5 lbs (2.04kg)
