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The sharp rise in vinyl record sales has been nothing short of astonishing. Many of us are discovering or rekindling our love for analogue and, while records are impractical and expensive, the tactile connection and warmth makes it a beautiful way to listen to music. And yes, you could blow the kids\u2019 inheritance on equipment, but there are plenty of affordable turntables<\/a><\/strong>. When searching for the best budget turntables, you just need to know what to look for.<\/p> Here are some of the best budget turntables and affordable hi-fis on the marketplace.<\/p> Before we delve into specifics, we need to discuss the trend for all-in-one suitcase turntables with speakers that you can find on the high street for as little as \u00a360-\u00a380. They\u2019re cute, and if you don\u2019t have a penny more to spend, they\u2019ll serve a purpose. However, the sound quality is generally atrocious and the lack of weight adjustability and quality stylus could damage your records.<\/p> There are a couple of exceptions, including the Lenco LS-430<\/a><\/strong> (\u00a3249, pictured top) which combines a good entry-level spec turntable with Audio Technica AT-3600 cartridge, four built-in speakers, pre-amp, pitch<\/a><\/strong>-control and Bluetooth. It\u2019s loaded with features and doesn\u2019t require a separate amplifier or speakers to get you listening. Among the very best budget turntables, in short.<\/p> Alternatively, the brilliant but budget-stretching Pro-Ject Juke Box E<\/a><\/strong> (\u00a3399) has an amplifier built-in and just needs speakers.<\/p> Assuming you do have an amplifier and speakers already, there are some wonderful sub-\u00a3300 turntables from established brands including Rega, Pro-Ject, Sony and Audio Technica. If you have a high-end hi-fi, I\u2019d speak to your specialist dealer about suitable pairings, because sound quality should be your biggest priority.<\/p> In terms of features, to count among the best budget turntables, your turntable requires a few essentials. It needs a solid platter (acrylic is excellent) and plinth (most are made from MDF). It also has to be able to play the records you own, whether that\u2019s 33 1\/3, 45 or 78 rpm. <\/p> It\u2019s important to be able to replace and upgrade the cartridge and stylus and adjust the counterweights for accurate set-up. Most importantly, it has to be able to connect to your amplifier.<\/p> Many turntables have a built-in phono stage (amplifier) that boosts the audio enough for a standard stereo amplifier to work with. You simply plug into your amplifier\u2019s phono port or, with Bluetooth designs, stream directly to wireless speakers<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p> For some budget turntables, such as the Rega Planar P1 and Pro-Ject T1, you will need to invest in a separate phono stage \u2013 the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo Preamplifier<\/a><\/strong> (currently \u00a3129 from \u00a3199) is superb. It\u2019s an added cost, but value turntables sound better if they use a separate phono stage. Some let you turn off the built-in phono stage, allowing you to upgrade in the future.<\/p>How to choose the best budget turntable<\/h2>
Great turntables for under \u00a3300<\/h3>
Do I need a separate phono stage with my turntable?<\/h3>