Choosing the Right Turntable for Your Vinyl System

The Pro-Ject X1 B combines convenient everyday operation with a clear upgrade route.

It arrives with an Ortofon Pick it S2 MM cartridge, but its True Balanced signal path is prepared for use with a suitable moving-coil cartridge and compatible balanced phono amplifier.

Moving to that configuration requires the appropriate connections and additional cable rather than replacing the turntable. Electronic switching between 33 and 45 rpm avoids manual belt changes, while the eight-layer lacquer and optional real-walnut veneer give the plinth a carefully finished appearance.

Goldring has designed the GR3 around simple system integration.

Its Goldring E3 moving-magnet cartridge is installed and adjusted at the factory, reducing the setup required before playing a record.

The built-in phono preamplifier means the turntable can connect to an amplifier without a dedicated phono input or directly to compatible active speakers. That makes it especially relevant for listeners who want a compact vinyl system without immediately adding a separate phono stage.

The TONE Turntable takes an unusually minimalist approach, concealing its motor, bearing, phono stage and Bluetooth module inside a round aluminum base.

A slim MDF plinth and lightweight platter preserve the low-profile appearance, while the straight metal tonearm uses a fixed counterweight.

Tracking and anti-skating are adjusted at the factory, and an Ortofon OM5e cartridge is supplied. The result is a turntable intended to reduce setup demands while supporting both conventional and wireless system arrangements.

The manual, belt-driven AT-LPW50BT offers several ways to build a vinyl system.

Its switchable phono preamplifier permits connection to equipment with or without a phono input, while Bluetooth provides a wireless alternative.

The straight carbon-fiber tonearm has adjustable tracking force and dynamic anti-skating, and the supplied AT-VM95E cartridge accepts other styli from the VM95 range. A 30 mm MDF plinth, cast-aluminum platter and rubber mat address resonance, while the motor encoder regulates rotation at 33⅓ and 45 rpm.

The defining feature of the EAT C-Dur Concrete is its handmade solid-concrete chassis, which weighs nearly 32 kg and is intended to suppress vibration and resonance.

Its 10-inch carbon-fiber C-Note tonearm incorporates internal silicone damping, while the main platter and 900 g sub-platter are made from solid aluminum.

The motor sits in a separate steel housing for isolation, and electronic control provides convenient selection of 33 or 45 rpm. A semi-balanced DIN-to-RCA cable is supplied, with provision for moving to a fully balanced cable.

The MasterDeck sits at the top of MoFi Electronics' turntable range and provides unusually broad setup control.

Its 10-inch dual-pivot tonearm has a removable headshell and permits adjustment of azimuth, vertical tracking angle, overhang and anti-skating.

Three speeds are supported: 33⅓, 45 and 78 rpm, supplemented by fine speed adjustment and a display. The DC motor operates in an isolated housing, while the thick aluminum-and-Delrin platter runs on an inverted bearing. An aluminum and solid-wood body rests on Harmonic Resolution Systems support feet for mechanical and acoustic isolation.

The Roundtable S is a belt-driven design with a polished-steel platter, a varnished MDF plinth and rounded corners.

Its statically balanced nine-inch aluminum tonearm allows tracking-force adjustment and accommodates cartridges weighing between 5 and 13 g.

An Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge is included, and the turntable is adjusted at the factory apart from setting the recommended tracking force. Adjustable tonearm height also makes a later cartridge change more practical. Playback is available at 33 and 45 rpm.

The Rekkord Audio M500 uses a suspended sub-chassis supported by four parabolic springs, with the tonearm and platter bearing mounted to the isolated structure.

Its straight aluminum tonearm runs on a cardan bearing and includes a carbon headshell, damped cueing lift, adjustable tracking force and an accessible anti-skating system.

Buyers can choose a version without a cartridge or one with a pre-installed Ortofon 2M Blue. A touch control with LED indication handles electronic speed selection, while the low-noise belt-drive motor is damped from the chassis.

The VPI Cliffwood is a manual, belt-driven model intended as a more accessible entry into the manufacturer's range.

It combines a 30 mm laminated MDF plinth, aluminum platter and nine-inch damped aluminum gimbal tonearm.

A VPI/Grado Green cartridge is installed, but there is no built-in phono stage, so a suitable phono input or external preamplifier is required. The tonearm platform can also accept VPI's more advanced JMW 9 tonearm, creating a defined upgrade route. It supports 33 and 45 rpm and is offered in three finishes.

The Pro-Ject AUTOMAT A2 is the convenience-led choice in this group.

Its automatic mechanism controls the tonearm at the beginning and end of playback, with selectable drop points for seven-inch singles and 12-inch records.

The listener can still set tracking force, and a pre-adjusted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is supplied. A substantial hand-painted MDF enclosure, separate floating support for the tonearm bearing, platter bearing and motor, and aluminum feet with silicone damping are intended to limit unwanted vibration. The straight 8.3-inch tonearm uses an upgraded four-point gimbal bearing.