Don't Buy a Turntable Under $500 Until You Watch This 

Fluance RT82: amzn.to/45wfzEf 1ByOne: amzn.to/48Quqwn Audio Technica AT-LPW30TK: amzn.to/46Gx0mK Monoprice Monolith: amzn.to/46v3hxq Sound Dampening Tweak: amzn.to/3M3idKR Any links to products or services may be affiliate links that give me a small kickback at no cost to you, with no influence on the content. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This whole video points to and expresses how the “point of diminishing returns” is a constant factor in the hobby. First, what is expensive is subjective. 500 is a lot of money for some and an insignificant number for another. A high end tonearm manufacturer isn’t going to give you all their goods on an entry level table. Why would they? Whatever the case, this hobby is a journey. We all decide where to stop and step off the train. Others keep on traveling. There’s something for everybody. There is no wrong or right. My experiences and interpretations under the same circumstances, can be viewed differently by another. The point is to enjoy, however that is defined by each of us.

My Technics SL-D202 I bought 40+ years ago still works great and sounds great.

I love how RU-vid recommends me this video just days after I bought my first turntable (it was $280). Works great btw.

At the $500 new price point I tend to recommend turntables like the Pro-ject Debut Carbon, or Rega P1 for the exact reasons you mentioned in this video, those turntables to my knowledge are handmade in the same factories in Europe, and use many of the same components as all their high end turntables, where many of the $500 turntables are made in the same places with the same parts as $200-$300 turntables, not to say those turntables are bad, and wont perform well enough, but at the $500 price point id rather feel like I'm getting the "worst of the best" rather than the "best of the worst" so to speak.

Great review and info.

The comments on this are great and I wish there was more of it. No price level barred from examination and comparison. You may know there is one YT who focuses on what you all would agree as below entry level lauding suitcase players and such as good for beginners etc., get them into the love of records.

Ill stick with my two Technics 1200s from the mid 90s that still work perfectly.

Thank you

I sold hi-fi between 1976 and 1982, before I got into IT. I have four turntables and roughly 3,500 LP's as well as a few hundred 45's. If I were to have to buy a modern new turntable, I would choose between either the Fluance RT85 or the Audio-Technica LP-120XUSB. Like you, I'm cheap. I consider both of those TT's "good enough" regarding the drive system and the tonearm. And I can always improve them via a better cartridge. Honestly, the cartridge is the one advantage the Fluance has over the AT. But the drive system is a HUGE advantage of the AT. I'm a huge fan of DD, obviously. Back in the day I really hated belt drive TT's. These were the days before the internet and getting replacement belts was a bit of a hassle. Now it's easy, but the downside is that most belt drive TT's have the belt on the outside of the platter. My one belt drive (u-Turn "plus" with built in pre) is a pain because my fingers keep knocking the belt off the platter. My old Technics SL23 from the early 70's was belt drive, but the belt and motor was under the platter. Heck, it even had a pitch control. BTW, the biggest "bang for buch" improvement one can make to any turntable is to get a nude stylus. The cool thing about the Ortofon red is that you can get an ortofon blue nude stylus and it will definitely improve the sound. As for me, I'm about bang for the buck, and convenience. That's why two of my turntables (both bought used) have built in pre-amps. My vintage 70's receiver has only two phono inputs but I connect these two to a tape-in and "tuner" inputs. It works because they have built in phono pre. The bluetooth connected to my TV is connected to aux, BTW. BTW, my four turntables are Kenwood KD-500 with ADC LMF 2 carbon tonearm. (Bought new when it first came out) Stull my main TT. It needed a serious de-oxit treatment about 12 years ago when I pulled it out of 15 years of storage. Yamaha PF 50 fully auto (bought 15 years ago for $30 at an estate sale. Works like new). I use this one when I need the auto feature. Audio Technica AT LP120USB, (bought used for $150 about 8 years ago). This is my workhorse for 45's, 78's and "goodwill" finds. It's also a great cleaning platform. Massive torque. The u-Turn, bought for $125 of Facebook Marketplace with a record cleaning system, a bunch of record jackets, cleaning brushes and fluid, and seven or eight new LP's. The guy had just bought it new, tried it, didn't like vinyl, and just dumped it to get rid of it. He hadn't even opened the copy of Hendrix's Are You Experienced. I used The u-Turn as the turntable in my rebuild of a 1960's console stereo. FWIW, I think there is even a place in the world for those Crosley Cruisers, now that I know they don't wear out records much worse than anything else. But anyone that gets one should move on pretty fast. My 12 year old grandaughter really liked hers until the motor burned up. 🤣

I'm old, I have old turntables. Get the jvc out, clean the pots and switches. It's not hard and it probably has better specs. Easier to research 1 and fix it than research 10 fantastic plastics

Sincere video thanks I would go with the project company upgraded from a vintage Phillips from the '70s to the project pro 30th anniversary table and it comes with $150 cartridge good luck

That looks very similar to a Denon 450, I bought it as a second TT and put a Ortofon Bronze with headshell and its very good . No complaints

Lucky to buy new one of the last Sl1210mk2 new in 2010...for no more than retail. Good turntable.

WOW, that is the loudest platter ring that I have ever heard. And I have owned 20+ turntables in the past 36 months.

I have an old Rotel RP3000 turntable from 1977-78 with a Shure m97xe cartridge. It's all I need.

The speed fluctuations on your old JVC happened on a late 70s Technics I had. A SL-23 with pitch adjustments dials. This was solved by a generous spray of electric contact cleaner to the ‘innards’ of the pitch control and 33/45 speed adjust switches. I sold said turntable when I needed funds. I now have a Pro-Ject Essential III with an upgrade to the Ortofon OM20 stylus. Very nice sound, hardly any resonance due to the thick mdf platter and mdf plinth with no hollow spaces (platter sits atop the plinth, not in a hollow sunk into the plinth). Awkward belt and anti-skate fitment, yet I prefer it to the vintage Technics which also had an Audio Technica cartridge with microline stylus. I’ve decided to stick with this Pro-Ject turntable and not upgrade. Pro-Ject make their own turntables in Austria or Czech Republic, no outsourcing to China or Taiwan. I believe the also recommendable Rega and U-Turn also have this ‘in house’ manufacturing too?

Thank you for the info, I fall trough with the same thoughts, right now I’m looking to get any used thorens turntable at the same price point will be always better than this generic with punch of lies

I'm surprised vintage turntables with servo-damped tonearms aren't more popular. techmoan has one (a denon dp-47f) but doesn't seem to be aware of the feature. these servo systems are a superior, electronic equivalent to the "fluid damper" sl-1200 attachments. tonearm damping reduces the lf cartridge resonance and consequently its interaction with warps and other subsonic garbage. precisely because of brand recognition, I think secondhand sl-1200mk2s are a worse value than a lot of their more interesting contemporaries, unless you intend to scratch with them.

Had terrible luck with rega and project, both had noisy motors which I put a video review on Amazon, got a PLX1000 and it’s perfect, to me belt drive can be problematic.

I'm not a big fan of the manual moving of pulley for changing speed. It's fine, it's just something that I don't prefer. I'd be concerned about finger smudging the belt. Technics made the SL-B2 that had electronic speed change and there was only one pulley on the motor and it worked great until the speed pot got dirty. I like the direct drive, quartz lock turntables. I would recommend for you getting a strobe platter vs. using your phone. Although I'm sure it doesn't matter that much, with the strobe mat, it would be perfectly balanced. I have a Teac four discreet track reel to reel tape deck (A3440) from 1979 that sounds beautiful. It still works almost perfectly.

My fleet of turntables are all TECHNICS .The oldest being a 1979 1200mk2 silver model . Technics or Die!

What’s your opinion on audiotechinica ?

Teac is NOT the Teac of the 1970's.

Welcome to the real world. A lot of turntables are a piece of painted (or wrapped)mdf, with an inexpensive motor. My Rega plll has a 79 dollar motor. Its an open box that cost 900 bucks. The tonearm is a work of art, however,and the platter is glass. But there is just a lot more to my Technics, which cost 1799$. My first new Technics , it just shows that the more you pay the more you get

Very important video. That's why you should have an investment once - and never look back. Brands like Technics, Thorens, Rega and Linn are always be a good choise for that kinf of invesment.

I'm super happy with my Direct Drive Audio-Technica. About 250 USD.

Turntables all seem to be made by the same few companies in Asia and just rebranded. I prefer my ancient turntables myself. Just learn how to work on them, it is way more satisfying. Even the more expensive Technics models are all now made there.

Good video. Normally audiophiles wouldn't look to Teac for a turntable. They've been around forever but it's clearly not their forte'. Do your research of course. 3-400 bucks will get you something good. Unfortunately, I've noticed in recent years the Teac build quality has taken a turn. They feel cheap and always break down prematurely. They can do better than this.

A professional record player has the speed sensor on the spinning platter. A commercial record player has the speed sensor inside the motor. A toy record player has no speed sensor. This is irrespective of tone arm used and the brand printed on the case of the player. Resonance of the platter is usually dampened with a thick cover disk made out of hard rubber. A direct-drive turntable (SL1200) is better than a cheap belt driven one. A good belt-driven turntable has at least two speed sensor and one speed indicator, or the usual strobe light.

This is why they tried to destroy the reputation of the Technics SL 1200. by throwing words like "direct drive noise" oh "Its a DJ turntable" (not audiophile) No amount of painted particle boards in the colors of the rainbow will convince me that project and rega are the best entry level ever. they had to complete with a technologically advanced and. built like a tank TT. If you believe this then you 7:42 are a fool. They had to do this because the second hamd market was flooded with SL1200 for 350 to 400 dollars. You could still find some in good condition for that price.

I'd suggest redoing your dampening material, cut the pieces exactly the same size (weigh them), and place them directly across from each other, the way you showed in the video will throw the balance out of whack.

People.... Do yourselves a favour: Stop Buying Garbage. In 1974, an entry-level turntable was about $100, which is about $625 today, and that did not include a cartridge (add $20 to $25 then, or $155 today). So... Why do you expect to get $780 worth of equipment for less than $400?

The increase of speed of your former turntable was probably caused by a sudden surge of electricity therefore it probably wasn't necessary for you to buy a new turntable. What you probably need is a surge protector that you would plug your turntable and some other electronic devices into and then plug the surge protector into the mains.

I definitely think the Teac name is what sold it. Almost as bad as SnapOn to a mechanic.

Dude its a $500 turntable. What do you expect? Maybe get a vintage turntable next? Much nicer and better made for $500 budgets.

Entry audiophile? Not by a long shot. Audiophile turntables do not have built in RIAA For several years turntables do not have 78rpm And, audiophile turntables have all the "features" they need. They concentrate on the quality of the materials, exceptional build construction and the stability of the platter the motor or motors and everything else like the arm movement etc. You are not talking of High End audio. You are talking about affordable Hi Fi systems. As an example look for Tentogra Oscar MK 2 turntable or a vintage Thorens reference for example. Those are High End and have nothing to do with Hi FI

I just can't buy a turntable that metal platter rings like a bell if hit. I'd be hard pressed anymore to buy anything other than Delrin platter over 1" thick. Doesn't even need a mat. I have a glass platter on a Rega that's not bad with an acrylic mat. But sooo many people love Technics and direct drive metal platters I know they are fine and suit a lot of applications.

Some switch cleaner on the pitch control would have fixed the JVC.

Just bought a kenwood kd-3070 for $70

I spent $350 on a U turn Orbit. It blows, One of my biggest purchase regrets, should have just spent $350 on a GOOD DAC

Did TEAC downgrade internal quality of models in the last few years? I wish you could look inside mine. Not an entry level. I got TEAC TN 570 3 1/2 years ago just before it was discontinued. Same deck configuration as yours, with an acrylic platter, S Shaped tone arm but a different one. I think it's a 36 in belt. Needed to replace and had to go for a 36.1 in belt from Fluance. TEAC was of no use and had no spec on the belt. I dub from it's optical out direct into a TASCAM Cd recorder for LP to CD. I do not understand for that to work correctly with the CD recorder, I have TT photo preamp ON to line out. I don't use the USB out to any computer. Lastly, cart is my vintage SHURE V15 IV, with a new JICO stylus.

So funny to hear all stories.. like that belt drive is the uper... Well.. DD is more up there.. More stable and so on. And for tonearm you mean an arm with SME connection on the end so that headshells can be changed. S style is just the shape of the arm and so on. :) And today there are so many "legendary" names out there, like TEAC, and many others that are just cheap stuff.. They sold the rights for the names and so on to cheaper factories so they can use it and gain some sales just because of the name. :) My suggestion if you are gonna stay on a budget.. Go for other known brands like Project, Rega, Reloop, Technics.. They are still doing stuff them self.. not selling their names to cheap shit :)

I have a vintage Sony ps6750, better bould for €400 i paid for.

You had to find that out. A lot of us have had to learn that way. Luckily it wasn't THAT expensive of a lesson. If I'm honest and you deserve honesty because I feel you give that to us. .I agree with DustyDO comment below about brands but go higher up the chain. Your ear deserves a $5000 turntable (Rega P8 or better a P10 level) No more sub $1500. I know.. Money. But like it or not, you have a sophisticated ear. I found this out myself. I recently upgraded my ten year old Rega RP6 (A $1500 TT, which has it's own separate Neo Power supply that can change speeds with a button press, not a belt pulley switch). I changed the subplatter, platter mat and tone arm and upgraded from a good MM to a better MC cartridge. I was shocked by the change in the sound. Honestly, it's a whole other experience listening to LPs. My turntable now clearly out performs my digital (ifi zen stream and Denafrips Terminator 12th!) as far as detail and three dimensionality - Instruments and voices seem to float in the air). I think I have to follow my advise to you, but about digital. I need a $5000 streamer/server!

Wait, don't you have a system that runs into the 5-figure range? And yet you are looking at entry-level TT...and IMO, not a very good one. Puzzling. FWIW, I think the desire to get a headshell-based TT did you a disservice. Like DustyD0, the Rega P1 or one of the many Pro-Ject options in the same price range is usually what I recommend to people who want to get "a better than a Crossley" TT. Those or the U-Turn Audio one, believe it or not...at least those are made in the USA and have their own IP. Also, you know that the Ortofon probably requires a different arm height than the stock cart/headshell, right? The other thing I found puzzling was your point that "sometimes you pay more to get less"...but also state that the caps in the TEAC were crap. So...would you trade off better caps for less features (like perhaps not a detachable headshell)? I'm guessing you would. Also, of the "audiophiles" (gosh I hate that term) I know are going to want to have a standalone phono stage or have one built into their integrated amp/pre-amp...not something built into a TT that was built to given pricepoint (because how good is that going to be?). My advice, return the TEAC or sell it. Get a used Technics and/or the best new one that fits in your price range. Recently, after decades of Rega ownership (that included a P1, P3, and P6...all of which I have passed on to friends or relatives), I abandoned Roy Gandy's ship and got a Technics deck...I wanted to try direct drive. And I love it.

Way late. I'd say ( I'm over 70 , have had more than half a century with LP's ) IF economics is any sort of issue, do NOT buy an LP system. Ya can get a DVD player from a 'big box' store for $ 75 that plays CD's excel. , and don't believe LP's sound 'better'. even IF they did, that'd be on a very expensive system, starting at say $ 3 thou..... and most of the time, LP's start getting clicks & pops on their 3 rd plays. oh, good point on the replaceable SME / technics head shell. many mid / upper level players have molded one piece tonearms. look at the 4 tiny wires / connects into back of Cartridge. VERY fragile and if one breaks, yer t' table is instantly worth about 2 cents. how manufacturers ignore actual use / durability is beyond me.

Hi-fi prices have risen exponentially in the past 15 years. It's become a rich man's (invariably it IS men) preserve. Even so called 'high end' equipment (mentioning no names) has been called out for poor quality control. So much of it now offshored to China.

Just buy a CD player, problem solved 👍

I have one of these I am veery disappointed with it unwanted nose even when it’s not turning with just the styles gust resting on a record it’s now back in it’s box a wast of money I have old vintage turntables that are far superior

Look at that teeny motor. Sad.

Get yourself a used technics 1200/1210 mk2. You won’t regret it!

The world is turning into a giant scam. Yes, most stuff is re branded. Teac is just a name; this goes on for almost all brands. I grew up in the days that Dual was really German and Thornes was really Swiss, it's all gone now, Audio Technica is still good. I really don't know what to say, I think the best bargain is to find an old turntable and fix it up,

This Teac is definitely overpriced. As fot the arm, an S shaped arm, offers no advantages over a straight arm, as most of each offer interchangeable headshells. When using a phone app, phone must be placed over the spindle, or platter will be unbalanceddd. When platter is in place, it will not ring, nearly as much. You should not assume that it's junk, due to a Taiwanese maker. You should keep it, as it's decent quality, OR fix your JVC, which is a far better unit. Teac is NOT well known as a turntable brand. Also don't mention ION in this mix, as ION is absolutely crap, comparable to Crosley, and doesn't belong in this discussion. If you want to go belt, the top model Fluance, should be your choice.

Belt drive is no longer the way to go. Direct drive is the way to go. With all due respect please limit your future turntable reviews to direct drive. It is Superior.

You bought a bran name and paid for that not quality. Same goes with Technics. You buy $3000 turntable and get less than $1000 value. I was looking at $500 turntables and found that these are all rubbish. Audio Technica I almost bought it. Lucky I didn't. Reloop big step up and Pioneer a bit more. Ended up with PLX 1000. Better than 3 x more expensive Technics. Hanpin turntable. I think one of the best Hanpin turntables. Hanpin makes lot of the mid and high end mid tables. But often you only pay for the name.

This is why cds are superior

Yep, audiofoolery is an expensive business.