My Top Five Turntables UNDER Five Hundred Dollars 

You see the beard of laziness, but I appreciate the click all the same.

Great channel, very informative. Currently I'm torn between the RT85 and the pro ject carbon evo. I do like that pro ject has multiple options on their site for upgrades too. Most likely going with them. Thanks for the great content!

@@GortFromAltier4 I'm glad you're enjoying the channel.

@@thevinylattack 😁🤭

Smooth bald head is +10 credibility, then the beard adds another +10. Starting the advice with "here's what not to buy ever" sold me for good. 👍

I've found throughout the years that coming down harshly on inferior products right out of the gate doesn't do much to get people to listen. Lots of people have those players but mainly because they don't know any better. I'd rather be polite and try to share some knowledge than be dismissive or judgemental.

I know a few people that play their vinyl on Crosleys and they love them! No issues. No scratched up/damaged vinyl like some say. It’s also quite a jump in price between a Crosley and say an ATLP120. Some people can’t afford a $400 record player and opt to get one for less than $100. I say go for it. It gets them into the hobby and it puts a smile on their faces. Nothing wrong there.

@@devilzdandruff9199 Agreed. Some people just want to play their old records. If they're looking at those $50-100 players, then there's a reason why they're not also looking at the $200+ ones. They just want an easy way to listen to them! Also don't agree they'll damage them.

@@jonmccauley6490, playing the Devil's advocate here, there have been tests run on the el cheapo Crosley Cruisers and the unbelievable knockoffs using old tried and true names such as Philco, Fisher and such. Yes, they are cheap junk, no getting past that and the speakers that are mounted in them sound almost as bad as the old transistor radios of the early 60's. BUT, and I am going by many different test results that have been pushed, these turntables can do the job but with one thing needed.....frequent stylus (needle) changes. These generally come with a sapphire needle and those last almost long enough to play one record before starting to wear. IF you have one of these Crosley's, do yourself a huge favor and immediately swap out that needle for a good quality diamond. As a guide, a diamond stylus (needle) should be replaced after 800 to 1,000 hours of playing time. Do this often and the el cheapo can give many hours of listening pleasure with minimal damage to your records.

What you get for that money is really quiet impressive. I'm glad you're happy with it.

Happy to help.

I'm happy to hear it. Be sure to drop by now and then and tell us how you're coming along.

Enjoy!

I'm happy to hear I was able to help.

I'm glad you found it helpful.

Glad to help!

Doing the exact same thing, and I was searching someone as good as him!

Which one did you decide to go with?

@@roxisalas211 ProJect Carbon Evo for me :)

@@sickasiam5024 The Carbon may be my upgrade, later on.

Sounds like it's working out well for you. I'm glad to hear it.

They make a fine table.

I too am happy with my Fluance. I got the Rt84. The only difference in the 2 is the Acrylic platter.

Rt85 vs pro-ject carbon?

Got that one myself. It's a fine table for the $.

I'm very glad to hear it.

Welcome aboard!

Thanks.

Hey there, How much better did you find the AT VM95E?

@@CameronPriceJ Hi for the money it’s a massive improvement over the Carbon. But am thinking of fitting Elys 2 as I’m being told that’ll be a huge hike in performance..

@@shaunjp2211 thank you :)

Be sure to drop back by and let us know how you like it.

Well. I think I am obsessed. Love my Evo. Worth the money. Looks so stylish. Easy to set up ( biggest issue was getting it flat 😎).

@@tryingtracy9329 I'm glad to hear it!

Pro-Ject makes very solid turntables. Good choice.

I'm glad to hear it. Enjoy!

Hey, thanks. Welcome aboard!

Sounds like you're happy with your setup and that's truly all that matters.

Everyone starts somewhere. I'm glad you found the video helpful.

Thanks for watching!

I imagine so. Let us know how you like it.

I haven't heard them actually. I'll see if I can't get my hands on some for a demo. Thanks for the heads up.

Upgrading your Schiit Mani to what? If I may ask.

@@joeymartinez8977 I upgraded to a Vincent PH-701 tube preamp and rolled the tube. Don’t remember the tube at the moment. It’s pretty great. I also moved my 2M blue back to the RT81/Mani after upgrading my Debut Carbon Evo to the 2M Bronze.

I appreciate the kind words. More to come soon!

Welcome aboard!

It's a very good table.

I feel like the Fluance tables really fly under the radar. You get a lot for your money.

@@thevinylattack I've been staring at that deal as well. Where would that fit on your list? I understand the blue cartridge is worth a lot by itself.

@@jonathanreich6360 I'd put the 85 right around the Rega mark. Personally I'd still go with the Evo. The 2M blue is a fine cart, but the better build of the Evo leans me that way.

@@thevinylattack Thanks for taking the time to respond. Appreciate the information and the time you took putting the video together.

Don't buy made in China...

Thank you, that's very kind to say.

Thanks! Will do!

If it ain't broke...

Still have my PL-12D from when I was 17 and the SX-424 receiver. Never give them up.

Let us know how you like it.

Welcome aboard!

It's a good table to experiment on with upgrades.

You went from a $99 Ortofon 2M Red cartridge to a $67 VM95E? Interesting that you're more pleased. But we each hear differently. I want to hear the Sumiko Olympia cartridge @ $199. Have read great things about it's quality. Supposedly better than Ortofon 2M Blue $239.

@@blakebruner6173 i actually upgraded to the microline but the audio technica elliptical also sounds better than that dreadful 2M Red. The 2M Red tracks poorly to a point that the last track on every side sounds distorted. I have tried it in four different tables, aligning it, trying to adjust the tracking force to see if that would fix it, that cartridge to me is just flawed. The audio technica cheap conical actually tracks better. The microline though, night and day for a few dollars more.

Welcome back!

Awesome, thank you!

Don't know if you've changed cartridge yet...if not, don't be in too much of a hurry! The 'Carbon' that comes supplied may be a re-badged Audio Technica AT91 (NOT the 3600L) cartridge, but it rivals and betters many cartridges up over the £200-ish range, just in it's subtlety and ease of bass, it's dynamics, and overall smooth tone, with a lovely sheen on the top-end; cymbals sound like REAL cymbals!! Many cartridges can't do that! The arm it's attached to helps it too.... that Rega RB110 arm is a very high quality tonearm; it may be lowest of the Rega range, but that doesn't mean it's no good; it's better than most arms on turntables currently available under a £1000... just feel the silky-smooth bearings as you move and use it! Quality! The only way to improve on that is to change to a P2 or P3, etc.... The Carbon cartridge just works in that arm, and sounds sublime! I have the slightly older RP1 turntable with the RB101 tonearm, that includes Bias/Anti-Skate adjustment, and have considered many times upgrading the Carbon, but then changing my mind; it just sounds so good with this deck!! :-D

You'll not go wrong with the Fluance. If that fits your lifestyle better, I can assure you it'll be money well spent.

Hi jennifer did you end up getting a fluance because I'm in the same boat and not sure

It's a bit outdated now, but I appreciate the comment.

I hope it was able to help narrow down some decisions for you.

@@thevinylattack Yes, some good thoughts. I have had a AT-LP140X in my cart for a week or two trying to decide. I know you did not review it specifically, but what you said about 120 combined with what I've read are positive.

@@philipadams3325 Sounds like you're well on your way with the research.

Well after forever trying to decide I bought a Fluance RT85.

@@philipadams3325 I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come. Well done.

Right on!

te lower end regas suffer from being supplied with poor-quality cartrdges, go for the rp3 as your minimum standard

The P1 works fine for me and the sound is better than a Debut Carbon with an Ortofon Red. When I do upgrade in a few years time, it will be to a P6.

@@johnholmes912 RP1 bias 2 upgrade 🔥

@Iron Reagan I haven't changed the stylus on my P1, I've been happy with what it came with.

It's definitely on my mind.

It's a quality table that I'm sure you'll enjoy for years.

That’s the table I’m planning to get myself. Right now I’m using one I was given by my dad. A Nikko/Transonic P50. Made somewhere in the 70’s, with a nagaoka 110

Bought the RT85 last month also.

I'm glad to hear it.

Glad I could help!

With the cost of the Evo rising about $500 these days, the 85 might be the very best choice at that range.

It's something I've put on the list, thanks!

Glad you think so.

It's also $100 more than the LP60 and some people just can't swing that.

The Fluance 82 for the same money is a better sounding table.. automatic turntables are for pussies :)

The only reason I didn't it because the used market is a completely different topic. I appreciate the suggestion!

I agree, just picked up a late 70's Sanyo plus series Q50 2 motor Quartz all drive turntable for 70 bucks.. in near mint condition... i love it!!!!!

I still own a 1978 SL-1700. That thing just refuses to die 🤣

@@svenschwingel8632 congrats! 🤘 I bought a JVC QL-A51 new in 1984 and it has been my main TT ever since. Here we are in 2021 and it looks and runs like new.

@@alexandermikhailov2481 it seems like low tech always beats high tech in terms of longetivity :D

I'm glad you found it helpful.

I've found it to be accurate over the years.

If you're in Japan you might simply look at used Technics SL 1200's. They're everywhere over there and they're really affordable.

All the quality tables that I've checked out in recent years have listed wow and flutter. The lower end models might not, but I don't think that's a big surprise.

I just bought one for my son. Did the cartridge upgrade make a big difference?

@@EskWIRED It really did. The one that came with it isn't bad, but just putting a Grado Black on it made a big difference.

It'd definitely tough to find a decent table at that cost.

I'm a big fan of their current work, that's for sure. I'm glad you like the table and welcome aboard!

I'm glad you were able to get something from it.

Thanks for the kind words. That's a pretty interesting looking table you have too.

I wanted one of those Phillips in the very early 80's and almost bought a used one but ended up with a Technics direct drive auto which I still use.

I use a Philips 312 with a SoundSmith Otello cartridge into an ear tube phono preamp and it sounds amazing! Best thing is how great they look and how easy to operate.

They're designed in Canada but made overseas but you're getting quite a turntable for the price.

@@thevinylattack Thanks for the info. I didn't know that. One other thing that I love about it is the suspension legs. My floor is wood framed, and my last DUAL table wasn't able to keep a record from skipping if I didn't walk carefully.

I'm just happy you found it helpful.

Thanks for the positive feedback.

I'm glad to hear it.

Glad it was helpful.

Glad it was helpful!

My pleasure!

Awesome! Thank you!

Let us all know what you end up with.

@@thevinylattack you think maybe the carbon evo is too much to bite on for a first time record owner?

@@sleezus1 Not even remotely. I don't know that there really is such a thing. If you can afford something nice, there's no reason you need to avoid it. This is listening to music for enjoyment after all.

I'm glad to hear it.

Thanks!

Glad you think so!

Sounds like you have a great fit. Nice.

I have an old Teac A-107 cassette deck that I still use to this day.

Thank you kindly!

I'm glad you found it helpful.

Welcome aboard!

I hope it helps.

Well the idea is to bring the old vinyl up to par WITH the new players, whether they're fancy or no ;-)

A good replacement cart goes a long way to improve sound and that table can certainly handle it.

Thanks for the kind words.