With so many choices for DJ Turntables, it’s difficult to know which one is best for you.
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BEST FOR ADVANCED DJS
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BEST FOR CLUB USE
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BEST FOR PLUG & PLAY
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This article breaks down some of the top-rated turntables and lists their best features, as well as their cons. This will allow you to make an informed decision and choose the best turntables for your needs.
Our Top DJ Turntable Picks
Here are our top choices for DJ turntables and their specifications.
Best for Advanced DJs: Reloop 4000 MK2 Direct Drive DJ Turntable
Rating: (4.5 of 5)
Application: Made for advanced DJs. Newly developed top panel and reworked metallic buttons.
Sound Quality: Shock absorbing feet for vibration isolation, optimized damping features.
Features: 3-speed motor control, s-shaped tonearm, tempo reset, reverse function.
Performance: Powerful motor allows for high torque drive of more than 1.8kg/cm. The 3 speeds allow for playback of any record.
Notable: The direct drive responds to changes in pace immediately and the platter turns faster at the right pace.
Pros:
- Easy mixing
- Easy beat matching
Cons:
- Can’t digitalize records
Best for Club Use: Reloop RP-7000 MK2 Professional Upper Torque Turntable System
Rating: (4 Out of 5)
Application: Combination of metal, rubber, and synthetic material allow for vibration resistance.
Sound Quality: Material is extremely resistant to vibrations and shock-absorbing feet improves isolation.
Features: Fine-tuned motor control, adjustable pitch scale, quartz driven upper torque drive, electronic brake system.
Performance: High rigidity for excellent damping, isolation, and sound.
Notable: Caters to the high demands of nightclubs.
Pros:
- Pitch scale for precise adjustments
- Powerful starting torque
- Height-adjustable tonearm base
Cons:
- Heavy
- HiFi cartridges track at low force
Best for Plug & Play: Gemini TT-1100USB Professional Audio Manual Belt-Drive
Rating: (4 Out of 5)
Application: plug and play USB turntable.
Sound Quality: Vinyl player eliminates vibration feedback for clear sound.
Features: USB port, soft-touch motor button & pitch slider.
Performance: Adjustable rubber feet add support removes external vibration and durable design creates the perfect turntable.
Notable: Classic style manual belt drive with USB port for both PC and Mac.
Pros:
- Durable design
- Easy to use
- No vibration or feedback
Cons:
- Low arm height
Best for Beginners: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth
Rating: (5 of 5)
Application: Plays both 33-⅓ and 45 rpm records, comes with 45 RPM adapter.
Sound Quality: Outstanding audio with automatic operation controlled by front-panel start.
Features: Fully automatic belt-drive turntable, DC servo-controlled motor, aluminum turntable platter.
Performance: Cartridge integrated into headshell for assured performance and easy setup.
Notable: This turntable can connect via Bluetooth, headphones, or aptX codex.
Pros:
- Wireless connection
- Easy set-up
- Great sound
Cons:
- Cartridge not replaceable
Best for Transportation: Numark PT01 DJ Turntable
Rating: (3 Out of 5)
Application: Made for travel with removable dust cover to protect during travel.
Sound Quality: Onboard speaker doesn’t have the best sound quality.
Features: Mini jack in line, built-in speaker, 10% pitch control, and two headphone jacks.
Performance: This battery-operated turntable has a built-in speaker and carrying handle. Comes with pitch and tone control.
Notable: Portable belt-drive turntable made of plastic meant for travel.
Pros:
- Easy to use knobs
- Plays and records
Cons:
- Heavy
- Sound quality isn’t the greatest
Best for Studio Use: DJ Tech A- B Box
Rating: (4 Out of 5)
Application: Adjustable S-shaped pickup arm with anti-skating 330mm aluminum die-cast turntable platter.
Sound Quality: Has a heavy rubber base for vibration damping.
Features: Support for both 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM playback speeds and RCA phono/line output.
Performance: Accurate, reliable, and durable quartz direct-drive motor.
Notable: Dependable construction and with 50% pitch selection.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Compatible with Windows or Mac
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a cartridge
- Not a lot of sound dampening
Best for Beginners: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK
Rating: (4 Out of 5)
Application: More adaptable than most records players and aesthetically pleasing.
Sound Quality: Sounds best when hard-wired into a system using RCA outputs. Low frequencies and sounds best with vinyl.
Features: Pitch control, direct-drive motor, and switchable phono stage.
Performance: Plug and play, very easy set-up right out of the box.
Notable: Aesthetically inspired by classic Technics DJ decks.
Pros:
- Great sound
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Wireless performance isn’t the best
- Lacks dynamics
Best Set: Reloop RP-7000 MK2 Direct Drive High Torque Turntable (Pair)
Rating: (5 Out of 5)
Application: Direct drive platter, S-shaped tonearm.
Sound Quality: More natural than others.
Features: Ultra pitch, two start/stop buttons, 78 rpm, torque and brake adjustment, removable target light, detachable cables, and built-in preamp.
Performance: High rigidity for excellent damping, isolation, and sound.
Notable: A barebones turntable for the CVS or vinyl DJ.
Pros:
- Powerful starting torque
- Adjustable pitch scale
- 3-speed motor
Cons:
- No cartridge, needle, or dust cover included
Do DJs Still Use Turntables?
Yes, while turntables were phased out over the years, some DJs still choose to use them. CDJs have taken over because they are a lot easier to use and not as heavy to transport.
Turntables Made for DJ’s
We show the best turntables for DJs in this article. You can use any turntable to DJ, but direct drive motor ones are a lot easier to use.
Are Turntables and Record Players Interchangeable?
A turntable does not come with a built-in speaker or amplifier. A turntable has a platter, a motor, a stylus, a cartridge, and a tonearm.
The stylus runs on the grooves of the record, creating vibrations through the tonearm and cartridge.
Record players are more convenient and have features such as connecting to CD, MP3, and radios. They don’t require any additional equipment and just play music.
We know turntables for having better sound quality. DJs will always choose a turntable for customization and portability.
Difference Between Turntables & Controllers
Controllers are easy to mix with, have a lot more functions, and are better suited for beginners.
Turntables offer scratching and better sound quality. They are also unique and built to last longer than controllers.
Final Thoughts
Having the best turntable allows for easy use and great-sounding music, which all DJs require.
Finding the perfect turntable for your requirements is difficult, so this article will hopefully help. Now you can pick the perfect turntable that matches your style of performance mixing. Take one for a spin!
David Schwartz
Writer
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.
