Most turntable advice drowns in specifications. For playing classic soul, funk and R&B at home, five decisions matter, and the first one is about what you’re plugging into.
A turntable’s cartridge produces a very small signal that needs a phono preamp before speakers can use it.
With a built-in preamp (usually a PHONO/LINE switch on the back), the turntable connects directly to powered speakers or any line/AUX input. This is the simplest route.
Without one, you need a PHONO input on your amplifier, receiver or powered speakers, or an external phono preamp. Many higher-quality turntables leave the preamp out so you can choose your own.
Neither is better in principle. It depends on what you already own. If you’re unsure, check with the setup checker.
Decision 2: automatic or manual
Automatic turntables lower the stylus and lift it at the end of the side; manual ones make you do it. Automatic is kinder to anyone nervous about dropping a stylus. Manual models usually allow more adjustment and better cartridges. Many music-first listeners are happy with either.
Decision 3: belt or direct drive
Belt-drive turntables isolate the motor from the platter with a rubber belt. Direct-drive models put the platter on the motor, giving fast start-up and stable speed, and they’re the choice for DJs and anyone who wants to cue or scratch. At home, both work well when made properly.
Decision 4: can the cartridge be upgraded?
The cartridge and stylus affect sound more than most other turntable parts. Budget models often have an integrated cartridge where only the stylus can be replaced; better models use a standard mount, so you can upgrade later.
Decision 5: speeds
Almost everything in the old school era is at 33⅓ RPM (albums) or 45 RPM (singles, 12-inch mixes). You only need 78 RPM if you plan to play shellac records from before the 1960s.
Four turntables compared
Turntable comparison (specifications from manufacturer listings)
Model
Phono preamp
Operation
Drive
Speeds
Cartridge
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Built in, switchable
Fully automatic
Belt
33, 45
Integrated; replaceable stylus
Fluance RT81 Elite
Built in, switchable
Manual
Belt
33, 45
Audio-Technica AT95E, standard mount
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Built in, switchable
Manual
Direct
33, 45, 78
AT-VM95E on a universal headshell
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
None, needs PHONO input or external preamp
Manual
Belt
33, 45
Sumiko Rainier, standard mount
The picks
Easiest start
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Who it’s for
First-time owners who want push-button operation and a direct connection to powered speakers.
Why it fits
Fully automatic, with a built-in switchable preamp and an included RCA cable. Minimal setup.
Limitations
The integrated cartridge limits upgrades; no 78 RPM; fewer adjustments than manual models.
Listeners who want a proper manual turntable with a better cartridge but still want to plug straight into powered speakers.
Why it fits
Belt drive with an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge (elliptical diamond stylus), an S-shaped aluminium tonearm and a built-in preamp that can be switched off if you later add your own. This listing is the piano-black finish and includes a record weight and a cleaning kit.
Limitations
Manual operation. No 78 RPM or USB. You’ll need to balance the tonearm and set tracking force during setup.
Anyone who wants direct-drive speed stability, pitch control, 78 RPM playback or a USB output for digitising records.
Why it fits
DC servo direct-drive motor, variable pitch with quartz speed lock, adjustable anti-skate, a switchable built-in preamp and a universal headshell for easy cartridge swaps.
Limitations
Fully manual, with more setup than an automatic deck. Its DJ-style layout takes more room than a compact belt-drive model.
Portable players with built-in speakers are cheap and fun, but their speakers are tiny and their tonearms are usually basic. If you’re buying records you care about, a separate turntable and speakers will sound much better, even at the entry level.