Price
Expand to view more details.Recommended retail pricing is used, where possible. Shop around to find more competitive pricing from retailers.
enter value/s in increments of 1 between 150 and 1799
Recommended products
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Listening score
Our listening panel asesses the overall quality of a series of rock, pop and classical tracks, with the speakers plugged in via a wired connection, positioned about two metres away from the listeners.
enter value/s in increments of i between 19 and 80
Technical score
Our tester assess the difference between the claimed and measured figures for tracking force, rotational speed and frequency response using calibrated reference LPs.
enter value/s in increments of i between 60 and 93
Ease of use score
Our tester assesses the initial setup of the turntable out of the box, including attaching the platter, belt, and any adjustments that are needed before operation. He also looks at the thoroughness of the instruction manual. Operational aspects assessed include speed selection and cueing a track.
enter value/s in increments of i between 37 and 85
Operation
Full auto models move the tonearm to the start of record and return it to the holder when each side finishes. Auto stop models stop the record spinning when a side finishes but don't move the tonearm for you. Manual models require you to place and return the arm yourself and don't automatically stop at the end of each side.
Drive type
Direct drive turntables can guarantee rotational speed accuracy, but some people prefer belt drive, arguing that it isolates motor noise from the platter.
Bluetooth output
Gives you the option to wirelessly connect the turntable to a Bluetooth speaker or receiver.
AUX input
Bluetooth input
Bluetooth input only. Gives you the option to stream audio from Bluetooth enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Pre-amp built in
Models with a built-in pre-amp can connect to any receiver via line-on, or directly into many speakers. Models without a pre-amp need to go via an external one or into a receivers phono port where available. Some models with a pre-amp give you the option to turn it on or off, depending on your needs. External pre-amps can deliver better sound quality.
Tracking force adjustment
The weight at which the stylus sits on the record. Cartridges manufacturers provide a recommended tracking force and turntables that include a cartridge are usually set accordingly. You may not be able to swap the cartridge if the turntable doesn't have tracking force adjustment.
Anti-skate bias adjustment
Counteracts centrifugal force to centre the stylus and stop it from pushing towards the side of the groove. Stereo audio can sound unbalanced or distorted in one speaker, and it may also damage your records, if improperly set. Cartridges manufacturers provide anti-skate suggestions and turntables that include a cartridge are usually set accordingly. You may not be able to swap the cartridge if the turntable doesn't have anti-skate adjustment.
Country of origin
Shop Ethical rating
Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
Availability
A Similar model is identical in most aspects except for a few. This means that a majority of its test results are identical so you can reasonably expect to get the same results from the model we tested, but for those aspects which aren't identical, we'll note these as "Not Tested" in the Compare tables.
A Tested model refers to a model that is still current and available in the Australian market. You should be able to order this model through your local retailer, or find it online.
These models can't be found in retailers or online or are no longer manufactured. You may still find these models on second hand websites, or in second hand dealers. Test methods may change over time, so criteria which can't be directly compared will contain an N/A.
An Identical model is exactly that. Performance characteristics will be identical and the only difference will be something trivial such as colour, which won't have an impact on performance.
These are models we haven't yet tested but that are available.
Included in this review
- Recommended
- CHOICE Expert Rating
- Listening score
- Ease of use score
- Technical score
- Bluetooth listening score
- Good points
- Bad points
- Price
- Shop Ethical rating
- Operation
- Drive type
- Pre-amp built in
- Bluetooth input
- Bluetooth output
- AUX input
- Tracking force adjustment
- Anti-skate bias adjustment
- Tone arm clamp
- Damped cueing
- Pitch stabilisation
- 45rpm spindle adapter
- On/off switch
- Stop/start
- Removable hinged lid
- 78rpm support
- Cartridge model
- Cartridge type
- Recommended tracking force (gf)
- Number of feet
- Weight (kg)
- Platter construction
- Platter mat
- Speed change mechanism
- Stylus model
- Stylus type
- Stylus shape
- Motor type
- Dimensions (H x W x D, mm)
- Warranty (years)
- Country of origin