Vinyl sales have been on a meteoric rise. In fact, in 2023, vinyl outsold CDs for the first time in decades!
Whether you're an audiophile or just getting into records for the nostalgic, tactile experience, one question looms large: how much should you spend on a turntable?
With so many options on the market, budgeting for a turntable can be confusing.
Prices range from under £100 to several thousand pounds, but spending smart is more important than spending big.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key price brackets £100-£300, £300-£600, and £600+ and what to expect from each.
We’ll also dive into how active speakers can maximise sound quality on lower-end systems and why upgradeable features should be on your radar.
Budgeting For A Turntable: Key Considerations
Before you start exploring the price ranges for turntables, it's essential to have a clear sense of your needs and priorities.
With so many options available, knowing what you're looking for can help you make an informed decision and get the most value out of your investment.
Here are a few key questions to consider:
1. What is Your Current Listening Setup?
Take a close look at the equipment you already own. Do you have an amplifier and speakers, or will you need to budget for those as well?
This can drastically affect how much you should spend on the turntable itself.
- If You Have An Amp & Speakers: Great! You can focus your budget on the turntable itself. However, you'll want to ensure that your chosen turntable is compatible with the gear you have. For instance, does your amplifier have a built-in phono preamp, or will you need a turntable with one? Or do you need to purchase a separate phono stage to handle the signal amplification?
- If You Don’t Have An Amp or Speakers: Your budget will need to account for both the turntable and the audio components. In this case, you might want to look at active speakers, which have built-in amplifiers. Active speakers allow you to save money by simplifying your setup, as they eliminate the need for a separate amp. Some turntables also come with built-in preamps, making setup even more straightforward.
Be clear on whether your budget is solely for the turntable or for the entire system, including speakers and amps.
If you're working with a limited budget, consider splitting it wisely between components that give you the best overall value.
2. Do You Plan to Upgrade in the Future?
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a turntable is whether you're looking for a starter model that can be improved over time or if you're hoping for something that’s good to go right out of the box.
- Upgradeability: Some turntables are highly upgradeable, allowing you to improve specific components, like the cartridge, platter, or tonearm, as you develop a more refined ear for audio. If you're just starting out but know you'll want better sound quality in the future, investing in a turntable with upgrade paths is a smart choice. This allows you to enhance your sound step by step without having to replace the entire unit.
- Non-Upgradeable Models: On the other hand, some entry-level models come with fixed parts that can’t be easily swapped. These are perfect for casual listeners who are more concerned with convenience and ease of use rather than continually improving sound. Keep in mind that these models might limit you if you become more serious about vinyl down the line.
3. Are You a Casual Listener Or An Audiophile?
Your level of commitment to sound quality is a major factor in determining your budget. Think about how much time you’ll spend listening to records and how important high-fidelity sound is to you.
- Casual Listener: If you’re someone who enjoys the occasional spin of your favourite records but isn't overly concerned with the nuances of sound quality, you can find excellent models in the lower price ranges. These turntables typically offer solid sound, are easy to set up, and often include handy features like Bluetooth connectivity or automatic operation. However, they won’t provide the depth and clarity audiophiles might be after.
- Audiophile: If you're chasing the best possible sound reproduction from your budget and want to hear every tiny detail on your records, you’ll likely need to extend your budget. Audiophile-grade turntables offer advanced components, such as better tonearms, high-quality cartridges, and heavier platters that minimise vibrations and improve playback accuracy. These models are often manual and designed for users who appreciate fine-tuning their equipment for the best sound.
4. What Features Do You Value Most?
Turntables come with a wide range of features, some of which may be more important to you depending on your setup and preferences:
- Built-in Preamp: A turntable with a built-in preamp simplifies the connection process, especially if you’re using powered speakers or an amplifier without a phono stage. However, external preamps often deliver better sound, so consider whether built-in convenience outweighs the potential for future upgrades.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: If you're looking to connect wirelessly to speakers or headphones, Bluetooth-enabled turntables are a great choice. Keep in mind, however, that Bluetooth compression can slightly reduce sound quality compared to a wired connection.
- Manual vs. Automatic Operation: Manual turntables require more hands-on interaction, such as placing and lifting the tonearm, but they often deliver better sound quality due to their simplified mechanics. Automatic models, on the other hand, are more convenient, as they handle the tonearm movement for you—ideal for beginners or casual listeners who prefer a more user-friendly experience.
By answering these questions, you can define what you're looking for in a turntable and set realistic expectations for your budget.
Whether you’re looking for a simple setup with active speakers or aiming to build a high-end system piece by piece, thinking through your needs beforehand will guide you to the right price range and features.
Now, let’s dive into what you can expect from different price brackets!
The £100 - £300 Range: Great for Beginners
If you're just starting your vinyl journey, this price range offers several solid turntables that won’t break the bank.
While you won't get the absolute best in sound quality, you can still get a highly enjoyable listening experience with some smart choices.
What to Expect:
- All-in-One Systems: Most turntables in this range come with built-in preamps, Bluetooth connectivity, or even speakers. These are convenient for beginners, especially if you don’t already own an amplifier or external speakers. However, sound quality can be limited.
- Minimalist Designs: Most turntables in this category feature manual operation, belt drives, and straightforward designs. The materials tend to be plastic-heavy, which might not last as long, but they are serviceable for entry-level listening.
- Lack Of Upgrade Options: One significant downside in this price range is the limited ability to upgrade components. Many entry-level models have non-replaceable cartridges or tonearms, which restricts how much you can improve the sound over time. You’re often stuck with the factory-fitted parts. So, while these turntables are great for getting started, they might not grow with you as your audio tastes become more refined.
Best in this Range:
- Audio-Technica AT-LP60X (~£130): This is often recommended as one of the best budget turntables. It has a built-in phono preamp, so you won’t need to buy one separately. It’s fully automatic, making it easy to use, though its plastic construction means it won’t provide top-tier sound.
- Pro-Ject E1 Phono (~£270): The Pro-Ject E1 Phono is a fantastic entry-level turntable from a well-regarded brand, offering excellent value for its price. It comes with a built-in phono preamp, making it easy to connect to any sound system without needing an external preamp. With a high-quality Audio-Technica ATN3600L cartridge and solid build quality, it delivers clear, detailed sound that outshines most other turntables in this price range.
- Pro-Ject T1 (~£299): The Pro-Ject T1 is a fantastic option for anyone looking to balance affordability with excellent sound quality. As one of the best turntables in the sub-£300 range, the T1 offers a premium build with a sleek glass platter and aluminium tonearm, rare features at this price point. It comes pre-installed with the Ortofon OM5e cartridge, which delivers clear and detailed sound, perfect for both casual listeners and those dipping their toes into the world of high-fidelity audio. While it doesn't have extensive upgrade options like higher-end models, its strong out-of-the-box performance ensures a great listening experience for years to come.
Best Paired With Active Speakers
If you're working with a tight budget to complete your record player system then active speakers are a fantastic way to get more bang for your buck.
These speakers have amplifiers built in, meaning you can skip buying a separate amp or receiver.
Don't forget that depending on your turntable choice you may need a turntable pre-amplifier as well.
Pairing an affordable turntable like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X with quality active speakers like the Edifier R1280DB (£130) is a popular combo for newbies.
You’ll get much better sound quality than relying on built-in speakers and stay well within budget.
Our most popular turntable & speaker system is the Audio-Technica LP60X + Edifier R1280DB speakers as it offers amazing sound quality for the price.
The £300 - £600 Range: The Sweet Spot for Enthusiasts
As you move into the mid-tier range, the difference in sound quality and build becomes quite noticeable.
Turntables in this price range are where things get interesting for serious music lovers.
What to Expect:
- Better Sound Quality: In this range, you can expect a noticeable leap in sound quality. The audio will be clearer, more detailed, and offer greater depth compared to entry-level models. You'll hear subtleties in your records that might have been missed with a lower-tier system, including improved bass response and sharper highs.
- Better Components: At this level, expect to see more metal and higher-quality components. These turntables often feature heavier platters, better tonearms, and cartridges that produce clearer, more dynamic sound. Upgrades like acrylic platters and adjustable tonearms make a big difference.
- Separate Preamp May Be Required: Some turntables in this range don’t include a built-in preamp, meaning you’ll need to invest in a standalone phono preamp (roughly £50-£150). While this is an added cost, it allows for better sound and more customisation.
- Upgrade Options: This price range often introduces several key upgrade paths, allowing you to enhance your turntable over time as your needs evolve. At this level you can typically upgrade the stylus, cartridge, platter, isolation feet, pre-amplifier and more.
Best in this Range:
- Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB (~£399): The Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB is an excellent mid-range turntable that combines sleek design with top-notch sound quality. It comes pre-fitted with an Ortofon OM5e cartridge and features a built-in phono stage, making it easy to connect to any sound system without the need for a separate preamp. The T1 Phono SB also includes a precision belt-drive system with electronic speed control, allowing you to switch between 33 and 45 RPM at the push of a button. With a heavy glass platter and an aluminium tonearm, this turntable ensures stable, high-fidelity sound.
- Audio-Technica LP3XBT (~£280): The Audio-Technica LP3XBT is an excellent choice for beginners seeking ease of use with a bit more flexibility than basic entry-level models. This fully automatic turntable features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect to speakers or headphones—a big convenience for modern setups. It also includes a built-in switchable phono preamp, meaning you can easily connect it to any sound system, whether it’s equipped with a phono input or not. The LP3XBT comes pre-installed with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C cartridge, but unlike most budget models, the cartridge is upgradeable, offering some flexibility to improve sound quality later. With its balanced combination of wireless convenience and manual upgrade options, this turntable stands out as one of the best in the sub-£300 range.
- Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono (~£599): The Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono is an outstanding turntable in the sub-£600 range, offering superior build quality and excellent sound performance. It features a heavy glass platter and a precision-machined aluminium tonearm, both designed to minimise vibrations and improve playback stability. Pre-fitted with the highly regarded Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, the T2 Super Phono delivers crisp, detailed sound with a wide soundstage, perfect for those seeking high-fidelity audio without entering the audiophile price tier. What sets this model apart is its built-in phono preamp, eliminating the need for an external phono stage and simplifying the setup process, especially when paired with active speakers or an integrated amp.
Active Speakers Still an Option
Even in this price bracket, pairing your turntable with active speakers can be a smart way to avoid the cost and complexity of a separate amplifier.
For instance, pairing the Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB (£399) with Q Acoustics M20 active speakers (£399) creates an impressive, high-quality setup.
The Pro-Ject T1’s built-in phono stage means you can connect it directly to the Q Acoustics M20, which offer powerful, detailed sound with built-in amplification.
This combination delivers exceptional audio clarity and depth without the need for additional components, making it a fantastic plug-and-play option in the mid-range market.
Read More: The 10 Best Active Bookshelf Speakers
The £600+ Range: Audiophile Territory
If you're ready to invest in a premium turntable, the £600+ range offers a whole new level of sound quality and precision.
These turntables cater to audiophiles who demand the absolute best in craftsmanship and audio performance.
Here you’re paying for superior engineering, advanced materials, and cutting-edge technology, all of which contribute to an immersive and lifelike listening experience.
What to Expect:
- Precision Engineering: High-end turntables offer incredible attention to detail. Components like carbon fiber tonearms, isolated motors, and advanced suspension systems significantly reduce vibrations and produce a clean, rich sound.
- Upgrade Potential: In this range, upgradeability is at its peak. You can swap out everything from the cartridge to the power supply. If you're the type who loves to tweak and perfect your setup, investing here gives you a base to work from for years.
Best in this Range:
- Goldring GR3 (£699): The Goldring GR3 is a sleek and stylish turntable that combines outstanding sound quality with thoughtful design. Equipped with a high-performance tonearm and a pre-installed Goldring E3 cartridge, it delivers a dynamic and engaging sound profile. The GR3 features a solid aluminium platter, which enhances speed stability and reduces vibration. Its minimalist design makes it aesthetically pleasing, while its upgrade potential—including the ability to swap cartridges—ensures you can enhance the sound quality even further as your listening preferences evolve. This makes the Goldring GR3 a fantastic option for both newcomers and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts alike.
- Pro-Ject Debut Pro S (~£799): The Pro-Ject Debut Pro S is a superb choice for audiophiles seeking high-end performance without breaking into the ultra-premium price tier. This turntable features a carbon fibre tonearm, which reduces resonance and ensures precise tracking, and is paired with the excellent Ortofon Pick It S2 cartridge for outstanding sound clarity and detail. The heavy aluminium platter further enhances playback stability, minimising unwanted vibrations and delivering a more consistent rotational speed. With its audiophile-grade components and upgrade potential—such as replacing the cartridge or power supply—the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Pro S is ideal for vinyl enthusiasts looking for high-quality sound and flexibility to refine their setup over time.
Best Paired with a Hi-Fi Amplifier & Passive Speakers
When investing in a high-end turntable, it's crucial to pair it with equally high-quality audio equipment to get the most out of your vinyl setup.
Whilst you can still pair these turntables with higher-quality active speakers, in this price range, the best performance is achieved when you use a dedicated hi-fi amplifier and passive speakers.
Here’s why:
- Hi-Fi Amplifier: High-end turntables produce a delicate and detailed signal, which requires a high-quality amplifier to ensure that every nuance is accurately amplified without introducing noise or distortion. A hi-fi amplifier with a dedicated phono stage (or using a separate phono preamp) is essential to process the low-level signal from your turntable. Brands like Audiolab, Mission, and Arcam offer excellent amplifiers suited for vinyl setups.
- Passive Speakers: Unlike active speakers that come with built-in amplifiers, passive speakers rely on your external amplifier to drive them. This allows you to pair your turntable with a more powerful, finely tuned amplifier, which can deliver superior sound quality. Passive speakers typically offer greater flexibility in terms of sound refinement, power handling, and system customisation, making them the ideal match for turntables in the £600+ range. Brands like Wharfedale, Q Acoustics, Mission and JBL are known for delivering audiophile-grade sound that complements a high-end vinyl setup.
- Better Sound Control: With a dedicated amp and passive speakers, you have much more control over your system’s sound characteristics. You can fine-tune your setup by adjusting the amplifier's tonal controls, room positioning of your speakers, and even upgrading individual components like cables or speaker stands for maximum performance.
Upgradeability: Future-Proof Your Investment
One of the smartest ways to approach buying a turntable is to think long-term. While some turntables come fully kitted out, others are designed with upgradeability in mind, allowing you to improve sound quality over time without replacing the entire unit.
By starting with a good base and upgrading individual components as needed, you can grow your setup along with your vinyl collection.
Here’s a breakdown of the key parts that are commonly upgradeable, and what to look for when choosing a turntable that will give you room to grow.
1. Stylus: Small Change, Big Impact
The stylus, or needle, is another key upgrade. Over time, the stylus wears down and will need to be replaced—typically after 500 to 1000 hours of play. But beyond regular replacement, upgrading the stylus can noticeably improve audio performance.
Swapping out a basic conical stylus for an elliptical or microline model can elevate your listening experience by enhancing the detail and reducing surface noise. It's a relatively simple and inexpensive way to take your turntable to the next level.
2. Cartridge: The Next Step
The cartridge—the part that holds the stylus (needle)—is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your turntable. It's responsible for converting the grooves on the record into electrical signals, so upgrading it can drastically improve your sound quality.
When choosing a turntable, check if the tonearm is compatible with cartridge upgrades. Some turntables are designed with fixed cartridges that can’t be replaced, limiting your options for sound improvement.
3. Phono Preamp: Unlock Better Sound
The phono preamp (or phono stage) is an essential part of any turntable setup, as it amplifies the very low-level signal coming from your cartridge to a level that your speakers or amplifier can process.
When shopping for a turntable, check if the preamp is built-in or external. Models with switchable preamps allow you to upgrade later by connecting a higher-quality external unit.
Final Thoughts
Buying a quality turntable is an investment, and how much you should spend depends on your priorities.
In the £100-£300 range, you can find excellent starter models, especially when paired with active speakers.
If you’re ready to take your listening experience to the next level, turntables in the £300-£600 range deliver much better sound and upgrade options.
And if you're looking to go all-in, the £600+ range offers truly audiophile-quality sound with future-proof upgrade paths.
No matter what your budget, the right turntable can bring your favourite records to life. Happy listening!
