Vinyl records have made a massive comeback, and there's no sign of them slowing down.
In fact, vinyl sales surpassed CDs for the first time in decades, with over 5.9 million records sold in the UK during 2023 alone!
For first-time buyers eager to jump into the world of analog sound, choosing a turntable can be a daunting experience.
What features should you prioritise?
How do you ensure you're getting a user-friendly model that doesn't feel overwhelming or require a lot of technical know-how?
Fear not! This guide breaks down the key features that make a turntable beginner-friendly, so you can confidently purchase the perfect one to enjoy your vinyl collection without a hitch.
1. Automatic Operation For Effortless Listening
One of the most important features for a beginner is automatic operation.
If you're new to vinyl, you probably want to enjoy your records without worrying about delicate tonearm placement or timing the turntable's start and stop.
Enter fully automatic turntables.
With an automatic turntable, the player will lift the tonearm, place the needle on the record, and return it when the album finishes, all at the press of a button.
This feature prevents potential damage to your records (or the needle) caused by misplacement and ensures a smooth listening experience. It’s also great for people with shaky hands, like me!
There are also semi-automatic turntables, which return the tonearm at the end of the record but require manual placement at the start. While slightly less convenient than fully automatic options, semi-automatic players still offer some automation to make the process more beginner-friendly.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Eliminates guesswork in placing the needle.
- Protects your vinyl and stylus from damage.
- Offers a more hands-off, worry-free listening experience.
Our top three suggestions for an automatic turntable are:
Pro Tip: Look for a turntable that also includes a cueing lever for manual use when you want it. This gives you the best of both worlds: full control when you're ready, but automation when you'd rather not worry.
Read More: Can You Skip Tracks On A Vinyl Record?
2. Built-In Pre-Amplifier for Plug & Play Simplicity
Turntables on their own don't typically have enough power to drive sound to your speakers.
That's where a turntable pre-amplifier (or phono stage) comes in.
A preamp boosts the signal from the turntable to line level, which makes it compatible with modern sound systems and powered speakers.
For beginners, buying a turntable with a built-in preamp is a game-changer.
It saves you from having to purchase a separate component and navigate the technicality of hooking everything up.
With a built-in preamp, all you need to do is connect the turntable to your speakers, and you're good to go.
Read More: Will A Pre-Amp Make My Turntable Sound Better?
Why You’ll Love It:
- Avoid the hassle of extra equipment.
- Makes setup straightforward, even for beginners.
- Provides versatility in your audio setup, hook up to speakers, soundbars, or even headphones.
Most of our turntables have a built in pre-amplifier, but here’s three to look out for:
Pro Tip: If you're planning to upgrade your sound system later, or at least want that potential, then choose a turntable with a switchable preamp. This lets you bypass the internal preamp if you decide to invest in a higher-end external one in the future.
3. Bluetooth Connectivity for Wireless Freedom
We get it: Vinyl is an old-school format, but your listening habits don’t have to be!
Bluetooth turntables are becoming more popular because they combine analog warmth with modern convenience.
With Bluetooth built-in, you can wirelessly connect your turntable to Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, or even wireless headphones, eliminating the need for complicated wiring setups.
This feature is especially appealing for those living in smaller spaces or for listeners who don’t want a complicated setup cluttering their living area.
With Bluetooth, your turntable becomes a flexible part of your home audio ecosystem, allowing you to switch between wired and wireless listening easily.
Why You’ll Love It:
- No need for cables between your turntable and speakers.
- Perfect for pairing with portable Bluetooth speakers around your home.
- Offers the convenience of wireless listening while still enjoying analog sound.
Here’s three Bluetooth turntables to look out for:
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that not all Bluetooth turntables will deliver the same audio quality as wired systems. If you care deeply about sound fidelity, ensure that your turntable offers both Bluetooth and traditional wired outputs, so you can switch back to cables for critical listening sessions.
4. Adjustable Speed Settings for Versatility
Most beginner-friendly turntables are designed to play records at two standard speeds: 33 ⅓ RPM (for LPs) and 45 RPM (for singles).
These two settings cover the vast majority of records you’ll encounter.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore vintage records, you may run into the occasional 78 RPM disc in which case you’ll need to choose a compatible turntable.
Read More: How Do I Play 78RPM Vinyl Records?
For beginners, having easily accessible speed controls for the two main speeds is crucial.
Look for a turntable with a simple, clearly labelled electronic speed adjustment switch.
Ideally, this should allow you to switch speeds without needing to stop and re-setup the player.
Some turntables require you to swap the belt position to change speeds, whilst it’s not too much of a chore, it’s not as easy or convenient as pressing a button!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Lets you play most records you’ll buy, whether LPs or singles.
- Future-proofs your setup in case you come across rare or vintage records.
- Ensures you can quickly adjust speed without too much fuss.
Almost all of our turntables have electronic speed controls, but here’s three to look out for:
- Audio-Technica LP120XBT-USB
- Audio-Technica LPW40WN
- Teac TN-180BT (Also has a 78rpm speed)
Pro Tip: Most turntables come with adapters for 45 RPM singles, so check if your model includes one in the box. It’s a small accessory, but it saves you from scrambling when you’re ready to play that new 7-inch single.
5. Upgradable Cartridge for Future-Proofing
While entry-level turntables come pre-fitted with a cartridge (the component that holds the needle), it’s worth choosing a model with an upgradable cartridge.
Why? Because as you become more immersed in the world of vinyl, you might eventually want to upgrade your sound quality.
An upgradable cartridge allows you to swap out the factory-fitted stylus for a more premium option later down the line, without replacing the entire turntable.
Not every beginner-friendly model allows for easy cartridge upgrades, but having this option gives you room to grow. It means you’re not tied to the original sound performance of the turntable forever.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Gives you flexibility to upgrade sound quality over time.
- Ensures your turntable can adapt to your evolving tastes.
- Helps protect your investment—start with a basic cartridge and upgrade when ready.
Pro Tip: When you’re ready to upgrade, look for cartridges from well-known brands like Audio-Technica, Ortofon or Goldring, which offer a range of options that fit both beginners and audiophiles alike.
6. Solid Build & Anti-Skating Control for Better Sound Quality
While you might not be chasing audiophile perfection right away, you’ll still want your turntable to sound great and last long. This is where a solid build quality comes in.
A heavier, more robust turntable reduces vibrations that can negatively affect sound quality, resulting in clearer playback.
Additionally, look for models with anti-skating control, which helps keep the needle properly centred in the groove of the record.
This ensures that the stylus tracks correctly, preserving both your vinyl and the quality of the audio over time.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Prevents skipping and unwanted distortion.
- Helps preserve your vinyl collection over the long term.
- Makes for a more immersive listening experience.
All of our turntables are great quality, but here’s three that stand out as sturdy and fully adjustable:
- Audio-Technica LP3XBT (Third time on the list for a reason!)
- Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono
- Audio-Technica LP5X
Final Thoughts
Buying your first turntable doesn’t have to be complicated, but knowing which features to prioritise can make a huge difference in your vinyl experience.
For beginners, a combination of automatic operation, built-in preamps, Bluetooth connectivity, and upgradable components creates the perfect blend of ease of use and potential for future upgrades.
From my experience there is a trade off between easy-to-use and the best sound quality and the key decision lays in your budget.
If you're spending £800+ on a turntable, amp and speakers then I'd sway more towards sound quality and go for something like the Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono - it's fully manual, but has a great quality built in pre-amplifier for convenience.
If you're spending around £500 then you really can't beat that LP3XBT from Audio-Technica!
And if you're looking at the more entry level £250-£400 mark to complete your record player setup then it has to be the Audio-Technica LP60X or Victrola Automatic.
Whether you’re a casual listener or someone looking to dive deep into the vinyl hobby, picking the right features will ensure your turntable remains a joy to use.
With the right beginner-friendly turntable, you’ll be spinning records in no time, without any frustration, just pure enjoyment!
