Ian White, eCoustics Editor in-Chief talks about his favorite turntables of 2024 priced from $600 to $2,000 which were chosen in his best audiophile turntables article.
Before you empty your wallet on a deck that might seem like the right path for you — we have a few suggestions that might make more sense long-term if your budget is between $600 and $2,000. Does it make sense to spend more? We think the market has shifted and there are some outstanding options from Pro-Ject, Rega, Andover, U-Turn, and others worth exploring.
Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor SVS for the support of our programming!
The Picks
- Andover SpinDeck Max
$599$399 at andoveraudio.com | Amazon - Pro-Ject Debut Pro $999 at Amazon | Crutchfield | Turntable Lab
- U-Turn Audio Orbit Theory $999 at uturnaudio.com
- Rega Planar 3 $1,125 at Turntable Lab | Audio Advice
- Pro-Ject X2 B
$1,799$1,599 at Crutchfield | Turntable Lab
This episode was recorded on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
On the Panel:
- Brian Mitchell, Host and Founder
- Ian White, Editor-in-Chief
Where to listen:
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
- Amazon Music
- Spotify
- iHeart Radio
- Spreaker
- Stitcher
- Deezer
- Castbox
- Podcast Addict
- Pod-chaser
- TuneIn
Related links:
- Best Audiophile Turntables Under $2,000
- Pro-Ject X2 B Turntable: Review
- Pro-Ject Debut PRO Turntable: Review
- Rega’s Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition Turntable
- Andover Audio SpinDeck Max Completes the Circle
- Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 MC Cartridge: Review
Credits:
- Original intro music by The Arc of All.
- Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.
- Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.
ORT
March 30, 2024 at 2:29 pm
I am such a plebe. I choose turntables that make me happy just looking at them and make me happier playing records on them. At the moment I own 4 Pro-Jects – The Beatles Singles Debut III ‘table, The Beatles ’64 Debut Carbon Esprit, The Beatles Sgt. Pepper Essential III and my favourite, the Pro-Ject X2 in Satin Walnut with Sumiko Moonstone.
I normally rotate these turntables to the setup I use most for listening to records but the last time I moved the X2 in it was, ashamedly, too difficult for me and now I am not strong enough to safely pick the 22+ lb player up. So by the Will of the gods, it is staying there. I fell moving my Dual 1246 turntable and saved it but broke some other stuff. I cannot risk that happening again.
I grow curiouser an curiouser as to whether or not it would make cents to find and buy SE to X B and convert the 2X to balanced or if it can even be done. It would be due primarily for looks. I like the look of balanced cables and doubt my ability to hear the difference but seeing is fine for me.
I admit to drooling over the Andover Audio (fully auto!) Spindeck Max and I own and use two of their Spinbase setups and one Spinstand as well as have given two Spinbase to family members as presents. They are a great company and have been very helpful to me over the last few years.
Any advice on the SE to balanced thingy (Shallow Hal time!) would be appreciated. I very much enjoyed this Podcast, gentlemen. Thank you so very much. I play and enjoy records a great deal and all because they are tactile in a way that (not even) CDs and Steaming will never be.
ORT
Ian White
March 30, 2024 at 4:44 pm
ORT,
Only go the balance route if the following is possible — MC cartridge to balanced in on phono pre-amplifier — balanced out to balanced input on a line-stage (with balanced outputs) or integrated amplifier.
I heard a very small difference from the Pro-Ject phono using its balanced in/single-ended output — but I suspect it was my brain playing tricks.
Running the balanced outputs of the Pro-Ject into the Cambridge Edge A’s balanced inputs was night/day better. Bolder. Cleaner sounding. Bass impact was stronger and tighter. Soundstage was much wider sounding.
I really think your existing set-ups are really good and I would buy more music.
Ian White
ORT
March 30, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Thank you, Ian! I appreciate the friendship and honesty. I do like “stuff” but lately have done good in backing off buying things for family and friends. I like what I have and am thankful for being able to buy it. I was set to buy some B&W speakers for my big brother but his wife talked me out of it as he really likes the speakers he has.
Most days I listen to at least 2 or 3 records along with the steaming music thingy. During PT in my garage gym I have music on too.
I will take your advice and try to get to my favorite Stereo Shoppe more often where they have a good selection of used records! Last time there I got some Shelly Manne, Nancy Wilson and Lena Horne.
My brother took me to 3 live shows last month in Arizona and at one of them by “The Surfrajettes”, I bought their album! Surf guitar!
Thank you again!
ORT
Stephen Fleschler
March 31, 2024 at 5:53 pm
The last time I purchased an under $2000 TT was in 1982, a VPI 19-1 (now 4). In 2006, a VPI TNT VI with Townshend seismic sink and super platter ($9,000). I am a serious listener with 28,500 LPs (7,000 78s using the 19-4 now). SME IV arms (highly modified).
If I were to purchase a new TT today, it would probably be more like a Technics or VPI Scout under $2,000. Used TTs are in abundance and include higher end older tables that often will crush cheap new ones. Shop carefully and don’t get a plastic or resonant TT.
My first TT was a Dual 1209 at 14 year old in 1970.
ORT
March 31, 2024 at 7:33 pm
Sir Fleschler, you are a far more serious enthusiast that I will ever be. I am guess you do not move much as I can not imagine having to pack up all those records? My mother and older sister sat on the only 78 I ever owned, a set from the Bing Crosby film, “Going My Way”. Talk about a seismic sink. Congratulations on what must surely be an excellent collection! I am certain you and Sir Ian will have a LOT to talk of if ever you met.
A GE Wildcat in 1971 was the first record player I bought my self with money made pushing a lawn mower all over Virginia Beach and Honolulu.
Fully automatic and with a changer spindle! I was and remain, a proper pauper.
ORT