6 Best Record Player Setup Under $1000 for Audiophile – 2024 Guide

There is a special type of pleasure when you listen to your favorite song on vinyl. When it comes to record players, many people believe that you have to pay thousands of dollars to have a great turntable setup in your own home.

Here we are going to give you a list of the best turntable devices that you can find on the market for less than $1000. If you are an audiophile, then this article is definitely something you are going to want to read.

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP7

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If you know anything about quality equipment, then you’ve heard of this brand before. It has exceptional devices that are budget-friendly and offer a lot of different features.

It is said that it provides one of the best sounds you could ask for, and you will be able to listen to your favorite records without them sounding mediocre. It comes with a lot of additional equipment including the dust cover, 45RPM adapter, and RCA cables. The platter itself is made with special materials that will ensure the quality of the sound. There won’t be any static or white noise that will interrupt the signal.

The only negative thing about this device is that it is a fully manual one, so you will have to change the record when it ends. One additional thing that can be seen as a negative is that the dust cover is not attached to anything, so you won’t be able to just open it to listen to your favorite albums, instead, you will have to fully remove it.

2. Rega Planar 1

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When it comes to the price, this device can be seen as a budget model, but if you look at the features, you will realize it is one of the best record players setups. You can find this model for less than 600 dollars, depending on the store you purchase it from.

It is a simple set up that is easy to use, and it provides excellent sound. It is said that this is a modified version of the old-school players that we all know and love. The modifications allow the device to be one of the best, and it is portrayed as the latest version of the classic turntables.

It has one negative side – the speed change is manual, so you cannot rely on everything to be done automatically.

3. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB (DC)

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If you are an audiophile then you probably know that most turntables will allow you to play the record at 33 or 45 rotations per minute. This unit will give you the possibility to play your records at an amazing speed of 78 rotations per minute, which means you will get some of the best sound experiences you can.

This model has an extremely durable shell made of acrylic which will only ensure the safety of the device, but it is also made to exclude any resonance that might affect the quality of the sound. You can read professional opinions here and get more information about all the components in this device.

4. Sony PS-LX310BT

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One of the best deals you can find on the market, and this turntable can be yours for about 300 dollars. You can even find it at a discount for less than 200 dollars, so when you do your research, always check different retailers.

It has an electronic speed charge with up to 45 rotations per minute and it also comes with Bluetooth, so you can connect it to other devices if needed. It is really easy to use, and you don’t have to be tech-savvy to use all the functions it offers. The only negative thing is that the sound can be sometimes a little patchy and there is still room for improvement on this part. However, for the price you are going to pay, it is one of the well-rounded models.

5. U-Turn Audio Orbit Special

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An exceptional record player that will give you that old-school vibe you are probably looking for. It has a sleek design and it is made of acrylics to improve the overall durability of the product. You can choose if you want the main part of the turntable to be made of walnut or maple, depending on your personal preferences.

It is adjustable, easy to use, and you don’t have to place it on a perfectly level surface for the player to work without issues. The only issue that users have reported is the belt, and you may need to replace it after a while. However, that mainly depends on the player itself and how you maintain it.

6. Audio Technica AT-LP5x

Source: techradar.com

Last, on our list, we have the AT-LP5x unit that comes at a reasonable price and has great features. It retails for about 600 dollars and it comes with a USB port that will make the whole setup a lot easier. It is robust and requires a bit more space when compared to other products on this list, but that is actually the thing that adds to its beauty.

It is easy to use and simple to set up, so no matter how much of an experience you have with turntables, you won’t have an issue using it. Users report that his unit has one of the best phono stage modules, and it also has 78 rotations per minute option. It does not have many negative things about it, and one of the things you may notice is that it doesn’t have Bluetooth.

As you can see, all of the devices have some really good features, almost all of them will give you an impeccable experience, and you can listen to your favorite records at all times. If you are still not sure which one is the right unit for you, decide on which features are the most important for you and choose a budget. With this information, you can easily find the right model for you. Don’t forget to consuls with a professional and always check different reviews before you settle for one device.