Read our reviews of the best DJ turntables that you should consider buying this year. Here, you will find the top quality professional DJ turntables in different price ranges – high to low.
The digitization of music has led disk jockeys to use computers and other technological devices for mixing and producing sound. However, nothing can beat the feeling of using vinyl records with your hands to create good music. This article lists all our choices for the best DJ turntables. The choices are made based on sound and quality, value for money and popularity. We have also taken into consideration the user experience and reviews of specialized online sites, along with warranty and customer support.
There is a big difference between turntables manufactured for private use compared to professional DJ turntables. If you are one of those who are passionate about playing records and do it as a hobby or for work, we will give you some tips to compare and buy the one that best suits what you are looking for. To make a good session you have to have good controllers and a good speed system so that vinyl records fit perfectly. And create the effects that fit your personality and musical taste.
In this case, to compare a DJ turntable it is advisable to buy a quality one. Even if it is more expensive it will be worth it and will last you for much longer.
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The top 8 best DJ turntables to buy – for all budget
You don’t know what turntable to buy? In Dissection Table, we bring you this comparison with the best turntables of low, medium and high ranges in the market. In case you don’t know where to get the turntable of your dreams, and you don’t want to go crazy spending too much, we recommend you visit the Amazon turntable store. This is the largest specialized area in the sector and you will save a lot of time and money.
Also, see the top MIDI controllers in the market for all budget.
Technics SL-1200G DJ Turntables
To the three-layer frame is added a new 10 mm thick top panel, made of sturdy aluminum, for superior vibration damping and a more dynamic sound.
The lower part is covered with a shock-absorbing layer in heavy rubber, to eliminate unnecessary resonance, the plate is made of brass and high rigidity die-cast aluminum. The balance of the turntable is made in the factory using special precision equipment.
The newly developed coreless motor, without an iron core, is used to reduce vibrations with two rotors that provide high torque and a uniform load on the bearing, reducing any smaller vibration. High-precision bearings and Technics gimbal suspension help to achieve maximum fluidity.
Exclusive to the SL1200G is the highly sensitive magnesium arm (standard models have one in aluminum). The light magnesium alloy offers a high damping effect and is extremely rigid, to contribute to a more precise and detailed sound.
A new “x2” button allows you to double the pitch range from +/- 8% to +/- 16% to make the turntable even more flexible as a mixing tool. The Technics SL1200G turntable has Phono terminals in gold plated brass that simplify the connection and allow you to choose the length and quality of the cables.
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Pioneer DJ PLX 1000
Pioneer PLX 1000 is one of the most technologically advanced high-end turntables, with exceptional features, highly appreciated by DJs around the world. It comes with multi-pitch control and anti-vibration feet to provide clear and precise audio even at high volumes.
The turntable has high torque and the zinc frame ensures minimal resonance and vibration. It has a digital time control system that helps you change or reset the rhythm of the track with just the push of a button. You can select between +/- 8, 16 or 50%.
Present the classic start / stop button on the left side and a convenient retractable LED light to illuminate the stylus. The arm is excellent both in terms of usability and isolation; the geometry seems to be almost identical to that of an SL 1200.
On the back of the system, we find the door for the removable power cable (included) and the gold-plated RCA “L” and “R” sockets. There is no USB port. If you don’t have a pair of turntables or want to buy a new set, the PLX 1000 is definitely a great buy. They are not the cheapest around, but the construction quality and performance are excellent.
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Reloop RP8000 MK2
The RP-8000 MK2 is designed for seamless integration with Serato DJ Pro, with the ability to control up to 7 different performance modes via the pad section.
Thanks to the exclusive Platter Play mode, you can use the pads to control the rotation speed of the dish to create authentic musical performances.
The large 8 pads with RGB lighting can control over 7 different performance modes (Cue, Sampler, Saved Loop, Pitch Play, Loop, Loop Roll, Slicer), as well as 2 user modes that you can customize with the individual favorite functions.
Using the multi encoder it is possible to browse the tracks directly from the turntable itself and load them instantly on the respective deck. With MIDI compatibility, the RP-8000 MK2 can communicate with any MIDI compatible DJ software, thus eliminating the need for an additional controller.
The display shows information about pitch, bpm, deck assignment, scale, notes, elapsed and the remaining time for the current track, as well as firmware settings. In Serato DJ Pro it is possible to show the current BPM value of a track, to be able to accurately set the tracks without difficulty.
The USB connection allows you to connect up to a maximum of 4 turntables and you need to connect only one turntable to the computer via USB.
Using the buttons on the top panel of the RP-8000 MK2, it is possible to change engine speed to 33, 45 and 78 rpm. The dedicated buttons for forward and backward mode allow further creativity.
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Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB
The AT-LP1240 is a Super-OEM turntable among the best in its range. It comes with a powerful direct-drive brushless DC motor with an electronic braking system. It is black with rounded corners and a plastic dust cover to keep the turntable in great shape when not in use.
The upper part of the unit is made of steel, while the lower parts are made of heavy rubber to help dampen vibrations and isolate sound. The unit weighs 12.5 kg and features high-quality components built to last.
It plays discs at three different speeds (33, 45, 78 rpm), there are two start / stop buttons and a quartz control pitch, a reverse play button, rubber feet, replaceable pop-up light and grounding.
The Audacity software is included to help you transfer your precious vinyl collection to your computer. It is one of the best DJ turntables, with a solid construction, great additional features, a super-powerful engine and no flaws can be found in this turntable.
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Pioneer DJ PLX-500
At first glance, the PLX-500 could easily be mistaken for a classic Technics SL1200MK2 turntable. The PLX-500 is actually a smaller version of the PLX-1000 introduced by Pioneer two years ago. It is made for Pioneer by Taiwanese Hanpin, a company that produces a wide range of cheap turntables.
Pioneer PLX-500 is an economical copy of the Technics SL1210, complete with strobe light always active in the left corner, time control cursor on the right and classic S-shaped arm. In fact, the PLX-500 looks solid and capable to reproduce a sound of good quality, especially considering its price.
The build quality is inevitably below a Technics SL 1200 or the Pioneer PLX-1000. It does not have the die-cast metal frame of the latter, but still weighs more than 10 kg and is built with discreet quality components. In addition, it has a large DC motor with high torque, combined with an electronic brake for quick stops.
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Numark NTX1000 Professional Direct-Drive DJ Turntables
Numark NTX1000 is a direct-drive turntable with a starting torque of 4 kg, which takes the pot at maximum speed in less than a second (0.7 seconds to be precise).
Just like the Pioneer DJ PLX-500, which is in the same price range, it also has RCA sockets on the back and a USB output, ideal for digitizing your record collection.
The pitch control is managed through a standard 100 mm fader, while a left Range button lets you select between +/- 8, 16 or 50% and a reset button below the fader returns to 0%.
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Audio-Technica ATLP120USB Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB is very similar to the Technics SL1200 and is driven by a direct drive motor, so it has fast start-up and shutdown times and excellent torque.
It comes with a stroboscope, target light, +/- 20% pitch control, reverse button and plays 33, 45 and 78 rpm discs. On the back, there is a switch for the built-in preamplifier, so you can use the AT-LP120-USB with an input line of an amplifier or with a dedicated phono input.
There is also a USB output, so you can connect the turntable directly to a PC or Mac where, thanks to its analog to digital converter and bundled Audacity software, you can copy the discs directly to the PC’s hard drive.
In addition, the AT-LP120-USB comes with a heavy cast aluminum disc and a non-slip mat. The feet are adjustable to level the turntable, essential for obtaining the best performance.
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Numark TT250 USB
Like the Technics SL1210MK2, Numark TT250USB is opaque black and has more or less the same controls. The pitch adjustment fader is on the right, next to a target light that you can raise or lower when necessary.
On the left side, you will see the Start / Stop button together with the 33 and 45 buttons, right where you would expect. The familiar layout and most DJs should be able to operate the unit with their eyes closed, assuming they can find the power switch on the top right of the unit that sets it apart from other similar turntables.
The USB port allows you to send the output signal to the computer, without the need for an in-line phono preamp, and then record your collection of vinyl on the hard drive.
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What kind of traction is needed in a good DJ turntable?
Without any doubt, a DJ turntable is one of the essential equipment for a good DJ. Whether you want to practice, arrange songs like professional or to play, the DJ turntable is a device that promises you an extraordinary musical experience. This instrument, with a sophisticated look, is for amateurs and experts of sound mixing.
However, there are two types of traction on turntables: direct and belt. Depending on what you want to play vinyl you need one or the other.
Also, see the top audio interface for music production – reviews.
Strap drive by not being directly attached to the plate makes it more complicated to use to prick discs in a professional manner. In addition to that, it is more complicated to synchronize and change different disks. Even so, most turntables carry this system.
In this case of DJ turntables, it is better to choose a direct drive. Why? The cause is simple. A professional DJ needs their discs to spin at a stable speed and to be corrected automatically when the disc or the pich moves. In addition, one of the advantages is that you will not have to replace the belt when it is worn. The direct drive system is directly connected to the plate. So the vinyl rotates more evenly and the difference between the speed changes is not noticeable.
Analog or digital DJ turntables?
Another feature that you should look at before choosing your DJ turntable is the control system, both speed and playback. In the market, there are those of analog type and the most modern digital.
Digital turntables are more precise in terms of playback speed and control of mixing options.
Other accessories to consider
The most current models have additional elements that will make the DJ session easier. That the arm is a long way or that it has a built-in light to see the disc in dark environments such as in the disco booth. Or not less important that it has some connections to connect it to a computer or to a mixer that amplifies the sound through speakers.
Also, see the best controllers for DJs in the market.
Conclusion on the choice of a DJ turntable: according to your needs and your profile!
If you are new but still want to enjoy a quality controller for fun, we recommend buying an easy-to-use DJ turntable so you do not have to worry too much. When it comes to setting up your future DJ controller, focus on simplicity so you get used to your machine.
If you are a confirmed DJ, we advise you to move towards a model with features to handle more easily the sound. Thus, it is necessary to choose a controller incorporating a larger number of pads as well as effects.
Also, see the top microphones wireless for DJs.
For professionals, you must focus on the sound quality, handling and functionality of your future DJ turntable. It is necessary to move towards a model with excellent jog wheels, sensitive but solid potentiometers but also different USB control channels in order to connect as many external sources as you want.