Best Turntables, Record Sleeves, and Vinyl Accessories
Turntables
This space will contain turntables that we have tested and loved. These are our top picks for DJ turntables, budget tables and a higher-end model. As our retail space is limited (and frankly, full of records) we are choosing to offer these as Amazon links. These picks will often focus on Audio Technica decks, as we have found the replacement needles are high quality and most importantly, easy to get. This is a huge factor these days, as anyone who owns a turntable with a discontinued replacement stylus model can attest to.
Noticeably missing from these picks will be turntables under $200. We have found a sweet spot around the $200 mark where the quality just goes up so much from the lower-priced tables that we cannot recommend the ultra-cheapies in good faith.
Best DJ Turntable
The Audio Technica AT-LP120 is their take on the classic Technics 1200 - by far the most famous and utilized DJ deck of all time. At the time of writing these AT’s are $349 - an absolute BARGAIN for this beast of a table. If you are looking to DJ parties or are a producer wanting to pitch-shift and manipulate your records for sampling, this is the table you want!
Under $500 Home Turntable Pick
Coming in at $379 the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN is our absolute fave for an under $500 home turntable. It looks great and has an adaptable cartridge - meaning you can choose from a wide range of replacement needles at various price points. This is actually my main home table at the moment, it has a great sound and I’ve had zero technical issues thus far.
Best High End Turntable
The AT-LP7 is our favorite all-around higher end table, coming in at $849 at time of writing. An ultra-sleek, simple exterior and a top shelf cartridge make this weighty belt-drive model sing.
Best Protective Record Sleeves
Simple, High Quality Vinyl Outer Sleeves
Best Powered Speakers for Turntables
Powered Bookshelf Speakers
These look and sound great, amazing value for under $100! These and any of the AT turntables above and you’re in business!
Vinyl Record Accessories
Record Stabilizer
These low-cost stabilizer weights kill annoying bass feedback and will also help lightly-warped LPs play better. Audiophiles have been using stabilizers for decades to get a richer playback, we love these!
Vinyl Record Cleaner
Eliminate dust and static from your records with this affordable and easy to use kit!
Best Smart Speaker System for Vinyl and Streaming
Sonos
The Era 100, Era 300, Five, Amp and Port all allow a turntable to plug directly in.
Once you are connected to one Sonos product, you can add as many more Sonos speakers around your home or business as needed (or wanted lol!).
These audiophile-quality speakers and the amazing phone-app that you use to control your system will have you absolutely addicted.
If you just want a powered smart speaker to plug directly into, choose the Era 100, 300, or Five (you need one extra cable for the Five). You will need to have either a built in phono-preamp on your turntable or you will need to buy one (we can make recommendations for those as well!). Most modern turntables (Audio Technica, U-Turn, etc) have built in phono pre-amps.
If you want to have a truly two-way street - a system where you can play records through a smart-system AND stream music not only through your smart speakers but also back through your vintage analog gear - choose the Amp or Port.
We highly recommend the Sonos Era 100 in Black or White to start your journey.
If you have any questions about setting up one of these systems, feel free to message us!