Best Belt Driven Turntables

Introduction – What is a “belt drive turntable”?

A belt drive represents the connection between the bearings and the record spinner of a turntable. Audiophiles all around the globe have a dispute about whether Direct or Belt Drive is better, but let’s settle for the latter at the moment. A belt drive offers a great deal of advantages of which them most important is the “space for a cheaper motor”.

Why is that?

A belt drive does its part by serving the function of a bearing, complementing the motor’s power. You don’t need to pay extra bucks in order to pump up your record player – these turntables are powerful as they are.

Best Belt Driven Turntable models in 2017

Audio-Technica AT-LP60 Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable System

Features:

Now, Audio Technica AT-LP60 comes supplied with some of the best features a turntable can have. It’ a fully automatic contraption with a belt-driven method of operation, it can playback songs at 2 speeds (33 1/3 & 45 rotations per minute), it features the anti-resonance die-cast platter made of aluminum and the internal magnet cartridge with a diamond stylus.

Pros:

• Fully automatic stereo turntable – a belt-driven method of operation, this machine can playback at 2 speeds (33 1/3 and 45 rotations per minute);
• High-quality platter – Anti-resonance, die-cast platter is made of aluminum;
• Integral phono cartridge – dual magnet cartridge with a diamond stylus;
• Built-in phono preamp with RCA cables – you can switch this feature if you don’t like the current sound output;

Potential Flaws:

The RCA cables are extremely short, and most of the time, they’re not long enough to reach the adapter.

Value for the price:

Here’s the deal – Audio-Technica AT-LP60 doesn’t cost much at all and it has some very good features. Great value for the price.

The Final Verdict:

The design of this magnificent turntable isn’t flawless, but it’s perfect for the cash.

1byone Belt Driven Bluetooth Turntable with Built-in Stereo Speaker, Vintage style Record Player

Features:

This turntable model has a simple, old-school design that makes it really attractive. A simplified method of operation was made possible by the plain control panel, and essentially, the plinth, the platter, the support legs, and the cover lid comprise this turntable.

Pros:

• Old-school design – 1byone turntable looks traditional and vintage. It’s made of solid wood, and it has a classic dust cover;
• Variable speed setting – this turntable model can playback records at 33, 45 or 78 rotations per minute;
• Vinyl-to-MP3 feature – you can convert the audio from your vinyl records to MP3 so that you can enjoy it later on your mobile device;
• Bluetooth and high compatibility – this turntable is compatible with most modern devices;

Potential Flaws:

The overall sound volume is nowhere near loud. Some people prefer it this way, but the vast majority of people like to actually “hear” their music. You could get rid of this problem by attaching exterior speakers.

Value for the price:

It might not appear at first sight, but this turntable is actually quite cheap. Compare it to other turntable models, if you will, and you will come to the conclusion that this is a bargain price.

The Final Verdict:

Well, this turntable is good, and maybe it’s great. However, it’s not perfect, so here’s the deal – if you want premium quality, you won’t find it here, but if you want great quality for a decent price, this might be your best bet.

Fluance High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player

Features:

A simple plinth style is decorated with a diamond turntable stylus for absolute precision and accuracy, the S-type tonearm makes sure that it rests deep in the record, and the overall design is made from high-quality wood.

Pros:

• High-quality components – premium belt-driven turntable model that comes supplied with only the finest materials;
• A powerful cartridge – packed with a diamond turntable stylus, the cartridge which was integrated into the design of this turntable provides outstanding sound clarity.
• A balanced S-type aluminum turntable tonearm – your records will sound absolutely clear;
• Thick, high-quality wood – The wooden design gives this turntable great outward appearance, durability, and isolation;

Potential Flaws:

Some instruments would either be inaudible or could sound off. Most people report that instruments with high sustain (such as, for example, a piano) suffer from this issue, but that’s quite normal when belt-driven turntables are in question.

Value for the price:

The cost of Fluance turntable is quite standard for a high-quality model, and the features are able to compromise for it. Great quality, great price, a terrific value.

The Final Verdict:

This turntable is definitely one of the best belt driven turntable models on the market. Sure, it has its flaws and it definitely is not perfect, but it’s a great piece of state-of-the-art technology. Here’s the deal, if you’re out searching for a belt-driven turntable, give this one a try, and we guarantee that you will be satisfied.

Ion USB Turntable with Built-In CD Recording

Summary:

ION USB Turntable represents a perfect mixture of modern technology and traditional sound. It looks quite Sci-Fi for a record player, but don’t let that dissuade you – it comes supplied with everything a turntable needs, and more.

Features:

This turntable belongs to the category “all-in-one” – it’s a record player with a CD compartment, the USB connection, a built-in speaker set, and the package also includes a special EZ Vinyl Converter software and Audio Converter for computer recording.

Pros:

• All-in-one turntable – packed with a manifold of various features;
• Copy or Mix your own CDs – this record player features settings that allow you to copy your CDs or make a custom mix;
• Very versatile – it can work as a standalone record player or as a turntable connected to a PC;
• Free software – the set includes the EZ Converter 2 and Audio Converter software that let you edit audio;

Potential Flaws:

The price is ok, but let’s get it straight – you could get a cheaper belt-driven turntable with similar features.

Value for the price:

Now, Ion USB Turntable is pricey, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not valuable. This record player is extremely versatile, and it boasts quite a value for the cash.

The Final Verdict:

Ion USB Turntable comes supplied with a lot of features, and it might take a while before you get accustomed to the manifold of options. It’s decently durable, highly versatile, and it’s very valuable.

ION Profile LP Vinyl-to-MP3 Turntable

Features:

Ion Profile LP features a beautiful, exquisite design, it is compatible with both PC and Mac, you can easily convert your records to MP3, and you don’t require a preamp as it can easily play your records on a stereo device.

Pros:

• Amazing software features – you can easily convert your records to MP3 with the complementary software;
• A beautiful design – The outward appearance of ION Profile LP is astonishing;
• A decent price – it’s not cheap, but it’s definitely not expensive;

Potential Flaws:

This belt-driven record player lacks the versatility of its sibling Ion USB turntable.

Value for the price:

As we’ve already mentioned, ION Profile LP is not too expensive, now here’s the breaker – if you take into account all of the amazing features it comes supplied with, you could come to a conclusion that it’s a bargain.

The Final Verdict:

A belt-driven record player usually makes space for a cheaper motor – this was not the case with ION Profile LP. A powerful motor did not increase the price, and the only problem you could have with this turntable is that it lacks versatility. Anyhow, it’s a great piece of art, and you should definitely try it out.