Introduction
Everything that gets out in the open market is a subject to a single law – there are better products, and there are those who deserve less attention and value. The main subject of our review are the High End turntables – audiophiles, prepare for a complete guide of the best turntables that money can buy!
What can you expect for the money?
It’s quite obvious that high end turntable models are very expensive, so it’s only natural that you might want to ask “why are they so expensive?”. There are a lot of answers for this question, and we’re here to provide some of them:
- High-quality materials are an absolute must
High-end turntables are made from the materials of highest quality. These materials vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and they depend largely on the style of each turntable. It’s obvious that materials of greatest quality cost more, so manufacturers had to pump up the price a bit. That, however is not all there is to it.
Being made from such materials, high-end turntables offer increased durability and are, therefore, more reliable. Turntables should be considered as a one-time investment. Because of this, adding a few bucks more might be a good way to avoid paying for repairs or replacements.
- High-end turntables come supplied with outstanding features
Some features are practically reserved for these turntables. We can compare this advantage with “versatility” since it also makes these record players well-rounded and suitable for various tasks. These unique features are more capable than “standard” turntable features in the fields of audio output, compatibility, and compactness.
- Superior reliability
Some record players are more prone to breaking down than others. A couple of models from each series are defective. Some models are not built to last while some models simply have a design which lacks durability. This is not the case with high-end turntables.
You can expect quite a lot from these models when reliability is in question. They are made by highly skilled professionals, and most models feature a warranty in case that anything happens to your record player.
Best High End Turntables reviews
Fluance High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player RT81
Summary:
Fluance RT81 may be the best turntable under 1000 dollars – it’s plain, it’s simple, it does not cost much, and it’s supplied with features that boast great quality. The design of this turntable is quite simple. The components are precise and powerful, and it doesn’t cost too much overall.
Even though it has a straightforward design, it’s equipped with a powerful Texas Instruments preamplification device, a ground terminal, and the gold-plated RCA outputs. A remarkable performance, outstanding sound output, and a modest price.
It’s a simple turntable that was manufactured in an exquisite way.
The features:
The outward physical appearance of Fluance RT81 wouldn’t tell you much about its features, but there’s a vast array of outstanding features lying hidden beneath the Walnut board. The high-performance cartridge would be the first – it holds an accurate diamond tipped turntable stylus which is both durable and fully adjustable. It’s capable of tracking your records with pinpoint precision and accuracy.
The S-Type tonearm makes sure that the needle rests deep in the groove of records which produces a detailed audio and make it sound exactly the same as the original. The Texas Instruments preamplification device is combined with the ground terminal for the warmest highs and the coolest vibes.
Pros:
- Outstanding features – High-performance cartridge, diamond tipped turntable stylus, S-type tonearm, Texas Instruments preamplification device, ground terminal, & gold-plated RCA output;
- Sturdy and beautiful design – Walnut construction makes this turntable very durable and attractive;
- Simplified method of operation – RT81 is supplied with simple features and is extremely easy to use;
Potential Flaws:
The only downfall of this product is that the earlier version (RT80) is almost exactly the same. The features are almost identical, and you can get it at nearly half the price.
Value for the price:
Fluance RT81 does not cost too much and the features it comes supplied with are really worth the money. Overall, exceptional value for the price.
The final verdict:
You could do better for $300, but you would need to search far and wide. It doesn’t get any simpler than this, and we guarantee that you’d be satisfied with how this turntable sounds. It’s durable, it’s not overly expensive, and it might be your best shot at getting a high-quality audiophile turntable.
Pro-Ject Elemental Turntable
Summary:
Pro-ject Elemental is a high-quality turntable that looks good and performs well. It features a low-profile base that defines the attractive design, an aluminum lightweight tonearm, and RCA terminals that allow for a precise audio output.
Anyway, Pro-Ject Elemental is set for use the moment you get it. It comes with pre-installed Ortofon audio cartridge, the balanced counterweight, and pre-adjusted ant-skating mechanism. Let’s take a look at what’s inside of it:
The features:
This turntable is equipped with a belt-drive system and low-vibration motor that allows for perfect sound clarity. The central gravity point is made of artificial stone, and the main platter bearing is from stainless steel. Overall, it’s quite durable, but maybe too sturdy for comfort.
Pros:
- A durable construction – stainless steel bearing, central gravity point made of artificial stone;
- Low-profile base – the plinth is the reason why this turntable looks so good;
- Lightweight tonearm – the aluminum 8.6″ tonearm gives accurate playbacks;
- Gold-plated terminals – RCA terminals give the most accurate audio signals;
Potential Flaws:
The Pro-Ject Elemental does not have any form of protection, so make sure that you maintain and clean it regularly.
Value for the price:
Here’s the breaker – Pro-Ject Elemental IS quite expensive, yes, but this should not dissuade you from even considering it – it’s equipped with state-of-the-art technology and features and the set includes outstanding complimentary features (Ortofon OM5E cartridge, for example). In the end, it’s actually quite valuable for the price.
The final verdict:
An expensive turntable model, but it just as well may be the best turntable under 1000 bucks. Sure, it’s expensive, but it’s supplied with everything you need to enjoy your music straight away.
Music Hall MMF 9.1 2-Speed Audiophile Turntable with Cartridge
Summary:
Music Hall MMF 9.1 is an exceptional audiophile turntable that’s capable of delivering an immersive, captivating sound. It features a triple base construction and a flexible internal copper wire. Everything about it is pure quality, but it’s also very expensive. There may be only just a few turntable models that can come close to this one as it boasts phenomenal value.
The design is amazing – the base is durable and it guards the electronic components neatly while looking beautiful. The turntable stylus – Gyger II is one of the best that money can buy. Golden RCA connectors are to “blame” for the amazing performance of this extraordinary turntable.
The features:
Music Hall MMF 9.1 is comprised of a solid triple plinth. Next are the carbon tonearm, balanced counterweight, an isolated 50Hz motor and the exquisite Gyger II contact stylus. The mount cartridge is properly aligned and provides noiseless operation. RCA connectors of the hihest quality are linked to a detachable cable.
On top of all, the set comes supplied with a dust cover, a 45 rpm adaptor, and the instruction guide for easy assembly.
Pros:
- The unique triple base construction – Music Hall has a unique design that features a triple base. It provides maximum stability and is easily recognizable.
- Flexible internal copper wire – the electronics are safely linked with a flexible wire so that the mechanism can operate without any risk of malfunction.
- An isolated 50Hz motor – a powerful motor is isolated and guarded from any possible harm, be it dust or anything else.
- A high-quality Gyger II contact turntable stylus – one of the best turntable needles on the market;
- Noiseless operation – a slight hum is the only noise you can expect while this turntable operates;
Potential Flaws:
Even though Music Hall MMF 9.1 is supplied with state-of-the-art technology and features, it’s extremely expensive.
Value for the price:
The manufacturers made it clear – this turntable model is not well-suited for everyone. It can make everyone happy and it’s definitely a keeper. Only audiophiles and people who value a superior sound would be willing to pay a fortune in order to acquire this magnificent turntable. Anyhow, the overall value for the price is great.
The final verdict:
Music Hall’s MMF 9.1 is a turntable that will serve you for a lifetime. It’s built to last, it’s beautiful and elegant, but it also costs a lot. One thing is certain, once you get accustomed to quality of this level, you won’t even consider searching for another.
Pro-Ject The classic sub-chassis turntable with 9″ carbon/alu sandwich tonearm – Eucalyptus
Summary:
This turntable features a eucalyptus plinth, a sub-chassis which is equipped with a sandwich tonearm of 9 inches, and a belt drive which is capable of running records at 33 or 45 rpm speeds. Extremely valuable, and one of the high-end turntable models that’s actually affordable when compared to others.
The features:
This turntable is supplied with various exquisite features – a sub-chassis base made of eucalyptus makes the construction of Pro-Ject turntable very durable, the belt driven mechanism can play records at 33 or 45 rpm speeds, the TPE aluminum platter makes the music sound precise and clear while the 9-inch carbon tonearm can be adjusted for a balanced tone.
Pros:
- A durable construction – Eucalyptus sub-chassis turntable is made of high-quality eucalyptus wood which is sturdy and durable;
- The belt-driven mechanism – this turntable is capable of running records at 33 or 45 rotations per minute;
- Precision TPE-damped platter – the platter is compatible with most records;
- Carbon tonearm – nine inches of precision and accuracy give the clearest sound output;
Potential Flaws:
Most people expect their turntable models to be more versatile when they pay so much.
Value for the price:
Absolutely brilliant. This turntable has everything you need and it doesn’t cost too much – amazing value for the price.
The final verdict:
Pro-ject is a famous brand in the turntable industry, and they outdid themselves with this model. Great performance, simple design, and a modest price give a great value to this product.
Music Hall MMF-7.1 Turntable with Ortofon Mojo Cartridge
Summary:
The elegant black design, Music Hall’s quality and trademark features – everything about this turntable is exquisite. It has a majestic dual base construction, it can run at two speeds (33 or 45 rotations per minute), and it operates without making too much sound. All in all, a phenomenal turntable.
The features:
Music Hall MMF 7.1 is older than 9.1 and it features a dual base construction (the 9,1 model has triple base construction). This design gives more space for electronics when compared to the models that have a single plinth construction, but it also increases stability. It has an isolated high-quality motor, a magnet cartridge, and a diamond stylus.
Pros:
- Durable, sturdy, and elegant design – The black dual base construction provides stability and durability while retaining the elegant outlook.
- A powerful, isolated motor – motor has its own damping puck and it can play records at 33 or 45 rotations per minute;
- A diamond stylus – it is properly aligned so that it doesn’t scratch the surface of your records;
- Noiseless operation – one of the main reasons why this turntable is so good is the noiseless method of operation;
Potential Flaws:
Most people would opt for Music Hall’s 9.1 because it features the triple base construction. It gives more stability and space and it costs nearly the same. This is not necessarily a flaw, but more of a recommendation.
Value for the price:
Music Hall’s MMF 7.1 has an exceptional value for the price. It looks great, it doesn’t cost too much, and it has an amazing performance rating. All you need in one place.
The final verdict:
This is one of the best high-end turntables on the market, period. You could find a better model, but you would need to add extra bucks. If your budget is limited, or if you simply want to save some cash, this might be your best bet of getting a high-quality record player.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB
Summary:
There’s a reason why people trust Pro-ject so much – they offer nothing but quality products, and Debut Carbon Espirit SB is a perfect example of their superior craftsmanship. This model offers increased versatility while retaining the simplified method of operation and plain design.
The features:
One of the most notable features of Pro-Ject’s Debut carbon Espirit SB is the 8.6″ tonearm. It’s made of carbon and it’s easily distinguishable from the rest of the construction because the overall design is quite plain and simple. Other features include a belt-driven mechanism that can play records at speeds of 33, 45 or 78 rotations per minute and heavy acrylic platter.
Pros:
- Simple design – A red plinth, acrylic platter and a carbon tonearm are all there is to it. Plain and simple;
- Can play at variable speeds – you can choose between 33, 45, and 78 rotations per minute;
- Precision belt-driven mechanism – a synchronous motor is safely tucked inside the base;
Potential Flaws:
Slightly less durable when compared to other models in this category.
Value for the price:
Pro-ject’s Debut Carbon Espirit SB has a modest price and comes supplied with decent features so it boasts a great value for the price.
The final verdict:
This turntable is barely expensive if you take into account all the great features it comes supplied with. It’s well-rounded and it can be yours for a bargain price.
Pro-Ject The Classic Sub-chassis turntable with 9″ carbon/alu sandwich tonearm – Rosenut
Summary:
Pro-ject’s classic Sub-chassis turntable belongs to “The Classic” series and it’s different from “Eucalyptus” only in terms of the base material (rosenut).
The features:
The features are essentially the same as with Pro-Ject’s The Classic Eucalyptus. A sub-chassis with 9″ carbon sandwich tonearm, a belt-driven mechanism, and precision TPE-damped platter, a Japanese bearing, and the price are all the same.
Pros:
- Very beautiful design – Rosenut is one of the most attractive base materials;
- High-performance turntable – deep, clear sound output;
- Exquisite features – a Japanese bearing, 9″ carbon tonearm, and sub-chassis;
Potential Flaws:
The entire “The Classic” series offers the same products essentially. A difference in plinth material is not substantial.
Value for the price:
Quite expensive, but extremely valuable nonetheless.
The final verdict:
Well, this turntable can offer you the same features and experience as “The Classic Eucalyptus”, but that doesn’t mean that it’s any less capable. It’s phenomenal in all aspects (except for versatility) and it comes at a bargain price for a high-end turntable.
