If you’re serious about vinyl, then you’ll want to invest in a high-end turntable. These turntables are built with the highest quality materials and components, and they offer the best possible sound quality.
But with so many different high-end turntables on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best high-end turntables of 2023.
Factors to consider when choosing a high-end turntable:
When choosing a high-end turntable, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Drive type: Turntables come in three main drive types: belt-driven, direct-drive, and idler-wheel driven. Belt-driven turntables are the most common type, and they offer a good balance of sound quality and affordability. Direct-drive turntables are more expensive, but they offer better torque and speed stability. Idler-wheel driven turntables are the rarest type, but they offer the best sound quality of all.
- Plinth: The plinth is the base of the turntable, and it’s important to choose a plinth that is made of a resonant material, such as MDF or acrylic. A resonant plinth will help to absorb vibrations, which will improve the sound quality.
- Platter: The platter is the disc that the record sits on, and it’s important to choose a platter that is made of a heavy and rigid material, such as metal or glass. A heavy and rigid platter will help to reduce wow and flutter, which is a type of distortion.
- Tonearm: The tonearm is the arm that holds the cartridge, and it’s important to choose a tonearm that is well-balanced and has a low tracking force. A well-balanced tonearm will help to reduce tracking errors, which can cause distortion. A low tracking force will help to reduce wear and tear on your records.
- Cartridge: The cartridge is the component that reads the grooves in the record, and it’s important to choose a cartridge that is well-matched to your tonearm and phono stage. A good cartridge will help you to get the most out of your records.
The best high-end turntables of 2023:
Here are our picks for the best high-end turntables of 2023:
- Linn Klimax LP12: The Linn Klimax LP12 is one of the most iconic turntables ever made, and it’s still one of the best. It offers superb sound quality and a timeless design.
- Technics SL-1000R: The Technics SL-1000R is a direct-drive turntable that offers the best possible sound quality and speed stability.
- Vertere Acoustics MG-1 MkII/Mystic: The Vertere Acoustics MG-1 MkII/Mystic is a high-end turntable that offers stunning sound quality and a luxurious design.
- VPI Prime 21+: The VPI Prime 21+ is a high-end turntable that offers excellent sound quality and a wide range of features.
If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality from your records, then you’ll want to invest in a high-end turntable. The turntables on this list are all excellent choices, and they’re sure to provide you with years of enjoyment.
Additional tips for choosing a high-end turntable:
- Listen to as many different turntables as possible before you make a decision. This will help you to get a feel for the different sound profiles of different turntables.
- Consider your budget. High-end turntables can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
- Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a phono stage. A phono stage is a necessary component for connecting a turntable to a speaker system.
- If you’re not sure which turntable to choose, ask for help from a qualified audio dealer. They can help you to choose the right turntable for your needs and budget.
