Audio-Technica AT-LP3WH Turntable Automatic Belt-Drive White

Product Information

Build Quality: The turntable feels sturdy and premium, for a large part this is thanks to the plinth which is a onepiece MDF. The same goes for the platter and tonearm that feel solid and have simple designs. This all helps with reducing resonance. Ultimately, new turntables are more advanced than older turntables, but it all comes down to your preferences. Are high-end turntables worth it? Here at What Hi-Fi?we review hundreds of products every year, from TVs to speakers, headphones to hi-fi systems. So how do we come to our review verdicts and why can you trust them? Allow us to explain. The most importent thing to consider when buying a turnable is your usecase. How often are you going to use your turntable? Is audio quality for you the most important factor? How important is the design of the turntable? Do you want to able to upgrade your setup later on? Do you want to DJ with it? Do you want to digitize your records?

If you opt for a fancy wireless record player, you might want to invest in a Bluetooth speaker, a wireless speaker, or connect it to your existing smart speaker.

You want high-end styling and build: We like how this turntable looks, but it doesn't feel particularly luxe or well-built. Then again, if you want a more high-end performance from the get-go, take a look at the Pro-Ject Carbon Evo at the top of our guide. But, as we wrote in our review: "If you want a turntable that just works, looks good, and can be upgraded later, the Fluance RT81 is the turntable for you."

There’s a lot of debate over whether the Rega Planar PL1 or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is the best entry-level hi-fi turntable. It’s a close match and although we've tested both, we don't think there's a clear winner. Each one provides an excellent starting place for an audiophile on a budget.Features: As all high end turntables the Dp-400 is belt driven with the main reason being that it reduces the chance of resonance greatly. It is a 3 speed turntable so even playing your old 78rpm records should not be a problem. Build Quality: You feel that the overall build quality is premium. Not only from the fact that it is suprisingly heavy eventhough it is made out of aluminum, but also the fact you wont see seams or bolts because it is a one piece plinth. The same goes for the weighted platter that sits on top. These specifications not only help with endurance but also have a big impact in reducing resonance, as fewer, stronger and heavier components cause less resonance. Once primed for action, the Planar 2 delivers punchy basslines, room-filling scale impressive attention to detail and rhythmic subtlety. There's no built-in phono stage, so it needs to hook up to a stereo amplifier that has one, or you can always buy a separate one. If that's within your budget, you'll find that the Planar 2 delivers a clear step-in performance from the Planar 1 – and at a very competitive price.

Design: The T1 is another minimalistic turntable with a minimalistic design that has a MDF plinth made out of MDF. It has a white glossy coating that is a nice contrast with the matte tonearm and platter. The regular T1 has just an on and off button while the SB model also features two speed buttons As most others on the list the T1 is a manual belt-drive turntable where you need to use the lever to raise the tonearm, move it over to above the record, and use the lever again to lower it onto the spinning record. The motor features an electric control system that measures and corrects the speed to increase its speed consistency. Finally, what do you want to listen to? If you're looking for high-end audio that sounds exactly as intended, you might want to try a newer turntable. If you want a more gravelly sound and don't mind sacrificing some quality, use the old turntable you already have. It is not a great option for vinyl newcomers; it requires more knowledge to set up properly than the entry-level turntables on this list (try the Audio-Technica model in number two instead). But if you’re ready to take your record collecting and listening to the next level, the Marantz TT-15S1 is the perfect companion. In our review, we surmised: "Taken as a whole, the Marantz offers budding audiophiles the chance to chase higher fidelity without having to buy a turntable that costs as much as a car."

Side guide

Don't feel like looking for your digital music yourself? The Switch 2 has AM / FM radio so that you can enjoy your favorite radio stations or, for example, the most exciting sports competitions or the best radio programs in no time by means of the tuning button. With the Crosley Switch 2 Bluetooth Retro Turntable you get a beautifully designed mid-century design retro turntable with a fantastic sound.

While purists may prefer the slightly more insightful Rega Planar 3/Elys 2, the Technics SL-1500C offers crisp presentation, a built-in phono stage and electric speed control, making it a great choice for those not totally engrossed in vinyl.So it’s no surprise to find that Audio-Technica hasn’t changed its winning formula for this new LP5x model. Why would it? Unlike many other turntables around this price, the Pro-Ject T1 BT has all the elements of a proper hi-fi turntable - just at a lower price. Rather than plastic, the CNC machined plinth is made from MDF. This gives lower resonance for reduced distortion. Mounted to the plinth is a steel/brass bearing that’s the same as the award-winning Essential III and, combined with the new heavy glass platter, provides smooth and stable running for perfect pitch.