5 decent turntables you can buy today for $500 or less

Super happy with my Uturn Orbits! Own two of them. Two different cartridges. Custom colors. Options options options. US designed and made. AWESOME customer service. Top of my list.

Surprised to see the Audio Technical AT-LP120 missing from this list at only $299. It has several features that the others here are missing… 78rpm, easily swapped headshell, pitch control, strobe, etc. Some of the entry-level “audiophile” tables are notoriously off-speed, so the strobe and pitch control ensure you can always hit the right speed even if the motor is running out-of-spec. A few years back, I almost bought one as a second player, but found a another gently-used Technics SL-1200 at the right price. I did help a friend set up his AT-LP120 out of the box and can report that it sounded great. I could definitely live with one of these and be happy with it.

Great video as always. Keep up the great work. Your review on turntables is spot on. 👌

Great Video Frank, I got a Fluance RT 82 and have been totally impressed with the sound & quality, cannot see my self ever owning any other brand at this point. Take Care and Stay Safe.

Thanks Frank. All of your top I think are good choices. I bought the Fluance RT85 a few months ago and have been very happy with it. I think the build quality is very good and the Ortofon 2m blue sounds great. I really don't think I'll ever need another turntable and I can continue to upgrade the cartridge.

I recently purchased the Audio Technica ATLP120XBT-USB, and I absolutely love it. My records sound amazing on it (to my ears at least, haha), and the Bluetooth functionality was a real draw for me since I can listen to my records without a wired connection and through Bluetooth earbuds. Price was $349 ($370 with tax) and I think it is a great value for what you get. Would highly recommend!

Hey Frank cool video....ivd had my share of turntables over the years....my first one ..was a 1978... music centre....my dad gave me .......then in 1979 I bought the technics SLQ3 TURNTABLE..best turntable I ever bought..........then AUDIO TECHNICA LP120........early this year I managed to get an amazing deal on the TECHNICS SL1200 GR . .this for me is the best ever turntable ever....over here in the uk we have a hi.fi..store called Richer Sounds..and on our last bank holiday they offer certain discounts I got the SL1200 GR FOR £1100 uk pounds brand new boxed and a free 5 year warranty....

Nice review Frank. I have the Audio Technica LP5X with a Ortofon red and it sounds great for the money (uk£325). I wont spend silly money on a turntable but when I look back in my teens and remember what I played some of my records on...I am very surprised that they still sound good today. Keep on spinning !!

Decent choices and fair points. In the late 70's I started out with a cheap all in one my parents bought for me, the difference though was that had a decent stylus that didn't damage the vinyl. Those records are still as good to go today.

As always great vid. I picked up a Regar Planar 1 Plus. It comes with a built in phono preamp. Really nice turntable IMO.

I love my Audio-Technica LP-140XP. I always wanted a direct drive turntable, and this one has yet to disappoint.

I own a Crosley C8 and a Fluance RT82. Love both tables. Both well built.

That's a great list Frank. Probably the best options (for most people) in that price bracket. We're in a great time with lots of options for everyone's budget and tastes.

I've got the Rega Planar1 with an Ortofon 2M Red stylus installed and I'm super satisfied!

Aloha Frank Thanks for the insight on these turntables. I went from an all in one Crosley from "K- Mart" to a Stanton turntable & jest bout 6 months ago I bought a FLUANCE RT- 85 , when I set it up, I started opening up record albums I bought from 2016 record store days, got about 30 + more lp's to open up and play. I was waiting for a decent turntable so I could protect my Record Albums. Mahalo Ed

As always thanks for the video!

I have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC and I love it. It sounds great and is solid. I do need to upgrade to the ceramic platter and blue cartridge however. Greta review as always! :)

I own a Fluance RT81 & am very satisfied with the sound quality & craftsmanship. Just looking to upgrade the stylus when I can.

My first adult turntable was the Fluance RT 84. I love it and I know my dad would have . Just wish there was a local shop for vinyl that wasn’t an hour away.

Just over a year ago,I got a Rega Planar 2. I’m very happy with it. Buying the planar 2 saves me upgrading for a while.