Melhor Recordista de 2023 –
- Vinyl sales are booming and record players offer a unique listening experience.
- CNET has tested and rounded up some of the very best record players on the market right now.
- The best turntable for most people is the Fluance RT82.
With the sales of vinyl booming, music fans will tell you there’s nothing that compares to the rich sound of a record player. There’s an intrinsic joy to picking out one of your favorite records, pulling it out of its sleeve and placing it on a turntable. As the needle drops on the vinyl, you’re transported elsewhere. Not only is it a completely different experience, but some folks insist that it makes you feel closer to the artists who made the music.
That’s why CNET has tested and rounded up some of the very best record players on the market right now. If you’re on the lookout for a new system, you have a lot of options. Not only can you find affordable speakers, but there are also plenty of high-quality turntables, including models with Bluetooth connectivity. Superior analog sound often requires spending more money, but it’s not necessary. If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, you could start with something like the $149 Audio-Technica AT-LP60X workhorse — it’s simple and it’s good.
Based on my hours of testing and comparisons between models at every level, the best turntable for most people is the Fluance RT82 ($299). It offers excellent design, killer old-school looks and great sound quality for the money. But, if you’re looking to spend a lot more than that, the best turntable I’ve tested is the U-Turn Orbit Theory. It offers killer sound quality and looks every bit the premium model it is. Need more information? This guide will fill you in on the models CNET has tested and the features you should be looking out for, from $45 and up. If you’re a music lover, dust off your vinyl collection and keep reading.
The Fluance RT82 offers everything you could want except an onboard preamp, so if you have a receiver or amplifier with a dedicated phono input, this is the model to get. I was mightily impressed by the Fluance’s well thought-out inclusions. Auto-start on/off, adjustable feet and even a little bubble-level were included with the user in mind. This high-quality turntable had one of the most entertaining sounds of all of the $300 players, with plenty of insight into recordings as well as a healthy bass kick.
If you’re just starting out in vinyl or looking for a cheap turntable to give as a gift, the inexpensive Audio-Technica AT-LP60X belt-driven turntable offers the warm sound you’ve heard about. Plus, it offers fully automatic operation. It also includes a limited upgrade path with a choice of line or phono output, allowing users to add their own preamp. This automatic turntable is a great value. Among audiophiles, the name Crosley has a bad reputation, but the company still produces some excellent hi-fi models. The C10A is a case in point: It was engineered with help from Pro-Ject, but it offers more refinement than you may expect from either company (the T1 below excepted). This vinyl record player sounds good, it looks great, and if you can get it under $300, it’s a bargain. I don’t like it quite as much as the Fluance overall, but it’s a solid runner-up. The Pro-Ject may be a little pricey, but it shows how spending a little more can reap benefits. In terms of sound quality, it really can bring out the best in your records. It offers refined treble, an expansive, detailed midrange and supple bass. It looks lovely too with its glass platter — second only in appearance to the Audio-Technica (but the Pro-Ject sounds better). The T1’s only “problem” is that it’s ergonomically awkward — the switch is deep on the left-hand side instead of on the front, and you need to apply a bit of upward force to remove the tonearm from the rest. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo offers everything you want in a player for the money: excellent sound quality, ease of setup and use, and striking looks. You would have to spend twice as much on another brand (*cough* Rega) to get better sound. The Orbit Theory may look similar to the original Orbit Plus, but this is a vastly superior turntable. Seemingly every component has been upgraded — from a hardwood plinth to a solid magnesium tonearm — and of course, U-Turn charges handsomely for these improvements at $999. Entry-level turntables are great for people getting into the vinyl hobby, but if you really want to unlock the sound quality encasedin your records, it’s worth investing in a higher-end turntable like the Orbit Theory. The sound quality of the Orbit Theory is simply stunning, with great detail, clarity, and depth. The build quality is exceptional as well, with high-end materials and components used throughout. The only downside is the price, which is quite steep compared to other models on the market.In summary, there are many great turntables available at different price points, from the affordable Audio-Technica AT-LP60X to the high-end U-Turn Orbit Theory. The Fluance RT82 is the best turntable for most people, offering great sound quality and features at a reasonable price. Ultimately, the best turntable for you will depend on your budget, your level of experience with vinyl, and your personal preferences in terms of sound quality and design.