The best automatic turntables offer a seamless entry into the world of vinyl records, combining ease of use with impressive sound quality. These devices are designed to take the hassle out of manual operation, making them ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more straightforward listening experience.
Such turntables are equipped with systems that automate the playing process, from the gentle drop of the needle at the record’s beginning to its careful lift at the end, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable listening experience without the need for constant manual intervention.
In summary, automatic turntable is not just a piece of audio equipment; it’s a gateway to the rich, analog sound of vinyl records. It represents a perfect blend of convenience, quality, and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for anyone eager to explore the vinyl landscape.
Whether you’re drawn to the tactile experience of handling vinyl records or the superior sound quality they offer, an automatic turntable can provide a gratifying start to your vinyl journey.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Denon DP-300F
Its sleek design and user-friendly features make it the perfect choice for both beginners and audiophiles. Experience unmatched sound quality and convenience, all wrapped up in one elegant package.
Specifications:
- Drive System: Belt drive
- Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 rpm
- Wow and Flutter: 0.10% WRMS
- Tonearm: Static Balanced Straight Type
- Effective Tonearm Length: 8.72″ / 221.5 mm
- Dimensions: 434 x 122 x 380 mm / 17.1″ x 4.8″ x 15.0″
- Weight: 5.5 kg / 12.13 lbs
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 60 dB
Who Is It For?
With its automatic start, stop, and arm return functions, it eliminates the fuss of manual operation, making it ideal for those who appreciate convenience without compromising on audio quality. The DP-300F is perfect for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the warmth and richness of vinyl records, from casual listeners to serious collectors.
Best High-End: Pro-Ject Automat A1
Its smooth operation and precise sound reproduction ensure a listening experience that’s both luxurious and authentic. Ideal for those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Automat A1 brings your vinyl records to life like never before.
Specifications:
- Weight: 5.6 kg
- Drive System: Belt drive
- Speeds: 33/45 RPM
- Cartridge: Ortofon OM 10
- Platter: Heavy glass
- Tonearm: 8.6″ aluminum with sapphire bearings
- Signal to Noise Ratio: -68 dB
- Phono Preamp: Built-in, switchable
Who Is It For?
The Pro-Ject Automat A1 is designed for the music lovers who demand high quality without the hassle. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or new to the world of vinyl records, this turntable offers a blend of convenience and performance that’s hard to beat.
With features like a built-in phono preamp and an Ortofon OM 10 cartridge, it delivers great sound straight out of the box. Its fully automatic operation and easy setup make it ideal for those who want to enjoy their vinyl collection without getting bogged down in technicalities. If you’re looking for a turntable that combines ease of use with audiophile-grade sound, the Automat A1 is for you.
Best Budget: Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Here is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X. This turntable combines affordability with high-quality performance, making it an ideal choice for those new to vinyl records.
Its sleek design and user-friendly features ensure a seamless listening experience, captivating music lovers looking for great sound without breaking the bank.
Specifications:
- Drive Type: Belt drive
- Operation: Fully automatic
- Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
- Cartridge: Integral Dual Magnet™ phono cartridge
- Output: Built-in phono preamp, switchable
- Connectivity: RCA output cables
- Design: Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter
- Motor: DC servo-controlled
Who Is It For?
If you are a college student looking to explore the rich sounds of vinyl or a music lover on a budget, this turntable offers a perfect blend of affordability, ease of use, and quality. Its fully automatic operation removes the intimidation factor, making it accessible for everyone.
The built-in phono preamp means you can connect it directly to your speakers or audio system without needing extra equipment. If you value great sound and convenient features without the complexity or high cost of professional-grade record players, the AT-LP60X is tailor-made for you.
Best Premium: Dual CS 429
This premium device combines elegance with functionality, offering an unparalleled listening experience.
Its fully automatic operation ensures ease of use, making it perfect for both audiophiles and those new to vinyl. Discover the perfect blend of modern technology and classic sound with the Dual CS 429.
Specifications:
- Weight: 13.66 lbs
- Dimensions: 17-1/8″W x 5-3/4″H x 15-5/16″D
- Speed Settings: 33/45/78 RPM
- Drive: Belt-drive with electronic speed control
- Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red
- Tonearm: 8.7″ aluminum, statically balanced
- Effective Length: 8.72 inches
- Warranty: 5 years turntable, 1 year cartridge
Who Is It For?
Its sleek design and advanced features make it a standout choice for those who value both aesthetics and audio fidelity. If you’re looking for a premium turntable that combines ease of use with exceptional sound quality, the Dual CS 429 is for you.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Got The Automatic Turntable?
- Sound Quality: Some regret not researching the sound quality differences between models.
- Features: Wished they knew more about the convenient features like built-in phono preamps and USB outputs.
- Durability: A few mentioned they would have looked into the build quality and durability more.
- Compatibility: Understanding cartridge compatibility and upgrade options was overlooked.
- Ease of Use: The importance of fully automatic features for convenience was underestimated.
- Price vs. Performance: Some buyers regretted not balancing their budget with the performance.
- Maintenance: Knowledge about maintenance and needle replacement was something some wished they had beforehand.
What is the automatic turntable?
An automatic turntable is a device designed for playing vinyl records with the convenience of automated operations, such as auto-start, auto-stop, and auto-return features. The best automatic turntable combines high-quality sound performance with user-friendly functionalities, making it an appealing choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners.
These turntables often come equipped with a built-in phono preamp and a variety of drive systems, including belt drive or direct drive, to cater to different audio preferences.
Turntable not only delivers great sound but also adds a touch of elegance to your listening experience with its sophisticated design and high-quality components, such as a carbon fiber tonearm or an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Are fully automatic turntables any good?
Fully automatic turntables are indeed a good choice for many, offering a blend of convenience and quality that appeals to a wide range of vinyl enthusiasts.
These turntables automate the arm movement and needle placement, reducing the risk of manual handling errors and record damage.
Whether you’re new to vinyl records or looking for a hassle-free listening experience, some of them offers a perfect mix of performance and ease of use.
Why do people still use turntables?
People continue to use turntables for their unique ability to deliver a warm, rich sound that digital formats often struggle to replicate.
High-quality components, such as a well-designed cartridge and a stable drive system, ensure that the turntable provides not only great sound but also a tactile and engaging way to enjoy music.
This blend of auditory excellence and physical interaction with music media offers a listening experience that streaming services cannot match, making it a cherished component of audio systems for both audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
