I haven’t owned (or used) a turntable for some 30 odd years.

Now I want to get back in the game. Musts for me: direct drive, must be ready to play out of the box. Nice to have: bluetooth, phono preamp, USB I have no DJ ambitions but if controls ala the SL1200 are included I don’t mind but I will likely never use them.

I have pretty much narrowed it down to 3 turntables but they are in different price ranges and i’m not sure if more money will actually matter?

  1. AT LP-5x. Looks nice, wont break the bank.
  2. Technics SL-1500C. Pricey but looks nice too.
  3. Cambridge Audio Alva TT v2. Breaks the bank but seems to have all the features.

Thoughts? Am I overlooking a turntable?

  • @agent_flounder
    2•7 months ago

    All I have is vintage stuff.

    I’m not familiar with Cambridge Audio. But I think it would be hard to go wrong with the Audio Technica and Technics decks. Both companies still make legit gear as far as I know.

    As long as they can accept decent cartridges I think you would be good to go.

    If it were me I would want my preamp separate from my deck but what do I know?

    • @dlundhOP
      1•7 months ago

      All the decks listed have phono preamps built-in but can turn them off. I’m going straight into a headphone amp and don’t want to get an external phono amp right off the bat. 🤷🏼‍♂️