Best Record Players Under $300

What did I pay attention to when picking turntables under $300?

There are a number of factors that you should take into account when shopping for the best turntables under $300. This way, you’ll ensure you get a high-quality product that meets all your needs.

When I tested record players for this review, I paid special attention to the following features and specs:

Plinth and platter material

Understanding plinth and platter materials is crucial as they are integral in influencing sound quality. It’s essential to have impeccable engineering to manage and mitigate vibrations effectively. Typically, the best record players under $300 are distinguished by robust and dense aluminum plinths coupled with weighted platters, ensuring sound is produced with minimal resonance. A well-crafted platter and plinth design can even obviate the requirement for a platter mat, reflecting a harmonious balance between innovative design and optimal functionality in sound production.

Well-designed tonearm

A tonearm is responsible for half of the sound quality you get when listening to records. A good tonearm must be made of materials that don’t resonate, it also should feature an adjustable counterweight so that the weight of the cartridge and tonearm doesn’t rest on the record. With a cheap plastic tonearm, your records may begin to sound deteriorated after just 10 plays.

Almost all turntables I’m reviewing here have aluminum tonearms – they effectively reduce vibrations and are lightweight enough to protect the needle and vinyl.

Phono cartridge

A phono cartridge is a crucial element responsible for converting vibrations into electrical impulses that can be amplified to produce music. Therefore, the quality of the cartridge significantly impacts the quality of the sound.

Models at the lower end of the price spectrum often feature non-removable cartridges, complicating replacement processes. In contrast, higher-end turntables offer removable cartridges, providing users with the flexibility to select cartridges that align with their preferences and budget constraints.

Phono preamp

The phono preamplifier plays a key role, magnifying the modest output of a turntable to match the capabilities of a standard stereo amplifier. Even though this component is integral to many vinyl players, some top-tier models opt to forgo a built-in preamp. This absence, surprisingly, can be an advantage. A turntable without a built-in phono stage allows aficionados to select a separate device that aligns with their preferences, ensuring the audio system sounds better than many off-the-shelf options. On a personal note, my go-to is the Rega – Fono Mini A2D preamp, a harmonious partner for turntables, significantly enhancing sound quality.

How I tested record players under $300

Being an audiophile, I seriously take the sound quality! I enjoy the “old school” format for a few years now and have used tens of different turntables. Honestly, vinyl is unbeatable for me! It provides a more natural feel and sounds much better than compressed digital representations.

Before writing this review, I’ve compared and tested some of the top vinyl players under $300 the market has to offer so that you can choose the right model for your home without ruining your family budget.

I used the following equipment to test the quality of the sound:

• Stereo receiver – Yamaha R-N303
• Phono preamplifier – Emotiva XPS-1
• Speaker wire – AudioQuest Type-9
• Bookshelf stereo speakers:
  • Klipsch RP-600M
  • Edifier R1280T
  • KEF Q350
• Floor standing stereo speakers:
  • Polk Audio TSi500
  • Klipsch RP-8000F
  • Fluance Signature HiFi 3-Way

While testing, I was listening to my favorite recordings. Here’s my list:

• Bon Iver – Bon Iver [2011]
• Stravinsky – The Rite of Spring [2017]
• Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon [1973]
• John Williams – Jurassic Park [1993]
• Dvorak – Symphony No.9 [2016]
• Daft Punk – Random Access Memories [2013]
• Radiohead – In Rainbows [2007]

Now, let’s see the result of my work – a list of the top turntables under $300.

Best turntables under $300 reviews

Fluance RT82 – best overall

Fluance brand has a solid reputation in manufacturing turntables, and RT82 is no exception. This player is a totally value-focused model. It delivers decent sound quality due to the S-shaped tonearm and Ortofon OM10 elliptical cartridge – a type of cartridge that’s tough to beat in this price category. In my experience, the RT82 brought a new level of clarity to my vinyl collection. For instance, while listening to Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours,” I was pleased by the crispness of the high hats and the depth of the bass lines – nuances that were lost on lower-end models. The distinction was particularly noticeable in “Dreams,” where Stevie Nicks’ haunting vocals felt more present and textured. In all honesty, I didn’t expect such a good sound from a player under $300.

The next thing I really appreciate is the isolated motor, which helps to eliminate undesirable vibrations and noises, while the speed control system keeps the platter velocity constant. Furthermore, the RT82 features a manual operation type similar to models on the more expensive side. Another aspect I love about the player is its sturdy wood plinth, which, along with the metal platter and customizable damping feet, offers a practical and functional design. It has a straightforward, no-frills aesthetic that’s quite appealing. When handling the plinth or adjusting the damping feet, there’s a sense of durability, which is commendable for a mid-range model. While this TT doesn’t exude luxury, it feels reliable and solid enough to do its job effectively. Such a construction is not just about looks, it plays a key role in reducing vibrations.

Comparing the RT82 with its sibling, the RT81, I noticed they are quite similar, but the RT82 omits a built-in phono preamp. This aligns with higher-end models which often exclude the preamp, offering audiophiles the chance to customize their setup with a separate, specialized preamp to suit their audio preferences.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK – also great

AT-LP 120XUSB-BK was engineered with music fans and DJs in mind. It’s a totally new-generation model compared to its big brother, LP120USB. I’m sure DJs will appreciate a quality direct-drive motor, a few upgraded features, and a refreshed design of the AT-LP 120XUSB-BK model.

Handling this manual turntable, I noticed its solid and substantial feel – it definitely doesn’t come across as cheap or flimsy. The body, while made of plastic, feels robust, and the aluminum platter adds to the turntable’s overall heft. This sturdiness is essential for stability, especially when using the variable pitch control for precise speed adjustments. In my experience, using this feature to seamlessly transition between tracks during a set showcased the turntable’s reliable performance and design. I also love that it plays three speeds – 33-⅓, 45, and 78, accommodating even vintage LPs. Plus, the TT comes equipped with a USB that allows easy connection to the computer and converting analog recordings into digital files.

The AT-LP 120 boasts an S-shaped tonearm with a customizable tracking weight and a universal headshell equipped with the standard Audio-Technica phono cartridge. As Audio-Technica has over 50 years of experience in phono cartridge engineering, the turntable comes with a reputable pedigree. However, while the stock stylus is adequate, it might not fully satisfy keener listeners. It seems that an upgrade could significantly enhance the audio quality. On the other hand, this potential for easy upgrading is a definite plus, suggesting that with a better cartridge or needle, the player could truly excel.

Regarding the sound quality with the existing setup – when I listened to a 30-year-old record, ‘Foolish Beat,’ the playback was surprisingly clear, suggesting that even the stock stylus captures a good level of detail.

Fluance RT81- best under $250

It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Fluance RT81 is the best turntable under $250! I’m totally impressed with the specs and features of this device, considering its price!

First of all, the real wood finish is a nice touch – it gives the turntable a bit of a classic vibe without pretending to be something it’s not. Handling it, you can tell it’s sturdy enough for regular use, though it doesn’t have the luxurious feel of high-end models. It’s these small details, like the decent quality of the wood, that make it stand out in its price range, adding a bit of character without overreaching.

The RT81 replaces the RT80 – the former now boasts heavier construction, improved feet, and includes an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge fitted to its lightweight headshell. The heavy-duty motor has been improved too – it’s now good for more torque and higher RPM accuracy (33 and 45 for the RT81).

The sound quality of this model genuinely surprised me for its price range. It’s clear and precise with that warm, analog charm you’d want from a turntable. Sure, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its sibling, the RT82, but for what you pay, it’s pretty remarkable. Listening to ‘Dazed & Confused,’ I noticed a richness in the guitar that I hadn’t picked up on cheaper models. The RT81 has this way of making even well-worn records feel a bit more alive.

House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless – eco-friendly

House of Marley’s Stir It Up Wireless Turntable brings all the class and quality to you without breaking the bank. With this amazing product, you can enjoy vinyl recordings up to 45 rpm – perfect for that get-together with friends or romantic date night.

This innovative record player features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your favorite devices without having to deal with messy wires! I checked the wireless function – it works up to 33 feet away. It was a pure joy to listen to my records at almost any spot in my apartment!

A built-in preamp also gives you the option to use RCA cables to connect the turntable directly into powered speakers, which makes upgrading your sound system incredibly simple. Want to digitize your vinyl collection? No problem! The USB port gives you such an opportunity!

The device itself is made from recycled wood – this texture gives it a natural, organic feel, distinct from the cold, industrial feel of many modern electronics. In addition, the player comes with everything you need to get started: an Ortofon OM5E cartridge and needle, RCA cables, and a 45 adapter.

Although I love the player’s user-friendly features and its bamboo finish, I was let down by the motor’s hum it produces. This persistent noise was evident even when my soundbar turned up, intruding into the music and lessening my enjoyment, especially during quieter songs.

As for the sound quality, when the motor noise isn’t too intrusive, the Stir It Up does a fair job. It’s quite competent with rock music, providing a satisfactory level of energy, but it lacks the audio clarity and depth you’d find in more expensive models.

Denon DP-300F – best full automatic

Denon has been around since 1910. In the 1930s, the company began manufacturing its own turntables and designing tonearms and earned a healthy reputation. The DP-300F became one of their top turntables where the price meets performance.

Denon DP-300F is a fully automatic belt-driven turntable that can play 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm records. The table comes with an integrated tonearm that features an adjustable counterweight, height adjustment, anti-skating control, and multiple connection terminals. Unfortunately, there’s no “plinth,” the body is plastic, but the turntable doesn’t produce any discernible noise during playback.

Unfortunately, the player lacks a “plinth” – its body is crafted from plastic. Handling it, I couldn’t help but notice the difference in build quality compared to my top-list models. The plastic feels light and flimsy. Another notable omission is the absence of a place to attach a ground wire for an external preamplifier.

However, while the build quality of the DP-300F might not impress everyone, the sound performance is decent for its class. For instance, when I played Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” the clarity and richness of the sound were better than expected. The opening heartbeat of the album had a good depth, and the transition to the instrumentals was clear. This experience showed that while the turntable’s construction is basic, it still manages to deliver a satisfactory audio quality, which is a notable aspect for a turntable in this price range.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Audio Technica is one of the premier turntable manufacturers! And we’ve already discussed one of their manual turntables – AT-LP 120XUSB-BK – which is perfect for DJs. But if you’re totally new to vinyl and want a fully automatic turntable, then you should take a closer look at AT-LP60XBT.

The table’s DC servo-controlled motor and 300 watts of power mean your tunes will be loud enough. As an added bonus, the platter’s high-mass die-cast aluminum construction reduces the chances of resonance and vibrations. Next, the totally automatic nature of the system makes it ideal for first-time users – this hottie is super easy to operate.

However, it’s important to recognize the player’s drawbacks. The fixed cartridge, for instance, limits your ability to upgrade and fine-tune your setup. This, along with factory-preset anti-skate and weight adjustments, can be a bit frustrating if you’re someone who likes to tweak and personalize your audio experience.

Bluetooth connectivity is a handy feature, but I found the audio quality over Bluetooth to be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes it’s OK, other times not so much. Handling the turntable, the predominantly plastic build and the cheap-feeling buttons were a bit of a letdown.

In my listening sessions, this model lacked the depth and clarity I’ve experienced with other tables listed here. If you’re considering an upgrade and willing to forgo Bluetooth, I’d lean toward the Denon DP-300F – it delivers a far better audio experience.

Buyers guide

What to expect from a record player under $300

Determining the difference between a $200 and a $300 model isn’t always straightforward. With that stated, there is a distinction to be made, and it is significant. A good $300 turntable will have better components and, in general, superior materials. We’re talking about solid construction here. Many people reduce turntables to their most basic components, ignoring the framework or isolation between the platter and its surface.

While less expensive models may perform well in this aspect, a quality mid-range vinyl player will provide the most significant improvement in design and components. Vinyl players under $300 are usually pretty good when it comes to features and fundamental performance. You’ll see that good cartridges and stylus options are being used. Most of these machines feature well-designed tonearms with many adjustment options, and most importantly, these devices sound pretty good.

The upgrade pathways accessible with mid-range turntables are one of the finest reasons to purchase one of them. Most likely you’ll be able to replace a variety of components, considerably boosting your turntable’s overall performance. Those who enjoy customizing their vinyl players may enjoy this price segment.

To summarize, the performance of the vinyl players under $300 is pretty close to what more expensive models have to offer. Besides, all machines I’ve listed above are of great value for entry-level vinyl lovers as well as for more critical ears. You won’t grow out of these turntables for a long time!

Hopefully, you’ll find the right player for your home here! If you have any suggestions or would like to add your favorite turntable to my list, leave a comment below!