(Semi-) Automatic vs Manual Turntable: Which is Best?

Why aren’t all turntables automatic?

While a fully automatic turntable is clearly more convenient, they have the disadvantage of increased mechanical noise and interference, among other issues.

In a completely hand-operated turntable, the only physical connection between the tonearm and platter is where the needle touches the record’s grooves. The arm array can even be installed in a separate chassis. In contrast, automatic decks include a mechanical connection between the platter and tonearm, which adds to the total noise and resonance of the turntable. The gears, springs, cogs, and other mechanisms all create a subtle level of interference.

The extra components needed to create an automatic turntable also restrict design options. An automated turntable’s plinth, for example, cannot be as substantial or sturdy as a manual turntable’s due to the need to contain the mechanics. This fact also affects the resonance of the turntable. An automatic turntable also can’t use the highest quality bearings in the arm due to the mechanism, which can be a downside for audiophiles.

Fully automatic turntables are often found at the lower end of the market due to the lower cost of their components and audio degrading trade-offs. Typically, an automatic turntable comes at a lower price than non-automatic turntables, although there are many exceptions.

The bottom line is quality and control are sacrificed for functionality with an automatic turntable. An automated deck’s tracking force and anti-skate are normally pre-set by the manufacturer, thus your ability to fine-tune the performance is severely limited. This is a huge disadvantage if you want to upgrade your turntable later, with a better cartridge. However, it can also be attractive to new users who don’t want to fiddle with calibration controls.

Manual/Automatic/Semi Pros and Cons, Recommendations!

Automatic Turntables

Fully automated turntables automatically raise and lower the tonearm to the proper place on the record. When the record has completed playing, the arm is raised and the turntable’s rotating motor will be turned off.

Pros of Automatic Turntables

An Automatic turntable is a great choice for beginners, and the automatic functionality helps to protect your records. Either the record or stylus can be damaged if the tonearm is dropped onto the surface with too much force. The mechanism of a fully automatic turntable makes it much easier and safer to get a record playing, you don’t have to worry about dropping the arm.

Convenience is also one of the most attractive elements. A turntable is easily started with the push of a button or a lever. The turntable takes care of the rest, moving the arm into place and spinning up to speed. If you ever fall asleep while listening to a record, or leave the room and forget, you won’t have to worry about your stylus being caught in the outside groove for hours, wastefully wearing it down.

• The turntable starts and stops on its own, it can also be turned off at any given time.
• As a result, you’re less likely to damage the vinyl or the stylus.
• Relieves the fear of the stylus remaining on the record after it finishes playing.
• Once it’s set up, it’s handy and simple to use.

Cons of Automatic Turntables

The main issue with a fully automatic turntable is that they can suffer from interference and have a higher level of mechanical noise. The tonearm is more connected to the platter, and thus the motor, which means motor noise can creep into the stylus.

You end up paying for utility at the expense of audio quality, which might not be perfect for everybody.

• The more mechanical components, the more likely they are to fail or need maintenance.
• There are fewer options available across the board.
• Sonic performance may be of inferior quality.
• Calibration tends to be more limited, restricting upgradeability.

Recommended Automatic Turntables

Audio-Technica T-LP60X-BK

This is a decent turntable from Audio Technica that gives automatic features at a low price. The built-in phono preamp means you can plug it straight into external speakers.

Denon DP-300F (DP300F)

An automatic model with higher performance. It comes with a decent MM cartridge and also features a built-in phono pre. All around a great turntable with 33 and 45 rpm rotation speeds.

Thorens TD 102A Automatic Turntable

An audiophile-grade deck with a built-in phono preamp. The Thorens TD 102 is a stunning turntable with fully automatic features and a low resonance die-cast aluminum platter. Comes with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge with a diamond stylus. Also comes with a custom dust cover.

Manual Turntables

With manual turntables, you are responsible for starting and stopping the record, and moving the tonearm in and out of position.

To start playback, generally, you have to lower the tonearm with the cueing lever, then activate the motor. When the record has finished playing, you have to lift the tonearm, place it, return it to its rest and stop the motor. (Some non-automatic turntables feature a motor that is activated based on whether the tonearm is rested or not.)

Pros of Manual Turntables

Typically, this provides the greatest sound since the tonearm does not have any attachments beneath it that restrict how well it tracks the record. The whole system offers more anti-resonance than automatics, making these decks more suitable for audiophiles and audio quality fanatics.

Having no internal machinery to elevate and lower the tonearm means there are fewer components that may break or need to be repaired. This results in manual models lasting for longer than automatics.

In the audiophile turntable bracket most, if not all turntables are non-automatic. Audiophiles will always rather sacrifice functionality to achieve the best sound possible.

• These turntables always create a purer tone with less interference.
• Less complicated and moving parts mean the turntable will last longer.
• There is a wider selection of non-automatic turntables in the market.
• Can be built with denser, heavier base construction, creating better isolation.
• Longer lasting than automatics as there are fewer things that can break.

Cons of Manual Turntables

To start the record, you’ll need to know how to lower the cueing lever and align your stylus with the beginning of the groove. You’ll also need to remain awake to lift the lever back to its original position when the record ends. Theoretically, these are riskier in terms of scratching your vinyl collection or damaging your stylus. Although if you take care and use the lever then they are safe.

• You need to manually stop the turntable when the record ends, or the stylus takes on unnecessary wear.
• There’s a higher risk of dropping the tonearm and damaging the stylus or record.
• Less convenient; you have to wait for the record to end and can’t fall asleep.

Recommended Manual Turntables

Fluance RT82

This reference-grade deck is a good place to start if you want the high audio quality of a manual deck at a reasonable price. It’s more costly than the most basic decks but provides a better listening experience. It comes with a high-quality dual-magnet phono cartridge.

Pioneer DJ PLX-500-K

This is a DJ-style turntable that comes with all the features you need to mix and scratch records. It has rotation speed control and a quick-response direct drive motor. This also features a USB port for recording and using virtual vinyl DJ software like Serato. This is one of the best value decks for a budding vinyl DJ.

Audio Technica AT-LPW50PB

A high-quality Audio Technica turntable featuring a stable belt-driven motor and a carbon fiber tonearm.

Which is best? Automatic or Manual Turntables?

The answer to this depends on your needs and listening style. Both have advantages and disadvantages which make them more or less suitable for certain people. Neither is objectively “better” than the other until you start to compare them based on specific factors.

In short, automatics win in terms of utility, but manuals triumph with sound quality.

Automated decks are an excellent choice if you’re a casual vinyl listener on a budget who prioritizes ease above audio quality.

However, if you want the greatest possible performance and seek the most immersive vinyl listening experience, you should get a high-quality manual turntable. These have a higher level of quality and general upgradeability.

Making the switch to a manual model also simplifies future upgrades. You’re more likely to be able to update your cartridge on these decks than on automatic ones. Other parts, like the platter, the tonearm, or even the RCA wire, may easily be upgraded as well.

Another thing worth considering is the range of models available on the market. Generally, automatics tend to be on the cheaper end, and with fewer models to choose from. Manual decks come at a much broader range of prices, from the cheapest to the most expensive. There are also a lot more types of these turntables to choose from. Also if you want an audiophile-grade model it’s usually going to be non-automatic.

Semi-automatic models are somewhere in the middle of utility and sound. They are still more convenient than a fully manual turntable but have better sound quality than automatics.

My personal preference is manual turntables, but that’s because I like to maximize sound quality. That said, I’ve owned some great automatic models and enjoyed the added practicality they offer.

Bonus – Auto-flipping Turntables

Auto-flipping turntables are another cool style. These feature a system that automatically flips records over from the A to the B side. This style tends to be quite rare but is still an interesting feature that increases convenience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re prone to mishaps with your tonearm, an automatic turntable is probably the best option for you. However, using manuals isn’t that difficult at all, and you can get used to it pretty quickly. Visually aligning the tonearm requires experience, but it is fairly simple once you get the hang of it. If you take the time to raise and lower the tonearm correctly then it’s easy to keep your records and needle safe.

Consider the turntable as the starting point for all aspects of your vinyl playing system. This means that the higher the sound quality you can achieve from your records, the more enjoyable your listening experience will be.

Choosing a hand-operated turntable is by far the most cost-effective option, and it provides access to a wide selection of decks, from the most basic to the most luxurious.