What to look for in a turntable under $1000?
Here are five essential factors to consider when choosing new turntables or record players. Whilst they are all important on their own, the best turntables should have a high level of quality across all of the following factors, for the best performance across the board.
1) Better cartridge and stylus
The cartridge is easily one of the most important parts of the turntable. Because the cartridge and stylus are responsible for reading the information from the vinyl itself, they need to be made from high-quality materials and designed with precise engineering. The manufacturing process is also important, although materials and engineering are primary contributors.
Higher-quality cartridges result in the sound being picked up with more detail, giving the listener a truer representation of the recording with higher resolution and more realism.
2) Low resonance tonearm
A well-made tonearm is essential because it holds the cartridge and carries the information from the stylus to the rest of the electronics. If a tonearm is made with lower quality, often, they are more prone to resonance and vibration, which ends up interfering with the audio quality.
The best turntables under $1000 should have a highly stable tonearm with no unwanted resonance, assuring that you only hear the uninterrupted sound of your record.
3) High-quality motor with low noise and accurate speed
The motor is another main element of the turntable, and there are several areas of consideration.
Firstly, vibration noise must be minimal – and you would expect it to be in this price range. Motors are prone to creating vibrational interference, which can be picked up by the stylus. This creates a hum in the audio signal, which you don’t want. Quiet motors are essential, and all of the best turntables under $1000 on this list have near-silent motors.
Secondly, the motor’s speed accuracy is important. Inaccurate motors (and speed sensors) will create more “wow and flutter” (inconsistent playback speed/pitch) – another annoying kind of audio distortion. You want a motor that runs precisely and consistently at the intended speed (33/45 rpm), so you’re guaranteed that the record plays at the exact pitch. The lower the wow and flutter value, the better.
4) Quality chassis/plinth with strong isolation and minimal vibration
A good-sounding turntable is the sum of its parts, so having a sturdy, isolating base (aka plinth/chassis) is also essential. Decks in this price range tend to use much stronger materials than cheaper models, which often use flimsy plastic that offers no protection from vibration. Sturdier plinths prevent any unwanted vibration from creeping into the signal and also increase the overall sturdiness and durability.
5) Features and Extras
Turntables can be kitted out with a range of extra features. Some people like to use a built-in phono preamp, which can help to slim down the rest of your setup.
Although audiophiles may want a high-quality external phono preamp for more flexibility.
Other things to consider are the dust cover and adjustable isolation feet, which generally are included at this price.
