The Turntable Direct Drive For 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable
Besides the great sound, of course, there is also the classic beauty that can conquer all its customers. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: Crosley C200A-BK Direct-Drive Turntable with S-Shaped Tone Arm, Black
This model scores with customers because of its stable speed and damping design that results in the best sound quality. Read Review
3. Best Design: Audio-Technica AT-AT-LP120XUSB-SV Direct-Drive Turntable
An option that can bring a great experience for analog music enthusiasts with an audio experience not to be missed. Read Review
4. Best Sound Quality: Pioneer DJ PLX-500-K - Turntable with Direct-drive Motor
Pioneer DJ PLX-500 was designed to accommodate a variety of DJing styles. It is ideal for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Read Review
Turntables have a variety of designs, but the most common are two types Turntable Direct-Rive and Turntable Belt-Drive. They have a completely different way of working and will suit certain needs and environments.
Turntable Direct-Drive has a direct disc design connected to the motor, so it will give an extremely fast boot time. Possesses a more stable rotation speed with excellent force. These types of coal discs are highly appreciated for their stability and durability for a long time. If you need a slightly modern, fast-working machine, Turntable Direct-Drive will meet that need.
We have tested more than 100 products and selected the Best Turntable Direct-Drive to introduce to you.
RELATED: We've compiled 8,451+ customer reviews to find the best automatic turntables in 2024 for you. See our top picks and buying guide here.
Our Top Picks
- Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
- Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, variable pitch control with quartz speed lock, and balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
- Direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds. Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration
- Includes: USB cable, detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male), AC adapter, 45 RPM adapter, counterweight, felt mat, and removable hinged dust cover
- Convert your vinyl records to digital audio files by downloading and using the free Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity recording software (or software of your choice)
Best Bang For The Buck
Crosley C200A-BK Direct-Drive Turntable with S-Shaped Tone Arm, Black
- Direct drive, high-torque motor turntable mechanism plays 2 speeds - 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records
- Turntable includes built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier with detachable RCA output cables
- Fully manual operation with start / stop control
- Damped die-cast aluminum platter with felt slip mat
- Balanced S-Shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift control, anti-skate, height adjustment, and lockable rest
- Direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
- Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
- Includes: USB cable, detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male), AC adapter, 45 RPM adapter, counterweight, felt mat, and removable hinged dust cover
- Built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier for phono- or line-level output
- Convert your vinyl records to digital audio files by downloading and using the free Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity recording software (or software of your choice)
- Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, variable pitch control with quartz speed lock, and balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
- Easy digital recording by connecting the turntable to your PC or MAC via the USB out
- Cover Art Display - Put your record covers on display while listening to your vinyl thanks to the sleeve stand inside the dust cover
- Servo-type direct drive. Tone Arm - Height Adjustment Range: 6 mm
- Excellent sound design, just like the PLX-1000 the PLX-500 is built to produce a high-quality vinyl sound
- Use the PLX-500 to mix and scratch your vinyl record or combine the turntable with rekordbox dvs, a compatible DJ mixer and the RB-VS1-K Control Vinyl to play and perform your digital files.
- Stroboscopic platter with speed indicator and removable plug-type target light for easier cueing in low light
- Fully manual operation, selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds with direct-drive, DC servo motor and adjustable dynamic anti-skate control
- Balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
- Variable pitch control with quartz speed lock
- Included components: Turntable, USB cable, detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male), AC adapter, 45 RPM adapter, counterweight, felt mat, and removable hinged dust cover
- Connectivity technology: Wired
- AT-HS6 universal ½"-mount headshell and AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
- connectivity technology: Wired
- Fully manual operation Featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, variable pitch control with quartz speed lock, and balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
- Direct-drive, DC Servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
- Convert your vinyl records to digital Audio files by downloading and using the free Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity recording software (or software of your choice)
- Includes: USB cable, detachable RCA output cable (Dual RCA male to dual RCA male), AC adapter, 45 RPM Adapter, counterweight, felt mat, and removable hinged dust cover
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
- Start and brake control adjustments
- Fully manual operation
- Professional anti-resonance, damped die-cast aluminum platter with DJ-style slip mat
- Selectable 33/45/78 rpm speeds
- Direct-drive, high-torque, multipole motor for demanding dj use
- Multi-tempo control lets you instantly Pick up or slow down the track to +/-8%, +/-16%, while a simple reset button instantly reverts to +/-0%
- Heavy-mass, die-cast chassis prevents resonance and vibrations
- The high-torque direct drive ensures stable rotation and exceptional control
- Interchangeable power and audio cables can be easily connected and replaced, and Pro-grade gold-plated RCA jacks ensure low impedance and amazing sound quality
- AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge (black) with replaceable stylus
- Direct-drive, low noise motor
- Fully manual operation with three speeds: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM
- Lightweight AT-HS6 headshell
What to Look For in a turntable direct drive?
Anti-skate Force
Record Speeds
Tracking Force
Adjusting the track force can be delicate, but this is worth it to improve sound quality. You also have a lower chance of damaging your records by too much downward force.
Adjusting the counterweight at the back of your tonearm can change the tracking force. First, balance the tonearm horizontally. Next, twist the counterweight to get the right downforce (as indicated in the instruction).
Pre-amps
Some turntables come with switchable preamps that can be switched on and off depending on the plugging device.
Drives
Models with direct drive motors are mounted beneath the platter. In a belt drive, the motor is attached to one end by a rubber belt. The turntable can be spun at higher speeds and is compacted by direct drives. Belt models, on the other hand, isolate any extra noise from the motor.
Fully Automatic
The extra electric signals along the tonearm and the mechanical movement are what audio purists believe affect the sound. Full-auto, however, is the best option if you don't want to have to stand up for half an hour every time.
Styluses And Cartridges
The stylus, or "needle", is what sits inside the grooves of the record. It is crucial to choose the right shape for the stylus. An elliptical stylus will pick up more information than one that has a conical surface because it touches more records. Audiophiles also believe that conical styluses work better with old records because they take up more space after the groove has been expanded through repeated plays.
The stylus is held in the cartridge, which converts its movements into electric signals. The most popular cartridge types are moving magnet (MM), and moving coil (MC). Most turntables will use MM cartridges because they areer and more convenient to change needles. However, MC cartridges can be lighter and pick up more groove changes than MM cartridges. They are also more costly.
FAQs
What Makes One Turntable Sound Better Than Another?
You need to take into account many factors. The quality of both the stylus and cartridge is important. Some turntables simply have more features, which allow for better accuracy and less vibration.How Many Times Can You Listen To A Vinyl Record?
The vinyl record is a great resource for work. The record can be listened to over 100 times with no loss of sound quality.Is It Bad To Leave A Record On The Turntable?
It is. It is a habit that even certified audiophiles sometimes forget to put their records in their jackets, but it's important to always do this.Your record will be more likely to get damaged or dirty if it is not kept out in the open. You're guilty of this habit, but at the very least you should not forget to close the dust cover.
Can You Connect A Turntable Directly To Speakers?
It all depends on whether the connectors in your device can accommodate your speakers. Most of them will. It shouldn't be a problem connecting your turntable and its speakers.What’s An Automatic Turntable?
A turntable that is automatic uses a combination of automatic features and a tonearm to lift itself from its resting place and position itself above your record for playback. After the track has finished, the device will automatically lift from its resting place and go back to the original position.This is a preferred method by some users as it reduces the amount of effort required to stop and play your turntable. However, this does not mean you can't manually lift the tonearm. It's still possible.
How To Make The Turntable Louder?
If the phonostage isn't connected correctly or not properly, your turntable might play slowly. A properly sized, wired and connected phonostage is the best way to unlock your turntable's potential.Do I Need A Preamp For My Turntable?
Both yes and no. A preamp is necessary for every turntable to convert its sounds into something your record player can hear, as well as other audio devices.Because most turntables have their preamp built in, it's not necessary. If this is the case then you don't need a separate preamp.
However, we understand that not everyone wants to improve their sound and decide to purchase a preamp separately. For more information, if you are one of these people, please see our next question.
It's time to start buying when you've determined the best types of turntable direct drive and the characteristics you want. It's important to remember that you needn't rush out to a certain store or browse internet discounts just soon. You may quickly discover your pal thanks technological advancements, particularly the proliferation of selling sites.
Try to keep an eye on our site's regular to guarantee the latest deals turntable direct drive passes our standards. As a result, you'll be able to close the gap with them. Could you kindly provide us with feedback so that we can satisfy you guys, our customers? Wish you a great shopping experience!
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