To choose your first turntable, what matters most isn't the brand or the design, but making sure of three things: belt drive (quieter than direct drive on entry-level models), a decent-quality cartridge already fitted, and a path for the phono signal, either through a dedicated input on the amplifier or a separate phono preamp. Once that's sorted, any of the models below is a safe choice, depending on your budget.
Belt drive or direct drive?
On entry-level and mid-range turntables, belt drive is generally the better option: the belt isolates the motor from the platter, which reduces vibration and mechanical noise reaching the stylus. Direct drive only tends to pay off on DJ turntables or on very high-end models, where the motor is built to a much higher standard. Every model on this list uses belt drive.
What should you avoid in a first turntable?
- "All-in-one" turntables with built-in speakers sold at big-box stores: the stylus tracking force is usually poorly calibrated and wears down records irreversibly.
- Models without an adjustable counterweight on the tonearm: without that adjustment, there's no way to guarantee the stylus tracks the record at the correct pressure.
- Buying without checking whether you have a phono input available: connecting a turntable directly to a normal line input results in very quiet sound with no bass.
Do I need a phono preamp?
It depends on your amplifier. If your amplifier already has an input labelled "Phono," you can connect the turntable directly. If it doesn't, you'll need a separate phono preamp between the turntable and the amplifier. Two reliable options: the Heed Vinyl 1 card (185 €), compact and affordable, or the MOON 110LP V2 (590 €), a step up in quality and versatility, with adjustments for different cartridge types.
The turntables, from most affordable to most complete
| Turntable | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Argon Audio TT MK2 | 269 € | Anyone who wants to start today, plug-and-play |
| Music Hall Mark 1se | 449 € | A first "real" turntable |
| Music Hall mmf 2.3 | 499 € | Anyone who wants a better cartridge from the start |
| Music Hall mmf 3.3 | 749 € | Anyone who's been into vinyl for a while and wants to move up |
| Music Hall mmf 5.3 | 1299 € | Anyone who wants the best entry-level turntable in this store |
Why each of these models?
Argon Audio TT MK2 (269 €)
The only truly plug-and-play model on this list: it already comes with a built-in, switchable phono preamp, so it works even with amplifiers without a dedicated phono input. A good choice for anyone who wants to try vinyl without making big technical decisions upfront.
Music Hall Mark 1se (449 €)
The first step in the Music Hall range, with a build quality more serious than the price suggests and a cartridge already capable of showing why so many people prefer the sound of vinyl. It's the starting point we recommend to anyone who already knows they'll stick with the hobby.
Music Hall mmf 2.3 (499 €)
Very close to the Mark 1se in price, but with a higher-quality cartridge fitted at the factory. If your budget allows for the difference, this is usually the best price-to-performance choice within the entry-level range.
Music Hall mmf 3.3 (749 €)
A clearly more resolved turntable, with a better platter and suspension, which shows mainly in detail retrieval and soundstage stability. It's already equipment that can comfortably support a vinyl collection that keeps growing over the years.
Music Hall mmf 5.3 (1299 €)
The top of this list and, for many customers, the point where it's worth stopping before moving into truly reference-level ranges. A heavier platter, better vibration isolation and a cartridge with far higher resolution than the other options.
Vinyl or streaming?
If you're still not sure whether vinyl is the right path for you — or if you're thinking of combining both — see our guide vinyl or streaming, where we compare the two ways of listening to music at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect any turntable to any amplifier?
Not directly. A turntable with a moving-magnet (MM) cartridge produces a very weak signal that needs to pass through a phono input or a separate phono preamp before reaching the amplifier. Without that, the sound comes out very quiet and with no bass.
Is it worth buying a very cheap turntable just to try it out?
We don't recommend it. Truly cheap big-box models usually have a poorly calibrated tracking force, which wears down and scratches records permanently — the opposite of what you want when starting a vinyl collection.
How long does a stylus last?
Under normal use, between 500 and 1000 hours of playback, depending on the model. It's worth replacing the stylus as soon as you notice a loss of detail or a harsher sound, to avoid damaging your records.