What are the best and highest-rated DJ turntables on the market?
There are many reasons DJs want to add a turntable to their setup. For one, many people much prefer the sound of vinyl rather than digital. The main reason vinyl sounds better is due to zero compression and zero data loss. When music is compressed down to a digital file, the overall quality is significantly reduced.
Instruments get lost with certain frequencies, and everything feels squashed. Vinyl has a way of bringing all the instruments, harmonies, and frequencies to life with a clear balance. After many Djs heard vinyl with their turntable for the first time, many couldn’t stand the sound of digital music anymore.
The veteran DJs believe true DJ skill comes with the more hands-on experience of using a turntable rather than their eyes glued to a laptop. They also believe you will be much more respected as a DJ using a turntable. While many people in the audience don’t care what the DJ is using to blast the music, there is still a significant amount who do respect the old school style of a turntable.
There are pros and cons to turntable DJs with vinyl in comparison to laptop DJs with digital music. DJs with turntables have better-sounding music with vinyl, are more respected by other DJs and to some in the audience, and have a lot more fun throughout the gig.
The cons of a turntable DJ are the extra money to purchase vinyl adds up, and much more vinyl to carry around. DJs who primarily use laptops to hold their music have much more versatility, along with a much wider selection of music. DJs who want to use their own music must use a laptop as well. Without further ado, for the DJs who want a turntable, here is our list of the top 8 best DJ turntable on the market.
In Short, Here Are The 8 Best DJ Turntables On The Market
- Reloop AMS-RP-8000-MK2
- Pioneer Pro PLX-500-K
- Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB
- Numark NTX1000
- Stanton STR8.150
- Pioneer DJ PLX-1000
- Reloop RP-2000-M
- Reloop RP-7000 MK2
1. Reloop AMS-RP-8000-MK2
First up, the Reloop AMS-RP-8000-MK2 is a top-tier professional DJ turntable. It has a straight tonearm with skip-proof capabilities. Considering loud PA speakers consistently rumbling your setup, skip-proof capabilities are very beneficial. If you’re like me and very picky about robust build quality, this turntable will highly impress you.
You won’t find a flimsy part on the unit if you tried. Just one purchase of the AMS-RP-8000-MK2 should last you a lifetime. It is incredibly robust and able to withstand vigorous touring conditions.
Considering the skip-free tonearm, the Reloop AMS-RP-8000-MK2 is a scratch DJ dream come true. The platter has an excellent feel and sturdy motor to reaccelerate hastily after scratching. Typically, only DJ controllers have performance pads. Something very unique about this unit is the 8 performance pads located on the right side of the turntable.
While they are a bit smaller than performance pads on a DJ controller, they are very responsive and work exceptionally well. Overall, the Reloop AMS-RP-8000-MK2 is an outstanding DJ turntable for professional DJs. It sounds fantastic, it’s skip-free, has an incredible motor and torque, has excellent build quality, and it’s fantastic for scratching.
Details & Tech Specs
- Quartz-driven direct drive
- Midi controls
- Skip proof
- Advanced hybrid torque
- 8-pads
- Adjustable torque
- Pitch fader
2. Pioneer Pro PLX-500-K
The company Pioneer has been one of the leaders in innovating DJ equipment since June 2004 when they released the very first DVD player for DJs. Later in 2014, a part of their company branched off to specifically focus on DJ equipment. Since then, you have seen some of the most popular DJ controllers, monitor speakers, decks, DJ software, DJ headphones, and of course, DJ turntables. Hence, the Pioneer Pro PLX-500-K is an excellent turntable specifically designed for DJ use.
There are various reasons why we like this turntable for DJs. First and foremost, the sound quality is abnormally great for the low price. Many say the sound quality produced by this unit can stand toe-to-toe with turntables double its price. It comes with a pitch fader and three speeds, 33 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM. With the Pioneer Pro PLX-500-K, you can scratch.
However, we recommend not scratching too vigorously with this unit considering the slow acceleration time.
One of the main downsides this unit has is its plastic build. Plastic build tends to attract vibration, which could lead to negative consequences if used next to a loudspeaker. However, many people claim it is not an issue. Overall, the Pioneer Pro PLX-500-K is a great DJ turntable for the low price. We highly recommend it for entry-level DJs.
Details & Tech Specs
- Pitch fader
- USB jack
- Phono/line switch
- 3-speed selector: 33 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM.
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB
One of the highest-rated turntables on the market, the Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB is an excellent choice. While this system was previously running at $449, they knocked it down to $359. We are not entirely sure whether the massive $90 markdown is temporary or permanent.
Either way, we believe this system is an incredible bang for the buck. This turntable is specifically optimized for DJ use. Don’t let the low price fool you, it is more than capable of gigging and touring for most applications. It is entirely manual with the separate speeds; 35-RPM, 45-RPM, and 78-RPM.
The high-powered direct-drive motor is very powerful. Not only is it great for scratching, but the sound quality is absolutely fantastic. This system produces much better sound quality than many turntables twice its price. Not only do DJs rave about this turntable, but audiophiles who want to enjoy great-sounding vinyl quality love it as well.
Designed for longevity, it has a terrific build quality and excellent durability. Overall, the Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB is an incredible DJ turntable below $500. We highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- Balanced tone arm (S-shaped)
- Detachable cables
- All metal tone-arm
- Great for DJs and audiophiles
- Comes with a slip-on dust cover
- Analog
- Pitch fader
- 3-speed: 33/45/78 RPM
- Aluminum stroboscopic platter
- USB output able to directly connect to a computer
- Anti-resonance capabilities
- High-powered direct-drive motor
4. Numark NTX1000
The Numark NTX1000 is a professional DJ turntable that provides excellent performance. Highly rated across the board, this unit is an excellent bang for the buck running below $500. It has a high-quality setup and fantastic build quality. The pitch control works exceptionally well and efficiently without any issues. Coming with the purchase is an attachable glass cover to protect it from spills, dust, or accidents.
The height-adjustable tonearm is very convenient and certainly comes in handy. While that feature might be overlooked at first, you will find it very useful in the long run. A very beneficial factor the Numark NTX1000 offers is its high-torque motor aluminum platter. It enables decent scratching abilities and smooth spins back to playback speed.
The setup is pretty easy and straightforward. Overall, the Numark NTX1000 is a great bang for the buck DJ turntable that is great for both gigging DJs and vinyl lovers. We definitely recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- 2-speed design
- High-torque motor
- Great for scratching
- Great feedback rejection
- Glass cover
- Pitch fader
- 4 adjustable feet on the bottom
- Adjustable Light for vinyl
- Ports: USB, RCA, Power supply, and Rhono switch
5. Stanton STR8.150
Next up, the Stanton STR8.150 is a great DJ turntable running below $500 on the market. It is one of the few high torque direct drive options on the market suitable for professional DJs. This turntable is well built and relatively heavy at 36 pounds. Don’t let the weight scare you.
Since it’s built like a tank, we consider the weight a massive benefit. It has three speeds; 33/45/78 RPM. After pressing start, the acceleration is quick and on point. By pressing the brake control, the turntable comes to an instant stop. All of the functions and features are highly reliable and effective.
The Stanton STR8.150 is one of the primary turntables used at the Scratch Academy. The Scratch Academy uses this unit since it’s one of the most durable turntables to withstand hours of scratching. Not to forget, the scratch performance is excellent as well!
The only downside with the Stanton STR8.150 is the few claims of people receiving a defective unit. Be sure to purchase anything online from a trusted website with a warranty. Overall, this turntable is a great choice for scratch DJs in need of a reliable turntable for gigs at an affordable price.
Details & Tech Specs
- Analog
- Controls; Start, brake, reverse, pitch select, and key lock
- 3-speed; 33/45/78 RPM
- Pitch control with a quartz lock
- Comes with a Power cable, 45 adapter, slipmat, and RCA cables
6. Pioneer DJ PLX-1000
What many people say is the industry standard, the Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 is another top-tier professional DJ turntable. It produces incredible sound quality, capable of any application. With its high-torque direct drive, the table has incredible acceleration back to full speed. The platter’s scratch performance is excellent. You will be happy with the comprehensive pitch controls, as well.
The overall functionals have a great feel and quality response. It has a sturdy platter that is incredible for professional scratch DJs. You will be highly impressed by the top-notch design and build quality. Overall, the Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 is an excellent choice for professional DJs. You will not go wrong with this purchase.
Details & Tech Specs
- Pitch control
- Interchangeable power and audio cables
- High-torque direct drive
7. Reloop RP-2000-M
Next up, the 2-speed Reloop RP-2000-M is a direct drive turntable customized for DJs. Here is yet another highly-rated great bang for the buck unit well below $500. It is very durable and has a beautiful metallic design to it. The controls work exceptionally well with a great pitch fader response.
The high-powered motor helps accurately beat match your music without skips. Keep in mind that many of the higher-end turntables produce much more torque. However, the RP-2000 certainly provides a powerful motor for the price.
The Reloop RP-2000-M DJ turntable is overall a great entry-level choice. It is well priced, provides good sound, has a great pitch control, and decently built. If you’re a gigging DJ on a budget, you will most likely be pleased with this turntable.
Details & Tech Specs
- Phono/line
- Direct drive
- 2-speeds
- Pitch fader
- Quartz-driven
- All metal construction
- High powered motor
8. Reloop RP-7000 MK2
Barely below $500, the Reloop RP-7000 MK2 is the most expensive DJ turntable on this list, and for a good reason. This turntable is merely amazing. Reloop, the audio and DJ gear company, hit a home run with this turntable.
The RP-7000 is a high-grade turntable that is capable for professional DJ use of any application such as nightclubs, festivals, weddings, or corporate events. Built like a solid tank, it has an impeccable build quality. This unit is definitely designed for maximum longevity.
One of the best uses for DJs with this turntable is its incredible scratching performance. You will not need to hold back on scratching with this unit. The motor is robust and has no issues with accelerating back to average speed after scratches. Better yet, it provides a torque boost if needed. In terms of sound quality, you will be more than pleased with the high-quality audio.
Overall, the Reloop RP-7000 MK2 is an excellent DJ turntable below $500. We recommend it for gigging to touring professional DJs.
Details & Tech Specs
- Direct-drive
- Excellent at scratching
- S-shaped tone knob
- Pitch fader
Quick Recap
Here Are The 8 Best DJ Turntables
- Reloop AMS-RP-8000-MK2
- Pioneer Pro PLX-500-K
- Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB
- Numark NTX1000
- Stanton STR8.150
- Pioneer DJ PLX-1000
- Reloop RP-2000-M
- Reloop RP-7000 MK2
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