Records on vinyl had a hard time when tapes and then CDs first came out. We didn’t want to say goodbye to our trusty old record player, but it seemed to fade into the background. Now, though, we’re looking for the best turntables that cost less than $400 because vinyl is becoming popular again. It looked like going digital was the way of the future. Though, it turns out, not really. There are a lot of people, like artists and recording engineers, who really love that old analogue sound. It has a special beauty that is hard to beat.
Despite what the tech folks claim, they cannot be duplicated or beaten perfectly. Maybe a new user or someone with a lot of fantastic vinyl music on their collections. We abhor the word “cheap.” It suggests mediocrity. However, not with these turntables that we will examine. There is some quality even though they may not be expensive. Below, we have mentioned the best turntables under $400.
Check the list of best Turntables Under $400
Audio-Technica LP 120 USB Turntable
Here, the Audio Technica LP 120 merits consideration. Based on the renowned Technics SL 1200, it is a classic. And it has all the features you’d want in a high-end turntable without being too expensive. Although most audiophiles dislike it, it offers a high torque direct drive. But it’s dependable and strong. Even if it doesn’t look as wonderful as some of the other turntables I’ve reviewed here, it’s still a fantastic turntable. Additionally, there are upgrade choices.
So, with a few minor adjustments, you can elevate this mid-range turntable to the higher end. The diamond head stylus on the regular AT95E cartridge is elliptical. If you have active speakers installed, you can choose the internal pre-amp. If you have a set of passive speakers, you can also connect it to an amplifier. So, if you want one of the best turntables under $400, we highly recommend this product.
Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN
This record player’s design is something you’ll adore if you appreciate traditional elegance. The MDF plinth has a sleek, satin-lacquered walnut veneer finish that gives it a fashionable appearance. A straight carbon fibre tonearm, a professional anti-resonance cast aluminium disc with a rubber pad, a hydraulically damped lift control, a lockable stop, a gear change, and an off/on knob are all featured on the top panel. Small coverings for the mechanisms and electronics are located underneath the plinth, and screw-in feet offer further vibration protection.
Overall, even if you set the player on an uneven surface, you won’t experience any interference or malfunctions because to the case’s intricate construction. Included with all of this beauty are a 45 RPM adaptor, a stereo connection with two RCA inputs, and a detachable dust cover. The vinyl player is portable and is simple to transfer as needed. Currently, this is one of the best turntables under $400 that you can buy right now.
Crosley C100 Belt-Drive Turntable
In its original form, Crosley operated in Louisville, Kentucky, from 1921 until 1956, when declining sales forced it to close. In 1992, it was revived and released a new turntable under the same name and with a new owner. Although it still makes turntables, it is now best recognized for its jukeboxes. For now, this is one of the best turntables under $400 you can consider.
Although they have received some criticism over the years for the calibre of their goods, they are still in business, and the C100 turntable is a respectable turntable. It is a belt-driven machine with speeds between 33 and 45 rpm. An adapter for 45 rpm is included. It is made of lightweight ABS plastic that is corrosion- and impact-resistant. It has a clear, detachable lid made of plastic. There is a soft, felt-covered plate made of diecast metal.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable
The simplicity of the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable is appealing. Furthermore, it raises the bar for affordability. The graphite tonearm, which is a key component in eliminating undesired resonance during playback, is the first element I admire. The platter weighs something and is slightly larger at 12 inches. Additionally, there are hardly any vibrations because to the isolation feet. Nothing audible, at least. Actually, the DC power source provides a faster speed. Choosing the Pro-Ject Carbon without the DC supply is an option. This is one of the best turntables under $400.
However, there is no price difference. The Debut includes some upgrade options, similar to other higher-end entry-level turntables. It already has an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge installed. It has an elliptical shape, which is favored among audiophiles. However, I’ve learned from my research that this might not be the ideal match for the Pro-Ject Debut.
Sony PS-LX310BT
The Sony turntable is easy to use both in terms of setup and outside style. After removing it from the packaging, all that is left to do is instal the belt, motor pulley, and platter. Anti-skating and the built-in cartridge’s downforce are both already adjusted to the proper values. The Moving Magnet cartridge is simple to instal or replace because it is detachable. In addition to 45 rpm, 33 1/3 rpm is also a record speed. For now, this is one of the best turntables under $400 you can consider.
The PS-LX310BT has a phono stage integrated into it. The maker tried to create a totally automatic “plug and play” record player, though of course you shouldn’t anticipate something great for this cheap. Therefore, the phono preamp is a bigger benefit. The RCA cable that comes with the unit may be used to connect an external one to the phono output on the deck’s back panel, which is even more convenient.
Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Turntable
It has a striking appearance that is in no way ostentatious. The plinth is constructed of MDF fiberboard and has a glossy walnut finish. It has a removable, closured cover. This machine has a belt drive and can operate at speeds of 33 1/3 and 45 rpm; it also comes with a 45 rpm converter. There is a rubber mat covering an aluminum platter. In order to lessen any vibration sounds, it also includes rubber feet. The tonearm has an aluminum static balanced ‘S’ form. It has a counterbalance adjustment and anti-skate adjustments. This is one of the best turntables under $400.
Additionally, it has an Audio Technica twin moving magnet cartridge installed. The frequency response of the cartridge is 20-20,000Hz. There is an integrated Texas Instruments preamp with a phono/line switch. If desired, a switch on the back of the device allows you to bypass the preamp. There are gold-plated RCA outputs. There is a switchable auto stop feature that will stop the turntable from rotating but does not bring the tonearm back.
Music Hall MMF 2.3 Turntable
The drive belt The Music Hall MMF 2.3 turntable is offered in Ferrari red, white, and black. And it’s more than just attractive in terms of appearance. It operates at 33 and 45 speeds, just like other real audiophile decks. And the belt is manually moved to make the changeover. The tonearm is made out of a single piece of aluminum alloy. Additionally, the MMF5, this deck’s bigger brother, uses the identical tonearm. That’s an excellent enhancement and a pleasant touch.
This deck uses a Music Hall Magic 2 MM phono cartridge as its cartridge. It is a rebranded Ortofon Super OM10 elliptical. And if you’re interested in mods, you can quickly and affordably update this to the OM20. This baby’s audio quality much exceeds what you may anticipate given its pricing. The bass is great. Even the peaks sound pleasant, as do the midranges. The voices are also clean and crisp. Thus, this product is one of the best turntables under $400 available right now.
Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 – all-in-one pick
The Electrohome turntable has an auto-stop feature and can play records at speeds of 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm. Most crucial, though, is that you may transfer recordings in MP3 format from the RR75 recording to other media, such a regular flash drive. You can play them back through the Kingston 7-in-1 review system using the USB inputs. With Bluetooth 4.2, you can use wireless headphones, external speakers, or headphones with a headphone jack to listen to music. The main tool for playing/ pausing, halting, skipping forward/backward, and ejecting is the CD player.
Additionally, you can use AM/FM radio. In comparison to AM, the FM frequency range is 530-1710kHz and 107.9-107.9MHz. Overall, it is a pre-assembled system with speakers and an amplifier built in that allows you to listen to music from virtually any source without having to deal with complicated wiring and connections. Output input is 120V, 60Hz, with an amp power of 40 watts and a total power usage of 50 watts. Currently, this is one of the best turntables under $400 that you can buy right now.
Conclusion
If best turntables under $400 to spend on a turntable, you have a lot of great options. It’s never easy to shop with confidence, especially when there’s money on the line. Additionally, you want to be certain that you are not purchasing junk. However, you now essentially have all the information you need to select from the top turntables under $400.
