Platter Play: allows the performance pads to control the speed of the platter to enable melodic and more musical live performances Many audiophiles, DJs, and other vinyl enthusiasts swear by the superior sound quality that many of us would associate with vinyl. At least when compared to compressed digital audio files like an MP3, or when listening to your favourite streaming platform, for example.

Next up we have the AT-LP1240-USB-XP from Audio-Technica (updated in 2018 from the original 2012 model). As well as being a professional DJ turntable it’s also targeted at audiophiles for general listening. Its most relevant competition from a buyer’s perspective is probably the Reloop 7000 MK2 (No.3 on this list). As the price is very similar to the Reloop, there are a couple of things to consider: Best suited to: In addition to the option for ‘tonearm-free’ DVS control for Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox, the PLX-CRSS12 brings 4 MIDI-mappable performance pads, easily switchable to use 8 modes, an OLED display showing essential data such as key & BPM etc., and other cool features. Any vinyl DJ or audiophile looking for a reliable turntable that does all the basics really well without any ‘bells & whistles’ – one that doesn’t necessarily have their heart set on getting Technics. Also venue owners and club installers. Approximate price (per turntable):Lastly, released in 2017 to replace the original STR8.150, we have the STR8.150 MKII from Stanton. It’s targeted at scratch DJs… hence the straight tonearm, which many turntablists prefer. Primarily DVS users and/or scratch DJs that use Serato DJ Pro. Also, any DJ looking to move to a DVS setup; one that wants the authentic feel of vinyl mixing with the enhanced capability and conveniences that you’d typically only get when using DJ software on a DJ controller. Approximate price (per turntable): If you do decide to use the tonearm, whether in DVS mode or for a regular analogue setup, the adjustable clamp will hold the vinyl in place to prevent the needle jumping whilst also keeping ‘warped’ records flat. Once received our Soundlab experts diagnose your Audio Hi-Fi Equipment, we will proceed and fix your Audio Hi-Fi Equipment once the repair cost is confirmed.

The battle-style layout leaves plenty of room for scratching, with the closest market comparisons being the RP-8000 MK2 from Reloop released in 2019 (see No.5) and the Rane Twelve from 2017 (see No.8).It is your responsibility to request a return. If you don’t tell us you want to make a return, we don’t know. Once you do tell us, we will do everything we can to action it. Any vinyl and/or scratch DJ that isn’t necessarily loyal to Technics or Pioneer; one that’s perhaps more interested in value for money over brand. Also venue owners and club installers. Approximate price (per turntable): The good news is, these factors are generally more of a concern with cheaper turntables. So, by creating this post (ie only selecting high-end turntables), you can focus more on things like feature set, what its purpose is, value for money – and, dare we say it, which turntable you most like the look of. So, you may be wondering why the MK7s are not first on our list?! Well, firstly, the one spec that we can’t ignore is the weight. The MK7s are the lightest turntable on this list (varying between 15 – 30% lighter), and are also 20% lighter than the original MK2s – so they’re probably not the best option when it comes to isolating in loud, bass-heavy environments such as clubs & festivals, etc. In the same breath, it’s really not a concern if you only plan to use them at home or for house parties – which, let’s be honest, will probably be most people reading this!

With its reinforced metal construction, the 7000 MK2 is extremely well built (it’s nice & heavy), with plenty of sound-isolating properties and features, such as the new, low-resonance S-shaped tonearm and rubber-lined platter, for example. With regards to start-up speed (torque), the 7000 MK2s also has a slightly improved motor compared to the previous model, so definitely no complaints there. In plain English, it’s a technology that allows you to mix digital music files on your turntables. It’s made possible with a unique ‘’timecode disc’’ (a vinyl record), which communicates through a DVS interface (typically a small box with audio inputs and outputs) to your DJ software on your laptop. When it comes to CDs, they sit somewhere in the middle of this ‘lossless’ audio principle when compared to digital formats a nd vinyl.Firstly, vinyl is the only true lossless audio format. This basically means that you’re hearing a truer representation of the original recording as the producer intended in the studio. Because of this, based on this compression argument alone, you WOULD get a ‘’better’’ sound compared to an MP3, or any other digital file. As we jump into the modern day, Technics relaunched in 2016, releasing models such as the Grand Class SL-1200GR. Spanning a couple of years, the various models were generally targeted at audiophiles rather than working DJs, and they all carried a premium (or ‘’collectables’’) price tag.

Firstly, we should say that everything on the AT-LP1240-USB-XP has a nice premium feel to it. It’s well-built and has plenty of anti-resonance/dampening design features. Furthermore, it’s nice & heavy and has plenty of torque – all necessary for producing a quality sound output, and for professional use.It’s not just an open-and-shut case here, though. Many modern vinyl records are cut from digital masters, so it’s not a pure analogue signal – meaning the initial ‘compression’ argument no longer applies in this instance. Only released in August 2023, the PLX-CRSS12 from Pioneer DJ moves into prime position as the best ‘digital-analogue’ / hybrid turntable on the market, with its closest competition being the Reloop RP-8000 MK2, which is next. Made by Japanese company Panasonic, the iconic Technics ‘SL-1200’series of DJ turntables originally began manufacturing in October 1972. It was this series that would become famous for utilizing the direct-drive technology that the company patented a few years earlier.