The Best Turntables & Accessories 2024

1. Technics - Grand Class Direct Drive Turntable II - Silver

The first stage of Technics’ next generation of direct drive turntables with an improved motor-drive circuit centered on the ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive), the SL-1200GR2 invites more audio enthusiasts to enjoy music with the rich, robust sound of analog records. Since inventing the world’s first direct drive turntable, Technics has continued to work to improve sound quality. It has now developed the ΔΣ-Drive, which suppresses minute vibrations from the motor and improves the electromagnetic conversion accuracy of the cartridge. The first stage of direct drive turntable systems featuring this technology is the Technics Grand Class SL-1200GR2.

2. Audio-Technica - Audio Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge - Brown

Audio Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

This VM95 Series cartridge with 2.7 x 0.26 mil Shibata stylus fits half-inch mount turntables. The cartridge offers excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. The durable, low-resonance housing includes threaded inserts that enable the cartridge to be mounted to the headshell with just two screws – no nuts required. And since all VM95 Series share the same body, the stylus can be replaced with any of the six interchangeable AT-VMN95 replacement styli. VM95 Series dual magnet cartridge with 2.7 x 0.26 mil Shibata stylus. Aluminum cantilever. Durable low-resonance polymer housing. Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws – no nuts required. Compatible with any AT-VMN95 replacement stylus.

3. Audio-Technica - Audio Technica AT-VM95ML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge - Red

CELESTRON Observer's 8-Piece Accessory Kit for Select Telescopes: Compatible with most telescopes with a 1.25" focuser; includes 17mm and 6mm Plossl eyepieces, 2x Barlow lens/T-adapter, 3 eyepiece filters, microfiber cleaning cloth and carry case

This VM95 Series cartridge with 2.2 x 0.12 mil Microlinear stylus fits half-inch mount turntables. The cartridge offers excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. The durable, low-resonance housing includes threaded inserts that enable the cartridge to be mounted to the headshell with just two screws – no nuts required. And since all VM95 Series share the same body, the stylus can be replaced with any of the six interchangeable AT-VMN95 replacement styli. VM Series dual magnet cartridge with 2.2 x 0.12 mil Microlinear stylus. Aluminum cantilever. Durable low-resonance polymer housing. Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws – no nuts required. Compatible with any AT-VMN95 replacement stylus.

4. Audio-Technica - Audio Technica AT-VM95EN Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge - Orange

Audio Technica AT-VM95EN Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

This VM95 Series cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical nude stylus fits half-inch mount turntables. The cartridge offers excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. The durable, low-resonance housing includes threaded inserts that enable the cartridge to be mounted to the headshell with just two screws – no nuts required. And since all VM95 Series share the same body, the stylus can be replaced with any of the six interchangeable AT-VMN95 replacement styli. VM95 Series dual magnet cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical nude stylus. Aluminum cantilever. Durable low-resonance polymer housing. Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws – no nuts required. Compatible with any AT-VMN95 replacement stylus.

5. Audio-Technica - Audio Technica AT-VM95SP Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge - Gray

CELESTRON Observer's 8-Piece Accessory Kit for Select Telescopes: Compatible with most telescopes with a 1.25" focuser; includes 17mm and 6mm Plossl eyepieces, 2x Barlow lens/T-adapter, 3 eyepiece filters, microfiber cleaning cloth and carry case

This VM95 Series cartridge with 3.0 mil conical stylus fits half-inch mount turntables. While this cartridge is designed to play 78 RPM mono records, it is, nevertheless, a stereo cartridge, allowing users to choose between the left and right channels, which can be especially helpful in archiving applications to minimize noise and distortion. The durable, low-resonance housing includes threaded inserts that enable the cartridge to be mounted to the headshell with just two screws – no nuts required. And since all VM95 Series share the same body, the stylus can be replaced with any of the six interchangeable AT-VMN95 replacement styli. VM95 Series dual magnet cartridge with 3.0 mil conical stylus for 78 RPM records. Aluminum cantilever. Durable low-resonance polymer housing. Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws – no nuts or washers required. Compatible with any AT-VMN95 replacement stylus.

6. Audio-Technica - Audio Technica AT6006R Safety Raiser - Silver

DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY Dual 4-1/2" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker (Each): 10-250W power handling; dual 4-1/2" high-definition bass/midrange drivers; dual 5-1/4" planar bass radiators; 1" pure aluminum tweeter; Wave Launch baffle geometry

Designed to mount on a manual turntable, the AT6006R Safety Raiser automatically lifts the tonearm at the end of a record, protecting the stylus from damage. The raiser is equipped with a highly sensitive release antenna and a hydraulic lift with rubber lift bar, ensuring safe, smooth and dependable operation. Height adjustment knob and included spacers allow the raiser to be used with a wide variety of turntables with different tonearm heights. Lifts tonearm automatically at the end of a record, protecting stylus tip. Hydraulic lift with rubber lift bar operates safely and smoothly. Can be mounted on a variety of turntables with different tonearm heights.

7. NAD - C 558 Belt-Drive Turntable - Black

Belt-driven system; stereo sound; 33-1/3 and 45 rpm record playback speeds; MDF body; Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge; dust cover

Throughout our rich 45-year history, NAD Electronics has been offering high performance turntables at unbelievably stellar prices. A component that critical listeners can applaud for its musical quality, and one that almost anybody can afford, the NAD C 558 is a full-featured, belt-driven model targeted for record enthusiasts everywhere. Pre-fitted with an Ortofon OM10 phono cartridge, the C 558 features a belt drive for maximum noise isolation, as well as a precision AC motor with isolated AC power supply that has universal voltage. Complimented by a glass platter with felt pad, a MDF plinth, and a low resonance dust cover, the C 558 delivers an outstanding listening experience unlike any other.

8. Pro-Ject - Cork it Turntable Mat - Brown

Upgrade your sound system with this Pro-Ject Audio Systems cork mat. Its 300 mm diameter fits all turntables, and its cork construction avoids static load, preventing dust buildup that could transfer to your vinyl albums. This Pro-Ject Audio Systems cork mat dampens resonances from metal turntables to provide a clear, crisp sound.

9. Pro-Ject - Leather it Turntable Mat - Dark gray

Create a smooth playback for your favorite records with this Leather It turntable mat set. The universal design works with virtually all turntables, and the unique construction dampens resonance without collecting dust and dirt. With a simple configuration, this Leather It turntable mat set is easy to add to your turntable for a customized audio experience.

10. NAD - C 588 Universal Turntable - Black

Audio Technica AT-VM95SP Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

NAD is well known for innovative, high performance, yet affordable, turntables. While the basic operation of a turntable seems simple, extracting all the musical energy from the record grooves without exciting destructive resonances requires both science and art. Let’s take a closer look at each of the elements of the C 588 with an explanation of the choices we made.