Those who think vinyl records are a thing of the past are mistaken! In fact, vinyl records can be used for more than just retro home or studio decor.
Sampling old records is a creative way to put together new and unique tracks nowadays, which is why many musicians, including the biggest stars of the Hollywood music industry, often use the technique of sampling to add more vintage tones to their music. However, you don’t have to be a professional to be able to sample old types of vinyl.
In fact, many amateur musicians and producers regularly use turntables for vinyl sampling. Therefore, you can try sampling and even excel at it, no matter your level of skills and expertise.
However, in order to do so, you need a high-quality turntable and finding one can be quite a challenge. That is why we have prepared this list of five best turntables for sampling that you can use to find the right product for you.
Whether you are a music producer looking for a powerful sampling turntable or you’re just a music enthusiast who wants to enjoy their vinyl collection, our list is going to help you find the highest quality product for your budget!
Table of Contents
Best Turntables For Sampling Comparison Table:
| S.No. | Model | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Audio-Technica AT-LP60BK | 4.1 | Check Price |
| #2 | Pioneer PL-990 | 3.8 | Check Price |
| #3 | Fluance RT81 | 4.6 | Check Price |
| #4 | Teac L1NS06102209 | 3.4 | Check Price |
| #5 | U-Turn Audio - Orbit Special Turntable | 4.3 | Check Price |
#1 Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
The first product on our list of best turntables for sampling is an Audio Technica turntable model. As usual, we start our reviews with the cheaper, more affordable models and gradually climb the price scale as we move forward.
This Audio Technica turntable is a great quality vinyl sampling machine, even though it doesn’t provide any extra features a professional music producer would enjoy. That`s why this product is more suitable for those who are just getting into the game of types of vinyl sampling and music production.
If you’re looking for a more professional setup, take a look at turntables #4 and #5 on our list. To get back to the Audio Technica turntable. This budget-friendly device supports 33 ¼ and 45 RPM records and it features a belt-drive design that helps reduce vibration by isolating the platter from the motor.
This kind of setup ensures a clearer, more defined sound for better quality sampling. Furthermore, the turntable features an integral dual magnet phono cartridge and a replaceable diamond stylus.
It is important to mention that this turntable is automatic, which means it automatically places the stylus on records and returns the tonearm when the record ends.
Other features of the device include a built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier and RCA output cables for different connectivity options. The turntable comes with a 45 RPM adapter and two additional adapter cables.
#2 Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable
Next up is the fully automatic stereo turntable by Pioneer. This turntable features a lightweight straight tonearm that automatically moves after the end of the tracks. The device also packs a DC servo motor along with a built-in phono equalizer for precise and high-quality sound.
Furthermore, this device can be connected to an auxiliary input on the Pioneer amplifier, which is not included in the price. Of course, using an amplifier is completely optional but definitely recommended if you are looking for a better, more enjoyable sound experience.
Furthermore, this Pioneer turntable model features a moving magnet cartridge with a diamond stylus and allows you to choose between two playing speeds. Thanks to a durable structure, the turntable is resistant to resonance, which makes the quality of sound significantly better.
The rubber platter mat that comes included in the price, as well as the feet of the turntable, ensures low vibration. The dust cover does a great job of keeping the records dust-free, while the belt drive design contributes to the overall quality of the device. Overall, the Pioneer automatic turntable is a great mid to low priced option for those looking for more value for their money.
#3 Fluance RT81 High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player
Fluance RT81 turntable model also features a dual magnet cartridge, but it packs some extra components that make it worth the price, such as the built-in preamp and adjustable counterweight. The model features a belt drive design and a solid wood cabinet that is built to last.
Its structure and components provide a pure, high-quality sound, which makes this model one of the best performing turntables in this price range. The device supports both 33 ¼ and 45 RPM records, as well as the HQ Texas Instruments preamp, a ground terminal and luxurious, gold-plated RCA line outputs.
It is important to mention that this turntable for sampling is not automatic, which means you need to drop the needle onto the record by yourself.
While some producers don’t like the fact that they have to do this small task on their own, others prefer these types of turntables because they provide a more authentic, vintage feeling and atmosphere.
Either way, if this is not a deal-breaker for you, then you will be happy to know that this lack of automation has given the manufacturer plenty of space to focus on the quality of sound, which is why this model provides such a pure, uncompressed sound experience.
Let’s not forget that this model also comes with a 3 feet long RCA cable, a rubber slip mat, a dust cover and lifetime customer support as well!
#4 Teac L1NS06102209 TN-400S Turntable
Climbing the price scale even further, we’ve included a Teac turntable model. This turntable model features a contemporary design, unlike the models we mentioned earlier.
Its high-quality analog playback provides great sound without much effort needed on your part. The device includes a pre-mounted cartridge, as well as a built-in phono preamp and a subsonic filter for a purer sound.
Just like the previous, Fluance model, this device doesn’t shut off automatically, which means you have to remove the s-shaped tonearm from the record once it’s done.
However, this model certainly makes up for the lack of automation, especially since it contains high-grade components you won’t find elsewhere for this price. Some of those components include an aluminum die-cast platter, a low-friction spindle, and an A2D converter.
Even though the base of this model is made of fiberboards, the durable brass material allows for accurate rotational speed and a higher quality sound.
It is also important to mention that this turntable model is quite flexible in terms of connectivity and packs all the features you need for high-quality sampling, no matter whether you are a professional or an amateur music producer.
#5 U-Turn Audio Orbit Special Turntable
The last product on our list is leaning more towards the professional music producers and those looking for the top quality turntable on the market.
The U-Turn Audio Orbit Special Turntable provides everything you need for superb quality and precise sampling. The device is made of solid hardwood, unlike some of the cheaper versions made of plastic or fiberboards.
It features some of the world’s best, award-winning components, such as the Ortofon 2M red cartridge, along with an acrylic platter that provides a clear, authentic sound. The turntable also comes with a cue lever that allows you to easily operate the tonearm.
Featuring an external belt-drive, this turntable provides accurate tracking and very low distortion, allowing you to enjoy the outstanding quality of the sound.
Other characteristics that set the U-Turn Audio Orbit Special Turntable apart from other products on our list is the improved speed consistency, adjustable counterweight, and an internal anti-skate.
Altogether, this turntable features an elegant, modern design while providing open and dynamic sound quality, making it suitable for the most professional music producers out there.
If you’re looking for a turntable that is going to exceed your expectations in terms of quality and performance, this U-turn turntable model is exactly what you need!
In Conclusion To
Choosing the right turntable for your needs is a difficult task, especially with so many different models available today. However, to help you get a step closer to your final choice, we have put this list of top five turntables for sampling, which includes the highest quality products from all price ranges.
All you have to do now is choose the right turntable, which is a choice that depends on your sampling skill levels, the goals you are hoping to achieve with the device and your budget as well! But don’t worry, having budget limitations doesn’t mean you have to settle for a low-quality product.
When it comes to high-quality turntables, these budget turntables can get you the kind of quality that can match a professional level device any time. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let us know which turntable you chose!
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