Best DJ Turntables For Beginners

DJ Turntables like Numark PT01 (Left), Pioneer DJ PLX-500 (Top Right) and Audio-Technica AT-LP140XUSB-BK (Bottom Right) are great for beginners
DJ Turntables like Numark PT01 (Left), Pioneer DJ PLX-500 (Top Right) and Audio-Technica AT-LP140XUSB-BK (Bottom Right) are great for beginners( Source : turntablelab )

Best DJ turntables for beginners include 1. Audio-Technica AT-LP140X USB-BK 2. Numark PT01 and more. Turntables are essential for DJing.

As Hip-Hop and EDM continue their dominance of mainstream music, more people than ever are looking to get into DJing be it professionally or as a hobby. This is where the turntable comes to play as it is the heart of not only Hip-Hop and EDM but music production as a whole. 

However, unlike traditional genres like rock, pop, and country, one can't simply pick up an instrument and start learning how to play when it comes to DJing. Turntables are more often than not very daunting equipment for beginners to tackle without any existing knowledge.

To that end, we have compiled a list of the most excellent DJ turntables that beginners can buy right now to get started on their journey into music production.

Best DJ Turntables for Beginners

NamePrice
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP140XUSB-BK$649.00
2. Numark PT01$169.00
3. Pioneer DJ PLX-500$369
4. Crosley DJ100$119.99
5. Gemini TT-1100USB$169.95
6. Stanton T92USB$239
7. Technics SL1200$1,693
8. DJTech USOLOE$168.25
9. TEAC TN-300$209.99
10. Pyle PLTTB1$197.99

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1. Audio-Technica AT-LP140XUSB-BK

The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XUSB-BK is a great introduction into the world of DJing and turntables
The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XUSB-BK is a great introduction into the world of DJing and turntables( Source : audio-technica )

Best DJ turntables for beginners include the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XUSB-BK. This turntable works as both a DJ turntable and a vinyl player.

This dual quality makes it an ideal purchase for people looking to get into DJing while also giving them the ability to listen to their favorite music. It is a DJ turntable with built-in speakers,
and it can also digitize one's music collection straight from the vinyl.

AS GOOD AS TECHNICS!? Audio Technica AT-LP140XP RECORD PLAYER Review ( Source : youtube )

Another reason why it is a great purchase is that it is very easy to set up and install, and the instructions are easy to follow. Plus, because of its ubiquity, set-up instructions can be found anywhere on the internet.

The only downside is that the equipment can feel a bit cheap at times because so much is made of plastic. Still, the sound quality more than makes up for it.

2. Numark PT01

The Numark PT01 is an affordable option for beginner DJs as it is easy to use, portable, and ideal for scratching
The Numark PT01 is an affordable option for beginner DJs as it is easy to use, portable, and ideal for scratching( Source : numark )

Cheap DJ turntables include Numark PT01 which is the best budget-wise for a budding DJ. The turntable is also easy to use.

There aren't many downsides when it comes to the Numark as it operates exactly like how a layperson might envision a turntable. It is perfect for scratching and even portable as it operates on batteries and can be plugged in anywhere.

Numark PT01 Scratch Review ( Source : youtube )

The built-in speaker, while not exceptional, is enough to get the job done, and anyone who is looking to dabble in turntables and DJing can find a deft handle on this device. There is also enough of a difficulty curve that the simplicity won't bore the purchaser anytime soon.

However, the reason why the cost is so affordable is because the turntable works on a belt drive, which might turn some potential DJs off as it might hinder sound quality.

3. Pioneer DJ PLX-500

The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 comes from the Pioneer brand of turntables known for their audio quality
The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 comes from the Pioneer brand of turntables known for their audio quality( Source : pioneerdj )

Best turntable brands include Pioneer and their Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is a great entry-level turntable. The brand is known for making equipment that audiophiles love.

One of the brand's largest selling points is the wonderful sound quality that its products provide and the Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is no different. The fact that the sound quality is second to the ease of the product's use makes it an ideal purchase for beginners.

Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable - Review & Test! #turntable #vinyl ( Source : youtube )

The equipment is so easy to use that one can get started right away as soon as one takes it out of the box. There are also a host of features that make the learning process a fun engagement while also guiding budding DJs along. 

Alongside a bevy of great features, there are some problems with the turntable as its motor drive is a bit slower than the rest on this list. However, this should not be a problem for a beginner player.

4. Crosley DJ100

The Crosley DJ100 is perhaps the simplest and easiest to use DJ turntable on this list
The Crosley DJ100 is perhaps the simplest and easiest to use DJ turntable on this list( Source : amazon )

The Crosley DJ100 is another affordable option for a turntable for a budding DJ. Unlike many others on this, this turntable is completely manual.

One can imagine this turntable as being the basics of the basics when it comes to DJing as the manual feature is coupled by there being only two speeds that the DJ can play with. Plus, reversing is very easy on the equipment as it works with a direct drive.

The TRUTH About Crosley Turntables!! ( Source : youtube )

Given its simplicity, one can imagine that it is easy to use as well, and works completely under the control of the DJ. Though those aspects might get frustrating once one learns more about the craft, for a beginner those aspects are blessings.

So, in a nutshell, if you don't know anything at all about DJing and want to jump in blind, then the Crosley DJ100 is the turntable for you.

5. Gemini TT-1100USB

The Gemini TT-1100 has a bevy of features that make it an ideal beginner turntable
The Gemini TT-1100 has a bevy of features that make it an ideal beginner turntable( Source : amazon )

DJ turntables record player Gemini TT-1100USB is another belt drive-driven system. However, it has the added ability to balance between digital and analog.

The reason why it can do so is because of its USB outputs which make sound a cinch when it comes to its playing, and in turn, gives the DJ more to play with. The turntable also has a bevy of features for the DJ which don't overwhelm either.

Review of The Gemini TT-1100USB Belt Drive Turntable, transfer Vinyl to PC or Mac ( Source : youtube )

Some of these features are an aluminum tonearm and adjustable rubber feet, which both work in tandem to minimize external vibrations, making for a pleasant listening experience.

However, the belt drive can again pose a problem for beginners as the way belt drives work, the system can take a second to get started. But again, for a beginner that will not be an issue, and the timing isn't so long as to cause too huge a problem.

6. Stanton T92USB

The Stanton T92USB is a dependable and easy to use turntable perfect for new users
The Stanton T92USB is a dependable and easy to use turntable perfect for new users( Source : hinhuatdj )

DJ turntables and mixer Stanton T92USB provides the complete turntable experience on a budget. The holistic experience it provides is undeniable.

The one word that can be used to describe this piece of equipment is dependable. One can simply take it out of the box and learn how to use it appropriately without being bogged down by all the bells and whistles of a turntable.

Stanton T.92 USB & Line Output Turntable Unboxing and Review | PMT ( Source : youtube )

This simplicity does not mean that the Stanton T92USB is something that a budding DJ will master and soon throw away. There is still a learning curve, but it still veers more towards the simpler side than the difficult.

Sadly, there is a glaring problem that might dissuade a purchaser. The audio cartridge of the turntable is of subpar quality compared to the other equipment on this list but is easily replaceable if it causes too big a problem.

7. Technics SL1200

The Technics SL1200 is the most expensive turntable on this list but also very worth it
The Technics SL1200 is the most expensive turntable on this list but also very worth it( Source : amazon )

DJ turntables with built-in speakers include Technics SL1200. The turntable is also the most expensive one on this list but worth the price.

First of all, the turntable is easy to use and comes with a direct drive that imbues it with higher power than many of the other equipment on this list. Plus, the leads are detachable, meaning other pieces of equipment can be added to the set.

Technics SL1200 for serious home listening? TURNTABLE REVIEW ( Source : youtube )

The Technics SL1200 also possesses the highest quality pitch fader out there and that in turn means it has a lot of customization options. Simply put, it not only has everything that a beginner DJ needs but so much more.

However, the price might be an issue as it is the only turntable here that exceeds a thousand dollars. Plus, it lacks digital connectivity which might, while nostalgic, might also pose an issue to some.

8. DJTech USOLOE

The DJTech USOLOE is the only digital turntable on this list but a very intuitive and fun to use one
The DJTech USOLOE is the only digital turntable on this list but a very intuitive and fun to use one( Source : amazon )

DJTech USOLOE is another turntable from an established brand known for making the product. Unlike others in this list, USOLOE is completely digital.

However, don't let that daunt you as the turntable's display is very user-friendly and gives real-time feedback on what is happening within it. Also, since it is digital, it only accepts USBs and smaller hard drives, but that only makes the track selection easier.

DJ-Tech uSolo MkII - Review ( Source : youtube )

Though people looking for a more manual or analog turntabling experience might be put off by how different the product is, the USOLOE provides a great and wide array of features for an affordable and powerful experience.

The turntable's versatility will soon make it a perfect piece of equipment for any beginner DJ, and also a product one won't want to graduate from any time soon.

9. TEAC TN-300

The TEAC TN-300 is best known for its ease in use, sound quality, and high speed
The TEAC TN-300 is best known for its ease in use, sound quality, and high speed( Source : amazon )

The TEAC TN-300 is a turntable that perfectly blends quality with useful features. This piece of equipment also delivers the fastest sound with pristine quality.

Despite being on the lower end of the price scale, the TEAC still manages to deliver a warm sound that is usually equated to more expensive analog models. One of the main reasons why is because of its MM Phono EQ which helps it retain its quality and speed despite it being belt-driven.

Audio Geeks Features: TEAC TN-300 Belt-Drive Analog Turntable ( Source : youtube )

The biggest reason to get this one, especially for a beginner, is because of its high-torque motor which makes sure that the quality doesn't dip down even with repeated use.

Plus, the turntable is frighteningly easy to manage and comes with a wide assortment of extra covers and rubber feets in order to store it in a way that won't hamper its condition. Simply put, if one buys this product, one will retain it for a long while.

10. Pyle PLTTB1

The Pyle PLTTB1 is one of the most beginner friendly products from the Pyle brand
The Pyle PLTTB1 is one of the most beginner friendly products from the Pyle brand( Source : pyleaudio )

The Pyle PLTTB1 is a turntable that provides a perfect ratio of quality and price. The turntable is the product of the well-established Pyle brand.

Also, this particular model is great for beginners because of its ease of use. There is nothing extra here other than what is in the box, which while frustrating to most, does not pose a problem for those who are just now entering the world of turntables.

Review of the Pyle PLTTB1 Turntable ( Source : youtube )

However, one glaring problem with this product is that it does not have a built-in pre-amp, which will add to the cost. But as the model itself is cheap, even with the additional price, the issue is not that large.

Overall, beginner DJs have enough products these days to satisfy their curiosity. Though there is a range of aspects to look for, any of the products on this list is bound to satisfy you on your journey into the world of DJing.

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