Overview

In this buyer’s guide, we’ll provide a simple (yet comprehensive) overview of the 7 best turntables for DJs in 2022, plus everything you need to make a buying decision.

As the 7 best DJ Turntables on the market, specs-wise, they’re all designed for professional use.

If you’re looking for additional resources before we jump in – things like ‘turntable components & definitions’, ‘a brief history of technics’, or ‘the superior sound quality of vinyl argument’ — you’ll find all this at the end.

Who still uses DJ turntables?

Contrary to what some people might think, there are still heaps of DJs that use turntables in 2022.

Firstly, you’ve got your scratch/battle DJs – also known as ‘turntablists’. When we think of events like the DMC World DJ Championships, it’s a scene that’s alive and well today. These are the folks that popularized using turntables more like a musical instrument in the early-to-mid-70s., most notably hip hop DJs like Grandmaster Flash.

On top of that, there’s also a healthy collective of special event DJs (mobile DJs), DVS users (digital vinyl system – see our definitions section at the end), and tons of other vinyl enthusiasts that still use turntables.

Important things to consider

When you’re shopping for a set of DJ turntables, two of the main things to consider are the torque (power of the motor) and the actual weight of the turntable.

The higher the level of torque will essentially dictate how quickly the platter resumes its set speed when you let go of it with your hand (it’s ‘start up’ speed), which is integral for beat-matching and scratching.

As for the weight – the heavier the turntable is the better. This is ESPECIALLY important if you plan to play out with them. Whilst design aspects and build materials are definitely factors, if a turntable is too light, it can cause a number of problems in loud, bass-ey environments – such as the needle jumping and feedback issues, etc.

Even in the home or studio, the more committed hobbyist would still demand a nice sturdy turntable for optimal performance.

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 unique features; what its purpose is; value for money; and, dare we say it – which turntable you most like the look of.

Note: The 7 DJ turntables in this post are all direct-drive. We explain the difference between belt-drive and direct-drive in our turntable definitions section at the end.

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Overview:

The layout of the PLX-1000 inherits the simplicity of that iconic Technic SL 1200. That is to say, there are no bells & whistles on the unit, and it sells itself on build quality and overall reliability!

With a weight of 14.6kg (it’s very heavy, which is good), the PLX-1000 also utilizes lots of dampening design features and build materials, so it’s excellent at sound isolation; thus preventing unwanted vibrations and maximising sound quality.

The torque specs are also one of the best in the industry, with the platter speed reaching 33⅓ rpm in approximately 0.3 seconds. Round the back of the unit, all the power & audio cables are detachable, which is very handy if something needs replacing – something you wouldn’t always get with older turntables in years gone by.

In summary: in addition to its solid construction, everything feels high quality on the PLX-1000, and it really looks the part as well, with its nice brushed metal finish. As I’m sure you’re curious about, it’s OBVIOUSLY in direct competition with the Technics SL-1210 MK7 that we’re about to cover. And with no real feature differences worth mentioning, all we’ll say is this:

Having had numerous first-hand accounts from the owners of both of these units, the overall quality, feel, and usability of the PLX-1000 is no doubt on par with the Technics in our humble opinion. Also, the PLX-1000s are about 300 dollars (US, per turntable) cheaper than the Technics, so take that as you will.

Key features/specs

• Analogue DJ turntable
• High torque, direct-drive motor
• Club-grade build & sound quality
• Platter: Aluminium, die-casting diameter: 332 mm
• Total weight: 14.6 kg
• Starting torque of 4.5kg/cm (reaches 33⅓ rpm in 0.3 seconds)
• 3 x pitch range/speed control options and reset button
• S-shaped rubber-insulated tonearm
• Detachable/replaceable power and audio cables
• Gold-plated RCA jacks ensure low impedance

Best Suited to:

ANY vinyl DJ or audiophile looking for a reliable turntable that does all the basics really well without other ‘bells & whistles’; someone that doesn’t necessarily have their heart set of getting a set of Technics. Also venue owners and club installers.

Approximate price (per turntable):

$700 USD | €700 Euro | £700 GBP | $1,300 AUD

Pioneer’s intro video

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box)

Power cord | Audio cable | Ground wire| Adapter for EP record | Turntable sheet | Slipmat | Dust cover| Head shell | Balance, sub and shell weights.

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• No USB input on the unit
• There’s also an entry-level ‘PLX-500’ model, although it’s not for professional use
• Visit the manufacturer’s product page here

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

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Overview:

If you’re familiar with, or have owned a set of Technics in the past, you’ll feel right at home with these MK7s. As well as having that classic minimalist layout, everything looks & feels just like the MK2s that were originally released in 1978.

What’s new on the MK7’s? Well, if we compare it to the original MK2s: In addition to the new-and-improved build-materials, there’s also a new coreless direct-drive motor, Reverse Play functionality, and a reset button next to the pitch control. More significantly, they also have detachable phono and power cables round the back, which is much better if something needs replacing. Apart from that, the unit is very similar – in all the right ways!

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!

The MK7s are also the most expensive on this list (by at least 30% depending on which turntable) and are a little light on features in comparison (as are Pioneer’s PLX-1000). Despite these considerations, owning a set of Technics was never about having the most features or being competitively priced – rather, it was about the solid build quality, reliability and status that they represented. And, by all accounts, all of those boxes have been ticked with the MK7s.

With that said, if you’re looking for the ultimate iconic piece of DJ kit in your bedroom or studio, we’d recommend these in a heartbeat!

Model versions explained: The SL-1210 MK7 is the original matte black version sold in the European region. If you’re buying it from the US or Asia, it’s called the SL-1200 MK7. The silver version is then referred to as the SL-1200 MK7 in Europe and the SL-1200 MK7S in the US and Asia. Specs-wise, they’re all the same turntable.

Key features/specs

• Analogue DJ turntable
• Coreless, computer-controlled, direct-drive motor
• High-rigidity cabinet and high-damping insulator
• Platter weight: 1.8 kg
• Total weight: 9.6 kg
• Starting torque of 1.8kg/cm (reaches 33⅓ rpm in 0.7 seconds)
• Super-accurate digital pitch control & reverse play function
• High sensitive S-shaped tonearm
• Brake and torque adjustments (accessible in additional settings located under the platter)
• Detachable/replaceable phono and power cables
• LED strobe in red and blue (accessible in additional settings located under the platter)

Best Suite to:

ANY vinyl DJ (including scratch DJs) or audiophile that wants a reliable turntable that does all the basics really well. The MK7s would also make the PERFECT gift for a DJ that’s considering mixing again and ideally already has records.

Approximate price (per turntable):

$1,000 USD | €1,000 Euro | £900 GBP | $1,600 AUD

Feature overview video:

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box)

Slipmat | Slipsheet | Dust covers (plastic lids) | EP record adaptor | Counterweight for tonearm | Head shell | screw set for cartridge | Phono cable and earth lead | AC power supply cord.

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• No USB input on the unit
• Apart from limited editions, it’s available in matte black or silver
• Also visit the manufacturer’s product page

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

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Overview:

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 shock-absorbing feet, 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.

Setting themselves aside from the market leaders, Reloop has included some additional features, such as the torque and brake adjust controls, and also a second start/stop button for vertical positioning (as preferred by many scratch/battle DJs). Notably, they also have detachable mains and RCA cables around the back.

Once again, if you’re looking for a reliable DJ turntable that gets all the basics right – same as the offerings from Pioneer DJ and Technics – except this time with the added bonus of additional features, and at a slightly cheaper price point (when compared to the PLX-1000), then these babies will do you just fine!

Key features/specs

• Professional analogue DJ turntable
• Drive: Quartz driven upper-torque direct drive
• Rigid chassis construction with reinforced metal; uses rubber and moulding compound for damping and sound isolation
• Motor: 16-pole, 3-phase, brushless motor (super OEM)
• Die cast Aluminium rubber-lined platter (1.5 kg)
• Total weight: 11.7 kg
• Starting torque: 2.8 – 4.5 kg/cm (adjustable stop time between 0.2 – 6 sec)
• Lightweight, low-resonance, S-shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism
• 3 speeds, manual adjust (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM) and reset button
• Adjustable brake speed (0.2 – 6 sec.)
• Additional start/stop button for vertical positioning
• Reverse function: switch for forward and reverse playback
• Phono and line out (no grounding required)
• Detachable/replaceable mains and RCA cables

Best Suited to:

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):

$600 USD | €600 Euro | £500 GBP | $850 AUD.

Reloop’s intro video

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box)

Slipmat | LED needle light | Counterweight | Phono RCA cable with grounding | Power cord.

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• No USB input on the unit
• Available in metallic black or metallic silver
• Also watch this short video review or visit the manufacturer’s product page         

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

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Overview:

See our full DVS definition at the bottom of this article.

Targeted mostly at DVS users and scratch DJs that use Serato, the RP-8000 MK2 has a ton of cool features. If we focus on what the Reloop 7000 MK2 DOESN’T have (No.3), you’ll straight away notice the 8 large RGB performance pads on the left side of the unit (unless you had it in ‘battle mode’, in which case they’d be at the bottom). These control 7 different modes: Cue, Sampler, Saved Loops, Pitch Play, Loop, Loop Roll and Slicer – and can also be custom assigned.

Another notable difference between its analogue counterpart, is the high-quality LCD display located above the pitch fader. This can conveniently show the Pitch, BPM, time remaining, and deck assignment, etc., thus reducing the time spent looking at your laptop; whilst also making beat-matching easier compared to an analogue setup without one! Furthermore, you can use the multi-encoder to browse tracks directly from the turntable itself, loading them straight onto the respective deck, as you typically would on a digital setup.

Whilst there are too many features to list in this overview, there’s also a Pitch bending function in ‘Platter Play mode’; not to mention a Smart USB Connection at the back of the unit – allowing 4 turntables to be linked up via a single USB port.

To quickly summarize: because of its enhanced digital application, it smashes the competition when it comes to feature set, offering unrivalled creative possibilities for performance DJs that use turntables. It’s touted as more of a ‘’musical instrument’’ by Reloop.

One thing is for sure, the RP-8000 MK2 definitely leads the way from an innovation standpoint in the market for the best ‘hybrid’ DJ turntable. And for $800 USD (each), you’re getting a lot for your money, as well.

Note: whilst it’s mostly designed to work with Serato DJ Pro, the unit also works with ‘’most major DJ software’’ according to Reloop, although we don’t have any reference points on how well.

Key features/specs

• Hybrid / digital turntable – works as a regular analogue turntable or with DVS
• Designed for Serato DJ Pro; with 7 RGB colour-coded performance modes including cue, sampler, saved loops, pitch play, loop, loop roll, slicer +
• Rigid chassis construction with reinforced metal; uses rubber and moulding compound for damping and sound isolation
• Motor: 16-pole, 3-phase, brushless motor (super OEM)
• Drive: Quartz driven upper-torque direct drive
• Die cast Aluminium rubber-lined platter (1.5 kg)
• Total weight: 11.8 kg
• Starting torque: 2.8 – 4.5 kg/cm (adjustable stop time between 0.2 – 6 sec)
• Lightweight yet rigid S-shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism
• High-res pitch section with digital fader (digital display)
• 3 speeds, manual adjust (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM) and reset button
• Platter Play: allows the performance pads to control the speed of the platter to enable melodic and more musical live performances
• Pitch bending function via speed select buttons in Platter Play mode
• Static balanced S-shaped tonearm
• Smart USB Connection to connect up to 4 turntables via USB
• Additional output to connect two mixers at the same time; allows easy switching from DVS to vinyl
• Detachable/replaceable mains and RCA cables

Best Suited to:

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):

$800 USD | €800 Euro | £500 GBP | $1,200 AUD.

Reloop’s intro video

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box)

Slipmat | LED needle light | Counterweight | Phono RCA cable with grounding | USB cable | Power cord.

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• USB input – YES
• Available in black
• Also watch this product overview or visit the manufacturer’s product page

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

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Overview:

Firstly, we should say that everything on the AT-LP1240-USBXP 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.

As well as the option for 3 speeds (33/45/78 RPM), some key features include a quartz pitch lock, pitch range buttons, a reverse button, and individual start/stop speed adjustment knobs. In addition, there’s also a second start/stop button at the top of the unit for vertical positioning (for ‘battle mode’).

Unlike the first 3 contenders on this list (the analogue units), the AT-LP1240-USBXP has a USB port in case you wanted to convert your record to digital format, which might be a big selling point for some. Not only that, it comes with everything you need out-of-the-box., more specifically the cartridge & stylus (or headshell) – which you’d have to buy separately with the Reloop 7000 MK2.

Make no mistake, this is another cracking turntable. It’s got tons of great reviews from both DJs and audiophiles alike.

Key features/specs

• Professional analogue DJ turntable
• Direct-drive, high-torque, multipole motor (super OEM)
• Professional anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter
• Total weight: 12.5 kg
• Starting torque: 4.5 kg/cm
• Balanced S-shaped tone arm with hydraulically damped lift control, anti-skate and height adjustment
• Selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
• Start and brake control adjustments
• USB connection: Audacity and other compatible third-party software packages can be used to create digital files from vinyl records
• Forward/reverse operation and variable pitch control with quartz speed lock
• Removable stylus target light for easier cueing in low light
• Built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier with detachable RCA output cables

Best Suited to: