Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you a vinyl aficionado or maybe a music lover that just get into vinyl and want to see what the buzz is all about? Either way, you may be looking for a brand-new record player that best handles your vinyl collection with care and lets you enjoy your music.
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If you are new to the vinyl world you might be surprised to know that you can’t just plug and play your turntable to the sound system to play your record collection, as you might do with other audio systems. For a hard core vinyl collector, a turntable without phono preamp sounds very weak, thin, tiny, and low hi fi vibe. For you to best enjoy your vinyl, your turntable needs to go through a phono preamp.
What is a Preamp?
The term ‘‘preamp’’ is short for a preamplifier. Before we dive into the turntable world, let us first explain in this article what a preamplifier is and why you might need a phono preamp with your record player. To enjoy your vinyl to the best of its ability a good record player set-up is necessary.
A phono preamp picks up the signal by turntable and corrects and converts it. There are grooves on record for high and low bass notes. The preamp adjusts the sound and equalizes the volume of high and low bass notes. But that’s not the only thing it does, as is clear from the name, it also amplifies the signal. The signal that the turntable sends is called phono, the preamp boosts this weak signal to audio standard, which is known as the line or aux signal.
A phono preamp could be an external device, but they also come built-in these days. That way you would have one less device on your table. A good preamp could make a huge difference in how your record player sounds.
Difference between an Amplifier and a Preamp
There are four components in every turntable setup. A turntable, a phono preamp, an amplifier or receiver, and speakers or headphones. Amplifiers come in all sizes and shapes – big amplifiers power-up guitars and then there are small ones, which are best used for turntables.
The amplifier as the name suggests amplifies the signal and powers speakers. The sound you hear from a record player goes through the following steps:
- The needle of the turntable produces a phono signal
- The preamp converts and corrects this signal to a line signal
- The amplifier boosts this signal and produces a power-amplified signal to power your powered speakers
So, the basic difference between a preamp and an amplifier is that the preamp boosts the weak phono signal to the line and the amplifier boosts it and sends it to speakers. You can use an integrated unit that has both a preamp and an amplifier, but they are best preferred to be separate. The reason for that is the noise produced by transformers used in power amplifiers. The preamp uses less electricity as compared to the amplifier, which uses more electricity and generates heat.
Benefits of Turntables with Built-in Preamp
Preamps as we said before can be an external device with your record player set-up or they could be built-in. All turntables need a phono preamp. Now that we have established that, the next question arises. Why should you get a turntable with a built-in phono preamp?
Cheaper
Turntables with built-in preamplifier are cheaper. The price of a good quality preamplifier could be astonishingly high. There are indeed better and expensive preamp models that come separate and work way better than the in-built versions. But if you have spent a fortune on a good turntable and you are just not in a position to spend more on a preamplifier, there are good built-in preamp turntables, which will save you additional expenses.
Switchable
Some turntables with built-in preamps are switchable. This means that you can use the built-in preamp for as long as you like. If the existing one malfunctions or doesn’t sound as good as you would like it to be, you can just bypass it completely and put in your new high-end one.
Direct Connectivity
A turntable with a built-in preamp can be connected directly to your home stereo receivers without first going through another set of devices. This will save you time, energy, money, and a headache. To be blunt, it is more convenient.
Best Turntables with Built in Preamp
There are tons of record players with built-in preamps in the markets, it can get confusing and intimidating looking for the best one.
This article lists some of the best ones that we recommend.
Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK
This Audio Technica direct drive turntable is a cool machine with many features to offer at a very affordable price. It comes in two colors, silver, and black. There is a lot of plastic used in this AT LP120 turntable, but over all, it holds its own identity. The AT LP120XUSB model by Audio Technica has a built-in preamplifier, unlike its predecessors. The material used in AT LP120XUSB also gives off a premium vibe. The cartridge and the S-shaped tonearm used in this model are reliable and operate very smoothly.
Like any other good hi fi turntable, the Audio Technica AT LP120XUSB BK reduces the vibrations during playback and sounds great. The AT LP120 is suitable for beginners as it comes adjusted out of the box. But you can also make detailed adjustments to it, which is great for audiophiles.
Key Features
- Direct drive
- Comes in two colors
- Works at three speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78)
- Anti-skating mechanism
- Quarts speed lock
- Detachable RCA cable, AC adapter
- Removable dust cover and a felt mat
- USB connectivity
Pros
- The upgraded cartridge and the built-in preamp together produce a very good sound
- Durable machine
- Direct Drive
- The USB port connection allows for digitizing records
Cons
- Many components are made of plastic
- The instructions for installation could be improved
Verdict
The Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Turntable has a lot to offer at the price that it comes in. If you don’t mind the plastic on your turntable and want to enjoy the good sound without any fuss, this turntable is for you.
U-Turn Audio – Orbit Plus
This turntable is one of our favorites. The U Turn Audio Orbit Plus is available in five colors (red, blue, green, white, and black). Looks like the company had some fun making this turntable. If you want a pop of color in your turntable, this is the best option. This turntable is handmade, and its build quality is very robust. U Turn Audio Orbit Plus plays records at the correct speed and delivers the sound perfectly. The accurate tracking of the record by the tonearm and the little to no vibration assures a quality sound.
It is a belt drive turntable so you cannot hear the motor running. This U Turn record player is very easy to use so it is best for beginners who are just discovering their vinyl preferences. Its high-fidelity sound makes it a very good and affordable option for vinyl enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Belt drive
- Ortofon OM5e cartridge in place
- Acrylic platter
- Adjustable tonearm
- Works at two speeds (33 1/3 and 45 RPM)
- AC synchronous motor
Pros
- Available in five colors
- High-quality material
- Three-year warranty
- The high-quality cartridge allows for warm and bassy sound
Cons
- The tonearm adjustment is somewhat limited
- The hinge on the dustcover is not very good
Verdict
The U-Turn Audio – Orbit Plus handmade turntable is made of quality material. It doesn’t just look stylish; it also sounds great. You can get great sound quality and convenience in this one piece.
Denon DP-300F
The Denon DP 300F turntable looks stylish and modern with its all-black metallic finish. The material used is of good quality, but with some plastic parts. The tonearm movements are fully automatic, you will appreciate this feature if you are scared of damaging your tonearm or records by fidgety movements. The stylus moves smoothly towards the player, this makes the Denon DP 300F desirable by beginners but less appealing to audiophiles who want to make their own adjustments.
You are also given the option of turning off the built-in preamp if you want to use an external preamp, the button is the platter. The sound quality of Denon DP 300F is not as good as the other record players we mentioned but it is not that noticeable. The heavy base on this turntable reduces vibrations. The installation and setup are very easy. The removable mount headshell makes cartridge upgrading fairly easy.
It comes with an integrated manual, lifter mechanism, which will allow you to skip songs and listen to the ones you want with just a button. The DC servo motor together with belt drive will let you enjoy just about anything, except for the 78’s. The dust cover on it raises up and down on the neck and it also comes with non-removable, soldered power and RCA gloves.
Key Features
- DC servo motor
- Removable mount headshell
- Works at two speeds (33 1/3 and 45 RPM)
- MM cartridge
- Fully automatic turntable
Pros
- Fully automatic
- Easy installation and setup
- Upgrading cartridge is easy
- Smooth stylus movement
- The cartridge and preamp are of good quality
Cons
- Less appealing for audiophiles because of less room for making adjustments
- Plastic parts could be off-putting
Verdict
The Denon DP-300F is a pretty decent entry-level turntable with a great design and a good price. The built-in preamp is of good quality at this price range, with the option of switching to an external one. The ease of setup and use with the fully automatic functions makes Denon DP 300F a good choice for beginners.
Audio-Technica AT-LP5X
The AT LP5X direct drive turntable is modern, stylish, and offers very good sound quality. The platter on it is made of aluminum and the plinth is plastic in matt black. The assembly and operation are easy. The direct drive motor on AT LP5X runs silently and works at three speeds. The cartridge is solid and allows for bigger audio output. The J-shaped carbon fiber tonearm tonearm on it is a classic Audio-Technica design, which allows for perfect tracking of the grooves on your records. The aluminum platter doesn’t allow much distortion in the playback.
The AT LP5X preamp does a very good job with decent price and can even compete with expensive external preamps. There is also the option of upgrading the current preamp in case you want to improve your turntable. You can also digitize with the USB output option by connecting it via USB cable to your PC or computer on minutes.
Key Features
- Direct drive
- Works at three speeds (33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM)
- Cartridge (ATVM95E)
- Digitize with USB connectivity
- Comes only in black color
Pros
- The sound is very clean and detailed
- The preamp is of high quality
- Direct drive motor
- The assembly and use is easy
- Upgrading preamp is easy
Cons
- The built is strong but there is over usage of plastic
- Less competitive wow and flutter
Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-LP5x is an incredibly good turntable with a solid sound. The high-quality preamp and USB connectivity add to its appeal. The fast and easy setup makes it desirable for a lot of users.
Sony PS-HX500
This turntable offers a lot of features but that doesn’t take away from its sound quality or build. The design is basic in all-black, which gives it a modern look. The high-quality rubber mat reduces resonance in the sound. The sound is rich and good with a preference towards the lighter side.
What stands out in this turntable is the ability to digitize your music. It can digitize up to DSD 5.6, which is very high sound quality.
Key Features
- USB connection
- Belt drive motor
- Works at three speeds (33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM)
- 0.2-inch rubber mat
- Aluminum platter
Pros
- You can digitize your music up to DSD
- Easy to assembly
- Sounds good in all genres
- Fewer vibrations during playback due to the insulated structure
Cons
- The design is very simple
- Upgrading cartridge could be tricky
Verdict
The Sony PS-HX500 is a decent turntable with good sound quality. The design is simple, but some would appreciate it for the ease of ripping vinyl into high-quality digital files.
Rega Planar 1 Plus
The Rega Planar 1 turntable is a combination of a very high-quality turntable and a praiseworthy Rega phono mini A2D preamp. Rega Planar 1 looks very elegant and stylish. It is among the best turntables with a built-in preamp. The build quality of Rega Planar 1 is very strong and reliable. You can easily set it up and its operation doesn’t require much effort. The performance of Rega Planar 1 will please an audiophile too. It plays records without much rumble.
The Rega Planar 1 turntable is made for enthusiastic folks that find prolonged assemblies annoying and frustrating. It can be unboxed and played within minutes. The high-quality Rega carbon cartridge and the RB110 tonearm together deliver great sound with little to no noise. The stylus can be easily upgraded due to the cartridge’s design.
Key Features
- Synchronous AC motor
- Phenolic resin platter
- Thermoset gloss-laminated plinth
- Magnet cartridge
- Handmade tonearm
- Works at two speeds (33 1/3 and 45 RPM)
- Upgradable stylus
Pros
- The design is very elegant
- Includes a very high-quality preamp
- Cartridge upgrading is easy
- High-quality sound
Cons
- Expensive for some users
- Would have been better with more modern features such as a USB connection
Verdict
The Rega Planar 1 Plus is among the best turntables with the preamp. It sounds just right, but it might be out of the range of some music lovers money wise.
Fluance RT81
If you haven’t heard of Fluance before, you are seriously missing out. Fluance is a Canadian company that has been around since 1999. They first built speakers but with time they extended their product range and now they make the best turntables as well. The Fluance RT81 model is on the upper end of the entry level turntable and has a lot to offer at a low price.
The Fluance RT81 comes with a built-in preamp that is ready to go so you are saved from the hassle of looking for one. However, you can also add an external preamp of your choice by merely flipping a switch. Fluance RT81 comes with an elliptical diamond stylus and a well-regarded cartridge (ATN95E) from Audio-Technica. This turntable is a striking piece of equipment with its glossy walnut finish.
Fluance RT81 has a belt drive system, so there would be lesser vibrations but, in the future, you would need to replace the belt. It is not automatic, you will be required to manually return the tonearm to its resting position to the start of the record, which is something an audiophile would appreciate.
Key Features
- Belt drive
- Works at two speeds (33 1/3 and 45 RPM)
- Aluminum S-shaped tonearm
- Audio-Technica ATN95E cartridge
- Elliptical diamond stylus
- Counterweight options
Pros
- Good quality preamp with upgrading option
- High gloss walnut finish gives it a stylish look
- Affordable price
- Cartridge upgrading is easy
Cons
- No automatic tonearm functions
- No options of fine-tuning with pitch control and anti-skating
Verdict
If you are bored with your current turntable, then the Fluance RT81 Turntable might be for you. The cartridge upgrading is fairly easy, and the built-in preamp allows you to listen to your vinyl without much fuss.
Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK
Audio-Technica hasn’t made a single bad turntable and this one isn’t an exception. This turntable has minimalistic and stylish looks and also sounds nice. The fully automatic function of the tonearm allows you to comfortably enjoy your vinyl without the fear of scratching your records. The parts are of good quality, but there are a few components made of plastic. It sports a belt drive motor and an aluminum platter, which reduces vibrations.
It uses a rubber mat which is a downgrade from other AT models. The tonearm is built better and is quite solid compared to other budget turntable models. The cartridge on it is an AT91R model. It lacks pitch control.
Key Features
- Belt drive
- Works at two speeds (33 1/3 and 45 RPM)
- Aluminum platter
- Rubber mat
- AT91R cartridge
- Built-in preamp
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Has fully automatic functions
- Cartridge upgrading is easy
- Simple but elegant design
Cons
- Can’t digitize
- Overuse of plastic
Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK Turntable is realistically priced for the features that it offers. Although it is not as good in performance and build as the other models by Audio-Technica it delivers good sound and is very convenient with its fully automatic features.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon USB
Pro ject is a well-respected brand and sought after by audiophiles. The Pro Ject Debut Carbon turntable by Pro ject Audio Systems is a very well-built entry-level turntable in the market. This turntable is fairly easy to setup. Pro Ject Debut Carbon has a motor that is belt driven that works at two speeds.
The base of Pro Ject Debut Carbon is made with MDF, which is highly dense engineered wood. The steel platter of Pro Ject Debut Carbon adds to its stability and reduces vibrations. The decoupled motor eats up vibrations and ensures you a clean sound. The feet under the base further reduce resonance.
The dust cover is hinged and lifts over the neck. The built-in preamp of Pro Ject Debut Carbon will let you connect directly to your powered speakers. This version of Pro Ject Debut Carbon comes with USB output and non-USB option, if you want to digitize your records then it will cost you a bit more.
Key Features
- Belt drive, synchronous motor
- Works at two speeds (33 1/3 and 45)
- USB output and non-USB options
- Orton OM10 cartridge
- Felt mat
- Steel platter
- Feet under the base
Pros
- Hi-fi table with good sound quality
- Easy setup
- Well built
- Designed in a way to reduce vibrations
Cons
- No automatic tonearm movement functions
- The cartridge could be improved
Verdict
Although the difference is not substantial during playback, the cartridge could be of better quality on the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon USB deck. The Pro Ject’s easy setup, a convenient built-in preamp, and good sound make it desirable.
Audio-Technica AT-LP7
Audio-Technica is the brand that uses a preamp in all their products. This turntable has one of the best cartridges in this list. It is very well-built. The built-in preamp in this deck can be bypassed if you ever decide to upgrade your table. Everything on this turntable is black, starting from its black plinth, platter, J-shaped tonearm to the feet under its base.
Key Features
- Belt drive
- Works at two speeds (33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM)
- J-shaped tonearm
- Polyoxymethylene platter
- MDF chassis
- A moving magnet VM520EB cartridge
- Anti-skating
Pros
- The cartridge is very high quality
- Fairly easy setup
- Great sound quality
- Stylish design makes it look expensive
Cons
- Costly, out of reach of many users
- Although the look is elegant, some might not like it
Verdict
Among entry-level tables, the Audio-Technica AT-LP7 will exceed your expectations. The setup is easy, which can be a tricky thing with many turntables. If you want a good belt drive turntable with a preamp, give this one serious thought.
What to Look for When Choosing a Turntable with Built In Preamp
There are a lot of products in the market that comes with built-in preamplifiers, but they are not all good. Below are some of the things you should keep in mind when looking for a turntable with a built-in preamp.
Build Quality
The whole point of buying a turntable is to experience good quality music. If the important components are cheap and don’t make a good sound, it will ruin the whole vinyl experience. Make sure that the turntable has good quality cartridge and preamp. Chances are that turntables like dj turntables with higher price will have better quality cartridges and preamps.
Upgrading
If everything is ok with the turntable and it comes in your price range but still some parts are not up to your taste, make sure that upgrading is an option. Some of the best turntables come with headshells that are not detachable. This makes it difficult to change the cartridge. A few turntables in this list also come with the option of turning off the built-in preamp with just a switch, in case you want to plug-in your own.
Looks
Let’s not forget, the build quality and looks of your turntables are also important. There is no comparison between a stylish turntable that is all wood and metal and a turntable that has faux wood components.
Automatic Functions
If you are a beginner, it would be best to look for the best turntables with automatic functions. In some dj turntables, you have to manually handle the tonearm. If you’re not experienced, your shaky movements might damage the tonearm or vinyl record. In that case, it’s always best to buy an automatic turntable.
Recommendation
All the turntables mentioned here are good and quality-wise they are similar. But if we had to pick one, our best choice would be the Fluance RT81. This belt drive turntable comes with a strong C200 built-in preamp and has good looks. The sound is hi-fi at a reasonable price.
Final words
Turntables with built-in preamps are not just convenient, they could be good audio gear too. If you want to save yourself from the headache of one more device, extra cables on your table, and the fear of picking the wrong stuff, then go through this list of turntables. They are all good picks.
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