The mid-range: the sweet spot for vinyl turntables
Before we dive in, let's clarify what we mean by "mid-range." In the world of vinyl turntables, the mid-range is generally between 600 and 1600 euros. It is in this price range that we often find the best value for money, with devices offering significantly better sound reproduction than entry-level models, without reaching the high prices of high-end models.
Manual turntables: authenticity at the heart of the experience
In this article, we will focus exclusively on manual turntables which are particularly appreciated by audiophiles for their ability to offer complete control over listening. It is good to know that there are also semi-automatic and automatic turntables.
Manual turntables require the user to manipulate the tonearm to position it on the record and remove it at the end. This direct interaction offers the possibility of adjusting the settings according to your preferences.
Why choose manual turntables?
Full control : Users can customize settings, such as tracking force and antiskating, to optimize playback.
Mechanical simplicity : Fewer automated components generally means better durability and easier maintenance.
How to choose your turntable?
Choosing a turntable must also take into account your listening environment and your habits. For example :
The size of your room : A large room may require a more powerful turntable to fill the sound space.
The musical style : Some models are better suited to certain musical genres. For example, if you mainly listen to jazz or classical music, you might favor a turntable offering great precision and wide dynamics.
Frequency of use : If you listen to vinyl daily, a sturdy, easy-to-use device might be best.
Associated equipment : Consider the quality of your speakers, amplifiers and preamplifiers, as they play a crucial role in the overall listening experience.
Choosing a turntable goes beyond a simple technical decision - it's a real personal consideration. Your ideal turntable is the one that will make you rediscover your favorite albums as if it were the first time, the one that will make you vibrate with each crack of the vinyl, the one that will transform each listen into a unique moment.
Pro-Ject: the art of purity and innovation
Let's begin our exploration with Pro-Ject, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, with one goal in mind: to make the analog experience accessible to everyone. With their turntables with a sleek design and remarkable sound quality, they have managed to appeal to both informed audiophiles and curious newbies.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO II
The Pro-JectDebut Carbon EVO II is a perfect example of what the brand does best. With its steel plate, its carbon arm and its cellOrtofon 2M Red pre-installed, this turntable offers detailed and balanced sound that will delight both beginners and seasoned audiophiles.
To get the most out of theDebut EVO II, we recommend pairing it with the preamplifierMusical Fidelity MX-VYNL and speakersDavis Acoustics Krypton 6. This combination makes it possible to obtain a broader sound image as well as a more precise reproduction of musical nuances and textures.
Pro-Ject T2 W
TheT2 W represents a bold evolution of Pro-Ject. It retains the analog qualities of the brand while integrating innovative Wi-Fi streaming technology.
This turntable allows you to stream vinyl sound to a wide range of modern network-compatible audio devices, such as HiFi streamers or connected speakers.
Here, you won't need an amp thanks to the wifi. We advise you to upgrade your turntable with the stylusOlympia de chez Sumiko and maintain your vinyls with the brushHumminGuru I-Brush Vinyl.
Pro-Ject X1 B
For those looking for a little more refinement, thePro-Ject X1 B offers a premium experience. With its acrylic platter and carbon fiber tonearm, it pushes sound performance a little further while retaining the brand's characteristic clean aesthetic.
Take full advantage of the capabilities of this turntable by pairing it with bookshelf speakersSoundsmith Lights II and to the amplifierMusical Fidelity M3. This configuration will allow you to enjoy an immersive and detailed listening experience.
Rega: the British tradition
Founded in 1973 in the United Kingdom, this iconic brand is synonymous with passion for music and innovation. The decks Let go are designed with elegant simplicity, emphasizing pure sound quality. When you listen to vinyl on a Rega, every detail comes to life, transporting you straight to the heart of the music. It's the ideal choice for those who want to feel every vibration and emotion from their records.
Rega Planar 3
TheRega Planar 3 is a true institution in the world of vinyl turntables. With its iconic design unchanged for decades, this turntable alone embodies the brand's philosophy: simplicity, reliability and impeccable sound quality.
For an optimal sound experience, combine thePlanar 3 with an integrated amplifierELEK MK4 and floor-standing speakersRega Aya. This combination will give you a warm, detailed and incredibly musical sound that will make you rediscover your vinyl collection.
Rega Planar 6
For those who want to go even further, theRega Planar 6 takes the concept to the next level. With its glass top and RB330 tonearm, it offers even greater precision and musicality.
TheRega Planar 6 pairs perfectly with floor-standing speakers like theFocal Aria Evo X N°2 and an amplifierMusical Fidelity M5 SI. This configuration will allow you to fully enjoy the nuances and dynamics of your vinyl records.
Gold Note: Italian elegance
Let yourself be seduced by Gold Note, an Italian brand that embodies elegance and artisanal know-how. Since its creation in 2012, Gold Note has captured the very essence of music with turntables that combine refined aesthetics and impressive audio performance. Each model is a work of art that invites you to listen, transforming your living room into a real concert hall.
Gold Note 5
TheGold Note T5 is a perfect example of this Italian know-how. With its careful aesthetic and sonic performance, it embodies the perfect balance between form and function. Its aluminum tone arm and POM (polyoxymethylene) platter give it remarkable precision.
With Gold Note, we enter the domain of refinement. It's like adding a touch of Italian luxury to your audio setup, without compromising on sound quality.
To reveal all the subtleties of your vinyls, complete your installation with aPH-5 preamplifier andFocal Theva N°2 speakers.
EAT: Austrian precision
Let's finish our overview with EAT, or European Audio Team, an Austrian brand that stands out for its innovative approach and attention to detail. With EAT, listening to your records becomes a true ritual, where each note resonates with clarity and depth, allowing you to rediscover the magic of vinyl.
EAT Prelude
TheEAT Prelude is a turntable that does not compromise on quality. With its high-density MDF chassis, acrylic glass platter and carbon fiber tonearm, it offers remarkable stability and precision. The result? Detailed, dynamic and incredibly musical sound.
Exploit the full potential of this turntable with the integrated amplifierMusical Fidelity M3 SI as well as bookshelf speakersFocal Aria EVO X n°1.
See the plate
Whether you opt for the refined simplicity of a Pro-Ject, the British tradition of Let go, the know-how of a Gold Note or the robustness of a EAT, remember that choosing a vinyl turntable goes well beyond simple technical specifications. It's an emotional choice.
Vinyl is much more than just an audio medium. It's an invitation to rediscover music, to take the time to listen to an album from start to finish, to appreciate every crack, every imperfection that makes this format so charming. It's a return to a more conscious, more engaged form of listening, as opposed to the frenetic consumption of music that streaming offers us.
So, whatever turntable you choose, never forget the essential: enjoy
