Published on 11 November 2013 · Updated on 22 May 2026
In short
Before buying a turntable, you need to ask yourself the right questions. To help you, we have identified 7 key criteria to examine before purchase: your existing equipment, your musical tastes, the technical criteria, your upgrade plans, your budget, your confidence in your choice, and after-sales service. Our technicians are on hand on 0 810 810 121, and you can come and try your future turntable in our auditorium near Rennes.
Before buying a turntable, you need to ask yourself the right questions. Choosing a turntable is no easy task. To guide you through the process, we suggest a series of 7 questions to ask yourself first before buying a turntable. Your answers will point you towards a concise selection of turntables suited to your needs.
- Question 1: What equipment do I already own?
- Question 2: What are my musical tastes?
- Question 3: What technical criteria should I know about?
- Question 4: Am I planning to upgrade my turntable?
- Question 5: What is my budget?
- Question 6: How can I be sure I'm making the right choice?
- Question 7: Why buy your turntable from maPlatine.com?
1. What equipment do I already own?
When you set out to buy a turntable, your choice must first take into account the equipment you already own. The components of an audiophile system should be of equivalent quality. For example, if you own a mid-to-high-end phono preamp or amplifier and you are happy with it, you should choose a turntable whose build quality is good enough to take full advantage of everything your preamp/amp can deliver.
Before buying your turntable, it is also important to check that your current equipment is compatible. For example, if you own an amplifier, make sure it has a phono input. If it doesn't, you will need a phono preamplifier, an essential component when you are planning to buy a turntable!
For those of you who are new to the world of vinyl, you will find and understand all the components needed to run a turntable in this dedicated article:
» Your very first turntable!
Our technicians are here to listen and take your needs into account based on your equipment (contact / 0 810 810 121).
2. What are my musical tastes?
Answering this question will help you understand which turntable to go for so that it is in harmony with your musical preferences. Whether you lean more towards rock, classical or jazz, your choice of turntable will matter.
We invite you to get in touch with our technical department for guidance, especially if you are new to the world of vinyl and have no listening reference on a turntable. When you contact us, you can also mention whether you prefer a more dynamic sound or, on the contrary, a more transparent and neutral one.
3. What technical criteria should I know about?
Beyond the equipment you own and your musical tastes, there are certain technical criteria you should know about before buying your turntable. They will determine the turntable's compatibility with your setup and the sound quality you can expect from it.
Drive type: belt or direct?
Belt drive isolates the motor from the platter, which reduces vibrations and favours sound quality: it is the recommended choice for 90% of home uses (Rega, Pro-Ject, Transrotor). Direct drive, more accurate in speed and start-up, is preferred for mixing and scratching (the Audio-Technica AT-LP120X, for example). The belt should be replaced roughly every 3 to 5 years.
The cartridge: MM or MC?
The cartridge is the component that physically reads the grooves of the record. It is also the component that wears out the fastest. For most users, a moving magnet (MM) cartridge, fitted as standard on the turntable, is more than enough: it is compatible with all phono preamps. A moving coil (MC) cartridge delivers greater finesse but requires an MC-compatible phono preamp and a higher budget.
To find out more about choosing a cartridge and its matching preamp, read our guide how to choose your phono preamplifier.
Connections: phono, line, USB, Bluetooth
Depending on your setup, check the outputs offered by the turntable:
- RCA phono output: the standard output, which requires a phono preamp downstream (amplifier with a phono input or an external preamp).
- RCA line output: for turntables with a built-in phono preamp, which can be plugged directly into an AUX input on an amplifier or active speakers.
- USB output: to digitise your records on a computer (see our article on the phono preamp).
- Built-in Bluetooth: handy for a wireless speaker, but the signal is compressed at the expense of quality.
To understand how to connect your turntable, read our guide Understanding Hi-Fi connections.
4. Am I planning to upgrade my turntable?
When you are thinking about buying a turntable, consider the upgrades you might want to make. Most turntables are said to be upgradeable: you can improve them by changing the phono cable or the cartridge, for example. However, on some turntables the phono cable is captive, so it cannot be replaced. This detail is stated in the technical specifications of each turntable.
You should also know that the more upgradeable the turntable you buy, the wider the choice of accessories available to upgrade and improve it. This lets you boost sound quality significantly, step by step, if your budget doesn't allow you to invest in a higher-performance turntable straight away.
We have written two very comprehensive buying guides on upgrading your turntable and your Hi-Fi system more generally, which we invite you to read below:
» How do I upgrade my turntable?
» How do I upgrade my Hi-Fi system?
5. What is my budget?
Next comes the question of the budget you want to set aside for your turntable. We offer a very wide range of turntables, from entry level to the very top of the range.
To help you, we have written buying guides to suit every budget:
» Entry level
» Mid-range
» High end
We also offer this complete buying guide covering every budget:
» Buying guide: turntables
Our technicians remain at your disposal to advise you and guide your choice according to your budget.
6. How can I be sure I'm making the right choice?
Every turntable sold on our website is thoroughly tested by our technicians. A detailed product sheet is then written for each one, covering the composite materials, how the turntable works, and the musical rendering it offers (several music styles are tried).
In addition, our YouTube channel features many presentation videos, in which you will find most of our flagship models and best-sellers. These videos can be very useful before buying your first turntable, and also afterwards, should you need to make adjustments.
Don't hesitate to contact us for personalised advice. That way you can be sure of getting an expert opinion throughout your purchase (contact / 0 810 810 121).
7. Why buy your turntable from maPlatine.com?
At maPlatine.com, we are committed to providing you with:
- The best advice
- The best service
- The best products
You will benefit from our individual, personalised advice. Every customer has different needs and should therefore enjoy the best possible support when buying a turntable or any other product on our website.
All our turntables are tested and pre-adjusted before shipping. On delivery, all you have to do is install it and enjoy! For details on how your orders are prepared and checked, we invite you to read our dedicated article.
» Order preparation service at maPlatine.com
All our products (except cartridges, styli and belts) are guaranteed for 2 years. In addition, to give you peace of mind with your purchase, maPlatine.com recently launched warranty extensions, which protect you for 5 years after purchase. Find out more below:
» maPlatine.com warranty extensions
We hope this guide has shed some light and helped you make the right choice before buying your turntable. If you are unsure, remember that you can reach us by email or phone for 100% personalised advice. You can also come and try your future turntable in our auditorium near Rennes, by appointment!
» Find out more about the auditorium
Frequently asked questions
What budget do you need for a good turntable?
It depends on your existing equipment and your listening expectations. For a good-quality first turntable, allow between €300 and €500. Above €1,000, you enter the realm of audiophile listening. Our technicians remain at your disposal to guide you on 0 810 810 121.
Do you need a phono preamp for a turntable?
Yes, a turntable's signal is too weak to be amplified directly. A phono preamp is essential. It can be built into the turntable, into the amplifier (a "phono" input), or installed as an external unit.
Should you choose your turntable based on the amplifier you own?
Yes, the components of an audiophile system should be of equivalent quality. If you own a mid-to-high-end amplifier, go for a turntable built well enough to make the most of it. Also check compatibility (a phono input on your amplifier; otherwise you will need an external phono preamp).
Which turntable suits my musical tastes?
The choice of turntable depends partly on your preferences (rock, classical, jazz) and the type of sound you want (dynamic vs transparent). The best thing to do is contact our technical department on 0 810 810 121 for guidance based on your profile, especially if you are a beginner with no listening reference.
Can you upgrade your turntable over time?
Yes, most turntables are upgradeable. You can upgrade the cartridge, the phono cable (if it isn't captive), or add an external preamp. The more upgradeable the turntable, the wider the choice of upgrade accessories to boost sound quality step by step.
MM or MC: which cartridge should you choose?
For 95% of users, an MM (moving magnet) cartridge is the right choice: compatible with all preamps and easy to replace. An MC (moving coil) cartridge offers greater finesse but requires a compatible preamp and a higher budget.
Does your turntable need to be set up?
Yes, adjusting the tracking force, anti-skating and azimuth determines sound quality and protects your records. At maPlatine.com, every turntable is tested and pre-adjusted before shipping: you receive your turntable ready to play, all you have to do is install it.
Can you try a turntable before buying?
Yes, you can come and try your future turntable in our auditorium near Rennes, by appointment.
Further reading
