If you’re first getting into the DJ scene it can be tough choosing the best DJ turntable. Even if you’re a seasoned vet, you may be looking for something new or an upgrade.
And in 2016 there are a ton of options available, and some staples of the industry that are no longer available.
And then there’s the whole choice of whether you want a vinyl turntable, a CD turntable or a simple hardware controller. The technology out now is absolutely crazy. And the options are limitless.
But in this DJ turntable review we’re going to give you 3 of the best options for both vinyl and CD decks. Take a look at our top picks for the best DJ turntables of 2016
Why does a DJ need a turntable?
Well, to begin with, it, it is a fundamental part of DJing. Innovations simply add to the old without destroying it, but they may add to its purpose. For instance, TV didn’t stop radio neither did the internet kill newspapers. Similarly, digital DJing will not stop people from using turntables. The following scenarios are perfect examples of why a DJ needs a turntable:
- A turntable is required if you want to rip, scratch or sample using old records
- Long time DJ’s with a big huge collection of records may need a turntable to play digital music with records
- Serato Scratch and Traktor users definitely need turntables
One or two Technics turntables would be enough to DJ, but over-reliance on them may make you miss a trick in the digital age when so many alternatives are available out there. These have features that you may not find in the Technics but are worth having.
Technics SL-1200 MK II DJ Turntable
The Technics SL-1200 MK II is an amazing model with high ratings across the board. If you’re an analog-junkie and enjoy your vinyls, or require a high-quality turntable to create your own music and samples, this is a treat.
The value of this product is insurmountable because of features that include durability, sliding pitch control with strobe, detachable headshell, die-cast aluminum body, heavy rubber base, an ultra-low speed motor and high torque.
The Technics Direct-Drive system make consistent, accurate speeds possible with reduction of parts that can malfunction.
It’s a robust, upper-tier model that is perfect for anyone who has a desire for a turntable that is both professional and practical. The item weight is approximately 25 pounds and has a record speed of 45 rpm. The model comes in both silver and matte black. This is a favorite of DJ’s and home-based audiophiles alike.
Technics SL-1200 MK II is affordable, reliable, and exceptional. There is a reason this has sold so well over the last thirty years and is popular on an international level. It’s definitely the best turntable you can get for a grand or under. Many of the people who have purchased it say that it’s unparalleled regardless of price.
It’s safe to say that the Technics SL-1200 MK II is well worth the investment. It will also last you a very long time thanks to the quality build and endurance of the model. It’s an incredible piece of equipment and I recommend this to anyone who is interested in an all-encompassing analogue experience.
Read Our Full Technics SL-1200 MKII Review
Audio Technica AT-LP1240 DJ Turntable
If you are on the prowl for a cutting edge turntable, consider Audio Technica’s AT-LP 1240. This professional turntable is chock full of niceties that will make it quite easy to throw a rollicking party.
Whether you are a professional DJ or an amateur who simply wants to have fun, the Audio Technica AT-LP 1240 is worth your consideration.
In terms of features, this turntable has a USB output that allows the user to directly connect the turntable to his computer. It comes with Audacity software along with a multi-pole, “high torque” brushless motor, 33/45/78 RPM speeds, a direct drive and an electronic brake.
The turntable platter is made with die-cast aluminum, has a starting torque greater than 4.5 kgf.com and a signal to noise ratio less than 55dB. The AT-LP 1240 is built with an tone arm that looks like a large “S”. It has an adjustable tracking force, an anti-skate adjustment feature and a cartridge mount that can be removed with ease.
Though this turntable is commonly used by DJs in nightclubs or other party environments, some choose to use it in the comfort of home. It will play your record collection with excellent audio clarity while operating in near-silence at your selected speed.
There is even a built-in phono preamp that empowers the user to utilize an array of powered speakers, receivers and other A/V components with the turntable. You will find that back-cueing is actually quite easy with the At-LP 1240, making it a stark contrast to a number of other record players on today’s market.
The bottom line is that the Audio Technica AT-LP 1240 is an excellent turntable for professional DJs as well as casual listeners who are looking for a means to play their old records.
Read Our Full Audio Technica AT-LP1240 DJ Turntable Review
Stanton ST150 DJ Turntable
These days, a lot of DJs are going back to their vinyl roots, and there’s no better turntable with which to do so than the Stanton ST150.
With three times the torque of any Technics table, the ST150 is right for listening to vintage vinyl at home as well as for professional disk spinning at nightclubs and music venues.
The adjustable electronic start/brake speed option of this heavyweight turntable offers superior functionality, while the reverse feature is simply good fun.
DJs who want to tap into a digital audio workstation find the S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) exceptionally easy to connect, despite the fact that the ST150 does not come with a USB port. Key correction and up to 50 percent variable pitch control provide a near infinite range of aural possibility for the professional turntablist.
The direct-drive, brushless Stanton DC motor spins quietly and smoothly thanks to a series of 16 pole, three-phase induction magnets beneath the floating 332 millimeter aluminum die-cast platter. The S-shaped statically balanced tone arm comes with Cardan suspension and carries a 13- to 18-gram cartridge. The height of the tone arm can be adjusted on the fly.
The Stanton ST150 debuted more than a decade ago and remains one of the most popular high-end tables for discerning disk jockeys. It plays all size records that range from 16 rpm to 78 rpm.
Weighing in at a whopping 40+ pounds, the Stanton ST150 is no lightweight turntable. Unfortunately, it does not ship with any sort of turntable cover.
Read Our Full Stanton ST150 Review
Pioneer CDJ 2000 CD Turntable
The CDJ-2000NXS2 acquires the highest grade of components from its forerunner – the CDJ-2000NXS – and goes beyond the call of duty. A bigger, multicolor touch screen with a ‘QWERTY’ console has been added to give you the ability to find your favorite tracks quicker.
2 banks of 4 Hot Cues allows you more creativity, with the system’s 96 kHz/24-bit sound card and backing for FLAC, /Apple Lossless Audio (ALAC) enables you to play with higher determination designs. Its colors can also be customized simplifying the task of record cues.
The 96 kHz/24-bit sound card and enhanced computer signal handling (DSP) and Digital Out gives DJs the ambience of a club sound. Reduces analog noise with the high performance 32-bit converter that operates by an analog power supply. Able to support file formats such as: ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio), FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3 and AAC.
A large 7-inch, full-shading touch screen gives you a natural feel of your most loved mixing components. It shows all the data you require, including Wave Zoom, Needle Countdown, Phase Meter, and then some. The ‘Keyword Search’ and ‘Track Filter’ features also help you scan and select your favorite tracks faster for a top notch performance.
Various playback options allow you to play USB Flash/hard drives, SD cards and CDs/DVDs. Another dynamic feature for the Pioneer CDJ 2000 is that it can be linked with up to 4 other Pioneer CDJ 2000 systems. Has a plastic ‘Pitch Slider’ with a smooth sliding motion to easily blend mixes. You can also speed music up without affecting the key of a song with its ‘Master Tempo’ button.
Read Our Full Review of the Pioneer CDJ-2000 CD Turntable
Denon DN S3700 CD Turntable
The Denon DN – S3700 Direct Drive Turntable Media Player & Controller is an incredible tool which has received rave reviews from DJs and media artists from all over. With a spinning platter design, the high torque direct drive motor assures high quality performance.
Features a USB device host, Midi Interface control, internal 24-bit processing, and a USB Audio sound card. Made to play CDs, this amazing music machine gives users an authentic vinyl feel and scratching capabilities without any bothersome needles.
Adjustable platter speed, fast-loading and quick-reading CD slots, and MP3 capabilities give the user full control of their media while resurrecting that old fashioned, record-playing feel. The powerful internal motor keeps the media player in full-gear for a flawless performance.
The hybrid mode allows the media artist to have full control over their entire media library and incorporate it seamlessly. Its portable design allows the user to bring the party with them wherever they go. Easy to use design with loads of variety, this is the ultimate DJ tool.
With exceedingly high online ratings, the Denon DN – S3700 is making waves in the music media industry. It maintains the power and quality to carry the user through a smooth and flawless performance while looking awesome in a dark room.
Everything about this machine screams quality and high-performance worthy. Even DJs who have used the same machine for years and switched to the Denon DN – S3700 are saying how they will never go back to any other brand. Denon consistently puts out high quality tools, and this machine is the capstone.
Read Our Full Denon DN-S3700 Review
Numark V7 CD Turntable
The Numark V7 is a digital DJ controller that boasts a number of professional features that will satisfy every audio turntablist from the casual to the advanced.
It was modeled after the Numark NS7 design with a motorized platter and adjustable torque and is super lightweight for maximum portability. In the club or on the streets, the Numark V7 is a powerhouse of DJ perfection.
The controller comes prepackaged with Serato ITCH software and is constructed with premium faders, knobs, and buttons. It is also compatible with a DJ’s iTunes library and will work with many other types of MIDI DJ audio workstations. It’s durability is unprecedented. The industrial quality of the housing on the Numark V7 means that the unit travels well.
The V7 expands the possibilities of the turntable by allowing two DJs to play at the same time, the first digital system to allow this functionality. This feature makes transitions between DJs smooth. The user can even designate and assign virtual decks, and a 4-channel mixer will allow two DJs to work independently alongside one another.
The control on the Numark V7 is accomplished via an interface that conveys information via USB. The transfer rate is more than ten times the MIDI rate for stellar precision and some of the lowest latency levels to be found in a turntable. Multiple loop banks, beat matching, and five assignable buttons that will let a DJ mark track cues are just a few of the features that have made the Numark V7 an incredible workstation at a competitive price.
Read our Full Numark V7 Review