If you’re here, it’s because you’ve succumbed to the timeless charm of vinyl, or you’re about to take the plunge.
But you may be wondering which turntable to choose to start or upgrade your current installation while preserving your budget. Don’t worry, let’s take a look at mid-range turntables together, these little gems that offer exceptional sound at a reasonable price.
The mid-range: the sweet spot of turntables
Before we dive in, let’s clarify what we mean by “mid-range.” In the world of turntables, the mid-range is generally between 600 and 1600 euros. It is in this price range that the best value for money is often found, with devices offering a sound reproduction that is significantly higher than entry-level models, without reaching the high prices of the high-end models.
Manual turntables: authenticity at the heart of the experience
In this article, we will focus exclusively on manual turntables that are particularly appreciated by audiophiles for their ability to offer full control over listening. It is good to know that there are also semi-automatic and automatic turntables.
In this article, we will focus exclusively on manual turntables that are particularly appreciated by audiophiles for their ability to offer full control over listening. It is good to know that there are also semi-automatic and automatic turntables.
Why choose manual turntables?
- Full control : Users can customize settings, such as tracking force and antiskating, to optimize playback.
- Mechanical simplicity : Fewer automated components usually means better durability and simplified maintenance.
How to choose your turntable?
The choice of a turntable should also take into account your listening environment and your habits. Like what:
- The size of your room : a large room may require a more powerful turntable to fill the sound space.
- Musical style : some models are better suited to certain musical genres. For example, if you mainly listen to jazz or classical music, you might want a turntable with great precision and wide dynamics.
- Frequency of use : if you listen to vinyl records on a daily basis, a sturdy and easy-to-use device may be preferable.
- Paired equipment : think about the quality of your speakers, amplifiers, and preamplifiers, as they play a crucial role in the overall listening experience.
Choosing a turntable is more than just a technical decision – it’s a real personal reflection. 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 crackle of the vinyl, the one that will transform each listening into a unique moment.
Pro-Ject: the art of purity and innovation
Let’s start our exploration with Pro-Ject, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, with one goal in mind: to make the analogue experience accessible to everyone. With their turntables with a sleek design and remarkable sound quality, they have managed to seduce both informed audiophiles and curious neophytes.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO II
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO II is a perfect example of what the brand does best. With its steel plate, carbon tonearm and airframe Ortofon 2M Red Pre-installed, this turntable offers a detailed and balanced sound that will delight both neophytes and seasoned audiophiles.
To get the most out of the Debut EVO II , we recommend pairing it with the preamplifier Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL and speakers Davis Acoustics Krypton 6. This combination results in a wider sound image as well as a more accurate reproduction of musical nuances and textures.
Pro-Ject T2 W
The T2 W represents a bold evolution of Pro-Ject. It retains the brand’s analog qualities while incorporating innovative Wi-Fi streaming technology.
This turntable allows the sound of vinyl to be streamed to a wide range of modern network-compatible audio devices, such as HiFi streamers or smart speakers.
Here, you won’t need an amp thanks to the wifi. We recommend that you upgrade your turntable with the stylus Olympia from Sumiko and to maintain your vinyls with the brush HumminGuru I-Brush Vinyl.
Pro-Ject X1 B
For those looking for a little more refinement, the Pro-Ject X1 B offers a premium experience. With its acrylic platter and carbon fiber tonearm, it takes sound performance a step further while maintaining the brand’s signature clean aesthetic.
Make the most of this turntable’s capabilities by pairing it with bookshelf speakers Sonus Faber Lumina II and the amplifier Musical Fidelity M3. This configuration will allow you to enjoy an immersive and detailed listening experience.
Rega : la tradition britannique
Founded in 1973 in the UK, this iconic brand is synonymous with passion for music and innovation. Rega turntables are designed with elegant simplicity, with an emphasis on 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 perfect choice for those who want to feel every vibration and emotion of their records.
Rega Planar 3
The Rega Planar 3 is a true institution in the world of turntables. With its iconic design unchanged for decades, this turntable embodies the brand’s philosophy: simplicity, reliability and impeccable sound quality.
For the best sound experience, pair the Planar 3 to an integrated amplifier ELEK MK4 and floorstanding speakers Rega 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, the Rega Planar 6 takes the concept to the next level. With its glass top and RB330 arm, it offers even greater precision and musicality.
The Rega Planar 6 pairs perfectly with floorstanding speakers such as the Focal Aria Evo X N°2 and an amplifier Musical Fidelity M5 SI. This configuration will allow you to take full advantage of the nuances and dynamics of your vinyl records.
Gold Note : l’élégance italienne
Let yourself be seduced by Gold Note, an Italian brand that embodies elegance and craftsmanship. Since its inception in 2012, Gold Note has captured the essence of music with turntables that combine refined aesthetics with 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
The Gold Note T5 is a perfect example of this Italian craftsmanship. With its polished aesthetics and sonic performance, it embodies the perfect balance between form and function. Its aluminum tonearm and POM (polyoxymethylene) platter give it remarkable precision.
With Gold Note, we enter the realm of refinement. It’s as if you were 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 setup with a PH-5 preamplifier and Focal Theva N°2 speakers.
EAT : la précision autrichienne
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 real ritual, where each note resonates with clarity and depth, allowing you to rediscover the magic of vinyl.
EAT Prelude
The EAT Prelude is a turntable that doesn’t 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 Fidelity M3 SI Musical integrated amplifier as well as the Focal Aria EVO X n°1 bookshelf speakers.
Whether you opt for the sleek simplicity of a Pro-Ject, the British tradition of a Rega, the craftsmanship of a Gold Note or the robustness of an EAT, remember that choosing a turntable goes far 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 beginning to end, to appreciate every crack, every imperfection that makes the charm of this format. It is a return to a more conscious, more engaged form of listening, as opposed to the frenetic consumption of music that streaming offers us.
So, no matter which turntable you choose, never forget the most important thing: enjoying music and sharing your passion. Because that’s where the real magic of vinyl lies.