The 7 Best Turntables for DJs in 2023 (for professional use)

📅 Last updated: 13th Nov 2023 | 🕒 Est. reading time: 26 mins

Overview

In this buyer’s guide, we’ll provide a simple overview of the 7 best turntables for DJs in 2023 – with everything you need to make a buying decision! As the 7 best DJ turntables on the market, they’re all designed for professional use.

If you’re looking for additional resources before we jump in — things like ‘Turntable components & definitions’, ‘A brief history of Technics’, or ‘The superior sound quality of vinyl argument’ — you’ll find all this at the end.

Who still uses DJ turntables?

Contrary to what some people might think, there are still heaps of DJs that use turntables in 2023.

Firstly, you’ve got your scratch/battle DJs, also known as ‘turntablists’. When we think of events like the DMC World DJ Championships, it’s a scene that’s alive and well today. These are the folks who popularized using turntables more like a musical instrument in the early-to-mid-70s., most notably Hip Hop DJs like Grandmaster Flash.

On top of that, there are also a healthy number of special event DJs (mobile DJs), DVS users (digital vinyl system – see our definitions section at the end), and tons of other vinyl enthusiasts who still use turntables.

Important things to consider

When you’re shopping for a set of DJ turntables, the two main things to consider are the torque (power of the motor) and the actual weight of the turntable.

The higher the level of torque will essentially dictate how quickly the platter resumes its set speed when you let go of it with your hand (its start-up speed), which is integral for beat-matching and scratching.

As for the weight – the heavier the better. This is ESPECIALLY important if you plan to play out with them. Whilst design features and build materials are definitely factors, if a turntable is too light it can cause a number of problems in loud, bass-heavy environments, such as needle jumping and feedback issues, etc.

It’s not just about playing out with them, either. Even in the home or studio, the more committed hobbyist would still demand a nice sturdy turntable for optimal performance!

The good news is, these factors are generally more of a concern with cheaper turntables. So, by creating this post (ie only selecting high-end turntables), you can focus more on things like feature set, what its purpose is, value for money – and, dare we say it, which turntable you most like the look of.

Note: The 7 DJ turntables in this post are all direct-drive. We explain the difference between belt drive and direct drive in our definitions section at the end.

---

Best suited to:

Any vinyl DJ or audiophile looking for a reliable turntable that does all the basics really well without any ‘bells & whistles’ – one that doesn’t necessarily have their heart set on getting Technics. Also venue owners and club installers.

Approximate price (per turntable):

$700 US | €700 Euro | £700 GB | $1,300 AU

More details:

The layout of the PLX-1000 inherits the simplicity of that iconic Technic SL 1200. That is to say: there are no ‘bells & whistles’ on the unit, and it sells itself on build quality and overall reliability!

With a weight of 14.6kg (it’s very heavy, which is good), the PLX-1000 also utilizes lots of dampening design features and build materials, so it’s excellent at sound isolation; thus preventing unwanted vibrations and maximising sound quality.

The torque specs are also one of the best in the industry, with the platter speed reaching 33⅓ rpm in approximately 0.3 seconds. Around the back of the unit, all the power & audio cables are detachable, which is very handy if something needs replacing – something you wouldn’t always get with older turntables in years gone by.

In summary: in addition to its solid construction, everything feels high quality on the PLX-1000, and it really looks the part as well, with its nice brushed metal finish. As I’m sure you’re curious about, it’s OBVIOUSLY in direct competition with the Technics SL-1210 MK7 that we’re about to cover. And with no real feature differences worth mentioning, all we’ll say is this:

Having had numerous first-hand accounts from the owners of both of these units, the overall quality, feel, and usability of the PLX-1000 is no doubt on par with the Technics in our humble opinion. Also, the PLX-1000s are about 300 dollars (US, per turntable) cheaper than the Technics, so take that as you will.

Key features/specs:

• Analogue DJ turntable
• High torque, direct-drive motor
• Club-grade build & sound quality
• Platter: Aluminium, die-casting diameter: 332 mm
• Total weight: 14.6 kg
• Starting torque of 4.5kg/cm (reaches 33⅓ rpm in 0.3 seconds)
• 3 x pitch range/speed control options and reset button
• S-shaped rubber-insulated tonearm
• Detachable/replaceable power and audio cables
• Gold-plated RCA jacks ensure low impedance

Pioneer’s intro video:

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box):

Power cord | Audio cable | Ground wire| Adapter for EP record | Turntable sheet | Slipmat | Dust cover| Head shell | Balance, sub and shell weights.

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• No USB input on the unit
• There’s also an entry-level ‘PLX-500’ model, although it’s not for professional use
• Visit the manufacturer’s product page here

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

---

Best suited to:

Any vinyl DJ (including scratch DJs) or an audiophile who wants a reliable turntable that does all the basics really well. The MK7s would also make the PERFECT gift for a DJ who’s considering mixing again and ideally already has records.

Approximate price (per turntable):

$1,000 US | €1,000 Euro | £900 GB | $1,600 AU

More details:

If you’re familiar with or have owned a set of Technics in the past, you’ll feel right at home with these MK7s. As well as having that classic minimalist layout, everything looks & feels just like the MK2s that were originally released in 1978.

What’s new on the MK7’s? Well, if we compare it to the original MK2s: In addition to the new-and-improved build materials, there’s also a new coreless direct-drive motor, Reverse Play functionality, and a reset button next to the pitch control. More significantly, they also have detachable phono and power cables around the back, which is much better if something needs replacing. Apart from that, the unit is very similar – in all the right ways!

So, you may be wondering why the MK7s are not first on our list?! Well, firstly, the one spec that we can’t ignore is the weight. The MK7s are the lightest turntable on this list (varying between 15 – 30% lighter), and are also 20% lighter than the original MK2s – so they’re probably not the best option when it comes to isolating in loud, bass-heavy environments such as clubs & festivals, etc. In the same breath, it’s really not a concern if you only plan to use them at home or for house parties – which, let’s be honest, will probably be most people reading this!

The MK7s are also the most expensive on this list (by at least 30% depending on which turntable) and are a little light on features in comparison (as are Pioneer’s PLX-1000). Despite these considerations, owning a set of Technics was never about having the most features or being competitively priced – rather, it was about the solid build quality, reliability and status that they represented. And, by all accounts, all of those boxes have been ticked with the MK7s.

With that said, if you’re looking for the ultimate iconic piece of DJ kit in your bedroom or studio, we’d recommend these in a heartbeat!

Model versions explained: The SL-1210 MK7 is sold in Europe and comes in matte black or silver. If you’re buying it from the US or Asia, it’s called the SL-1200 MK7 or SL-1200 MK7-S for the silver version. Specs-wise, they’re all the same turntable.

Key features/specs:

• Analogue DJ turntable
• Coreless, computer-controlled, direct-drive motor
• High-rigidity cabinet and high-damping insulator
• Platter weight: 1.8 kg
• Total weight: 9.6 kg
• Starting torque of 1.8kg/cm (reaches 33⅓ rpm in 0.7 seconds)
• Super-accurate digital pitch control & reverse play function
• High-sensitive S-shaped tonearm
• Brake and torque adjustments (accessible in additional settings located under the platter)
• Detachable/replaceable phono and power cables
• LED strobe in red and blue (accessible in additional settings located under the platter)

Feature overview video:

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box):

Slipmat | Slipsheet | Dust covers (plastic lids) | EP record adaptor | Counterweight for tonearm | Head shell | screw set for cartridge | Phono cable and earth lead | AC power supply cord.

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• No USB input on the unit
• Apart from limited editions, it’s available in matte black or silver
• Also visit the manufacturer’s product page

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

---

Best suited to:

Any vinyl and/or scratch DJ that isn’t necessarily loyal to Technics or Pioneer; one that’s perhaps more interested in value for money over brand. Also venue owners and club installers.

Approximate price (per turntable):

$600 US | €600 Euro | £500 GB | $850 AU

More details:

With its reinforced metal construction, the 7000 MK2 is extremely well built (it’s nice & heavy), with plenty of sound-isolating properties and features, such as the new, low-resonance S-shaped tonearm and rubber-lined platter, for example. With regards to start-up speed (torque), the 7000 MK2s also has a slightly improved motor compared to the previous model, so definitely no complaints there.

Setting themselves aside from the market leaders, Reloop has included some additional features, such as the torque and brake adjust controls, and also a second start/stop button for vertical positioning (as preferred by many scratch/battle DJs). Notably, they also have detachable mains and RCA cables around the back.

Once again, if you’re looking for a reliable DJ turntable that gets all the basics right – same as the offerings from Pioneer DJ and Technics – except this time with the added bonus of additional features, and at a slightly cheaper price point (when compared to the PLX-1000), then these babies will do you just fine!

Key features/specs:

• Professional analogue DJ turntable
• Drive: Quartz-driven upper-torque direct drive
• Rigid chassis construction with reinforced metal; uses rubber and moulding compound for damping and sound isolation
• Motor: 16-pole, 3-phase, brushless motor (super OEM)
• Die-cast Aluminium rubber-lined platter (1.5 kg)
• Total weight: 11.7 kg
• Starting torque: 2.8 – 4.5 kg/cm (adjustable stop time between 0.2 – 6 sec)
• Lightweight, low-resonance, S-shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism
• 3 speeds, manual adjust (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM) and reset button
• Adjustable brake speed (0.2 – 6 sec.)
• Additional start/stop button for vertical positioning
• Reverse function: switch for forward and reverse playback
• Phono and line out (no grounding required)
• Detachable/replaceable mains and RCA cables

Reloop’s intro video:

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box):

Slipmat | LED needle light | Counterweight | Phono RCA cable with grounding | Power cord.

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• No USB input on the unit
• Available in metallic black or metallic silver
• Also watch this short video review or visit the manufacturer’s product page         

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

---

Best suited to:

Primarily DVS users and/or scratch DJs that use either Serato DJ Pro or Rekordbox. Also, any DJ with deep pockets who’s looking for the most innovative hybrid turntable on the market.

See our full DVS definition at the bottom of this article.

Approximate price (per turntable):

$1,300 USD | £1,300 GBP | $3,000 AUD

More details:

In addition to the option for ‘tonearm-free’ DVS control for Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox, the PLX-CRSS12 brings 4 MIDI-mappable performance pads, easily switchable to use 8 modes, an OLED display showing essential data such as key & BPM etc., and other cool features.

One of the highlights is the first-ever “Magvel Clamp”, which controls the tension on the slipmat and communicates with the unit to help facilitate tonearm-free DJing in DVS mode. The clamp uses an analogue signal through the RCAs for the highest-quality playback.

If you do decide to use the tonearm, whether in DVS mode or for a regular analogue setup, the adjustable clamp will hold the vinyl in place to prevent the needle jumping whilst also keeping ‘warped’ records flat.

Additionally, when set to digital mode, the output generates a timecode signal for DVS control directly from the turntable itself. This means you’re no longer required to use a timecode record or the tonearm/needle, and you can use any record as the control surface.

The battle-style layout leaves plenty of room for scratching, with the closest market comparisons being the RP-8000 MK2 from Reloop released in 2019 (see No.5) and the Rane Twelve from 2017 (see No.8).

The PLX-CRSS12 will set you back $2,700 USD for the pair, or $1,300 individually. Check out Pioneer DJ’s full feature overview video and more useful buyer information below.

Key features/specs:

• Professional digital-analogue hybrid turntable
• Compatible with Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox (DVS mode)
• Tonearm-free DVS control (note: you can still use it if you prefer)
• MAGVEL clamp provides skipless playback (adjustable tension)
• Tonearm has rubber inner tube for maximum sound isolation
• Improved high-quality sound from the PLX-1000 turntable
• 4 x MIDI-mappable Performance Pads for hot cues, stems and samples, etc (switch control for up to 8 modes. Pad modes will vary for Rekordbox/Serato)
• High contract OLED display shows deck number, tempo range, BPM and key
• Step pitch button (when switched on, the key will adjust in tandem with the pitch slider)
• Adjustable turntable torque
• Battle-style layout leaves plenty of room for scratching
• Dedicated ‘Motor Off’ button
• Tempo range button (selecting 8, 16 or 50%)
• Gold-plated RCS terminals

Pioneer’s feature overview:

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box):

Platter | Screws for platter | Screwdriver | MAGVEL CLAMP | Slip mat | Slip sheet | Dust cover | Balance weight | Sub weight | Headshell | Shell weight | Power cord | Audio cable (with ground wire) | USB cable | Quick Start Guide | Warranty (for some regions)

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• USB input – YES
• Available in black
• Visit the manufacturer’s product page here.

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

---

Best suited to:

Primarily DVS users and/or scratch DJs that use Serato DJ Pro. Also, any DJ looking to move to a DVS setup; one that wants the authentic feel of vinyl mixing with the enhanced capability and conveniences that you’d typically only get when using DJ software on a DJ controller.

Approximate price (per turntable):

$800 US | €800 Euro | £500 GB | $1,200 AU

More details:

Targeted mostly at DVS users and scratch DJs that use Serato, the RP-8000 MK2 has a ton of cool features. If we focus on what the Reloop 7000 MK2 DOESN’T have (No.3), you’ll straight away notice the 8 large RGB performance pads on the left side of the unit (unless you had it in ‘battle mode’, in which case they’d be at the bottom). These control 7 different modes: Cue, Sampler, Saved Loops, Pitch Play, Loop, Loop Roll and Slicer – and can also be custom assigned.

Another notable difference between its analogue counterpart is the high-quality LCD display located above the pitch fader. This can conveniently show the Pitch, BPM, time remaining, deck assignment, etc., thus reducing the time spent looking at your laptop; whilst also making beat-matching easier compared to an analogue setup without one! Furthermore, you can use the multi-encoder to browse tracks directly from the turntable itself, loading them straight onto the respective deck, as you typically would on a digital setup.

Whilst there are too many features to list here, there’s also a Pitch bending function in ‘Platter Play mode’; not to mention a Smart USB Connection at the back of the unit – allowing 4 turntables to be linked up via a single USB port.

To quickly summarize: because of its enhanced digital application, it smashes the competition when it comes to feature set, offering unrivalled creative possibilities for performance DJs that use turntables. It’s touted as more of a ‘’musical instrument’’ by Reloop.

One thing is for sure, the RP-8000 MK2 definitely leads the way from an innovation standpoint in the market for the best ‘hybrid’ DJ turntable. And for $800 US (each), you’re getting a lot for your money, as well.

Note: whilst it’s mostly designed to work with Serato DJ Pro, the unit also works with ‘’most major DJ software’’ according to Reloop, although we don’t have any reference points on how well.

Key features/specs:

• Hybrid / digital turntable – works as a regular analogue turntable or with DVS
• Designed for Serato DJ Pro; with 7 RGB colour-coded performance modes including cue, sampler, saved loops, pitch play, loop, loop roll, slicer +
• Rigid chassis construction with reinforced metal; uses rubber and moulding compound for damping and sound isolation
• Motor: 16-pole, 3-phase, brushless motor (super OEM)
• Drive: Quartz-driven upper-torque direct drive
• Die-cast Aluminium rubber-lined platter (1.5 kg)
• Total weight: 11.8 kg
• Starting torque: 2.8 – 4.5 kg/cm (adjustable stop time between 0.2 – 6 sec)
• Lightweight yet rigid S-shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism
• High-res pitch section with digital fader (digital display)
• 3 speeds, manual adjust (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM) and reset button
• Platter Play: allows the performance pads to control the speed of the platter to enable melodic and more musical live performances
• Pitch bending function via speed select buttons in Platter Play mode
• Static balanced S-shaped tonearm
• Smart USB Connection to connect up to 4 turntables via USB
• Additional output to connect two mixers at the same time; allows easy switching from DVS to vinyl
• Detachable/replaceable mains and RCA cables

Reloop’s intro video:

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box)

Slipmat | LED needle light | Counterweight | Phono RCA cable with grounding | USB cable | Power cord.

Additional buyer notes:

• You’ll need to buy cartridges separately
• USB input – YES
• Available in black
• Also watch this product overview or visit the manufacturer’s product page

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

---

Best suited to:

Any DJ or music lover wanting a high-quality, capable DJ turntable; one that might also be used for casual listening. Also any DJ looking to convert their vinyl collection to digital.

Approximate price (per turntable):

$600 US | €600 Euro | £500 GB | $850 AU

More details:

Firstly, we should say that everything on the AT-LP1240-USB-XP has a nice premium feel to it. It’s well-built and has plenty of anti-resonance/dampening design features. Furthermore, it’s nice & heavy and has plenty of torque – all necessary for producing a quality sound output, and for professional use.

As well as the option for 3 speeds (33/45/78 RPM), some key features include a quartz pitch lock, pitch range buttons, a reverse button, and individual start/stop speed adjustment knobs. In addition, there’s also a second start/stop button at the top of the unit for vertical positioning (for ‘battle mode’).

Unlike the first 3 contenders on this list (the analogue units), the Audio-Technica has a USB port in case you wanted to convert your record to digital format, which might be a big selling point for some. Not only that, it comes with everything you need out-of-the-box., more specifically the cartridge & stylus (or headshell) – which you’d have to buy separately with the Reloop 7000 MK2.

Make no mistake, this is another cracking turntable. It’s got tons of great reviews from both DJs and audiophiles alike.

Key features/specs:

• Professional analogue DJ turntable
• Direct-drive, high-torque, multipole motor (super OEM)
• Professional anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter
• Total weight: 12.5 kg
• Starting torque: 4.5 kg/cm
• Balanced S-shaped tone arm with hydraulically damped lift control, anti-skate and height adjustment
• Selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
• Start and brake control adjustments
• USB connection: Audacity and other compatible third-party software packages can be used to create digital files from vinyl records
• Forward/reverse operation and variable pitch control with quartz speed lock
• Removable stylus target light for easier cueing in low light
• Built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier with detachable RCA output cables

Product slide show:

Comes with (in the box)

Slipmat | Dust cover (plastic lids) | Platter; 45 RPM adapter | Counterweight; AT-XP5 DJ phono cartridge; AT-HS1 headshell | Power cord | USB cable; dual RCA (male) cable with integrated ground wire; stylus target light.

Additional buyer notes:

• Cartridges included
• USB input – YES
• Available in matte black or silver
• The ‘XP’ version (updated in 2018) had some very minor changes and included the cartridges in with the price. It’s basically the same turntable that was originally released in 2012.
• Be careful not to confuse it with the cheaper ‘AT-LP120X-USB’ model
• More resources: Watch this short video review or visit the manufacturer’s product page. If you buy it, also check out Audio-Technica’s handy setup tutorial.

Best places to buy:

Only a handful of places seem to stock them. Try these handy links:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

---

Overview:

Lastly, released in 2017 to replace the original STR8.150, we have the STR8.150 MKII from Stanton. It’s targeted at scratch DJs… hence the straight tonearm, which many turntablists prefer.

Literally ALL of the online retailers either didn’t carry it or had discontinued it when we checked, so we’re not recommending it to the ‘general’ DJ market, as such.

To touch on it quickly: the STR8.150 MKII is built like a tank, with plenty of isolation features that promote low resonance and great sound. With 3 different speeds (33, 45 & 78; + Reverse), additional scratch-DJ-orientated features include adjustable brake speed and selectable pitch controls (up to 50%).

To eliminate any possible confusion, the ‘’ST.150 M2’’ is the same turntable, just with an S-shaped tonearm instead of a straight one. As is pretty standard, you’ll need to get your cartridges separately. And there’s no USB port. Expect to pay around $600 each per turntable.

Key features/specs:

• Direct drive turntable featuring motor torque up to 4.5kg
• Heavy-duty aluminium construction, with low resonance base
• Weight: 10.2 kg
• Straight tone arm with height fine adjust
• Ultra-stable, damped platter
• Adjustable brake speed
• Selectable pitch control [8, 25 & 50% range] with Quartz Lock
• Speed 33, 45 and 78 including Reverse
• Removable target light and adjustable shock-absorption feet
• Selectable Phono or Line RCA Outputs
• Slipmat, 45 adapter, and right-angled cable included
• Full version of Deckadance DVS Software included

---

Whilst it’s not part of our official list; consider it more of an ‘FYI…

Targeted specifically at Battle DJs, the Rane Twelve is essentially a DJ controller that emulates a turntable experience. That is: it’s 100% digital, and unlike the Reloop RP-8000 MK2, you can’t play regular vinyl on it.

It was released in 2017 and it’s designed to work with Serato DJ Pro. For more information visit the official product page or watch Rane’s feature overview.

---

Summary: The 7 Best Turntables for DJs

Just to recap, these were the 7 best turntables for DJs in 2023 (for professional use):

1. Pioneer DJ PLX-1000
2. Technics SL-1200 / SL-1210 Mk7
3. Reloop 7000 MK2
4. Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 (best hybrid turntable)
5. Reloop 8000 MK2 (hybrid turntable)
6. Audio-Technica LP1240-USB XP
7. Stanton STR8.150 MKII

A brief history of Technics – the elite turntable

Made by Japanese company Panasonic, the iconic Technics ‘SL-1200’ series of DJ turntables originally began manufacturing in October 1972. It was this series that would become famous for utilizing the direct-drive technology that the company patented a few years earlier.

Most notably, the SL-1200 MK2 model released in 1978, and its successors, dominated as the ‘’industry standard’’ DJ turntable for the best part of three decades before eventually getting discontinued in 2010. Whilst there were other decent brands on the market over that time – think Vestax, Numark and Stanton – Technics’ reputation for making reliable ‘workhorse’ turntables was mostly unchallenged.

As we jump into the modern day, Technics relaunched in 2016, releasing models such as the Grand Class SL-1200GR. Spanning a couple of years, the various models were generally targeted at audiophiles rather than working DJs, and they all carried a premium (or ‘’collectables’’) price tag.

Finally, in 2019, the first DJ-focussed model was released to market at a sensible price point…which is the ‘MK7’ model we cover in this post.

Is the sound quality of vinyl superior to other formats?

Many audiophiles, DJs, and other vinyl enthusiasts swear by the superior sound quality that many of us would associate with vinyl. At least when compared to compressed digital audio files like an MP3, or when listening to your favourite streaming platform, for example.

You’ll typically get conflicting information if you research this online. But what are the facts?

Firstly, vinyl is the only true lossless audio format. This basically means that you’re hearing a truer representation of the original recording as the producer intended in the studio. Because of this, based on this compression argument alone, you WOULD get a ‘’better’’ sound compared to an MP3, or any other digital file.

When it comes to CDs, they sit somewhere in the middle of this ‘lossless’ audio principle when compared to digital formats and vinyl.

It’s not just an open-and-shut case here, though. Many modern vinyl records are cut from digital masters, so it’s not a pure analogue signal – meaning the initial ‘compression’ argument no longer applies in this instance.

Separately, if we’re talking purely about ‘’how it sounds’’, vinyl would always sound completely unique compared when we consider the authentic ‘crackles’ and other surface noise that many people like, although these things are all subjective and don’t necessarily make the sound quality ‘’better’’.

Other things to factor into the overall argument would be the quality of the vinyl pressing itself (which isn’t always the best), and also the wear & tear of a physical record, i.e. scratches etc., and its deterioration over time.

Important definitions

Belt-drive / direct-drive

You need direct-drive turntables to DJ on. Whilst belt-drive models will suffice for a ‘consumer turntable’, the torque is belt-operated and nowhere near powerful enough to beat-match or scratch with.

With direct-drive turntables, the platter is connected to the motor directly through the spindle. In this instance, the platter’s start-up speed (torque) would be much quicker – say, for example, if you’d manipulated it with your hand.

DVS (Digital Vinyl System)

Certainly for beginners and fresh-faced digital DJs, you can be forgiven if you don’t fully understand what ‘’DVS’’ is as it refers to mixing on turntables.

In plain English, it’s a technology that allows you to mix digital music files on your turntables. It’s made possible with a unique ‘’timecode disc’’ (a vinyl record), which communicates through a DVS interface (typically a small box with audio inputs and outputs) to your DJ software on your laptop.

Note: You can also use a DVS system if you own older CDJs that take CDs. In this instance, instead of a unique vinyl record with timecode on it, you’ll get a CD.

One of the major attractions of having a DVS setup is that you can preserve the authenticity of DJ’ing on turntables but without the need to maintain a clunky vinyl collection. Simply put: a digital music collection mixed on turntables.

Some of the key manufacturers that offer DVS products are Serato, Traktor (Native Instruments) and Pioneer DJ.

Turntable components

In case you’re new to DJ turntables, here are a couple of the basic components explained:

Tonearm & counterweight

The tonearm is the long stainless steel tube (or ‘arm’) that pivots, carrying the cartridge & stylus at the vinyl end. The counterweight then screws on the other end of the tonearm and can be easily adjusted to apply more or less pressure on the vinyl at the other end. For general mixing purposes, you’d at least want enough pressure so that the needle won’t jump off the record.

Cartridge & stylus

The cartridge is the detachable head (or ‘’head shell’’) that connects to the vinyl end of the tonearm. The stylus is technically the diamond tip on the end of the needle within the cartridge, although most people simply refer to the needle itself as the stylus. The stylus is what runs through the grooves of the vinyl in order to transmit the sound.

---

FAQs

Can I use any turntable for DJing?

No. DJ turntables are heavier and more robust than ‘consumer’ models. They’re purpose-built and are designed to be physically manipulated – used more like a musical instrument. The start-up speed (also known as the torque) is also much more powerful than on consumer players, necessary for beat-matching/mixing.

Do DJs still use vinyl?

Yes, absolutely. Firstly, you’ve got your scratch/battle DJs, also known as ‘turntablists’. On top of that, you still have a healthy niche of special event DJs (mobile DJs), DVS users (digital vinyl system), and tons of other vinyl enthusiasts who use turntables.

How much does a good DJ turntable cost?

Depending on brand, features, and build quality, a good DJ turntable typically costs between $500 and $1,500 US dollars. Entry-level, ‘belt-driven’ models may be more affordable, although you’ll definitely want to stick with ‘direct-drive’ for professional use.

What brand of turntable is best?

Nowadays, in addition to Technics, the leading brands include Pioneer, Reloop and Audio-Technica. Notably, the Technics SL-1200 MK2 model released in 1978, and its successors, dominated as the ‘’industry standard’’ DJ turntable for the best part of three decades before eventually getting discontinued in 2010.

What's the difference between analogue and digital DJ turntables?

Analogue turntables play vinyl records with a traditional, analogue signal path, whereas digital turntables can play digital audio files and often have built-in MIDI controls, allowing for digital mixing and effects. Analogue offers a classic sound, while digital provides more versatility and integration with modern technology.

Does vinyl sound better than digital?

Firstly, vinyl is the only true lossless audio format. This basically means that you’re hearing a truer representation of the original recording as the producer intended in the studio. Because of this, based on this compression argument alone, you WOULD get a ‘’better’’ sound compared to an MP3, or any other digital file.

What features should I look for in a DJ turntable?

When shopping for a set of DJ turntables, the two main things to consider are the torque (power of the motor) and the actual weight of the turntable. Whilst design features and build materials are definitely factors, if a turntable is too light it can cause a number of problems in loud, bass-heavy environments.

How do I set up my DJ turntable and mixer?

Here’s a quick checklist to follow:

1. Place the turntable on a stable surface
2. Connect the turntable’s audio cables to the mixer’s phono inputs
3. Ground the turntable if necessary
4. Connect the mixer to your speakers
5. Adjust tonearm weight and anti-skate settings
6. Set the mixer’s crossfader curve and EQ
7. Test and adjust levels

How can I maintain and clean my DJ turntable?

Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Clean the stylus with a soft brush
2. Keep the platter and tonearm free of dust
3. Lubricate moving parts if needed
4. Check and calibrate tracking force
5. Inspect and tighten screws and connections
6. Store with a dust cover when not in use

---

More buyer’s guides:

• Best DJ Controllers for Beginners in 2023 (mostly under $500)
• Best Mid-Tier DJ Controllers in 2023 (under $1000 range)
• Best Top-Tier DJ Controllers in 2023 (pro range with a laptop)
• Best Standalone DJ Controllers in 2023 (no laptop required)
• Headphones for DJs (all budgets)
• Best Monitor Speakers (for DJs & producers on a budget)
• Best DJ Mixers for all budgets