10 of the best record players to buy in 2023

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1. Audio-Technica AT-LP5X

It has a plastic base, but this 7.3kg turntable is well built and has remarkable sound quality for the price. It has USB connectivity to transfer your vinyl to digital and its direct-drive 3-speed motor can play 78s.

£380; audio-technica.com

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2. Elipson Chroma Carbon Riaa BT

This 5.8kg Bluetooth turntable has lots of high-end features, including a super-rigid carbon-fibre tone arm, a digital belt drive motor for accurate pitch and consistent speed, plus an elliptical stylus to stop records wearing out.

£700; audioaffair.co.uk

3. Pro-Ject Primary E

Pro-Ject’s entry level player is stripped back to basics, including a manual speed change. It’s compact (4kg) and has very competent playback. Pre-adjusted and pre-installed, it’s ready to go out of the box.

£199; richersounds.com

4. Pro-Ject Essential III

This isn’t that easy to set up, but once it is, it sounds superb, offering a wide soundstage across a range of genres and volumes. Available in a high-gloss finish in red, black or white, it weighs 5kg.

£255; hifisound.co.uk

5. Technics SL-1200GR

Suitable for DJs and audiophiles, this technologically advanced direct-drive model delivers superb sound output and immense bass. Easy to set up, it weighs 11.5kg.

£1,600; premiumsound.co.uk

6. Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Elys 2 Cartridge

The reliable Planar 3 has been a top record player since the 1970s, but owing to a new tonearm and cartridge, its sound quality has been raised to a new level.

£799; hifix.co.uk

7. House of Marley Stir It Up

This upgraded model looks great and is sustainably made from solid bamboo, recycled plastic and aluminium. It connects wirelessly to speakers or headphones via Bluetooth.

£99.99; thehouseofmarley.co.uk

8. Clearaudio Concept MM

If you’re looking for the ultimate in sound quality, this multiple award-winner is the one to splash out on. It’s much simpler than many of its top-end rivals, as most variables are set for you at the factory.

£1,150; analogueseduction.net

9. +Audio The +Record Player

At more than £1,700, the +Record Player from +Audio may be on the pricier end of the scale, but it delivers superb audio. The all-in-one phono system features a built-in, high-performance stereo speaker system.

£1,740; plusaudio.com

10. Brionvega Radiofonografo

Originally designed by brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1965, the stylish Brionvega Radiofonografo includes a turntable, radio and twin speakers. This updated unit also has subtly incorporated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.

From €13,000; brionvega.it