Best high-end record players 2020: ultimate premium turntables
We like to think we have high standards, but when it comes to the best high-end record players things go up a notch or five. That's because top-notch turntables don't come cheap and we know those who buy them have high-end hi-fi systems to match.
So, if you want to get the best from your records and have deep-ish pockets and. a suitable home hi-fi system, here are finest, hang-the-expense high-end record players to have graced our testing rooms.
There are a few key things to look for when buying a high-end turntable. Generally speaking, the higher the price the higher quality the materials used. And when it comes to performance, you can expect a sense of realism, detail and instrumental authenticity that more affordable models just can't match.
You might notice that pricing is complex. Products as esoteric as these are quite often only available through a select few outlets and some models might come with neither a tonearm nor a cartridge, which means you'll have to factor in the added (and possibly quite significant) costs.
But enough talk, let's dive into the best high-end turntables, tested and reviewed by our experts. Read on and get a feel for just how capable these record players are.
MORE: How to set up your turntable
1. Linn Klimax LP12
A classic, and still one of the best high-end turntables we've ever tested.
SPECIFICATIONS
Speeds (rpm): 33.3, 45 | Speed change: Electronic | Dimensions (HxWxD): 14 x 45 x 36cm | Cartridge included: Yes | Tonearm included: Yes | Finishes: 7
Reasons to Buy
- Informative and dynamic presentation
- Sensational dynamics
- Excellent build and finish
Reasons to Avoid
- Nothing at this level
Originally introduced back in 1973, the LP12 is still a massively capable and neatly configured deck that puts many a young gun to shame. It's been updated and modernised over the years, but the quality and performance has remained impeccable. Even when you factor in the five-figure price tag, the Klimax LP12 represents value for money and is one of the best high-end record players we've ever had the pleasure of testing.
This configuration sees the basic deck (called Sondek LP12) partnered with an Ekos SE tonearm and Kandid moving-coil cartridge. There's also an Urika phono stage, Radikal power supply and Keel sub-chassis all of which combine to make this a truly high-end turntable.
And it's all worth every penny because this deck is impressively precise and smooth, beautifully made (the arm tube is made of titanium) and sounds wonderfully musical. Detail resolution, agility and transparency have improved over the years, resulting in a high-end record player that never loses its composure.
If you want scale, power, passion and all manner of sonic fireworks, the Klimax LP12 is the money-no-object choice.
Read the full review: Linn Klimax LP12
2. Rega Planar 10/Apheta 3
A radical approach to high-end turntable design.
SPECIFICATIONS
Speeds (rpm): 33.3, 45 | Speed change: Electric | Dimensions (hwd): 13 x 42 x 32cm | Cartridge included: Yes | Tonearm included: Yes | Finishes: 1
Reasons to Buy
- Honest and insightful
- Rhythmically driven
- Impressive engineering
Reasons to Avoid
- Appearance won't appeal to all
Rega has picked up plenty of awards for its more modest offerings, but the Planar 10/Apheta 3 combination sets sky-high standards for the money and serves up plenty of insight and detail.
The company's mainstream range-topper, the Planar 10 is well-made and visually striking. You could buy the Planar 10 without a cartridge but Rega’s Apheta 3 makes the ideal partner.
There's plenty of elegant engineering to admire, including a single piece machined aluminium sub-platter with hardened tool steel spindle running inside a custom brass housing. As for the belt, Rega spent three years developing the material used.
When it comes to sound, there is transparency, resolution and dynamic expression in spades. It's a natural and measured performance that is mature and authoritative, with plenty of weight to bass frequencies.
All in all, this high-end record player is as good as it gets for the money. And if you like that it resembles a work of art, this is the deck for you.
Read the full review: Rega Planar 3/Apheta
3. Vertere Acoustics MG-1 MkII/Mystic
High-end sound quality to match the high-end price.
SPECIFICATIONS
Speeds (rpm): 33.3, 45 | Speed change: Electric | Dimensions (hwd): 14 x 47 x 39cm | Cartridge included: Yes | Tonearm included: Yes | Finshes: 4
Reasons to Buy
- Clean, detailed sound
- Rhythmic and dynamic
- Fine build
Reasons to Avoid
- Requires care in set-up
With over 35 years of experience under its belt, Vertere - originally a maker of high-end cables – knows a thing or two about polished performers. The MG-1 MkII is a fine transition into the world of high-end record players and delivers an astonishingly clean, compelling sound.
Designed to make a statement it's packed with nice details, from the triple-layered, vibration-reducing acrylic structure to the removable centre spindle on the platter, which prevents noise from the bearing being directly transmitted to the record surface.
It's best paired with Vertere’s in-house moving coil cartridge, the Mystic. Machined from solid aluminium, it's a perfect fit, tracks well at 2.0g and is easy to fit thanks to threaded bolts.
The sound is super-agile and we were awed by the level of dynamic expression on display. This is a high-end record player that packs enough energy to drives each and every crescendo with ease.
You'll struggle to hear anything better than this Vertere package at the money.
Read the full review: Vertere Acoustics MG-1 MkII/Mystic
4. Clearaudio Ovation
Sober looks give way to exceptional high-end talents.
SPECIFICATIONS
Speeds (rpm): 33.3, 45, 78 | Speed change: Electrical | Dimensions (HxWxD): 13.5 x 42 x 35cm | Cartridge included: No | Tonearm included: Yes | Finishes: 2
Reasons to Buy
- Build and finish
- Innovative engineering
- Energetic sound
Reasons to Avoid
- Needs careful placement
The Clearaudio Ovation is the Clark Kent of high-end record players: its superpowers are neatly hidden under conventional looks. It's a terrific all-rounder brimming with clever engineering solutions. There's plenty of choice when it comes to picking a cartridge – Clearaudio makes a varied and impressive range, so you can take things up a notch should your budget allow.
Build quality is, quite literally, bulletproof. The Ovation’s plinth boasts a sandwich construction made up of two plates of aluminium encapsulating a layer of Panzerholz (a dense, heavily processed wood that’s said to be bulletproof). It's also an effective damping agent.
The turntable is driven by a DC motor and flat precision-ground belt to the aluminium sub-platter. The speed change is electrical and even has the option of 78rpm.
How does it sound? Refined, enthusiastic and blessed with a level of bite and verve that belies its classy styling. A fuss-free deck that serves up a full-bodied performance.
Read the full review: Clearaudio Ovation
5. VPI Prime Signature
A top-end turntable for top-end hi-fi systems.
SPECIFICATIONS
Speeds (rpm): 33.3, 45 | Speed change: Manual | Dimensions: 18 x 54 x 40cm | Cartridge included: No | Tonearm included: Yes | Finishes: 1
Reasons to Buy
- Bold, dynamic and insightful presentation
- Excellent sonic organisation
- Great rhythmic ability
Reasons to Avoid
- Arm can be fiddly to set-up
- Manual speed change
The VPI Prime Signature builds on the original and Award-winning VPI Prime, delivering a range of sensible and wide-ranging improvements to areas that include the motor housing, plinth and feet. They all combine to improve the deck notably without spoiling its highly appealing character.
Set-up can be a bit fiddly, though, especially getting the unipivot tonearm in place and aligning the tracking weight. You'll also need to factor in the cost of a suitable cartridge.
This VPI Prime Signature isn’t a particularly large unit by high-end standards. At 54cm wide and 40cm deep, it should fit on the top shelf of most supports. But it’s heavy, weighing in at just under 37kg, so make sure your hi-fi rack can cope.
Once it's up and spinning, the VPI's presentation is bold, punchy and solid. There’s everything we would want from the track – a subtle sense of momentum, warmth and weight to the midrange and enough dynamic subtlety to really capture the emotion at the core of the music.
Put simply, the Prime Signature builds strongly on the strengths of the standard model. It’s our deck of choice at this price
Read the full review: VPI Prime Signature
6. McIntosh MT5
A brilliant high-end turntable that's also plug and play.
SPECIFICATIONS
Speeds (rpm): 33.3, 45, 78 | Speed change: Electronic | Dimensions: 17.8 x 44.45 x 48.26cm | Cartridge included: Yes | Tonearm included: Yes | Finishes: 1
Reasons to Buy
- Insightful and enjoyable sound
- Simple to set-up and easy to use
- Nicely made
Reasons to Avoid
- Sonic standards are sky-high at this price
The McIntosh brand boasts an impressive heritage and is one of the oldest audio firms around, founded in Maryland, USA back in 1949. But that doesn't mean it's trading on past glories, as this truly capable high-end record player proves.
Visual flair comes courtesy of the fancy light-up platter and, once you take the deck out of the box, it takes a matter of minutes before you’re listening to music. It's a real breeze to set up: arm and cartridge are supplied attached and aligned.
It's superbly-crafted and the acrylic plater feels hefty. This mass gives a flywheel effect that helps with speed stability. The tonearm is also nicely made. The bearings feel smooth and precise, and it uses Clearaudio’s trademark magnetic antiskate adjustment mechanism.
The sound is surefooted and punchy. This deck is more than confident enough to deliver tonal shifts with dynamic intensity. And while it doesn't sound quite as exciting as some other rivals, we can't think of many high-end alternatives that are as easy to set-up, use and enjoy.
Read the full review: McIntosh MT5
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