Only the best for your favorite records.
The rise of vinyl earlier this decade has maintained its momentum, with a 13.2% annual increase in vinyl sales for the first nine months of 2023. Based on increased sales from 2020 to 2022, vinyl is here to accommodation.
Coupled with the ongoing vinyl revolution, manufacturers are stepping up their efforts to produce feature-rich turntables that align with modern trends. In particular, high-quality Bluetooth and seamless streaming capabilities, once exclusive to premium models, have become standard features available at all price points.
As environmental awareness has grown, so has the choice of recycled and eco-friendly turntables. This change aligns with the growing demand for sustainable options, allowing consumers to enjoy their music while minimizing their ecological footprint.
However, at the same time there is a flood of low-priced plug-and-play suitcase-style turntables. While these all-in-ones may seem convenient, affordable, and accessible, they come with a notable caveat—the pre-installed needles are inferior and may damage your files.
Despite their attractive luggage-inspired design and built-in speakers, these decks compromise the quality of your listening experience and risk rendering your records unlistenable. Caution is advised.
Whether you're a vinyl novice, seasoned audiophile or someone with a history of turntable appreciation, there's a plethora of fresh, modern designs to suit all tastes. Below, we highlight three separate turntables from 2023.
Rega Planar 1 ECO
Price: £199
Advantages: Budget-friendly, eco-friendly funk, lifetime warranty
Disadvantages: Cosmetic quirks, limited availability
Verdict: Rega's Green Grade turntable is a smart, eco-friendly twist on the turntable world. Embracing imperfections with flair, these affordable decks deliver top performance and come with a lifetime warranty.
Rega's Green Grade turntable brings a playful vibe to the soundstage, turning discarded parts into budget-friendly gems. The Planar 1 Eco Deck combines quirky components for a unique aesthetic. Despite the cosmetic quirks, these eco-friendly decks come with a lifetime warranty, ensuring performance. Limited availability adds an element of surprise to each deck, making it a smart choice for those who appreciate a touch of whimsy in their vinyl adventures.
Victrola Stream Onyx
Price: £500
Advantages: Sonos streaming capabilities, analog and digital duo, clear sound quality
Disadvantages: Hard dust cover, exclusive to Sonos
Verdict: The Victrola Stream Onyx is a fun mix of analog charm and digital convenience that's going to make vinyl fans and Sonos fans alike mad.
Victrola's Stream Onyx strikes a delightful chord, combining vinyl with Sonos streaming technology. With analog and digital flexibility, it offers an immersive experience and crystal clear sound quality. While the dust cover might be on the lighter side and the Sonos exclusivity could give pause, its $600 price tag positions it as a premium option for those already immersed in the Sonos ecosystem. For others, the Stream Onyx offers a whimsical dance between classic and modern, transforming music into a delightful blend of analog warmth and digital comfort.
Rega Naya
Price: £12,000
Advantages: Pioneering design heritage, high quality construction, custom RB titanium tonearm power supply, advanced belt drive
Disadvantages: N/A
Verdict: Rega's Naia turntable, a celebration of its 50th anniversary, impresses with its innovative design, advanced materials and careful construction. While the high price may deter some, the Naia offers audiophiles a premium experience with its premium components and precision engineering.
Rega's Naia turntable, marking the company's 50th anniversary, is a testament to innovation in sound design. With a robust construction of graphene-infused carbon fiber and ZTA, the Naia offers improved stiffness and reduced risk of wear. The RB Titanium tonearm ensures precise movement, while the optional Aphelion 2 cartridge and custom power supply contribute to an unparalleled audio experience. Despite the premium price, audiophiles looking for top-notch performance and craftsmanship will find the Rega Naia a worthwhile investment in their pursuit of exceptional sound quality.
Read more: The best amplifiers of 2023
