The 22 best high end turntable brands
Denon, Technics and Thorens lead our ranking of 22 high end turntable brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
High End Turntable brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
-
2
Technics
Auto-stop decks with strong speed control, popular with DJs and home listeners who want a durable build.
Top products: SL-1500C· SL-1000MK3· SP-25
Website: technics.com |Brands like Technics
Popularity 7.1/10
-
3
Thorens
German belt-drive decks with heavy plinths and a long line of classic models.
Top products: TD 280 MK IV· TD 280 MK III· TD 321
Website: thorens.com |Brands like Thorens
Popularity 6.1/10
-
4
Luxman
Belt-drive and direct-drive models from Japan, frequently paired with SME tonearms and sold serviced.
Top products: PD-171· PD-310· PD444
Website: luxman.com |Brands like Luxman
Popularity 6.1/10
-
5
FiiO
Fully automatic decks with built-in Bluetooth, better suited to casual listening than audiophile setups.
Top products: TT11
Website: fiio.com |Brands like FiiO
Popularity 6.1/10
-
6
Pioneer
Vintage direct-drive decks from the 1970s and 80s, mostly sought as used pieces.
Top products: PL-70LII· PL-50L· Exclusive P3
Popularity 5.8/10
-
7
Pro-Ject
Austrian acrylic and aluminium belt-drive decks, popular entry points into serious vinyl listening.
Top products: Debut EVO 2· XA B
Website: project-audio.com |Brands like Pro-Ject
Popularity 5.2/10
-
8
Dual Electronics
Car stereos, marine electronics and home turntables sit side by side in the Dual Electronics range. The brand makes in-dash vehicle entertainment systems, premium speakers and PA systems, and its record players and remote control products extend into the home. Its products focus on sound quality for vehicles, boats and living rooms.
Website: dualav.com |Brands like Dual Electronics
Popularity 4.5/10
-
9
Linn
Scottish belt-drive heritage built around one long-running deck, with upgrades to the arm and motor over decades.
Top products: LP12
Website: linn.co.uk |Brands like Linn
Popularity 4.5/10
-
10
Yamaha
Direct-drive decks from the 1970s with a reputation for solid build and sought-after vintage models.
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 4.5/10
-
11
Reloop
DJ-oriented brand with USB belt-drive decks that suit digitising records and mid-price hi-fi.
Website: reloop.com |Brands like Reloop
Popularity 4.5/10
-
12
Kenwood
1970s Kenwood turntables such as the KD-500, with a tonearm that's worth checking for wear before buying.
Top products: KP-7021· KD-500· KP-07M
Website: kenwood.com |Brands like Kenwood
Popularity 3.7/10
-
13
-
14
Victrola
American retro-styled decks, many with Bluetooth and built-in speakers, sitting at the entry end.
Top products: Premiere T1· Hi-Res Onyx
Website: victrola.com |Brands like Victrola
Popularity 3.7/10
-
15
Crosley
Crosley is America's most recognizable, tried-and-true brand. They provide everything you need, from home entertainment systems to refrigerators and washing machines. They are a one-stop shop for all of your home appliance requirements. They are a prominent online merchant that...
Website: crosley.com |Brands like Crosley
Popularity 3.2/10
-
16
VPI
Based in America, VPI Industries are proud of the 'all-handmade and American' products that they create. The brand is known for its high-end audio products, cleaning machines, accessories, and turntables. The United Home Experience, an audio fitting done in homes,...
Website: vpiindustries.com |Brands like VPI
Popularity 2.6/10
-
17
Rega
British belt-drive Planar decks with a fixed-length tonearm, relatively simple to set up and maintain.
Top products: Planar 3
Website: rega.co.uk |Brands like Rega
Popularity 2.6/10
-
18
Bang & Olufsen
Bang & Olufsen has been looking at the future and dealing with the future of sound since 1925. They have retraced the pace of history to ensure that their products develop over time. The designs they make for their gadgets...
Website: bang-olufsen.com |Brands like Bang & Olufsen
Popularity 1.8/10
-
19
Clearaudio
Clearaudio has won many awards for the quality products they make in the audio industry. The company has operated in Germany since 1978, where it all started. The skillful artistry of the designers and passion for the craft is seen...
Website: clearaudio.de |Brands like Clearaudio
Popularity 1.8/10
-
20
Sony
Shortly after World War 2, Masaru Ibuka founded the Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., a telecommunications and engineering corporation. He wanted technology to contribute to Japan’s culture and future. Despite starting small, he never gave up and stressed the importance of...
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 1.8/10
-
21
Akai
Akai produces music production hardware, including MPC workstations, MPK controllers and electronic keyboards, and its MIDI cables and remote controls are sold alongside them for use in studios or on stage by musicians, producers and DJs. Akai's lineup centers on...
Website: akaipro.com |Brands like Akai
Popularity 1.8/10
-
22
Ariston
Ariston is the pioneer and market leader in the field of water heaters. It offers the best quality, effective, and long-lasting solutions to address your domestic hot water needs. Ariston provides various products to meet every family's demands, from instantaneous...
Website: ariston.com |Brands like Ariston
Popularity 1.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon | denon.com | /Denon | denonofficial | @DenonAmerica | – |
| Technics | technics.com | /technics.global | technics_global | @technics | TechnicsOfficial |
| Thorens | thorens.com | – | – | – | – |
| Luxman | luxman.com | /luxman.global | luxman.japan | – | luxmanjapan |
| FiiO | fiio.com | /FiiOAUDIO | fiioofficial | @FiiO_official | FiiO Official |
| Pro-Ject | project-audio.com | /PJ.Audio.Systems | projectaudiosystems | @ProJectAudioSys | Pro-Ject Audio Systems |
| Dual Electronics | dualav.com | /DualElectronics | dual_electronics | @DualElectronics | DualElectronicsCorp |
| Linn | linn.co.uk | /linnproducts | linnproducts | @linnproducts | – |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
