The top vintage turntables have a charm that newer turntables typically lack. While modern turntables have a minimalistic look that appeal to some, vintage turntables have a warm feel pleasing to the eye. Furthermore, vintage turntables are conversation starters in a room or can match the decor of a home.
People who are Addicted to Audio’s turntables can testify that they are excellent substitutes for new turntables. At the same price point, the best vintage turntables are at least as good as modern turntables. The actual top-tier audiophile turntables are far superior to anything created 20 years ago, yet vintage turntables are competitive until around the $10,000 mark. Here are the Top antique turntables, without further ado:
Linn LP 12
The LP 12 is an adorable beast, with its wooden veneer offering the warmth that older turntables are known for. Reading Linn LP 12 reviews can be perplexing because almost every study has a different setup – a different power supply, tonearm, or other components that make a minor difference. Many people are drawn to the LP12 because of the upgrade routes.
TD-124 Thorens
In the world of idler drive turntables, the TD-124 and TD-124 Mk II compete with the Garrard 301 and 401. The TD-124 has more detail in the highs than the Garrards, but the Garrards have more weight in the bass. The original TD-124, which was released in 1957, must have been a fantastic turntable at the time, and they are still in high demand among idler drive lovers today.
P3 Rega
Even though Rega turntables are still manufactured, old Rega turntables are among the best vintage turntables available. Rega turntables are the most excellent value-for-money turntables on the market right now, as of the writing of this article.
XA/XB Acoustic Research
When the Acoustic Research early model turntables were produced in the early 1960s, they were terrific achievements. They have a lovely modest look to them and can yet put off a good performance. An XA or an XB won’t hold up as well to a Thoren’s belt drive (TD-125 and beyond) as something a little farther down the timeline, but it will still give the user a lot of listening pleasure.
Technics SP- 10
The suffix after SP isn’t all that important; the SP-15 may easily have made a list. The SP-10 exemplifies pure direct drive excellence. Direct drive fans cited the Technics SP and SL series as examples when the natural drive vs. belt drive debate was at its peak. With direct campaigns, no one did it better than Technics, and the SP-10 is the best of the group. Compared to many of the turntables on this list, the SP-10 is plain ugly in this author’s opinion. Users who are Addicted to Audio’s turntables also prefer Technics SP- 10 make for their audio taste.
