13 Best Vintage Turntables Worth Your Money
How about we go on a sonic journey with the best vintage turntables, and rediscover the rich analog warmth of classic vinyl records?
Here are the old school, classic turntables that are essential for vinyl enthusiasts:
| 1) Pioneer PL-1000 |
| 2) Pioneer PL-12D |
| 3) Pioneer P3a |
| 4) Denon DP-100 |
| 5) Technics SL-Series |
| 6) Rega Planar Series |
| 7) Linn Sondek LP12 |
| 8) Acoustic Research XA and XB |
| 9) Thorens TD-124 |
| 10) Dual 1229 |
| 11) Marantz TT1000 |
| 12) Victrola Re-Spin |
| 13) Victrola Revolution GO |
What Are the Best Vintage Turntables and Why?
1) Pioneer PL-1000
| Worth: $500 – $1000 on second hand market |
| Original Release: 1970s |
Now if you’re looking for an excellent linear tracking turntable by Pioneer, you can’t go wrong with the Pioneer PL-1000. The linear tracking capability of the Pioneer PL-1000 allows for more accurate tracking than offset tonearms provide.
In short, the Pioneer PL-1000 doesn’t suffer from horrible tracking errors. You also won’t hear your wonderfully mastered record sound distorted, either.
Beyond the fact that you’re getting an excellent turntable in the PL-1000, it also just looks cool.
These days, with vinyl back en vogue and everyone and the mother making cheap record players (like Crosley or Victrola), there’s something impressive and borderline futuristic about seeing a tonearm track the groove via sliding horizontally across an embedded tracking system.
It’s really a marvel to see, and best of all, it’ll probably provide some of the best sound you’ve ever heard.
2) Pioneer PL-12D
| Worth: $100 to $300 |
| Original Release: 1972 |
The Pioneer PL-12D turntable comes with a thick, beautiful wooden chassis that helps dampen unwanted vibrations coming up through the floor and into your record.
The Pioneer PL-12D is also an automatic turntable. Now, you can take a bathroom break without pausing the amazing concert you have blasting in your living room.
3) Pioneer P3a
| Worth: $3,000 to $7,000 |
| Original Release: Late 1970s to Early 1980s |
The Pioneer P3a is an absolute beast of a turntable. The P3a dates back to the early 1980s and is just a behemoth beauty of a record player. It was also a turntable that was exclusive to Japan at the time, making it very hard to find.
If you do find a quality second hand Pioneer P3a turntable, be prepared to open your wallet. This vintage Pioneer turntable is valued between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on its condition.
The Pioneer P3a features a linear torque motor along with quartz PLL control. The P3a is a direct drive turntable, and has one of the thickest plinths you’ve ever seen!
Best Pioneer Turntable Alternatives
If you’re unable to find the right vintage deck from Pioneer that suits your needs, I suggest you try these modern Pioneer turntables for sale at very reasonable prices:
| Purchase the Pioneer PLX-500 on Amazon |
| Purchase the Pioneer PLX-1000 on Amazon |
4) Denon DP-100
| Worth: $2,000 |
| Original Release: Early 1980s |
In terms of the best vintage Denon turntable available, you can’t go wrong with the Denon DP-100. Problem is, you’re probably going to have a very, very hard time finding one on the used marketplace.
Still, the Denon DP-100 is arguably the crown jewel of the Denon DP line and features a split platter design.
The Denon DP-100 is a quartz controlled turntable that had a severely limited run in Japan. So if you want to buy the Denon DP-100, you’ll have to pay thousands of dollars to acquire one.
Best Denon Turntable Alternatives
By contrast, here are a few Denon turntables being made today that I really like and would recommend if you don’t mind a more modern record player:
| Purchase the Denon DP-300F on Turntable Lab |
| Purchase the Denon DP-400 on Turntable Lab |
| Purchase the Denon DP-450USB on Turntable Lab |
5) Technics SL-Series
| Worth: Varies depending on model |
| Original Release: 1972 (for the Technics SL-1200) |
If you like vintage Technics turntables, you’re in luck. Technics is putting out some really impressive modern models of their legendary turntables.
For example, you can purchase the Technics SL-1200 MK7 on Turntable Lab, which maintains the classic look of the original 1972 Technics SL-1200 turntable.
But this MK7 model, which debuted in 2019, features a coreless direct drive motor for better torque.
The SL-1200 MK7 also comes with the classic S-Shaped tonearm that the classic SL-1200 possesses.
You should also consider the Technics SL-1500C, as well. This turntable still maintains the classic look of the original Techics SL-1200 and also comes with the Orotofon 2M Red cartridge.
You’ll also love the Technics SL-1500’s auto start and stop button. Often, this is a feature you see on cheap automatic record players like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X (a record player for casuals or beginners). But I love that Technics includes it on this audiophile quality turntable.
6) Rega Planar Series
| Worth: Varies depending on model |
| Original Release: 1975 |
The first Rega Planar turntable came out in 1975, followed soon by the Rega Planar 3 in 1976 and the Rega Planar 2 in 1977.
Today, you can still buy Rega Planar turntables because they provide some of the best sound and performance on the market. The modern day Rega Planar 1 offers up a flywheel effect platter to ensure your records spin at a consistent speed.
And the Rega Planar 1 Plus adds a built-in phono preamp to the turntable to make it easy to set up and listen to your records.
If you want a classic turntable brand that’s maintaining the vintage look, along with adding modern day parts and technology, you’re going to be very happy with a Rega Planar turntable.
You can buy the Rega Planar 3 with Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge on Turntable Lab!
7) Linn Sondek LP12
| Worth: $500 to $1000 |
| Original Release: 1972 |
The most important feature of the Linn Sondek LP12 is its unique chassis design. The Linn Sondek LP12 has a single bearing suspended sub-chassis that offers a better performance the competition. The bearing is very precisely machined, delivering super smooth operation.
While you can typically buy the Linn Sondek LP12 for $700 to $800 in its basic configuration, this turntable has immense upgrade potential.
You can easily spend thousands of dollars getting better power supplies, tonearms and other components. The Linn Sondek LP12 is the Miata of record players.
8) Acoustic Research XA and XB
| Worth: $100 to $300 |
| Original Release: 1961 (AR XA turntable) |
Both the Acoustic Research XA and XB stack rather poorly against the Linn Sondek LP12. But that is because they were made some 10 years before the LP12 was even in the works.
With that in mind, both the AR XA and AR SB turntables represent a valuable piece of history that can still give you hours of wonderful listening.
Depending on what you find at any given moment, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $300. Occasionally, the Acoustic Research XB can sell for closer to $1,000.
9) Thorens TD-124
| Worth: $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Original Release: 1957 |
The Thorens TD-124 is a belt driven turntable that debuted in 1957. The way Thorens designed the belt drive is exactly what gives this turntable the high definition it is known for.
The Thorens TD-124 also features a lot of torque, which is likely linked to a very heavy platter.
Best Thorens Turntable Alternatives
If you can’t find any of the vintage Thorens turntables that best fit your needs, here are a couple of modern day Thorens turntables that I like:
| Buy the Thorens TD 102A on Amazon |
| Buy the Thorens TD 201 on Amazon |
10) Dual 1229
| Worth: $100 to $1,000 |
| Original Release: Early 1970s |
Let’s move to a German turntable brand that’s been building audio devices since 1907. The Dual 1229 is among the most popular models this brand has to offer. It’s also one of the most unique turntables on this list.
The Dual 1229 has a stacking spindle that allows you to literally stack multiple records onto it. When you finish one record, the spindle will drop a new record down onto your first record.
This automatic tonearm will then lift up and begin playing the second record. And once that record reaches its end, the stacking spindle will drop the next record.
I liken the Dual 1229 to a 5 disc CD changer. Instead of having to manually remove a record each time the album ends, just stack a bunch of records you want to hear onto the spindle. Then sit back, grab a tasty drink, and enjoy hours of hassle free music listening while your turntable does all the work.
11) Marantz TT 1000
| Worth: $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Original Release: Late 1970s to Early 1980s |
The Marantz TT1000 is a beautiful retro turntable. Its features a thick glass plinth. The TT1000 was ahead of its time when it comes to upgradeability, as it didn’t come with a tonearm or cartridge.
This meant that fans that love to customize their audio to their exact liking could easily add the accessories they wanted most to the turntable.
The Marantz TT1000 came in gold and green tones. It also featured big, thick, round feet that virtually eliminated any vinyl record skipping problems. This Japanese turntable was brilliant and is very hard to find on the secondary market.
Best Marantz Turntable Alternatives
If you can’t find the right vintage Marantz turntable that fits your needs, I highly recommend getting a great modern Marantz record player like the Marantz TT-15S1. It’s a beautiful deck, offers an amazing cartridge (the Virtuoso cartridge), and looks futuristic and sleek with it’s frosted acrylic plinth.
If you’re on the fence about it, I encourage you to read my Marantz TT15S1 review. You can also check out my video review of the Marantz TT15S1 below:
What Are the Best Vintage Style Record Players?
12) Victrola Re-Spin
| Price: $100 |
| Original Release: 2022 |
You might love the look of used turntables, but hate the hassle that comes with them. Used record players are fantastic, but replacing faulty parts can be a pain to deal with.
So if you want the retro record player look but a modern turntable feel, I recommend the Victrola Re-Spin. This compact bluetooth record player comes in a variety of colors and has an auto-stop feature built into it. It also comes with built-in speakers, too.
The Victrola Re-Spin isn’t perfect. During my testing of the Victrola Re-Spin, (check out my written Victrola Re-Spin review here), I encountered a few nagging issues. I went into more depth about them in my Victrola Re-Spin video review, which you can watch below as well.
13) Victrola Revolution GO
| Price: $200 |
| Original Release: 2022 |
The Victrola Revolution GO looks like a true modern take on a throwback record player. I tested the yellow version of the Victrola Revolution GO (check out my Victrola Revolution GO review here), and I loved this record player’s versatility.
Not only is the Revolution GO bluetooth ready, but it also has a built in rechargeable battery too.
So take the Revolution GO with you to your friend’s house, and enjoy up to 12 hours of wireless playing time! That’s just something that cannot be done with even the best used turntables on the second hand market!
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of the best vintage turntables available on the secondary market. There are so many outstanding vintage turntable brands (and models) to choose from.
Just make sure to do your due diligence and inquire about the quality and playability of any old record player your consider purchasing.
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FAQ
1) What is the best vintage turntable to buy?
The best vintage turntables are the Pioneer PL-1000, Technics SL-1200, Rega Planar 3 and Marantz TT1000. These models consistently deliver vintage charm and top-tier performance.
2) How much are old record players worth?
The value of old record players varies, influenced by brand, model rarity, and condition. Iconic brands like Pioneer or Technics can range from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as working condition and market demand.
3) Who were the best 70s turntable brands?
Pioneering the 70s audio landscape, top turntable brands like Pioneer, Technics, and Thorens shaped the era’s sound. Their enduring legacy continues to resonate with audiophiles seeking the best in vintage turntable excellence.
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