Best Belt Drive Turntable of April: Reviews & Buyers Guide

Mr. Brooks Keeling
  Apr 1, 2023 7:38 AM

If you’re in the market for a quality turntable, you should definitely consider a belt-drive unit. Belt drive units offer many advantages over traditional direct drive units, including better sound quality and increased stability. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best belt-drive turntables on the market today.

 

What is a belt drive turntable?

A belt drive turntable is a type of record player that uses a belt to spin the turntable platter. The motor is separated from the platter by a rubber belt, which helps to reduce motor noise and vibrations that can interfere with the sound quality.

best belt drive turntable

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TOP Choice
1
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable, Black
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable, Black
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  • WPL Score

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    9.6
  • Brand
    Audio-Technica
  • Fully manual operation, selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds with direct-drive, DC servo motor and adjustable dynamic anti-skate control
  • Variable pitch control with quartz speed lock  more
TOP Choice
2
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-cast Aluminum Platter
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fi,
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  • WPL Score

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    9.4
  • Brand
    Audio-Technica
  • Fully automatic operation with 2 speeds: 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm
  • Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter  more
TOP Choice
3
Audio-Technica AT-LPW30TK Fully Manual Belt-Drive Turntable, 2 Speed, Adjustable Dynamic Anti-skate Control
Audio-Technica AT-LPW30TK Fully Manual Belt-Drive Turntable, 2 Speed, Adjustable Dynamic
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  • WPL Score

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    9.4
  • Brand
    Audio-Technica
  • Fully manual, Belt-drive operation with two speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 RPM
  • Adjustable dynamic anti-skate control  more
Most Saving
4
Crosley C100A-SI Belt-Drive Turntable Record Player with Adjustable Counterweight, Silver
Crosley C100A-SI Belt-Drive Turntable Record Player with Adjustable Counterweight, Silver
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  • WPL Score

    WPL Score is a ranking system developed by Whypinkfloyd.com. WPL score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Crosley
  • 2 SPEED TURNTABLE: Easily adjust this belt driven turntable between two (2) speeds - 33 and 45 RPM records
  • MANUAL CONTROL: Have complete control over your vinyl records w/ its manual start/stop controls.  more
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5
Denon DP-400 (WHITE) Semi-Automatic Analog Turntable with Speed Auto Sensor | Specially Designed Curved Tonearm | Supports 33 1/3. 45, 78 RPM (Vintage) Speeds | Modern Looks, Superior Audio
Denon DP-400 (WHITE) Semi-Automatic Analog Turntable with Speed Auto Sensor
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  • WPL Score

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    9.2
  • Brand
    Denon
  • REDISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR VINYL Give your old analog records a digital rebirth with this state of the art automatic turntable that supports 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm or 78 rpm, covering a wide array of rotating speeds
  • MORE FEATURES, MORE FLEXIBILITY The DP400 is equipped with weighted belt driven platter, one touch button controls, supports both MM and MC cartridges to suit your preferences, a speed auto sensor for accurate sound each time, and more. Rated Output Phono EQ - 150 mV / 1 kHz  more
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6
Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black
Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record
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  • WPL Score

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    9.2
  • Brand
    Sony
  • EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return
  • TWO SPEEDS: 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, with the 45 rpm adaptor stowed neatly in a slot beneath the deck  more
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7
Crosley C100A-SI Belt-Drive Turntable Record Player with Adjustable Counterweight, Silver
Crosley C100A-SI Belt-Drive Turntable Record Player with Adjustable Counterweight, Silver
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  • WPL Score

    WPL Score is a ranking system developed by Whypinkfloyd.com. WPL score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Crosley
  • 2 SPEED TURNTABLE: Easily adjust this belt driven turntable between two (2) speeds - 33 and 45 RPM records
  • MANUAL CONTROL: Have complete control over your vinyl records w/ its manual start/stop controls.  more
Most Saving
8
10 Pieces Turntable Belt Different Specifications Machine Recorder Rubber Belt for Repair Replacement Maintenance Most Kinds of Belt-Driven Turntables, 5 Sizes
10 Pieces Turntable Belt Different Specifications Machine Recorder Rubber Belt
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  • WPL Score

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Frienda
  • Various specifications: come with 5 different sizes for your choices, 300 x 5 x 1.0 mm, 206 x 5 x 0.6 mm, 172 x 5 x 0.6 mm, 150 x 4 x 0.9 mm, 128 x 5 x 0.6 mm, fit for most kinds of belt-driven recorder and fit for your demands well
  • What you will receive: one package includes 10 pieces of machine recorder turntable belts in 5 sizes, each size has 2 pieces, sufficient quantity for meeting your recorder belt repair and replacement demands  more
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9
1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in Speakers, Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, Bluetooth Playback and Aux-in Functionality, Auto Off
1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in
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  • WPL Score

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    9.0
  • Brand
    1 BY ONE Rock
  • Exquisite Appearance: Built from wood and metal materials with a unique sense of layering; The streamlined corner design is truly atmospheric and stylish(Note: long hold the start button to turn the power on, and press again to start)
  • All in 1: This turntable spins at both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, the turntable’s speaker can play other devices’ music wirelessly by Bluetooth or using the Aux-in port, and the built-in amplifier allows connection to your own externally-powered speakers  more
Most Saving
10
Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable with Built-in Phono Equalizer | Unique Tonearm Design | Hologram Vibration Analysis | Slim Design
Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable with Built-in Phono Equalizer
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  • WPL Score

    WPL Score is a ranking system developed by Whypinkfloyd.com. WPL score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Denon
  • REDISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR VINYL -Listen to your analog music in a brand new way with this rigid diecast aluminum turntable that comes with standard mount headshell, MM Cartridge, DC servo motor, and has rotation speeds of 33 1/3 or 45 rpm
  • LOWER VIBRATIONS DRIVE BETTER PERFORMANCE - This slim and sleek turntable is designed with a heavier base construction that helps decrease vibrations, giving you a noiseless, rich and detailed sound  more
Most Saving
11
Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable with Built-in Phono Equalizer | Unique Tonearm Design | Hologram Vibration Analysis | Slim Design
Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable with Built-in Phono Equalizer
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  • WPL Score

    WPL Score is a ranking system developed by Whypinkfloyd.com. WPL score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Denon
  • REDISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR VINYL -Listen to your analog music in a brand new way with this rigid diecast aluminum turntable that comes with standard mount headshell, MM Cartridge, DC servo motor, and has rotation speeds of 33 1/3 or 45 rpm
  • LOWER VIBRATIONS DRIVE BETTER PERFORMANCE - This slim and sleek turntable is designed with a heavier base construction that helps decrease vibrations, giving you a noiseless, rich and detailed sound  more
Most Saving
12
1 BY ONE Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in Phono Pre-amp, USB Digital Output Vinyl Stereo Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, 33 or 45 RPM
1 BY ONE Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in
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  • WPL Score

    WPL Score is a ranking system developed by Whypinkfloyd.com. WPL score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    1 BY ONE
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Pair with Bluetooth speakers or headphones for an amazing, wire-free experience; Even better, no receiver needed
  • Magnetic Cartridge Stylus: The diamond-tipped stylus cartridge is designed to produce rich sound and outstanding clarity, tracking your record’s grooves with precision for accurate, high-definition audio  more
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13
Denon DP-29F Analog Turntable
Denon DP-29F Analog Turntable
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  • WPL Score

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    8.6
  • Brand
    Denon
  • The turntable has been precision manufactured with a rigid die cast aluminum to produce uniform inertial mass for perfectly stable turntable rotation, an essential component of high fidelity sound during playback
  • The DP 29F employs an automated system that starts playing the record with the single touch of a button and finishes play at the end of the record by returning the tone arm to its original position and stopping turntable rotation  more
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14
House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable: Vinyl Record Player with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity, 2 Speed Belt, Built-in Pre-Amp, and Sustainable Materials
House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable: Vinyl Record
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  • WPL Score

    WPL Score is a ranking system developed by Whypinkfloyd.com. WPL score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.6
  • Brand
    House of Marley
  • SUPERIOR SOUND: A new spin on an old classic, our Stir It Up Wireless Turntable offers a modular Audio Technica cartridge and built-in pre-amp and delivers premium audio quality and lets you enjoy your every sonic detail of your favorite vinyl records. If you prefer to use your own pre-amp, simply switch the internal amp off to connect one of your choice.
  • PREMIUM FEATURES: Compatible with any Bluetooth speaker or headphones, you’ll experience that classic Marley sound no matter how you connect. Play any 33 or 45 RPM records while the anti-skate control and the auto start/stop help to protect your vinyl from damage. The USB port and included cable allow you to convert your records to a digital format.  more

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

buying guide

Source: Skylabs Audio

Here are some things to consider when choosing the best belt drive turntable:

  1. Cartridge: Look for a turntable with a high-quality cartridge that can accurately track the grooves of your vinyl records. Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges are the most common types of cartridges.

  2. Platter: The platter should be heavy and stable to reduce vibrations and provide a consistent speed. Look for a turntable with a platter made of materials like aluminum, acrylic, or glass.

  3. Tonearm: The tonearm should be lightweight and have a low-friction pivot point for smooth and accurate tracking. Some tonearms have adjustable tracking force and anti-skating controls to optimize the sound quality.

  4. Speed and Speed control: A belt drive turntable should have speed control features, allowing you to switch between 33 and 45 RPM. Some turntables also have pitch adjustment, which can be useful for mixing or matching beats.

Isolation: The turntable should be isolated from any external vibrations, which can cause interference with the sound. Look for a turntable with a heavy plinth or a suspension system to reduce external vibrations.

Some of the best belt drive turntables on the market include:

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Rega Planar 1

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

Fluance RT85

U-Turn Audio Orbit Special

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Tip for Using a belt drive turntable

When using a belt drive turntable, consider the following tips:

  1. Keep the turntable clean and dust-free to avoid any damage to the stylus or the record.
  2. Use a quality phono preamp to amplify the signal and improve the sound quality.
  3. Make sure the turntable is level and stable to reduce any vibrations.
  4. Replace the belt periodically to ensure optimal performance.
  5. Use a good quality stylus and take care not to damage it by dropping it or touching it with your fingers.