The 4 turntables they really want on Graduation Day — or for their new apartment — as picked by an audio editor | Tech Radar
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The 4 turntables they really want on Graduation Day — or for their new apartment — as picked by an audio editor
I test audio kit for a living, and any of these four is the right choice
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(Image credit: Sony, Fluance, Victrola, Pro-Ject (edited using Gemini 2.0))
It's a huge day. That second you become fully aware that your studying days and nights are finally behind you is one of life's pivotal moments. You only really know it happened because someone tied a ribbon around your results, handed you a robe, and took your photo holding the scroll. But you did it; you got there!
And if the newly liberated student in your life is looking to move into their own place, or simply wanting to chill out with a bit of downtime before 'real work' begins, a turntable is the kind of important gift they might love to receive from you.
As luck would have it, Amazon Prime Day is upon us, and that means some savvy shopping deals may coincide beautifully with your gifting. However, I'm not focusing on that here, despite my obligation to place a link below this piece…
4 excellent turntables that will last long after they graduate
This mini roundup is simply the four best turntables I recommend as graduation gifts, irrespective of deals. At the time of writing, the cheapest of the lot, the Bluetooth-friendly Sony PS-LX3BT (which is the cheaper sibling of the splendid Sony PS-LX5BT and a direct replacement for the 2019-issue Sony PS-LX310BT), is already discounted by 18% too, meaning you'll now only pay
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One up from this in terms of pricing is the excellent Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, which is the top turntable we recommend for most people in our guide to the best turntables. Why do I love it? It just sounds so good for the relatively affordable price. Unlike the Sony above, this one won't ping vinyl audio to your Bluetooth headphones and is more of a traditional-style deck, requiring amplification and hard-wired connections to sing, but that's part of its beauty — they can tailor it to their future!
Want to give them something brand new, hot off the factory floor and for my money, even better-looking than the Pro-Ject? Meet the baby of the bunch, the days-old Fluance RT87. Its winsome looks come largely from what Fluance calls a 'dual plinth', but there's really only one plinth with a novel two-layer design, to eliminate vibrational nasties. It's so new, we've yet to review it, but this is Fluance, a trusted name in audio and a little birdie tells me early signs are resoundingly positive.
This is again a more traditional, analog-style amp-and-passive-speakers type turntable. You can buy it with either the super-solid Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML stylus preloaded or, for listeners seeking a highly musical presentation, the Ortofon 2M Blue, known for its tonally rich character and detail.
What if they've got a Sonos speaker they'd like to make use of (or you've got one you were planning to give them when they move out)? I've got you: the Victrola Stream Onyx works with Sonos kit, with no other connections needed. You can even get it in a stunning sage green (you'd be so surprised how many people ask me to recommend sage green turntables) and the build is effortlessly chic. Yes, it's the priciest model here, but when you consider that you may not need anything else to get vinyl that harnesses your (their!) home Wi-Fi, it may make more sense.
I hope you find a favorite among these, because I love them all. And wish your recent graduate all the very best on this mad journey we call life from me, will you?
I became Tech Radar's Audio Editor in 2024, but joined Tech Radar in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things audio and hi-fi. Before joining the team, I spent three years at our sister publication, What Hi-Fi? testing, reviewing and generally enjoying everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge, multi-product high-end sound systems.
Prior to gaining my MA in Journalism in 2018, I freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 24-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist — any love of dance is of course tethered to a love of music.
When not writing, I'm usually throwing shapes in a dance studio to new music, or trying to surf with my other half (an irritatingly good surfer and an even better football writer).
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Becky became Audio Editor at Tech Radar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, Four Four Two and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.
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