Let me first start of this list with saying generally with DJ turntables you get what you pay for. More expensive turntables are built with better quality materials. With that being said, there are differences that must be addressed as not all turntables will suit your exact needs.
If you read my first review, there’s a pretty obvious choice waiting at number 1, however there are more questions that go into what turntables are for you than simply being the best.
Questions such as: How much do you want? How much do you need? What can you afford?
The new Technics go for $2000 and this price point is not for everyone; for those who don’t want to pay this much or higher there are a few very good options at different price points. Hopefully this in depth look at the top 10 best tables on the market will help guide your decision.
#1 Technics SL-1210Mk5 (or any Technic 1200): $1999.99
Simply the las
t turntable you will ever need. These are the standard for all dj turntables and still the best turntable in 2018.
I’ve already written an extensive review on these, so I’m going to be short here.If you have the money, are serious about the craft, or simply want to make an investment that has depreciated significantly less than any turntable in the past 40 years these are your best bet and until beaten will always be my #1.
The only major con here are the audio and power leads; as many people go with used models, these aged tables often need wire replacements. The problem is in order to change the leads you’re going to need to detach the bottom and be able to solder.
#2 Pioneer DJ PLX-1000: $700
Well if you don’t like the price point on dead stock sellers’ Technics, or don’t want to try to hunt down a quality used pair then the Pioneer PLX-1000 should be the second weapon of choice.
Durability is one of our most important qualities here at djturntablereview.com and the Pioneer DJ PLX-1000’s are built to last. They come in at a whopping 29 pounds (5 pounds heavier than the Technics). They produce high quality analog sound and are ideal for both mixing and scratching.
As far as turntables go, these have a very traditional look and feel.They have amazing torque, and speed accuracy that rival the Technic 1200s. They actually have almost identical dimensions to the Technic SL-1200 Mk2. They also have very similar controls and look for the tonearm.
Key Differences to the Technic 1200:
Pitch Control: The PLX-1000s offer a wider range of pitches than the Technic’s +/-8%; the PLX-1000s add +/-16% and +/-50% which can help you get very creative in mixes if pairing these turntables with a DVS such as serato or traktor. These also offer a “reset” button which is a nice touch and comes in handy when doing quick tempo changes. The Pioneers also have the clear edge with removable RCA leads and power cable.
The PLX-1000 boasts a strong 4.5 kgf torque vs technics 1.5 kgf torque meaning the Pioneer’s have a slightly stronger motor and therefore faster start up speed. This lends itself to more accurate pitch bends, and shorter lag in between a record spinning at full speed when you let go of it after a scratch.
As far as newer turntables go, this is the way to go.
You can find the latest prices and availability of the Pioneer PLX-1000 here
#3 Reloop RP-8000: $700
This is hands down the best “non-traditional” turntable on the market. The main feature is the built-in performance pads that integrate with your DJ software of choice. Don’t make the mistake though and think that these tables are a gimmicky one-trick pony.
This turntable 
is completely solid and they actually outperform the Techinic 1200 in a couple big categories: the two biggest being again torque and pitch adjustment choices.
The Reloop RP-8000s have +/- 8%, 16% and 50% and also have a reverse feature. What I also love about the Reloop RP-8000s is the digitial pitch readout directly on the turntable.
You can also control your torque settings and brake/start speed directly on the table which is an awesome feature, and don’t have to worry about grounding during set up as they are internally grounded. They also have Turntable RPMs of 33, 48 and 78 which again can be utilized for those creative mixes and sets.
The Reloops are lighter than both the Pioneers and the Technics at 21 pounds but still built very solid. These tables also come in both a straight arm and S-arm version. If you’re a turntablist and your main thing is performance under hard scratching: then the straight arm is for you. The tracking on the straight arm is absolutely unbelievable. If you plan on playing 45’s at any sort of frequent capacity then the S arms are probably your best bet.
The reason I didn’t rank this as #1 or #2 is because my bias towards newer technology. A simpler construction (Technic 1200s and PLX-1000’s) is less likely to malfunction and more likely to stand the test of time as the 1200s has shown. The other thing to consider is resale value, the midi keys are fun, but both the PLX-1000’s and 1200s have proven to still have high value on the used turntable market.
This table is ideal for a tech heavy DJ that wants to interact more with their tables.
You can find the latest prices and availability of the Reloop RP-8000 Turntable here
#4 Reloop RP-7000 MK2: $500
The Reloop RP-7000 MK2 are the same turntable as the Reloop-8000s without the performance pads for $200 less. If you want a great overall turntable without midi capabilities built into it, the price point makes the RP-7000 VERY attractive. 
You can find the latest prices and availability of the Reloop RP-7000 Turntable here
#5 Stanton STR8.150 or ST.150: $500
An
other very high torque turntable on this list clocking in again at 4.5 kgf-cm (remember Technics are at 1.5 kgf-cm). The torque on the ST8.150 is noticeably stronger than most of the industry standard turntables.
These turntables are also STURDY; they clock in at a hefty 36 pounds (the heaviest on this list and 12 pounds heavier than the Technics). This is both a good and bad thing: so for one this weight will help control vibrations; and in my opinion this is one of the best turntables in terms of preventing skipping. It’s a negative if you plan on djing gigs with these. You’ll be lugging around 70 pounds of turntable, so if you buy these I would skip the gym on gig days.
As you will see this is another turntable that comes in both a straight tone-arm and S-shaped tone arm build. The main difference in the ST8.150 and the ST-150 is traction (though honestly I’ve never had an issue with the S-arm version). 
However, The ST8-150 turntable DOES track better; so if you plan on scratching heavily The ST8.150 is the way to go.
Along with getting a very well built turntable that is virtually skip-proof with a great motor, the Stanton St.150 and St8.150s come with some other cool features. They have the ability to play records at 33, 45 and 78 RPM, comes with a reverse button, internal grounding and a replaceable LED pop-up light. The Stanton pitch control has +/- 8%, 25% and 50% and also has a key lock.
The pitch control is super smooth. It doesn’t click in like the Technics but it does have an LED light that illuminates when you’re at 0%.
These turntables also have adjustable start and stop speeds, which is feature I’ve come to love for certain brake transitions. These tables have selectable phono OR line outputs (Key correction only works with line outputs).
These turntables have incredible torque, are super solid and are great for scratching. The price point is very attractive if you can get your hands on one of these turntables new or used as this particular model has been discontinued for a new M2 version which is also featured lower on this list.
You can find the latest prices and availability of the Stanton ST8.150 Turntable here
#6 Denon DJ VL12 PRIME: $900
Denon created a turntable that feels like it was built to last through the ages with the Denon DJ VL12 PRIME. This is another turntable packed with intense torque; actually it has the highest torque in the industry at 5 kgf-cm. It’s a little heavier than the Technic 1200; 7 pounds more than RP-8000 by Reloop and the same weight as Pioneer PLX-1000.
These table
s were designed with advanced acoustic isolation to produce the clearest playback in even the bassiest of environments.
Honestly the biggest selling point for me on these tables is the sound. It’s just fuller, punchier and quicker than most all the turntables on this list and has a sound quality that I think even “audiophiles” could love.
Aside from the sound, some cool features include the ability to change and customize the color and brightness of the LED light under the platter. This turntable also has adjustable torque, to allow for different platter feels. It includes pitch range +/-8%, 16% and 50% and a reset button back to zero pitch which is a plus.
The pitch slider is super smooth and up to par with the Technic 1200 pitch slider quality.
The tone arm is also has a brand new feature that I’ve never seen on a turntable before. It includes a newly designed rest for the tonearm to help avoid braking the clasp. These subtle improvements show the attention to detail that Denon put into this table.
My issues with this turntable mostly stem from the price and wanting a little bit more for the price point. I wish the turntable had internal grounding like some of the other tables in this review, instead we will have to use RCA’s with grounding cables. Also at this price point, I wish it had adjustable start and stop button speeds. This turntable is also newer so it doesn’t have the data that comes with time to see how durable it will be in the long term.
If it does hold up over time I think this turntable can have a permanent place on the best tables list and could become a new standard.
You can find the latest prices and availability of the Denon DJ VL12 Prime Turntable here
#7 Audio Technica AT-LP1240 USB: $450
The Audio Technica AT-LP1240 is part of the Super OEM family (standing for original equipment manufacturer), the Stanton St-150/St8-150s as well as the Reloop 6000s are all true Super OEM’s stemming from the same original design. There is heavy debate regarding their place next to or even above the Technic 1200s. Regardless of your side of the debate, many DJ’s swear by these Super OEM models and as time continues to pass since the original Super OEMs, their build has proven solid and has shown to last quite a bit of time.
This is the only turntable under $500 to make the list, and I had a very hard time placing this lower than the Stantons. I just love the feel of these tables. They have a solid stable platter and, since they are based off the same design, feature the same super strong torque as the Stanton 150s.
Their proven motors aside, all the other features are what set these tables apart. This turntable has an elegant, classy design.
There is a pitch light at 0%, though there is a no center click on the pitch fader.
The LP1240s have a reverse button, brake and start adjustment knob, pitch adjustment +/- 8%, 25% and 50%. The AT-LP1240 features three-speeds: 33RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM. They also include a removable tracking light which is always a plus.
One huge plus for this table is the USB support feature and that it comes with the Audacity software. With this feature you can convert vinyl records into digital files by simply connecting to your computer.
These Audio Technicas are very similar to the Stanton 150s at a lower price and lighter weight. (Audio Technicas are 27 lbs and Stantons are 36lbs). These are certainly a professional DJ turntable; good enough to DJ gigs at clubs and to handle the heaviest of scratching hands.
My main reason for placing this lower than the ST-150s is due to the fact that its newer and therefore the durability less proven, look (I just like the Stanton look better) and lighter weight (which may actually be a plus for dj’s who plan on taking their whole set up to gigs). The Stanton’s straight tonearm and the fact that they are virtually unskippable also set those ahead of these. But honestly, it is a toss up when you add price as a factor. At $100 less, these tables pack a huge punch and are highly recommended.
#8 Stanton ST8.150 M2 or ST.150-M2: $600
Thee Stanton ST8.150 M2 and ST.150 M2 were newly engineered in 2017 and are not the same as the original St8-150 and ST-150. The torque is still just as good as the previous models and it does have very similar feels to the originals. What is very obvious though is the significant weight difference between the M2 and the originals. This table weighed in at 22.5 lbs, the original ST.150 weighed in at 36 lbs.
Again these have the adjustable Start/brake speed adjustments, as well as a reverse button. They also have the pitch adjustments at +/- 8%, 25% and 50%.
In the re-engineered versions Stanton took away the 0 pitch light; which I’m not a huge fan of. Also the pitch slider on these turntables are not as smooth as the ones previously listed, it has an almost gritty feel.
One other issue I’ve found with these is the counterweight that comes with tone-arm. These are used to set proper tracking force with the turntable, what I did not like about these is that for whatever reason they do not allow you to float the tone arm for absolute precise tracking force. This is kind of an easy fix as you can get a Technic 1200 counterweight, but this should not be the case for a $600 turntable.
Aesthetically, this table is beautiful and look nicer than the original, however due to minor issues I would go still go with the original St.150s or ST8.150s if you can find them. If you do not want to try to track down a solid used original St.150 in good condition, these are a great alternative.
You can find the latest prices and availability of the Stanton St.150 M2 High Torque Turntable here
You can find the latest prices and availability of the Stanton St8.150 M2 High Torque Turntable here
#9 Numark TTX-USB: $500
These were recently discontinued for the new NTX so finding a pair may be a little difficult. The Numark TTX-USB are another part of the super OEM turntable family.
Key features that stand out include: Digital Pitch reading at 8%, 16% and 50%. I really do like the digital pitch display on these tables.
You can also change the pitch slider location, but one thing I do not love about this is the fact that it is another “loose” part that has the ability to malfunction down the line.
The TTX has a reverse function, adjustable stop/brake and adjustable torque. The USB feature is again nice as you can directly plug the turntable into the computer to record vinyl.
One huge plus in terms of customization is the interchangeable S-shape & straight tonearm. These turntables have been out for some time now and has proved to be durable.
I’ve ranked these lower on the list due to aesthetics, and overall feel. I personally do not love the pitch fader on these as well a the feel of some of the buttons. They feel more plasticky than some of the other turntables mentioned. But if you can track down a pair of these for a good price, they may prove a solid buy.
You can find the latest prices and availability of the Numark TTX-USB turntable here
#10 Espilon DJT-1300 High Torque DJ Turntable: $290
Epsilon DJT-1300 turntable is the last on this list with Super OEM DNA. As a result of this build we instantly recognize the high torque motor. It features a pitch range up to +/- 50% and all the standard findings of an OEM Turntable at almost half the cost.
The Epsilon has some other features we at DJTurntableReview like such as reverse button and double start/stop buttons.
Our biggest gripe with this deck is the fact that it does not have start/stop time adjustments. We also do not love the fact that the whole outer shell is plastic, though the black finish does look very nice (it also comes in silver finish). The turntable weighs in at 22 lbs which puts it as one of the lightest on our list. The rubberized buttons are sturdy and have a good feel.
Overall this is a very solid good looking turntable that can meet the demand for a DJ or turntablist as well as a those who may simply want to listen to vinyl at an extremely affordable price.
You can find the latest prices and availabilty of Epsilon DJT-1300 turntable here
Summary:
Overall, you cannot go wrong with choosing any of the top 10 turntables on this list. These are the cream of the crop and after reading this article hopefully we’ve helped answer some of your questions regarding these decks.
Recently sold my 1200 mk2 and got the stanton st150 m.2 and seem to be a really good replacement so far. Have to see if they outlast the 10 years with my 1200’s to be sure but on first impressions they are a good set up to have.