Fancy getting into vinyl, or upgrading your existing setup? This year has delivered some especially interesting new turntables, ranging from the classy to the tacky, and from the practical to the surely-just-for-show. I've rounded up some of our favorites below.
Oxblood is clearly in vogue, because we have not one but two decks in the moody hue: Technics' Friz Hansen turntable with a matching lamp, and Pro-Ject's ultra-minimalist Debut Evo 2.
Looking for something less understated? Rammstein fans should gear up to grab one of respected turntable brand Clearaudio's limited-edition themed decks when they finally become available in October. The brand's love letter to the German metal gods isn't simply a band logo slapped onto an existing turntable either — it was created in collaboration with Rammstein as a "fully independent model" featuring a metallic lacquer finish and dimmable LED lighting.
If you think that's bold, wait until you see Technics' other notable 2026 release. This limited-edition turntable is based on the SL-1200 model, and designed to mark its 55th anniversary. The inner workings remain largely untouched compared to the base model, but the exterior is altogether flashier: the theme here is gold, and lots of it. Everything from the tonearm to the controls to the platter has had the Midas touch applied — it even has a gold slip mat.
Scroll down for a closer look at all these decks and more — and hit the More details button for links to additional info.
Top turntables
Goldring GR3
Pros
- Detailed, rhythmically adept and confident sound
- Excellent pre-fitted cartridge is part of its plug-and-play convenience
- Great standard of build and finish
Cons
- Can sound slightly insubstantial at the top of the frequency range
- Phono stage really should be defeatable
- Not short of competition
Pros
- +Energetic and quite communicative sound
- Specified like a music centre of the old school (with some wireless stuff thrown in too)
- Tremendous flexibility where partnering equipment is concerned
Cons
- Splashy treble response
- Low frequencies sound slightly remote
- Quieter when physically connected than when using Bluetooth
Sony PS-LX5BT turntable
Read more: It ain't heavy, but Sony's new budget Bluetooth turntable is still a winner eight days a week
Pros
- Energetic and forward, but not unsubtle, sound
- aptX Adaptive compatibility = lossy 48kHz wireless connectivity
- Integrated phono stage and fully automatic operation
Cons
- Little issues at either end of the frequency range
- Construction feels a little insubstantial
- Fixed counterweight
Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2
Read more: Clearaudio just unveiled a stunning Rammstein turntable and truly, ich will!
