Whether you're spinning your first record or upgrading a deck you've loved for years, the right turntable is what makes vinyl sound the way it should. Our range of record players and turntables in Australia runs from simple plug-and-play decks to precision audiophile designs, and every one has earned its place on our shelves for how it sounds and how well it lasts.
Record player or turntable?
The two terms are used interchangeably today. Traditionally a record player was an all-in-one unit with its own speakers, while a turntable is one part of a hi-fi system that connects to an amplifier and speakers. Almost everything we stock is a turntable in that sense, but plenty now include a built-in phono stage or Bluetooth, so they're just as easy to get up and running.
How to choose the right turntable
Manual or automatic
An automatic turntable lowers and lifts the tonearm for you at the press of a button, which makes it a great choice for relaxed listening or anyone who'd rather not handle the stylus. A manual turntable asks you to place the needle yourself, and in return gives you a simpler mechanism with less between the record and the sound. Most serious hi-fi decks are manual for exactly that reason.
Do you need a phono stage?
A turntable's signal is tiny and needs a phono preamp to boost it before your amplifier can use it. Some turntables have one built in, many amplifiers include one, and a dedicated phono stage is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make later on. If you're not sure what your current system has, send us the model and we'll check for you.
Bluetooth and wireless listening
If most of your listening happens through wireless speakers, a Bluetooth turntable or a deck matched with Sonos keeps things simple. For the best possible sound a wired connection is still the way to go, and many Bluetooth models give you both options.
The cartridge matters more than you think
The cartridge and stylus are the only parts that touch the record, so they shape the sound more than almost anything else in the chain. Most decks arrive with a well-matched cartridge already fitted, and upgrading it later, with something like a stylus or cartridge from Ortofon, is one of the easiest ways to hear more from the records you already own.
The turntable brands we stock
Pro-Ject offers one of the widest turntable ranges in the world, from affordable first decks to reference-level designs. Rega builds its turntables in Britain around a light, rigid philosophy that gives records an energetic, musical sound. Technics is best known for direct-drive precision and rock-solid speed stability, from one of the most respected names in vinyl. Audio-Technica makes dependable, easy-to-use decks that are ideal as a first turntable, while Dual offers convenient automatic designs with a long German heritage. For those after something truly special, we also carry turntables from McIntosh, NAD and T+A.
Building a complete vinyl system
If you're starting from scratch, a turntable hi-fi pack gives you a deck, amplifier and speakers that have already been matched to work beautifully together. You'll also find replacement styli and record cleaning accessories to keep your collection sounding its best for years.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect a record player to Bluetooth speakers?
Yes, if the turntable has Bluetooth built in. If it doesn't, you can still connect it through an amplifier or wireless speaker with a line input, as long as there's a phono stage somewhere in the chain.
How do I know when my stylus needs replacing?
Listen for distortion or harshness that wasn't there before, especially in loud passages and towards the end of a side. Stylus life depends on the type and how well your records are cared for, so if you're unsure, get in touch and we'll help you work out whether it's time.
How should I store my vinyl records?
Keep records upright, away from direct sunlight and heat, and in their inner sleeves. A clean record also sounds better and wears your stylus less, so regular cleaning is well worth the few minutes it takes.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what you listen to, what you already own and the space you're working with, and we'll point you to the right turntable. Every order ships free Australia-wide with full Australian warranty and our ongoing support long after it arrives.