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10 Best 3 Speed Turntables 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Fluance RT85 Turntable with Ortofon Cartridge, Acrylic Platter, Speed Control, and Vibration Isolation - Walnut

The Fluance RT85 is a well-crafted turntable designed for those who value high-quality sound and build. It offers precise speed control with an AC motor and belt drive, ensuring stable platter rotation and minimal noise. While it doesn’t have a built-in preamp, it’s compatible with external phono preamps, giving you flexibility depending on your audio setup. The standout feature is its Ortofon 2M Blue elliptical cartridge, known for delivering clear, detailed sound with excellent channel separation and reduced distortion, making your records sound rich and natural.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Speed Settings
Cartridge and Stylus
Platter Material

Most important from
2010 reviews

Speed Settings
The RT85 is a perfect choice for audiophiles seeking rich analog sound and precise speed control without unnecessary extras.
Cartridge and Stylus
The Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge combined with the acrylic platter delivers clear, detailed sound with excellent bass and midrange clarity.
Platter Material
The Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge combined with the acrylic platter delivers clear, detailed sound with excellent bass and midrange clarity.
Tonearm
The cueing lever is smoothly damped, allowing the tonearm to lower gently onto records, enhancing playback safety and user experience.
Built-in Preamp
Despite lacking a built-in preamp, the RT85 pairs well with external phono preamps, offering flexibility and superior sound when used with quality components.
Build Quality
The turntable's MDF wood plinth with walnut finish not only looks elegant but also provides a solid, quiet base that reduces vibrations effectively.
#2
9.4 score

Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge, Acrylic Platter, Speed Control, and Vibration Isolation - Piano Black

The Fluance RT85N Turntable is a notable choice for those seeking a high-quality listening experience with its exceptional build and impressive sound performance. The Nagaoka MP-110 elliptical diamond cartridge is a standout feature, offering balanced tonal accuracy and dynamic music playback, which makes it suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Rating
9.4
Cartridge Type

Most important from
291 reviews

Cartridge Type
The Nagaoka cartridge is a standout, delivering a warm yet precise sound that brings out the best in both new and used records.
#3
9.4 score

Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable, Hi-Fi, Fully Manual, 3 Speed, High Torque Motor

The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK is a solid choice for those looking for a 3-speed turntable, particularly appealing to DJs and vinyl enthusiasts who appreciate precise control and quality sound. One of its strengths is the direct-drive motor, providing high torque for reliable performance even during live sets. The variable pitch control and quartz speed lock feature allow for accurate adjustments, which is a plus for mixing and scratching. The professional-grade anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter helps maintain sound quality by reducing unwanted vibrations.

Rating
9.4
Cartridge Type

Most important from
402 reviews

Cartridge Type
The included AT-XP3 phono cartridge and headshell provide excellent sound quality right out of the box.

Top 10 Best 3 Speed Turntables 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Fluance RT85 Turntable with Ortofon Cartridge, Acrylic Platter, Speed Control, and Vibration Isolation - Walnut

Speed Settings: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM
Drive Type: Belt drive
Cartridge and Stylus: Ortofon 2M Blue elliptical cartridge
Platter Material: High-density acrylic
Built-in Preamp: No
Build Quality: MDF wood plinth, walnut finish

Chosen by 1494 this week

Fluance RT81 Turntable with AT95E Cartridge, Belt Drive, Built-in Preamp, Adjustable Counterweight - Piano Black

Speed Settings: 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
Drive Type: belt-driven
Cartridge and Stylus: Audio Technica AT95E, diamond stylus
Platter Material: aluminum
Tonearm: aluminum S-Type, adjustable weight
Built-in Preamp: Texas Instruments preamp

Pro-Ject - Debut Carbon Evolution (Gloss Black)

Speed Settings: 33, 45, 78 RPM
Cartridge Type: Sumiko Rainier
Platter Material: Stamped steel with TPE damping
Tonearm Type: 8.6” carbon fiber
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Buying Guide for the Best 3 Speed Turntables

When choosing a 3-speed turntable, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. A turntable is a device used to play vinyl records, and the right one can greatly enhance your listening experience. By understanding the key specs, you can make an informed decision and enjoy your music collection to the fullest.
Speed SettingsSpeed settings refer to the rotational speed of the turntable platter, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The three common speeds are 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. This spec is important because different records are designed to be played at different speeds. Most modern albums play at 33 1/3 RPM, singles at 45 RPM, and older records at 78 RPM. Ensure the turntable you choose supports all three speeds to accommodate your entire record collection.
Drive TypeThe drive type of a turntable refers to how the motor connects to the platter. There are two main types: belt drive and direct drive. Belt drive turntables use an elastic belt to spin the platter, which can reduce motor noise and vibration, making them ideal for home listening. Direct drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter, providing more consistent speed and torque, which is preferred by DJs and for scratching. Choose a belt drive for casual listening and a direct drive if you plan to DJ or need precise control.
Cartridge and StylusThe cartridge and stylus are the components that read the grooves on the record and convert them into audio signals. The quality of these parts can significantly affect sound quality. Cartridges can be either moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC), with MM being more common and easier to replace. The stylus, or needle, can be elliptical or spherical, with elliptical providing better sound quality. For general use, an MM cartridge with an elliptical stylus is a good choice, while audiophiles might prefer an MC cartridge for superior sound.
Platter MaterialThe platter is the part of the turntable that the record sits on. Platter material can affect sound quality and stability. Common materials include plastic, aluminum, and acrylic. Plastic platters are lightweight and affordable but may not provide the best sound quality. Aluminum platters are more durable and offer better sound isolation. Acrylic platters are considered high-end, providing excellent sound quality and stability. Choose a platter material based on your sound quality preferences and budget.
TonearmThe tonearm is the part of the turntable that holds the cartridge and stylus and moves across the record. Tonearms can be straight or S-shaped, with straight arms being more common and easier to set up. The material and design of the tonearm can affect tracking accuracy and sound quality. Look for a tonearm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skate features to ensure proper tracking and minimize record wear. For most users, a straight tonearm with these adjustable features will provide a good balance of ease of use and performance.
Built-in PreampA built-in preamp amplifies the signal from the turntable to a level that can be used by standard audio equipment. This is important because turntables produce a very low-level signal that needs amplification. Some turntables come with a built-in preamp, making them easier to connect to modern audio systems without needing an external preamp. If you have a receiver or amplifier with a phono input, you may not need a built-in preamp. Choose a turntable with a built-in preamp for convenience, especially if you plan to connect it to a system without a dedicated phono input.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the overall construction and materials used in the turntable. A well-built turntable will be more durable, stable, and provide better sound quality. Look for turntables with solid plinths (the base of the turntable), quality materials, and good craftsmanship. A heavier turntable can help reduce vibrations and improve sound quality. Consider your usage and environment when evaluating build quality; if you plan to use the turntable frequently or in a setting with potential vibrations, a sturdier build will be beneficial.

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