Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fidelity, Plays 33-1/3 and 45 RPM Vinyl Records, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter

Why it's worth it

The AT-LP60X is fully automatic, so you press one button and the tonearm handles itself. It's belt-driven with a die-cast aluminum platter, and review outlets have recommended it for years because it does the basics well and stays out of your way.

If you've never owned a turntable, this is the one to start with. There's no counterweight to balance, no anti-skate dial to fiddle with, no stylus alignment. You put the record on, pick 33 or 45, and press start. The tonearm lifts, drops, plays the side, then returns and shuts off on its own. That last part matters more than it sounds. Fall asleep with a record on and the needle isn't grinding in the runout groove all night.

Speed stability is where cheap turntables usually fall apart, and this one holds up. RTINGS measured the AT-LP60X's speed accuracy within 0.1 percent of the target 33⅓ RPM. In practice you just don't notice the platter, which is the whole point. Audio-Technica also puts the AC adapter outside the chassis instead of inside it, which keeps power-supply hum out of the signal. Small design choice, audible result.

From our review of 8 turntables for budget vinyl listening

What we like

• +If you've never owned a turntable, this is the one to start with
• +Speed stability is where cheap turntables usually fall apart, and this one holds up
• +The die-cast aluminum platter does real work here
• +Owners keep this deck around for years, which is the strongest signal a budget product can send

What to know

• –The cartridge isn't upgradable in any meaningful way
• –There's no counterweight and no anti-skate adjustment, which is exactly why setup is so easy and also why you have zero control…
• –You'll need powered speakers or an amplifier