Best high-end record players 2024: ultimate premium turntables

Rega Planar 10/Apheta 3
(Image credit: Rega)

We like to think we have high standards, but when it comes to the best high-end record players, things go up a notch or five. That's because truly top-notch performing, exquisitely engineered turntables don't come cheap, and we know those who buy them are serious about their hi-fi performance and have (or should have) suitable high-end hi-fi systems to match. 

So, if you want to get the ultimate performance from your beloved vinyl record collection and have deep pockets to match, here are the finest, hang-the-expense, high-end record players to have graced our testing rooms.

How to choose the best high-end turntable for you

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

There are a few key things to look for when buying a high-end turntable. Generally speaking, the higher the price, the higher quality of the materials used. And when it comes to performance, you can expect a sense of realism, detail and instrumental authenticity that more affordable models just can't match.

You might notice that pricing is complex when you start looking into buying a high-end turntable. Products as esoteric as these are quite often only available through a select few outlets – and in this case, we'd highly recommend visiting a dealer if possible and demo-ing a deck with the preferred accessories before making a purchase. 

Additionally, some models might come with neither a tonearm nor a cartridge, which means you'll have to factor in the added (and possibly quite significant) costs. We've noted the cartridge and tonearm that came included in each turntable package that we tested below, but there are other options the manufacturer might recommend. Don't forget to head over to our list of the best cartridges for some alternative inspiration, though, not to mention finding the perfect match when it comes to phono stages. Once you've made a decision though, you'll want to know how to set up your turntable perfectly to get the ultimate performance from your vinyl set up. 

But enough talk, let's dive into the best high-end turntables below. Each deck has been tested and reviewed by the experts at What Hi-Fi? in our dedicated listening rooms. Read on and get a feel for just how capable these record players are. And start saving up...

Linn Klimax LP12 turntable

The well-loved Linn Klimax LP12 continues to delight with its combination of charming design, strong heritage and stunningly musical performance. (Image credit: Linn)
A classic, and still one of the best high-end turntables we've ever tested.

Specifications

Type: Direct drive
Operation: Manual
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45
Speed change: Electronic
Cartridge: Kandid Reference MC
Tonearm: Ekos SE
Dimensions (HxWxD): 14 x 44.5 x 35.6cm
Weight: 10kg
Finishes: 5 standard (Oak, Cherry, Black Ash, Rosenut, Walnut); 2+ special (Piano Black, Alpine White or match any colour of your choice in high gloss)

Reasons to buy

+
Informative and dynamic presentation
+
Sensational dynamics
+
Excellent build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
One of the priciest decks on this list

Originally introduced back in 1973, the LP12 is still a massively capable and neatly configured deck that puts many a young gun to shame. It's been updated and modernised over the years, but the quality and performance have remained impeccable. Even when you factor in the five-figure price tag, the Klimax LP12 represents value for money and is one of the best high-end record players we've ever had the pleasure of testing.

This configuration sees the basic deck (called Sondek LP12) partnered with an Ekos SE tonearm and Kandid moving-coil cartridge. There's also an Urika phono stage, Radikal power supply and Keel sub-chassis all of which combine to make this a truly high-end turntable. We tested it originally at £18,670 (around $22,180 / AU$32,925) but as of 2023, the deck is available in the link provided above for £25,100, around $31,000 / AU$48,655). 

And it's all worth every penny because this deck is impressively precise and smooth, beautifully made (the arm tube is made of titanium) and sounds wonderfully musical. Detail resolution, agility and transparency have improved over the years, resulting in a high-end record player that never loses its composure. 

If you want scale, power, passion and all manner of sonic fireworks, the Klimax LP12 is the money-no-object choice.

Read our full Linn Klimax LP12 review

Best high-end record players: Rega Planar 10/Apheta 3

Visually striking with elegant engineering, this stunning Rega offers transparency, resolution and dynamic expression in spades. (Image credit: Rega)
A radical approach to high-end turntable design.

Specifications

Type: Belt drive
Operation: Manual
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45
Speed change: Electronic
Cartridge: Apheta 3 MC
Tonearm: RB3000
Dimensions (hwd): 11.5 x 42 x 35cm
Weight: 4.7kg
Finishes: 2 (matt white and matt polaris grey)

Reasons to buy

+
Honest and insightful 
+
Rhythmically driven
+
Impressive engineering

Reasons to avoid

-
Appearance won't appeal to all

Rega has picked up plenty of awards for its more modest offerings, but the Planar 10/Apheta 3 combination sets sky-high standards for the money and serves up plenty of insight and detail. 

The company's mainstream range-topper, the Planar 10 is well-made and visually striking. You could buy the Planar 10 without a cartridge but Rega’s Apheta 3 makes the ideal partner. We tested the deck at £4499 / $6695 / AU$9499, but current prices have the Planar 10 set at £4950 (roughly $6,255 / AU$9597 with the Aphetea 3 and £6840 ($8643 / AU$13,263) with the Aphelion 2 MC.

There's plenty of elegant engineering to admire, including a single-piece machined aluminium sub-platter with a hardened tool steel spindle running inside a custom brass housing. As for the belt, Rega spent three years developing the material used.

When it comes to sound, there is transparency, resolution and dynamic expression in spades. It's a natural and measured performance that is mature and authoritative, with plenty of weight to bass frequencies.

All in all, this high-end record player is as good as it gets for the money. And if you like that it resembles a work of art, this is the deck for you.

Read our full Rega Planar 10/Apheta review

Technics SL-1000R

Technics' premium, top-end turntable impresses with its superbly engineered design and fantastic sonic performance. (Image credit: Technics)
This superbly engineered turntable is a formidable performer.

Specifications

Type: Direct drive
Operation: Automatic
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, 78
Speed change: Electronic
Cartridge: Kiseki Purple Heart MC (optional extra)
Tonearm: S-type Universal Static Balance
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, 78
Dimensions (hwd): 18.8 x 53.1 x 39.9
Weight: 40.2kg
Finishes: 1 (silver)

Reasons to buy

+
Tight, composed sound
+
Detailed bass, immense drive
+
Quality build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Cartridge headshell isn't included in the box

The SL-1000R sits proudly at the top of Technics' turntable range. It's not going to fit everyone's budget and at 40kg you'll probably need another pair of hands to shift it. But from the magnesium S-shaped tonearm to the adjustable feet, build quality and finish are as precise as a Japanese bullet train.

Unusually for a high-end turntable, Technics has opted for a direct drive motor rather than a belt drive, but great care has been taken to reduce vibration. In conjunction with the external power supply and 7.9kg triple-layered platter, the SL-1000R delivers excellent speed stability at 33.3, 45 and 78rpm. As with most options at this price (£18,999 / $24,000 / around AU$47,867), you'll need to partner it with your own cartridge. 

Sound is seriously punchy and tuneful, with tight, beautifully-defined bass and deeply impressive levels of scale and authority. It might seem expensive, but the SL-1000R will go toe-to-toe with any rival in this price bracket. Truly a fantastic beast.

Read our full Technics SL-1000R review

Vertere MG-1 Mk II/Mystic

Looking unlike any other turntable, Vertere's high-end, high-energy deck is the best you can get this price. (Image credit: Vertere)
Striking design with exciting, energetic high-end sound quality to match.

Specifications

Type: Belt drive
Operation: Manual
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45
Speed change: Electronic
Cartridge: Mystic MC
Tonearm: SG-1 MkII
Dimensions (hwd): 14 x 47 x 39cm
Weight: 13.6kg
Finshes: 4 (clear, metallic black, pearlescent white, champagne)

Reasons to buy

+
Clean, detailed sound
+
Rhythmic and dynamic 
+
Fine build

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires care in set-up
-
Some finishes cost extra

With over 35 years of experience under its belt, Vertere - originally a maker of high-end cables – knows a thing or two about polished performers. The MG-1 MkII is a fine transition into the world of high-end record players and delivers an astonishingly clean, compelling sound.    

Designed to make a statement it's packed with nice details, from the triple-layered, vibration-reducing acrylic structure to the removable centre spindle on the platter, which prevents noise from the bearing being directly transmitted to the record surface.

It's best paired with Vertere’s in-house moving coil cartridge, the Mystic. Machined from solid aluminium, it's a perfect fit, tracks well at 2.0g and is easy to fit thanks to threaded bolts.

The sound is super-agile and we were awed by the level of dynamic expression on display. This is a high-end record player that packs enough energy to drive each and every crescendo with ease. 

You'll struggle to hear anything better than this Vertere package at this money, even with recent prices rising to £11,950 – £12,950 (around $15,103 - $16,366 /  AU$23,158 - 25,099AU$ depending on your choice of finish. 

Read our full Vertere Acoustics MG-1 MkII/Mystic review

Best high-end record players: VPI Prime 21+

Impressive sense of power and easy set-up are key highlights of this updated VPI Prime turntable. (Image credit: VPI)
Clear, precise, bold – VPI improves upon its already excellent Prime turntable.

Specifications

Type: Belt drive
Operation: Manual
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45
Speed change: Manual
Cartridge: VPI Shyla MC
Tonearm: VPI Weisline
Dimensions (hwd): x 54.5 x 40cm
Weight: n/a
Finishes: 2 (black, walnut)

Reasons to buy

+
Bold and controlled presentation
+
Dynamic expression and insight
+
Solid build

Reasons to avoid

-
Rega and Vertere rivals have more drive and energy

The new VPI Prime 21+ builds on one of our favourite turntables with an upgraded design that improves performance and ease of use. 

Just to be clear, there are actually two versions of this deck. The ‘21+’ model costs around £6500 ($6500, around AU$11,450) and includes the brand-new VPI Shyla moving coil cartridge and the company’s Weisline tonearm, while the base '21' model misses out on these two options but costs much less – around £4500 ($4500, around AU$8000).

If you can stretch to the 21+, you won't be disappointed. It's engineered to sing and, like previous VPI's Prime turntables, dishes up plenty of clarity and precision. Sound is big and bold without overstepping the mark, delivering punch and insight that put it among the class leaders in this category.

It doesn't quite have the drive of the Vetere MG-1 or the rhythmic snap of the superb Rega Planar 10 (both listed above), but the VPI Prime 21+ does combine its impressive sense of power with easy set-up and a generous supply of accessories in the box.  And for those reasons, this one has to be on your shortlist.

Read our full VPI Prime 21+ review

Clearaudio Ovation

A terrific all-rounder brimming with clever engineering solutions underneath that subtle but bulletproof build. (Image credit: Future)
Sober looks give way to exceptional high-end talents.

Specifications

Type: Belt drive
Operation: Manual
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, 78
Speed change: Electronic
Cartridge: Talismann v2 Gold MC
Tonearm: Clearaudio Clarify
Dimensions (HxWxD): 13.5 x 42 x 35cm
Weight: 13.5kg
Finishes: 2 (black, silver & wood)

Reasons to buy

+
Build and finish
+
Innovative engineering
+
Energetic sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs careful placement in your system

The Clearaudio Ovation is the Clark Kent of high-end record players: its superpowers are neatly hidden under conventional looks. It's a terrific all-rounder brimming with clever engineering solutions. There's plenty of choice when it comes to picking a cartridge – Clearaudio makes a varied and impressive range, so you can take things up a notch should your budget allow. The Ovation currently retails at around £6300 (around $7960 / AU$12,207) back in 2014, with a Talismann v2 Gold moving coil cartridge costing you north of a £1000 / $1263 / AU$2000.

Build quality is pretty much bulletproof. The Ovation’s plinth boasts a sandwich construction made up of two plates of aluminium encapsulating a layer of Panzerholz (a dense, heavily processed wood that’s said to be bulletproof). It's also an effective damping agent.

How does it sound? Refined, enthusiastic and blessed with a level of bite and verve that belies its classy styling.  A fuss-free deck that serves up a full-bodied performance. On a tighter budget? You might also consider the four-star Clearaudio Active MM, which performs brilliantly considering it's around half the price of this deck.

Read our full Clearaudio Ovation review

Turntable: SME Model 60

If your budget is limitless, you'll want to consider this exceptional SME turntable for its outstanding engineering and sonic quality. (Image credit: SME)
Careful evolutionary engineering has resulted in one of the world’s most capable turntables.

Specifications

Type: Belt drive
Operation: Manual
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45
Speed change: Electronic
Cartridge: Ortofon Windfeld Ti MC (extra)
Tonearm: SME 5A
Dimensions: 21.2 x 55.7x 41.7cm
Weight: 48kg
Finishes: 3+ (black, silver, 'diamond' silver, various colour options)

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional detail resolution
+
Outstanding sonic composure and control
+
Immaculate build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be ruthless about poor recordings and pressings
-
Price puts it out of reach for most

SME doesn’t launch many new products, but when it does they’re obsessively engineered and usually stay in production for decades. This SME 60 is an immaculate evolution of a 30-year flagship, but takes advantage of modern production techniques and materials where needed. Those are evidenced in the 5A tonearm, machined from a block of high-tech polymer resin, whose well-damped property helps reduce armtube resonances.

SME doesn't make its own cartridges, so we tested this package (which cost £49,950 / $50,519 / AU$72,484) with a highly-regarded Ortofon Windfeld Ti moving coil model. Yes, it's a pricey package, but the build quality is exceptional and you'll need to treat it to appropriate partnering kit to get the best out of it. While the SME 60 may be a precision instrument, it still has the aura of something that's intended to be passed down between generations even with heavy use. 

Sonically, we hear an immense scale of sound and a breathtaking combination of muscle and authority that allows a song's dramatic nature to shine through. The Model 60 is almost brutal in the way it renders Beethoven's Fifth Symphony’s savage dynamic swings, yet at no point does it sound anything less than in total control of the situation. It digs up every last bit of information from the record groove, doing a convincing job of transporting us in time and space to the point the music was recorded. While it does err more on the insightful, analytical side (and will show up any shortcomings in a pressing or recording), the 60 still has plenty of verve to keep us entertained and listening. 

Read our full SME Model 60 review

Turntable: Rega Naia/Aphelion 2

The Naia is an exceptionally capable record player that sets a sky-high standards for detail, transparency and resolution. (Image credit: Rega)
The ultimate Rega turntable; sets a sky-high standard for resolution and transparency.

Specifications

Type: Belt drive
Operation: Manual
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45
Speed change: Electronic
Cartridge: Aphelion 2 MC
Tonearm: RB Titanium
Dimensions: 12.5 x 42 x 35cm
Weight: 4.65kg
Finishes: 1 (black)

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional clarity and detail resolution
+
Transparency and naturalness
+
Brave styling

Reasons to avoid

-
Sonic presentation appeals to the head more than the feet
-
The foam edges on the plinth look a little unfinished

The Naiad was an R&D exercise for Rega engineers to create a no-expense-spared turntable using the brand's long-held core beliefs of low mass and high rigidity, but pushed to the highest limits. Such was the demand for that conceptual model, that only 50 hand-made units were made – each for £30,000.

Rega considers the Naia the production-ready version of the Naiad. It has the skeletal plinth frame seen in the Planar 10 model (above), but there are new technologies throughout. First is that skeletal plinth, which now uses graphene-infused carbon fibre to sandwich the foam core. Then there's the delicate and shaped ceramic platter, which concentrated most of its mass around the perimeter to help the flywheel effect and improve speed stability. A new titanium tonearm offers a lighter and stiffer design, but it's the precision and low friction movement of the titanium main bearings that impress the most. A triple belt design, outboard power supply and the fitted Aphelion 2 MC cartridge complete the set. Altogether, with the cartridge, the Naia costs £12,499 / $16,995 / AU$24,999.

And it is a magnificent achievement. It's an incredibly insightful and natural-sounding deck. The Naia sounds clean and crisp, delivering class-leading levels of information without ever edging into sterility. There is plenty of scale to the sound too, and for all its agility and articulation there is a good dose of authority when the music demands. Some might want a bit more in the way of rhythmic drive; don’t get us wrong, this package is certainly surefooted and confident when delivering rhythm tracks, but compared to a rival like the Vertere Acoustics MG-1 MkII/Mystic (above) it does sound a bit polite in comparison.

However, this Rega is the result of truly ambitious single-minded engineering and a must-listen for anyone interested in knowing just how good vinyl can sound.

Read our full Rega Naia review

How we test high-end record players

Here at What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year, from TVs to speakers, headphones to hi-fi systems. So how do we come to our review verdicts? And why can you trust them? Allow us to explain.

The What Hi-Fi? team has more than 100 years of collective experience in reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics – and that includes plenty of high-end record players. We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading, where our team of expert reviewers do all our in-house testing. This gives us complete control over the testing process, ensuring consistency across all products. We always ensure we spend plenty of time with each turntable, setting them up correctly, partnering them with suitably price-compatible electronics and speakers, and playing various records and genres.

All new high-end turntables are tested in comparison with rival turntables at the same price where possible, and fitted with either the supplied cartridge or a premium price equivalent. All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than a single reviewer, helping to ensure consistency and avoid individual subjectivity. That's why our reviews are trusted by retailers and manufacturers, as well as consumers, the world over.

From all of our reviews, we choose the top high-end turntables to feature in this Best Buy. That's why if you take the plunge and buy one of the products recommended here, or on any other Best Buy page, you can rest assured you're getting a What Hi-Fi?-approved product.

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

MORE:

Upgrade your library with 10 of the best-sounding vinyl records

Our pick of the best budget record players

Put your table through its paces with 12 of the best vinyl test records

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

With contributions from