Looking to delve into the exciting world of vinyl but don't have much experience or cash to burn? Our current What Hi-Fi? Award winner, the Pro-Ject Primary E, is our pick for the best entry-level turntable you can get.
We originally tested the Pro-Ject Primary E at £150 a few years back, but its price has increased over time – it's currently around £199 without any discounts. In record player terms, that's not a huge price to begin with – particularly for a purist design from an established turntable brand – but of course, any money shaved off that is very welcome indeed.
We have seen prices dip a few times and even if you can get £10/$10 off, it makes this excellent turntable – which is great value at RRP – all the more appealing. You can keep an eye on all the current prices at various retailers in our handy widget below, so bookmark this page to keep a close eye if you're keen to buy.
For beginners looking for the best way to get started within the wonderful world of vinyl, the Pro-Ject Primary E is our go-to recommendation time and time again. As a deck that nails the basics without fuss or fiddles, the Primary E is just about perfect as a "get the job done" sort of a record player.
Solidly built, reasonably priced and with an enjoyable sonic temperament, this is the best purist turntable (meaning there's no built-in phono stage or Bluetooth capabilities) you're going to get for around the £200 mark, although do bear in mind that you'll need room in your budget for a separate amp with a phono stage or a pair of active speakers with a phono stage built in to complete the setup.
Just because it's good value doesn't mean it's cheap or flimsy either, and while we find the corners of the Pro-Ject Primary E a little sharp, that's pretty much our only gripe with what is otherwise a superbly made player for the price.
It's also a doddle to set up – something you'd hope for when dealing with a product aimed at this end of the market – and a choice of three colours: red, white or black, to truly express your individuality.
Best of all, it sounds great. Nothing bought at this price will likely change your life forever, but the Primary E serves up a really decent, substantial sound that, as we stated in our review, "confidentially nails the basics, from an even tonal balance to a delivery that's clear and clean and spacious enough to keep things coherent". That, for around £200, is exactly what you should be hoping for, and with the Primary E, it's exactly what you'll be getting.
If you've been considering starting up a vinyl collection or you're in need of a low-cost way to get your records spinning again, our current Award winner is a great place to start.
MORE:
Read our full Pro-Ject Primary E review
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