Collection: Turntables 15 15 products

Direct drive for DJing

DJ turntables almost always use direct drive: the motor sits right under the platter, so it reaches speed quickly, keeps steady when you hold or push the record, and has strong torque for scratching. Belt-drive decks are excellent for listening but too slow to start and too easily pulled off speed for mixing.

Torque, pitch and stability

Torque decides how firmly the platter fights back when you touch the record. High torque suits scratching; some DJs prefer lower torque for gentle nudging, and several decks let you adjust it. The pitch fader typically offers an 8 percent range, with wider ranges on many decks for creative use. Look for steady speed and a quartz lock or reset to return exactly to zero.

Tonearm and cartridge

A straight tonearm is common on scratch-focused decks because it tracks reliably during backspins; an S-shaped arm is often found on decks for mixing and listening. Check whether a cartridge is included and which headshell mount the arm uses. See Phono Cartridges for upgrades.

Connections and extras

Some turntables have a built-in phono preamp or USB output for recording, so they can connect to line inputs or a computer. Others need a mixer with phono inputs. A heavy, damped base and adjustable feet reduce feedback when you play loud.