Choose a turntable around the speeds and materials in your spoken-word collection. An automatic 33⅓/45 rpm deck suits straightforward LP and single playback; mixed collections that include 78s call for a compatible three-speed deck and the right stylus, while a predominantly 78 rpm collection may justify a dedicated setup. Check how the turntable connects to your speakers or amplifier before buying.
If you mainly play 33⅓ rpm LPs or 45 rpm singles, automatic start and tonearm return can reduce manual handling. Audio-Technica and Sony describe these functions on their AT-LP3XBT and PS-LX310BT models respectively; neither model is specified for 78 rpm playback.
Check both the record material and the stylus before choosing a 78-capable deck. Audio-Technica advises that the correct speed alone is not enough for 78 playback; Rega offers the Planar 78 for collections that do not need LP or single playback on the same turntable.
If you plan to connect a turntable to an amplifier or computer, decide which outputs you need before choosing a model. Audio-Technica lists USB output on the AT-LP120XUSB, while Pro-Ject specifies USB output and a switchable phono preamp on the Debut RecordMaster II.
Start with the formats you own: that determines whether an ordinary LP deck is enough or whether 78 rpm playback and a different stylus are essential. Then choose the level of manual control and the connections your listening setup needs.
Choose it when: Your collection is LPs and singles, and you want the tonearm to start and return automatically.
Bear in mind: Audio-Technica's AT-LP3XBT and Sony's PS-LX310BT are specified for 33⅓ and 45 rpm, not 78 rpm.
Choose it when: You mix LPs or singles with occasional 78s and want hands-on control; USB output is available on the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB and Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II.
Bear in mind: Manual cueing takes more involvement. Pro-Ject specifies a belt change for 78 rpm on the Debut RecordMaster II, and its OM78 stylus is not included.
Choose it when: Most of your spoken-word discs are 78s and you do not need the same deck for LPs or singles.
Bear in mind: Rega's Planar 78 plays at 78 rpm only, and its RB78 cartridge is optional rather than included.
Choose it when: You play LPs and singles, prefer to cue records yourself and want a conventional wired hi-fi setup.
Bear in mind: Rega's Planar 1 does not cover 78 rpm playback; check whether your amplifier or turntable setup provides the phono stage you need.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Easy LP and single playback | Match the deck to your 33⅓ and 45 rpm records; check for automatic start and tonearm return if you want them. | If I mainly play LPs and singles, I want playback to start and finish with less handling. Around 37% of consumers put easy 33⅓/45 rpm playback first. |
| Vintage 78 playback | Confirm 78 rpm support and a stylus compatible with each disc's material; check whether that stylus is included. | With older 78s, I need more than the right platter speed: the stylus must suit the disc. Roughly 18% of consumers make correct 78 playback their primary concern. |
| Connections and digitisation | Check the receiving equipment's phono or line input, and look for USB or Bluetooth only if you need that connection. | I want the deck to work with my existing listening system or connect to a computer for recording. About 27% of consumers prioritise connections and digitisation. |
| Manual hi-fi setup | Check cartridge inclusion, setup requirements and access to a suitable phono input or stage. | I am comfortable cueing LPs and singles myself and would rather focus on a conventional wired setup. Around 18% of consumers put that manual approach first. |
A 33⅓/45 rpm deck cannot play a 78 at its intended speed. Audio-Technica also advises that 78 playback requires an appropriate stylus, not just a 78 rpm setting.
Inspect your records before choosing a deck, and check the stylus or cartridge against any shellac or vinyl 78s you own.
The stylus or cartridge needed for your 78s may be a separate item; Rega lists its RB78 cartridge as optional for the Planar 78.
A phono output and a line-level input need a suitable phono stage between them. USB serves computer recording, while Bluetooth requires a compatible receiving device.
Identify the inputs on your speakers or amplifier, then check the turntable's specified output and preamp settings. Choose USB for recording only if the model actually provides it.
A setup without a suitable phono stage may need an additional component before it can connect to a line-level input.
Rega specifies the Planar 78 for 78 rpm only, so it cannot take the place of a deck for LPs and 45 rpm singles.
Choose a dedicated deck if 78s dominate your collection; if you need one deck for several speeds, check a three-speed model and its compatible styli instead.
A turntable's plug and power supply matter to a UK listening setup. Electrical Safety First advises checking for a fused UK three-pin plug.
Confirm the supplied plug and power arrangement for the particular model, and follow its setup instructions.
Its AT-LP3XBT is an automatic 33⅓/45 rpm option with a built-in phono preamp; the manual AT-LP120XUSB adds 78 rpm playback and USB output, according to Audio-Technica UK.
Sony's PS-LX310BT combines one-step automatic playback with Bluetooth listening for compatible receiving devices.
Rega offers the manual Planar 1 for conventional LP playback and the single-speed Planar 78 for a collection centred on 78s.
Pro-Ject specifies 33, 45 and 78 rpm playback, USB output and a switchable phono preamp on the manual Debut RecordMaster II.
These Sony turntables are choices for listeners considering automatic playback of spoken-word LPs and singles. Check the speeds, connections and supplied power arrangement for the particular model before ordering, especially if your collection includes 78s.
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For listeners who want automatic playback of spoken-word LPs and singles. The product name specifies Bluetooth; before buying for older 78s or a particular audio system, confirm the required speeds, stylus and connections. Check the supplied UK power arrangement too.
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For listeners who want automatic playback of spoken-word LPs and singles, with Bluetooth specified in the product name. If you also want to record to a computer or play 78s, confirm USB support, record speed and stylus compatibility for this model. Check its supplied UK power arrangement.
Do not assume an LP stylus is suitable just because the turntable can run at 78 rpm. Audio-Technica advises using a proper 78 stylus; identify whether the disc is shellac or vinyl and confirm cartridge and stylus compatibility before playback.
You need a suitable phono stage somewhere in the connection when feeding a conventional turntable's phono signal into a line-level input. Check whether your turntable includes a selectable phono preamp or your amplifier has a phono input, and follow the model's connection instructions.
Bluetooth listening also requires compatible receiving speakers or headphones. Sony describes wireless listening with such devices on the PS-LX310BT; check pairing compatibility for the particular turntable and receiver you intend to use.
Check the plug and supplied power arrangement for the specific model, and follow its setup instructions. Electrical Safety First advises checking for a fused UK three-pin plug; stop using equipment if its wiring shows signs of damage or overheating.
Look for an electrical-waste take-back or recycling route rather than putting the old turntable in ordinary household rubbish. GOV.UK describes same-type electrical-waste take-back responsibilities for retailers and distributors; check the applicable retailer arrangements or your local recycling options.