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Wirecutter's budget pick, and Engadget found it the best-sounding turntable it tested at this price. The catch is convenience: you change speed by moving the belt by hand, there's no cue lever or auto stop, and swapping the cartridge later is fiddly.
Top complaints
- Manual speed change
Both Wirecutter and Engadget note that you have to move the belt by hand to change speeds. Wirecutter says this makes the belt more prone to overstretching, and you have to buy a new one if that happens.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Engadget - No cue lever or auto stop
Engadget lists no cue arm and a free-swinging tonearm that needs care when you place it, which may be a learning curve for beginners. Wirecutter notes it lacks a cue lever and auto stop, though a cue lever can be added later.
Source: Engadget, Wirecutter (NYT) - Cartridge swaps are fiddly
Wirecutter says the tonearm counterweight lacks adjustment markings, so fitting a new cartridge takes a scale and a lot of trial and error.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
What owners love
- Best sound at its price
Wirecutter says it sounds much better than similarly priced turntables, especially with the new magnesium tonearm. Engadget says its sound was the best of any turntable it tested at this price.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Engadget - Quick to set up
Wirecutter says even first-timers can be listening in under 10 minutes.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Customizable
You can order a built-in preamp (an $80 option per Engadget), choose colors, cartridges and an acrylic platter, and add a cue lever later (Wirecutter). The Gen 2 grooved platter keeps the belt from falling off. U-Turn offers a 3-year warranty.
- You switch between 33 and 45 RPM often
- You want automatic or push-button play
- You plan to swap cartridges a lot
- The best sound for the money
- A minimalist look in many colors
- Adding upgrades over time (acrylic platter, cue lever)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick (updated 2026-08-28): great sound and easy setup. Speed changes are manual and cartridge upgrades are hard.
- Engadget: Runner-up for beginners (updated 2026-03-04): best audio at this price, but manual speed control, no cue arm and a free-swinging tonearm.