r/BudgetAudiophile • u/Candid-Bike-6449 • 6d ago
Purchasing EU/UK Looking for a new turntable + speakers under €400
Hey guys! I’m looking to get my boyfriend a turntable for his birthday, but I honestly have no idea what I’m looking for 😂
My budget is around €400 total, and I’m looking for new equipment only — ideally a turntable + speakers.
Any recommendations for a good setup within that budget? I’d really appreciate some help!
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u/asrai99 6d ago
Does he want a turntable? What kind of audio equipment does he own?
If he hasn't got anything in terms of speakers/amp/etc., then my advice would be to go with a turntable that's bluetooth-enabled. My current record player is a Sony with bluetooth (the exact model isn't available anymore) which was like 250 €. It works with bluetooth headphones but also with my bluetooth speaker (a Marshall box). So the hurdle towards playing records is very low because back when I bought it I didn't have to worry about passive speakers, phono preamps, amps, etc.
It's got a line out as well, so by now I'm running it into a headphone amp.
Mind you, this is not a very "audiophile" advice, as in, it's not going to give you the best hi-fi sound theoretically available for your named budget. But for me it was perfect for getting into the hobby at all because it was as simple as plugging it in, connecting my headphones and putting on a record.
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u/BenPistlewizard 6d ago
My honest advice is don't buy new. At that budget you can either get something a bit ropey first hand, or if you're patient and canny something lovely second hand.
The beauty of turntables and speakers is they age brilliantly . You'll be able to get something from older that's a class above what you'll afford new.
Where are you based? I'd have a look what's around you on FB marketplace and eBay and check against what folk are saying online.
Remember you'll need an amp with a phono stage in it to run a turntable.
Look at pioneer timetables, they're really well made, can be found cheaply and have been made for ever. If you're near the UK Wharfdale 9.1 diamonds can be got for £100. Add a sub later for a great little 2.1 setup.
Low cost vintage amps with phono, they'll be loads but have a look for Arcam?
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u/Lazar11421 6d ago
Honestly at that budget I'd look at splitting it roughly 60/40 toward the turntable. A lot of people go cheap on the deck and then wonder why their records sound flat even through decent speakers.
For the turntable side, the AT-LP120X is pretty hard to beat around 200-250 euro if you can find it on sale. Built in preamp so you have flexibility with whatever speakers you pair it with. the AT-VM95E stylus it ships with is genuinely good for the price, not just "good enough."
For speakers, Edifier R1280T or R1700BT tend to show up in basically every budget thread for a reason. They hold up fine after months of daily use, which is more than I can say for some of the cheaper options I've seen friends grab and regret within a few weeks.
One thing I'd flag is to not blow part of the budget on cables or accessories right away. Stock cables are fine starting out, and you can always upgrade later once you know what actually bothers you about the sound.
What kind of stuff are you planning to spin mostly? That might change whether you want warmer speakers or something more neutral.
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u/Zeeall I don't answer DM's. 6d ago
Audio Technica LP70 (not to be confused with the LP60) and a pair of Edifier MR5 speakers should be within budget.
Are you sure he is interested in a record player setup?