Whether the person you’re looking to buy a turntable for is a new vinyl listener or a seasoned turntable enthusiast, there is an Audio-Technica turntable for all experience levels. When choosing a turntable for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, it’s important to consider factors such as the ease of setup and use, whether it is an automatic or manual operation, the speed requirements, and more. Check out our turntable gift guide below and our Question of the Week on the topic to learn more about choosing the right turntable.

New to Vinyl Gifts 

For those in your life who are just starting out on their vinyl journey, these are the perfect beginner-friendly turntables to gift them this year. Their easy-to-use operation and redesigned headshell requires no effort to set up so users can just press play.

If they are just getting into records, the AT-LP60X is an affordable gift  and easy-to-use option for them to experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl. This fully automatic belt-drive turntable plays both 33⅓ and 45 RPM records while being able to connect directly to a home stereo, powered speakers, or computers thanks to the built-in switchable phono preamp. Available in Black, Brown, and Gun Metal, this turntable comes with a detachable RCA output cable (3.5 mm male to dual RCA male), 45 RPM adapter, and removable hinged dust cover. For those looking for the convenience of Bluetooth® connectivity, the AT-LP60XBT is the perfect option for either a wired or wireless audio experience.

The AT-LP60XBT-USB is another perfect choice for those wanting to experience vinyl on any Bluetooth device. The CSR BT chipset allows this turntable to connect to speakers, headphones, and even to devices that support the Qualcomm® aptX™ audio codec, which offers much-improved sound quality over the standard SBC codec. This fully automatic belt-drive turntable can also be used to digitize vinyl by connecting to a computer with the included USB cable and using compatible recording software.

Turntable Gifts for Advanced Listeners  

The following models are the perfect gift that will allow anyone in your life to take their analog listening experience to the next level. These fully manual models allow listeners to remove the headshell, replace the cartridge, adjust the tracking force and anti-skate control, and calibrate the tonearm. Similar to turntables, A-T also has a full line of cartridges dedicated to casual listeners, advanced listeners, audiophiles, and DJs. Designed with top-of-the-line materials, these advanced cartridges are perfect for those seeking every detail of their music.

The AT-LP3XBT is a fully automatic turntable designed to deliver outstanding analog sound with enhanced Bluetooth wireless technology. This turntable features a built-in phono preamp, removable universal headshell, and replaceable stylus for those looking to upgrade their listening experience. The AT-LP3XBT allows users to experiment with different styli as they begin to discover their personal audio preferences.

The AT-LPW50BT is ideal for those looking for an advanced and versatile experience. This wireless turntable provides optimal high-fidelity audio reproduction with the option of wired or Bluetooth listening. The turntable features a stunning rosewood-finished veneer and top-quality tonearm with the high-performance AT-VM95E cartridge. The AT-LPW50BT is equipped with a built-in selectable preamplifier for phono or line-level output, so you can choose whether to use the turntable’s built-in preamp and plug your vinyl player straight into a device with line-level input or expand your setup with an external preamplifier.

The AT-LP120XBT-USB fully manual turntable features Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a USB cable, and a dual RCA output cable to provide users with a variety of listening options. Perfect for advanced vinyl listeners, this turntable includes professional features, like a specially designed DC servo direct-drive motor and adjustable dynamic anti-skate control. This professional turntable plays 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM records and outputs the high-fidelity audio to the device of your choice. Alongside the die-cast aluminum platter with felt mat, the AT-LP120XBT-USB includes an S-shaped tonearm with adjustable tracking force.

Turntable Care

No turntable gift is complete without the proper care products. Taking care of all parts of the turntable is important to maintain the quality of the listening experience. Stylus cleaner, disc stabilizer, safety raiser, and more are all great gifts or stocking stuffers that can help take care of – or enhance – your new turntable. Learn more about A-T’s extensive collection of products that help you properly handle your turntable in this Question of the Week.

The AT6012 Record Care Kit is designed to gently remove contaminates while improving record fidelity and tracking to make records and styli last longer. The record care kit includes the Audio-Technica record care solution (2 FL. OZ), Sonic Broom brush pad, storage base, and double-sided adhesive tape.

When it comes to turntable care, taking care of the cartridges are just as important as the rest of the turntable. The AT617a cartridge stylus cleaner is a specially formulated polyurethane gel that gently removes dirt particles from the stylus tip when the stylus is lowered onto it. The gel’s surface is also washable and will remain tacky for years of repeated use.