DJ Turntable Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best DJ Turntables

Whether spinning at your first house party or commanding the main stage, the right DJ turntable is your ultimate weapon. But with so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel a little discouraged while sifting for your perfect deck. Whatever your style, your friends at AMS are here to help. We're breaking down everything you need to know to find the best DJ turntables — from beginner picks to high-end gear built for the pros. 

Before we jump into our picks for the best DJ turntables, you're going to need to understand a few things about how they work. Beginners, listen up! Seasoned DJs, you can skip this section. 

DJ turntables come in two main types: direct drive and belt drive. While belt drive models are great for casual listening, they can’t handle the demands of serious DJing. Direct drive turntables dominate the scene thanks to their high torque, fast response, and durability — perfect for scratching, mixing, and spinning all night.

Look out for these essentials when comparing turntables:

• Torque: High torque means faster start-up and more responsive performance, crucial for scratching or juggling tracks.
• Pitch Control: A wide pitch range (+/-8% to +/-16%) gives you flexibility for smooth mixing and creative effects.
• Durability: Turntables are workhorses, so a sturdy build with anti-resonant materials is a must.

Getting your first pair of turntables is a big deal; it’s your gateway to mixing, scratching, and experimenting with your sound. For beginners, the focus should be on finding something that feels good in your hands and has the features to help you learn the ropes without overcomplicating things. Look for direct-drive designs that respond quickly to your touch and essential controls (like a smooth pitch fader) that help you master the basics.

Once you’ve graduated from casual mixing to paid gigs and studio sessions, you're likely going to want something a little beefier. Pro-level turntables should be designed for the long haul: high-torque motors to handle intense scratching, broad pitch ranges for creative mixing, and rock-solid builds that survive constant loading and unloading. 

Scratching is an art form that demands precision, durability, and lightning-fast response times. A turntable built for scratching needs a powerful direct-drive motor, a sturdy tonearm, and a design that can take the punishment of your most aggressive techniques. 

No DJ rig is complete without the right accessories. These tools keep your gear running smoothly and help you sound as sharp as your skills:

• Cartridges and Stylus: Think of these as your turntable’s voice. Upgrading to a premium cartridge, like the Ortofon Concorde series, can deliver a noticeable boost in sound quality and tracking. Keep an extra stylus on hand. You never know when a heavy scratch session might take its toll.
• Protection Gear: Your turntables aren’t indestructible. Hard cases are essential for travel, especially if you’re gigging regularly. For home setups, a dust cover can save you from a buildup of grime that could mess with your equipment.
• Headphones: A solid pair of DJ headphones lets you hear exactly what’s happening in your mix. Look for closed-back models with crisp detail and plenty of low-end punch. Durability matters; these will take a beating in your bag and in the booth.

These essentials aren’t flashy, but they’re critical for smooth sessions and long-lasting gear. Skimping here will cost you time, money, and maybe even your sound. Get the right tools and keep your setup healthy.

Once you've chosen your turntable and accessories, it's time to nail down your setup. Just be aware: you'll need to focus on a lot more than aesthetics. A well-laid-out turntable DJ setup ensures optimal sound quality, minimizes technical issues, and creates a workspace that lets you focus on your music.

Stability is key to keeping your turntable working its best: 

• Place your turntables on a stable, vibration-free surface to prevent skips and feedback.
• Use a spirit level to ensure the decks are perfectly flat. This is essential for accurate playback and scratch precision.

The way you connect your gear depends on your turntable’s features and your overall setup: 

• If your turntables have built-in preamps, connect them directly to your mixer or speakers. If not, you’ll need an external phono preamp to boost the signal.
• For digital setups, connect USB-compatible turntables to your laptop for integration with DJ software.

Nothing ruins a gig faster than feedback or poor sound. Taking a few preventative measures can eliminate these issues and help you achieve crystal-clear audio:

• Keep your turntables away from speakers to avoid feedback loops caused by vibrations. Use isolation pads or mats under your turntables to dampen unwanted resonance.
• Adjust the tracking force on your tonearm based on your cartridge’s specifications for clear sound without excessive vinyl wear.

Your gear should be laid out in a way that feels intuitive and comfortable, allowing you to focus on your set instead of fumbling with equipment:

• Arrange your turntables and mixer in a way that feels natural. Most DJs prefer the “battle” style layout for scratching or a traditional horizontal setup for mixing.
• Organize your cables with ties or sleeves to prevent tangles and avoid accidental disconnects during a performance.

Find the best DJ turntables at American Musical Supply, your go-to for top-tier DJ gear. With a massive selection from brands like Audio Technica, Pioneer, Stanton, and Ortofon, AMS has everything you need to build the perfect turntable DJ setup, whether you’re just starting out or spinning at pro-level gigs. 

Plus, AMS offers VERY fast and free shipping, flexible 0% interest payment plans, and a 45-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can shop with confidence and get the gear that makes your sets unstoppable. 

Need to know more about DJ turntables before you're ready to find the best? Check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions for more insights. 

The most important features depend on your style, but direct drive motors, adjustable pitch control, and durable construction are must-haves. If you’re into scratching, look for high torque and a straight tonearm. For mixing, prioritize precise pitch adjustment and excellent sound quality.

For beginners, reliable models start around $300–$500. Professional DJs typically invest $700 or more per turntable to get premium features like ultra-high torque, advanced pitch control, and modular upgrades. Your budget should reflect your skill level and how you plan to use the turntable. 

Not necessarily! While many traditional setups use two turntables, some DJs prefer a single turntable paired with a mixer or controller. Modern setups often combine turntables with digital tools, giving you flexibility without requiring two decks. Check our blog about how to build a DJ rig for more information.