USB turntable: these are the top 3

The three best USB turntables stay between 80 and 250 euros and work like an external sound card. All models showed an acceptable sound, which is sufficient for normal home use. However, there are some differences in the details:

1st place: Dual DT 210 USB turntable

The Dual DT 210 USB makes the best compromise between price and quality at 80 euros. The device is certainly not for die-hard HiFi fans. In normal use, the Dual can show its strengths.

• The Dual comes with a belt drive and fully automatic. That means he automatically moves the needle onto the plate and down again at the end. This way you don't have to put the needle on yourself. You can play and digitize singles as well as LPs with the device.
• A phono preamplifier is installed directly. This allows you to use the device on any audio input.
• You can digitize records with many audio programs via the USB connection. You get the free software Audacity directly.
• Disadvantages: For the low price, you pay with a slightly poorer processing. In addition, the top is made of felt only. However, the Dual is great for occasional use and surprises with a fairly good sound for a low price.

2nd place: Lenco L-90 vinyl player

The Lenco L-90 is a pleasure if you have high demands on a turntable. For this, it is priced at just under 230 euros at the top of the three devices. The Lenco-L90 compensates for this with its superb workmanship and sound quality.

• The Lenco has a fine walnut veneer and is built very solid. The belt drive guarantees that the plates run smoothly. He plays singles and LPs and puts the pickup back into place at the end of the record (Auto Stop).
• Here too you have already installed the preamplifier. You can digitize your records in pretty good quality via the USB port. It is compatible with Windows and OS X from version 10.4.
• The sound of the Lenco L-90 is the best of the three turntables presented. It can also be used if you have higher demands on the sound of your records. If necessary, you can change the needle individually without having to change the entire cartridge.

3rd place: Denon DP 200 USB turntable

The Denon DP 200 USB is a fully automatic turntable. At just under 200 euros, it is priced between the Lenco and the Dual. He is the only one of the three who can digitize their MP3 files on a USB stick.

• The Denon makes it easy for you to record records on a USB stick. Even the needle is automatically put on and taken off. However, the pickup is not as good as that of the Lenco L-90 and there may be recording problems at the beginning with quiet records. Then you always have to start the recording manually, which is a bit annoying in the long run.
• Included in the package is an editing software that can automatically recognize albums and songs - provided an internet connection is required.
• The processing of the Denon is better than that of the Dual, but you can also notice the compromise here: the housing is made of plastic and the turntable made of aluminum. However, the mechanical stability is good.

Conclusion: The three USB turntables in comparison

All three devices are really good USB turntables, with special strengths. Nevertheless, two models are just ahead:

• The fully automatic of the Denon DP 200 USB is practical. You can also digitize your plates very easily. However, both are still a bit too rough to really justify the price.
• With the Dual DT 210 USB you get a much better price / performance ratio, because the processing quality of the two hardly differs.
• But if you prefer quality, try the Lenco L-90. He can offer the best quality in all respects. However, this is also noticeable in the price.

Once you have digitized your records with the devices, you can load the music onto your cell phone.