Back in March 2026, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) released its 2025 Year-End Recorded Music Revenue Report and to no one’s surprise—vinyl—fueled by a new generation of turntables continues its two-decade revival.
The report notes that while streaming represents more than 80% of total U.S. revenue, vinyl sales continue to surge, growing over 9% and eclipsing the $1 billion sales plateau.
RIAA numbers also find that vinyl sales continue to lead physical media sales by producing three-times the revenues of CDs based on nearly 20 million more units (46.8 million vs. 29.5 million) sold.
Fueling these vinyl sales are a new era of turntables that offer music fans a wide range of products that span anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Here is a look at six of the latest turntables using information from the Nashua, N.H.-based specialty retailer/technology integration business, AV Therapy.
Turntables for Every Budget
Before getting into this list of turntables, it is important to point out that a turntable needs a phono preamplifier to effectively integrate into a home AV system. Today’s modern turntables offer built-in phono preamplifiers, particularly in the entry-level and mid-level product categories.
As users climb up pricing tiers there will likely be a need for an external phono preamplifier to mate with the turntable.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BX: The entry-level, $199 AT-LP60X-BX is an automatic, belt-drive turntable that can play 33-1/3 and 45s. The unit incorporates a die-cast aluminum platter, along with the company’s ATN3600L dual-magnet phono cartridge, and a built-in phono preamplifier.
Pro-Ject E1 Phono: The European-based manufacturer’s E1 series is available in a choice of three models. The $449 E1 Phono incorporates a built-in phono preamplifier to offer homeowners a turnkey turntable that also includes a factory-aligned Ortofon OM 5e phono cartridge. Additionally, the company’s E1 BT version offers wireless Bluetooth capabilities.
NAD C 558: One of the other developments that today’s generation of turntables offer compared to the turntables of yesterday is the inclusion of prefitted phono cartridges. The $649 C 558 is a perfect example of this trend. The C 558 is a belt-driven unit that comes with an Ortofon OM10 phono cartridge. Other features the C 558 offers include an MDF plinth and a 9-inch tonearm.
E.A.T. B Sharp: Rising in price points, the $1,595 B Sharp features the company’s B-Note carbon-fiber tonearm that offers vertical tracking angle (VTA), stylus rake angle (SRA), and vertical tracking force (VTF). The turntable also utilizes an MDF base, along with a proprietary low-noise motor, and a factory outfitted Ortofon 2M Blue phono cartridge.
VPI Scout 21: N.J.-based VPI is a go-to brand for audiophiles, and the Scout 21 is said to be the company’s best-selling turntable. The $3,300 turntable is designed to be easy-to-set up, and it includes the company’s JMW-9-Metal Unipivot Standard Wiring and a Black Deirin Clamp.
Linn Klimax LP12 Rosenut Turntable: Wrapping this look at six turntables is the luxury Klimax LP12. Many analog audio enthusiasts will cite the LP12 as an audiophile classic, and the latest version employs the Scottish company’s Karousel bearing, Radikal motor control and power supply, Ekos SE tonearm, and Urika II moving-coil phono stage that is built into a suspended base. Linn offers the $45,970 turntable in a choice of finishes that include Rosenut.
The popularity of physical media isn’t limited to just vinyl. Check out this blog from KMB Communications on how Gen-Z is reviving formats such as DVD, Blu-ray and CDs.