Used Turntables: Great Pre-Owned Decks That Still Spin Like New

Michael Horne

Used Turntables: Great Pre-Owned Decks That Still Spin Like New

High-performance turntables that deliver analog magic, without the new-gear price tag.

Vinyl is a format that continues to thrive. But the gear you play it on? That’s where the magic (or the heartbreak) happens.

You don’t have to shell out a few house payments for a brand-new, four-figure table to get the analog experience. The used market is filled with a ridiculous amount of good turntables and heavy hitters that still have a lot of life (and groove) left in them.

Whether you’re new to vinyl, upgrading from an entry-level deck, or looking for an end-game spinner at a steal, these pre-owned turntables deliver high-end performance without the high-end price tag.

Below are seven of our favorite used turntables that offer rock-solid performance, real musicality, and upgrade paths that make them hard to outgrow.

Why Buy a Used Turntable?

Turntables age a little differently than most gear. When built right, they’re mechanical marvels — with motors, bearings, and platters designed to outlast trends (and maybe even you). That’s what makes buying used such a smart move.

You’re not just saving money — you’re unlocking serious analog performance without the upfront sting. Many high-end decks only improve with upgrades, and the used market is filled with tables that have already been optimized with aftermarket mats, isolation, or cartridges.

Buying used also lets you stretch into tiers that would otherwise be out of reach. Want a $3K performer on a $1,500 budget? This is how you get there.

Buying Used? Here’s What Matters Most

Not all used turntables are equal — and not every seller gives them the care they deserve. Before you press play, here are five things worth checking:

  • Motor & Bearing Health - A good deck spins effortlessly and silently. If you hear grinding or feel resistance, walk away — those parts can be costly to fix.
  • Tonearm Condition - Gently cue the arm. It should glide without wobble, drift, or stiffness. If it sticks or floats oddly, the bearings could be shot.
  • Cartridge Check - Some tables come with great carts, others come with worn-out styli or none at all. Always confirm what’s included — and what condition it’s in.
  • Plinth & Isolation - Dings and scuffs? No big deal. Cracks or warped feet? That’s a different story. A solid plinth gives your music the stability it needs.
  • Room to Grow - Some decks are dead ends. Others welcome upgrades — like tonearms, isolation feet, or external power supplies. Know which path you’re buying into.

Pro Tip: Every used turntable from TMR is fully tested, cleaned, and backed by a warranty — so you can upgrade with peace of mind, not crossed fingers.

6 Pre-Owned Turntables That Deliver Big Sound (and Serious Value)

1. VPI Scout / Scout II

VPI Scout II

Used Price Range: $1,200 – $1,800

New Price: Discontinued (Originally ~$2,000–$2,500)

This belt-driven American classic is built like a tank and designed to evolve with your system. From Coltrane or Zeppelin, the Scout delivers serious low-end grip, dynamic punch, and a rich, textured tone. It’s the kind of table that pulls you into the energy of the music, and keeps you there.

Why it makes the cut:

  • Modular and upgradeable
  • Big sound with remarkable presence
  • US-built precision

2. Rega P6 Belt-Drive Turntable

Rega P6 Used

Used Price Range: $1,000 – $1,400

New Price: $1,995

Rega’s P6 brings the rhythm, drive, and musicality in a way that feels effortless. It’s lightweight, fast on its feet, and refreshingly easy to set up — especially with the right cartridge and phono stage. Add the external Neo PSU and RB330 tonearm, and you’ve got a deck that outperforms expectations at nearly every level.

Why it makes the cut:

  • Speed-stable and musical
  • Dead-simple setup
  • Packs in Rega’s best design features

3. Technics SL-1210GR

Technics SL-1210GR Direct Drive Turntable

Used Price Range: $1,200 – $1,600

New Price: $1,899

The GR isn’t just for DJs — it’s for anyone who wants bulletproof speed, accuracy, and deep black backgrounds. This modern direct-drive machine offers incredible torque, rock-solid pitch, and surprisingly audiophile-grade detail.

Why it makes the cut:

  • Direct-drive stability
  • Tank-like build
  • Low noise, high energy

4. TW Acoustic Raven  

TW Acustic Raven

Used Price Range: ~$8499+ 

New Price: ~$20,000+

The Black Night is end-game material. With a massive plinth, ultra-quiet motor, and German craftsmanship at its peak, this table is made for reference-level analog setups. You don’t find these often on the used market — but when you do, act fast.

Why it makes the cut:

  • Reference-grade build
  • Silent and immersive
  • Visually stunning

5. Pro-Ject XTension 10

Pro-Ject XTension 10

Used Price Range:  $1,800 – $2,400

New Price:  $3,299

The Xtension 10 is a heavyweight with finesse — a turntable that balances mass, control, and musicality with surprising grace. Its magnetically decoupled platter spins with deadly silence, while the carbon tonearm tracks with precision and composure. Expect excellent detail retrieval, tight bass, and a refined, natural tone that suits everything from chamber jazz to classic rock.

Why it makes the cut:

  • High mass, low resonance
  • Magnetic suspension
  • Fantastic value used

6. Dr. Feickert Analogue Volare

Dr. Feickert Analogue Volare Turntable

Used Price Range:  $1,800 – $2,500

New Price:  $2,995

Understated but full of intent, the Volare brings German engineering to a compact, no-nonsense design. Its presentation is neutral and tightly controlled, with an honest connection to the recording, but just enough warmth to make long listening sessions feel effortless. It’s precision without the sterility.

Why it makes the cut:

  • Clean, honest sonics
  • Easy to pair and tweak
  • Built like a precision instrument

Bonus Picks That Fly Under the Radar

Don’t Overthink It — But Do Think About This

Choosing a turntable isn’t just about price or specs — it’s about matching your space, gear, and habits. Here’s a quick gut-check before buying:

  • Your Phono Stage: Make sure your preamp is a good match — especially with low-output MC cartridges.
  • Your Setup Style: Do you like to tinker? Go VPI. Want plug-and-play ease? Go Rega.
  • Your Music: Classic rock? Jazz? Electronic? Each table brings a slightly different flavor to the sound.

Final Spin: Upgrade Smart, Listen For Longer

Used turntables offer something rare: real analog performance with emotion, history, and a price that leaves room for more records. If it's your first taste of analog or leveling up to something serious, these tables prove that “used” can mean anything but outdated.

As always, trust your ears, buy from a reputable source, and choose a table that suits your listening habits — not just your wishlist.

Thinking About Going New Instead

If you’re still exploring what kind of table suits you best, we’ve put together a guide to 5 New Turntables That Can Complete Your Hi-Fi System — whether you want plug-and-play simplicity or serious end-game performance.→ Read the April Turntable Guide