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5 Vintage-Inspired Turntables for Modern Hi-Fi Setups

Technics, Linn, Rega and Thorens are a few heritage audio brands that have revived (and modernized) their classic turntables.

Thorens TD 124 DDThorens

By Tucker Bowe

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Do vintage turntables sound better than modern ones? It’s a debate.

On the one hand, modern turntables have the advantage of newer technologies and components and can thus deliver a more refined sound. On the other hand, some enthusiasts will tell you nothing can replace the nostalgic sound of a great vintage turntable.

One thing that’s for certain is that vintage turntables are more difficult, in terms of finding/buying fully-restored models and then keeping them in working order (original components are incredibly scarce). Also, the time, energy and cost of a vintage turntable’s upkeep can be significant.

The neat thing today, largely thanks to vinyl’s renaissance, is that you can get the best of both worlds — a modern turntable that looks straight out of the 70s.

Linn Majik LP12
Linn’s Sondek LP12 from the 70s is one of the most iconic turntables of all time. The Scottish hi-fi company keeps its legacy alive with several modern incarnates. The Majik LP12 is the most affordable.
Linn

Admittedly, quite a few hi-fi companies are making modern turntables that look vintage. The Music Hall Classic, the
JBL TT350 Classic and the Denon DP-3000NE are three such examples.

For this list, we wanted to go one step further.

Below, you’ll find new turntables are either a revived version or modern reimagining of a company’s legendary turntable. They have classic looks and a prestigious history but take advantage of modern tech and (if you can afford them) are available to buy.

Audio-Technica Sound Burger
In 2022, Audio-Technica rolled out a new-age version of its portable turntable, the Sound Burger, from the 80s.
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica Sound Burger

  • Release date: 2022

The Audio-Technica AT727 — also known as “Sound Burger” or “Master Disc” — was released in 1983 and almost instantly became a cult classic. The portable turntable, which ran on batteries and came with foldable headphones, allowed vinyl lovers to take their records on the road — sort of like a Walkman, but for vinyl.

Fast-forward to 2022, and for the Japanese audio maker’s 60th anniversary, it’s released a new Sound Burger for the modern era. It has a built-in battery and supports USB-C charging. It also supports Bluetooth, so you can stream to wireless headphones or speakers.

Technics SL-1200MK7

  • Release date: 2021

The Technics SL-1200 is one of the most legendary turntables of all time. Initially released in 1972, it was based on the Japanese hi-fi maker’s SP-10 — the world’s first direct-drive turntable — and, thanks to its speed, stability, and durable design, it quickly became the go-to turntable for DJs during that era.

Technics revived its iconic turntable in 2016 (thanks to the vinyl resurgence) and, as of today, makes several modern turntables in the SL-1200’s image. The SL-1200MK7 is the most affordable of these spiritual successors.

Rega Planar 3

  • Release date: 2016

Originally released in 1978, Rega’s Planar 3 quickly became one of the most popular turntables of the era thanks to its superb sound, excellent build quality, and relatively affordable price. At the time, it was unique compared to other belt-driven turntables because of its lightweight yet rigid plinth, which helped absorb energy and reduce unwanted vibrations.

The British hi-fi maker produced the original Planar 3 until 2000 and has since released several newer iterations. The 2016-released Planar 3 — which Rega currently sells — is the most recent incarnation. It looks quite similar to the original but has new-age components (specifically, a more rigid plinth and updated tonearm). According to Audio Advice, it’s “without a doubt” its best-selling turntable.


Linn Majik LP12

  • Release date: 2020

The Linn Sondek LP12 is arguably the most popular audiophile turntable ever. The Scottish hi-fi company released the Sondek LP12 in 1973, and it became known for its high-end sound and modular design — Linn made a range of compatible tonearms and cartridges, making it upgradeable and customizable.

Fast forward to the present day, and Jony Ive, Apple’s famed former chief design officer, recently partnered with Linn on a special-edition 50th-anniversary model that costs $60K. The good news is that Linn makes several more attainable modern versions. The Linn Majik LP12 is the most affordable of these high-end turntables.

Thorens TD 124 DD

  • Release date: 2020

Though Thorens has made several iconic turntables, the TD 124 was the original. Initially released in 1957 and produced until 1965, the TD 124 is the Swiss (now German) audio company’s legendary idler-driven turntable that was used by broadcast studios and radio stations for decades.

Vintage TD 124 turntables are still highly sought after today — there are a few companies, like Artisan Fidelity that restore and upgrade them — but Thorns now makes a modern version: the TD 124 DD. It has the same design and construction as the original but, according to the company, has been “massively improved upon” using modern technologies.

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