Turn TABLES
Now that music is just a tap away, it's easy to forget its true value. Yes, anyone can make a track — and that’s amazing. Creativity’s more accessible than ever. But something’s missing. Holding a vinyl record brings it all back. You take care of it. You read the sleeve. You support the artist directly. And if you look after it? It’ll never lose its value. Streaming is instant. Vinyl is forever. Go on — treat yourself to a turntable.
Technics SL-1210 MK7 DJ Turntable
The Technics 1200/1210 series is widely regarded as the most iconic DJ turntable of all time, and the SL-1210 MK7 carries that legacy into the modern era. First launched in 2019, the MK7 was the long-awaited successor to the classic MK2s and MK5s that shaped club culture, hip hop, and dance music for decades.
Design & Build
Staying true to its roots, the MK7 keeps the same classic look and feel as the originals, with a tough all-black finish and rugged build quality. It’s built to handle years of use in clubs, studios, or at home. The famous S-shaped tonearm returns for precise tracking and minimal distortion, while the body has been re-engineered to improve vibration resistance.
Features
The SL-1210 MK7 doesn’t just rest on nostalgia. It introduces several modern updates including a newly designed coreless direct drive motor that delivers high torque and eliminates cogging issues. Pitch control is switchable between ±8% and ±16% for accurate beatmatching, and the addition of a reverse play function opens up new creative possibilities for DJs. The MK7 also benefits from improved insulators and damping for greater resistance to feedback in loud environments, while a subtle red strobe light replaces the classic blue, giving it a darker, modern aesthetic.
Performance
In use, the MK7 feels instantly familiar to anyone who has used older Technics decks. The torque is responsive, the pitch control is smooth, and scratching or back-cueing feels rock solid. It maintains that “built like a tank” reputation, while offering just enough new features to appeal to today’s DJs.
Price & Value
Brand new, the SL-1210 MK7 retails in the UK for around £850–£950 per deck. On the second-hand market, expect to pay around £600–£750 for an excellent condition unit. For serious DJs or collectors, the MK7 is one of the few modern turntables that truly lives up to the Technics name.
Verdict
The Technics SL-1210 MK7 strikes a near-perfect balance between heritage and innovation. It’s not a cheap option, but for DJs who want the gold standard in direct-drive turntables — with modern refinements and that unmistakable Technics feel — the MK7 delivers.
Pioneer PLX-500 Turntable – White
The Pioneer PLX-500 is designed as a versatile, affordable direct-drive turntable that appeals to both new vinyl collectors and DJs. Styled to echo the legendary Technics 1200 series, the PLX-500 offers a familiar layout at a much lower price point, making it one of the most accessible professional-style decks on the market.
Design & Build
The PLX-500 has a clean, minimalist design, and in the striking white finish it stands out as a modern alternative to the classic black DJ turntable look. Its build is solid enough for home use and casual DJing, though not quite as heavy-duty as the higher-end PLX-1000. The platter and S-shaped tonearm feel reassuringly sturdy, and the overall layout is straightforward for anyone familiar with club decks.
Features
This model combines analogue playback with modern digital flexibility. It includes USB connectivity, allowing users to easily digitise vinyl collections straight to a computer — a big plus for collectors who want to archive their records. Pitch control is set at ±8%, which is fine for mixing and beatmatching, though more limited than professional battle decks. Out of the box, the PLX-500 is supplied with a cartridge, slipmat, and dust cover, so it’s ready to use immediately.
Performance
For casual DJs, home listeners, and collectors, the PLX-500 performs well. The direct-drive motor provides reliable speed stability, making it a good choice for mixing, though scratch DJs and heavy club users may find it less robust than the premium models. Sound quality is clear and detailed, with a built-in phono preamp for easy connection to speakers or mixers without extra gear.
Price & Value
The PLX-500 typically sells new in the UK for around £300–£350, depending on finish, with the white model sometimes commanding a little more due to its unique look. On the second-hand market, expect prices between £200–£280 for a well-kept unit. For its price, it offers great value as a hybrid deck for both listening and light DJ use.
Verdict
The Pioneer PLX-500 in white is a stylish, practical entry point into direct-drive turntables. It’s not built to take the punishment of a full club residency, but for collectors, home users, and DJs starting out, it delivers plenty of performance at a very reasonable price. The USB recording feature sets it apart from vintage decks, making it a flexible choice for today’s vinyl fans.
Audio Technica AT-LP140XP – Black
The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP is a professional direct-drive DJ turntable designed to rival the big names while offering strong value for money. It sits in the mid-to-high range of modern DJ decks, making it a serious option for both home DJs and those performing in clubs who want reliability without the Technics price tag.
Design & Build
Finished in sleek matte black, the AT-LP140XP has a solid, professional look and feel. Its heavy construction and damped base help minimise vibration, making it stable in high-volume environments. The S-shaped tonearm is height-adjustable with anti-skate control, ensuring precise tracking across different cartridges and playing styles. Overall, the build feels sturdy and dependable, giving confidence for both practice and performance.
Features
The AT-LP140XP offers a powerful high-torque direct-drive motor with three speeds (33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM), making it versatile for all types of vinyl playback. Pitch control can be set to ±8%, ±16%, or ±24%, giving DJs flexibility for beatmatching and creative mixing. Reverse play is also included, a feature usually reserved for higher-end decks. Unlike consumer models, this turntable does not include a built-in preamp — a deliberate choice that allows DJs to use their preferred mixer or external setup for maximum sound quality.
Performance
In use, the AT-LP140XP feels responsive and reliable. The motor starts up quickly and maintains speed stability under heavy use, making it well-suited to scratching as well as standard mixing. The pitch fader is smooth and accurate, allowing for precise adjustments, and the overall handling feels close to more expensive club-standard decks. Paired with a good cartridge, it delivers clean, powerful sound with excellent tracking.
Price & Value
New units typically retail in the UK for around £350–£400, positioning it as an excellent mid-range choice for DJs. On the used market, prices tend to fall between £250–£320, depending on condition. Given the build quality and feature set, the AT-LP140XP offers strong value for anyone wanting near-club-standard performance without stretching to Technics-level pricing.
Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP in black is a rugged, versatile turntable that balances professional features with affordability. It’s powerful enough for DJ use in demanding environments while remaining accessible for serious home users. For DJs looking for a strong alternative to the industry’s most expensive decks, the AT-LP140XP is one of the best mid-range options available today.
