Denon DP-300F Turntable vs Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Turntable

The AT-LP120XBT-USB is the more capable machine: direct drive, 78 RPM, USB ripping and Bluetooth output, with a sturdier 8 kg build. The Denon DP-300F is the simpler, friendlier choice: a fully automatic belt-drive deck with a built-in preamp that starts and stops at the touch of a button. Reviewers and owners consistently praise the Audio-Technica for its stable speed and upgrade-friendly AT-VM95E cartridge, while Denon owners like the set-and-forget automation and compact footprint. Buy the Audio-Technica if you want to digitize records or play 78s; buy the Denon if you want a low-fuss automatic deck for a living-room system.

• Choose the Denon DP-300F if you want a fully automatic belt-drive turntable that drops the needle and lifts it for you, with a built-in preamp and no interest in USB or Bluetooth.
• Choose the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB if you want direct drive, 78 RPM, USB recording and Bluetooth output, and you don't mind cueing the arm yourself.