Table of ContentsTable of ContentsU-Turn Orbit Special (Gen 2)Audio-Technica AT-LP70XPro-Ject Debut Carbon EvoFluance RT85NU-Turn Orbit TheoryRega Planar 3Audio-Technica AT-LP140XPVictrola Stream CarbonFrequently Asked QuestionsI don't know if you've noticed, but being the vinyl and turntable nerd that I am, I can't stop seeing and (to my wife's chagrin) pointing out every record player I see cropping up in seemingly every TV show or movie I've watched over the last little while. They're everywhere from Mr. Milchick rewarding Helly R. with a dance party from a Thorens-like deck in Severance to Agatha All Along trashing a perfectly good TEAC TN-280BT it's official: turntables are cool again, and you should get one.Whether you're rediscovering the satisfying ritual of putting on a record, are new to the world of vinyl, or you're already neck-deep in LPs, having a decent turntable or record player is essential. But there are so many to choose from that it can get confusing. Many come ready to go out of the box, with built-in phono preamps for easy connection to powered speakers or receivers and integrated amplifiers, and a range of features that make them easy to get the hang of. If you're curious and want to dip your toes in slowly, one of our favorite entry-level turntables is the Audio-Technica AT-LP70X, a budget-priced basic deck that looks great, too.But if you've already taken a few spins around the vinyl world and are looking to upgrade or get into something a little more advanced, like one with a better phono cartridge, external phono preamps, higher-quality tonearms, and anti-resonant components that can make for a beautifully clear and sonic experience, we've checked out a bunch and also put them on our list of the best turntables.The best turntable we can recommend right now is the U-Turn Audio Orbit Special (Gen 2), which has been given a nice little refresh and upgrade since it launched in 2012. Its top-notch Ortofon cartridge and solid acrylic platter help ensure dynamic and clear sound, while its updated speed select switch make it a breeze to use. We also still love the stalwart Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, so check that out, too.But we've got several other turntables on our list to help you decide, and once you do, why not check out our roundup of the best turntable accessories, too. Let's go.U-Turn Orbit Special (Gen 2)Best turntable overallJump to detailsAudio-Technica AT-LP70XBest budget turntableJump to detailsPro-Ject Debut Carbon EvoThe best mid-range turntableJump to detailsFluance RT85NBest features-for-price turntableJump to detailsU-Turn Orbit TheoryBest turnable around $1,000Jump to detailsRega Planar 3Best audiophile turntableJump to detailsAudio-Technica AT-LP140XPBest turntable for DJsJump to detailsVictrola Stream CarbonBest for Sonos integrationJump to detailsRecommended VideosDerek Malcolm / Digital TrendsBest turntable overallU-Turn Orbit Special (Gen 2)U-Turn Orbit Special (Gen 2) ReviewProsExcellent soundDynamic Ortofon 2M Red cartridgeNew speed selection dialSolid acrylic platterOptional built-in preampSeven finishesConsNo auto stop featureSpecification:MotorBelt driveBuilt-in preampYes, optionalWi-FiNoCartridgeOrtofon 2M Red, upgradableThe original U-Turn Orbit Special was a really good turntable. I bought one in 2018, and it was one of my daily-use decks for years it had an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, a solid acrylic platter, and no-nonsense, simple belt-driven operation. But in 2023, U-Turn gave its entire Orbit lineup an update, and when I got my hands on the Gen 2 Special for review, all my gripes had been obliterated, landing it at the top of my list of favorite turntables.The Gen 2 Orbit Special is still as reliable as ever, but the Woburn, Massachusetts company has made some key upgrades that make it a no-brainer for a mid-range turntable. Chief among them is a redesigned, quieter motor and a new tonearm that's now a single pice of molded magnesium that reduces resonance and vibration transfer when compared to the first gen's aluminum version. Additionally, the acrylic platter now has a machined groove around its edge to keep the belt in place (the old model used to fall off constantly), and there's now an automatic speed selection dial no more manual belt switching!Assembly and setup is still simple (takes about 10 minutes out of the box), and while I would have liked to see the numbered counterweight dial like on U-Turn's premium Orbit Theory make its way to the Special, adjusting it is still easy. However, I'd still recommend using a force scale gauge for simplicity.Once it's up and running, though, the U-Turn Orbit Special is a dream to use and punches above its weight when it comes to sound, which, thanks to the 2M Red, is crystal clear, balanced across the frequency range, and has depth and height favorable to all kinds of music. If you want to improve things even more, the Ortofon cartridge can be upgraded to the more premium 2M Blue, and you can get the turntable with or without a built-in phono preamp.The second-gen Special is available in black, white, red, blue, and green, as well as in real oak or walnut finishes for an extra $170, but damn they look sharp.U-Turn Orbit Special (Gen 2)Best turntable overallAudio-TechnicaBest budget turntableAudio-Technica AT-LP70XAudio-Technica AT-LP70X ReviewProsGreat-sounding turntableExcellent quality for the priceUpgradable, replaceable stylusFully automatic operationEasy to set up and useConsMade of plasticAluminum platterNonadjustable feetSpecification:MotorBelt driveBuilt-in preampYesWi-FiAvailableCartridgeAudio-Technica AT-VM95C, upgradable stylusOperationFully automaticMany a vinyl beginner has turned to Audio-Technica for their first turntables because the well-established company (they also make world-class headphones and microphones) produces reliable, easy to use, and affordable turntables for pretty much every level and budget.At one time, the AT-LP60X sat in this sport as my pick for the best budget turntable, and to be clear, I still recommend it as another fantastic beginner turntable at just $150. But last year, Audio-Technica introduced the AT-LP70X, a slight evolution of the LP60X, and even though it's slightly more expensive, it replaced my pick mainly for a few important reasons, but one main one.First, the LP70X keeps all the great bones of the LP60X easy automatic operation with push-button start and stop, built-in switchable phono preamp for multiple connection options no matter what your sound system is (powered speakers or full amp and speaker combos), and even a Bluetooth-capable model should you want it.But where the extra money is well worth it is with the AT-LP70X's newly designed AT-VM95C Integral Moving Magnet phono cartridge, which is not only a step-up in sound quality, soundstage, and dynamics from that of the LP60X, but A-T also created a whole new series of VM95 interchangeable styli that allow you to upgrade them as your vinyl-listening ear develops and you want more from your turntable.For $200, the AT-LP70X offers great value and excellent performance, and could now potentially be the only turntable you'll ever need, even if you graduate from beginner vinyl nerd status.Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBest budget turntableRelatedPro-JectThe best mid-range turntablePro-Ject Debut Carbon EvoProsWarm, defined soundhigh-quality components for the moneyNo more manual speed changeAvailable in nine finishesConsPhono preamp is extraSpecification:MotorBelt driveBuilt-in preampNoWi-FiNoCartridgeSumiko Rainier, upgradableIf you're just starting your turntable hunting you've likely already come across the Pro-Ject brand (heck, we mention two of them in our intro). The stalwart company is up there with Rega as a standout in the industry, its decorated Debut Carbon lineup has helped keep it there for more than a decade. Its latest version, the Debut Carbon Evo, doesn't falter either, proving that you don't need to spend a grand or more for high-end features.Pro-Ject's best-selling turntable model got a few key upgrades in this latest version that have put it over the top, including a redesigned motor with improved suspension, new height-adjustable sound-dampening aluminum feet, and a heavier 3.7-pound, steel platter with a thermoplastic dampening ring that Pro-Ject says reduces wow and flutter (tiny distortions that can be caused by vibrations and other factors). While I haven't thoroughly reviewed this model myself, I've spent some time with it and can vouch for at least some of the sound quality and usability features that have garnered the many positive reviews it's gotten over the years.The best upgrade, though, is the addition of a new three-speed selector switch that has been discretely mounted on the underside of the plinth. Previously, you'd have to remove the platter to physically move the rubber belt underneath to switch between 33 and 45 RMP records. The new switch is a godsend, and also offers 78 RPM as well.You also get the Evo's single-piece carbon fiber tonearm, which looks cool and contributes to the turntable's rich, balanced, and quiet sound, but not quite as much as its excellent, re-mounted Sumiko Rainier moving magnet (MM) cartridge, which is punchy, balanced, and full-bodied (like a good beer, I guess). Outside the U.S., the Evo comes with the also-great Ortofon 2M Red installed, but, if you're at the stage where you're experimenting with cartridges, you can easily swap them; it's not hard.The only obvious thing that the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo doesn't come with is a built-in phono preamp, so you will have to get one (unless you have one already). I really like the Schiit Mani 2 phono preamp, I have two of them and they sound great. You might think is a deal breaker, but I would argue that if you're looking to up your entry-level game with a Carbon Evo, a good external phono preamp will be better than most built-ins if you can stomach the extra few hundred dollars.The Debut Carbon Evo comes with a semi-balanced RCA cable and is available in nine colors and finishes.Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EvoThe best mid-range turntableDerek Malcolm/Digital TrendsBest features-for-price turntableFluance RT85NFluance RT85N Turntable ReviewProsFull sound that stays true to the sourceOutstanding Nagaoka MP-110 cartridgeSolid, anti-resonant build qualityFuss-free RPM speed control dialAutomatic stop featureConsNo built-in phono preampNo Bluetooth or USB connectivityGlossy finish prone to fingerprintsSpecification:MotorBelt driveBuilt-in preampYesWi-FiNoCartridgeNagaoka MP-110, upgradableThe midrange Fluance RT85N blew us away when I reviewed it last year for its more than reasonable $500 price, superb Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge, quality components, and rock-solid build, which, in my opinion, puts it neck-and-neck with the Pro-Ject Debut Evo as an even more affordable option that will do the job just as well.The star of the RT85N is Nagaoka MP-110, which on its own is a $150 cartridge, but its sound is well regarded as being balanced, and forgiving of a wide range of music styles (it really likes older vinyl, too), with excellent separation between the lows, mids, and high frequencies. In my review, I said of the MP-110 that "vocals sound natural across the board, while the highs stay sharp and clean with a marked reduction in sibilance when compared to cheaper cartridges." All that and, if you wanted to, you could easily switch out the MP-110 for another cartridge of your choosing, making the RT85N upgradeable and future-proof.Helping that Nagaoka cartridge do its thing is all the anti-resonance happening in the RT85N. The thing is a beast at 17.7 pounds, much of that accounted for in its solid MDF plinth. A 0.62-inch (16mm) thick, high-density clear acrylic platter also helps dampen vibrations, along with its aluminum S-shaped tonearm, and adjustable rubber isolation feet, making the RT85N "one of the quietest, most stable turntables Ive tested," my review says.There's no Bluetooth or USB connectivity here, and like the Debut Evo, the RT85N does not have a built-in preamp, but they tend to not sound great anyway, so if you're moving up from a budget or entry-level deck, you're probably better off exploring the word of phono preamps now anyway. The RT85N also has a handy auto-stop feature for those who like to putter around the house while listening to records it automatically stops at the end of the record, which also saves wear and tear on the stylus.Setting up the RTN85 is pretty easy, too. Everything you need is in the box, and the instructions are clear. Setup should only take you about 10 or 15 minutes, but in case you're expecting to plug it in and go, there is a higher level of precision required with turntables compared to cheaper decks it's not a bad thing for you to learn how to attach a headshell and balance a tonearm, and the sweet sounds you'll get will make it all worth it.Fluance RT85NBest features-for-price turntableDerek Malcolm/Digital TrendsBest turnable around $1,000U-Turn Orbit TheoryU-Turn Orbit Theory review: nothing theoretical about this stellar turntable ReviewProsOrtofon 2M Blue or Bronze cartridgeNew antiresonant tonearm designEasy to set upElectronic speed switch dialBuilt-in preamp optionFantastic sound for priceConsOnly two finish optionsNo auto stopSpecification:MotorBelt driveBuilt-in preampYes, optionalWi-FiNoCartridgeOrtofon 2M Blue or Bronze, upgradeableAs a long-time owner and fan of the original U-Turn Orbit Custom, when I finally got my hands on the Woburn, Massachusetts company's first foray into the premium turntable realm, I was pretty excited. I've always liked U-Turn's scrappy spirit and that it offers high-quality turntables that are a little different than the big players for a reasonable price. The Orbit Theory is easily U-Turn's best turntable yet, and a fantastic next step for vinyl enthusiasts ready to jump up out of the mid-range.The rethought Orbit Theory is a strikingly beautiful, hardwood-based turntable that comes in walnut and a new black Ebonized Oak finish. But it's not just easy on the eyes. Building off of the 10-year lineage of the Orbit brand, the upgrades are substantial, including a newly developed molded magnesium tonearm that combines the headshell, arm tube, and pivot housing in one to reduce resonance. The belt drive system is all-new as well. It's more powerful, has a new silicone belt that runs in a machined groove around the side of the platter, and it gets up to speed faster. Plus, I can confirm that it's virtually silent. And, my favorite part is that U-Turn has finally added a speed switch no more manual belt changing between 33 and 45 RMP. A set of three anti-resonant and height-adjustable feet are also new to the Theory, further solidifying its quiet properties.But where we start getting into the real premium territory with the Orbit Theory is with its choice of two excellent cartridges from world-class cartridge makers, Ortofon: the 2M Blue (which comes with the base-model Theory at $999) and the even better 2M Bronze that adds $180 to the price. Either way, you're laughing with how good these cartridges are they consistently produce big, brilliant, and stable sound that is forgiving for all kinds of music and you can't go wrong with either. If you do go for the Bronze, you add even more opportunity to upgrade further, as the Bronze's cartridge is compatible with two of Ortofon's best styluses, the Black ($575) and Black LVB ($800), pushing you into audiophile territory, should you like.In true U-Turn fashion, the Orbit Theory is customizable and ranges from $999 with the 2M Blue and without a built-in preamp to the top-of-the-line at $1,249 with the preamp and the 2M Bronze. Whichever way you configure it, the Orbit Theory is an excellent turntable, worthy of our Editor's Choice pick.U-Turn Orbit TheoryBest turnable around $1,000RegaBest audiophile turntableRega Planar 3ProsUncompromising qualityBest-in-class tonearmChoice of two high-quality cartridgesBright, full, detailed soundConsCan get expensiveOnly available in three colorsSpecification:MotorBelt driveBuilt-in preampNoWi-FiNoCartridgeElys 2 MM or Ortofon 2M Blue, or no cartridgeMany turntable nerds count the Rega Planar 3 as the pinnacle, their Holy Grail turntable; the one they'd get if they found a wad of cash in the couch cushions. And they wouldn't be wrong. The Rega name is often the first that comes to mind when you think of audiophile turntables and gear (the Planar 3, while excellent, is actually their mid-range), and the Planar 3 is arguably their most popular, for its reachable price and legendary quality.With 40 years under its belt, the Planar 3's lightweight, anti-resonant plinth was the mold for many modern turntables that have come after (including several on this list). It's, of course, come a long way since then, having undergone several iterations and upgrades, and it's this design expertise that few can compete with. The current Planar 3 features the latest version of their iconic RB330 tonearm that offers amazing balance, stability, and industry-leading anti-resonance. It's a belt-driven turntable, of course, with a new 24-volt low-vibration motor that's nearly silent and that drives the Planar 3's eye-catching glass platter.While there is no built-in preamp (turntables at this level rarely have them) and no speed selector switch, when coupled with the Rega Neo power supply, you can bypass the finicky manual belt switching and get precise 33 or 45 RMP speed control with a button push.The Planar 3 comes in a few different configurations, including on its own without a cartridge that runs around $1,125, with Rega's own outstanding Elys 2 MM cartridge ($1,395), and another with the also excellent Ortofon 2M Blue ($1,364). You can, of course, upgrade to a multitude of other cartridges out there, too. The turntable is as quiet as it gets, sounds gorgeous, and looks it too. Rega also does a good job at making the Planar 3 customizable with upgradeable parts, such as belts, platters, and more. The Rega Planar 3 is available in three glossy finishes: black, white, and red.Rega Planar 3Best audiophile turntableAudio-TechnicaBest turntable for DJsAudio-Technica AT-LP140XPProsRock-solid buildHeavy and stableAffordableInstant speed, pitch control ConsNo built-in preampSpecification:MotorDirect driveBuilt-in preampNoWi-FiNoCartridgeAT-XP3 DJ cartridge, upgradableAll the turntables on our list, so far, have been belt-drive turntables, which are best for most people because of their simple operation and the fact that they tend to be quieter because the motors that spin are usually off to the side and do not directly contact the platter.Direct drive turntables, however, are a different beast, as their motors usually sit directly under the platter and often drive them, er, directly. While there is much debate over which is better, DJs favor direct drive decks because they can get up to speed almost instantly, can spin records in both directions without damaging the motor, and often have tempo control sliders for mixing.One of, if not the best DJ turntables ever made, is arguably the Technics SL-1200, but they are hard to come by and even the new versions of them can get expensive. Enter Audio-Technica, whose SL-1200-inspired LP140XP direct-drive turntable is tailor-made for DJs, but at a way more manageable $500 price.Similar to Audio-Technica's massively popular AT-LP120, the LP140XP is a beast of a 22-pound turntable that is stable as hell with four sure-footed adjustable feet and a die-cast aluminum platter that is damped underneath with a dense, felt-like material for anti-resonance. Where the LP140XP differs from its LP120 cousin is that it does not come with a built-in phono preamp (most DJs will have some form of amplification anyway), and it trades out the standard workhorse AT-VM95E cartridge for the hotter, more DJ-friendly AT-XP3 cartridge instead. The headshell comes pre-mounted, so all you have to do is balance the tonearm with the included instructions and you'll be spinning in no time. A-T's solid anti-skate mechanism is here, too, to keep the stylus tracking in the groove properly.Speaking of spinning, the DJ controls include a pitch-control slider, pitch lock, forward/reverse buttons, and the classic pop-up platter strobe light. It doesn't have Bluetooth or USB connectivity (for that look to the LP120XBT-USB), but the AT-LP140XP will spin at 33, 45, and 78 RPM, and is an easy-to-use, straightforward DJ's dream.Audio-Technica AT-LP140XPBest turntable for DJsDerek Malcolm/Digital TrendsBest for Sonos integrationVictrola Stream CarbonVictrola Stream Carbon ReviewProsSound is excellentQuality Ortofon 2M Red cartridgeEasy wireless setupConnects to any Sonos in your houseBig, universal volume dialClean, modern lookConsExpensiveBasic appMotor is a bit noisySpecification:MotorBelt driveBuilt-in preampYesWi-FiYes, Works with Sonos certifiedCartridgeOrtofon 2M Red, upgradableSonos makes some of the finest network music streaming speakers and audio products out there. And whether you've already invested your hard-earned cash into one or two Sonos speakers or a whole-home Sonos setup, it makes sense that if you're going to start getting in to vinyl that you might want to utilize those speakers, if you can, instead of shelling out for a whole new sound system.There are several ways to integrate a turntable with a Sonos system, but Victrola is one of the first companies to come forth with a "Works with Sonos" certified turntable that can connect directly to any Sonos speaker or system without the use of another Sonos connectivity product like the Port, Amp, or one of Sonos' line-in speakers like the Era lineup. And it's dead simple for pretty much anyone.The Victrola Stream Carbon (there's also a slightly cheaper version, the Stream Onyx) is a modern-looking, solidly built turntable (it weighs a stable 13 pounds) with some high-end components, such as its Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, dense MDF plinth, cast aluminum platter, and anti-resonant carbon fiber tonearm. It has a built-in analog-to-digital converter that translates the analog signal from your records into a 24-bit/48kHz digital signal that sounds sweet when streamed out over your Sonos system.Setup is easy with the bare-bones, but functional Victrola Stream app, and once the turntable is connected, all the rest is done via the easy-to-use Sonos app. Simply choose the speakers or groups of speakers you want your record to play on. The Stream Carbon can also be played through a traditional analog setup, like a receiver and set of passive speakers.Victrola Stream CarbonBest for Sonos integrationHow we test turntables and record playersLike many things we review at Digital Trends, we test turntables and record players from differing points of view those with little experience with the tech and those familiar with it so we can relay the details in a way that's meaningful to both. From unboxing and setup to explaining all its features, we use each turntable we get just as you would, by using and evaluating everything it can do and how easy and fun/frustrating it is to do it. We do this all while playing a lot of records to examine the most important thing: how it sounds. We play a wide range of music to test out the lows, mids, highs, and everything in-between, while listening for clarity, distortion, soundstage, and any anomalies that might appear.Check out our full rundown on how we test turntables. What's the difference between a belt-drive and direct-drive turntable?A belt-driven turntable uses a thin rubber or silicone belt that is wrapped around the platter (either on the outside edge or underneath, for example) that is, in turn, wrapped around a spindle connected to a motor that is usually set off to the side of the platter. A direct-drive turntable's motor usually sits directly beneath the platter and the two are, er, directly connected. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.Belt-drive turntables tend to be preferred by audiophiles because, due to the offset and isolated nature of the motor and the use of the rubber belt, vibrations and resonance are kept to a minimum, therefore they are much quieter. Direct-drive turntables, on the other hand, are preferred by DJs because the platter's direct connection to the motor means they can get up to speed much quicker. Because there's no belt getting in the way, direct-drive decks can also be played backwards, stopped more easily, and are generally more forgiving of all the cueing and syncing uses of DJs. The trade-off is that the vibrations from the motor can be directly transferred to the cartridge and hence through the audio system. Are Bluetooth turntables any good?Yes, they can be. Without getting too into the weeds about hi-res audio and Bluetooth codecs, a turntable streaming music over Bluetooth to a Bluetooth speaker or set of headphones must do two things. First, it must convert the analog sound form the record's grooves into a digital signal and then it must compress that signal to a reasonable amount of information that can be sent wirelessly over Bluetooth.Often, this can strip music of some of its detail and resolution, and some vinyl purists think that this defeats the whole purpose of vinyl records, which typically have excellent audio fidelity. Will most people notice? No. Will most people care? Also no. As long as it sounds good to you, that's all that matters.There are, however, Bluetooth codecs, such as Qualcomm's aptX HD, that are allowing for much better sound quality over Bluetooth, making it a better experience and more convenient option. This also has its caveats, though. For this to work, both the turntable and the receiving Bluetooth speaker must support the aptX HD codec.Alternatively, a Wi-Fi or LAN network-based system, such as Sonos with a compatible turntable (see the Stream Carbon turntable above), can convert vinyl records at a much higher sound quality than Bluetooth and can stream much higher amounts of digital data for high-resolution sound. What is a phono preamp and do I need one? A phono preamp (also known as a phono stage) can be either an internal component in a turntable or an external unit that a turntable is connected to. Either way, it's job is to take the generally weak signal that comes from a turntable's stylus (needle) and cartridge and prepare it to be amplified by either a receiver, integrated amplifier, powered speaker, or other amplification device.Many modern turntables come with phono preamps built-in, generally giving users everything they need to get their records amplified and booming out a pair of speakers. However, some built-in phono preamps (especially those in budget turntables) aren't very good, and many higher-end turntables still do not even have preamps built-in. For these reasons, you may need to purchase an external phono preamp. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, as adding an external phono stage is a great way to improve the stability and sound quality of your turntable's signal, so you might want to consider it.And if you happen to have a receiver or amplifier that has a phono input, that will act as your preamp, so you don't need one if you like how it sounds. You can always opt to use a phono stage anyway and connect through the amp's AUX input, like many people do. Editors RecommendationsTopicsBest Products Derek MalcolmContributing Editor, A/VDerek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek joined the DT team in 2020, spending his days wrangling the movie and TV streaming guides before getting the chance to nurture his obsession with the latest audio/video gear. A former musician and practicing vinyl nerd, his passion for sound can be found in his writing, whether its a guide to the best speakersand turntables, or a review of a party speaker thatll blow your roof off.Derek studied journalism at Torontos Humber College, graduating in 1999. He started his career writing about music, movies, and TV, back when people still read things on paper, working at such magazines as TV Guide and celebrity mag Hello! Canada. Derek counts Matt Damon, Britney Spears, and Coldplay among his favorite interviews.From 2006 to 2018 Derek was the editor-in-chief of Canadian tech and entertainment magazine Connected, where he steered the publication through the invention of the iPhone and the rise of streaming to the demise of BlackBerry and the print industry.One of two Canucks on the Digital Trends A/V team, Derek is based in Toronto where he lives with his wife, daughter, two cats, and his prized vintage Marantz stereo receivers.When Derek isnt cussing at the labyrinthine setup menus of the latest projectors, he can be found at home listening to records or counting the days to ski season.You can find Derek on Threads and sharing his vinyl exploits on Instagram. More than a decade ago, my first ever turntable was the Audio-Technica AT-LP120, a beast of a direct-drive machine that starts and stops on a dime, is stable as all hell, and couldn't be easier to use. I still have it, and while I've added several other types and grades of turntables over the years, it's still in regular, er, rotation in my setup.As far as entry-to-mid-level turntables go, Audio-Technica is one of the best brands out there -- we feature several of them on our best turntables list. If you've been hemming and hawing over getting a new turntable to kick off your vinyl obsession, or maybe you're looking to upgrade your starter deck, now's your chance to get your hands on one of three of Audio Technica's most popular turntables for up to 29% off as part of Amazon Prime Day: the entry-level AT-LP60X, it's Bluetooth-enabled sibling the AT-LP60XBT, and the AT-LP120XUSB, a newer, USB-capable version of my trusty old tank that I mentioned above. AT-LP120XUSBRead more There's no need to spend several hundred dollars to replace your old screen -- take advantage of TV deals to access huge savings. Here's an offer that will get you amazing value: the 55-inch Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV for only $240 from Best Buy, following a $130 discount on its original price of $370. We're not sure how much time is remaining on this bargain though, so if you want to take advantage of it, you better hurry with your purchase!Why you should buy the 55-inch Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV The Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV isn't going to challenge the best TVs in terms of the technology it packs and the features it offers, but for a relatively affordable option, it's a solid choice. With 4K Ultra HD resolution, as well as support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, you'll enjoy watching your favorite shows and movies with bright colors, sharp details, and immersive sound. The Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV also looks very sleek with its bezel-less design, which will allow it to match the aesthetic of any room.Read more At the Information Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 audiovisual showcase in Barcelona today, home theater projector makers Optoma unveiled its latest stunner, the Optoma UHZ68LV, a 4K UHD laser projector that boasts a whopping 5,000 lumens of brightness, but comes with the equally-blinding price of 4,000 (approximately $4,982).The Optoma UHZ68LV 4K is a dual-laser, standard-throw projector, which means it needs a runway of between 1 and 10 metres, depending on the size of the image you want. Speaking of which, this is where things get serious, as the UHZ68LV laser projector can turn your living room or man cave space into an impressive home theater, with the ability to project as small as 30 inches all the way up to a massive 300 inches, which translates to roughly 12 feet tall by 22 feet wide, for those with a parking lot at their disposal for a makeshift drive-in. Read more

Max has some fantastic shows returning later this year, with new seasons of The Righteous Gemstones, Peacemaker, and The Last of Us. Thankfully, however, you dont have to wait another few months for some of Maxs top-tier shows. This month, for example, The White Lotus returns for its third season, now set in Thailand with an (almost) entirely new cast. There are also other favorites coming back with new seasons, like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and the latest shows worth checking out, like the medical drama The Pitt.Max, HBOs streaming service, has legacy content from the parent network, too. Think everything from The Sopranos to Game of Thrones. So if you want to finally jump on the bandwagon for that high-profile show you never watched, Max has you covered. Check out our picks of the best shows on Max (formerly HBO Max) right now for plenty of ideas to occupy your lazy night in.Recommended VideosNeed more recommendations? Then check outthebest new shows to stream this week, as well asthe best shows on Netflix,best shows on Hulu,best shows on Amazon Prime Video, and thebest shows on Disney+.Recently added to MaxThe White Lotustv-ma2021The Pitttv-ma2025Last Week Tonight with John Olivertv-ma2014Craig of the Creektv-y72018Related

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The audio-products maker expects to book restructuring charges of $15 million to $18 million as it reorganizes.

The wind blew across his Montana ranch at an ideal rate of 18 miles an hour. His neighbors wanted nothing to do with turbines.

Yikes H5N1 bird flu spills over again; Nevada cows hit with different, deadly strain The finding suggests a new spillover event, further dashing hopes of containment. Beth Mole Feb 5, 2025 5:52 pm | 10 Cows standing in their pens in North Freedom, Wisconsin on May 8, 2024. Credit: Getty | Matthew Ludak Cows standing in their pens in North Freedom, Wisconsin on May 8, 2024. Credit: Getty | Matthew Ludak Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreCows in Nevada have been infected with a strain of H5N1 bird flu different from the strain detected in all other herds to this point in the ongoing dairy outbreak. It's the same strain that killed a Louisiana resident in early January and sent a Canadian teenager to intensive care in early November.The new Nevada dairy infections were first detected through milk testing conducted on January 31, according to an update Wednesday by the US Department of Agriculture. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the finding of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1. To this point, all other dairy herds affected by the outbreak have been infected with H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13.To date, 957 herds across 16 states have been infected with H5N1 since the outbreak began last March. That tally includes four new herds from Nevada.The D1.1 genotype is the predominant strain spreading in migratory birds in the North American flyway this fall and winter, the USDA notes. It has been sporadically spilling over to mammals and commercial poultry in recent months. In December, it spilled over to a resident of Louisiana after contact with wild and backyard birds. The person became critically ill and died, marking the first US H5N1 bird flu death.Until now, federal officials have thought of the current dairy outbreak as the result of a single spillover event, which likely occurred from the virus jumping from wild birds to cows in Texas, possibly sometime in late 2023. The virus then swiftly moved through dairy farms and across state lines as people, equipment, and animals moved around. Health experts worldwide have been appalled by the inability of US officials to halt the single-source transmission as more and more herds have continued to test positive. Now, with a second introduction of the virus, hopes are likely dashed that containment is possible.The spread of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows is unprecedented; the US outbreak is the first of its kind in cows. Virologists and infectious disease experts fear that the continued spread of the virus in domestic mammals like cows, which have close interactions with people, will provide the virus countless opportunities to spill over and adapt to humans.So far, the US has tallied 67 human cases of H5N1 since the start of 2024. Of those, 40 have been in dairy workers, while 23 were in poultry workers, one was the Louisiana case who had contact with wild and backyard birds, and three were cases that had no clear exposure.Whether the D1.1 genotype will pose a yet greater risk for dairy workers remains unclear for now. Generally, H5N1 infections in humans have been rare but dangerous. According to data collected by the World Health Organization, 954 H5N1 human cases have been documented globally since 2003. Of those, 464 were fatal, for a fatality rate among documented cases of 49 percent. But, so far, nearly all of the human infections in the US have been relatively mild, and experts don't know why. There are various possible factors, including transmission route, past immunity of workers, use of antivirals, or something about the B3.13 genotype specifically.For now, the USDA says that the detection of the D1.1 genotype in cows doesn't change their eradication strategy. It further touted the finding as a "testament to the strength of our National Milk Testing Strategy."Beth MoleSenior Health ReporterBeth MoleSenior Health Reporter Beth is Ars Technicas Senior Health Reporter. Beth has a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended the Science Communication program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She specializes in covering infectious diseases, public health, and microbes. 10 Comments

DOJ defends DOGE Judge suggests temporary order blocking DOGE from Treasury records As far as DOJ knows, Elon Musk doesnt have access to Treasury Dept. data. Ashley Belanger Feb 5, 2025 5:31 pm | 63 A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest against Elon Musk outside the US Treasury building in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Credit: Bloomberg / Contributor | Bloomberg A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest against Elon Musk outside the US Treasury building in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Credit: Bloomberg / Contributor | Bloomberg Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreOn Wednesday, a US district judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, recommended a compromise in a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to stop Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Americans' sensitive Treasury Department data.If both parties agree, the compromise would allow two "special government employees" hired by the Treasury to continue accessing payments data to further DOGE's mission of eliminating government waste. But until the lawsuit is settled, DOGE and anyone outside the Treasury Department would be prohibited from reviewing that data directly, ensuring that nobody's government financial data is shared with any third parties without consent or proper notice.Kollar-Kotelly was assigned to this case yesterday, but due to the sensitivity of the complaint, she appears motivated to move quickly to ensure that no Americans' private data is illegally shared with anyone outside of the Treasury Department. To that end, she grilled US Department of Justice lawyer Bradley Humphreys to find out exactly who has access to Treasury data and how they are connected to DOGE.Humphreys contradicted media reports suggesting several DOGE employees, including possibly Musk, had gained access to the data. He told the judge that one special government employee hired by the Treasury Department, Marko Elez, has "read-only" access to the Treasury's payment system.However, Elez seems closely linked to Musk, who is often criticized for surrounding himself with sycophants. Elez, the temporary restraining order motion notes, is "an engineer who has worked for SpaceX and social-media platform X" before serving as an extension of DOGE now consulting within the Treasury Department.Elez reports to Tom Krause, another Treasury Department special government employee, but Krause doesn't have direct access to the payment system, Humphreys told the judge. Krause is the CEO of Cloud Software Group and is also viewed as a Musk ally.But when the judge pressed Humphreys on Musk's alleged access, the DOJ lawyer only said that as far as the defense team was aware, Musk did not have access.Further, Humphreys explained that DOGEwhich functions as part of the executive officedoes not have access, to the DOJ's knowledge. As he explained it, DOGE sets the high-level priorities that these special government employees carry out, seemingly trusting the employees to identify waste and protect taxpayer dollars without ever providing any detailed reporting on the records that supposedly are evidence of mismanagement.To Kollar-Kotelly, the facts on the record seem to suggest that no one outside the Treasury is currently accessing sensitive data. But when she pressed Humphreys on whether DOGE had future plans to access the data, Humphreys declined to comment, calling it irrelevant to the complaint.Humphreys suggested that the government's defense in this case would focus on the complaint that outsiders are currently accessing Treasury data, seemingly dismissing any need to discuss DOGE's future plans. But the judge pushed back, telling Humphreys she was not trying to "nail" him "to the wall," but there's too little information on the relationship between DOGE and the Treasury Department as it stands. How these entities work together makes a difference, the judge suggested, in terms of safeguarding sensitive Treasury data.According to Kollar-Kotelly, granting a temporary restraining order in part would allow DOGE to "preserve the status quo" of its current work in the Treasury Department while ensuring no new outsiders get access to Americans' sensitive information. Such an order would give both sides time to better understand the current government workflows to best argue their cases, the judge suggested.A lawyer for groups representing millions of retirees and government workers pushing for a temporary injunction, Nandan Joshi, suggested that the compromise would work for plaintiffs. But Humphreys said he wasn't authorized to agree to anything at the hearing and would have to run it by his clients.The parties reconvened later in the day but could not agree on the terms of the temporary restraining order.Kollar-Kotelly urged the parties to reach an agreement Wednesday evening, but it seems likely that instead, the DOJ will file a response to the temporary restraining order motion tomorrow by noon. After that, plaintiffs will have four hours to file their reply ahead of a hearing Friday at 3:30pm, where the judge said she will officially rule on the motion.Ashley BelangerSenior Policy ReporterAshley BelangerSenior Policy Reporter Ashley is a senior policy reporter for Ars Technica, dedicated to tracking social impacts of emerging policies and new technologies. She is a Chicago-based journalist with 20 years of experience. 63 Comments

A trio of federal unions wants a judge to block the sharing of Americans' sensitive data with DOGE.On Wednesday, they asked a judge to immediately stop the Treasury Department from doing so.A Treasury lawyer told the judge that no one at DOGE has direct access to the data.A federal judge said Wednesday that she may immediately block the Treasury Department from directly sharing the personal financial data of millions of Americans with Elon Musk's DOGE.US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who sits in Washington, DC., made the announcement after an hourlong court hearing, during which a government lawyer said only two Musk allies both of them now Treasury employees have any access to the data.That contention was met with skepticism from one of the lawyers seeking to ensure the data's privacy."We remain concerned that the records the personal information of our association's members are still compromised," said the lawyer, Nandan Joshi, who represents three unions in a lawsuit against Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent filed on Monday."If there's a compromise, it's impossible to unbreak the egg," Joshi said.Treasury officials have so far not been forthcoming on what access the two Musk allies have to the data, Joshi told the judge. The two were identified in court as Cloud Software Group CEO Tom Krause and Marko Elez, who has worked at SpaceX and X, formerly Twitter."We don't take it as a given that two individuals by themselves, without outside assistance, will manage the supposed task of rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse in a system that handles over a billion payments a year, and trillions and trillions of dollars of payments," he said.The lawyer representing Bessent and the Treasury Department, Bradley P. Humphreys, countered during the hearing that only Elez has direct access to the data, and that "he briefs and reports to Mr. Krause, who does not have direct access.""Only those two individuals have been given any access," Humphreys said, adding that as special government employees of the Treasury Department, both are subject to federal ethics and confidentiality requirements."Have they disseminated any of that information to anybody else?" the judge asked Humphreys."As far as we are aware, no they have not, outside of the Treasury Department," including to Musk, Humphreys said."So he has nothing to do with the records, if he's not at Treasury?" the judge asked of Musk."He is associated with the United States DOGE Service, and with the executive office of the president, as a special government employee" Humphreys answered."However, our understanding is that the information derived from the systems at issue in this case is not being transmitted to him outside of the Treasury Department," Humphreys added of Musk. "He is not in the Treasury Department.""Does he have access to it? Can he go look at it? Has he gone and looked at it?" the judge asked."No, your honor. To our knowledge he has not," Humphreys answered.The judge had told the lawyers for both sides that she was ready to put a potential order in place that would keep it that way, with no one beyond Krause and Elez having access to the data, at least for now.The sides were given until 6 p.m. to reach an agreement on the language for the order. When they failed to reach that agreement, she told them to try again overnight."It sounds like you're very close" on the wording, she told them when the parties reconvened at 6 p.m.The Bessent lawsuit challenges what it calls the Treasury's ongoing release to DOGE of sensitive data from anyone who pays federal taxes, collects Social Security, or otherwise engages financially with the government.Lawyers for the unions asked to block the sharing of this Treasury data with DOGE while the lawsuit proceeds.The Treasury and Bessent "have unlawfully implemented and are unlawfully maintaining a system that enables records and information about individuals to be accessed and disclosed to unauthorized parties," the unions have argued in court documents."The scale of the intrusion into individuals' privacy is massive and unprecedented," the unions argued.The lawsuit was filed by the Plaintiffs Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, and Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO. It alleges that releasing the names and financial details of people in the Treasury's database would violate federal data-privacy law and Internal Revenue Service regulations.February 5, 2025 This story was updated to include details for a second hearing held at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Google has ended hiring targets tied to representation, BI confirmed.The company also said it is evaluating its DEI programs.Target, Meta, and other major US companies have also reduced DEI-related policies and programs.Google will no longer pursue hiring goals tied to representation, Business Insider confirmed. The change makes the tech giant the latest US company to pull back on DEI-related policies.The company is also evaluating its DEI programs and initiatives."We're committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities, and over the last year we've been reviewing our programs designed to help us get there," a Google spokesperson told Business Insider.The spokesperson said the company had updated language in its annual 10-K report to reflect the change."As a federal contractor, our teams are also evaluating changes required following recent court decisions and executive orders on this topic," the spokesperson added. The Wall Street Journal first reported the change to Google's hiring targets.Business Insider obtained an emailed Q&A with Google's Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi, which expanded on the plans. Google staff will be "evaluating programs, trainings, and initiatives, and will update them as needed including those that raise risk, or that aren't as impactful as we'd hoped," read the Q&A. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump swiftly signed an executive order terminating DEI "mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities" in the federal government. Trump also criticized DEI programs and diversity-related hiring goals at private companies on the campaign trail and since taking office.Google set a goal in 2020 to increase leadership representation of Black+, Latinx+, and Native American+ employees by 30%. It reached that goal in 2022, according to the company's annual diversity report.Google's decision to shift its hiring goals reflects a growing number of companies pulling back on DEI initiatives, beginning before Trump was reelected. Some of the companies that scaled back diversity efforts before his inauguration include Walmart, Ford, John Deere, Tractor Supply Company, and Lowe's.Meta also announced last month it will no longer have a team focused on DEI and Target recently said it will end multiple programs related to DEI.Some companies have defended their DEI programs and policies in recent weeks, including Costco and JPMorgan.Here's the full text of the Google memo obtained by Business Insider:With new U.S. Executive Orders, court decisions, and many companies making changes to their DEl programs in recent weeks, we sat down with Fiona Cicconi to learn how Google is thinking about this.Can you tell us how we're thinking about this across the company?First, I want to be clear: we've always been committed to creating a workplace where we hire the best people wherever we operate, create an environment where everyone can thrive, and treat everyone fairly. That's exactly what you can expect to see going forward. Our users come from all across the US and around the world, and we serve them better when our employees do, too.Every year, we review the programs designed to help us get there and make changes. And because we are a federal contractor, our teams are also evaluating changes to our programs required to comply with recent court decisions and U.S. Executive Orders on this topic. For example, in 2020, we set aspirational hiring goals and focused on growing our offices outside California and New York to improve representation. We'll continue to invest in states across the US and in many countries globally but in the future we will no longer have aspirational goals.You mentioned we'll evaluate our programs. Can you share more about that?Melonie Parker and her team will lead on closely and carefully evaluating programs, trainings, and initiatives, and will update them as needed including those that raise risk, or that aren't as impactful as we'd hoped. She'll work with senior leaders across the company.And is there anything else you want Googlers to know now?While there will be changes, our central Employee Resource Groups will remain, as will our work with colleges and universities, and our work to build products to help all our users and partners. That is all vital work for our business and our Googler community.Do you work at Google? Reach out to the reporter from a non-work email and device at aaltchek@businessinsider.com

The Logoff is a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here.Welcome to The Logoff: Donald Trump dominated headlines last night and today with his proclamation that the US would take over Gaza and remove the Palestinians who live there. That plan potentially invading and definitely occupying a foreign territory for many years, displacing millions of inhabitants sounds like a massive development, a major shift in American foreign policy and the Israel-Hamas war.Except its almost certainly not happening. There is zero indication that the administration is taking any serious steps toward a foreign invasion. Instead, administration officials are quickly walking back Trumps declaration. The White House press secretary said Wednesday that the US would neither send troops to Gaza nor fund its reconstruction effectively rendering Trumps statement void.So why are you writing about it? Because its a very useful reminder of how to effectively understand the Trump administration.Beware the shiny object: So often, Trump says something wild that takes everyones focus and stirs up outrage and then it gets walked back. It takes all of our attention, but we end up right where we started.Mind the gap between what Trump says and what his administration does. When Trump says something outlandish, wait to see if anyone acts on it. Thats a much better way to keep calm and focused on what matters.Dont lose the big story: Trump right now is attempting to massively expand his power over the US government, and hes using that expanded power to make policy moves with ramifications at home and all over the world. Thats the Trump story to keep tracking. Ill do my absolute best to help.And with that, its time to log off ...I have been trying (with mixed success) lately to read before bed, rather than watching TV or, worse, doomscrolling. I find I end the day more calmly, and I wake up the next morning with more clarity on what needs to be done. Plus, I dont wake up in the middle of the night to the voice of Michael Scott. I find pre-sleep reading pretty easy once Im engrossed in a book, but I often struggle to start a new one. If you can relate, I have a solution: Voxs amazing book critic, Constance Grady, has suggestions for books that will grab your attention and keep it.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: