Here Are The Five Most Expensive Turntables in the World

I grew up in an era in which vinyl ruled before the cassette moved in and was replaced by the CD, which was ultimately replaced through a number digital mediums and live streaming. As far as I am concerned, there will always be a place for vinyl albums, and it seems that I am not the only one who feels that way. According to some reputable sources, last year saw a significant rise in the sell of vinyl music. There are a lot of music fanatics declaring that vinyl is back. Unfortunately, having a fetish for collective vinyl music can prove to be quite costly. Not only are the albums significantly more than they cost when the music was originally released, but the equipment used to play vinyl music, the legendary turntable, can also be very expensive.

If you are seriously thinking about spinning some classic wax, you don’t want to do it on some old cheezy and cheap turntable, so I thought it would be nice to introduce the five most expensive turntables in the world to give you an idea of what the best looks like.

5. Transrotor’s Artus - $150,000

Stability and balance are very important when optimizing the play of turntables. The average turntable performing at its optimal capacity depends heavily on the disc jockey or owner finding a level surface on which to set it. The Tranrotor’s Artus is self-leveling to ensure that no matter where you place the unit, gravity will not interfere with the sound. This self-leveling capacity is created through its cardanic suspension system.

4. Audio Consulting R-evolution Meteor - $176,000

This gorgeously crafted machine is not designed for play in front of the masses, it is more of a piece of art that is designed to be played in the privacy of one’s own home. Each unit is made from an entire tree, and the process requires drying out the tree for a minimum of at least 20 years. Creating the perfect wood surface requires two weeks of hand sanding and sculpting by an expert woodsman. The most innovating component is the battery-powered turntable.

3. Transrotor’s Argos - $250,000

Here is another Transrotor model that is as extravagant in design as the Artus with a distinct presentation and style that causes it to stand out on its own. If design, aesthetic appeal and overall presentation are important to you, then this massive structure should definitely make your list. This turntable is made from solid aluminum and then chrome plated. It is definitely not the lightest turntable in the world, but it is absolutely gorgeous.

2. Goldman Reference II - $300,000

If you are wondering what could possibly make a turntable worth $300,000., there is no one component, but if I had to choose one contributor it would be the fact that this turntable is a part of a very limited edition that includes a total of only 25 turntables. So, whoever purchases this unique system will be one of only 25 people in the world who have it. Scarcity has a way of driving up value in almost every situation. Another contributor is the fact that the turntable is handcrafted in Geneva, Switzerland — the homeland of precision and style. The turntable comes with an aluminum and steel stand that provides the height and stability to provide the proper positioning for the best possible sound. It is still to be determined whether this piece is more about aesthetic appeal and status than it is about creating the optimal sound. There is a possibility that it could produce both.

1. Av Design Haus’ Dereneville VPM 2010-1 - $650,000

If you are a disc jockey that spins for a living or spins as a part of a very expensive and indulging hobby, you may find this unique and stylish turntable interesting. As the world’s most expensive turntable, the AV Design Haus boasts a Corian chassis as it rests on four feet that are supported and balanced through an air suspension system. Not only does the suspension system and stability contribute to the cost, but the touchscreen capability along with remote control also lend themselves to the exorbitant cost of this machine. To cap of this unique design, they decided to add an ethernet connection, so the sky is the limit to what you can do with this turntable beyond simply playing vinyl.