Most beautiful turntable under $5k


Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but thought this might be a fun topic. Obviously the most important thing about audio gear is how it sounds, but I find some of it truly beautiful to look at too, particularly turntables, which almost by necessity are best placed somewhere on display. Some days I love the simplicity of something like the Clearaudio Concept Wood (particularly the dark wood)….other days the “audio jewelry” appearance of EAT or VPI. My personal vote, however, would go to the Gold Note Pianosa. For me it has a timeless beauty and elegance that’s never over the top. I can’t imagine ever tiring of looking at in and think it would look great with a wide array of decor.


What would be your personal choice for most beautiful turntable under $5k? What about cost-no-object options?

ethos123
Now I see why there are so many different turntables… widely different tastes. I like the The Walker Audio Proscenium Black Diamond. Oops, not under $5K.

Simon Yorke, I miss mine : ))  Now have a PTP Audio Solid9. Sonically it’s more to my liking and has its own beauty

Looks are very important.  No need for apologies at all.  My axe to grind is that it is not, or rather should not, be a beauty vs performance continuum. Rather they are not mutually exclusive and I say: Why not both?  

Another vote for the Technics 1200 series. It is not surprising to see so many clones of the iconic design. Amongst the older series the SL1210Mk5 is a real looker.  The new ones are all jewelry.