The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP is the easiest way onto a proper direct-drive deck. It's the cheapest entry point here, and crucially it plays straight out of the box.
No extras to buy
An AT-XP3 cartridge comes fitted and a switchable built-in phono preamp means you can run it into powered speakers or a line input without buying anything else. For a first turntable, that removes a lot of the usual friction and cost — you're mixing on day one rather than shopping for a cartridge and a preamp. Reverse and a useful pitch range keep it capable as your skills grow.
Where the savings show
The savings show up in the build. It's lighter than the club decks, which makes it more sensitive to feedback near loud speakers, and the torque is weaker, so it won't hold up to aggressive scratching the way the heavier decks do. Treat it as a bedroom-practice and home-listening deck rather than a club or battle workhorse, and it's an excellent value entry — see how it ranks in our best DJ turntables guide.
