There’s no single right record to play first on a new turntable: choose the one you most want to hear. It might be a familiar album, a record tied to a memory, or something new you’re excited to discover.
What makes a good first record?
Think of the first spin as a personal ritual, not a test with a correct answer. A What Hi-Fi? reader prompt published October 1, 2026, suggests several ways to choose without declaring a winning album.
Pick an album that means something to you
A record connected to a person, place, or period in your life can make the first listen memorable in its own right. In one r/turntables discussion, a commenter described choosing a first album for nostalgic reasons. That is one listener’s account, not evidence of a wider trend.
Use a familiar record as a reference
If you know an album well, you have a point of comparison for how it sounds through this setup. The What Hi-Fi? prompt suggests trying a modern favorite and comparing the experience with what you already know. Treat that as a way to listen, not a controlled equipment test: the record, room, cartridge, speakers, and other components all shape what you hear.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
- Direct-drive DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
- Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate control variable pitch control with quartz speed lock and balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
- Convert your vinyl records to digital audio files by downloading and using the free Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity recording software (or software of your choice)
- Includes USB cable detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male) AC adapter 45 RPM adapter counterweight felt mat and removable hinged dust cover
Choose something you’re eager to discover
Your first record can also be something unfamiliar or newly acquired. If anticipation is what makes you want to lower the needle, that is a good enough reason to start there.
Set up the turntable before judging what you hear
Before playing any record, follow the instructions for your turntable and cartridge. Fluance’s Classic & Elite Series setup FAQ emphasizes tonearm balance and tracking force, and gives instructions for the models it covers. It says to set anti-skate to match tracking force for those covered models; don’t assume that setting applies to a different turntable. If your deck has a preamp switch, Fluance says to select PHONO when using an amplifier’s phono preamp. Check your own manual for the right setup.
Rank #2
- Greates Hits
- Best Of
- Complete
- Edition
A record-and-stylus cleaning kit is optional care equipment, not a requirement for choosing a first album. Fluance lists its Vinyl Record & Stylus Cleaning Kit on the same support page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What would you play first?
What’s the first record you’d put on to christen a new turntable—and what makes it your pick? Share your choice in the comments, on the forum, or on social media. What Hi-Fi? has invited readers to send in their answers for a follow-up.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Best Value
- EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return.
- WIRELESS CONNECTION: Connect to wireless speakers, headphones, soundbars, or other Bluetooth enabled devices.
- WIRED CONNECTION: Enjoy a simple wired connection to receivers, powered speakers, and other components with built-in audio cable.
- HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: Built-in switchable phono EQ allows the turntable to connect to a home stereo, powered speakers, or another component, with or without a dedicated phono input.
- TRANSPARENT DUST COVER: Showcase your vinyl collection with a clear dust cover that protects your turntable without hiding your favorite records.
Rank #4
![Gold - Greatest Hits[180g 2 LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/311jyBT0jLL._SL160_.jpg)
- ABBA's Gold - Greatest Hits collection features 19 timeless hits such as "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me," "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" and more! This 2 LP set is pressed on 180-gram vinyl
Rank #3
- Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
- Fully automatic belt-drive turntable operation with two speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM
- Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter
- Redesigned tonearm base and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance
- Integral Dual Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600LC)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
