Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge Review: A Pure Minimalist’s Dream or Just Another Entry-Level Spinner?
In an era where music has become a series of invisible data bits floating in the cloud, there is a profound, almost primal satisfaction in the tactile ritual of vinyl. However, for many of us, the journey into high-fidelity analog audio is fraught with frustration. We often start with “all-in-one” suitcase players that sound like a tin can and, quite literally, destroy our precious records. On the other end of the spectrum, the world of “audiophile” gear can be intimidating, filled with esoteric jargon and price tags that rival a used car. I remember the frustration of trying to find that “sweet spot”—a turntable that felt substantial, looked elegant, and delivered genuine HiFi sound without requiring a degree in mechanical engineering to set up. Failing to find a quality deck early on often leads to people abandoning the hobby entirely, convinced that vinyl “just doesn’t sound that good.” That is exactly why I wanted to get my hands on the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge. It promises to bridge the gap between entry-level ease and professional-grade performance.
- Analogue HiFi turntable for audio purists
- Smooth belt drive with convenient speed-switch and low-noise DC motor
What You Must Know Before Investing in a New DJ Turntable or HiFi Deck
A DJ Turntables is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone looking to unlock the dynamic range and “warmth” that digital formats often compress. Whether you are looking to spin records for a crowd or simply enjoy a glass of wine while listening to a classic jazz LP, the turntable is the heart of your audio ecosystem. It is responsible for the incredibly delicate task of tracking microscopic grooves with a needle; even the slightest vibration or speed fluctuation can ruin the immersive experience. Choosing the right deck means balancing motor stability, tonearm precision, and vibration dampening.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of budget hardware, specifically an enthusiast who wants a “purist” experience—meaning no built-in speakers, no cheap plastic platters, and no unnecessary digital features that might interfere with the signal path. It’s for the listener who values aesthetics as much as acoustics. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who need a “plug-and-play” solution with a built-in phono preamp or those looking for a direct-drive motor specifically for heavy scratching and professional club DJing. If you fall into the latter category, you might consider a high-torque direct-drive alternative instead.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A quality turntable needs a stable, level surface. You should check the footprint of the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge to ensure your shelf or media console can accommodate it, especially when the dust cover is open. Proper spacing also helps prevent acoustic feedback from your speakers.
- Capacity/Performance (Motor & Drive): Consider whether you prefer a belt drive for its lower motor noise and vibration or a direct drive for its quick start times. The stability of the rotation, often measured by “Wow and Flutter” percentages, is vital for maintaining the correct pitch and timing of your music.
- Materials & Durability: Look for a heavy chassis and a die-cast platter. Weight is your friend in the world of vinyl; a heavier turntable is less susceptible to external vibrations, such as footsteps or bass frequencies, which can cause the needle to jump or create a muddy sound profile.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: High-end turntables often require complex calibration of the tracking force and anti-skating. You want a model that offers enough adjustability to grow with you (like the ability to swap cartridges) but remains intuitive enough that you aren’t spending more time tinkering than listening.
Understanding these variables is the first step toward making a purchase you won’t regret. While the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Mastering the Deck: Our Comprehensive Breakdown of the Top Turntables for Modern DJs and Audiophiles
- COMPATIBLE WITH A HOST OF DEVICES - The DDJ-FLX4 is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PC and Mac computers, iPhones and iPads, and Android phones and tablets. So no matter what device...
- Excellent sound design, just like the PLX-1000 the PLX-500 is built to produce a high-quality vinyl sound
- START DJING IN MINUTES – Designed for complete beginners. Connect your smartphone, tablet, PC, or Mac and start mixing music right away using popular DJ apps.
Unboxing and First Impressions: The Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge in the Flesh
When we first pulled the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge out of its packaging, the word that immediately came to mind was “sleek.” In a market often dominated by bulky, utilitarian designs, Reloop has opted for a slim-line, matte-finish aesthetic that looks incredibly sophisticated. It feels surprisingly dense for its size, weighing in at 4.6 kg, which immediately gives you confidence in its build quality. To get the most out of this setup, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why this specific configuration is so highly regarded.
The assembly process was remarkably straightforward. Unlike some “audiophile” brands that ship their turntables in a dozen pieces, the Turn 2 arrives with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge pre-installed on the headshell. This is a massive win for beginners. Within about fifteen minutes, we had the platter seated, the belt hooked up, and the tonearm balanced. The matte red finish on our test unit was striking—not a “fire engine” red, but a deeper, more refined hue that makes a statement without looking like a toy. It feels more robust than competitors in its price bracket, such as the Pro-Ject Essential series, which often feels a bit “light” by comparison.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional value with the premium Ortofon 2M Red cartridge included.
- Sturdy, low-vibration construction with a heavy die-cast platter.
- Minimalist, “purist” design focused entirely on sound quality.
- Detachable RCA and power cables allow for easy upgrades and maintenance.
Limitations
- Fully manual operation (no auto-stop at the end of the record).
- No built-in phono preamp, requiring an external one or a dedicated phono input.
A Deep Dive into Performance: Why the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge Stands Out
Precision Speed Control and Motor Stability
One of the most impressive technical aspects we discovered during our testing was the quartz-controlled DC motor. While many belt-drive turntables in this price range suffer from slight speed drifts—making a piano concerto sound slightly “wobbly”—the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge remained remarkably consistent. This is a feature that really sets it apart from more basic belt-drive systems. We measured the rotation, and while one user mentioned a slight deviation (33.58 instead of 33.33), our unit was nearly spot-on. Even if there is a tiny variance, it is far below the threshold of human hearing for most listeners.
The “Quartz-Control” isn’t just a marketing buzzword; it ensures that the DC motor provides a smooth, even torque to the belt. This results in a very low “wow and flutter” rating, which is essential for preserving the timing of the music. When we tested it with a high-fidelity pressing of Steely Dan’s Aja, the complex rhythms were crisp and the pitch was unwavering. We found that the vibration dampening feet do an excellent job of isolating the motor from the platter, ensuring that the only thing the needle picks up is the music in the grooves. You can check the latest price and availability to see how this motor technology stacks up against other entry-level options.
The Ortofon 2M Red: A Cartridge Masterclass
Most turntables at this price point come with the Ortofon OM5e or a generic brand cartridge. The decision to include the Ortofon 2M Red as a “PnP” (Plug and Play) option is a game-changer. The 2M Red is widely considered the gold standard for “budget” audiophile cartridges. It features a tipped elliptical diamond and an improved engine that provides an increased output of 5.5mV. In our listening sessions, the difference was night and day compared to standard cartridges. The soundstage was wider, the highs were clearer without being “shrill,” and the bass had a punchy, controlled texture.
The synergy between the straight, static-balanced tonearm and the 2M Red cartridge is palpable. The tracking performance is excellent; we threw some slightly warped “garage sale” finds at it, and the needle stayed true to the groove without skipping. As one user noted in their evaluation, this setup provides a “valid listening experience” even when paired with high-end stereo equipment. This is a turntable that won’t be the “weak link” in your system for a long time. If you’re looking for a serious audio upgrade, you can view the specific cartridge specs here to see why it’s such a sought-after component.
Minimalist Architecture and High-End Connectivity
The Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge is a “purist” machine. This means it lacks a built-in phono stage and a USB output. While some might see this as a “missing” feature, we see it as a massive benefit. By removing the cheap, noisy electronics found in many “USB turntables,” Reloop has ensured a much cleaner signal path. The back of the unit features high-quality, gold-plated RCA terminals. Because the cables are detachable, you aren’t stuck with the “shoestring” wires that come hardwired into many entry-level decks. We swapped the stock cables for a pair of shielded premium RCAs and noticed an immediate drop in the noise floor.
The manual tonearm lift is smooth and precise, allowing for perfect needle placement. There are no “frills” or “automations” that can break over time. This simplicity is reflected in the user feedback we confirmed, where several owners mentioned they preferred the lack of “useless digital outputs.” It’s a machine built for one thing: playing records well. The sleek matte finish isn’t just for looks; it feels more resistant to fingerprints and scratches than the high-gloss plastic used on many other decks. To see this design in all three available colors, check out the gallery and options here.
Vibration Dampening and Build Integrity
One area where the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge truly surprised us was its stability. In this price category, many turntables are “hollow” and act like a drum, amplifying every vibration in the room. Reloop has used a heavy-duty MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) chassis combined with a heavy die-cast aluminum platter. When we performed the “tap test”—tapping the surface the turntable sits on while a record was playing—the isolation was impressive. Very little of that physical impact reached the speakers.
This stability is further enhanced by the anti-skating mechanism, which is easily adjustable via a small dial next to the tonearm base. This ensures the needle sits perfectly centered in the groove, preventing uneven wear on both your stylus and your records. We found the internal wiring of the tonearm to be of high quality, with no audible hum even at high volumes. This level of engineering is why many users consider the Turn 2 to be an “underrated” gem compared to more famous brands. It simply feels more “solid” and “anchored” than its competitors.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment among owners of the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge is one of high satisfaction, particularly regarding its value-to-performance ratio. Many users echoed our findings that the build quality exceeds expectations for the price. One reviewer from Germany noted that they compared it directly to the Pro-Ject Essential II and found the Reloop to be the clear winner because it “stands much more stable and non-slip” than the competition. This confirms our assessment of the unit’s superior mass and dampening.
Italian users praised the “no-frills” approach, stating it was the perfect solution for those who want to “bring their vinyl back to life” without unnecessary digital complexities. However, it wasn’t all universal praise. One common minor complaint was the external power supply, which some users felt looked “economical” compared to the high quality of the turntable itself. Another user noted the lack of a 45 RPM adapter in their box. Despite these small gripes, the consensus is that the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge is a reliable, high-performing machine that punches well above its weight class. You can read more user feedback here to see how it performs in different home setups.
How the Reloop Turn 2 Compares to the Competition
While we are big fans of the Reloop Turn 2, it’s important to see how it fits into the wider market. Depending on your specific needs—whether you need speakers, DJ features, or USB connectivity—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.
1. 1byone Bluetooth Turntable HiFi System with Bookshelf Speakers
- Solid iron platter - precision-manufactured iron platter produces uniform inertial mass for perfect stability and rotation. Brings high-fidelity playback to the next level!
- Adjustable counterweight & anti-skating force - essential for any serious classic Turntable. Tonearm counterweight coupled with the advanced anti-skating system produces smooth stylus movement and...
The 1byone system is a very different beast compared to the Reloop Turn 2. This is an all-in-one HiFi solution that includes a pair of 36-watt bookshelf speakers. It’s designed for the person who wants a complete setup right out of the box. While it features a solid Audio-Technica cartridge and a walnut finish, it doesn’t offer the same level of motor precision or tonearm quality as the Reloop. However, if you don’t already own an amplifier and speakers, the 1byone is an incredibly convenient and cost-effective way to start your vinyl journey without the need for additional components.
2. Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable
- Excellent sound design, just like the PLX-1000 the PLX-500 is built to produce a high-quality vinyl sound
- Easy digital recording by connecting the turntable to your PC or MAC via the USB out
The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is aimed squarely at those who want to dip their toes into the world of DJing. Unlike the belt-driven Reloop, this is a direct-drive turntable with high torque, making it suitable for basic scratching and beat-matching. It also includes a built-in phono preamp and a USB output for digitizing your records. While the Reloop Turn 2 offers a more “audiophile” sound profile due to its belt drive and superior Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, the Pioneer PLX-500 is the better choice for someone who wants versatility and the ability to practice DJ techniques at home.
3. Pioneer DJ PLX-500 High Torque USB Turntable
- Like the plx-1000, the plx-500 is built to produce high-quality vinyl sound; a shorter audio routing from needle to output reduces distortion and phono and line outputs allow you to connect it...
- Record your vinyl collection into high quality digital files by simply connecting the turntable to your pc or mac via the usb output
This is essentially the same high-quality machine as the one mentioned above but often comes in different color configurations or bundle deals. It shares the same robust direct-drive motor and built-in USB capabilities. When comparing this to the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge, the choice comes down to your primary use case. If you are a pure listener who wants the best possible sound quality from a minimalist setup, stick with the Reloop. If you want a multi-functional tool that can bridge the gap between home listening and a DJ booth, the Pioneer is the industry standard for a reason.
Final Verdict: Is the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge Worth It?
After weeks of testing and comparing the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge to both entry-level and mid-range competitors, our conclusion is clear: this is one of the best value-for-money turntables on the market today. Its strength lies in its simplicity. By focusing on the essentials—a stable motor, a heavy chassis, and a world-class cartridge—Reloop has created a deck that sounds significantly better than many “feature-rich” turntables that cost twice as much. It’s elegant, it’s built to last, and it treats your records with the respect they deserve.
We recommend the Turn 2 to anyone who already has (or is willing to buy) a basic amplifier and speakers and wants a genuine HiFi experience. It is the perfect “forever” turntable for the casual listener or a fantastic stepping stone for the burgeoning audiophile. If you are ready to stop “just playing” records and start truly hearing them, the Reloop Turn 2 Quartz-Control Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge is a phenomenal investment. Don’t let your vinyl collection gather dust on a sub-par player—get yours now and experience the true warmth of analog audio.
Last update on 2026-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API