Starting with vinyl DJing doesn’t have to mean spending thousands of dollars. In fact, you can put together a reliable, great-sounding Vinyl DJ setup under $700. Yes, you heard it right! With the right choices, you’ll have everything you need to practice beatmatching, mixing, and exploring the world of vinyl DJing. All without emptying your wallet.
Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need, which gear to get, and how to stretch your budget smartly.
Do you have more money to spare, then make sure to check out higher end versions of a vinyl DJing set up.
What You Need for a Basic Vinyl DJ Setup under $700
At the core of any vinyl DJ setup, you need:
- Two turntables – to play and mix between records.
- A mixer – to control volume, EQ, and transitions.
- Cartridges & stylus – the needles that read the grooves (included with the turntables below).
Recommended Beginner Setup Under $700
Here’s a strong, beginner-friendly setup that stays within budget:
2x Reloop RP-1000 MK2 Turntables
A sturdy entry-level belt-drive deck built for DJs. Each deck features ±10% pitch control, an S-shaped tonearm with anti-skating for stable tracking, and comes fitted with an Ortofon OM Black cartridge out of the box. The RP-1000 MK2 also has shock-absorbing feet and a metal top panel for vibration reduction, which helps keep your records sounding clean even in less-than-ideal environments. It’s a reliable deck that beginners won’t outgrow too quickly, and it’s upgradeable later with different cartridges. (~$280 each new)
Numark M2 Mixer
A no-nonsense 2-channel DJ mixer that gives you everything you need to get started. Each channel has a 3-band EQ (bass, mid, treble), gain controls, and smooth phono/line inputs for flexibility. The crossfader is replaceable and comes with reverse and slope control, letting you adjust the feel to your style. It also includes a mic input with EQ and headphone cueing, so you can properly prepare your next track. It’s compact, durable, and designed with simplicity in mind. Perfect for learning the basics without being overwhelmed. (~$119 new)
Total cost: Around $680 (depending on shop).
What About Speakers and Headphones?
This setup assumes you already own either speakers or headphones. But if not, here are solid budget recommendations:
- Headphones: New bee Studio Headphones (~$30) – Comfortable, durable, and clear sound for beatmatching.
- Speakers: Mackie CR3-X (~$100) – Compact powered monitors that sound great for home practice.
Even with these additions, you’ll still be in a very reasonable price range compared to professional gear.
Buying Used: Stretch Your Budget Further
If you’re open to secondhand gear, you can sometimes score an even better setup for under $600. For example:
- Audio-Technica AT-LP120X Turntables – A classic direct-drive beginner deck, reliable and often available used for ~$180–200 each.
- Allen & Heath Xone:23 Mixer – A high-quality 2-channel mixer with pro-level sound, often found used for under $200.
This used combo gets you closer to the feel of professional club gear while staying in the same budget range.
Final Thoughts
Building a vinyl DJ setup under $700 is a realistic and smart way to begin your DJing journey. The Reloop RP-1000 MK2 + Numark M2 combo gives you everything you need to learn the fundamentals. Add speakers and headphones if you don’t have them, and you’re set to start mixing.
If you’re willing to go the used route, Audio-Technica turntables with a Xone:23 mixer are a killer upgrade path, still within budget, but with a more professional feel.
Remember: it’s not about having the most expensive gear, it’s about getting hands-on, practicing, and having fun with your records.
Now that you have bought your setup, you should start practicing to be able to beatmatch vinyl like a pro without sync.
