Anyone who takes scratching seriously knows that there’s no substitute for quality turntables — they’re your musical instrument. Cheap ones only get in the way, but top-quality models like Denon’s VL12 Prime direct-drive turntables really connect you to the music. Boasting the highest torque in the industry, its adjustable 5kgf/cm torque practically blasts off when you set it on high. Turntablists here at Sweetwater are particularly impressed by the Easy Grip Brake, whose chamfered platter gives it a uniquely solid feel. Similarly, the VL12 Prime’s all-metal tone arm base feels like it could survive the apocalypse, and with the S-shaped tone arm secured in Lock position, it would probably still play without a wobble.
