In creating the ST.150/STR8.150, Stanton went back to basics and re-engineered everything. These "no nonsense" turntables have everything professional DJs need, and nothing they don't. That's why the ST.150 (standard S shaped tone arm) and STR8.150 ("skip-proof" straight tone arm) are built first, and foremost with quality in mind. Both models offer durable construction designed to minimize feedback, industry-leading torque motor - up to 4.5 Kgf-cm, and an ultra-stable platter and tone arm. And with features like Key Correction, Reverse, up to 50% pitch adjustment, and S/PDIF digital outputs - the ST.150 and STR8.150 are strong contenders for the title of Turntable Supreme.
Why it's best: While some might expect to see Technics atop this list no matter what competition there might be, the Stanton ST-150 is such a powerful deck and packed with such great features for the professional DJ, it's achieved the rare feat of outshining the venerated Technics' flagship product. The start/brake speed, a key functionality for DJs, can be set to be lightning fast or slower to taste. This torque power is significant, as it's three times that of the Technics and represents the ability to truly start and stop your LPs on a dime. In addition, a reverse function is included, as well as a S/PDIF digital output for connection to audio interfaces and therefore DAW applications. Selectable pitch control and a height-adjustable tone arm are very useful, and the add-ons of a slipmat and cables is the icing on the cake. In addition to these great features, this deck wins mostly because it's super stable, both in platter design, construction, and the quartz lock it utilizes to keep the music steady even in challenging environments. Although it's pricey and doesn't include USB connectivity, the ST-150 is still the best DJ turntable to be had overall.
Best DJ Turntable Hi-end
My initial thought when my turntables arrived was how blimmin' heavy they were to carry up the stairs to my house, definately the heaviest peices of Stanton Equipment I have own, but this weight translates to make them the most sturdy turntables I have ever owned too. They have been described as the 'no-nonsense' turntables and I especially see this in the fact that there is no fiddly, messy ground wire to attach, there are no confusing buttons & FX you don't need - it's just a heck of a reliable and solid machine.
I have been learning to scratch in the past few months and the ST-150's have been brilliant to learn on. I am still far from being a 'pro-scratcher' by any means, but the fact that there is a start-stop button on the bottom left corner when you rotate the turntable sideways is really handy as this is the way I am being taught. I love the fact that Stanton has thought of these little extra things on their professional DJ product range - they have the equipment technology covered so that we, the DJ are then just left to our creative drive, flair & individual interpretation to make the magic we do...