The Essential II Digital is a plug-and-play turntable with a difference. Its built-in phono stage features an optical output that means it can feed a digital signal to all manner of modern-day soundbars and wireless speakers. it has a glossy rectangular plinth – available in black, white or red – that houses the bearing, the motor with a pulley stepped for 33/45rpm, the tonearm and the built-in phono pre-amplifier. An on/off switch sits on the left side.The Essential II Digital comes with a lid, which can be easily removed – although unless you get the screwdriver out to take off the hinges, the fittings are left sticking up from the back when the lid isn’t in place,

• Belt-driven
• Ortofon OM 5E MM cartridge
• 8.5-inch aluminium tonearm
• Built-in phono pre-amp
• S/PDIF optical output