The Best Vinyl Record Players and Turntables for the Old-School Sound you Crave
Music purists and fans of chart-toppers from the past alike all understand one thing: Some music just sounds better on vinyl. But if you're in the market for a vinyl record player, shopping isn't as always as easy as finding something in your price range with a cool aesthetic.
Beginners in the vinyl world should do some research on what models require minimal setup to make things a bit easier. From there, decide if you're looking for a record player or a turntable; according to The Strategist, a record player has built-in speakers, whereas a turntable typically requires external speakers to play music.
To make the shopping simpler, we've rounded up some of the best vinyl record players and turntables for different budgets.
Victrola
If you want more bang for your buck, the Victrola Vintage Bluetooth Record Player is it. Not only will it play records at three speeds, it can play all of those CDs and cassettes, you've had in storage for too long.
You can also listen to FM radio, or connect it to Bluetooth to play songs from your phone. Built-in stereo speakers mean you won't need an external attachment, but you can plug in your headphones if you want your own listening party.
Pyle
The WOCKODER Turntable Record Player is an affordable and playful-looking three-speed turntable. It has a belt drive, built-in stereo speaker, AM/FM radio, and 3.5-millimeter aux-in port that allows you to connect an external device to play tunes. This is a cool but accessible option that'll do the trick for casual users.
Denon
Though the price point is a bit steep, Wirecutter rates the Denon-DP 400 turntable as the best vinyl turntable for performance and convenience because it's incredibly speed-accurate and plays with little distortion.
The modern matte black mixed with the high tech black shine creates a design that thrusts vinyl into the future. This turntable supports 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, or 78 RPM, and features a uniquely curved tonearm to prevent damage to records.
Fluance
According to The Strategist, this middle-of-the-road record player is the best option if you want something with auto-stop. This matte-black player with a clear lid has an S-shaped tonearm, which helps the stylus sit better inside of a record's groove and ultimately play better sound.
Crosley
The Crosley Cruiser turntable sports a suitcase-style design with a vibrant and lovely finish. It comes in a myriad of colors like hot pink, orange, turquoise, green, and red (pictured). Besides its eye-catching retro styling, the player is easy to operate and portable, and it has two speakers.
On its back you'll find a pair of RCA analog outputs and a 3.5-millimeter aux input. It has three speed controls: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm.
Audiophiles, beware: Unfortunately this turntable doesn't sound as good as it looks, but that's to be expected at such a low price.
SeeYing
The full-size turntable supports supports records in size 33-1/3, 45 & 78, and sits atop a beautiful wood deck. It has speakers but also connects via Bluetooth to others, and it can even record MP3s from your vinyl favorites.
ANGELS HORN
amazon.com
If you're looking to go wireless, the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Record Player is one of the best wireless options. Connect via Bluetooth to wireless speakers or to Air Pods for a setup you can listen to in multiple rooms. Because the turntable also has Phono and Line Outputs, you can play vinyl records with or without a Phono equalizer.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems
For those that like modern twists on the classics, check out the Project Debut Carbon series. Not only does the steel platter come in seven sleek shades, it helps keep the speed consistent, making playback clearer and more detailed. It also has an external belt drive to help eliminate motor noise.
Victrola
amazon.com
Don't be fooled by the rustic wood exterior of the Victrola 4-In-1 Bluetooth Record Player; this thing can do anything a modern record player can do.
Not only does it support speeds of 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, it can play FM radio and is Bluetooth enabled so it can connect to mobile devices. An auxiliary-in port also allows you to connect to external speakers if you so choose.
Music Hall
amazon.com
The Music Hall MMF is the record player to buy if money is no object.
Exceptionally crafted using exotic materials such as carbon fiber and an elliptical diamond stylus, the belt-driven turntable delivers a sonic experience that matches its price tag. For best results, connect the player to an equally high-end home theater unit and speakers.
The Best Vinyl Record Players and Turntables for the Old-School Sound you Crave
Music purists and fans of chart-toppers from the past alike all understand one thing: Some music just sounds better on vinyl. But if you're in the market for a vinyl record player, shopping isn't as always as easy as finding something in your price range with a cool aesthetic.
Beginners in the vinyl world should do some research on what models require minimal setup to make things a bit easier. From there, decide if you're looking for a record player or a turntable; according to The Strategist, a record player has built-in speakers, whereas a turntable typically requires external speakers to play music.
To make the shopping simpler, we've rounded up some of the best vinyl record players and turntables for different budgets.
Some things just sound better on vinyl.
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