Best Record Player – Reviews & Top Picks 2018

You’re probably a great music lover if you know what record player is. Or if you’ve just got attracted to that phonograph-like thing your grandfather has, and wanted to buy one for yourself, we’ll guide you how to choose the best record player available in the market.

A record player comprises of a turntable, a stylus, and an amplifier or a loudspeaker. The quality and performance of these elements separate the best equipments from the ordinary ones. A good record player must be capable of running all types of music files, modern or old, smoothly and consistently.​

​Why Record Players Are Awesome!

​As you browse record player reviews, you're going to find out that some of the true audiophiles swear by records and hold a mighty disdain for CDs. The best record players and the best turntables won't destroy your vinyl, so you can enjoy a reliable sound for decades. Vinyl records have a lifespan that puts other forms of media to shame. CDs are still a popular medium for listening to music, but over time they can begin to oxidize. Vinyl records can last for decades when the right care is taken to preserve them. Looking through turntable reviews, you'll also find that people love the tactile feeling associated with their records.

Records provide much more area for album art and this makes it possible to provide a more creative expression of the artist's vision. Even a good record player can bring that much-coveted nostalgic feeling that stems from hearing those crackling sonorities spring to life. Over the years, each record begins to take on its own unique feel and texture. No two records will sound exactly the same and it's like listening to music that has a soul emanate from your turntable. The best record player brands are capable of providing you with an exceptional aural experience that is unlike any other medium.

If you're looking for your first record player for sale, then you're in for a real treat when you finally sit back to enjoy the tangible sweet lyrical goodness that will drip from your player. Whether you choose one of the best USB turntables or go for a more vintage feel, the moment you put that record on you'll experience a warm and soulful sound that fills the room with timbre and character. There is something organic and natural about listening to a record player through the analog process that the top turntables use. You'll get more overtones from the music, which makes the music feel much more real.

How Much Does a Record Player Cost?

When you are looking to buy a good record player either for home use or commercial purposes, one of the things that you will need to know is how much it costs. As with any electronic devices, the vinyl record players are available on the market in endless options and go at varying prices. If you want to buy a new vinyl record, you will need to part with approximately $10 to $30. For a complete setup that includes the best portable record player, speakers and amplifiers, you may spend approximately $150. If you are interested in sound quality, you may want to invest in a good music hall turntable that will cost you somewhere between $200 and $300. This one features a built-in phono preamp, so you will simply need to hook it up to any CD or aux output.

If you are on a tight budget, there is no need to fret because you can still be able to get cheap and best record players for sale on Craigslist, Amazon, eBay and also at flea markets. Do not be in a rush to choose the first record player you come across. To be able to get the best one that you will have no regrets about, you will need to search for it patiently. But just because you are looking for a cheap record player does not mean that you should ignore other factors. Even though any turntable with a needle can work, you need to make sure that you will enjoy the best sound quality from what you will buy. Just like with most things in life, you get what you pay for when buying a record player.

Let us look at detailed record player reviews.​

The Best Record Players You Can Buy Today

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive

​It’s all professional from the looks, features, simple-looking structure, easy-to handle mechanism, connectivity ports, accessories, and most importantly, the powerful sound. In LP120-USB, there is everything what a professional DJ wants, and that’s why more than 1800 Amazon customers gave it a huge thumbs-up.

​Audio-Technica LP120-USB can play all kinds of vinyl records and converts them to MP3 and Flac files. A powerful DC servo motor, USB connectivity, high-performance sound, vicious tracking force and preamp are some of its most talked about features. In fact, the real buyers of this record player have considered it as a door to modern era of music. On the basis of customer reviews and some engaging features, it’s quite fair to say that Audio Technica LP120-USB Turntable is the best record player available at present.

Major positive about the product is its compatibility with operating systems like Mac and Windows. Connect the internal stereo phono preamplifier with your computer, and its Audacity software allows digitizing old music files to high-quality FLAC or MP3 files.

With a 2-year warranty, Audio-Technica LP120-USB is quite suitable for DJs and audiophiles, because of its pitch-adjustment feature, ranging between +/-10 percent and +/- 20 percent. Moreover, the S-shaped tone-arm assembly comprises of antiskate adjustment, adjustable counterweight, height adjustment, life lever and hydraulic action tone-arm lift, and a locking mechanism.​

​CONS: The turntable appears to be slightly expensive for few customers, but because of all the features, the price is worth paid for.

Manual: You can download the user manual here.

2. Audio-Technica LP60-USB Fully Automatic

Yet another turntable from Audio Technica, LP60-USB is a fully automatic record player with belt driven motor. There’s no need of special drivers to connect Audio-Technica LP60-USB with your computer, because it is totally compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

The built-in pre-amplifier of LP60-USB is stereo/phono switchable and can be connected to the stereo system. However, the stereo system must have either magnetic line-level or phono-level input.

With its latest recording software, Audicity, the turntable digitizes your LPS and produces high-quality sound with an output level of 2.5mV at 1 kHz. You can connect it with powered speakers or home stereo and listen to old albums.

Other features and accessories include:​

Pros

Cons

Although, the Audio-Technica LP60-USB lacks built-in speakers like other record players, it looks quite affordable at this price when you consider its high-performance output, durability, compatibility and portability. The real benefit is, you will get 2-year warranty on purchase.

3. Electrohome Signature Vinyl Record Player Classic Turntable

​If I were to look for an old-fashioned turntable, I’d definitely go for Electrochrome Signature Vinyl Record Player (EANOS700). In fact, anyone with the love of retro players would fall for it, just by looking at the construction of this stereo system. Yes, it is a complete stereo system with a unique mix of traditional turntable and modern technology.

​Electrochrome EANOS700 is the best vinyl record player around that also offers AM/FM radio, CD player and MP3 player in one price. The retro-style design looks pleasant to the eyes and its 4 powerful speakers deliver natural and crystal clear sound, making it a complete stereo system.

The belt-driven turntable at the top is fully automatic, can spin records of 7-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch. The turntable offers three speeds; 33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm and 78 rpm, perfect for all kinds of records. You can feel the warm and natural sound because of the diamond tipped ceramic needle.

Signature Record Player isn’t just a record player; it’s a complete Hi-Fi stereo system:​

Pros

Cons

Electrochrome EANOS700 combines the features of vintage style and modern audio player in one place, which makes it the best in the market. The natural wood construction makes it eye-catching, while its modern multi-function features make it a must-have turntable-cum-stereo player. Customers looked highly satisfied with the acoustic and natural sound for ambient atmosphere.

4. Nostalgic Aviator 7-in-1 Turntable

Here we have another very affordable record player. Again, it did not make much compromise on the features. So you should never worry about that even if you do not have an extra budget, you just have to exert a bit more effort in finding what is best for you.

​Anyways, let’s get back to business. We have the Victrola VTA-750B Nostalgic Aviator 7-in-1 Turntable Wooden Entertainment Center. That is right, not only is this cheaper but it also has Bluetooth capabilities! Any other question as to why it is one of the best vinyl record player?

You can stream music with this record player, wirelessly, up to 33 feet away. As you can gather from that, of course, this record player is not just a vinyl record player. Though on that front it can play in 3 speeds: 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RMP.

It can also be used as a CD player and recorder, a cassette player and an AM/FM radio. If your device do not have Bluetooth capabilities (which is quite an anomaly, isn’t it?) or you do not want to expend energy for that, or it can also be that they are just not compatible, you can still use the Victrola VTA-750B to play music from your phone because it has a 3.5 mm Aux-In Jack. Oh, and it has built-in stereo speakers, too.

A remote control is included in the package, just to take advantage of its wireless capabilities and all. You can’t just waste such things! As for its design, it sports a vintage wooden exterior that is a beautiful throwback from way back when.

But that is not all! You can also easily convert or transfer the music from your vinyl records into a digital format with this record player. In fact not only vinyl records but cassette tapes as well. You do not need a computer to do the accomplish that. Again, just plug the USB in the port, play, and that’s it!​

Pros

Cons

5. Electrohome Wellington Record Player Retro Vinyl Turntable

Are the previous record players just too expensive for you? As in you do not want to spend that much for a record player? Maybe you are just an occasional listener or you just do not see any reason to spend that much. The reasons do not matter. It is all dandy since there are record players that will definitely fit your budget!

Let us start with the Electrohome Wellington Record Player Retro Vinyl Turntable. Again, let us keep it simple and refer to is as EANOS502.

The EANOS502 will not get beaten easily when it comes to versatility. Aside from playing vinyl records you can also play CDs with it, use it as AM/FM radio (complete with an illuminated turning dial) and MP3s. The source of the MP3 could be a flash drive or any music playing device such as smartphones ang tablets (via a 3.5 mm auxiliary input).

As for its vinyl record playing side, it employs a “Diamond tipped” ceramic needle that promises to provide better audio performance with a warm and natural tone and will not harm your records. The record player has built-in stereo speakers but you can also connect your headphones to it for a private listening session.

Design-wise, it is very vintage-y with its all wood mahogany finished cabinet. You can also use it to record the music from your vinyl records to digital format. You can accomplish that without any help from a computer. Just put plug the USB in the designated port, play the vinyl record, and it is done!​

Pros

Cons

6. Jensen JTA-230 with Built in Speakers

If you have not found an interesting record player that you will want to buy just yet, we still have a few options left to explore. Another affordable record player is the Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable with Built in Speakers. As I have pointed out earlier, if you do not need a fancy thing and just want a straight out record player then you will find one.

The Jensen JTA-230 features a belt driven 3 speed stereo turntable (33, 45, and 78 RPM). This record player has a stereo speaker system. But as we all know, not all built in speaker are that great. My advice is that you buy something that has the option for external speaker.

​Fortunately the Jensen JTA-230 gives you that option. It includes RCA line-out jacks and stereo headphone jack. So not only can you connect it to an external speaker, you can also connect a stereo headphone jack to it for a more private listening experience (which is very helpful if you want to listen to music in full blast but can’t do it with speakers because you will disturb your roommates or something like that).

This record player features a 3 speed belt driven design. It also boasts pitch control, volume control and tone control for easy adjustments. You will definitely find that right amount of everything by taking advantage of every control the Jensen JTA-230 has.

But of course, you did not think that it can play vinyl records solely, did you? You can also connect your other music playing devices (iPod, iPad, iPhone, smartphone, tablet, MP3 or any other digital audio players) to this record player and play the music you have stored in it. Oh, and why stop there?​

You can also use the Jensen JTA-230 to convert and transfer the music in your vinyl records in to digital format. This is a great thing especially if you love listening to the music in your vinyl records but can’t find a more portable version. I mean, there are portable record players but you still can’t carry it in the subway and listen to it, you know?

Converting is very easy! Everything that you might need (USB port and cable and the software you will need) is included in the package. This record player also allows versatile playback and the pitch control is also utilized for adjusting the record speed.​

Pros

Cons

7. 1byone Portable Turntable with Built in Speakers

This record player is not only one of the best cheap record player, it is also one of the best portable record player. The 1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Portable Stereo Turntable is a record player that will definitely be worth to take a closer look at.

The design combines trendy and retro in one briefcase- pun intended. It is made with wood with PU leather wrapping and designed like a briefcase. It is lightweight and easy to store and transport. It is somewhat like the Crosley record player which also made it into this list. That is why if you want to compare things out I think it will be fair to do that with these two.

This record player has three speed settings: 33, 45 and 78 RPM. It employs dynamic and balanced tone arm with soft damping control. The built-in speakers of this model are front-facing and will provide you with great sound.

Like other great record players, you also have the freedom to connect external speaker to this record player. You can utilize that speaker that you know and trust will give you the sound that is just right for you. You can also connect headphones if you are in the mood for private listening.

Almost all of the outputs and lines of this record player are mounted on the side. They are easy to operate and will support multiple music playback modes. This record player can also be used as a speaker if you want to play the music you have on your phone or tablet.​

Pros

Cons

8. Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Portable Turntable

If you've ever wanted to go mobile with your record player, most players are a bit too heavy or fragile to carry around with you. The Cruiser is a blast to the past when kids had mini-record players in hard cases that they tugged along with them to play mostly brightly colored vinyl designed for kids. Now, you can enjoy this as an adult with a high-quality portable player that folds up into a convenient hard-shell case. This unit is designed to allow you to listen to your music anywhere. Get back on the road and take your music with you to show the world how great your taste in music is.

This dynamic record player comes with Bluetooth and pitch control so that you can get the best possible sound from your music. You'll be able to customize some of the settings to give you a more dynamic listening experience. The device is also extremely lightweight and robust enough to handle a little bit of roughness in your travels. The vehicle is designed with built-in speakers that will help you listen to your music in greater detail and you'll love the ability to take this device with you most anywhere. The unit uses a belt-driven portable turntable that is designed with a high-caliber NP6 needle. When you want to stream music from another device, this unit can help you with that as well. Come down and see how the adjustable pitch control is able to add to the ability for you to adjust the RPM of the record.

You'll be able to play three speeds with this unit. It supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPMs. The unit also delivers a full range of sound using the stereo speaker system that is built into the system. It's encased in a briefcase-style case and you'll be able to easily take it along with you anywhere. It's also able to support portable audio devices and you can use Bluetooth as well. The RCA Audio Out option makes it easier for you to use the outputs on the rear of the device to hook up any external speaker system that you wish. The pitch and control options are located right next to the built-in headphone jack, which gives you better control over your music.

Pros

Cons

9. ION Audio Max LP

If you've got a record collection gathering dust, you really need to consider bringing this player home to revitalize and engage those old recordings. This unit is designed with plenty of functionality so that you can get an enjoyable listening experience from your audio session. You'll be able to experience enhanced MP3 playback and an incredible level of detail with this precisely constructed player. You'll love the appealing wood-grain finish and the expensive design that is designed to give you a complete audio experience. The wood-grain finish adds a touch of class to a turntable that is designed to exceed your expectations.

Protecting your unit is also important, which is why it comes with a protective dust cover to keep dust and debris away from the vital components. Dust can easily scratch your records, so this is crucial to ensuring that your player continues to run in optimal condition. When it comes to the felt slipmat, you'll be able to keep your unit solidly in one place and prevent it from slipping during use. The felt mat also provides additional stability in case you have to place the unit on an uneven surface. With elegant looks and some modern perks, this unit is designed to give you a classic design that looks good anywhere. The fine-grain wood provides an extra layer of polish and finesse to ensure you get an optimal appearance.

The unit comes with a USB cable so that you can connect the player to your computer. Once you connect to your computer, you'll be able to convert all of your records to a digital format if you wish. This is an excellent way to preserve your recordings in a digital format. The built-in stereo speakers will provide you with a loud and clear sound that works hard to bring out the sound of your audio. There are also multiple connectors so that you can connect your device to a wide range of equipment. The RCA outputs are able to connect with your home stereo system and you'll get a truly enjoyable sound when you use this device as a vehicle for replaying all of your treasures albums. There is also a headphone output for a more intimate experience. The stylus that includes uses a conical, diamond-tipped ceramic structure that is designed to play both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records.

Pros

Cons​

How Record Player Works

Turntable and cartridge are the basic components of record players. Alternatively, they may have any other device to hold the needle and the turntable.

The major difference between the types of record player is based on the operation of turntable.

​1. Idler-Wheel Turntables

A popular mechanism for phonographs in the era of 70’s and 80’s, Idler-Wheel turntables had a rubber wheel attached to a synchronous motor. The wheel can be turned faster or slower by altering the motor.

However, this mechanism had some serious issues, such as:​

2. Belt-Driven Turntables

In this mechanism, elastomeric rope was used instead of the rubber wheel, in order to turn the record. Belt-driven design was more popular than previous mechanism, because of the two main reasons:

3. Direct Drive Turntables

In Direct Drive mechanism, there was no need of wheels or belts. The motor controls the turntable directly. So, the revolution in motor causes the record to turn. This was more simplistic design for turning the record, involving a flawless motor system to maintain smooth, precise and continuous speed of the record.

4. Digital Systems​

These are latest systems that are lightweight and portable. Some digital record players are built into other systems, such as computers and laptops. Major features of digital record players include:

Digital record players for sale and modern turntables differ in terms of design, operations, compatibility, sound production and quality. Mostly, digital turntables have been used by professionals and DJs. They offer better control and sound mixing as well.

6 Things You Must Know When Buying a Record Player

Before parting with your money to pay for a record player, there are various things you must know about it, namely:

​1. Components or Features of the Record Player

It is important to understand the major components of the record player you want to buy especially if you will be spending a lot of money on it. The first component is the plinth of the record player. It acts as the foundation and base and serves the very important function of providing stability across the board. You need to make sure that the plinth is in good condition to avoid the risk of the turntable falling especially when the records are spinning.

Another key component to check when buying a record player is the platter. This is the area where the recording sits and spins. It is a good idea to consider choosing a turntable with a heavier platter because it is considered to be of better quality compared to a lightweight one. The heavier platter offers extra stability and reduces vibration when the records are spinning. You should also check the tone arm and stylus/cartridge/needle system of the record player you want to buy. Make sure that it is in good working condition and can be moved effortlessly either manually or automatically.

2. Upgradeability

If get hooked to the whole vinyl experience, chances are you will want to upgrade your record player at some point in future. For this reason, you need to check the prospective record players and determine which components on them are upgradeable. Among the features that are likely to require an upgrade or replacement in future include the tone arm, cartridge, belt and slip marts. Be careful when buying lower-end turntables because most of them are built in a manner that does not allow for individual components to be replaced or upgraded. If you buy a turntable like that, you are likely to get stuck with stock components.

3. Manual vs. Automatic

You have the choice of automatic, manual and sometimes semi-automatic when buying a record player. This simply refers to the method that you will be using to place and remove the needle on the record. An automatic system is the best because the process happens at a simple push of a button. If you are comfortably sitting on your chair or resting in bed, you will not be forced to stand up and go where the turntable is to get the music playing. The manual system on the other hand requires you to lift the arm and put it on the record by yourself. This can prove hectic at times but is manageable. Semi-automatic record players require you to manually put the needle, but the needle if lifted off automatically in the end. If you do not have a steady hand, it will be a good idea to buy an automatic turntable to avoid the risk of scratching the record.

4. Rotational Speed

When shopping for record players, you will come across some that are classified as three speed. These turntables support a third speed of 78 revolutions per minute and are perfect for older 10 inch records that feature wider grooves. But since most records play two different speeds that are supported by every turntable, that is 45 revolutions per minutes for seven inch records known as singles and 33 revolutions per minute for 12 inch records known as EPs or albums, you do not need to worry too much about the rotational speed of the turntable you will buy.

5. Storage

​You need to know where or how you need intend to keep the record player that you are buying. While this may sound trivial to some people, it is a very important issue that you cannot overlook or ignore. Record players are very vulnerable to vibration. You need to keep them in a place where there are no vibrations. This is because the external vibrations can be turned into sound, something that will affect the sound quality of the music that you are listening to. If the external vibrations become too much, they can cause the needle to skip and jump.

6. ​Portability

​If you want to be able to listen to your music in different places, you should consider the portability of the record player that you will buy. There are some that are very heavy that moving them from one place to another will be close to impossible. But if you take your time to shop around, you will not miss to find the best portable record player. Among the most popular brands that are known for making the most portable record players include GPO and Crosley. They make turntables that can be easily folded into carry cases for ease of transportation. Some of their record players even include built-in speakers. Make sure that you choose carefully because some of them are often flimsy due to the lightweight design.

Conclusion

Although, there is a wide range of music players around, record players have their own significance. They’re still popular among music enthusiasts and vintage-music lovers. Record players offer unmatched sound quality and that’s why they’re being used by DJs all over the world. There are plenty of things to ensure you get the best record player in the market, and here’s a summary of them:

For more information on record player history : Wikipedia is a great resource too!