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The Best Record Players

True audiophiles will tell you that ignoring the turntable and switching from an analog signal to digital data means you lose sound quality. The beauty of a record player with Bluetooth is that it plays well with any Bluetooth speaker – which means that you don’t have to worry about things like amplifiers (preamps synchronize with the rest of the built-in preamps) or plugging in speakers (you need a special amplifier to boost the sound, but they play just as loud).

This is especially true for the best Bluetooth speakers, which you would call practical, even if they do not play a record. Speakers for turntables are built into speakers, and these tinny little things destroy the sound quality and win when you play records.

Budget Options

There are many budget options to build a great sound system if you want to make records. We’ll focus on brand new products if you’re a vinyl enthusiast for less than $100, but you can find a decent audio technology – the AT-LP60X, for example, has a solid selection for just $100.

If you are new to the world of collecting, be sure to check out our guides. If you’re a music lover who can’t get enough of the warm sound, invest in one of the best record players on this list and direct the minds behind it into your home audio setup.

Audio Technica

The Audio-Technica turntable features an integrated switched phono stage, USB output, and wireless APTX connectivity. This makes it a good deal more adaptable than your average turntable.

A great midrange driver that deserves a place on this list is the Audio-Technica LP5. Whether you start with vinyl or are looking for a cheap player to give away, this high-quality record provides the warmest sound you’ll ever hear. It’s one of the most entertaining and best-sounding $300 turn days out there, with plenty of recording insight and a healthy bass kick.

If you want to combine classic vinyl performance with non-vinyl-like comfort, you must examine the Cambridge Audio Alva TT turntable. Not only does it sound like a record player on its own, but it also features Bluetooth and 24bit / 48kHz streams, a high-resolution standard. The Audio-Technica LP60X BT Bluetooth player connects to speakers and headphones and can be considered a record player hybrid in today’s modern world.

Victrola Revolution Go

The Victrola Revolution Go is a fully-featured record player. Still, you also need to build one of these cases that includes a rechargeable battery that allows up to 12 hours of continuous play when it is put into operation.

Our selection of the best turntables comes from Rega, but don’t forget that the Austrian brand Pro-Ject also has sophisticated technology, while ClearAudio dominates the high-end turntable sector. No audio company is perfect in the record business, but sticking with established, respected brands is a great start – unlike speakers, turntables are specialized kits, for example.

Rega Planar 1

The Rega Planar 1 is the straightforward turntable to choose from for clarity and attention to detail. At the same time, the Pro Ject Counter has a softer, heavier bass sound suitable for many of your record collections.

All turntables listed here have been tested by the Tom’s Guide staff, and we do not recommend turntables based on hunches or short impressions. Instead, our tests focus on the sound quality of the player. While every little trick is important to make sure your record sounds as good as possible, we listen to various music to determine which record player can best handle different instrument types and frequency ranges.

You can destroy your records by putting too much weight on the pen, wear out your grooves if you use an inferior cartridge, or don’t get the best sound you can get. Choosing one of the best record players is an investment in your enjoyment and keeps a record collection as long as possible. Don’t worry; we’ll drop the needle on them and explain what they’re about.

Pro-Ject Essential III

While the mid-range turntable market is not empty, various other turntables such as the Rega Planar 1 and Audio Technica LP5 work well in this area, while Pro-Ject Essential III hits high notes in the US. The Pro-Ject T1 is lighter and has no fancy features like Bluetooth or USB recording, so you will need a Phono preamp when sound quality is prioritized.

This best-selling turntable is a significant step up from most entry-level decks and produces stunning sound per pound, making it an attractive choice for people on a small budget.

Highlights include:

  • The excellent 24V synchronous motor.
  • Aluminum discs for quiet and quiet operation.
  • A glossy laminated base.
  • A new RB110 tonearm mounted on the carbon cartridge.

There are not many other things to talk about, but you can upgrade this bestseller with the optional Regas Performance Pack, including a portable magnetic cartridge and a luxurious wool turntable mat. The Regas delivery is as captivating as you’d expect from an entry-level turntable.

Sondek LP12

The LP12 is both a work of art and a working hub, and it would look great hanging on the wall of your home next to a sign or Picasso painting. The socket feels insubstantial, and the sound does not reflect everything, but the brilliant price makes up for it more than enough, and the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity makes the LP60XBT a good value for money.

Dead Canary Records

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