Top 21: Best Vintage Record Player for Vinyl (2024)
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK is hands down the best option if you’re just getting started with a vintage turntable. It offers great sound quality at an affordable price.
Rega Planar 1
The Rega Planar 1 is the best option for a high end setup. There are more expensive options on this list, however this unit provides incredible quality at a still reasonable price.
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Vinyl records are back in style. In recent years they’ve made a comeback so strong that some genres of music are experiencing healthy vinyl record sales.
Artists are issuing limited edition vinyl releases, and fans love it. Vinyl sales have returned as a viable part of the music industry.
Are you looking for the best vintage record player for your home setup? I’ve got you covered!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
From classic designs to modern turntables, there’s nothing quite like going down memory lane while listening to your favorite music on vinyl records. Vinyl brings out the analog aspects of music that are difficult to replicate in the digital world.
The best thing about all the record players and turntables listed here is they combine excellent sound quality, the advantages of a modern record player with the vintage look, and all that at a reasonable price.
A modern record player that combines the latest audio hi-fi technology with the classic look and feel is a dream platform for your favorite records.
In this article, I’ve researched and compiled a list of the best turntables and record players available today. Let’s take a look!
Best Vintage Record Player: My Picks
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK is an entry-level turntable. Its built-in preamp and easy setup make it a great choice for beginners. This is the best option if you’re a vinyl enthusiast looking for your first turntable. You can’t beat the affordable price. It offers a fully automatic operation, and it’s lightweight and portable. The sound quality is impressive for the price point.
Pros
Affordable, excellent sound quality
Cons
Limited customization options.
2. Crosley Cruiser Plus
The Crosley Cruiser Plus is a retro-styled turntable with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and dynamic full-range stereo speakers. The attractive look, feel, and affordability makes it an attractive option. The sound quality is also good.
Pros
Affordable, versatile.
Cons
Some users report issues with skipping.
3. Fluance RT80
The Fluance RT80 Classic High-Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is sleek and stylish and offers excellent sound quality. The turntable has a high-quality Audio Technica cartridge, a solid wood plinth, and an aluminum platter. Best of all, the sound is clear, detailed, and well-balanced.
Pros
Easy set-up, excellent sound quality.
Cons
No automatic return feature.
4. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is a high-end turntable built to last. It uses a Sumiko Rainier MM phono cartridge and has a massive TPE-damped steel record platter that provides stability and reduces vibrations. The result is outstanding sound quality.
Pros
Outstanding sound quality, durable construction.
Cons
Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
5. Victrola Re-Spin
This portable vinyl record player, with a vintage design and Bluetooth connectivity, is perfect for those on the go. It has that classic look. The suitcase-style design makes it easy to transport. It features a built-in custom-tuned Bluetooth speaker and bass radiator enclosure, making it a versatile option for listening to vinyl.
Pros
Portable, affordable.
Cons
Limited customization options.
6. Rega Planar 1
The Rega Planar 1 is a top-of-the-line turntable that is built to last. It’s equipped with a high-quality RB110 tonearm and a low-noise 24v motor. The sound quality is precise and detailed, with a deep and full-bodied soundstage.
Pros
Precise sound, durable construction.
Cons
Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
7. Pioneer PLX-500
The Pioneer PLX-500 is a high-end turntable offering excellent sound quality and extra features. It has a direct drive motor and a high-torque design that provides stable rotation and excellent pitch control. It has that modern look, with a matte black finish and a low-profile silhouette.
Pros
Excellent sound quality, durable construction
Cons
Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
8. Sony PS-LX310BT
This modern turntable offers Bluetooth connectivity and easy set-up. The built-in phono preamp and an automatic tonearm make it easy to use right out of the box. The sound quality is good for the price, though some users report issues with skipping.
Pros
Affordable, versatile.
Cons
Some users report issues with skipping.
9. U-Turn Audio Orbit Special
The U-Turn Audio Orbit Special is a customizable turntable with excellent sound quality and advanced features. It has a precision tonearm and a precision machined platter that reduces resonance and provides stable rotation. The turntable has a minimalist look, with a wide range of customization options for those wanting to personalize it.
Pros
Excellent sound quality, customizable.
Cons
Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
10. Denon DP-300F
The Denon DP-300F is a stylish turntable with automatic features. The built-in phono preamp and an automatic tonearm make it easy to set up. The audio quality is excellent, with a detailed and balanced soundstage. One drawback: The turntable is not customizable
Pros
Easy set-up, reliable.
Cons
Expensive, limited customization options.
11. Teac TN-280BT
The Teac TN-280BT is a vintage-looking versatile turntable with modern technology. It has a line output from its Phono EQ amplifier, which means you can connect it to just about any sound system. This turntable features a belt-drive motor that reduces vibration and it has a dynamic, accurate sound. Its upgradable Audio-Technica cartridge helps translate a over clear, well balance sound.
Pros
Easy set-up, BlueTooth connectivity, excellent sound quality.
Cons
Expensive.
12. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a high-end direct drive turntable with advanced features, a modern, matte black finish, and a low-profile silhouette. It has a high-torque design that provides stable rotation and excellent pitch control. It also has a USB port, allowing you to digitize your vinyl collection.
Pros
Outstanding sound quality and durable construction.
Cons
Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
13. Pro-Ject Primary E
The Pro-Ject Primary E is a minimalist turntable with high-end sound quality. It has a low-vibration synchronous motor and a precision tonearm, providing stable rotation and excellent pitch control. The turntable has a minimalist design with a clean, simple silhouette. It’s not customizable, however, which may be a drawback for some users.
Pros
Easy set-up, precise sound.
Cons
Expensive, limited customization options.
14. Fluance RT85
The Fluance RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is a top-of-the-line turntable that offers advanced features and high-end sound quality. It has a precision tonearm and a precision machined platter that reduces resonance and provides stable rotation. The turntable has a sleek and stylish design, with a high-gloss piano black finish and a curved shape.
Pros
Precise sound, durable construction.
Cons
Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
15. Crosley C62
The Crosley C62 is a sleek and modern turntable that offers high-end features. It has a direct drive motor and a precision tonearm that provides stable rotation and excellent pitch control. The turntable has a matte black finish and a low-profile silhouette. The sound quality is good, though some users report issues with skipping.
Pros
High quality sound, versatile.
Cons
Expensive, some users report issues with skipping.
16. Rega Planar 2
The Rega Planar 2 is a high-end turntable with advanced features and a beautiful design. It has a precision tonearm and a low-noise 24v motor that provides stable rotation and excellent pitch control. This turntable has a high-gloss piano black finish and a curved shape.
Pros
Outstanding sound quality, and durable construction.
Cons
Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
17. Thorens TD 202
The Thorens TD 202 is a stylish turntable with advanced features and excellent sound quality. It has a precision tonearm and a precision machined platter that reduces resonance and provides stable rotation. The turntable is stylish, with a high-gloss black finish and a curved shape. It’s not customizable, however, which may be a drawback for some users.
Pros
Easy set-up, reliable
Cons
Expensive, limited customization options.
18. Pro-Ject T1
A minimalist turntable with high-end sound quality, the Pro-Ject T1 has a low-vibration synchronous motor and a precision tonearm that provides stable rotation and excellent pitch control. The turntable has a minimalist design, with a clean and simple silhouette that looks great in any living room. It’s not customizable, however, which may be a drawback for some users.
Pros
Easy set-up, precise sound
Cons
Expensive, limited customization options.
19. Audio-Technica AT-LP5x
This turntable offers a retro design and high-end sound quality. It has a high-quality Audio Technica cartridge and a solid MDF plinth that reduces resonance and provides stable rotation. The sound is clear and detailed, with a warm and full-bodied soundstage. The turntable has a retro look, a wood finish, and a classic design. It’s not customizable, however, which may be a drawback for some users.
Pros
Easy set-up, excellent sound quality.
Cons
Expensive, limited customization options.
20. VPI Scout 21
The VPI Scout 21 is a top-of-the-line turntable with advanced features and high-end sound quality. It has a precision tonearm and a precision machined platter that reduces resonance and provides stable rotation. The turntable has a stylish look. The sound quality is precise and detailed, with a deep and full-bodied soundstage.
Pros
Precise sound, durable construction.
Cons
Expensive.
21. Clearaudio Concept
The Clearaudio Concept is a high-end turntable with advanced features and a sleek design. It has a precision tonearm and a low-noise DC motor, providing stable rotation and excellent pitch control. The high-gloss black finish and curved shape make this turntable an attractive option. The sound quality is outstanding, with a clear and detailed soundstage.
Pros
Outstanding sound quality and durable construction.
Cons
Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
Why Choose A Vintage-Style Record Player?
Modern pop music is great. I am part of the machine creating some of the hits myself, and I love the genre. But many music lovers, myself included, are beginning to realize that there’s something almost clinical about the sound when it’s played back digitally.
The main reason is the digital format used by the streaming platforms includes compressing the audio similar to how mp3s are compressed. In theory, the audio is high quality; in reality, it lacks some frequencies, and the human brain can tell. There’s something unnatural about the sound.
When using a traditional vintage turntable connected to quality external speakers, the warmth of the analog playback is easily recognizable. You can feel the difference.
And, of course, there is the experience of it all. Drop the needle on the record and read the album cover as the music plays back. It’s simply a more engaging experience than just hitting play in an app and listening to a digital stream.
I’m not suggesting we all go back to cassette tapes and vinyl records only, digital music platforms have their place in our lives, and they sure deliver on the convenience factor! But I do believe there is a good reason so many music fans have started buying vinyl records again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a vintage record player or turntable?
When looking for a vintage record player or turntable, consider factors like sound quality, durability, ease of use, and customization options.
Are vintage record players better than modern ones?
It depends on personal preference and the specific features you’re looking for. Some vintage record players have a unique sound and aesthetic that modern ones can’t replicate. In contrast, modern ones may offer more advanced features and technology.
What kind of speakers should I use with a record player?
High quality hifi speakers are fine. If you’re after a higher quality sound, you could get professional studio monitor speakers.
How often should I clean my records and turntable?
It’s recommended to clean your records before every play and your turntable at least once a month.
What is the most crucial quality to look for?
This depends on your budget. If you can afford the higher-end units, the outstanding sound quality would be one of the qualities to look for. For a lower budget, I’d go for a balance of quality and affordability.
Do I need a preamp for my turntable?
It depends on the specific turntable and equipment you’re using. Some turntables have a built-in preamp, while others require an external one.
Can I play modern vinyl records on a vintage record player or turntable?
Yes, modern vinyl records are compatible with vintage record players and turntables. However, ensuring your equipment is in good condition and correctly set up is essential to avoid damaging your records.
What other accessories should I look into?
You might want a solid desk or entertainment center for your record player. Nothing looks better than a solid wood desktop!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a lifelong vinyl fan or just getting started with your record collection, a vintage record player or turntable is an excellent investment. Today we have some amazing options available for us vinyl lovers that combine the latest technology with the old-school vibe and energy.
Read my reviews and compare the sound quality, durability, ease of use, and customization options when choosing the perfect turntable for your vinyl collection.
And, of course, remember to properly care for your equipment and records to ensure they last for years to come. A dust cover is also a good idea: it will help keep your stereo system clean.
Hopefully, my list has helped you narrow your options and find the best vintage record player for vinyl that matches your needs.
Happy listening!
