The Best Record Players For Beginners In 2024

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player

The Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth record player is a 3-speed belt-driven turntable with upgraded premium sound quality and minimum vibrations. It features a USB input for connecting to your computer, so you can save your favorite vinyl digitally for enjoyment on the go. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Vinyl Record Player Wireless Turntable

Built with an all-in-one stereo speaker system, this wireless turntable records your favorite vinyl records and connects to your phone via Bluetooth. It also has a USB input for direct playback. Use the 3 speeds and 3 sizes of record to suit your needs! Read Review

3. Best Quality: Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player

The Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player is a fully functioning record player, with the convenience of Bluetooth. Retro looks combined with modern technology make this record player a great value - ideal for beginners and vintage enthusiasts alike. Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Record Player Turntable Vinyl Record Player with Speakers Turntables

Bring back your vinyl collection and experience the warmth, fun, and memories of owning a turntable with the Record Player Vinyl Record Player with Speakers Turntables. With three-speed capability and a USB connection for wireless audio streaming, this turntable is perfect for a beginner or someone looking to bring back their record collection. Read Review

If you’re just starting out as a record enthusiast, it can seem like a pretty intimidating hobby. There are so many different components to consider and there’s plenty of jargon to get your head around. If you’re new to vinyl records, you may be asking yourself what the best record players for beginners are? Do you need a special preamp? Which brand of speakers is best? How do you set up your turntable correctly? Don’t worry! It isn’t nearly as complicated as it seems! Getting started with records is actually easier than getting started with digital music files like MP3s because there aren’t any software programs or licesncing issues to deal with.

You can simply buy some records, put them on your turntable, and listen to them. So long as you have somewhere to put the needle once it finishes playing, that is! Here are some key things to keep in mind when thinking about the best record players for beginners:

After spending 14 hours researching and assessing, our specialists have identified the models that would best meet your needs, particularly Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player
Our Score:
9.9
Victrola
  • THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE – This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY with minimum vibrations. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office and a great choice for vinyl lovers
  • 8-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks & modern features, this turntable not only plays your Vinyls, but also has a CD & cassette player, FM radio, Bluetooth, and Aux & headphone jack for audio streaming from your smartphone
  • HIGH QUALITY DESIGN & FINISHING – Victrola's 115-year commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the stylish retro real wood case, strong hinges, high quality fabric grilles, gentle lifting mechanism and well-balanced sound
  • NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. Get it up and running in minutes. Retro looks combined with the convenience of modern technology make this record player a great value - ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts alike
  • ALL THE CONTROLS YOU NEED – Features a volume knob, FM tuner and easy click buttons for input select, power, play/pause/forward/rewind, eject, program, shuffle, repeat, and a full function remote control
  • EXPANDED CONNECTION OPTIONS – Extend the sound by connecting external speakers or an amplifier via the RCA Line outputs. For personal listening, plug your headphones into the headphone jack
TOP Choice #2 Vinyl Record Player Wireless Turntable
Our Score:
9.7
Udreamer
  • 【 3 Speed &3 Sizes Record】Support 3 listening speeds (33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM) and 3 sizes of record (7'', 10'' and 12''), enjoy your relaxing time with this LP turntable record player
  • 【Turntable & Belt-driven Shock Absorption】Turntable base equipped with spring and belt-driven design greatly absorb the shock, provide you a quality and smooth music
  • 【Respond】24 hours one-on-one service, any questions about our LP player,please feel free to contact us
  • 【Bluetooth Input & USB Connect & RCA line-out】Built in stereo speakers,with Bluetooth wireless technology,elegantly listen to your music in your phone.Use USB function to directly play music. For better or louder sound, connect external speaker via RCA cable
  • 【Vintage & Fashion Combination】Made of vintage wooden,combined with modern fashion technology, allows you enjoying retro-style music by vinyl records or digital music with wireless tech.Removable dust cover keeps your record player clean and new
TOP Choice #3 Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player
Our Score:
9.5
Victrola
  • THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE – This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY with minimum vibrations. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office and a great choice for vinyl lovers
  • Compatible devices: Bluetooth enabled Devices
  • Connectivity technology: Wired
  • NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. Get it up and running in minutes. Retro looks combined with the convenience of modern technology make this record player a great value - ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts alike
  • 6-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks on the outside & modern features inside, listen your way; vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio or stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm Aux/headphone jack
  • EXPANDED CONNECTION OPTIONS – Extend the sound by connecting external speakers or an amplifier via the RCA Line outputs (cable included). For personal listening, plug your headphones into the headphone jack
  • Output wattage: 30 watts
  • 【Special Process&Seller Support】The turntable base is equipped with a spring to provide shock absorption and improve sound quality. If you need a replacement stylus needle/removable dust cover/suitable power adapter/RCA line, please feel free to contact us.
  • 【Portable&Lightweight】Wirelessly play music from your phone, you can take it anywhere, enjoy your life. Great ideal for Christmas Day, Father, Mother, and friends.
  • 【Naturally Retro&Vintage Design】Natural retro design with removable protective dust cover and easy to use multiple connections panel. This turntable record player is stylish yet rustic, there is a removable cover on the top to protect vinyl and turntable plat, don’t worry about the dust.
  • 【Multi-function Phonograph】Wireless turntable LP player built-in stereo speaker and 3.5mm aux-in for playing music from any speaker device, RCA aux-in, and headphone jack.
  • 【3 Speed&Easy to Use】Simple Setup and operation. Great ideal for a beginner. Three-speed Turntable (33, 45, 78 RPM) plays all of your 7" 10" 12" vinyl records and favorite Albums.
5 Victrola 50's Retro Bluetooth Record Player
Our Score:
9.3
Victrola
  • MORE THAN A RECORD PLAYER – With 50s retro looks & modern features, this turntable plays & records your Vinyls to MP3 (Mac/PC software & USB cable included). It has a CD player, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, Aux & headphone jack, plus stereo speakers
  • HIGH QUALITY DESIGN & FINISHING– Victrola's 115-year commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the stylish retro case, strong built quality, gentle lifting mechanism and well-balanced sound
  • Power source type: Corded Electric
  • NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. Get it up and running in minutes. Retro looks combined with the convenience of modern technology make this record player a great value - ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts alike
  • ALL THE CONTROLS YOU NEED – Features a volume and FM tuner knob, input select (function) button and a complete set of buttons for the CD player. The screen comes on in blue LED light, buttons have a nice feel to them, and the whole look is trendy 50s
  • THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE – This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY with minimum vibrations. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office and a great choice for vinyl lovers
  • Connectivity technology: Aux/Bluetooth/USB
  • 【Stereo Turntable with Outstanding Sound】Equipped with a separable pair of speakers, let you enjoy the full,real and live vinyl audio in dual speakers easily.The volume is loud enough for many occasions
  • 【3-Speed Belt Drive Turntable】 The diamond-tipped stylus plays all of 33 1/3, 45, and 86 RPMs records. Auto-stop setting makes it possible to stop automatically when it reaches the end of the record
  • 【Quality Vinyl Player and Speaker Set】Dual Bookshelf speakers allows for multiple placement options. You can make the speakers as a powerful sound base, or place it as a bookshelf or record shelf
  • 【Modern Record Player with Bluetooth】Great record player as well as ability to work as a Bluetooth speaker.Turn to BT on your phone and hook up to any Bluetooth device easily for premium sound
  • 【Vintage Audio Turntable Record Player】The audio turntable with solid wood appearance comes with a protective dust cover,and you can remove the lid or close it while the record is playing
  • ✅【Superior record player】:Music can heal your mind, relieve your temporary sorrow and bring you the sense of security. Is a combination of vintage and fashion. Not only can play vinyl records to experience the retro-style music and atmosphere, you can also play all your favorite modern music at any time via Wirelessly.
  • ✅【Back to the classics music】: Enjoy superior sound thanks to the belt drive, for less vibration. Listen to the genuine classic sound.
  • ✅【3-speeds & 3-sizes of records】:Support for adjusting three listening speeds(33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM) and playing three sizes (7'', 10'' and 12'') of records, let you enjoy your entire record collection.
  • ✅【The best gift】:It creates a warm atmosphere when family gatherings. When you are alone, it can help you relax. Even if you don't use it, it can be one of the home's premium decorations. As a gift, it also allows the recipient to feel your heart.
  • ✅【Special Process】:The turntable base is equipped with a spring to provide shock absorption and improve sound quality.
  • 【Vintage & Fashion Combination】Made of vintage wooden,combined with modern fashion technology, allows you enjoying retro-style music by vinyl records or digital music with wireless tech.Removable dust cover keeps your record player clean and new
  • 【Respond】24 hours one-on-one respond, any questions about our LP player,please feel free to contact us
  • 【Turntable & Belt-driven Shock Absorption】Turntable base equipped with spring and belt-driven design greatly absorb the shock, provide you a quality and smooth music
  • 【Bluetooth Input & USB Connect & RCA line-out】Built in stereo speakers,with Bluetooth wireless technology,elegantly listen to your music in your phone.Use USB function to directly play music. For better or louder sound, connect external speaker via RCA cable
  • 【 3 Speed &3 Sizes Record】Support 3 listening speeds (33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM) and 3 sizes of record (7'', 10'' and 12''), enjoy your relaxing time with this LP turntable record player
  • √〖Stable Bluetooth Connection〗built-in Bluetooth receiver function is able to play all of your favourite music from phone/tablet or other enabled device wirelessly.
  • √〖Great Gift of Choice〗Listening to old and new vinyl records which combines classic old times and modern style, perfect for bringing them back and enriching their life!
  • √〖Built-in Stereo Speakers〗 our turntable is equipped with spring to reduce shock absorption, so the sound quality is great to playing vinyl records. Great beginner turntable, just plug in and go. It also support audio RCA output, you can connect to it through audio RCA cable to get better sound.
  • √〖3-Speed turntable with Auto-stop Switch〗support 33/45/78 RPM playing speeds with 3-size of 7/10/12 inch vinyl records. When auto-stop turns on, it will stop automatically at the end of record.
  • √〖FM Stereo Radio with Clear Channel Screen〗provide a wealth of radio programs. It is the best choice of hearing what’s around you. Warm tips: there is a built-in FM wire antenna hanging at the rear cabinet, it should be totally unraveled and extended for best reception.
  • 📀【3-Speed record player】:Wrcibo record player supports three types of records: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM, and is belt-driven, allowing your record to emit the most powerful sound ;
  • 🌲【Solid wood exterior and dust cover】:This record player is simple but stylish, it is easy to match with any home style, and is equipped with a dust cover, so that you will not worry about cleaning problems. It is precisely because of this leading design that this record player can stand out;
  • 🎁【The warmest gift】:This record player is very suitable for your relatives and friends around you. As long as they use this record player, they can think of the warmth you give them. The purpose of Wrcibo is to let everyone enjoy music at the same time. Bring everyone closer;
  • 🎧【AUX in & RCA out】:3.5mm aux-in interface allows you not only to be limited to records, but also to play music from smart phones, tablet, PC, MP3, CD players, you can bring headphones to enjoy music alone, or through the RCA interface Host a grand party with external speakers.;
  • 🔊【Built-in stereo speakers】:turntable has a built-in stereo, which can make the played sound surround you three-dimensionally, just like you are participating in a real concert ;
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Several things a reader must do before selecting best record players for beginners

Actually, best record players for beginners can be discovered by following these simple steps. Individuals should first understand their needs and the requirements which will guide their decision-making procedure.

Then they must investigate all options available to decide which product satisfies those needs and meet those criteria. After that, the buyer can narrow down their options based on factors such as cost and dependability. Let’s check the tips for better purchase:

Anti-skate Force

The anti-skate force must be adjusted in conjunction with the tracking force via the dial located near the tonearm. This ensures that the needle does not move sideways.

Pre-amps

Pre-amps convert the turntable's "phono" signal into a stronger signal called "line", so that it is compatible with speakers, headphones and other audio equipment. You can either use an amplifier that has a separate phono line or buy a standalone pre-amp if the turntable does not have one.
Some turntables come with switchable preamps that can be switched on and off depending on the plugging device.

Styluses And Cartridges

A turntable's most crucial parts are its stylus and cartridge. The stylus and cartridge pick up the information from the record, convert it to electronic signals and send them to the speakers.
The stylus, or "needle", is what sits inside the grooves of the record. It is crucial to choose the right shape for the stylus. An elliptical stylus will pick up more information than one that has a conical surface because it touches more records. Audiophiles also believe that conical styluses work better with old records because they take up more space after the groove has been expanded through repeated plays.
The stylus is held in the cartridge, which converts its movements into electric signals. The most popular cartridge types are moving magnet (MM), and moving coil (MC). Most turntables will use MM cartridges because they areer and more convenient to change needles. However, MC cartridges can be lighter and pick up more groove changes than MM cartridges. They are also more costly.

Drives

Two types of drive are available for turntables: direct and belt.
Models with direct drive motors are mounted beneath the platter. In a belt drive, the motor is attached to one end by a rubber belt. The turntable can be spun at higher speeds and is compacted by direct drives. Belt models, on the other hand, isolate any extra noise from the motor.

Fully Automatic

Playing vinyl has the biggest drawback of having to reach at each end and turn it over. A fully automatic turntable uses a machine on the tonearm to put the needle on the record and play it. Then, at the end of the track, it lifts the record up to return it to its cradle.
The extra electric signals along the tonearm and the mechanical movement are what audio purists believe affect the sound. Full-auto, however, is the best option if you don't want to have to stand up for half an hour every time.

Tracking Force

The track force refers to the downward pressure that the cartridge exerts on the record through the stylus. A suggested tracking force will be included with your turntable.
Adjusting the track force can be delicate, but this is worth it to improve sound quality. You also have a lower chance of damaging your records by too much downward force.
Adjusting the counterweight at the back of your tonearm can change the tracking force. First, balance the tonearm horizontally. Next, twist the counterweight to get the right downforce (as indicated in the instruction).

Record Speeds

These numbers are the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the record. Although most records are 33s in length, there are still 45s and some 78s available (the former are smaller). While most turntables can play both 33rpm or 45rpm, you will need to have an adapter in order to hear the slower version. You'll have to look for an adapter or player that can play 78s.

FAQs

How To Make The Turntable Louder?

If the phonostage isn't connected correctly or not properly, your turntable might play slowly. A properly sized, wired and connected phonostage is the best way to unlock your turntable's potential.

What’s An Automatic Turntable?

A turntable that is automatic uses a combination of automatic features and a tonearm to lift itself from its resting place and position itself above your record for playback. After the track has finished, the device will automatically lift from its resting place and go back to the original position.
This is a preferred method by some users as it reduces the amount of effort required to stop and play your turntable. However, this does not mean you can't manually lift the tonearm. It's still possible.

What Makes One Turntable Sound Better Than Another?

You need to take into account many factors. The quality of both the stylus and cartridge is important. Some turntables simply have more features, which allow for better accuracy and less vibration.

Can You Connect A Turntable Directly To Speakers?

It all depends on whether the connectors in your device can accommodate your speakers. Most of them will. It shouldn't be a problem connecting your turntable and its speakers.

Is It Bad To Leave A Record On The Turntable?

It is. It is a habit that even certified audiophiles sometimes forget to put their records in their jackets, but it's important to always do this.
Your record will be more likely to get damaged or dirty if it is not kept out in the open. You're guilty of this habit, but at the very least you should not forget to close the dust cover.

How Many Times Can You Listen To A Vinyl Record?

The vinyl record is a great resource for work. The record can be listened to over 100 times with no loss of sound quality.

Do I Need A Preamp For My Turntable?

Both yes and no. A preamp is necessary for every turntable to convert its sounds into something your record player can hear, as well as other audio devices.
Because most turntables have their preamp built in, it's not necessary. If this is the case then you don't need a separate preamp.
However, we understand that not everyone wants to improve their sound and decide to purchase a preamp separately. For more information, if you are one of these people, please see our next question.

Conclusion

Before making a purchase decision, the reader should do the following. It's critical to keep these factors in mind when looking for the best record players for beginners since they can help to ensure that you discover what's worth the investment. If you need another option for best record players for beginners, you should look into Bluetooth Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge. Hope you have a nice shopping day!


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About William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.