The following information pertains to vintage turntables that are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and precise engineering. They allow listening to an uncompressed sound that is heard just like the singer or musician sends it. Streamed audio content cannot reproduce the warm sound, perfect dynamics, and live-performance effect that vinyl provides, as the devices used for streaming can only produce compressed sound, which results in a loss of tone. Thus, the superior sound quality of vintage turntables remains unparalleled.
Besides, the vintage turntable is the necessary device for jazz lovers making it possible for them to enjoy such specific content as, for example, jazz songs from the 1930s that haven’t been converted to digital format yet.
It is true that many modern record players with a hi-tech design are capable of delivering excellent sound quality at a comparable price point. However, the vintage turntables are remarkable for their retro design and look cozy with their wooden floorboards, antique furnishings, and other elements.
Best Vintage Turntable
Victrola VSC-550BT-BK
If you’re on the hunt for affordable turntables with vintage designs, the Victrola VSC-550BT-BK is worth considering. This turntable is not only stylish, but also delivers great sound quality. The turntable plays at both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds, making it compatible with a wide range of vinyl records.
One of the standout features of the Victrola VSC-550BT-BK is its Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to easily connect your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled device to the turntable and stream music wirelessly. The built-in speakers also provide great sound quality, so you can enjoy your music without needing additional equipment.
Another unique feature is its suitcase design in retro style. This makes it easy to transport and store, and adds to its vintage aesthetic. Additionally, the turntable comes with multiple outputs and controls, including RCA outputs and tone controls.
Overall, the Victrola VSC-550BT-BK vintage turntable is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable, stylish record player that delivers great sound quality. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to listen to music, this turntable is sure to impress.
Pros
- The sound can reach a high volume.
- The setup is straightforward and easy to understand.
- This record player doesn’t skip or jump when playing records.
Cons
- If you’re searching for a record player that delivers exceptional sound quality both with vinyl records and through Bluetooth, this product is unlikely to meet your expectations. It’s necessary to have better external speakers to enhance the audio quality.
- This record player is not portable as it requires a power outlet and is not designed to be handled roughly. Additionally, the lid serves no practical purpose.
Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 VTA-200B
The Victrola Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 turntable is a good vintage turntable that allows you to experience the classic sound of vinyl records. This record player is a perfect combination of vintage design and modern technology, which provides a versatile entertainment experience. The turntable comes in a classic design that is sure to impress any music lover.
The Victrola VTA-200B is a 6-in-1 record player that offers various connection options such as Bluetooth, 3.5mm auxiliary input, USB port, and a headphone jack. The turntable’s compatibility with various devices makes it easy to stream music from your phone or computer wirelessly. The connectivity technology is reliable, and the sound quality is excellent.
The turntable has three speed options: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. This allows you to play all types of records, including vintage ones that may require a slower speed. The turntable also includes a CD player, cassette player, and FM radio, making it an all-in-one entertainment center.
The Victrola Nostalgic Bluetooth Turntable’s specs are impressive, and its features are user-friendly. The device is easy to set up and use, making it a great addition to any home entertainment system. Overall, it is best vintage turntable for the money for anyone who wants to experience the classic sound of vinyl records while enjoying modern connectivity options.
Pros
- The Bluetooth functionality works exceptionally well.
- I was pleasantly surprised by the volume of the speakers, as they were much louder than I expected. In my experience, other vintage multi-players like this one often lack in volume.
Cons
- The programmability of the CD is somewhat restricted, as it only allows you to select the order in which tracks on a disc are played.
- The tonearm of the record player does not move as freely as it did in original models.
WOCKODER KD-2008BL
This turntable’s vintage design makes it a stylish and reasonably priced addition to an existing audio system, as well as an excellent standalone device, making it one of the best vintage record players. It supports 33/45/78-RPM selectable speed for playing records of any size (7, 10, and 12-inch LPs). The unit comes with a speaker onboard.
It is possible to connect one or two external speakers to the turntable using an audio cable to enhance the sound quality further. Besides, the record player can be connected with the phone via Bluetooth, but it’s not compatible with the Bluetooth speakers. It’s also impossible to record plates on the smartphone or to save them on a computer.
The unit has no anti-skate protection and the cartridge’s weight is fixed. The only way to prevent needle skating is to thoroughly clean the affected record and adjust the stylus while using the lever to lift and lower the needle.
This vintage portable turntable is lightweight (4.7 pounds) and quite small (14.2 x 13.66 x 5.7) that’s why it’s easy to carry around and takes up little space. Its cabinet is made of plastic and laminated with wood-looking covering. The device is designed with a removable acrylic lid. The player has a durable stylus and a shock absorber. The latter is located at the base of the platter to offset vibrations and prevent skipping.
Pros
- When a record is playing, there is enough room to keep the top down if desired.
- The unit produces warm and full sound.
- The plastic lid is robust and can withstand heavy loads.
Cons
- No extra needles in the package.
- The turntable lacks radio.
Video WOCKODER KD-2008BL
Victrola 50’s Retro
The Victrola 50’s holds a strong position on the list of the best vintage turntables. It comes with 3 speeds — 33, 45, and 78 — to fit all existing records.
This vintage record player with radio and CD player features a good range of sound volume. If the built-in speakers do not provide enough volume, the turntable also has Bluetooth connectivity that allows it to pair with Bluetooth speakers or stream music from an MP3 player or phone. This feature can significantly enhance both the volume and sound quality of the turntable, especially when it comes to low frequencies.
The Victrola 50’s features a 3.5 AUX-In and headphone jack. It has a USB port, but it’s not designed to plug a flash drive in it. This port connects the turntable and the computer/laptop for transferring vinyl to MP3 format. Thus, it’s possible to make records if the recording software on the computer is installed first. The device has a microphone on the front panel making it possible to connect a speaker to an AUX input.
The turntable operates on electricity and comes with a power cord that is approximately 30 inches in length. This retro styling turntable is mostly plastic with chrome accents. It’s 13 inches wide from side to side and 15 inches from front to back. Its height is 6.8 inches and has 18 inches when the record player’s lid is opened.
While the needle can be replaced with a brand stylus, any diamond-tipped stylus is compatible with the turntable. The turntable’s arm isn’t completely automatic. The unit comes with a lever that lifts the arm but the users place the needle on the record by themselves. The record player will return the arm automatically though.
Pros
- The needle has a dust cover.
- In addition to playing records, the record player can also receive FM/AM radio stations.
- It comes with the built-in CD player.
- Decent stereo sound at this price point.
Cons
- No adapter to play 45 records.
- The unit wobbles whilst working.
Video Victrola 50’s Retro
Victrola Navigator
While searching for the best all-in-one vintage turntable, this model deserves close attention. It’s an 8-in-1 device that can play vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and accept radio waves. It also comes with USB, two AUX inputs, Bluetooth, and two 5W stereo speakers.
The AM/FM radio sounds clear even in the apartment building. The turntable also allows for recording from vinyl, CDs, and tapes to a USB flash drive, enabling users to listen to their content on MP3 players or a computer.r. The details of the recording process are clearly outlined in the manual.
This model provides just a decent sound that needs improvements, so it is hard to call it the best vintage record player. To further enhance the audio experience, the turntable can be connected to external speakers using either the headphone jack located on the front or the RCA jacks on the rear panel of the device.The unit is also compatible with Bluetooth for wireless connection with a speaker or smartphone.
This vintage turntable can play 33, 45, and 78-speed LPs whether they are old or new or recorded in stereo or Hi-Fi format. The platter doesn’t skip and the needle reads clearly. The ceramic needle is good for casual vinyl players and it keeps the records safe.
The turntable is flat and it doesn’t wobble while playing. It’s made of hard plastic with wooden covering. The metal platter has a rubber layover to protect the vinyl. When installing the player in a room, it is important to consider its relatively large dimensions (20.4 x 12.1 x 12 inches) and weight (16.5 pounds).
Pros
- It comes with 3 extra replacement needles in a plastic cover and audio cables.
- This model has the adaptor for the 45 and 33 RPM records in the package.
- The turntable comes with a remote control.
Cons
- Some audio quality is lost if plugging in a Bluetooth receiver to the headphone jack.
- The radio’s tuning dial lacks light to see the channels.
Video Victrola Navigator
SeeYing Nostalgic LP
Speaking about the best vintage turntable technics, the SeeYing Nostalgic LP should be mentioned, as it provides smooth, clear, and dynamic sound due to its high-quality two built-in stereo speakers. Nevertheless, to obtain a better sound, one can hook up the separate speakers via RCA output jack.
It comes with 30, 45-RPM speed and can play 7, 10, and 12-inch records. No skipping is noticed. The turntable is equipped with a shock absorber that effectively dampens vibrations, contributing to the clear sound quality. In addition, the device can play radio through its built-in FM wire antenna, which ensures a perfect signal when untangled and extended for stronger reception.
The turntable is compact (12.36 x 10.86 x 4.92 inches) and lightweight (4.85 pounds). The removable plastic cover is transparent. It’s possible to play records while the unit is covered except for the 12-inch albums (they hang over the sides hindering to close the lid).
Pros
- The unit can be paired with the Bluetooth headphones and the Bluetooth connection is fast and flawless.
- The auto stop feature is onboard.
Cons
- A slight hum from the motor is audible.
- It doesn’t play the 75-RPM records.
Video SeeYing Nostalgic LP
Crosley CR704D-PA
The record player is a good model of vintage turntable technics. It has adjustable speed and comes with an adapter to play 45-RPM records that is located inside of the player in the upper right corner. The auto shut-off is present, but the arm is completely manual (it doesn’t return to base automatically).
The only outlet to plug anything in is one for an MP3 player. One thing to note is that the turntable does not have an earphone jack, which means it cannot be directly connected to external speakers. However, it can be used with a smartphone via Bluetooth or to play music through Bluetooth speakers.
Besides, it has the right and left brand build-in speakers (8 Ohms, 5W, and 3.5 inches in diameter) that can play stereo and they are loud enough to provide good volume in a small room. It’s also possible to connect this device with the computer if a user runs an AUX cable from the computer’s headphone jack to the line-in jack on the back of the turntable.
While this vintage record player with speakers does have AM/FM radio, the reception may not be perfect. There is a wire hanging down the back of the turntable which needs to be adjusted to find the right spot for optimal reception.
The unit is a bit bulky (it’s 17.12 inches from side to side and 12.48 inches from front to back), rather high (9.84 inches) and heavy (16.7 pounds). It has a sturdy housing that is made of real wood.
Pros
- The tape and CD deck work well and produce a nice and clear sound.
- This model comes with an extra needle.
Cons
- No opportunity to record from the turntable to a flash drive.
- The red track number display in CD mode is out of the retro design.
D&L 7-in-1
This vintage style turntable comes with plenty of different options. It accepts AM/FM radio via analog tuner, but the quality depends on the area of residence. This model has a tape deck for playing cassettes. However, it supports the fast forward mode but not the auto reverse.
This device plays one record at a time. It’s necessary to manually put the needle on the record, and when it finishes the record the arm lifts off it automatically. However, the user has to manually return the arm on its place.
The turntable features an output jack on the rear panel that allows users to copy records to a USB flash drive and transfer music to a computer. While it is possible to connect speakers to the RCA port at the back, it should be noted that the signal will still require separate amplification.
The sound is tinny when playing records, but CD’s and cassettes produce a clear sound. In any case, the unit needs more bass, so consider this issue while choosing the best retro turntable for yourself.
The device has a large size of 17.9 x 13.1 x 9.2 inches. It weighs 18.35 pounds due to its natural wood cabinet. The turntable has a small digital display to show the selected options, track number, etc. The unit doesn’t come with an anti-static slip mat but there are four hard rubber feet that are about 1 inch wide and 0.5 inch high.
Pros
- The turntable can shut off automatically when the tonearm reaches the end of the album.
- It’s possible to connect the device with the soundbar that has an analog stereo input.
- The sound produced by the turntable is loud enough for all paired devices.
Cons
- Bluetooth only works for input but not output making it impossible to listen to the records and CDs through the Bluetooth headphones.
- Sometimes, CDs skip the track.
Buyers Guide
How to choose a Vintage Turntable?
First, consider the record players’ base to choose the best vintage turntable that can be made of steel, aluminum, wood or plastic. Steel models feature great vibration resistance, but their motor runs out faster. Aluminum devices contribute to a top-quality sound, but they are mostly overpriced.
While plastic turntables are generally the most affordable option, it’s important to note that they are not necessarily of low quality. As evidenced by the reviews above, many plastic turntables can provide great sound and functionality at an affordable price point.
On the other hand, wooden turntables have a more authentic vintage look, but they do tend to be heavier than their plastic counterparts.
The turntable’s size is meaningful when installing it in a small room or moving it from place to place.
One can choose the device among belt-driven and direct-drive models. The belt-driven vintage turntable’s replaceable parts let the unit work longer. The direct-drive model usually comes with more advanced specs.
Additionally, users who have a large vinyl collection may want to consider a turntable with a built-in preamp to connect to powered speakers or an amplifier. On the other hand, those who prefer a more traditional setup may want to look for a turntable without a preamp to connect to a standalone amplifier. Other features to consider include adjustable pitch control, anti-skate control, and various speed options for different types of records.
How to choose a Vintage Turntable?
Automatic models are great for novices since their tonearms drop on the records and lift off at the end of each record automatically when pushing a button or moving a lever (it depends on the model). It provides the optimal force by default, preventing the damage to records and letting the users get rid of monitoring when the song ends. However, such models are pricier and might decrease the sound quality.
Semi-Automatic devices make it necessary to put the stylus on the platter by hand, but they still lift the needle off the record automatically. Note that it’s rather challenging to find the semi-automatic unit with a suitable value for money on the market.
Manual turntables require manual adjustments for both starting and stopping the record, as well as moving the tonearm and adjusting the stylus. While it may seem difficult to make the correct adjustments and to constantly monitor the turntable for the end of the record, the absence of additional attachments can lead to higher sound quality due to less interference.
It should be noted that there are some automatic tonearm lifters on the market that can be installed on the styluses without any tools to make the manual record players more convenient. It’s important to consider its compatibility before buying this device – the distance between the tonearm and the platter, the type of the tonearm (whether it’s linear or pivot), etc.
Rotational Speeds
Each of the vinyl records comes with its own speed – the number of rotations per minute (RPM). It might be 33, 45, or 78 RPM. The first phonographs were slow and only with the advent of the electric turntables, fast records’ speed (78 RPM) became possible.
At the same time, slow records continued to be released, as they were still popular among listeners due to their low price. That’s why many people own collections of 33 RPM records even nowadays.
Anyway, the higher the speed is, the better sound quality the record has. Bear in mind this parameter since even the best vintage turntable brands have models within the series that can match only 1 or 2 of those speeds.
However, the final choice largely depends on the intention. For example, there’s no need to look for the turntable with 78 rotational speed for listening only old records. If somebody is going to purchase new records regardless of their rotations per minute, it’s better to pay attention to the versatile 3-speed devices.
By the way, many 45-RPM records come with a big hole in the middle that requires using a dedicated 45 adapter to play them on the small-spindled turntables.
Hi everyone! I’m Thomas Moody, also known as Guitarzan.