Have you carefully looked at the trophy presented at the Grammy Awards to honor the best in the music business? It was a small gramophone. Monophonic and gramophones led to the formation of turntables. And yet, the device went out of use, as more and more modern devices started flooding the market. The best vintage turntable will never deprive a keen listener of even the tiniest nuances of a well-made tune
Over the years, music players have only become smaller in size, and portable. However, today, when even the cassettes and CDs have given way to pocket-sized digital music players, the long-lost turntables have suddenly started trending!. you will never have the taste of vintage music and solid charm in these mordern digital music devices. And today, we have some vintage record players, with advanced features.
you can also have a vinyl headphone for turntable have a look.
Why Purchase a vintage turntable?
It’s quite normal to wonder why one should go ahead and invest in a record player that is described in the market as “vintage”? Well, the answer is very easy. From the incredible sound quality to the mid-century look, this device is a glorious addition to the house. The device, first made in the 1900s, had a surge of popularity due to an artist named DJ Kool Herc. In 1960.
You can find a minimalistic turntable that will fit right in your modern house. Or, you can pick one that looks aesthetically antique. Either way, it will become the center of attention in the house and add value to the décor of the setting.
But, above the factors of its beauty or trend, the emphasis lies on the quality of the sound of music. The turntable has a cartridge and a stylus. The sound that comes out of a record is much more natural and much closer to the original version than digital recordings. Plus, considering that it’s a lifetime investment, the price is pretty much worth the experience for any true audiophile. read our latest list of Automatic Turntable along with buying the guide.
Top 5 Best Vintage Turntable in the Market in 2021
All things said and done, it’s always helpful to get some guidance regarding the turntable music systems, right? So, we have handpicked five of the best that are available in the market now. Let’s take a look at their reviews, and how they might or might not be the best fit for you
1.Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 ( most stylish vintage player )
If you are looking for a stylish turntable with a vintage look that can become the centerpiece of your room, then Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 turntable is the one. It is one of the top rated vintage turntable under 200 dollars that presents a combo of beauty and technology. This 3-speed entertainment center comes with modern facilities, including a CD/Cassette player, Bluetooth, etc. It also comes with built-in speakers.
The Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 is the best vintage record player that you can get at such an affordable price. It is the solution for all your records, and you can even play CDs, cassettes, radio, etc., on it. You can connect it to other music devices.
It’s a good device for recording from your vinyl collection. Plus, the look of the product has a stunning vintage touch. Now, isn’t that the perfect combination of modern features and a vintage look?
3-Speed Vinyl Player:
A turntable that allows you to pick from three different speeds, you can play all kinds of LPs on it. This means that none of your discs need to go to waste. Whether it is a 7-inch one, a 10-inch vinyl, or a 12-inch LP, this turntable will play it.
Connectivity:
This turntable is equipped with great connectivity. Both wirelesses, as well as wired connectivity, is possible. You can use Bluetooth to connect with other devices that support it. Or, you can use the 3.5mm aux-in to connect any device or headphone with a cable.
Modern Features:
This is a mix of all the modern features. For instance, besides records, you can use this to play CDs and cassettes, as well as the radio. The turntable comes with powerful internal stereo speakers which gives great sound. You can also operate the device with remote control.
Vintage Look:
The device has a vintage look, because of the real wooden build. This is the perfect centerpiece in the house. To enhance the classic touch even further, it has a rotary tuner for the radio, just like the antique radios!
Pros
- It is made of real wood which gives a classic look.
- It can play all three sizes of records and is perfect for your entire collection.
- Thanks to the USB port, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm aux-in, you can connect it to other music devices, without using a computer
- To enhance the vintage look, its radio comes with a rotary tuner.
- It has the wireless output which helps it to control with a remote.
- You can copy from the records to an external device directly.
Cons
- Pausing the recording process in between the songs does not lead to a satisfactory final result.
- Some customers have complained about the product breaking down after six months of using it.
Our Verdict:
The Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 turntable is the perfect gift for any audiophile whether it’s a loved one or even a gift for yourself. It’s stunning to look at, and the perfect all-in-one music system. We recommend that you get a long-term warranty, like for four years, to ensure long-term use.
2.Vintage Turntable – Vinyl Record Player,
When it comes to the best turntable brands with modern features, one of the most reliable names is ABOX. And, for anyone music lover looking for the perfect Vintage turntable, the Vinyl Record Player by ABOX is absolutely perfect, It comes a pocket-friendly price.
The product is an eye-catching addition to any room, and you will want to decorate your entire room around it. Plus, it is an extremely versatile record player with multiple features. The turntable is equipped with Bluetooth 4.1 and USB, to allow it to be connected to any digital device.
This music system also comes with dual built-in stereo speakers; this offers crisp, natural sound, and you don’t need to invest in external amps. As a 3-speed vintage turntable that can play LP and MP3, you will be able to listen to all kinds of music on this device. Isn’t it an incredible product to add to your home?
3-Speed Turntable
This is a 3-speed record player. It is capable of playing discs of all three sizes, i.e. 7, 10, and 12 inches. You can select from three different speeds, i.e. 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm.
classic look
This turntable has a classic look, because of the natural wood finish. In addition, the plinth stands in a vertical manner, making it even more unique. It is the perfect piece to grab attention and become the talking point!
Connectivity:
The turntable can be connected to other devices. For wireless connectivity, it is equipped with Bluetooth 4.1 with auto-reconnect to couple it with devices that support the same. You can also connect other devices with the help of the USB port and RCA Out.
Modern Features:
The record player is compatible to play MP3 and WMA digital audio formats. It has CD and cassette players, making it a complete music system for your home. The dual speakers of the turntable project high fidelity sound.
Pros
- The wood craft design gives this turntable a vintage look.
- The vertical stand makes it an even more unique piece to keep in the room.
- The quality of the internal speakers is extremely good and prevents further investment in external speakers.
- The powerful Bluetooth connectivity has a range of 30 ft., and allows you to pair it with your phone or other portable music devices; additionally, it offers auto-connectivity in case of sudden disruptions.
- It comes with an extra ceramic needle.
- It has an auto-stop system once the last song of a record is played.
Cons
- The USB does not support recording to computers
- The wobbling of the record has been reported by some customers.
Our Verdict:
This record player by ABOX is one of the best in its price range, with excellent sound quality. Its look and design make it the talking point among your visitors. This is the best gift to buy for anyone who loves music, or you can simply buy it and take pride in owning something parents the perfect mix of old and new!
3. 1byone Belt Driven Bluetooth Turntable with Built-in Stereo Speaker
To add a vintage record player to your home at a cost that fits the budget, 1byone is the best option. Their belt-driven vinyl player is one of the best in the market. It has the sophistication of simplicity in its look; the wooden body gives it a yesteryear touch that we all look for in a vinyl player.
It is a great combination of the middle-of-the-century charm and the features of a modern music system. This turntable offers Bluetooth connectivity with other devices, along with the ‘plug and play’ feature allows you to run your favorite pieces directly from phones, portable music players, etc., so that you can enjoy music from any source you like.
You can even record music from the vinyl to an external device and store it as an MP3 format. This vintage style record player is a must-have for all music lovers who have a penchant for all things classic.
3-Speed Turntable
Turntable’s most common is it’s a 3-Speed record player. which means it supports 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch LPs. No matter what your collection consists you can now easily play it on this turntable.
Classic Look
The body of the turntable is made of natural wood, which gives the device a classic look. Yet, it is compact and fit well in any décor. The transparent dust cover not only protects the device but also makes it look smart.
Connectivity
You can connect the device to a smartphone, computer, external speakers, etc. if you want. This is because the turntable comes with Bluetooth to help pair with devices that support such connectivity. The 3.5mm AUX-In allows pairing without Bluetooth. There’s an RCA Line-Out and the Plug and Play feature, as well.
Modern Features:
The device comes with stereo speakers which offer high fidelity sound. In addition, it forms a complete music system, with CD and cassette players. It also supports recording from vinyl to MP3 via USB.
Pros
- This beautiful turntable is made of wood which gives it’s vintage and classic look
- Bluetooth and USB allow connectivity with any device.
- RCA Line-Out allows pairing with external speakers for better music experience.
- You can record your favorite musical pieces from vinyl to an external device with the help of the USB port.
Cons
- It does not have an anti-skipping mechanism.
- Most customers prefer to get external speakers
Our Verdict:
This is a good vintage turntable that fits into your budget. We suggest that you get a set of external speakers that you can attach to the player with the help of the RCA Line-Out, and enjoy the finest nuances of your favorite music; meanwhile, the turntable will continue to make its surroundings stunning!
4. Fluance RT81 High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player
The primary reason for ami audiophiles to invest in a vintage vinyl player is sound quality. Yes, a good vintage turntable is designed to give the listener the chance to enjoy high fidelity music; Fluance RT81 is one such turntable. The turntable comes with a simplistic, vintage look that adds a classic dignity to its setting.
It is the best vintage record player under 500 bucks; it comes with the best features that a mid-range budget can buy. The turntable comes with a number of features that make it special. It has a dual magnet cartridge and elliptical diamond-type needle, which helps to get a natural, organic sound quality.
This belt-drive turntable comes with a built-in amplifier, along with adjustable counterweight and anti-skating features. The solid wooden cabinet not only looks amazing but also makes the owner easier to maintain it, with the help of the dust cover.
High Fidelity Sound
This turntable is one of the best in the market for an incredible sound experience. It is equipped with AT95E Audio Technica Magnet Cartridge for Hi-Fi sound. In addition, it has premium components for the pure analog experience by tracking record grooves, including the amplifier from Texas Instruments preamp and ground terminal.
Advanced tonearm and Stylus
The turntable has a diamond-type stylus to ensure higher precision and accuracy of sound to real-life experience. The S-style tonearm of aluminum is balanced for the perfect playback.
Pros
- The diamond stylus picks up the grooves with greater accuracy, and generates life-like sound.
- The ground terminal, along with the built-in amp allows hi-fi sound; the RCA output also allows you to have enhanced the music experience.
- The audio-grave wood of the cabinet prevents vibrations, the anti-slip features further add to this.
- The wooden finish of the cabinet also gives this turntable a stunning, classic look that will surely grab attention.
- It is a 3-speed turntable to allow you to play records of 7, 10, and 12 inches.
Cons
- You will need an adapter if the external device is not an RCA one.
- Some customers have noticed a decline in the device’s ability to regulate speed over time.
Our Verdict:
This turntable brings you good sound quality at an affordable cost. The device is designed to prevent slipping and vibration. This, along with the progressive components, enhances the sound quality and project high fidelity sound. Plus, the walnut wood finish of the turntable makes it an attraction even for the novice collector.
5. Musitrend LP 3-Speed Turntable with Built-in Stereo Speakers
Want to buy a vintage vinyl player? Not sure if you want to invest a fortune in the same? The ideal way to start your vintage journey is by picking something less expensive. The best vintage turntable under 100 bucks has to be the Musitrend LP turntable. This brand has been on the market for 10 years, winning the loyalty of music lovers with their amazing products and services.
This is a turntable that every new vinyl enthusiast will fall in love with. It comes with a ceramic cartridge and a replaceable stylus, which together ensure crisp, accurate sound for a long time. This cheap vintage turntable offers a beautiful vintage mid-century transformation to any room in which you will place it.
It is small and portable and hence fits right into the modern home. It allows you to connect a computer or other music player to it; in this way, you can record the vinyl pieces into an external device. Its 3-speed record player which can play all 3 types of records isn’t incredible so you don’t need to worry about your collection anymore
Modern Features:
The turntable comes with advanced features that make it the ultimate music system for any music lover. The two-way speakers ensure loud, clear sound, while the LP-to-MP3 recording feature helps you convert the pieces on the vinyl to a digital format.
Connectivity:
You can connect the turntable to other devices like speakers, computers, etc. Its RCA output jack helps to pair the device with external speakers if you want a better sound experience. The 3.5mm Aux-In supports connectivity with all kinds of other devices with the help of a wire.
Pros
- Its incredible wooden finish of the cabinet makes its classic-looking piece to own and keep in the house.
- Internal stereo speakers allow you to enjoy good music without having to spend more money on external speakers.
- It has an RCA Output channel to help you attach it to amplifiers.
- You can attach it to an external device via the USB port, and record the vinyl pieces to that device.
- You can also pair it with other devices with the help of the 3.5mm Aux-in.
- The turntable is small and portable and hence goes with modern furniture and settings.
- It is an affordable vintage turntable.
- Dust cover allows you to maintain the device for a long time.
- It comes with an extra set of cartridge and stylus.
Cons
- You cannot really turn off the internal speakers.
- Its compact size prevents it from creating the grandeur of the large wooden vintage record player.
Our Verdict:
If you’re not sure if buying a turntable for your home is the right investment, we recommend this product; it is much lighter on the pocket than most other turntables with a large number of features. It will fit your house’s décor seamlessly, too. Yet, it comes with all the basic modern features.
How to choose a vintage turntable: Buying Guide
- Cartridge
You can choose between Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges. Those looking for an upgrade later can choose MM cartridges; you can replace them, as well as the stylus or needle. MC cartridges provide better sound due to the lightness, though you can’t replace this cartridge or the stylus.
- Stylus
You can choose between the diamond-type and the sapphire-type styli. The former lasts longer and provides good sound quality. The latter needs replacement after 50-100 hours, though it gives a better sound.
- Speed
Speed records have three different sizes: 7 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. The 12-inch record, which runs at 78 rpm, is the most ancient kind. The 7-inch record, which runs at 33 1/3 rpm, replaced the 78 rpm record after WW-II. The 10-inch record runs at 45 rpm. So, you need to verify if you can run the records of your collection on the player you choose.
- Vibration
Between turntables that are belt-driven and the direct-drive ones, the former offer less vibration. high vibration can affect the fidelity over time. The base material and weight also affect the vibration. In the top-rated vintage turntable, the record stays suspended, so that the least friction takes place.
- Built-In Amplifier
If the turntable has a built-in amp, then you can connect it to powered speakers. Buying external amp add a little more pressure on your pockets. But, it also allows you to ensure that you get a better sound quality. You can also customize the setup according to your choice. With internal amps, you run the chance of hearing an altered sound. but with an after-market amp, there is no such possibility.
Remember that the turntables available now come with a variety of modern features. It’s a good idea to take a look at these. Some of them support Bluetooth and wireless control. Some of them also come with a USB port to allow connecting the record player to computers. If you want digitization, this is a cool feature. While these secondary features seem attractive, you need to think of the amount you have to pay for these is too much.
Tips on How to Take Care of Vintage Turntables
You have a fair idea on how to get the right turntable; you have looked at some of the best vintage turntable models in the market. Now, it’s also important to learn how to take care of vintage record players:
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Buy extended warranty
Most manufacturers and sellers offer a warranty. It is a good idea to understand the policies, and buy an extended warranty and annual maintenance contract, if available. This will ensure regular replacement of parts, cleaning, etc.
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Support for the Turntable
It is important to give your turntable the right kind of platform. This will help to avoid vibration and harmful effect on the suspension. A good stand will prevent external forces from creating negative effects on the turntable.
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Carbon Brush for cleaning Stylus
To prevent the stylus from collecting dirt or dust deposits, you must clean it regularly. And, to do that, we recommend the use of a carbon fiber brush with cleaners.
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Change Stylus
We also recommend that you change the stylus after every 3000 hours of using it. Otherwise, you may experience distortion in sound quality.
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Replace Belt
If your turntable is a belt-driven one, then you should change the belt at an interval of a few years. You will be able to hear the slip at the time of powering the device; this means it time for the replacement.
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Anti-Skate Counterweight Alignment, Tracking Force, and Height
It is very important to keep an eye on calibrating these correctly. This will not only prevent the sleeping of the needle but will also cause less wear and tear. Plus, when the alignment is correct, the stylus sits in the right position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why buy a vintage turntable?
Turntables allow high fidelity of sound. You get to enjoy nature, a more organic sound quality that’s the closest to real sound. You won’t get this from digital devices.
Q. Can I save vinyl sounds in a digital format?
Yes. Modern turntables have advanced features, like the USB port. This allows you to pair them with computers, MP3 players, etc., for such conversions.
Q. What is the best turntable setup?
Every turntable is different and calls for a different setup. But, the most common components in the setup should include a cartridge and stylus, turntable, pre-amp, amp, and speakers. Whatever you add to this will only enhance your experience.
Q. Can record players cause scratches on the LP disc?
If the stylus is properly placed, then it will not cause scratches on the record. You have to be careful about handling to disc to avoid scratches. It is no different from a common CD or DVD.
Q. How important is torque?
You can use the turntable to display your skills as a DJ. In that case, you can choose one with a higher torque. It is the power of the motor.
Q. How important is the price of the turntable?
It is important to understand that to buy the best vintage turntable, you will have to dole out more bucks. The higher the price, the better are its features.
conclusion
we can say that a vintage turntable will enhance your experience of listening to music. Not just that, it will also add a unique piece of beauty to your decor, and become a signature. It will represent your love for good music while treating you with authentic melodies, every day.
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