Best Record Player to Buy in 2023

Having the best record player can entirely change your music-listening game and take it to a next level. That is because all the options for the best record player with speakers of 2022 are totally different as compared to the obsolete turntables that your grandparents had. Over the years, there have been many options in the market to claim the “best vinyl record player” title. These options are all modern and versatile devices, which come in a range of styles to go with any type of home, music fan, and budget. Nowadays many of them even work with wireless headphones and speakers, making them super suitable and convenient to link up with other smart home devices.

There are all types of styles available these days. Whether you prefer the retro, classic look of vinyl players or the more contemporary and clean models these days, there’s something to suffice your needs. Today, we have a list of a best buy record players that will help you sort your priorities. Read below to know more about the best budget record player options.

SONY PS-HX500

This record player from Sony has the best speakers for record players and comes with all modern amenities and features. The major highlight of this best affordable record player here is its feature to rip high-quality audio files (usually known as files that are of higher quality as compared to normal audio CDs) to a USB stick. This is useful to back up any old vinyl that you have in case the record itself is damaged or lost.

Apart from its USB features, the HX500 also comes with a bit preference for convenience and comes equipped with an automatic speed-changing dial. All of this sums up one of the best options for the best vintage record player. The device’s plastic material can be major setoff, but feature-wise it is a very capable device that provides loads of flexibility and a great sound.

Features

• Motor: Belt drive
• Dimensions: 430 x 104 x 366 mm (W x H x D)
• USB: Yes
• Phono preamp: Yes
• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 rpm

Pros

• Open and dynamic sound
• Hi-res USB ripping
• Easy set up

Cons

• Plastic material used for built

PRO-JECT DEBUT CARBON

This device can be the best Bluetooth record player. It is a fantastic player that provides great sound without having the need to shell more money. It is well developed and comes with a minimalistic design. This player is a prefect combination where you do not compromise on features and do not shell out more money.

Obviously, the device is not the best record player under $100 but is very budget-friendly as compared to other options. And in this budget users will not get some of the modern features found in more costly record players. There is no preamp built-in, so users will need to purchase one separately, or else plug the turntable into phono input of their amplifier. The player also falls short of a USB output and users will require to change manually between its two speeds. On the other hand, what this means is total control as users can spec up the speakers and preamp to get the precise sound they wish for.

Features

• Motor: Belt drive
• Dimensions: 415 x 118 x 320mm (W x H x D)
• USB: No
• Phono preamp: No
• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 rpm

Pros

• Easy to set-up and use
• Enhanced sound for the price
• Good selection of finishes

Cons

• Manual speed change
• No added phono preamp

REGA PLANAR 1

Similar to the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, the Rega Planar 1 is one of the best options and can be consider for best portable record player having essential features. This means no USB connectivity and no phono preamp. But by not having to shell out money on these features, Rega has been capable on focusing entirely on provide enhanced level of build quality and audio performance. The Planar 1 provides outstanding amounts of accuracy and detail in whatever records you select to play on it, meaning users must be satisfied with its performance for coming years.

Features

• Motor: Belt drive
• Dimensions: 450mm x 115mm x 385mm (W x H x D)
• USB: No
• Phono preamp: No
• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 rpm

Pros

• Refined and great sound
• Simple assembly
• Strong build

Cons

• No USB out
• No phono preamp

AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP120-USB

Coming from one of the best record player brands, the Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB has the capability of ripping records to a hard drive or a USB stick and it comes with a phono preamp. There are a few differences in the device as compared to other options, which may make it worth purchasing his record player. The player is a bit cheaper as compared to other options, making it a great option as the best cheap record player. It is ideal if you wish for USB ripping features at a lower price. Next, the record player also comes with a 78rpm mode, in case you own any earlier generation records that require to be played at that speed. Speaking of sound, the player is a bit less capable as compared to other options listed here, but it is a great value option if you are looking for best starter record player.

Features

• Motor: Direct drive
• Dimensions: 450 x 352 x 157 mm (W x H x D)
• USB: Yes
• Phono preamp: Yes
• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, 78 rpm

Pros

• 78 rpm mode
• Comes with preamp
• Super spec

Cons

• Sounds a little metallic
• USB files could be better quality

PRO-JECT DEBUT CARBON ESPRIT SB

If you are new to vinyl and are in search of quality without spending too much, then the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB can be the best record player for beginners. This player is a great combination of reasonable value and high-end performance, making it a great option for those seeking to upgrade a basic device. The acrylic platter, more frequently seen on far more costly models, makes a major difference to the sound, while the build quality is good. New users can set it easily and get started with it.

Features

• Motor: Belt drive
• Dimensions: 415 x 118 x 320 mm (W x H x D)
• USB: No
• Phono preamp: No
• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 rpm

Pros

• Simple to set up
• Good build quality

Cons

• Still on the pricier side

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-LP60

If you wish to get a recorder as inexpensively as possible, then the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is the best option that you can get. There are astonishingly few features compromises users will have to see at this cost. The deck can be used with the help of a simple start button on the front of the player and is fully automatic. However, the setup is a bit more complicated as it needs users to manually set up the platter and belt the first time they use it.

Speaking of sound, users will need to compromise here. The detail of the turntable is fine for the cost, but the overall sound falls short of the same heft and solidness as its competitors. Nonetheless, if you wish to purchase a starter record player and need to spend as little as possible, then this player is the best option you can get.

Features

• Motor: Belt drive
• Dimensions: 360 x 97.5 x 356 mm (W x H x D)
• USB: Yes
• Phono preamp: Yes
• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 rpm

Pros

• Rips files to USB
• Easy to use
• Good entry-level

Cons

• More flimsy sound

FLUANCE RT81

If you are searching for the vintage appeal and classic design of a record player then this device is for you. This stunningly crafted record player is created from solid wood, offering it a strong feel, and the isolation feet, aluminum platter, and rubber slip mat allow for no annoying vibrations to hamper the sound.

For a price tag of less than $300, this record player offers outstanding quality and value in one small package. The gold-plated RCA line outputs indicates that you can expect an actually real sound from your records so that they are playing just as the artist aimed for.

Features

• Motor: Belt drive
• Dimensions: 54.5x42.5x22.4 (W x H x D)
• USB: No
• Phono preamp: Yes
• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 rpm

Pros

• Built-in phono stage
• Excellent sound and signal clarity
• Great build quality

Cons

• Limited USB functionality of others

FAQs

What’s the difference between a record player and a turntable?

Turntables and record players often get confused and clustered in the same category, but it is essential to know the difference when purchasing the correct device to play your vinyl. A record player is an all-in-one vinyl player that does not require an external amplifier, pre-amp stage, or speakers as these are all in-built for convenience. A turntable requires all of these external devices, but you require to select the partnering devices yourself. This sometimes can mean better quality devices as a record player is often aimed around internal space-saving solutions.

How to Clean Vinyl Records

To clean the vinyl records, wipe it gently. Remove all static and dust with the help of a microfiber cloth, applying very little pressure to avoid driving any particles further into the grooves in the vinyl. Rinse the player with a cloth and clean with a dry cloth again. Lastly, spin and store properly.

What is the best way to listen to vinyl?

To get the best experience of vinyl, position your seats in the center of the room. Obviously, the seating arrangement in most living rooms and homes is configured without keeping speakers in mind. But when you are ready to listen carefully, try to face your couch or chair towards them so as to get the best experience and sound for your ears.

Conclusion

Seeing the big picture here, you just had a look at best record player that you can buy in 2022 and give yourself an audio treat. Consider the above options and evaluate your needs and budget before making a final decision of buying best record player with speakers of 2022.