In this article, I’m going to help you find some of the best record players priced under $300 on today’s market.  I’ll help explain why this is a very unique price range when it comes to finding good turntables, and I’ll also do my best to help you understand the features you should (and shouldn’t) be most focused on when searching for a record player that’s $299 and under.

In fact, to better help you, I’ve created the interactive table below which includes a list of some very popular sub-$300 record players currently on the market.

Photo	Model	Price	Rating	Key Feature
	Music Hall MMF 2.2	$$	4.0/5	Moving-Magnet Phono Cartridge
	Project Debut III	$$	4.4/5	Isolated AC Motor
	Audio Technica AT-LP120	$$	4.5/5	USB Direct Drive
	Pioneer PL-30	$$	3.0/5	Full-Automatic Operation
	U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus	$$	4.6/5	Machined Acrylic Platter
	Audio Technica AT-LP60-BT	$	3.8/5	Fully Automatic & Wireless Bluetooth
	Pro-Ject Essential III	$$	3.9/5	Ortofon OM10 cartridge
	TEAC TN-300	$$	4.0/5	USB Audio Output, Phono Pre-Amp

Bigger Prices, Less Features?

Turntables come in all shapes, sizes and, of course, all different prices. From entry level suitcase turntables to 250 lb behemoths that cost more than a luxury car, there are certainly no shortage of options on the market.

In addition, a funny thing happens when you move into the world of high-end turntables—you actually lose features. That’s right, in a certain way, the more you spend the LESS you get.

Remember that auto-return tonearm?

Yeah, that’s gone.

How about that convenient button that changes the platter speed from 33 rpm’s to 45 rpm’s?

Yeah, that’s often gone too.

Built in-phono preamp?  Nah man.

here is, however a happy medium, a price point as you move into the high end that can give you substantially better sound without sacrificing features or requiring you to purchase expensive accessories.

You’ll still need other equipment, such as speakers and an amplifier, but they’re worlds better than the plastic, mass produced entry level turntables on the extreme low end of the price spectrum.

Below, please take a moment to view some of the best-selling record players currently available on Amazon.

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60
2. 1byone 3-Speed Turntable
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB
4. Fluance RT81
5. Project Debut Carbon DC

And, without further ado, here are some of the top record players under $300.  Let’s begin with the Project Essential III.

Pro-Ject Essential III – $299

Pro-Ject has been manufacturing turntables for over thirty years and is one of the most popular high end brands on the market.

 

Granted, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon for $100 more, for instance, gives you a heavier plinth, better tonearm and more expensive cartridge, but that doesn’t mean the Essential III is a slouch. The Essential III is a substantial upgrade to previous versions with a gorgeous, high gloss MDF plinth and new aluminum pulley.

It also sounds as good as it looks. A pre-mounted Ortofon OM 5E cartridge sits at the end of a robust tonearm with a comparatively over-built suspension. This ensures reduced vibration throughout and overall great sound quality with rich bass and detailed highs.

Being one of the first of the high end manufacturers to make a table at this price point, it does not have some of the features you’ll find on other comparable models. It does not have a built- in phono preamp, for example, so you’ll either need a phono input on your receiver or you’ll need to buy one separately. It also does not have advanced speed control.

In order to switch between 33 rpm and 45 rpm records, you’ll need to move the belt up and down the pulley that sits above the motor. This can be either annoying or cool depending on your inclination, but it is an extra step and can be a pain if the belt slips and falls off.

Overall it is a solidly built, good sounding turntable. While it lacks some of the features you’ll find on other tables, it gives you a better cartridge than you’ll find on any turntable on this list. It’s high gloss finish and other upgraded stylings make it an attractive option as well.

• You can read our review of the Pro-Ject Essential II right here.

U-Turn Audio – Orbit Basic – $179 – $249

U-Turn Audio is the newest, and arguably, the coolest turntable manufacturer on the list. They took the turntable market by storm four years ago with a successful Kickstarter campaign promising an audiophile turntable that not only sounds great but is incredibly affordable.

They parlayed their success into a business offering features and quality not usually seen at this price point. U-Turn also manages to do this while manufacturing all of their turntables right here in the United States, making them one of the great new success stories of the audio industry.

The Orbit Basic is pretty much just what the name implies—it is a good basic turntable. Like the Essential from Pro-Ject, you’ll need to adjust the belt to change the speed. It also has a dense mdf plinth though you get an attractive matte finish and five different color options. You can, however, add a built-in phono pre-amp to the table for just $70.

Starting at $179, U-Turn’s Orbit Basic turntable is the least expensive option on this list. This makes it an attractive option for the budget-minded, but keep in mind that you’ll lose a bit of quality too.

The cartridge that comes pre-mounted is an entry level Audio-Technica and costs half as much as the one supplied by Pro-Ject. The turntable’s tonearm is also not nearly as robust and will be more susceptible to vibration to other slightly more expensive options.

Orbit turntables are largely only available through online sales. There is an upside and a downside to this. Not being at your local audio shop, it’s impossible to demo. Not being able to try before you buy is one of the biggest downsides to purchasing anything technology-related, to be honest.

The upside, however, is that U-Turn is able to cut out the middleman and offer you an inexpensive turntable that’s built in Boston, MA at a price point no one can match.

Audio-Technica – AT-LP120 – $299

I have to start of by saying, I have no idea how Audio-Technica manufacturers this turntable at this price point. It is a big, heavy, feature laden turntable that, in my estimation, should cost much more than it does.

That being said, the AT-LP120 is not for everyone.

Unlike the previous turntables that are delicate, manual and sleek, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 is a beast of a turntable more at home in a DJ booth than on a bookshelf. It’s also the only turntable on the list that is direct drive instead of belt driven.

Its design is clearly reminiscent, as with many other DJ turntables, of the Technics SL-1200, the most iconic turntable ever made. The first thing you’ll notice here is it’s heavy—very heavy. DJ turntables tend to be carried around from event to event and are overbuilt to ensure they don’t break when subjected to this tortuous lifestyle. 

It has a slide pitch control that allows you to speed up or slow down the platter with precision. This is another great function for a DJ—although it doesn’t necessarily translate to the average home player.

How would you use this feature?  Well, for example, if you’re using two turntables and transitioning from one to the other, it’s a good idea to match the beat of the incoming song to the outgoing, and transition back as one song ends and the other begins. If you have a single turntable on a shelf in your living room, however, you’re probably only occasionally going to use slide pitch control to make your friends laugh when you want to make your favorite band or artist sound like the Chipmunks.

That being said, this turnable gives you some features that you won’t see in others. It has a speed control switch, so you can easily switch between 33s and 45s. It also has a built-in phono pre-amp which can be turned on and off. It gives you a removable headshell too, so changing cartridges isn’t a sweat inducing nightmare.

The Audio-Technica is a table with decent sound quality and exceptional build quality. It certainly is not for everyone but its unique look and feature set make it a contender. If your inner DJ is crying out the AT-LP120, it might just be right for you.

• You can read our review of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 here.

Music Hall – MMF 2.2 – $299

Beginning with a robust, alloy tonearm, and featuring a heavy aluminum platter it is only rivaled by the Audio-Technica in build quality. The heft of this turntable is not ever seen in tables of this price point.

It is a belt drive turntable but has 33 and 45 RPM speed options.  This turntable comes with a moving magnet phono cartridge (a Music Hall Magic 2 to be quite specific, actually).

If this article helped you, please “like” our brand new Devoted to Vinyl Facebook page.

You Might Also Enjoy:

• Ranking the Cheapest Turntables for Beginners
• What are the Best Turntables Under $1,000?
• The Best Portable Record Players for Your Lifestyle
• What’s the Best Record Player with Bluetooth?

In this article, I’m going to example the concept of bluetooth record players, why I think they are a great option for those that want to player records with a bit of added convenience, and recommend a handful of bluetooth capable turntables I think are worth considering.

And, to better help illustrate this, please take a look at the interactive table below which features a variety of bluetooth-ready record players compared against one another based on price, special features and more.

Photo	Model	Price	Rating	Key Feature
	Audio Technica AT-LP60-BT	$	★★★	Fully Automatic & Wireless Bluetooth
	Ion Audio Air LP	$	★★★	Connects to Speakers via Bluetooth
	Musitrend Bluetooth	$	★★★★	Bluetooth Fuctionality
	Pyle PNGTT12RBT	$	★★★	Bluetooth Audio Streaming
	PYLE PTCD54UB	$	★★★	Built-in Bluetooth
	Victrola Nostalgic	$	★★★	Built-in Speakers & Bluetooth
	PYLE PVNP30BT	$	★★	Works with Bluetooth Devices
	Akai Professional BT500	$$	★★★★	Stream via Bluetooth

Why Consider Bluetooth a Player?

Vinyl was the go to format for music listening for most of the 20th century. Then, in the 1980s, the CD came along, and by the early 90s record sales were in a death spiral.

In the late 90s, the MP3 audio codec made audio files on the computer small but still listenable. This marked the beginning of the end for the CD.

Nowadays, it seems that the MP3 is declared dead due to new codecs better adapted to wirelessly stream music over bluetooth and wifi. And so, following this timeline of events, you might well be asking yourself, what the heck does bluetooth have to do with turntables?  How does it all work and is it really worth my time and investment?

Before we begin answering these questions and recommending turntables, I’d like to encourage you to take a look at some of the best-selling record players with bluetooth capability currently on sale at Amazon.

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60
2. 1byone 3-Speed Turntable
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB
4. Fluance RT81
5. Project Debut Carbon DC

 

Why Bluetooth is Great for Record Players

First, it’s important to know that bluetooth devices wirelessly connect to one another and give you the ability to stream digital audio from a source to a component, like your phone to a bluetooth-enabled speaker. This stream is not sound but simply a representation of sound.

In order to use bluetooth with a record player or turntable, you first have to take that analog waveform, convert it to a digital signal, send it wirelessly over bluetooth and then turn it back to analog. It sounds like a huge mess but it actually has some really cool benefits.

Some bluetooth speakers have an AUX input, which allows you to plug a source like a turntable directly into it—but many do not. Sometimes, the only option you have is to stream, which until recently meant you couldn’t plug a record player in at all.

Even if you do have an AUX input, your turntable may not be anywhere near your speaker. Placement has always been an issue in the audio industry and you may not want to choose between running a twenty foot cable across your room and completely rearranging your furniture.

Bluetooth turntables are here and more are coming. With the ability to listen to records in multiple rooms of your home to streaming Spotify to a record player with built in speakers there are plenty of options. 

Be Careful About Quality

One thing I want to warn you about bluetooth turntables is this: Bluetooth allows for a lot of convenience, but you also have to remember that you’re still listening to a record—and records are fragile. 

If you’re getting a record player with bluetooth, there’s a great chance it’s an automatic turntable.  Meaning, you push a button, the tonearm automatically moves over to the first track on the record, drops the needle on the record and begins playing.  At the end of Side A or B of the album, the tonearm then lifts up and returns to rest—you don’t have to do anything.

Just know that, for the ease of using a turntable that connects to speakers via bluetooth—and for it’s automatic start and stop features—the turntable itself is going to be made of lower quality parts and materials.

In other words, you’re going to be getting a lot of plastic in your turntable.

If you’re a turntable beginner, or think you’ll only casually listen to records, then don’t worry about this.  But, if you expect to stick with record players over the long haul, just know that you’ll probably want to upgrade your record player at some point.

Getting a Bluetooth Record Player

And now, without further delay, here are a few turntables that have bluetooth capability and allow you to connect to your bluetooth-ready speakers.

AudioTechnica – AT-LP60 BT – $180

Adding bluetooth to their incredibly popular AT-LP60 turntable, AudioTechnica was not the first bluetooth table to arrive on the market but it’s certainly a good one. It’s an automatic belt drive table that can play both 33 and 45 rpm’s at the push of a button.

It is available in three colors including black, white and navy, a richer take on the traditional primary blue colors typical of turntables. With it’s attached dust cover and small footprint it’s sleek and cool.

The AT-LP60 BT still gives you RCA audio outputs with a built-in phono preamp so you can hardwire the table in one room while streaming to others. Whether you’re using bluetooth speakers or headphones this AudioTechinca turntable can store up to eight of your devices in it’s memory.

The LP60 BT also uses AudioTechnica’s Dual Magnet cartridge and stylus, a definite upgrade to less expensive options. With a retail price of $179, it’s not the cheapest option but nowhere near the top and it’s available today.

ION Audio – Air LP – $99

Similar in features to the Audio-Technica, it’s a belt drive turntable that can play at 33, 45 and even 78 rpm’s. It also includes a USB output and software so you can transfer all your favorite records to your computer.

It has standard RCA outputs with a built-in phono preamp, however the preamp is not defeatable, so you are forced to plug it into a line level input. It’s also a semi-automatic turntable, so the tonearm will return to its rest when a record is done. It does not, however, have auto-start, so you will need to drop the needle on the record manually.  To be fair, it does have an auto stop feature.

At its price point, it’s hard to argue against the Air LP. If ripping vinyl to your laptop is a function you may use, I would even recommend it over the AT-LP60 BT. However, its use of a stock Crosely cartridge, lack of auto-start and phono preamp only output may be a deal breaker for those looking for better sound and more flexibility.

Pink Donut – RokBlok – $89 (Pre-Order)

Bluetooth record players are still pretty new and there nothing revolutionary has really hit the market yet. Pink Donut is pushing the envelope adding new technology to a quirky old favorite. Originally introduced through a KickStarter campaign, the Pink Donut RokBlock is reminiscent of the old Tampco SoundWagon.

This cool record player can fit in your pocket. Just set the record you want to play on any flat surface, put the RokBlock on top of it and it’ll zoom around the record like it’s on a Nascar track. With the press of a button you can connect to any bluetooth speaker for portable sound anywhere.

This option is great for people that don’t mind waiting for production to be complete. While it seems a little gimmicky, it’s sure to impress with it’s truly unique design. Your bluetooth speaker is probably portable so why shouldn’t your record player be too.

Akai – BT-100 – $149

With it’s wide plinth and overall dimensions, the Akai BT-100 looks like a traditional turntable. It’s over 2 inches wider than the Audio-Technica and $30 less in cost. This does give it a more substantial look and larger footprint. It also weighs more, which helps with dampening vibration.

While it does incorporate a slightly more substantial tonearm, the fixed headshell and cartridge is more akin to the $99 ION turntable. This means that while it looks like your father’s turntable, you won’t be able to upgrade the cartridge and, since it can’t be upgraded, there is no option to adjust the tonearm.

This dichotomy fits nicely with its price point. It gives you all the usual features—a built-in phono preamp, audio outputs and bluetooth streaming.

But looks can be deceiving. The larger plinth is still made out of plastic, as is the platter. Denser materials would provide improved dampening and more support.

Akai – BT-500 – $399

Save for some intriguing vaporware, there aren’t a lot of examples of really good bluetooth turntables.  The high end turntable community has largely shied away from digital streaming of their analog sources. Purists will tell you that it’s a gimmick, that it will compress and corrupt the signal.

Besides, why mess with a good thing?

Well, sometimes an impressive piece of analog tech will come by and impress you.  And that’s the case with Akai, which has already delivered with the BT-500. It’s a significant upgrade from the previously reviewed BT-100 in several ways.

First, it’s all about build quality. While there are plenty of examples of turntables that will stream a bluetooth signal just fine, due to their relatively low price point, it’s difficult to find one that doesn’t feel like the light pieces of plastic they really are.

The BT-500 has a dense plinth wrapped in a walnut finish. Couple that with its heavy die-cast aluminum platter, and it weighs in at 14 lbs—more than twice as heavy as any turntable on this list. Speaking of the finish, the BT-500’s dark, rich walnut is beautiful and a far cry from its injection molded counterparts.

The tonearm and cartridge are also a significant strength in comparison to other bluetooth turntables on the market. It has an adjustable counterweight and a removable headshell. It comes pre-mounted with an  Audio-Techinca AT-95e cartridge, a $65 value. And, because the headshell can accommodate any standard mount phono cartridge, this turntable is truly upgradeable, giving it the ability to grow with you.

Additional features include adjustable feet with a bubble level, so even if your surface isn’t completely even, you’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments. It also has a belt drive DC motor that’s decoupled from the plinth ensuring less interference and a lower signal to noise ratio.

The Akai BT-500 is definitely the best looking and the best sounding turntable in this review. It’s build quality, cartridge and sound quality are without a doubt superior—so what’s the catch? At $399, it’s by far the most expensive turntable on this list. That’s not to say it isn’t worth it—you’re getting a lot for your money—but obviously, cost is always a factor.

Like most things in life, if you want the best, you have to pay more for it.

VNYL – TRNTBL – $429 (Pre-Order)

VNYL may have a real problem with vowels but they have no problem pushing the envelope when it comes to making a high end turntable with built-in bluetooth. Like the RokBlock, the TRNTBL began it’s life as a KickStarter. Luckily VNYL has already been down this road when they launched their subscription LP delivery service two years ago.

This turntable has some bling with it’s jet black case and gold tonearm. It’s not all just form however, it has a removable headshell and the ability to upgrade your cartridge. It also has a dense acrylic platter and dampening feet to reduce unwanted vibration.

You’ll have to wait a little while before the VNYL TRNTBL hits the market but rest assured that you will have one of the coolest looking turntables on the market.

Crosley – Cruiser Deluxe – $109.95

With this upgrade to the original Cruiser, Crosley is dipping its toe into the bluetooth market. Rather than transmit audio through bluetooth, it receives it. With it’s built-in amplifier and speakers you’ve always been able to plug in portable devices such as an iPhone to stream any music service to which you subscribe.

With the Cruiser Deluxe they add a bluetooth receiver to the mix so you can now wirelessly stream music from any compatible device. Sound quality is far from stellar but if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to play records and stream music without any additional speakers you may want to give it a shot.

Companies as still trying to figure out how to integrate bluetooth into turntables and record players. The technology is here but, as often is the case, we haven’t quite figured out how we want to use it. Purists will say we’re sacrificing quality for convenience but we’ve been doing that now for decades.

I’m not sure what the future holds for streaming vinyl. There are decent options out there now with more on the way. In a world where the turntable outlasted the CD player, anything is possible. 

MeeAudio – Connect Wireless Audio Adapter – $60

Ok, you caught me. The MeeAudio connect is not a turntable. It is however a powerful transmitter that supports bluetooth 4.0 with aptX. At $60, it seems like it’s the least expensive option but keep in mind you still need to add the turntable and a phono preamp to get everything up and running.

Let’s face it, bluetooth turntables, while pretty good, are still an entry level record player. They usually light, made of plastic and while feature rich lack the sound quality of players at just slightly higher price points.

The MeeAduio Connects has low latency, which means less lag from your turntable to your bluetooth receiver. Also, because it supports bluetooth 4.0 with aptX, the sound will not be compromised nearly as much as with other bluetooth transmitters.

For those of you that already have a turntable or for those looking for something better than current offerings this is going to be your best choice. Pair it up with a turntable like the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC and a decent phono preamp, and you’ll have a powerful, flexible and great sounding sound system without all those pesky wires.

• If this article helped you, please “like” our brand new Devoted to Vinyl Facebook page.

You Might Also Like:

1. What’s the Best Suitcase Vinyl Record Player?
2. What’s the Most Affordable Record Player with Speakers?
3. Ranking the Best Crosley Turntables on the Market

So you’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a portable vinyl record player?  That’s awesome, as there are a lot of suitcase record players available for you to choose. 

But going online can quickly become overwhelming, with a seemingly never ending stream of options. And chances are if you walk into your local hi-fi shop, they’re going to recommend you a turntable that can costs at least $400.

And that price won’t include things like speakers, a proper shelf, and much more.

So in this article, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about suitcase vinyl record players, including where to get one, how much they ones cost, and the key features about them that you should most be looking for.  And in order to better help you, please use our interactive table below full of popular record players that are portable.

Photo	Model	Price	Rating	Key Feature
	Crosley CR6249A Keepsake	$	★★★	USB Enabled for Mac & PC
	1byone Turntable	$	★★★	Vinyl-to-MP3 Recording
	Crosley Snap	$	★★★	Comes w/Fold Out Speakers
	Numark PT01USB	$	★★★★	USB Functionality
	ION Audio Vinyl Motion Deluxe	$	★★★	Rechargeable Battery
	Crosley CR6232A Nomad	$	★★★	33, 45, & 78 RPM Speeds
	Crosley CR8005C	$	★★★	33/45/78 RPM Speeds
	Jensen JTA-230	$	★★★★	Converts Vinyl to Digital
	Crosley CR49 Traveler	$	★★★	Dynamic Full Range Speakers

A Little History

Whether your budget doesn’t permit that kind of expense or you’re just not willing to have a plethora of boxes connected with a rat’s nest of wires in your living room, there are several high quality record players with a small footprint that still sound great and won’t break the bank.

In fact, the first phonograph was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison, but it wasn’t until the mid-fifties with the advent of the solid-state amplifier, a replacement for the bulky and fragile tubes that powered speakers until then, that more portable suitcase record players came into fashion.

By the 1960s, prices started to fall and just as the Beatles were reaching young audiences across the pond, it was finally affordable for young music enthusiasts to own a record player. A suitcase player is simply a portable box, usually with a handle, that houses a turntable, an amplifier, and one or two speakers. It takes all of the separate components of a full stereo system and puts them all in one box.  These players remain highly popular today due to two main reasons: their simplicity and their portability.

Below, please take a brief moment to view some of the best selling portable turntables currently on sale at Amazon:

1. Jensen JTA-230
2. 1byone 3-Speed Turntable
3. Victrola Vintage VSC-550BT
4. Crosley Cruiser
5. Crosley Dansette Junior

Lots of Options for You

Price is always a consideration when making a purchase. Inexpensive record players average around $69 to $99, while higher quality players can set you back $200 to $300. Though you won’t get the room filling, bass pounding sound that a component system offers you can still get great sound and great features no matter your budget.

Record players from the 60s did just that—played records. You obviously couldn’t hook-up your iPhone, add additional speakers or burn your records to mp3. That’s mostly because none of that stuff existed yet, but the point is that it was a stand alone unit. Unlike players of the past, new record players today give you a lot of hook-up and playback options to cover all your needs.

Let’s review a few of these and determine which features to look out for when choosing your record player.

• Aux Input – a 3.5mm (headphone) jack that allows you to plug in portable sources such as your phone or computer to the record player if you want to listen to something besides your records. 
• USB Output – gives you the power to rip your vinyl in realtime to a computer so you can listen to your music across devices. 
• RCA Outputs – left & right rca outputs let you hook your record player up to external speakers to get enriched, fuller sound. 
• Rechargeable batteries – some of today’s record players let you use rechargeable batteries right from the unit for the hobbyist that’s really on the go. 
• Headphone jack – an output that allows you to listen to your vinyl through headphones so not to disturb your roommate or wake the neighbors.

Now that we know a little history and know some of the features available let’s review five turntables and figure out which one is right for you.

Crosley

Normally, I wouldn’t give a brand an entire section, but Crosley is so ubiquitous in the portable record player market that they’ve earned it. The original Crosley Radio Corporation began in 1921 and while they are not the same company they do a great job of replicating the look of those old 60s briefcase record players and are, by far, the largest manufacturer of inexpensive record players in the world.

• You can read our article entitled Ranking the Best Crosley Turntables on the Market right here.

This can be both a positive and a negative. Due to their size they make a ton of products of every shape and size. Their price ranges run the spectrum as well as their features and quality. Crosley is the clear leader in this market, so much so that even if it doesn’t say Crosley on the box there is a good chance that they have still manufactured the turntable or at least the needle.

The down side to Crosley is that quality control can sometimes be an issue. Fortunately most retailers have a liberal return or exchange program so if the first one is a dud you aren’t stuck with it.

Now, let’s move onto some of my recommended record players.  Please note that all prices are estimates.  Prices of course differ depending on where you make your purchase.

Crosley Traveler – $99

The Crosley Traveler is an early and enduring but bare bones record player. It is a 3 speed record player, which means it can handle full sized 45 rpm records, 33 rpm singles and even the ancient 78 rpm records which was the standard in the 1920s and 1930s.

While there are smaller and less expensive versions the Traveler is a nice compromise of price, size and sound quality. Smaller record players can sound small. There is only so much space and more space means the ability to use larger speakers and amplifiers.

While the Traveler is still compact it’s large enough to give you room filling sound from it’s side firing speakers. Because of it’s inexpensive price point is a stand alone record player without some of the inputs and outputs of others on the list.

Crosley Bermuda – $219

Weighing in at 17 lbs. the Crosley Bermuda is by far the largest of all portable record players. You have the option of putting it on a tabletop or desk but it’s best if you use it’s four Danish style tapered legs.

Though it has the familiar locking hinge top and side handles it is practically a piece of furniture. It’s mid-century inspired design is reminiscent of record players past and houses larger components giving you plenty of volume no matter what size the room. Using an upgraded needle made by Audio-Technica the Bermuda gives you clear highs and the larger driver can handle low frequencies you can’t get from any other suitcase record player.

The front aux input also makes streaming music a snap, just plug in your iPhone and switch inputs. The front facing volume control lets you pump out even detailed sound at any level. If you have the space for this behemoth of a record player it is by far the fullest and loudest ones you can buy. 

Crosley Cruiser II – $90

If true portability is key the Cruiser II might be for you. While it is still supplied with an AC power adapter you can use the included 6 AA batteries meaning this record player can really go anywhere. Having a picnic in the park?

Don’t settle for a bluetooth speaker streaming Tidal from your phone, bring along a sack full of records and jam out in style. I once even saw a guy listening to records on an airplane mid-flight with headphones. How hipster is that? At nearly the same price as the Traveler you also get USB and RCA outputs on the rear of the case. This gives you the ability to rip mp3s to your computer as well as connect to larger more powerful speakers. This is a great option because, though it’s smaller than the Cruiser, it’s tiny speakers mean less volume and bass compared to other options. But if you’re looking for a low cost option with all the features the Cruiser II is perfect.

Columbia Japan  GP3 – $249.95

A Japanese record label and electronics manufacturer, Columbia Japan has been in the electronics business since 1910. They created the audio codec that Sony used to record CDs way back in the 70s which is still being used today. Though the Columbia GP3 is not technically new several companies still stock refurbished versions of this iconic player.

Coveted by record collectors and crate diggers, it is a workhorse of a record player. Known for it’s durability it can even play records vertically or horizontally with a supplied clamp. It has a built in speaker and mono headphone outputs and can run on AC power or batteries. If you’d love to own a piece of history the Columbia GP3 is one of the coolest, truly retro record players still on the market.

The J-Dilla Turntable – $119.95

Sometimes it’s not enough to sound cool, sometimes you need to look cool too. Luckily there are plenty of branded and personalized record players on the market. From Star Wars, to Peanuts and even One Direction the history of making a record player stand out like a grade school lunch box is still in full swing.

Hands down, one of the coolest looking record players is The J-Dilla Turntable. J-Dilla was an iconic, though lesser known hip hop artist that inspired artists from Kanye West to Killa Mike with a laid back style, mixing and layering that everyone has copied. His masterpiece Donuts, released just before his death in 2006, is still revered today.

This tribute to Dilla is based on the Crosley Cruiser but with a few notable upgrades. Famous illustrator and designer Mason London created an inspirational black and white painted case with Dilla emblazoned in the center in red and white. It also includes a 7” vinyl album with a song from Dilla produced by Madlib. While not the best sounding of the bunch the price point, styling and bonus record make this a top contender.

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Those who love it say there’s just nothing like it. The sound of the arm lifting. That gentle, whispering hiss, emanating from the speakers as the needle slowly lowers and makes contact with the surface of the record. The warmth of the vibrating sound as the record spins along. Even the deliberate act of choosing a record and putting it on the turntable is part of the enjoyment—as opposed to the far less visceral experience of just turning on an algorithm-generated playlist from Pandora or Spotify.

Yes, vinyl is back in vogue, and if you’re interested in purchasing your very first record player, there’s a good chance you want to get one that’s affordable.  And, if your budget is tight, you’re probably looking for an all-in-one turntable—meaning, a record player with built-in speakers.

Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to help you with today.  In this article, I’ll break down what you should most be looking at feature-wise in finding a quality record player with speakers, while also factoring in a modest budget.  I’ll then recommend a few record players that I think fit the bill, and provide you with what I think their pros and cons are in terms of what they offer you value-wise.

Below, please use the interactive table that showcases a variety of quality, affordable turntables (with speakers) that are popular on today’s market.

Photo	Model	Price	Rating	Key Feature
	Crosley CR6249A Keepsake	$	★★★	USB Enabled for Mac & PC
	1byone Turntable	$	★★★	Vinyl-to-MP3 Recording
	Audio-Technica AT-LP60USB	$	★★★★	Convert Vinyl to CD or MP3
	Crosley Snap	$	★★★	Comes w/Fold Out Speakers
	Numark PT01USB	$	★★★★	USB Functionality
	Ion Audio Archive LP	$	★★★	Converts Vinyl to Digital
	Innovative Technology ITVS-750	$	★★★	Record Vinyl & Cassettes to CD
	Crosley CR8005C	$	★★★	33/45/78 RPM Speeds
	Jensen JTA-230	$	★★★★	Converts Vinyl to Digital

Finding an Affordable Turntable Today

Pronounced “dead” in the late eighties/early nineties (obsoleted by the far more sexy and “advanced” digital formats like CDs and later MP3s), vinyl has made a dramatic and unexpected come back in recent years.  Storefronts as diverse as Urban Outfitters, Target, Amazon and eBay reflect this surging customer demand, each filled with a wide variety of choices for both nostalgic audiophiles and a new generation of newcomers to the hobby.

But while the pleasures of the vinyl may be fairly easily understood, the process of choosing that first record player can be considerably less pleasurable. Indeed, the sheer number of options can be daunting to the uninitiated, leaving many entry level record player buyers bewildered and intimidated.  With an alphabet soup of vaguely confusing terms (what’s a pre amp?  USB outputs? Bluetooth inputs? Is a record player different from a turntable?) at hugely varying price points, ranging from $25 up to many thousands of dollars, its hard to know even where to begin in this crowded space.

The good news is that its not actually that complicated to know what to look for, and there are a variety of affordable options under $150, and even $100, that will have you singing along to your favorite songs in no time.

Below, please take a moment to view some of the best-selling record players currently on sale at Amazon:

1. Jensen JTA-230
2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60
3. 1byone 3-Speed Turntable
4. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB
5. Denon DP-300F

Good Beginner Record Players

Generally speaking, “all-in-one,” plug and play solutions are some of the best beginner record players if you’re looking for convenience. These systems integrate the basic elements of a home audio system, which can play records, so you don’t have to buy each part of the system individually, nor do you have to worry about dealing with complicated setups.

But buyer, beware—you can’t have everything and there are certain inherent downsides to the all-in-one concept in general. While they may have the advantage in being turnkey solutions that can save you both time and money, it also brings sacrifices in other areas, primarily sound quality and overall reliability/expandability.

There are a few basic elements to an all-in-one system and a couple of variable elements:

The turntable + tone arm, which holds the cartridge/stylus (i.e. the record needle). This is the component mechanism for actually playing the record.

Pre-amps/amplifiers. This is the central component, which takes the sound from the turntable (and any other component mechanisms) and feeds them to the speakers.

The speakers are the place the sound actually comes out, of course.

Other component playback parts can integrate into the overall system in varying degree, either directly or by means of an additional input. This might be AM/FM radio tuners, CD or cassette players or a 3.5 inch auxiliary jack for your iPhone, but also “smart” digital inputs like USB or Bluetooth.

Different output options, which might include a simple headphone jack, support for additional external speakers or the more advanced digital recording to the PC or USB.

What To Know Before You Buy

Much of what makes a model “the best” depends on what is important to you as a music consumer and how you plan on using your system.

Here are five good questions to ask yourself as you start researching your purchase:

• How important is sound quality to me?
  

Is this a first record player for your teenager who isn’t too particular about high fidelity nuances (yet)? Or is this a record player for the living room, where you may be more likely to be playing jazz records for guests after a dinner party, and you are seeking a little more high quality sound?

• What else do I want listen to besides my records?
  

Are you more likely to listen to FM radio alongside your records? Do you have a big CD collection you still want to keep in the mix as you branch out to vinyl? Or maybe you listen to a lot of podcasts and it would be nice to be able to stream from your phone or computer.

• Where will the record player “live”?
  

Is this going to be in one stationary spot? Or is it something you’ll be pulling out for backyard parties? Different models will be able to cater more to the different settings.

• Is expandability important to me?
  

Do you want to have a system you can “build on” as technology and your needs evolve? Do you think you might want to add speakers down the road?  Are you someone who likes new gadgets that you may want to integrate with your home audio/turntable system?

• Will I want to digitize my collection?
  

Do you have a lot of old albums you want to convert into the digital format, like an MP3? Most vinyl coming out today already includes some kind of free digital download, so you may not need this ability.

Comparing the Models

This overview rates five of the top selling, budget, all-in-one turntables, from some top manufacturers, to get a sense of what you can get for your money at the entry level, and how the players stack up against each other. As discussed above, this is a case where “the best” is truly a subjective measure. Still, this should give you a good footing to start doing your own research and choose the best model for your needs.

There are five key areas used to assess the relative merits and drawbacks the various model:

• Price
• Feature Set
• Sound Quality
• Portability
• Expandability/Compatibility

These combined factors yield the ultimate star rating, with 1 star being terrible and 5 stars being the best.

Recommended Affordable Record Players

Overall, you can divide the affordable, entry-level models into two categories: either under $100, or $100-$150. The main difference between the two categories is the ability to digitize your records and have advanced input/output features like a USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

But this is not always the case—with some models offering a greater feature set, though sacrificing overall quality and reliability.

In general, you can see the different models of player appealing to different niches of use. This means the right model for you depends on accurately identifying your needs as a user, then comparing how the top brands stack up in those areas.

Here’s how the models fared:

1. Pyle Bluetooth PTCD54UB

$100-$150

4.2 Stars

An extremely full-featured, all-in-one system with some of the best sound quality—while still retaining the budget price. One of the few to include cassette playback (itself a growing trend), Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (bringing an immediate level of interesting possibilities for future “connected home” options), as well as the more “standard” basic all-in-one options like AM/FM radio, CD/Cassette, USB output, RCA line in for IPhone and MP3 playback, headphone jack–also the only system that includes Wi-Fi compatibility.

This record player also has these other notable attributes:

• Pyle is known for its excellent sound quality in general.
• Pleasant retro vintage design suitable for a living room environment.
• Higher relative price point than other models.
• More components offer more potential for things not working.
• Not good for the portable environment.

2. Jensen JTA-410

4.0 Stars

Under $100

• Basic no-nonsense design suitable for many environments.
• Many advanced digital extras like MP3 and USB compatibility not usually found at the sub-$100 price point.
• Offers battery operation, though this requires 8 C batteries.
• Turntable + digital options only; no radio or CD options.
• Sturdy housing for the system offers secure portability at a low price point.

3. Innovative Technologies Victrola Aviator 8-in-1

$100-$150

3.8 Stars

• Feature rich with integrated AM/FM/CD/Cassette, USB output for recording to digital, RCA line in for IPhone and MP3 playback and headphone jack. Also includes Bluetooth playback capability.
• Some of the very best sound quality due to its higher end speakers.
• No support for external speakers.
• Classic Victrola retro vintage design
• Not suitable for the portable environment.

4. Innovative Technologies Victrola Aviator 6-in-1

Under $100

3.6 Stars

• A slightly cheaper model of the 8-in-1 which does not include USB or AM radio
• Still some of the very best sound quality due to its higher end speakers.

5. Crosley Collegiate

$100-$150

3.2 Stars

• Includes USB and MP3 playback as well as support for external speakers.
• Classic Crosley retro vintage design.
• Maximum suitability for the portable environment.

You can also read our article entitled: Ranking the Best Crosley Record Players on the Market

If you enjoyed this article, please “like” our new Facebook page!

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2. What’s the Best Affordable Record Player?
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4. Are Crosley Record Players Bad for Beginners?
5. What are the Best Headphones for a Turntable?
6. Guide to Record Players with Bluetooth Capability

Whether you are a beginner audiophile (a hi-fi or home audio enthusiast), an avid user, or a returning enthusiast from the old days of great record players, you’re going to enjoy this easy-to-understand review and comparison to other similar turntables (or record players) on the Pro-Ject Essential II.

In fact, in this review, we’re going to dissect the Pro-Ject Essential II to find out whether this affordable turntable is worth your hard earned money.  We’ll also compare and contrast it to popular record players like the Pro-Ject III and Debut Carbon, as well as the U-Turn Orbit and Rega RP1.

In fact, to better help you, please feel free to use the interactive table below to directly compare the Pro-Ject Essential II to some other very popular and comparable record players on the market:

Photo	Model	Price	Rating	Key Feature
	Pro-Ject Essential II	$$	★★★	Low-resonance MDF Platter
	Pro-Ject Essential III	$$	★★★	Ortofon OM10 cartridge
	Project Debut III	$$	★★★★	Isolated AC Motor
	Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC	$$	★★★★	8.6" Carbon Tonearm
	Rega RP1	$$	★★★	Rega Carbon MM Cartridge
	U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus	$$	★★★★	Machined Acrylic Platter
	Audio-Technica AT-LP120USB	$$	★★★★	USB Direct Drive
	Fluance RT81	$$	★★★★	Built-in Pre-Amp
	ProJect RM 1.3	$$	★★★★	Decoupled AC Synchronous Motor

Features

This Essential II turntable is manually operated with a low-vibration, low-voltage synchronous motor, and an integrated motor control with DC power supply. The motor drives the silicone belt that goes around the platter made of MDF that’s low-resonance with a bearing made from stainless steel runs in bronze bushing with a Teflon bottom.

Under the platter is a lightweight base made of laminated particle board with special rubber feet for effective decoupling to prevent feedback to the stylus (or needle).

The tonearm is a one-piece standard size made of aluminum with sapphire bearings for low-resonance and pre-mounted to the base. On the front end of the tonearm is an Ortofon OM5e moving magnetic cartridge and stylus. On the back end is the counterweight dial to balance the tonearm and an anti-skate weight used to adjust how the tonearm moves across the record. It comes with manual speed change for 33-1/3 and 45 rpm speeds accomplished by moving the belt that goes around the platter either up or down. It is available in three colors of black, red, or white.

Below, please take a moment to view some of the best-selling record players currently available for sale on Amazon:

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60
2. 1byone 3-Speed Turntable
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB
4. Fluance RT81
5. Project Debut Carbon DC

The Pros of the Essential II

The Essential II is a entry-level affordable turntable making it a great choice for newcomers. It has excellent crisp sound with the ability to let you hear more detailed sounds that may not be heard on more expensive turntables. One leading magazine in the UK on home entertainment called What Hi-Fi? gave it an award in 2015 for being the best turntable that cost under $400.

The Ortofon OM5e moving magnetic (MM) cartridge is a bonus as it is valued at $50 if bought separately. Many users feel that this cartridge is far better than others priced higher. It comes with the elliptical shaped stylus that has a low wear rate on records and distortion-free sound. The cartridge is held by a one-piece tonearm with sapphire bearings that is made of aluminum making it lightweight but sturdy, which most users felt was the reason it had few tracking problems. This part of the turntable is the most delicate and needs to be handled carefully, especially since you manually place it on the record.

As for the base that holds the platter, it is well-constructed with a nice quality finish made of lightweight laminated particle board. On the bottom are three rubber feet that grip the surface it’s sitting on.

The Cons with Solutions

The biggest here just might involve the drive belt that runs around the platter. It can be tricky to use and falls off easily. It would be nice to have a groove in the platter to keep it from slipping so much. If you have never used a turntable with a belt drive exposed, you should keep fingers clean of sweat or oil when handling and keep them away from the belt when changing records. And, of course, you should not put on or take off a record while the turntable is moving.

In one of the review forums there were a few people that complained that the Essential II didn’t have a preamp built in. They most likely were not aware that if the specs on a turntable do not say “plug-and-play” or “preamp built-in” then it means there is not a preamp included. They do this as some people already have a preamp so before you buy a turntable, you need to consider whether you want to get a model that already has one built in or not.

If you don’t know what a preamp is—it is short for preamplification also known as the phono stage. The short explanation is that the audio signal that comes directly from the cartridge is very faint so a preamp is required to amplify that analog signal before sending it to the main amplifier. For the long explanation, you can go to Wikipedia. The original purpose of the preamp was to amplify the ten percent bass that the record cannot produce because it’s not physically possible to record on vinyl. When the vinyl records were phased out, the amplifier manufacturers took the preamp out of the amplifiers. To make up for that some turntables come with a preamp built in.

There were some complaints that the base under the platter could be heavier as it’s not very sturdy. It is made of particle board which isn’t that heavy so using a heavier material like MDF would be a way to solve that and Pro-Ject has changed to MDF and other materials with their newer models. However, there may be other things coming into play that may solve a problem of slight movements, such as the placement of the turntable. It should always be on a wood flat surface because wood doesn’t resonate the sound as much as other material. It also should be somewhere that you can reach easily but should not be on the same shelf as the speakers. Plus, it needs to be at least a foot away from speakers, TV or anything that may cause a slight shifting.

For someone that’s used to having an auto return on the tonearm, not having it can be frustrating. This makes sense but it’s just a matter of time to get used to doing it manually. Also, there were a few complaints about the anti-skid being hard to set up properly and the weight easily falling off. Try watching YouTube videos on setting up the anti-skid, plus they have other tips.

Another thing to bring to your attention is that the dustcover may be stiff and hard to open and when opened, it can cause the platter to tip due to having only three feet to stabilize it. While playing your records, it’s not advisable to move the dustcover but instead just leave it open until you are finished using it. I agree that adding a fourth foot would help and Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon did just that by adding a foot to make it more stable (more on that below in Comparisons).

If by chance you don’t get a parts list with your shipment, these are the items you should have in the box:

• A turntable with platter and a tonearm and cartridge with stylus (installed & packed together)
• AC power supply with a 6’5” DC cord and 3 AC plug adapters
• Drive belt, 45 RPM adapter, an anti-skate weight, and a counterweight
• Plastic hook tool and a two-point cartridge alignment protractor
• Dustcover, felt platter cover, and the Owner’s Manual

If there is anything missing, look up the number for a local dealer on Pro-Ject’s website and they can help you out. If you have any issues that are not answered in the Owner’s Manual, call your local dealer.

Comparisons

It is always good to compare any important purchase with others that are similar in price range to see if you are getting a good deal.  So I have researched the differences between the Essential II and the below four turntables and these are the results:

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon vs Essential II

Its price runs $100 more than the Essential II. The cartridge is worth $100 more if bought separately. This model does not have a dustcover. It is more stable with a heavier base and has four feet instead of three. The belt is concealed and it has a larger platter. The carbon tonearm is more rigid but just as light. The calibrating may take more time. The sound may not seem much different to a new or casual listener but to the more experienced ear, it’s considered a step up from the Essential II.

• You can read our review of the ProJect Debut Carbon D here.

U-Turn Orbit vs Pro-Ject Essential II

The U-Turn Orbit comes with preamp around the same price or without a preamp for almost $100 less. There’s no set-up as it comes ready to play right out of the box and has an acrylic platter. For those who want to buy only American-made, this is the one for you. Some reviews say it has inconsistent speed issues and a high wow and flutter. It is not as much a value as it used to be and there is no USB option.

Pro-Ject Debut III vs Essential II

Price varies a lot from $100 less to the same or up to $100 more with a preamp. There are many similarities to the Essential II, such as tonearm and cartridge. Some complaints are that motor starts humming after using for a few months. It is considered a solid entry-level turntable with plug-n-play available.

• You can read our review of the ProJect Debut III here.

Rega RP1 vs Pro-Ject Essential II

Price varies from $50 less to the same or more. It is similar to Essential II but cartridge upgrade may be needed. There are some complaints of speed variations. The motor can be louder than Essential II and others in same price range. Some said it is cheaply made and shouldn’t be in the same price range.

• You can read our review of the Rega RP1 here.

Essential II Phono USB and Digital

In your research, you may have come across other Essential II models, such as the Essential II Phono USB and the Essential II USB+Optical (or Digital). If you’re wondering what the differences are, I’m here to help you out. The main difference between the Essential II and the Phono USB is that the Phono USB has a built-in MM phono preamp and an analog-to-digital converter with USB connectivity compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It requires music-recording software to load onto your computer, which can be downloaded from the Internet. One thing that’s the same is the price.  However, the Essential II Digital runs $50 more and has a built-in preamp that features digital fiber-optic and analog connections so it can be connected to multiroom systems, TVs, soundbars, or any device that supports 24 bit/96 kHz stereo digital audio.

Verdict

All in all, the Essential II is a basic turntable that is a good pick for someone just starting out or anyone that is looking for one of the best affordable turntables around that sounds awesome. The fact that it won an award just two years ago for being the best turntable under $400 says quite a bit. Besides that, our pros are double the amount of the cons. Another plus is that 99 percent of the individual reviews said the sound was the number one thing they loved about it. If you don’t want to spend extra money on a preamp that would be sitting outside your deck, it would be best to get the Pro-Ject’s Essential II Phono USB with a built-in preamp at no extra cost.

Tips for the Beginner

If you are not familiar with how to care for your vinyl records (or LPs meaning long-playing), there are a few things that are important to know to keep your equipment running in tip-top shape. There are a lot of fancy accessories available that you can decide on later but to start out with, you will need a record cleaning brush and a stylus cleaning kit.  Also, before you purchase the turntable is the time to learn about record maintenance. The Best Turntable is a website to learn how to clean and preserve your vinyl records.

Conclusion

Now imagine you are opening the box. Be careful not to rush too fast and end up damaging something. Slowly take the packaging out and place each piece gently down. Follow the written instructions or the video as you set up your terrific turntable!

Enjoy the music!

• If you enjoyed this article, please “like” our new Facebook page!

You Also Might Enjoy:

1. Record Collecting Beginners Guide: How to Get Started
2. What’s the Best Affordable Record Player?
3. DJing for Beginners: Are Turntables Dead?
4. Are Crosley Record Players Bad for Beginners?
5. What are the Best Headphones for a Turntable?