Best Vintage Record Players Review

What to expect from vintage-looking record players?

If you’re hesitating between a traditional vintage turntable and a vintage-looking model, I’d recommend you pick the latter one.

Undoubtedly, actual retro record players bring the timeless look from the past, pleasing even the most exacting taste and complementing any home decor. But on the other hand, antique turntables cost a fortune; plus, they require much more upkeep.

On the contrary, modern vintage-style turntables are user-friendly and come packed with up-to-date technologies. Many include Bluetooth, USB, CD player, AM/FM radio, and a 3-speed option. More importantly, such models produce quite good sound quality.

Best vintage record players review

Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 – best overall

Electrohome was established in 1907, and since that time, it’s been at the forefront of technology. This brand produces unique audio equipment that combines retro design and modern, practical features.

Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 is no exception. As the name implies, it is not just a turntable – it’s a home stereo system, a gateway to your whole audio collection.

Want to listen to your classic records? No problem! Here’s a 3-speed belt-drive turntable. But mind that the needle is mediocre, so do not expect exceptional sound. Next, you can stream your vinyl music collection to any Bluetooth-enabled device or listen to the AM/FM radio. The Electrohome Kingston also allows you to digitize your LPs and CDs into MP files for playback on USB or SD card media devices. All these features give you the flexibility to enjoy your music any way you want.

This stately beauty can double as a stylish furniture piece housed in an elegant retro design cabinet made from handcrafted acoustic wood panels. Aesthetically, the Kingston 7-in-1 is very stylish indeed. It’s probably one of the most beautiful pseudo-vintage turntables I’ve ever seen. However, it’s quite heavy (23.8 pounds), so find a place for it before buying, ’cause it won’t be easy to move this beauty around the house.

The player includes built-in speakers featuring Electrohome’s signature warm acoustics – no need to tangle with messy wires or invest in home theater speakers.

As for sound, of course, Kingston 7-in-1 will not satisfy the most demanding audiophiles. However, for most users, it is an excellent device in terms of affordability, build quality, sound, and appearance.

In some reviews of this model, users have noted that they wish the player had more volume. Personally, I didn’t find this as a problem. Yes, the Kingston 7-in-1 could play louder (and it is certainly achievable with the added speakers), but for me, this player plays loud enough to be satisfied.

1byone H009 – also great

If you are not interested in the all-in-one systems but want a retro-style, good-sounding turntable with a few modern twists, take a closer look at the 1byone H009.

This belt-drive TT spins at two speeds – 33 and 45 RPM and has an integrated phono stage & speakers for your convenience. Honestly, I’m not a fan of built-in components, and these ones haven’t impressed me. But when I connected the player to my external devices, it made a huge difference in audio quality.

But what makes H009 outperform even our top-list player Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 is its Audio-Technica cartridge with a diamond-tipped stylus. Yes, this is not a high-end cart (don’t expect a super detailed sound), but it’s much better than what our winner has. Further, the system features an adjustable counterweight, essential for any serious classic vinyl player. However, it is imbalanced and needs extra tuning, which might be a point of frustration for beginners. I also didn’t like a cheap felt mat – upgrade it, and you’ll definitely notice the improvement in tonearm alignment.

With wireless streaming, you can pair and play music from all of your favorite devices like a smartphone, tablet, PC, and USB-MPG player through the turntable’s speakers using Bluetooth.

I love the player’s elegant design with streamlined corners and wood finish – it looks classy and fits in any home or office space.

Victrola Navigator 8-in-1 – budget

Victrola brand started more than a century ago and has become a significant player in the phonograph game right from the get-go.

I won’t claim that the Navigator 8-in-1 is its finest representative, but it certainly has its merits. This model’s fans love its charming vintage appearance and feature-rich nature. It includes a 3-speed belt-driven turntable, CD & cassette playback, FM Radio, and Bluetooth. Everything functions but not without quirks. The spinner sometimes skips through records, and the radio often captures several frequencies at once on a single station.

Besides, the integrated speakers’ quality leaves much to be desired – there’s a persistent hiss and sporadic crackling sounds, even when the volume is low. Luckily, the RCA output lets you hook the player up to external speakers. I also appreciated a headphone jack, which is perfect for late-night listening. And the included full-function remote control means you don’t even have to get up off the couch to change the song.

LuguLake – vintage phonograph

Hunting for an antique-looking piece of art that does much more than just playing your old vinyl collection? You may end your search here! LuguLake is a handcrafted phonograph that combines an elegant vintage design and contemporary technology.

This belt-drive gramophone includes a replaceable ruby stylus and copper brass horn with a 10W tweeter . Plus, it has 2x20W full-range stereo speakers in the base that are capable of producing 360-degree surround audio . But I’m afraid the sound will not satisfy critical listeners – although clear, it’s absolutely bassless, meaning there is no depth in the music. On the positive side, the player can get pretty loud.

It supports vinyl records of 7″, 10″, and 12″, plus, it has 33 and 45 playing speeds, making it quite versatile. Moreover, this model comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and Aux input so that you can stream music from your gadgets.

Finally, the wood, vibration-resistant base provides stylish stability for this piece; the bronze covers over the speakers and knobs to match look gorgeous.

Victrola V50-200

The Victrola V50-200 is a sleek and stylish addition to any home, and it’s packed with generous features that any music lover will appreciate.

Just like its more expensive sibling – Victrola Navigator 8-in-1, the V50-200 is a belt-driven, 3-speed system that plays LPs at 33 1/3, 45, & 78 RPM, allowing you to enjoy any vinyl format. Furthermore, this multifunctional model boasts an integrated CD player, stereo speakers, and AM/FM radio with an illuminated tuner. Plus, the 3.5mm aux-in and headphone output let you play music from any non-Bluetooth gadget. You can also record from vinyl to MP3 via USB with the included easy-to-use recording software.

Now, let’s talk about the downsides. The V50-200 comes with a poor plastic adapter and doesn’t have a mat, resulting in degraded sound. It seems like the record doesn’t rotate that well and the sound is “warbled”. I’ve solved this issue by adding a mat and heavier adapter – the turntable began to sound better. Keep in mind, though, that because of its lightweight build and compact internal speakers, the player just isn’t able to deliver truly high-quality sound.

Next, this model lacks Bluetooth connectivity for external speakers. Personally, I’m not interested in syncing my phone to play music via Bluetooth. Instead, I’d prefer to connect the player to my surround sound system wirelessly and enjoy my music that way.

Crosley CR6231D

Crosley CR6231D is a retro turntable that really captures the essence of a home in the 1950s. And this is nearly the sole rationale behind this babe’s inclusion in my list. – yes, it’s just adorable.

Like other turntables, this belt-driven unit can play at two speeds – 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. It also plays 7″, 10″ & 12″ records, giving you more flexibility. Further, the CR6231D features a Bluetooth receiver so you can stream music wirelessly to the integrated stereo speakers. The Bluetooth works really well, and as for me, the sound it puts out is even better than the LPs. However, you can hook the player up to your stereo system using the RCA line-out located on the back of the unit.

The table includes an AT-3600 moving-magnet cartridge that delivers a warm analog sound and an adjustable pitch control so that you can set an ideal speed for your records.

The build quality of the CR6231D, however, raises some concerns. Despite its attractive appearance, the turntable feels lightweight and somewhat toy-like, which may not inspire confidence in its durability over time. Additionally, the craftsmanship, particularly in the finishing touches, leaves room for improvement. The leather wraps, intended to add a touch of class, don’t fully cover the frame, and the material covering the player does not align perfectly in all corners. These details might be particularly noticeable and disappointing if you are a detail-oriented person.

Vintage-style record player buying guide

Record speeds and capabilities

When shopping around for a turntable, it’s essential to be aware of the different speeds and capabilities that they offer. Many models have three speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPMs. However, some vintage-style record players can also play 7″, 10″ or even 12″ records. Additionally, they connect to external speakers to provide better sound quality.

Built-in speakers and phono preamp

Most vintage-looking turntables have built-in speakers, which is very convenient if you don’t have any other speakers available. An integrated phono preamp amplifies the sound from your player so that it can be played through your computer, stereo system, or headphones.

All models in my review have high-quality built-in speakers and preamps – these components are completely enough to play music at room-filling levels.

Additional features of vintage record players

Many vintage-style record players also have Bluetooth, USB, or AUX input capabilities. It means that you can connect them to other gadgets, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, and play your records through them.

So, if you’re looking for a versatile turntable that can be used with a variety of different devices, be sure to look for one with these additional, convenient features.