Best Bluetooth Record Player Reviews

How I tested Bluetooth record players

To test Bluetooth vinyl players, I used the following equipment:

• Stereo receiver: Yamaha R-N303
• Phono preamplifier: Emotiva XPS-1
• Stereo speakers:
  1. Bookshelf: Q Acoustics 3020i
  2. Floor Standing: Sony SS-CS3

To evaluate the sound quality of Bluetooth record players, I listened to the following records:

• Leonard Cohen – Popular Problems [2014]
• Jeff Buckley – Grace [1994]
• John Williams – Jurassic Park [1993]
• Four Tet – Sixteen Oceans [2020]
• Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon [1973]
• Fleetwood Mac – Rumours [1977]

Best Bluetooth turntable reviews

Pro-Ject T1 BT – best overall

Pro-Ject’s T1 BT is an entry audiophile turntable that allows you to enjoy your records wirelessly everywhere without running cables through your living room floor.

This model outperforms its competitors (even such strong as Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB and Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500) in many aspects. First off, despite its slim body, the T1 BT boasts a beautiful CNC-machined plinth with no plastic components. Such a construction guarantees there aren’t any hollow spaces inside – it effectively prevents vibrations and inhibits sound degradation. Next, an 8mm thick bead-blasted glass platter provides a smooth spin across any record surface for hours while maintaining perfect speed stability at all times.

Furthermore, if you’re a beginner, you’ll be pleased to know that the player comes with a pre-installed Ortofon OM 5E cartridge. While this cart might not satisfy discerning listeners, it’s still good for those just starting out; plus, it’s possible to upgrade it over time. The cartridge is mounted on a high-quality 8.6” aluminum tonearm, which is fitted with brass bearings to ensure it is both lightweight and moves smoothly without resistance. However, I must admit, I was slightly disappointed to find it lacked an anti-skating adjustment. That said, it’s not a major issue, especially for newcomers, since the arm is already optimized to prevent skating. In addition, the included Allen key lets you adjust the tracking force on the stylus for optimum performance.

Finally, the player has an adapter for playing 7“ singles and a power supply so you can get started listening right away.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB – direct drive

Many users choose direct-drive vinyl players since they provide a more consistent playback. And Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB is the best Bluetooth turntable among direct-drive models in a similar price range. It’s a great option for novice DJs who only try the waters or those who need an affordable yet very reliable TT for home use.
The player comes with a built-in phono preamp, but if you want to improve the sound, a button on the back of the unit allows you to disable the preamp and connect an amplifier. Plus, you can instantly adjust between 33, 45, or 78 RPM speeds and listen to any vinyl format.

Fine-quality features like a stroboscopic platter with speed indicator, well-balanced S-shaped tonearm, replaceable AT-HS6 headshell, and AT-VM95E DMM cartridge with 0.3×0.7 elliptical needle make AT-LP120XBT-USB outperform its rivals in the same price segment. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying the components are premium – no, they are made mostly of plastic; however, they feel really durable. If you’re getting a player for a teenager with a heavy hand, there’s no need to fret over the deck breaking right away.

Finally, the turntable is really versatile with its 5.0 Bluetooth, USB port, and detachable dual RCA output – stream your music, digitize it, or simply enjoy the warm analog sound.

The only downside I’ve found is that adjusting the tonearm tracking force may be somewhat tricky for beginners, but still, it’s doable.

Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 – with speakers

Electrohome is a long-term expert that has been in the market since 1907. This brand builds unique sound systems with a classic aesthetic and contemporary functionality. Kingston 7-in-1 is not an exception – it is an all-in-one turntable, ideal for people who value a wealth of features encased in a gorgeous, vintage-inspired design.

The player can spin records at 3 different speeds – 33, 45, or 78 RPM, making it stand out against competitors that typically have only 2 speeds. I was also pleasantly surprised by the sound this model delivers. Despite cheap components (straight, lightweight tonearm, sapphire needle, etc.), I was enjoying warm, analog sound through its integrated speakers. While the speakers aren’t very loud, there’s an option to connect external ones for more volume. And, as you can guess from the name, this TT is generous with added bonuses such as Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, CD player, and USB – everything functions well.

Last but not least, the handcrafted wooden chassis looks just stunning – it has a stylish retro appearance, complementing mid-century furnishings. The cabinet is also acoustically adapted to prevent vibrations and sound degradation. As a result, this phonograph sounds as good as it looks.

Sony PS-LX310BT

Sony PS-LX310BT is a turntable with Bluetooth connectivity (KW) that prioritizes ease of use above anything else, making this model perfect for newbies.

This super-simple, fully automatic belt-drive deck will give you the freedom to listen to your tunes wirelessly. I was pleased to discover that the turntable supports Bluetooth aptX, a high-quality sound transfer technology found in many high-end audio devices. There’s also a USB output for delivering music to a computer and classic “phono” or “line” level outputs if you don’t want to use Bluetooth.

I won’t compare the PS-LX310BT with my top 2 medalists – Pro-Ject T1 BT and Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB – they are heads & shoulders above in quality. But I think it’s natural to compare it with Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 – while these players are targeted at various audiences, they sit in a similar price segment.

So, let’s start with build quality. Here, the Kingston 7-in-1 definitely wins – hefty 23.75-pound acoustically-tuned wood chassis vs. lightweight 7.9-pound slim plastic body. Although the PS-LX310BT features an aluminum die-cast platter, it still looks and feels like a toy when putting it side by side with the Kingston 7-in-1. On the other hand, the reviewed model has a better cartridge, enhancing audio quality. The cart sits on the J-type tonearm, and while it’s considered better than a straight one, there are no adjustments for tracking and anti-skating. But, let’s be honest, casual listeners (especially beginners) may not need them.

Another thing to bear in mind about the PS-LX310BT is its hardwired, short RCA cables. I’d prefer female jacks, similar to the USB output, allowing for the use of a provided cable. If these cables get damaged, you’d need to get the unit rewired or repaired. So, keep the player away from puppies, cats, and small children.

Crosley C100BT

Crosley C100BT looks like a twin brother of Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB. But don’t let this similarity fool you! The latter is twice as expensive and many times better in quality.

Both players are belt-driven and have S-type tonearms, Audio-Technica cartridges, built-in preamps, pitch controls, and, of course, Bluetooth connectivity. However, unlike the C100BT, the AT-LP120XBT-USB boasts really durable and reliable components – just take a closer look at the players’ photos, and you’ll notice the difference in quality.

As you can guess, cheaper components result in worse functionality. Here’s a short review of the C100BT downsides.

While testing, I noticed the turntable spinning slower than it should at a 33 RPM setting. Tweaking the pitch control corrected this, but it’s a hiccup you wouldn’t expect or want to deal with straight out of the box.

While the sound quality is normal for casual listening, it leans towards the “thin” side, leaving you craving more depth and richness.

The anti-skate feature, designed to prevent the tonearm from wandering across the record, was another area that didn’t live up to expectations. Even cranked to its maximum, it struggled to hold its ground, affecting the playback quality and potentially risking damage to the vinyl.

Design decisions also bring some frustration. The tonearm’s clip, for example, is easy to engage by accident, a small but infuriating detail when you’re in the middle of enjoying your music. Similarly, the RCA connector panel feels fragile, making me nervous about damaging it whenever I plug in or unplug the cables.

Lastly, the built-in preamp, while a convenient feature, could use a bit more punch – if you’re after a more dynamic sound, it leaves you wanting.

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 is an excellent choice for those looking to combine modern convenience with classic analog sound. With its Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect streaming capabilities, this model allows you to easily access your favorite music from various sources. I love its Bluetooth since it improves audio quality even more by reducing lip sync delays from digital formats. Voice control is also available through Alexa, Google Assistant devices, or Siri via Airplay 2 for added convenience.

Under the hood, the Vinyl 500 is sure to impress entry-level audiophiles thanks to its powerful belt-drive motor which minimizes vibrations as well as a decent built-in phono preamp that provides accuracy and sonic purity. The player also has a straight tonearm, which offers optimal tracking and open sound. Furthermore, the slow drop lever operates smoothly and helps with correct needle positioning on the record grooves.

Is this model worse than our winner, Pro-Ject T1 BT? Not at all! The reason the Vinyl 500 doesn’t top my list is because it only works with Yamaha MudiCast speakers. Personally, I consider this a great inconvenience for users. And why does it round out the list? The answer is simple – this deck is quite expensive for many casual listeners who are seeking a good yet simple Bluetooth vinyl record player (KW).

Bluetooth turntable buying guide

How to choose the right record player with Bluetooth?

Just about every new-age table now boasts Bluetooth capability, letting you beam those sweet vinyl vibes straight to your wireless cans or booming speakers. But hey, before you splurge on the best Bluetooth vinyl player, let’s riff on some key notes you should be aware of:

Automatic vs. manual: if you’re just dipping your toes into the vinyl scene, you might want to roll with either a fully automatic or semi-automatic deck. Think of them as the modern maestros of the turntable world – super techy and a breeze to use. But if you’re chasing that authentic vinyl experience and crave top-notch sound, a manual system, with all its hands-on charm, is your jam.

Design & groove: the build isn’t just about looking snazzy on your shelf (though a sleek design or retro vibe never hurt anyone). A weighty base or plinth? That’s the good stuff to keep those pesky vibrations at bay. The platter’s construction is also a game-changer for your sound quality.
Speed is key: ensure your TT can hit all three tempos: 33, 45, and 78 RPM. With that, you’re set to spin any slab of vinyl that comes your way.

Go digital: got a killer vinyl collection? Future-proof those classic tracks by choosing a turntable with a USB port, letting you convert analog masterpieces into digital gold.

Is the sound quality of a Bluetooth audio system worse than a wired one?

In all honesty, a record player that connects to a Bluetooth speaker typically produces worse sound than if you play through a cabled setup.

When an analog signal is converted to a digital signal and then returned to an analog signal before reaching the speakers, the audio becomes compressed, resulting in a loss of details. It can lead to decreased sound quality and possibly greater distortion.

Are vinyl players worth the money?

Setting up your record player for wireless play is probably not for you if you have a high-end system or simply want the greatest sound your player has to offer.

But on the other hand, if you have a mid-range system, don’t care about a potential drop in quality, and want more freedom to put speakers anywhere around your home, try one of the wireless turntables listed here – they don’t disappoint even those with a critical ear!

How to connect a Bluetooth record player with speakers or headphones?

So you’ve got a swanky Bluetooth record player and some booming speakers, and you’re itching to merge their sounds? Perfect. Setting up a To wireless connection between them is simpler than you might think. Follow this easy-peasy guide to get your groove on in no time:

• Ensure both the record player and the speakers are turned on.
• Look for the Bluetooth icon on both devices. It resembles a Bluetooth headset with two arrows pointing outwards.
• Press and hold the pairing button on your record player. Wait for it to blink rapidly, signaling it’s in pairing mode.
• Now, do the same with your speakers. Press and hold their pairing button until they blink rapidly too.
• Once the blinking settles and both devices show a steady light, that’s your cue – they’re now paired.
• Now, every time you turn both devices on, they’ll recognize each other and automatically connect.

If you want to connect your Bluetooth record player to headphones, you’ll need to do the following:

1. Make sure that your headphones are Bluetooth-compatible.
2. Turn on your Bluetooth record player and ensure it is in pairing mode.
3. Search for your headphones in the list of devices that appear on your record player’s screen, and you’re good to go!