10 Best Vintage Record Player

Introduction

Music is a way people express their emotions coupled with beautiful symphonies and tunes. In the early days, people went to concerts or to live sessions in order to savor music. But not long after, there was a means invented from which you could listen to music to your heart’s content from the comfort of your home. Once the first record player was invented, it changed the music industry forever.

History of Vintage Record Players

A record player is a device which is used to play and output music. It uses a turntable which is powered by a belt system to move that turntable. On top of that a vinyl record is placed which has grooves and patterns on which is actually the music which is imprinted in order for it to play. There is a metal arm known as the tonearm which is attached above where the vinyl is supposed to sit and at the end there is a tip which is made from hard material which is mostly diamond.

The tip is lowered onto the vinyl and the tip runs across the grooves of the vinyl as it is moved via the belt system. The needle picks up the vibrations from the vinyl and these vibrations are then carried out through the metal band at the end of the tonearm. There is a coil located after that, which is in a magnetic field and it converts the vibrations into electrical signals which are eventually converted to analog via the speakers and then the speakers produce music.

The first record player was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison and was not a turntable and instead was a phonograph which was later converted to a gramophone in 1887 which led to the revolution of the music industry.

When the record player was invented in 1877, it played and recorded sound through a tin foil covered cardboard cylinder which was quite spectacular and innovative. Then in 1887, wax was added to the design which would enable it to record sound waves adding depth to the sound played. At first this gramophone was made of shellac and hard rubber which was later changed to the vinyl we’re all familiar with.

In time this design was improved and later a drive or belt system was added to move the vinyl and a metal arm was added parallel to the vinyl along with a needle at the tip. This would automatically run and read the vinyl and would output the sound from the speakers.

In the 1970’s and 1960’s, the record player became a big hit once again as a model was released which allowed for stereo playback. This was quite exciting and innovative that thousands of people jumped on the bandwagon and got their own turntable in order to experience that Hi-Fi sound. Over time the discs were converted to vinyl and nowadays we have record players with modern features such as Bluetooth, USB recording, aux and RCA connections etc. 

Nowadays the trend is towards vintage record players. These are designed to look like old records from the outside but they are modern machines on the inside with the features of a modern record player.

10 Best Vintage Record Player

This vintage record player is a minimalistic looking player which adds an antique and attractive look to your living space and has a dual purpose as a very unique decoration piece. It has a solid wooden construction which further adds to the aesthetic. It comes equipped with stereo speakers which are loud enough for the average consumer and has a belt driven system which reduces vibrations from the motor and ensures better performance.

It also has Bluetooth connectivity making it easy for you to listen to the music of your choice and it also comes equipped with a RCA audio output to connect to external amplifiers and also an AUX port to plug in your devices and listen to music. This can allow you to have a specific collection of your favorite vinyl’s while having the ability to listen to any music without purchasing the vinyl which will over time save you a couple of hundred dollars.

Features

• Bluetooth
• RCA audio output
• Inbuilt stereo speaker
• Diamond stylus
• Solid wood construction
• Aux Input
• Headphone jack
• Auto-stop
• Headphone jack

Pros

• Already included speaker
• Loud and clear sound quality
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Accurate diamond needle
• Classic retro look

Cons

• Vinyl skips
• Low RPM

Verdict

The is a nice record player which doubles as a stereo speaker with its front facing speaker. It features a diamond stylus which accurately reads the vinyl and headphone jack for private listening if you want to indulge in the world of music alone.

Victrola Navigator 8 in 1

Victrola is a 100 year old company and has quite a lot of experience in original vintage record players. This record player is a more antique and traditional looking player which adds a unique and interesting look to your living space and will be a great conversation piece. It has a solid wooden construction which adds that aesthetic flair. It is an 8-in-1 meaning it has the capability to have 8 functions all in a single wooden box. It has a 3 speed turntable with different RPM settings and can play any vinyl disc.

It has Bluetooth connectivity which allows for wireless audio streaming and you can listen to your favorite tunes with ease. It has a FM radio, USB connectivity for audio recording and playback, a cassette and CD player which allows for audio listening capabilities on all platforms. It also has a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting your devices and a RCA Output which can be used to plug in amplifiers. it features a headphone jack for your private music listening  needs.

You also have the option of recording the vinyl audio into mp3 via the included USB cable and a software. It comes with a remote with all functions which add to the ease of controlling your audio. The Navigator has a beautiful wooden box construction with a wooden lid and has an antique knob and audio controlling buttons to add to that antique look. You will not be disappointed when you consume your audio through the dynamic full range stereo speaker that is built into this machine

Features

• Bluetooth
• RPM control
• Cassette and CD player
• FM radio
• Dynamic Stereo speaker
• RCA audio output
• Wooden box
• Aux Input
• Headphone jack

Pros

• Feature rich
• Easy to use
• Amazing sound quality
• Solid construction
• Aesthetic
• Connectivity options

Cons

• CD player reported defective
• Turntable issues

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Verdict

The Victrola Navigator 8 in 1 is a great package for the vintage record player enthusiasts as this gives a lot of features and still looks like a traditional player but with the heart of a modern record player. The Victrola 8-in-1 offers great value for the money and is a viable option if you’re in the market for a record player which has a classy look and finish.

WOCKODER Classic Vinyl Player

This minimalistic and clean looking record player adds a unique touch to your living space and is quite simplistic but loaded with features. This compact record player has a solid wooden construction with rubber foot padding to absorb sound vibrations and avoid interference.

It has quite a simple and elegant design and isn’t overbearing. It has a collocation thick dust cover to give your vinyl the protection it deserves. It features a straight style tone arm which adds to the minimalistic appeal. The three speed turntable allows up to 3 RPM modes and fits three sizes of Vinyl (7”, 10” and 12”). It features built in speakers which means you don’t have to spend an extra dime on the setup as you have everything you need.

The amazing belt device technology in this vintage record player gives you that extra bass and crisp sound quality due to fewer vibrations. The spring attached in the base of the turntable adds to the sound quality. It also comes equipped with a Bluetooth connectivity option so that you can listen to your favorite tunes while sitting comfortable and without the clutter of wires. It is also easy to operate and requires little to none expertise.

Features

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Dust cover
• Rubber padding
• Straight style tone arm
• Powerful stereo speaker
• Solid wood construction

Pros

• Budget friendly
• Bluetooth input
• Amazing speaker
• Minimalistic design
• Antique look

Cons

• No RCA output
• Lid only closes on smaller vinyl

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Verdict

The Wockoder is a viable option for people that are interested in getting a record player as it is quite easy to use compared to other vintage record players found in the market and it has the option of wirelessly streaming your music which can save you money in buying every vinyl out there.

Victrola 50’s Retro Record Player

The Victrola 50’s retro record player is another amazing option from the 100 year old company. This vintage player surely does take you back in time with its 50’s jukebox diner style look. This record player is more of an exciting old look compared to the normal antique and traditional looking players in the market with its bright colors and jukebox style body. This will surely add an exciting and fun look to your space and will be an excellent conversation piece.

It has a solid construction with a stylish retro case which adds that aesthetic element. It has a 3 speed turntable with different RPM settings and can play any vinyl disc. It has Bluetooth connectivity which allows for wireless audio streaming and you can listen to your favorite tunes without a hassle. It has an AM/FM radio, USB connectivity for audio recording and playback and also a built in CD player. It also has a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting your devices.

It features a headphone jack for your private music listening needs. You also have the option of recording the vinyl audio into mp3 via the included USB cable and a software. It features a unique backlit tuner screen in the form which further adds to that 50’s look. It also features stylish knobs to control volume and FM/AM and premium looking buttons and switches to control the audio.

Features

• Bluetooth
• FM/AM Radio
• Inbuilt stereo speaker
• 3 speed turntable
• CD player
• AUX input
• Backlit tuner
• Retro case

Pros

• Amazing sound quality
• Wireless connectivity
• Stylish retro look
• Audio recording

Cons

• No RCA audio output
• CD player malfunctions

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Verdict

The Victrola 50's Retro Record Player offers a quite unique and out of the box look with its jukebox style retro design. It takes you back to the 50s and gives you the amazing performance along with that. You will not be disappointed with this product.

Crosley CR704D-PA Vintage Style Record Player

The name Crosley was founded honoring Powell Crosley who was a guy from the 1920s who had the idea that music is for everyone and he made a radio for everyone to listen to their favorite tunes. This company released its first player in 1992 and has been making it their mission to make excellent quality products. The Crosley CR704D-PA is a more traditional looking player with its antique design which is quite nostalgic and an aesthetically pleasing wooden trim which adds a unique and interesting look.

It has a solid wooden construction and excellent build quality. It is a multi-functional vintage record player in an old fashioned body. It has a 3 speed turntable with different RPM settings and can play any vinyl disc. It has a Bluetooth receiver to cater for wireless connectivity which allows for streaming your favorite tunes with ease. It has a FM radio, a cassette and CD player which allows for audio listening capabilities on all platforms. It also has a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting your devices and for your private music listening needs. The Crosley has a beautiful wooden box construction with a wooden lid and has a unique old fashioned radio looking front. It also has built in speakers which allow for audio output without any need for external devices.

Features

• Bluetooth receiver
• Three speed turntable
• Cassette player
• Built in speakers
• Aux- in
• AM/FM radio

Pros

• Bluetooth
• Built in speaker
• Retro design
• CD and Cassette player
• Solid build

Cons

• Record skips
• No option for external audio

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Verdict

The amazing build quality paired with its amazing options and features. The Crosley CR704D-PA is a viable option and will deliver excellent sound quality all in a single package.

Crosley CR6233D-RE Classic Vinyl Player

The famous Crosley has done it once again and has given us another amazing option to their already pretty amazing turntable line. The Crosley CR6233D is quite a unique and impressive record player.

 It has an eye-catching box design with beige and red accents and is placed on a pre-installed four legged stand. This gives the player a unique look and eliminates the need for an extra platform to place your turntable allowing you to save space. It has a 2 speed turntable with 2 RPM options which is powered by an efficient belt driven motor and a magnetic cartridge to provide a warm analog sound for your records.

 It is a portable record player and is loaded with features. It has a Bluetooth receiver to cater for wireless connectivity which allows for easy wireless streaming of the music you like. It has a FM radio, a cassette and CD player which allows for audio listening capabilities on all platforms. It also has a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting your devices and for your private music listening needs and contains an adjustable pitch control dial. It also features a dynamic stereo speaker which is quite impressive and gives warm and crisp sound.

Features

• Moving Magnet cartridge
• Bluetooth receiver
• Adjustable pitch control
• Stereo speakers
• Aux in
• RCA audio output
• Matching stand

Pros

• Wireless connectivity
• Portable stand
• Dynamic stereo speakers
• Ability to adjust pitch
• Unique design

Cons

• No CD or cassette player
• Malfunctioning tone arm

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Verdict

The Crosley CR6233D-RE is an interesting record player. Its design is what sets it apart from the competition and absolutely delivers on the performance and aesthetics. It’s a great option for anyone who’s looking.

Electrohome Kingston Retro Record Player

Electrohome is a 100 year old company and have been making home audio devices since then. This record player is a more antique and traditional looking player which adds a unique and interesting look to your living space and will be a great conversation piece.

 It has a retro inspired hand crafted solid wooden construction which is quite exquisite. It is a 7-in-1 meaning it has the capability to have 7 functions all in a single amazing crafted cabinet. It has a 3 speed turntable with different RPM settings and can play any vinyl disc powered by a belt drive system. It has Bluetooth connectivity which allows for wireless audio streaming and you can listen to your favorite tunes with ease. It has a FM radio, USB connectivity for audio recording and playback, a CD player which allows for multiple options for inputting audio. It also has a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting your devices and a RCA Output which can be used to plug in amplifiers. You also have the option of recording and converting the vinyl audio into mp3 via the included USB cable and a software.

It comes with a remote with all functions which add to the ease of controlling your audio. The Electrohome Kingston has a beautiful appeal to it and with its in built speakers you will surely enjoy listening to your favorite tunes. It also comes with a remote to easily control your music.

Features

• Bluetooth
• RCA audio output
• Inbuilt stereo speaker
• Solid wood construction
• Aux Input
• MP3 recording

Pros

• Already included speaker
• Loud and clear sound quality
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Classic retro look
• Sapphire needle

Cons

• Lack of cassette player
• Lid not able to close with Vinyl

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Verdict

Electrohome have outdone themselves and their amazing craftsmanship surely shines through this device. The Kingston is a complete package at a justified price. It is a 7-in-1 and gives you all the exciting options you require all in a beautifully crafted wooden box. It gives great audio quality as it must have.

Victrola Vintage Record Player

This compact vintage player from Victrola is quite unique with its briefcase design and small form factor. This vintage record player is a minimalistic looking player which gives it that unique look and is quite portable so you can place it wherever your heart desires.

It is housed in a solid briefcase type box with solid construction and eye catching color choices. It comes equipped with stereo speakers which are loud enough for the average consumer. It has a three speed turntable with RPM settings available which is powered by a belt driven system which ensures better performance. It also has Bluetooth connectivity making it easy for you to listen to the music of your choice and it also comes equipped with a RCA audio output to connect to external amplifiers and also an AUX port to plug in your devices and listen to music.

It also comes equipped with a CD player for your non wireless options. It already is equipped with a stereo speaker leaving any need for external sources.

Features

• Bluetooth
• RCA audio output
• Inbuilt stereo speaker
• Portable design
• Three speed belt system
• Aux in
• CD player

Pros

• Portable design
• Unique look
• Powerful stereo system
• Bluetooth option
• CD tray for ease

Cons

• No wireless audio out
• Cannot be closed with record

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Verdict

The Victrola Vintage is surely a unique and wonderful option. It is quite portable and its eye catching briefcase design is quite amazing along with its range of features and audio quality. This is a great and viable option for the average consumer and the vinyl enthusiast.

Wrcibo Retro Record Player

This is a minimalistic vintage player with its simple wooden base and dust cover. It houses a 3 speed belt driven turntable with a semi-automatic play tone arm which is equipped with a ceramic stereo cartridge and a sapphire stylus for optimum audio quality.

It has two built in speakers and allows for 3.5mm jack Aux input and output. It also supports RCA audio output for connection to any amplifier or speaker. It has function switches at the front along with audio controls. The Wrcibo is quite simple and can be used indoors or outdoors and a great addition to your setup.

Features

• Three speed belt drive
• Dual stereo speakers
• Aux in
• RAC output
• Headphone jack
• Natural wood build

Pros

• Powerful dual speakers
• RAC option available
• Headphone jack for personal use
• Minimalistic form factor

Cons

• No Bluetooth
• Small speakers

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Verdict

The Wrcibo Vintage Record Player is great entry level vintage record player and it provides great features in a small package. The powerful speakers coupled with the efficient belt drive combine to give you an amazing sound experience. You will not be disappointed if you decide to go for this.

Electrohome Winston Retro Record Player

This is another great option from Electrohome. It is a solid high quality wooden box with a great finish with old style backlit tuner and knobs which provide that great antique look. It features a 3 speed turntable. It is a 3-in-1 system with CD player, FM/AM radio with a 3.5mm headphone jack in the front for private listening. It has a full range dynamic stereo system and provides that quality sound.

Features

• CD player
• Headphone jack
• FM/AM radio
• Solid wood construction
• Full dynamic speakers

Pros

• Headphone jack
• Powerful speakers
• Great wooden finish
• Antique look

Cons

• No Bluetooth
• No RCA audio output
• No Mp3 audio playback and recording

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Verdict

Overall the Winston is a great option for every audio consumer and will provide a great aesthetic to your place. Although it lacks some features it makes it up by its solid wooden construction and powerful speakers that provide a punch. This will surely be a great option for you.

Why Choose a Vintage Record Player?

If you want to relive the old days or you just want to get a glimpse of what it was like then this is a great purchase for you. If you are looking to listen to quality tunes and want to broaden your horizon then go for a vintage record player because they provide amazing sound quality and beautifully read and play you Vinyl and give you a soothing listening experience.

A vintage record player is a great looking device but with modern day features and will surely be a conversation point when you display this in your home. It is surely a great gift for families, children and especially audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts. You will surely be impressed and happy with your purchase.

What to Look for When Choosing a Vintage Style Record Player?

Price

When choosing a vintage record player you need to look out for overpriced options as they might be eye-catching but might not compete in sound quality win comparison to cheaper options.

You need to buy a record player which justifies its price as a turntable itself is quite an investment with the expensive vinyl and extra equipment that is optional and will improve your experience. So you need to save every penny and get the best bang for your buck.

Design

The design and build quality of your vintage turntable should be solid and should be reminiscent of the original record players that would last for generations and would be preserved. So, when choosing a turntable you might want to look into the quality of the materials used and the quality of engineering and construction used to build that vintage player.

Features

While buying a player, you need to see if it does more than play your vinyl. In this day and age you require multiple features and extras packed into a single package. While looking for a vintage turntable makes sure it has enough features for example Bluetooth capability, speakers, radio, CD player etc. you need to get the most value for your money.

Aesthetics

If you decide to put your money down on a record player, then you need to ask yourself if it even looks aesthetically pleasing. A vintage turntable needs to be a unique item and should stand out in your home as it should depict the wondrous moments of the years passed. It should feel pleasing to look at and should not look like a simple box with a disc in the center.

Recommendation

The choices mentioned in our list are from mostly renowned companies with years of experience in making turntables and they all are great options for you if you decide to go for them. But we think that one stands out the most and we recommend the Victrola Navigator 8-in-1.

This vintage turntable provides the best value for money and is an amazing option as it has multiple features packed into a single box. It doesn’t compromise on audio as it has amazing dynamic stereo speakers which are enough for the average person. But if they are not enough then you can connect an external amplifier or speaker to it through its RCA audio output and you can make your listening experience total bliss.

It also has a lot of handy features which can increase its usability. All in all this is a great option for people who are in the market for a turntable as it surely provides an amazing experience. But if you disagree with our recommendation and think you can spend your hard earned money on other options then hopefully our list will help narrow it down for you as all these options are perfect in their own way and will provide you with the best value for your money.

Final Words

Whether you are a Vinyl enthusiast, an audiophile or just a casual listener then a vintage turntable is a great option for you. As this will give you the stress free environment you need to consume your music and just relax. It will be a great addition to your humble abode and will not disappoint you as the sound of a vinyl playing cannot be matched as it is total bliss. In the end it all boils down to what you are looking for in a record player and what features you need and what you are willing to let go to get the ultimate listening experience.