On the Record

The best turntables at any budget.

On the Record

The best turntables at any budget.

March 2, 2017

Sure, there's no real need to buy a record player these days. In a world of unlimited digital music, monthly streaming services and Bluetooth Sonos speakers, why go lo-fi? Well, there's a certain bespoke appeal to building a library of vinyl records—the kind of albums you'll never get tired of hearing—and playing them on your own turntable. Nearly seven decades after the format was introduced, those LPs (the thin 12" vinyl discs known as "long-players") continue to appeal to younger generations. Ask any audiophile and they'll go on and on about the uniquely rich sound that emits from a turntable.

So what should you be looking for in a record player? That all depends on your individual needs and budget. But in short, a quality player should sound great and look good sitting out in your home. From a basic starter turntable for anyone who isn't sure about committing, to some expertly crafted high-end options for those ready to splurge, here are a few options for your record-spinning setup.

The Starter Kit

If you're just dipping your toes into the vinyl experience, this entry-level turntable has a retro design inspired by the classic players of the '70s, and comes complete with two (fairly decent sounding) detachable speakers. There's also a built-in AM/FM radio.

Radio and record player with detachable speakers, $139 by Crosley

Cut the Cord

This low-profile player gives you all the features of Audio-Technica's popular AT-LP60 automatic turntable but with the added convenience of wireless connectivity. Set up your turntable in one room and listen to it in another. Up to eight different pairs of Bluetooth speakers or headphones can be stored in its memory.

Bluetooth wireless turntable, $178.95 by Audio-Technica

Stand It Up

This sexy set-up, made in Chicago from genuine walnut wood, boasts a carbon fiber tonearm, vibration-dampening feet, a high-performance diamond-tip cartridge and dual neodymium full-range stereo speakers. The fact that the vertical setup looks so cool is almost just a nice bonus.

Vertical turntable with built-in stereo speakers, $550 by Gramovox

For the Audiophile Aesthete

Built in Detroit from carefully sourced elements from some of the best audio manufacturers, Shinola's first turntable is an incredibly sturdy and handsome player that features a built-in phono preamplifier and a belt driven pulley. It's also guaranteed for life.

Rose gold Runwell turntable, $2,500 by Shinola

Watch
Where You
Put It

There's more to it than simply clearing a place on the shelf. Vibrations caused when the needle travels through the grooves in a record are literally what creates sound. So any external vibrations will also be turned into sound, usually in the form of a hum. Heavy vibrations can even cause the needle to skip.

On the Record

On the Record

On the Record

The Starter Kit

Cut the Cord

Stand It Up

For the Audiophile Aesthete

For the Audiophile Aesthete

WatchWhere YouPut It

Related

Watch
Where You
Put It