5 Best Vintage Record Players of 2021
If you’re going to play vinyl, why not have a player that brings with it that nostalgia, too! The sound and performance are important, but so too is the look, and that is why we thought we would share with you a few options that we think are the best vintage record players on the market today. Check them out!
LuguLake Retro Turntable
Vintage record players will give you a different vibe to your décor, and our first option is a beautiful and compact model. The look and nostalgic feeling aside, there are a lot of cool features that have a more modern vibe.
Review
These modern flourishes add a little something extra. For us, the ability to use this record player via Bluetooth or even hook it up to your electronic devices via USB cable helps improve the versatility.
Even with all that, we still have a few things that could be improved upon here. Of these, the volume is the biggest issue for us. There is not as much breadth of volume as we would like. After all, sometimes, you just want to crank it up and rock out, right?!
Pros
- Designed with a vintage look and a compact design
- Can be controlled with a remote control
- Can be used with both Bluetooth and USB
- Outfitted with an FM stereo for the versatility of music playability
Cons
- No place to store your record collection
- Some may find the volume settings a little limiting
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Victrola Metropolitan Record Player
If you’re not looking for a late 19th-century vibe and you prefer something a little more modern (like the 1930s, 1940s, or 1950s), then we love this Victrola model.
Review
The modern touches that bring it into this century include LED lights around the dial. This may seem small, but if you have problems seeing or like to listen to music in low light, it comes in handy.
It also has Bluetooth compatibility for a good range of about 33 feet. Plus, you don’t have to get up to drop the needle, as there is an automated switch that starts and stops the record. That is nice because you don’t have to worry about scratching the vinyl.
We may like this model a lot, but it is by no means a perfect design. Like a lot of these more budget-friendly options, the design is not quite to our liking. We like to get loud sometimes, and the volume on this just is not designed for that. Also, the 45 adapter that comes with it is not sized quite right.
Pros
- Beautiful mid-century style adds a nice aesthetic to your home
- Outfitted with LED lights around the dial for easier visibility
- Can play 3 different speeds of vinyl
- Crafted with an automated arm lift system
Cons
- Issues with the size of the 45 adapter that it comes with
- Will not be able to blast your tunes very well
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Lauson XN592 Record Player
Let’s move into the 1950s and 1960s with our vintage record players. This model is a three-speed player that sports a classic wooden finish. When you pull this record player out of the box, you won’t have to wait long to get the groove going.
Review
The plug-and-play build means almost no adjustments needed to get the needle in those grooves. When you do, you will love the crisp, clear tone that you get. This will help you hear every bit of that unique sound texture that you get with vinyl.
Unfortunately, though, we have to tell you that some issues have occurred when using this piece. The biggest issue is the needle and cartridge quality. If you are a die-hard audiophile, you will be disappointed. Also, we didn’t have the problem, but some have had issues with the height adjustment system breaking.
Pros
- Offers crisp, clean sound
- Simple connection to your sound system/computer
- Comes with an extra needle for replacement
- Plug-and-play system for easy use
Cons
- Some issues with the height adjustment lever’s quality and durability
- Quality of the needle and cartridge could be better
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LP & No. 1 Vintage Turntable
Once again, we are looking at a vintage model that is styled in the late 19th and early 20th-century style. Compact and sleek-looking, we love this record player more for the performance than the look (although the look is cool, too!). The sound that you get from this record player is better than a lot of the models at this level.
Review
It is also crafted with an AM/FM radio so that you can increase the amount of music you can listen to. Plus, you can stream your own music playlists from your favorite streaming services through the high-quality built-in speakers.
The look is killer, but to mount the horn to the body, the company uses glue, and this is one of the elements we like the least. Honestly, no one wants to get a cool vintage record player with huge globs of glue around the horn. This is not something every unit has, but it has happened quite a few times. It is also not the unit to buy if you like music with a lot of bass.
Pros
- Sound quality is good even on older records
- Designed to give you the ability to stream music through speakers
- Price versus value is nice when compared to other models
- Outfitted with an AM/FM radio for more music choice
Cons
- Some have had issues with glue build-up around the horn
- Sound quality is less than desirable when it comes to bass
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ANGELS HORN Record Player
When we say “vintage”, a lot of people think of the 1950s or before, but time moves on, and you can add the 1970s and 1980s to that list. If that is more what you are looking for, then we dig this model from ANGELS HORN. It is unique, as it comes with a preamp built-in which improves its volume capability.
Review
This model also gives you the ability to record your vinyl onto a digital platform via a USB cord, and it is Bluetooth-compatible. We also appreciate the inclusion of energy-saving technology, as well.
Even with all that, this vintage record player is not perfect. The Bluetooth connectivity is kind of finicky and will take a little time to set up. Although a minor issue, we wish that the USB cord was a little longer. It would make transferring vinyl a little easier.
Pros
- Quick and simple to set up and balance
- Internal preamp gives a decent volume and sound quality
- Comes with the ability to record vinyl via USB
- Has an auto shut-off for energy conservation
Cons
- Some have had issues with the Bluetooth connectivity
- Included USB cord may be too short for some
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Final Thoughts
There you have it! These are the vintage record players that we suggest to all our friends, which just so happens to include you. Enjoy your tunes!
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