Antique record players are a great way to listen to your music and experience all the technology and technology-related nostalgia that comes with them. Many people who like antiques also like antique record players because they can be a nice change of pace from modern devices and still give you access to all of your favorite songs without any hassle.
If you're interested in getting an antique record player, you might be wondering what some of the best antique record players are. While there's not one specific model that is always better than other models, knowing the different options available can help you make a more informed decision about what kind of antique record player to get.
The first thing to look for in an antique record player is whether it is an automatic record player or a manual one. Automatic players are very convenient because they turn off by themselves after the records finish playing, but if you want to listen to more than one album at a time, automatic players can be frustrating because there's no way to make them play multiple albums back-to-back.
The next big factor in choosing an antique record player is whether it has built-in speakers or not. Some people prefer to have a home stereo with separate speakers, while others are happy with the kind of speakers that are built into the antique record players themselves. You might also want to consider what type of music you will be playing on your antique record players- some of the best antique record players are meant for softer music or spoken word, while others can handle a variety of different types of sound.
The last factor to consider in choosing your antique record player is its size and weight. Some antique record players are very bulky and heavy, which might make them difficult to move around the house or put away when you aren't playing them. Others are smaller and lighter, which can be nice if you don't have a lot of space for antique record players or want to keep your favorite records nearby at all times. These are three things that can help you when looking for antique record players- they're not the only considerations, though, so make sure to do your research about different antique record players before you buy one.
Once you've bought your antique record player, you may wonder how to get started with it. Many of the best antique record players come with an instruction manual that can make things easier for you- if not, though, there are several websites out there that have instructions on how to use different types of antique record players. Start by making sure you've learned how to use your specific antique record player, then do some research on the best way to clean it and take care of it so you can make sure it will last as long as possible.
Now let's discuss the top 10 best antique record players:
When you start searching online for record players, you’ll find yourself bombarded with options. To make your life a bit easier, we’ve brought you the top suitcase player reviews below.
Victrola 8-in-1 Entertainment Center
This Victrola 8-in-1 Entertainment Center is a good antique player for several reasons. The first reason is that it is made out of real wood, which means that this Victrola was crafted by hand and not with a machine.
The second reason is that the sound quality on this model is excellent because of its high-quality speaker technology which creates an optimal listening experience. The third reason is that this model has a nice compact design so it will fit nicely in any home. Another important feature of this antique player's design is the storage compartment which helps to keep all of your 78 RPM records organized and easily accessible. Finally, this antique player comes with modern Bluetooth technology so you can wirelessly connect your device and play your favorite songs. These reasons demonstrate why this Victrola 8-in-1 Entertainment Center is a good antique player.
PROS:
- made out of real wood
CONS:
- Bluetooth feature is not as good as it should be, as there is a lot of static.
Crosley CR8005D-TU Executive Portable USB Turntable
This is one of the best-looking turntables out there today with the classic look that will go great with any decor. The Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable comes in a mahogany cabinet to give it the old-style look, but you can also get this same turntable in a walnut cabinet. It is made to be mounted under the counter, so it blends right in with your home audio system. Crosley has made this turntable look old and new at the same time, giving you both looks for your record collection.
You can connect the Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable to any computer with the USB port or your home audio system. This turntable will play all types of records, including the new vinyl records that are available today.
PROS:
- Stylish design.
- Looks old and new at the same time.
- Plays vinyl records from any era including the new vinyl which is popular today.
- Can connect to your computer or home audio system with the USB port or RCA cables (included).
CONS:
- Only plays 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speeds.
- USB and RCA cables come with the turntable, but you will need to purchase a phono cartridge and stereo preamplifier separately.
Victrola 50's Retro Series 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase
The Victrola 50's Retro Series is a great device to have in your home if you are an avid record collector. This device is perfect for playing records, CDs, cassettes and it will even play Bluetooth music from any Bluetooth-enabled device. It comes with a 3-speed turntable that can be used to play 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM records. The Victrola 50's Retro Series also has a built-in AM/FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
The device comes with built-in stereo speakers that provide good sound quality, which is great because the device doesn't come with an RCA or headphone jacks. The Victrola 50's Retro Series looks like old record players from the '50s and '60s. The device is designed to look like a suitcase and it even has the same texture as old suitcases.
PROS:
- The device is designed to look like an old suitcase.
- It comes with Bluetooth connectivity.
- It has good sound quality
CONS:
- No RCA or headphone jacks
Crosley CR8005D-WS Cruiser Deluxe Vintage
The Crosley CR8005D-WS Cruiser Deluxe Vintage turntable is Crosley's newest model of its Cruiser series. This record player model looks like the old suitcase radios that you used to see in the 1940s and 1950s. The vintage radio-style allows this one to be a very popular seller, both for its good looks and great sound quality. With the belt-driven turntable, three speeds (33-1/3, 45, And 78 RPM), diamond stylus needle, and built-in speakers it is both good looking and has some good quality to it.
PROS:
- Looks like a vintage radio (suitcase).
- Belt Driven with built-in speakers.
CONS:
- Some users say the sound quality could be better.
- The built-in speakers aren't very loud.
- Crosley did away with the line-out option that they used to have on all of their models.
Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center
The Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player is an antique record player with some modern features. It's a perfect blend of old and new technology. The device doesn't force you to place your records on it one by one. You can enjoy LPs of different sizes without any fuss.
It also has a Bluetooth feature that lets you enjoy the songs of your choice on it. If you download Victrola's Victrola Vintage Music App, you can connect your phone with the device through Bluetooth and enjoy music directly on it. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about carrying this antique record player around as it comes with a carry handle that makes carrying it very easy.
PROS:
- blends old with new technology.
- plays music through Bluetooth.
CONS:
- Only plays music when connected to Victrola Vintage Music App.
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Manual Portable Stereo Turntable
The Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Manual Portable Stereo Turntable is a good antique player. It comes in different colors and has classic designs. The player works with many formats and can play almost all of your old albums and soundtracks. It also comes with a power cord/adaptor, cartridge, 45 adapters, dust cover, and user guide to give you some hints on how to best use the player. The portable design is useful as you can carry it with you anywhere.
PRO:
- Classic design Portable record player Multipurpose device with old formats
CONS:
- You may need to buy new speakers for it as the original are not that good.
- No Bluetooth connectivity.
Byron Statics Vinyl Record Player
The Byron Statics Vinyl Record Player has been designed to be compact and stylish with its retro-inspired design. It has three speeds, 33 1/3, 45, and 78rpm. The benefit of this feature is that you will never have a problem playing a certain type of vinyl record because this player can handle all types.
It also has a USB port so that it can double as a speaker. The USB port also allows you to record your vinyl into a digital file so that you have a convenient way of listening to all of your music! You can then take this digital copy with you on the go and play it from any computer or media player.
PRO:
- It has high compatibility with all types of vinyl records.
- Good design along with vintage style.
CON:
- No Bluetooth.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK
The Audi-Technica LP-60XBT is an antique turntable that has built-in Bluetooth capabilities for wireless streaming of .mp3 files. The unit comes with a cartridge pre-installed, RCA cables and can play 33 1/3 or 45 RPM records. Unlike most hi-fi units, this unit lacks any ability to change the RPM, but this is offset by the lightweight and minimal design.
The unit itself is lightweight and well designed. It has a distinct white face which allows the user to see its many features. The turntable can be controlled via buttons or by using the included remote control. The only downside of this turntable is that the remote control uses a CR2032 battery that needs to be purchased separately. The fact that it cannot change RPM means that those who want to spin vintage records will need another turntable, but those looking for a device to play currently produced music and old records can do no better than this unit.
PROS:
- Beautiful design
- Bluetooth capabilities for wireless streaming of modern music
- Lightweight and portable
CONS:
- Remote control requires a separate battery (CR2032) to be purchased
- Cannot play 78 RPM records (although this is offset by the fact it only has three speeds; 33 1/3, 45, and 78)
Sony - Bluetooth Stereo Turntable
The Sony Bluetooth Stereo Turntable is a great collection of vintage players at an incredibly priced price.
The Sony Bluetooth Stereo Turntable is the best example of a high-quality product in its category. This vintage turntable is designed to play your favorite vinyl records with good sound quality and built-in speakers. You can also connect this player to Bluetooth speakers as well as any other speaker system if you want. The player is easy to use, and it also gives a preamp output so that you can connect it with your amplifier directly.
The Sony Bluetooth Stereo Turntable is a perfect blend of vintage design and modern features. You cannot go wrong with this turntable.
PROS:
- Great, vintage design that looks awesome
- Simple yet modern player
- Connects to other speakers easily via Bluetooth or AUX cable
- High-quality sound output
CONS:
- Some customers experience belt breakage problems
JORLAI Record Player Bluetooth
The JORLAI Record Player Bluetooth has been a recent inclusion to the world of antique players, but its stupendous features have gained it over the 10th good antique player title.
The first significant attribute of the JORLAI Record Player Bluetooth is its vintage look which can evoke strong feels if you are a lover of music and antiques. The wooden cabinet is stupendously good and the mirror work at the front only adds to its aesthetics.
The JORLAI Record Player Bluetooth is belt-driven and the motor keeps on turning to allow the stylus to easily move across your favorite vinyl discs. This vintage player uses a 3-point height adjustable system for reducing skipping through vibrations, which it excels at.
PROS:
- Vintage look
- Excellent sound quality
- Belt drive mechanism reduces skipping
CONS:
- No USB connectivity. Records to MP3 can only be transferred by way of a Bluetooth connection.
As we have gone through all the top 10 antique record players available, let’s see why we would need an antique player in these modern times.
Digital music is the future, but something about it just doesn't feel right. The vinyl records, while they aren't exactly new, have been a resurgence in their popularity over the last few years – especially among younger generations – and it's easy to see why.
We have made countless technological advancements in music, but there is something about the analog that keeps drawing us back towards it. At their core, they are just records with grooves etched into them where sound can be read and reproduced by a needle. The question is this: what gives vinyl its superior quality over our newly developed digital music?
Well, there are several things that give vinyl its edge over digital music. Sure, the sound quality is better with an analog system, but it's not just about that.
The serenity that vinyl offers cannot be found in any other format. There is a certain calmness that comes with listening to an analog system, while digital music can sometimes feel too overwhelming or even claustrophobic. The silence between tracks accompanied by the occasional pop and hiss also creates a great atmosphere for creating whatever mood you are looking for. It's easy to get lost in the music with an antique record player.
The nostalgia that comes with vinyl is another reason why it captures our hearts so easily. It takes us back to a time when life wasn't as fast-paced and complicated, which can be difficult to do with digital formats. Vinyl offers almost instant gratification compared to the drawn-out process of acquiring music with digital. When you buy a record, you own the music, and it's easily accessible to listen to whenever and wherever. There is nothing more satisfying than having something vinyl in your hand that has tangible value and warmth to it.
Finally, finding that right antique record player for you offer another advantage of owning vinyl: finding that perfect system to match your needs. With so many choices of different models, each one offering a different sound and experience, it is relatively easy to find a vintage player that meets your criteria for price and quality. That’s why we compiled a list above with all the best ones explaining the pros and cons.
We hope you enjoyed this article, and it helps you choose the best antique record player for you and your needs.
Of course, this article is meant as a guide only and we do not intend to dictate how one should live their musical life or experience music. The joy of creating something on vinyl that is cherished by others is indescribable, but we hope it inspires many listeners to take the plunge and start their own artistic journey.
