This is a list of the best record players for beginners. You will not find any $1000 units on here. Or even any $500 ones, though one comes close. We scoured the market to bring you the absolute best values. These are excellent turntables that still sell for a reasonable price. Can you find better? […]
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Other Buying Guides
Best Record Player Under $100 (What To Sacrifice At This Price?)
With a budget under $100, you’re going to have to make some sacrifices. Most turntables in this price range are severely lacking. But there are a few that are pretty good. We’ve narrowed them down to give you the 6 best record players under 100 dollars None of these players will satisfy a true audiophile. […]
Best Turntable Under $200 (Reviews And Comparison)
Now we’re getting somewhere. With sub-hundred-dollar turntables you almost certainly have to sacrifice some features you really want. With the best record players under $200, you might be able to get everything you’d like. But most players in this price range are not great. I’ve looked at all the popular options and narrowed them down […]
Best Floor Speakers For Vinyl (High Quality At A Fair Price)
What’s the point of buying expensive vinyl records and an even more expensive turntable, if you listen to them through weak speakers? There is no point. That’s why we always recommend getting a great pair of speakers, even if your record player has speakers built-in (those are always terrible). And the best speakers for vinyl […]
Best Phono Preamp Under $500 (And Why Spending More Is Not Better)
Before you buy a phono preamp, make sure you even need one. Many modern record players have built-in preamps. As do many receivers. Of course, you might be looking to upgrade from the built-in models to something a little more capable. If neither your turntable nor your receiver has a quality preamp, then this makes […]
Record Player Tips & Advice
Victrola Record Player Won’t Turn On (How To Fix It)
Victrola makes entry-level record layers that sell at incredibly low prices. Obviously, that means low quality components and construction. We get more questions about Victrola and Crosley (a similar brand) turntables not working than all other brands combined. The most common issue is a Victrola suitcase turntable skipping. A Victrola record player not turning on […]
Victrola Suitcase Record Player Skipping (Troubleshooting Steps)
Suitcase record players are many things. Well-made is not one of them. They are portable, convenient, and cheap. But they are cheap both in price and in quality. For that reason, it is not uncommon to have issues with these players. And one of the most common issues is skipping. If your Victrola suitcase turntable […]
Technics 1200 MK2 Vs MK5 (Solid Upgrade Or Waste Of Money?)
The Technics SL-1200 has become an absolute classic over the years. It is the favorite turntable of professional DJs, but it is just as excellent at playing vinyl records at home. The original Technics 1200 came out in 1972. Obviously, there have been many advances since then. Those advances have been incorporated in newer releases […]
Rega RP6 Vs VPI Scout (It’s A No-Brainer)
These are two incredible turntables! So why do I say that the Rega RP6 vs VPI Scout is a no-brainer decision? Because only one of these two record players is still being made. That said, even if both were available, it would still be an easy decision. While both models are excellent, one brand made […]
Is My Turntable MM Or MC? (And Is MC Worth It?)
There are a few reasons you might be asking this. Maybe you bought a new turntable and you’re not sure what type of cartridge it came with. Or you got one as a gift. Or you have an old model and you no longer have the instruction, or a label on the cartridge. Whatever the […]
How To Tell What Year A Vinyl Record Was Made
It should be an easy task. And oftentimes it is. But there are also cases where it seems impossible to figure out what year a vinyl record was made. That’s why there are people who get paid to research this information for you. But if you know where to look, you can able to find […]
How To Ship A Vinyl Record (And Ensure It Arrives Intact)
Have you ever bought a vinyl record online and had it shipped to you? If you’ve done it several times, chances are you received at least one that was not in optimal condition. Even if the record itself is fine, they often arrive with damage to the cover. Or just sticky residue on the sleeve […]
Audio Technica LP120 Vs Technics SL-1200
Many consider the Technics SL-1200 the best turntable ever made. It was first released in 1972 and has been upgraded many times since. The Audio Technica LP120 is modern copy of the SL-1200. It looks virtually identical. But is it really an exact copy? Given the huge difference in price, it can’t be, can it? […]
Audio Technica LP1240 Vs LP120 (Sometimes Cheaper Is Better)
Let’s get one thing out of the way immediately. Both of these turntables are great and you can’t go wrong either way. That said, I’m sure you’ve noticed the rather sizable price difference between the two. Is the LP1240 really that much better than the LP120? The truth is: it’s a bit more complicated than […]
U-Turn Orbit Vs Debut Carbon (Why I Want Neither)
I want to get this out of the way right off the bat. I’m not a fan of modern minimalist turntables. Don’t get me wrong, they can be great. But they’re not for me. I just wanted to mention that, so you know from the start how I feel about the two record players we’re […]