The D&L Vintage Wooden Record Player is incredibly popular, despite being slightly pricier than some of the other players I’ve reviewed.
The reason for that is a gorgeous retro-inspired design and a whole bunch of useful features. And, even though it’s pricier than some, it still costs less than most players with this large of a feature set.
A multi-functional design lets you play vinyl records in 3 sizes at 3 speeds, MP3 files via USB drive, SD card, aux-in port (for smartphones, tablets, etc.) or Bluetooth; CDs; cassettes; and AM/FM radio.
You can also transfer your entire record collection to a USB or SD storage device so you’re never without it. The internal speakers are quite good for the size and price, but you also have the option to connect to an existing system or a set of powered speakers via the RCA outputs.
D&L Nostalgic Wooden Turntable Features
- 17.9 by 13.1 by 9.2 inches: about average when compared to similar players
- Weighs 18.5 pounds: about average
- Auto-stop on/off switch: can set it to auto stop turntable when done playing a record
- Built-in stereo speakers: warm, rich, clear sound
- Plays vinyl, CDs, cassettes, MP3s and AM/FM radio: any format you might have
- Plays 7, 10 and 12-inch vinyl discs at speeds of 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM: plays any record
- Plays audio files from smartphones, tablets, etc: connect via aux-in to enjoy your whole music collection
- Converts vinyl records into MP3: connect a USB drive or SD card and ensure your whole collection is safe forever
- Bluetooth capability: stream music wirelessly from a smartphone or other device
- RCA outputs: connect to external speakers or an existing sound system
Pros
- Upscale and elegant, reminiscent of the players from a bygone era
- High-quality, durable materials
- Good sound quality for the size and price
- Converts vinyl into MP3 and stores them on external USB drives, SD cards or other devices
- Plays all record sizes at any speed
- Plays CDs, cassettes MP3 files and AM/FM radio
- Connects to external devices (iPhones, iPads, other tablets and smartphones, etc) via aux-in or Bluetooth
- Connects to external speakers via headphone jack or RCA outputs
Cons
- Tape deck only has basic controls
- Bluetooth can only connect to devices, not Bluetooth speakers
- Volume is low when connecting external speakers, so you’ll want to amplify the sound
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D&L Vintage Record Player Review Summary
The D&L Vintage Wooden Record Player is priced about average of rthe market, but it has more features than most, and the construction and sound quality are above average. It also looks stunning with its classic retro design and golden front panel.
It plays 7, 10 and 12-inch vinyl discs at speeds of 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM, MP3 audio files (from USB devices, SD cards, or tablets, phones, etc.), CDs, cassettes and AM/FM radio. It can save your entire vinyl collection in MP3 format to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy those unique vinyl sounds anytime and anywhere.
Considering the size and price, the speakers are good quality and do a good job of filling your room with the warm, rich tones of vinyl or the crystal clear sounds of digital music.
The main drawback is a lowish volume, but that is par for the course with budget players. You can use the RCA outputs (or the headphone jack) to hook the unit up to an existing sound system or a pair of external speakers, but the output is low. I would definitely want to amplify the sound before sending it to a set of speakers.
The D&L player is Bluetooth capable. That means you can wirelessy stream music from up to 33 feet away from your smartphone or other Bluetooth enabled device. Sadly, you can not connect to Bluetooth enabled speakers.
Overall, you get good sound quality and a durable and multi-functional unit. Yes, the volume is a little low, but again, that is the case for all competing players (the 1byone is a bit better; see next section). This player receives a Top Record Players rating of 4.0 out of 5. It is one of my top record players.
Comparison
The two closest alternatives to the D&L Vintage Player are the 1byone Nostalgic Wooden Record Player and the Victrola Nostalgic Navigator 8-in-1 Turntable Wooden Entertainment Center.
Both of these products have a similar vintage look and they also have built-in speakers and can be connected to a number of external devices. But there are some key differences.
The 1byone is the most expensive of the 3, but it also delivers the best sound quality. The difference is not huge, but noticeable. In addition to playing all the same formats, it is also equipped with Bluetooth, a headphone jack and RCA line-out jacks.
The most noticeable difference comes when you hook it up to external speakers. The signal from the 1byone is more powerful than the D&L, so you could get by without amplifying it (though I still would).
The Victrola Nostalgic Navigator Turntable Entertainment Center is slightly larger than the other two and weighs a few pounds more as well.
Like the others, it has Bluetooth technology and headphone jacks, but it does not have RCA outputs, only inputs. If you want to use external speakers with the Victrola, you have to connect them via the headphone jack.
The Victrola plays all of the same music formats as the other two and it is capable of recording both vinyl and cassette files directly onto a CD without the need of a computer. In terms of quality, it is about on par with the D&L, but it costs a bit less.
D&L Wooden Turntable Review: Final Verdict
The D&L Vintage Wooden Record Player has the most features among the options that feature an old-school retro design. Well, it has the same amount as the 1byone, but more than most others.
Is it the player for you?
Well, that depends on whether you need all of those features.
If you don’t need the RCA outputs, you can save a bit of money and get the Victrola. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, go with the 1byone for an increase in sound quality. That said, the quality on this unit is great, too. The sound output is just a bit lower.
In the end, it really comes down to aesthetics. Since this player and the 1byone are so close, you’ll be best off with the one you think would look best in your home. Unless, of course, price is a factor. Then get the D&L.