High tech

The best vintage vinyl turntables: our comparison

Written by Agathe Rosse

More than a simple record player, the vinyl turntable is a real decorative object, a retro and vintage emblem that takes us back in time. Whether for its design, for the aged grain of the sound or out of nostalgia, the record player has been back in the trends for a few years now, and is not about to leave us.

More and more sophisticated, today’s turntable models offer sounds of great clarity and quality, as well as many features such as bluetooth, USB download, integrated amplifier… It is not necessarily easy to find the model that will transform our living room into a vintage seventies piece. Discover our selection of the best vintage vinyl turntables to choose the model that will make you travel!

 

Our TOP 4 of the best fully vintage vinyl turntables

Our favorite

🏆Current vintage vinyl turntable’s bestseller :

 

Which vinyl turntable to choose?

Buying a record player is not an easy choice. Even if design is important to make it a decorative object, it is also important that all the functions and features that concern the sound are qualitative. Here are the purchasing criteria to consider when choosing the best vinyl turntable.

Direct drive or belt drive

One of the most distinguishing criteria between different models of vinyl turntables is the drive, i.e. the way the motor makes the platter on which the record is placed turn. The drive can be direct or belt driven.

  • Belt drive: on these models, the turntable is independent of the motor, which is located on one of the edges. So there is a belt that connects the motor to the platter, driving the rotation.
  • Direct drive: the table top is located on the motor and is associated with it, which makes it turn directly.

The direct drive is much more robust and allows an extremely constant speed. However, a belt drive absorbs more vibrations generated by the motor, thus minimizing mechanical background noise, resulting in a clearer sound than with a direct drive.

Manual or automatic disc turners

Although this does not affect the sound quality, it does make it more comfortable to use. An automatic record player works autonomously. Simply place the vinyl on the turntable, which will automatically raise the arm, start the engine, and lower the arm to start the music. Conversely, it will be up to you to do these different steps with a manual turntable.

Integrated phono preamplifier

The sound produced by the record player is quite weak, and therefore needs to be amplified if you want to enjoy your vinyls. On a vinyl turntable, the role of the phono preamplifier is to amplify the sound before sending it to the speaker. Most turntables have an internal preamplifier, making it easier to use. If you’re looking for better sound quality, you can opt for a turntable without a preamp, and opt for an external preamp for more flexibility in sound management and output.

Associated options

Increasingly complete, vinyl turntables offer a variety of options. You can find Bluetooth models, with USB port to connect to your computer, with a socket to connect speakers, a possibility to convert your discs into files downloaded to your computer etc.

Vintage record player: our comparison of the best models

MUSITREND Plattenspieler Schallplattenspieler Turntable Riemengetriebener Tragarer Stereo Plattenspieler mit 3 Geschwindigkeiten Eingebauten
ION Audio Max LP - Vinyl Record Player / Turntable with Built In Speakers, USB Output for Conversion and Three Playback Speeds - Natural Wood Finish
auna rm1-belle Epoque 1908 Retro Stereo/Vinyl Turntable, CD Player & Chain K7 Radio and MP3 Recording, USB, AUX AM/FM Tuner – Wood and Fabric Vintage
MUSITREND Plattenspieler Schallplattenspieler Turntable Riemengetriebener Tragarer Stereo Plattenspieler mit 3 Geschwindigkeiten Eingebauten
ION Audio Max LP - Vinyl Record Player / Turntable with Built In Speakers, USB Output for Conversion and Three Playback Speeds - Natural Wood Finish
auna rm1-belle Epoque 1908 Retro Stereo/Vinyl Turntable, CD Player & Chain K7 Radio and MP3 Recording, USB, AUX AM/FM Tuner – Wood and Fabric Vintage
Type of drive
Belt
Belt
Belt
Platinum type
Manual
Manual
Manual
Integrated phono preamps
Speeds
33, 45 & 78 tours
33, 45 & 78 tours
33, 45 & 78 tours
Sound digitization
Bluetooth
-
-
-
£999.00
£69.00
Price not available
MUSITREND Plattenspieler Schallplattenspieler Turntable Riemengetriebener Tragarer Stereo Plattenspieler mit 3 Geschwindigkeiten Eingebauten
MUSITREND Plattenspieler Schallplattenspieler Turntable Riemengetriebener Tragarer Stereo Plattenspieler mit 3 Geschwindigkeiten Eingebauten
Type of drive
Belt
Platinum type
Manual
Integrated phono preamps
Speeds
33, 45 & 78 tours
Sound digitization
Bluetooth
-
£999.00
ION Audio Max LP - Vinyl Record Player / Turntable with Built In Speakers, USB Output for Conversion and Three Playback Speeds - Natural Wood Finish
ION Audio Max LP - Vinyl Record Player / Turntable with Built In Speakers, USB Output for Conversion and Three Playback Speeds - Natural Wood Finish
Type of drive
Belt
Platinum type
Manual
Integrated phono preamps
Speeds
33, 45 & 78 tours
Sound digitization
Bluetooth
-
£69.00
auna rm1-belle Epoque 1908 Retro Stereo/Vinyl Turntable, CD Player & Chain K7 Radio and MP3 Recording, USB, AUX AM/FM Tuner – Wood and Fabric Vintage
auna rm1-belle Epoque 1908 Retro Stereo/Vinyl Turntable, CD Player & Chain K7 Radio and MP3 Recording, USB, AUX AM/FM Tuner – Wood and Fabric Vintage
Type of drive
Belt
Platinum type
Manual
Integrated phono preamps
Speeds
33, 45 & 78 tours
Sound digitization
Bluetooth
-
Price not available

 

  1. Musitrend turntable vinyl record player

MUSITREND Plattenspieler Schallplattenspieler Turntable Riemengetriebener Tragarer Stereo Plattenspieler mit 3 Geschwindigkeiten Eingebauten
Sober and ultra design in black and red, this vintage vinyl turntable is highly appreciated for its quality and ease of use. It has three speeds and can read 33, 45, and 78 rpm. Its ample sound power and USB options allow you to use it as a sound amplifier, or to digitize your discs on a computer. Rowed in its small suitcase, you just have to close it to take it wherever you want!

Discover the Musitrend turntable

 

  1. Sony PS-LX 300 Turntable

No products found.

Discover the Sony turntable

 

  1. Turntable Audio max LP Ion

Promo
ION Audio Max LP - Vinyl Record Player / Turntable with Built In Speakers, USB Output for Conversion and Three Playback Speeds - Natural Wood Finish
Renowned in the audio industry, the Ion brand offers a vintage vinyl turntable at a very good price for its quality. Built-in phono amplifiers, 3 playback speeds, USB port to convert your vinyl records to digital format, or an AUX port to connect speakers, headphones, Hi-Fi systems etc. A whole selection of features to listen to our old vinyls with good sound quality. The design is very original and uncommon, with a hood to prevent dust collection.

Discover the Max LP turntable

 

  1. Auna retro vinyl turntable

auna rm1-belle Epoque 1908 Retro Stereo/Vinyl Turntable, CD Player & Chain K7 Radio and MP3 Recording, USB, AUX AM/FM Tuner – Wood and Fabric Vintage
If you're looking for a turntable with a 100% vintage look from the beginning of the 20th century, with a good sound quality, this one is made for you! Its retro look nevertheless promises you a USB port, an old-fashioned analogue radio tuner, a CD and cassette player and record player. An all-in-one turntable that combines retro and modern technology, offered by a major brand specialized in sound.

Discover the Auna turntable

 

 

How to connect a vintage vinyl turntable to a PC?

If you want to put all your vinyls on your computer, it’s easy to do thanks to the technology of most turntables. For this, the turntable must be equipped with a USB port or a computer-compatible input. Simply connect your turntable and your computer with a usb cable and then follow the process indicated (it may vary depending on the model) to digitize your sound files.

If your turntable is equipped with a microphone output, you can connect it to your computer via a cable with two jack ends, and you can use your turntable as a speaker for your computer.

 

Best vintage vinyl turntables: why trust us?

Thank you for reading this article! Because we know that it is not always easy to make the best choice without trying, each of our recommendations is the result of a long work of analysis of consumer opinions on flagship and little-known products on the market, of comparison of prices and technical characteristics, but also and above all of tests by a team of men and women constantly renewed in order to keep a real objectivity to help you in your purchasing process.

All the purchasing criteria are scrutinized for the realization of our comparative guides: budget, level of range, functional and practical aspects, design, pack and accessories, safety… All this in order to help you choose the products best suited to your needs, desires and constraints on a daily basis, at the best price!

4.3/5 - (3 votes)

About the author

Agathe Rosse

I have been a kindergarten assistant for 4 years now, I enjoy my free time for my passions. I love cooking (gourmet food is my biggest flaw!), adventure and sports. Writing is one of my hobbies, to let the pen express my thoughts. I never leave without my little notebook!