Summary
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 turntable vinyl record player
Discover the Musitrend turntable
-
Sony PS-LX 300 Turntable
No products found.
Discover the Sony turntable
-
Turntable Audio max LP Ion
Discover the Max LP turntable
-
Auna retro vinyl turntable
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!
