Best Starter Record Player For All Beginner Audiophiles

Music Authority may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

The demand for entry-level turntables and record players is higher than ever, thanks to the ongoing boom in vinyl record sales. Vinyl has now outsold CDs for the first time since 1986, indicating that customers are rediscovering tangible music formats. As the demand for record players rises, more manufacturers are providing entry-level models that are designed to appeal to novice collectors. So, which record player should you acquire when you first start out? Much of your decision will be influenced by your budget, but there are a few other elements to think about that might affect your selection and how much money you save before parting with your hard-earned cash.

Let’s take a look at the best starter record player in the market:

Best Starter Record Player — Comparative Table 

Product Features Latest Price
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
[amazon fields=”B07N3RFXRL” value=”thumb”]
  • 33 and 45 revolutions per minute
  • AT3600L Cartridge (Integral)
  • Diamond Stylus that can be replaced

[amazon fields=”B07N3RFXRL” value=”button”]
2.Denon DP-300F
[amazon fields=”B000FMNBXG” value=”thumb”]
  • Turntable with full automation
  • Design that is easy to use

[amazon fields=”B000FMNBXG” value=”button”]
3. Victrola 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player
[amazon fields=”B07G237FLS” value=”thumb”]
  • Appealing design
  • Controls are simple

[amazon fields=”B07G237FLS” value=”button”]
4.Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
[amazon fields=”B08FRL1KMH” value=”thumb”]
  • The presentation is rich and full-bodied.
  • Engaging and expressive

[amazon fields=”B08FRL1KMH” value=”button”]
5. Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntable
[amazon fields=”B07Z8NHNZZ” value=”thumb”]
  • 8mm blasted glass platter 
  • CNC-machined chassis

[amazon fields=”B07Z8NHNZZ” value=”button”]

Best Starter Record Player — Our Reviews and Comparisons

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Product Highlights

If you’re a newbie on a tight budget, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT is likely your best bet. It has a stylish design and is one of the most popular turntables available today. The AT-LP60XBT is an excellent value. The AT-LP60XBT has Bluetooth built-in and can wirelessly stream music to wireless speakers and headphones. 

Features

  • Belt Drive with Bluetooth Wireless Built-in Phono Preamp
  • Fully Autonomous
  • 33 and 45 revolutions per minute
  • AT3600L Cartridge (Integral)
  • Diamond Stylus that can be replaced
  • Tonearm that is fixed
  • A Wide Range of Colors

What We Like About Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

The AT-LP60X is the regular version without Bluetooth. AT-LP60XBT is the name of the Bluetooth version. The basic version is less expensive than the Bluetooth version, so if you don’t require a wireless connection, the simple version will save you money.

Despite being a low-cost turntable, it has received positive feedback from Hi-Fi critics and is often regarded as one of the best-sounding turntables in its price range. And, unlike some of the even cheaper alternatives, it hasn’t been known to cause any record harm.

What We Don’t Like About Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT does not have the most impressive sound. 

        Pros         Cons
  • Affordable
  • There is no need for a separate preamp.
  • The design is contemporary.
  • Connects to Bluetooth speakers and headphones.
  • It sounds okay, but not great.
  • It is not possible to update the cartridge.

2.Denon DP-300F

Denon DP-300F

Product Highlights

Denon’s DP-300F record player is the most costly on this list, and for good reason: it has easy controls, excellent build, and audiophile-quality sound. Denon’s DP-300F has a refined design that both novices and expert audiophiles will appreciate. 

Features

  • Premium construction, including anti-vibration technology in the die-cast aluminum platter and a DC servo motor that doesn’t affect the smooth sound quality, results in high-quality sound. 
  • A quality cartridge with an elliptical stylus has improved tracking and takes up all the intricacies of old vinyl is also included in the strong tone arm.
  • We like how the DP-300F provides flawless playback while also allowing you to grow and learn how to operate the turntable. 
  • The universal head shell design allows you to change or update the cartridge as needed, and it incorporates a manual lifter that allows you to drop the stylus firmly and precisely on the record.

What We Like About Denon DP-300F

A completely automated turntable is included, with the tone arm moving into place at the start of playback and returning to its original position at the end.

This provides you the assurance that your valuable vinyl will not be harmed, allowing you to relax and enjoy your music. This, together with the easy controls and low installation requirements, makes the Denon turntable an ideal record player for beginners.

What We Don’t Like About Denon DP-300F

While the Denon DP-300F turntable lacks built-in speakers, it does contain a phono equalization that allows it to output high-quality music through external speakers. The only criticism we have about this turntable is that some customers have reported speed inconsistencies during playing. This, however, appears to be fixable with minor changes and isn’t an issue with all turntables.

        Pros         Cons
  • A high-end turntable with excellent sound quality and consistency.
  • There are a few concerns with speed consistency.

3.Victrola 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player

Victrola 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player

Product Highlights

Victrola’s 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player offers a fantastic mix of versatile playback, easy controls, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 

Features

  • The Victrola 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player has the brand’s signature vintage-inspired aesthetic. This model has a rustic oatmeal appearance with a mix of classic and modern design components, making it ideal for use as a focal point in your living area.
  • It also has easy controls that complement the design and make this record player ideal for newcomers. The Victrola record player can be put together in minutes and you’ll be listening to music in no time.
  • It also has a wide selection of music playback options for a really different experience.
  • The 3-speed turntable, Bluetooth wireless, CDs, cassette tapes, FM radio, and AUX direct input are among these features. With an analog tuner and a light-up dial, the radio is especially wonderful in the Victrola record player, adding even more nostalgic flair to the playing.
  • The record player has built-in speakers that can project enough volume to cover a room while retaining the original sound with minimum distortion. 
  • It also has an RCA output for external speakers as well as a headphones output, giving you complete control over your listening experience.

What We Like About Victrola 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player

The Victrola record player is ideal if you have a vast collection of diverse music and wish to regularly mix it up, thanks to the diversity of vintage playing modes.

What We Don’t Like About Victrola 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player

The Victrola system’s sole flaw is that many of the elements appear to be readily breakable, which isn’t ideal if you’re clumsy or have small children in the house. However, if you’re seeking versatility and simplicity of use in a record player, it’s a good choice.

        Pros         Cons
  • A device with a retro appearance and several playback modes.
  • The device appears to be readily breakable.

4. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

.Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Product Highlights

Taking its most popular turntable design and changing practically every feature while raising the price is a risky game, but the Debut Carbon Evo is a triumph of strategic risk-taking that removes all the risk from purchasing your first deck.

Features

  • Improved motor installation, new height-adjustable damped feet, and a 1.7kg heavy steel platter with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) dampening ring on the interior for quieter operation are among the enhancements. 
  • The addition of a rocker button on the bottom of the deck, which lets you change the spinning speed, is maybe the most welcome improvement. 
  • When you wish to change from 33.33rpm to 45rpm, no more removing the platter and manually readjusting the belt. 
  • The deck’s one-piece Carbon tonearm has a little wiggle in the bearings while being lightweight and exceedingly rigid. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is the greatest tonearm we’ve seen on a Pro-Ject Debut product.
  • Given the wide range of goods with which it may be paired, that easy listening, uncomplicated character is vital for a turntable of this sort, at this price, but it would be nearly useless if the new Debut had the capacity to engage.
  • With its excellent ear for emotion and just enough energy to pound out staccato rhythms, the Debut Carbon Evo holds our attention.

What We Like About Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Whereas rivals may try to mask a lack of true understanding by boosting their sound, Pro-Ject invites you to explore its enormous sonic spectrum, demonstrating its ability to create a deck that is both simple to listen to and ready for longer, more analytical sessions.

What We Don’t Like About Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Could sound more energized. Doesn’t always appear to be worth the money.

        Pros         Cons
  • The presentation is rich and full-bodied.
  • Engaging and expressive
  • There will be no more manual speed changes.
  • At this pricing point, you can get better turntables.

5. Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntable

5.Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntable

Product Highlights

McDonald’s isn’t the only corporation to avoid using plastic; the plinth, platter, and tonearm of Pro-new Ject’s T1 turntable are also free of it.

Of course, this is for different reasons, as you’ll see if you give this deck a try. Few will feel motivated to toss it into the water; instead, this is part of Pro-goal Ject’s to build a well-built and acoustically capable turntable.

Features

  • The CNC-machined chassis, which comes in High-Gloss Black, Satin White, and Walnut veneers, not only avoids the use of plastic but also has no empty regions, according to Pro-Ject, which eliminates undesired vibrations. 
  • T1’s 8mm blasted glass platter also avoids plastic and light metalwork. When you remove the plate from the box, you’ll note how satisfyingly heavy it is — you’ll want to carry it about like a trophy. 
  • Only this platter and the belt must be installed on the turntable by you, so carefully position it on the newly-designed sub-platter placed into a main bearing, toleranced to 0.001mm, with hardened steel axle and brass bushing – as seen on Pro-popular Ject’s Essential III decks.
  • For the accompanying Ortofon OM 5E moving magnet cartridge, all forces have already been adjusted. The T1’s one-piece aluminum tonearm has a headshell to eliminate any further undesired resonances.
  • Even the power cord and phono cables are included, using Pro-proprietary Ject’s shielded, semi-symmetrical, and a low-capacitance design, so all you need is a phono stage on the other end.
  • Although the bass frequencies aren’t the cleanest, leanest, or most detailed we’ve heard, and some may prefer a more equitable balance, the low-scale end is undeniable. Kick drums pound, and deep in your gut, you’ll feel throbbing bass notes. It also supports a silky middle that lavishes love and care on vocalists in particular.

What We Like About Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntable

The T1 is great for anybody buying their first turntable or who doesn’t want to deal with the inconvenience of assembly, and it also means you’ll be able to sample the T1’s abilities much sooner after you have it home.

What We Don’t Like About Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntable

Sparser arrangements, on the other hand, are advantageous because this isn’t the vastest of sound stages and can be congested by a slew of instruments. The presentation may become muddy as a result of the loss of detail.

A better sense of time and organization might assist. The T1 isn’t very clumsy, but it isn’t exactly snappy.

        Pros         Cons
  • Presentation is bold and fluid.
  • There is a lot of bass weight.
  • Setup is simple.
  • Soft bass dominates the mix.
  • In terms of time or dynamics, this isn’t the last word.
  • The soundstage isn’t particularly large.

Final Verdict

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT is the best starter record player according to us. It looks aesthetic and provides excellent value for your money.  However, feel free to choose from the other popular models that we have mentioned. 

More to read:

Best Home Theater Speakers of 2022 : Reviews and Comparisons

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments

Leave a Reply: